Local News
‘We must stand together,’ archbishop says after cemetery attack
UPDATED - Archbishop Charles Chaput commented on the destruction of 100 gravestones over the weekend at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia last weekend. He was joined by other faith leaders in the region condemning the vandalism.
Archbishop Chaput lauds repeal of rules for transgender students
Those in "difficult situations" should be able to express them "without infringing on legitimate concerns about privacy and security on the part of all young students and parents,” two bishops said Feb. 24.
In after-school programs, the kids are in good hands
At the 15 Out of School Time programs in Philadelphia run by Catholic Social Services, children have a safe and fun place for homework and play after the school bell rings. Parents have peace of mind while they work.
Statewide award fits entrepreneur-inventors like a glove
A team of four students from Archbishop Wood High School took home honors for their invention of a therapeutic glove for arthritis sufferers. As part of the contest, they also had to raise capital investment through sales pitches.
New Catholic high school scholarship open to 45 students
Academically promising students in need can now apply for a new Howley scholarship to help them attend one of several archdiocesan high schools in and near Philadelphia.
Parish merger meant a chance to serve Phoenixville’s homeless
When St. Ann and Sacred Heart parishes merged at St. Ann's in 2012, the pastor and parishioners formed a separate organization which today uses the former parish hall to shelter the needy on cold nights in Chester County.
Local priest awarded for essay on outreach to pregnant parishioners
Father Gus Puleo, pastor of mostly Hispanic St. Patrick Parish in Norristown, had had enough of burying babies. So he launched a prenatal health clinic for his undocumented parishioners. Seminarians aid the clinic with their Spanish skills.
Archbishop Chaput urges Trump order on religious freedom
Archbishop Charles Chaput and three other U.S. bishops called on the president Feb. 16 to sign an executive order "allowing all Americans to practice their faith without severe penalties from the federal government.”
Eucharistic adoration catching on with Lansdale Catholic teens
Holy hours have always been part of the annual retreats at Lansdale Catholic High School, but some 40 students also come to the school on weeknights to adore Christ in the Eucharist. They are even putting down their phones.
Phila. Catholics gave $228K to church in former Soviet lands
Catholics in 28 countries in Central and Eastern Europe benefited from last year's annual collection. The 2017 collection will be taken up on Ash Wednesday, March 1.