Local News

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.

Knights of Columbus donate $50K to archdiocesan food cupboards

The world's largest Catholic fraternal organization is replenishing shelves at five of Nutritional Development Services' area outreaches, where requests for help are up 100%.

Faithful make time for quiet prayer in near-empty churches

Parishioners in the Philadelphia Archdiocese are making the best of public restrictions on gatherings due to the coronavirus and are praying to God in silence for many needs.

Watch livestreamed Mass for Ascension feast today

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is still a holy day, even if no obligation exists this year because of the pandemic. Father Dennis Gill will celebrate the Mass online Thursday evening at 5.

PCC urges Gov. Wolf to fix education funding disparity

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference wants residents to ask the governor not to divert any of the $66 million from the federal CARES Act for Catholic and nonpublic schools as the law directs.

‘Manna Sunday’ food drive aims for much-needed miracle

With unemployment now close to 15%, the annual collection by archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services has become a lifeline for families struggling with hunger.

Juniata parish stays close to Mary, despite social distancing

At Holy Innocents in Philadelphia, a normally elaborate May procession was revamped to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, but devotion to the "Help of the Sick" is stronger than ever.