Local News
After devastating quake, local Haitian Catholics gather in prayer, hope
Faithful united Aug. 20 at St. William Parish in Philadelphia to remember those killed and injured during a recent earthquake in Haiti -- and to recall that nation can be "be raised up, as Jesus was after he died.”
Catholic Medical Association joins lawsuit over HHS ‘transgender mandate’
The action challenges the Biden administration's mandate that doctors and hospitals perform gender-transition procedures despite moral or medical objections.
‘Abandoned Afghans’ are brothers, sisters to be welcomed, says ministry director
As the U.S. exit from Afghanistan prompts a humanitarian crisis, those seeking safety should be welcomed "as brothers and sisters," said Sister Gertude Borres, director of the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees.
Young Catholic Professionals get down to business of bringing faith to workplace
Archbishop Nelson Pérez officially unveiled the national organization's new Philadelphia chapter at an Aug. 21 Mass, saying he "expects great things" of young adults who "have a lot to give."
Parishes host prayer vigils to support citizenship for immigrants
Dozens gathered during a week-long interfaith series to secure legal protections for some 11 million immigrants, who are fleeing poverty and violence that "pales in comparison" to that in the U.S.
Masks to be mandated in all archdiocesan schools
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is requiring that face masks be worn by students, faculty, staff and visitors in all archdiocesan schools starting Monday, Aug. 30 before the start of in-person instruction Sept. 8 as a precaution against the spread of COVID -- especially by the unvaccinated.
Ministry to youth is a call to the whole church, leader says
Accompanying teens on their journey of faith is a task for all ages, even if it means "being OK with the mess" at times, said Marisally Santiago, director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Ministry with Youth.
Data needed to ‘find the core’ of rising violence in Phila., says counselor
As the city's homicide rate soars, Bette Kennedy of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services is studying troubled teens' anger, which runs "deeper than we think."
After brutal attack on husband, archdiocesan social worker calls for end to violence
"All I want is for this to stop," said Christine Torrisi-Lean following an Aug. 17 ambush by youth that has left her spouse Zach fighting for his life.
Local Rice Bowl campaign rebounds 65% amid year two of pandemic
Catholic Relief Services' annual collection has raised more than $354,000 in the Philadelphia Archdiocese so far -- and those funds are urgently needed at home and across the world, said area director Anne Ayella.