Local News

Fairless Hills parishioners get check up with saints in Lent

St. Frances Cabrini Parish hosted a talk March 12 focusing on the healthy wisdom of the saints in Lent and Catholics' missionary call to know Jesus, then evangelize to the world.

With plenty of food aid, group needs volunteers to deliver

Caring for Friends, based in Northeast Philadelphia, has an urgent need for young volunteers to package meals and bring them to the elderly, the homeless and children in need at this time of crisis.

Homeless outreach working to keep clients, staff safe during coronavirus

As health protocols change rapidly, St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia finds new ways to "to take of care of brothers in need," said director David Stier.

Masses suspended in Philadelphia Archdiocese due to pandemic

Archbishop Nelson Perez announced that public Masses will cease in all Catholic parishes in the archdiocese beginning March 18 at 12 noon. Churches will stay open for private prayer, where people should maintain social distance.

Epiphany Parish hosts Shroud of Turin replica, prays on Jesus’ sacrifice

The South Philadelphia parish displayed a replica of the cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus, on loan from the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia, as an aid to Lenten devotion.

St. Eleanor parishioners honor the Blessed Mother in Lenten series

Nearly 200 people gathered March 9 at the Collegeville parish to begin a journey with Mary on the first night of a Lenten triduum to pray and reflect on Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Despite coronavirus, faithful turn out for Sunday Mass

Although excused from the Sunday obligation due to the pandemic, young and old were in the pews over the weekend, many drawn by the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Archdiocese balancing containment, compassion during coronavirus

Thousands depend on Catholic Social Services each day for food, housing and other vital supports. Agency workers are keeping the mission going amid scenarios "that change by the hour."

Archdiocese closes schools, PREP to prevent coronavirus

Students and teachers will move to online learning through March 27, as task force members meet "daily, if not hourly" to respond to the pandemic.

Archbishop Perez to offer livestreamed Mass for those affected by coronavirus

The March 15 liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will be the first of regular Sunday Masses to be broadcast online, as faithful heed directives to avoid crowds.