Local News

New seminarians raise St. Charles Seminary enrollment to 165

Of the 75 men studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 19 are beginning their formation toward ordination as priests. The internationally diverse group will encounter a program emphasizing human development.

Safe injection sites don’t treat, only deflect money, former drug user says

CatholicPhilly.com spoke with a recovering drug user about his thoughts on plans to open a supervised site for drug injections in Philadelphia. It would divert needed money for treatment centers, he believes.

Catholic experts at odds over safe injection site for Phila.

While Philadelphia debates whether to become the first city in the U.S. to open a facility where people can inject drugs under supervision, two local teams of bioethicists disagree on whether it is the best method to address the deadly opioid addiction crisis.

Local faithful celebrate Irish apparition of Mary

More than 500 gathered at the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal for an Aug. 21 Mass and reception in honor of Our Lady of Knock, kicking off plans for an outdoor shrine at the complex.

Former Downingtown pastor charged with theft of parish finances

Msgr. Joseph McLoone was arrested Aug. 21 in Chester County for misappropriating almost $100,000 from an off-the-books account at St. Joseph Parish. He has been on leave since resigning as pastor last year.

Kids saddle up for safety with help from Philly police

At an Aug. 2 "bike rodeo" hosted by Catholic Social Services, officers helped some 50 kids learn the rules of the road, while getting ready for a new school year.

In Harrowgate, Catholics get their ‘fighting Irish’ up to face challenges

Supporters of St. Joan of Arc, a worship site of Holy Innocents Parish, gathered for a July 24 Mass and Notre Dame football trip raffle, celebrating both community and some creative fundraising.

Friends lend a hand to spruce up historic Catholic cemetery

Volunteers gathered for an Aug. 17 tour and clean-up of St. Joachim Cemetery in Philadelphia's Frankford section, the final resting place of more than 2,400 Irish descendants and a Cuban revolutionary.

Pope Francis honors 40 Catholics in Philadelphia Archdiocese

The awardees, who include lay individuals, couples, a religious sister and a permanent deacon, are recognized for their dedication and service to the church. Archbishop Chaput will confer the honors formally Sept. 5.

Archbishop urges prayer, ‘sensible solutions’ in wake of North Phila. shootings

The terror that filled the streets of Nicetown-Tioga and left six police officers injured Aug. 14 reminds us "of the fragility of life" and the danger that "illegal drugs and illegally obtained firearms pose," Archbishop Charles Chaput said in a statement.