Local News

Youth journey together (with experienced guides) through Advent series

Sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Cultural Ministries and several parish partners, weekly online reflections challenge participants to be "the now of God" while awaiting Christ's birth.

40 Catholic eighth graders awarded full scholarships to high school

The Connelly Foundation has awarded its 2021 Neumann Scholars, who competed among 459 grade-school students. The four-year awards allow the winners to attend the archdiocesan high school of their choosing.

Immaculate Conception ‘a spiritual force’ during pandemic, says priest

The Dec. 8 solemnity, marking Mary's divine preservation from original sin, "allows God to prepare us for a new indwelling of his Son" during Christmas amid COVID, said Father Dennis Gill.

Seniors create messages of peace, beauty at Christmas

Older adults served by archdiocesan Catholic Housing and Community Services shared their artistic visions for the holiday in the agency's first-ever Christmas card contest.

New movie on ‘Rosary Priest’ more timely than ever, say local relatives

"Pray: The Story of Father Patrick Peyton" captures both the man and his message, according to Susan and Charles Reynolds of Presentation B.V.M. Parish in Cheltenham.

First Communion dresses, suits find new life in parish program

The Communion Closet at St. Katherine of Siena Parish in Philadelphia accepts those precious outfits used only once -- and perhaps not even then because of the pandemic -- and offers them to anyone for their child's special day in the church.

Immaculate Conception, St. Cyril churches to close

The churches in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood and in East Lansdowne, Delaware County had been infrequently used worship sites, and both in need of costly maintenance.

Local Catholics raise more than $1M for charity in a single day

More than 100 local parishes, schools and agencies in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia benefited from the #iGiveCatholic one-day fundraising campaign, part of a national Catholic giving effort.

COVID reveals need to ‘build back better’ for those with disabilities

As the world marks the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, local and international leaders say post-pandemic efforts must increase inclusion and active participation at every level of society.

Letter campaign says ‘Thank you, Father!’ to hardworking priests

Through Dec. 31, the New Serra Missionaries are collecting area faithful's messages of gratitude and sending them to clergy, an outreach organizers hope will offer "moments of powerful grace."