Local News
Pentecost vigil celebrations set for Saturday night
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is sponsoring a virtual celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit on Saturday, May 30, with a streaming conference and Mass.
Efforts to build ‘culture of vocations’ succeeding online
The archdiocesan Vocation Office's online rosary rally in March had 10 times the expected viewers. This summer's Quo Vadis camp is one of several programs helping men discern God's call virtually.
Parishioners look forward to public Masses with joy, anxiety
CatholicPhilly.com spoke with dozens of local Catholics in city and suburbs, and heard voices of eager anticipation of the return of public Masses June 6-7, along with apprehension for its effects on health.
Paoli parish’s volunteers put in hard work to feed the needy
St. Norbert Parish's Food Procurement Program has tripled the number of families it supports through weekly distribution of food at the church, thanks to team of creative parishioners.
St. Rita Shrine marks feast day with nationally televised Mass
EWTN, the global Catholic programming network, televised the May 22 Mass from the South Philadelphia shrine, celebrated by Archbishop Perez. St. Rita's life "is a reminder that with God, all things are possible,” said the priest homilist.
Catholic singles find each other despite COVID
A speed dating service that's helped some 30 couples to the altar so far moved online during the pandemic, keeping participants connected to each other and to God.
Public Mass to resume June 5-6 in archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced late Friday that Sunday and daily Masses will be celebrated publicly again in two weeks, since their suspension in mid-March to halt spread of the coronavirus.
Phila. police chaplain blesses hospital workers fighting pandemic
Oblate Father Steven Wetzel prayed over "hands raw from scrubbing" and "shoulders that carry the weight of life and death” at the city's Jefferson Torresdale Hospital on May 21.
Gesu School honors alum who’s an emerging leader
Imani Briscoe, who graduated in 2009 from the independent Catholic grade school in North Philadelphia, received a top award from the school that "made us the best we could be," even as she serves it while pursuing her MBA.
Catholic home health care ministers to body and soul
Mercy Home Health workers team up with prayer companions to provide skilled care and spiritual support, both needed more than ever due to COVID-19.