Local News
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.
St. Edmond’s Home for Children wraps up summer in style
The summer tradition at the Catholic Social Services facility in Rosemont for youth with profound physical and intellectual disabilities capped eight weeks of fun with Mass and a cookout on Aug. 16.
Montco young adults deepen prayer, bond with others at retreat
About 40 members of the Metanoia Young Adults group in Montgomery County met Aug. 25 at St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville, for a day of prayer, discussion and reflection on how to listen to God in their lives.
Parishioners praise Mary on West Chester’s streets for 99th year
Generations of families who founded the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother at St. Agnes Parish continued it last week with Mass, breakfast, a street procession and benediction.