Local News

Meet the guys grateful for a second chance in Catholic homes

Thirteen young men who overcame big challenges but stuck with the Catholic Social Services program have graduated high school and are ready for their next transformative steps in life.

Allentown Diocese cuts 24% of staff to fund victims’ compensation

The Pa. diocese said in April that its program for victims of clergy sexual abuse would strain finances. On July 1 it said “cash reserves are no longer available to cover budget deficits," so staff cutbacks were necessary.

Recharge your soul this summer with a retreat

You don't need to drive far to find true rest and relaxation when a number of area spirituality centers offer opportunities for prayer, reflection and a deeper relationship with the Lord. See our review of 11 local facilities.

At St. Agnes, speaker teaches on faith through friendship, meaning of Mass

Lay Catholic theologian Scott Hahn visited St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville for a 100th anniversary event. He showed the links between Scripture, the sacrifice of the Mass and evangelization today.

West Philly parish helps teens choose victory over violence

Amid a spike in shootings and homicides, parishioners at St. Ignatius Parish hosted a June 22 summit, co-sponsored by area churches and the Mayor's Office, to enhance kids' conflict resolution skills and self-esteem.

Senior fair kicks off summer while gearing up for November elections

At a June 21 event sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, older adults learned about an array of benefits, while test-driving Philadelphia's new touch-screen voting machines.

Prayer walk at Cathedral marks World Refugee Day

Some 25 archdiocesan employees gathered to reflect on Christ's sufferings and those of the more than 70 million people currently displaced worldwide through conflict and persecution. Migrants and refugees reflect "the faces of the Holy Family itself," said organizers.

Summer meals program keeps kids fed and fit

School may be out, but archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services will make sure that Philadelphia kids eat right by working with the city and partner agencies to serve an estimated 1.5 million meals from June through August.

13 grads leave De La Salle Vocational toward brighter future

The archdiocesan Catholic Social Services facility, which offers educational, vocational and behavioral support to adjudicated young men ages 16 to 18, held its graduation June 14 amid cheers and tears of joy from proud parents.

St. Barnabas celebrates Catholic faith in changing neighborhood

From its founding in Southwest Philadelphia after World War I, the 100-year-old parish has been home to industrial workers and now to a growing presence of Hispanic Catholics and others living their faith.