Local News
Amid the ashes of their church, St. Leo members find their parish
After losing their beloved building in a May 9 arson, hundreds of St. Leo members gathered for a June 19 Mass of remembrance celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez, who said the fire could not destroy a community of hearts.
Delco officials look to convert archdiocesan land into park
Municipal leaders announced June 16 they plan to convert the 213-acre former site of the Don Guanella Village into a park. A decade ago, residents transitioned to cottage-based living, where they play an active role in shaping their care.
PreK graduates off to ‘greatness and good things’
More than three dozen little learners received their diplomas June 18 from the Casa del Carmen Preschool Academy, a top-rated early learning center operated by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.
North Philadelphia Catholic church damaged in arson
Doors at St. Veronica Church were badly damaged June 19 when an "incendiary device" sparked a blaze that was quickly controlled without injuries. The fire came amidst a two-week parish missionary outreach in surrounding neighborhoods.
Frazzled as a father? It’s OK to ask for help in being a dad, says social worker
Fathers can count on archdiocesan Catholic Social Services for everything from diapers to parenting classes, said Maritherese Mitchell of the agency's Bucks County Family Service Center.
After devastating fire, new deacon ‘can’t wait to serve’ those who helped his family
A month before his ordination, permanent Deacon Pascual Mota lost his home in the May 9 blaze that destroyed the former St. Leo Church in Philadelphia. Now, he's more committed than ever to his ministry.
CatholicPhilly.com captures four national media awards
The Catholic Media Association awarded the official news agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with awards for work produced in 2020 including photography, sports and a print edition.
Foster parents welcome Supreme Court’s decision
Expressing relief at the outcome, foster parents like Sharonell Fulton said throughout the legal process that she had been approached by same-sex couples who “were never cut out of the foster care process.” Today she remains "ready to open my home.”
High court’s unanimous ruling affirms church’s care of foster children
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous 9-0 decision June 17 that archdiocesan Catholic Social Services may not be excluded from placing at-risk children in foster homes because of the agency's practice not to refer to same-sex households.
Delco group home residents ready for summer, thanks to Catholic school neighbors
Students at Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Swarthmore recently donated yard games and patio furniture to a Catholic Social Services residence for adults with intellectual disabilities.