Local News

Phila. priest joins promising vaccine trial to help bring end to COVID

Father John Fields of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is part of a trial of the University of Pennsylvania for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, through which he hopes "to defeat this deadly virus." So far, he continues to test negative.

Christmas cards spread cheer while fighting hunger

An annual fundraiser hosted by archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services offers original artwork that inspires -- and empowers those in need.

Masses continue as city sets new COVID restrictions

Parishes in Philadelphia will follow existing archdiocesan guidelines to keep congregation sizes "smaller rather than larger," following talks between the archdiocese and city officials.

Two archdiocesan high schools to close in 2021

Citing declining enrollment and underutilized buildings, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Nov. 18 that John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School and Bishop McDevitt High School will close at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Homelessness outreach looking for help as COVID resurges

St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia is expecting "another influx of clients" amid a new season of coronavirus, colder weather and the holidays. Clothing, casseroles, checks "and prayers" are critically needed.

Vietnamese Catholics ‘bold, faithful’ gifts to church, say archbishops

At a Nov. 15 Mass, papal nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Nelson Pérez highlighted the rich, vibrant spirituality of the area's Vietnamese Catholic community.

Catholic high schools in Philadelphia to go all-virtual Nov. 23

Following guidelines of the city's health department, the eight archdiocesan secondary schools will join all city schools in the shift to online learning due to sharply rising rates of COVID infection.

Archbishop, local faithful raise voices against persecution in Pakistan

Archbishop Nelson Pérez, along with area Pakistani Catholics and Christians, has called for an end to the "detestable practices" of forced conversions and child marriages in the South Asia nation.

Archbishop Perez announces clergy assignment changes

Changes for several parish priests and permanent deacons in the Philadelphia Archdiocese were announced Nov. 16.

Catholic schools going all virtual in Montgomery County

Catholic schools in the county offer a mix of in-person instruction. But the recent surge in COVID-19 infections prompted health officials to mandate all public schools offer online instruction only. Catholic schools will do the same for two weeks starting Nov. 23.