Local News

Aging gracefully: Partnership helps seniors remain in homes

Catholic Housing and Community Services of the archdiocese is offering seniors in-home support with St. Mary Medical Center in Bucks County. One tangible result is fewer repeat visits to the hospital.

Pilgrims flock to Ukrainian Catholic Church in abandoned Pa. town

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church is the last of seven Catholic churches in Centralia, now a virtual ghost town due to its poisonous mine fire. The church stands as a testament to faith in tough times and places.

Jesus set to headline at fifth annual AbbeyFest

The Sept. 22 faith and music festival at Daylesford Abbey will feature performances by several Christian artists, along with prayer, confession, Mass and eucharistic adoration.

Clergy sex abuse not about gay priests, top psychologist says

Married men are far more likely to sexually abuse and harass young people than priests, and four big recent changes are helping to prevent child sexual abuse in the church, said an expert in treating Catholic clergy and laity.

Catholic high school teachers ink new 2-year deal

Negotiators for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Association of Catholic Teachers agreed on a new contract that includes an average 2.3 percent salary raise, just a day before the start of school on Sept. 5.

Our Lady of Angels rises from ashes while rebuilding from fire

After a devastating July 18 fire, students and staff of the regional Delaware County Catholic school have relocated classes to a wing of Cardinal O'Hara High School while their new structure takes shape.

Casa del Carmen preschool kids are blessed for success

The top-ranked academy, part of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, gave students free backpacks filled with supplies and prayers for the new year. Area parishes rely on the partnerships CSS provides.

Parishioners voice their anger, resolute faith, amidst scandal

CatholicPhilly.com canvassed members of several parishes across the Philadelphia Archdiocese for reaction to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. While most said their faith remains strong, they know of people leaving the church over the scandal.

Archbishop Chaput to pope: Cancel youth synod, meet about bishops

Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote to the pope asking him to cancel the synod of bishops in Rome on the concerns of young people in the church, set for this October, and instead plan for a "synod on the life of bishops."

Top Pa. senator opts for victims’ fund over remedy for sex abuse suits

Pennsylvania's Catholic dioceses should set up a fund to compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse in lieu of the state lifting the statutes of limitation on lawsuits, said state Sen. Joseph Scarnati, to which the dioceses agreed.