Local News
Philadelphia archdiocese warning parishes about series of thefts
A Collegeville man was arrested for breaking into poor boxes at several churches. “If individuals have fallen on hard times, they needn’t be driven to thievery,” said a spokesman. “They need only ask for assistance.”
Lent a ‘beautiful time’ of ‘grace and blessing,’ says archbishop
In his homily for Ash Wednesday, Archbishop Nelson Pérez encouraged faithful to embrace the season and prepare for a joy that "through God's grace and our efforts will become a reality" on Easter Sunday.
Rice Bowl makes family table an ‘altar’ of service, says founder
In 1975 Msgr. Robert Coll of Allentown came up with a simple way of helping the hungry, right from home -- an idea that went global, thanks to a friend in Philadelphia.
Black priest a model for racial healing in church, society, says pastor
Father Augustus Tolton, now on the path to sainthood, can show "what it means to be one nation under God" and one church receiving "the same holy Eucharist," said Father Stephen Thorne of St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Cathedral rites on Ash Wednesday to mark start of Lent
Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate Mass Feb. 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul -- see our link for the livestream -- as Christians around the world begin their 40-day Lenten journey.
Food giveaway draws crowds in ‘moment of evangelization’
Cars and pedestrians lined city streets for a Feb. 6 archdiocesan distribution at a Northeast Philadelphia parish, whose pastor called the event "an invitation to connect with God."
Jews, Christians can learn from their shared Scriptures, say scholars
In a recent talk hosted by Saint Joseph's University, renowned academics Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler discussed what the Bible looks like with and without Jesus -- and how both views can lead to a better understanding of the divine.
Archdiocese names Danielle Heeney new head of special education
The member of St. Monica Parish in South Philadelphia and a well-educated expert will lead efforts at the three archdiocesan schools of special education plus such services in the 17 archdiocesan high schools.
‘Catherine’s Cupboard’ counters hunger at local Catholic university
A pantry at Gwynedd Mercy University is addressing the growing issue of food insecurity on campuses, while helping to create a model for other schools.
Racial healing to come by prayer, Spirit-led action, speaker says
Danielle Brown led a Zoom talk in Philadelphia in which she called on Catholics to follow the model of the early church "to resist racism because it is a block to salvation, not because it is a trendy issue."