Local News

AbbeyFest returns to the place where it all began, in person

Now in its seventh year, the popular Catholic music festival will go live Sept. 18 at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, headlined by Matt Maher plus four other bands, with Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrating Mass.

Local crafters make rosaries for migrants at border

Parishioners at St. William in Philadelphia created twine chaplets with a prayer in every knot for those fleeing poverty and violence -- a journey some of them know all too well.

Archdiocesan ministries crown at-risk clients ‘queen for a day’

Some 20 ladies served by Women of Hope and Mercy Hospice relaxed royally at a July 9 luau luncheon sponsored by Catholic Social Services.

Couple heads back to the altar, this time as Franciscans

After years of marriage, Frank and Betty Coyle of Holy Innocents Parish recently professed to live as Secular Franciscans, promising to bring Christ to others by working for peace, justice and the care of creation.

Quo Vadis camp helps young men hear the Lord’s call

In its 13th year and offered in person again after last year's virtual experience, the week-long camp's activities help high school-age men deepen their spirituality while building the leadership of seminarians.

Down on the farm, they’re raising crops and lifting spirits

Archdiocesan food pantry Martha's Choice Marketplace has opened a community garden at the former St. Gabriel's Hall -- and dozens of parishes, nonprofits and volunteers are becoming part of the "thriving ecosystem."

Faith and fun speak the same language at deaf summer camp

Sponsored by the archdiocesan Deaf Apostolate, "Camp Overbrook: In Sign" draws kids from throughout the area for two weeks of Bible stories, play, arts and fellowship, all in American Sign Language.

New commission maps racial healing through encounter, dialogue, says archbishop

The diverse members of the archdiocesan Commission on Racial Healing will help "change the culture of the church in Philadelphia" step by step, said Archbishop Nelson Pérez during a June 26 address.

Seniors return to ‘second home’ at archdiocesan centers

After more than a year of COVID restrictions, doors reopened this week at five Catholic Housing and Community Services hubs for older adults, dispelling isolation and bringing hope.

Pioneering Black priest a model for healing racism, says archbishop

Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first recognized African-American priest, was honored during a June 26 Mass at which celebrant Archbishop Nelson Pérez called him a guide for overcoming prejudice with love and perseverance.