Local News
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."
Delco parishioner spreads the word about Advent
Now in its second year, an online Advent calendar created by Katherine Downey of St. Anastasia in Newtown Square is keeping parishioners connected amid COVID, while building up the "domestic church."
Advent retreat helps couples ‘pray through infertility’
Catholic ministry Springs in the Desert will offer a free online gathering Dec. 4-6 to provide spiritual resources during a season that can be "bittersweet" for those unable to conceive.