Local News

Bishop Joseph Cistone dies in Michigan at age 69

The former Philadelphia native, priest and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese who led the Diocese of Saginaw since 2009 was found dead in his residence Oct. 16. He had been battling lung cancer.

Church sweetened with nostalgia won’t attract youth, archbishop says

In a Q&A, Archbishop Charles Chaput said the main problem with transmitting Christianity in a culture that keeps us distracted is "a lack of real faith." We need the "radical conversion that real faith in Jesus Christ demands."

Ukrainian church pledges cooperation with Pa. grand jury

The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, covering the Mid-Atlantic region, said church files would be shared with authorities Oct. 24 "as requested and with no exceptions."

Prayer gatherings help teens find God in Eucharist and in each other

Students at Archbishop Carroll High School meet each week for eucharistic adoration, prayer and fellowship as part of the Genesis Program, which builds faith through shared experiences and socialization.

Catholic composer Steve Angrisano to hold workshop and conference at Delco parish

The veteran liturgical musician, whose works include "Go Make a Difference," will share his insights on music and faith at the Oct. 27 event.

Defenders of Jesus’ Holy Name help build parish life, too

Members of Holy Name Society groups in the region gathered Oct. 7 for Mass at Our Lady Help of Christian Parish, Abington, to pray and renew their pledge to support their parishes' works of mercy.

Oktoberfest taps into longing for Jesus, other young adults

Anthem, the Philadelphia Archdiocese's youth outreach, threw a big party in trendy Fishtown's hottest biergarten, where young adults could bring their not-really-Catholic or atheist friends for a good time.

Pure, beautiful faith apparent at archdiocesan rosary devotion

There is power in praying the rosary, said those who attended the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s rosary devotion Oct. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. All meditated on the rosary, and God's grace through Mary.

Local priests learn of ministry for Catholics with same-sex attraction

At their fall workshop Oct. 4 in Blue Bell, archdiocesan 151 priests heard presentations about Courage International and testimony from a homosexual man inspired to live his life joyfully and chastely.

Live video: Funeral Mass for Auxiliary Bishop Louis DeSimone

Watch the funeral for Bishop DeSimone, who died Oct. 5, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput is the main celebrant of the Mass.