Local News
Virtue and veggies can help keep off the holiday pounds
Most Americans gain weight over the holidays, but local Catholic experts in nutrition and ethics offer practical ways to avoid the "food free-for-all" and practice temperance toward all created goods -- and goodies.
Cards for a cause: Christmas greetings are gift to the poor
Each Christmas card of Nutritional Development Services represents a donation to food programs that help the needy in our area. It's not too late to send these original cards and give the gift of food.
Children bring their gifts for others at St. Matthew’s special Mass
On the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6, students of St. Matthew School in Northeast Philadelphia continued a long tradition of kids helping kids enjoy a toy at Christmas. And they learned a lesson of generosity.
Conwell-Egan teacher inspires faith in teens through music
Singing in the parish choir led Tom Kuchler to a career in arts education. Now, he's helping students at the archdiocesan high school in Fairless Hills to use their God-given talents for the church and the world.
Long closed, North Catholic HS still gives $500K a year in aid
The thousands of alumni of the former archdiocesan school support scholarships to specified Catholic colleges, high schools and elementary schools, aiding Catholic education for years to come.
Women find support in one another through mothers’ group
Like-minded women in the MOMS group (Ministry Of Mothers Sharing) pray, share stories, drink coffee and perhaps hear a guest speaker once a month at St. Pius X Parish, Broomall. For members, "belonging is so important."
Winter coat giveaway helps people left behind in nation’s recovery
Catholic Community Services of the Philadelphia Archdiocese teamed up for the giveaway Dec. 1 in Philadelphia to help stretch tight family budgets. The outreach also "fills a spiritual need," said a participant.
Pa. high court says names in redacted grand jury report can’t be released
In a 6-1 decision Dec. 3, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said the identities of some clergy accused of abuse that were redacted from a grand jury report issued in mid-August must remain permanently blocked from release.
In Philadelphia, spirit of Christmas past keeps up with present
How Americans have celebrated the holiday has changed dramatically over the centuries, writes a local historian. Catholics have helped to make Christmas more vibrant, bringing their cultures to bear on the celebration.
3 worship sites in city, Chester County set to close
Our Lady of the Holy Souls and St. Leo in Philadelphia, plus St. Stanislaus Kostka in Coatesville, all have operated as worship sites after merging with nearby parishes. Escalating costs of maintaining them was the main reason for closure.