Local News
Senate panel strips retroactivity provision from bill on sex abuse suits
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on June 28 to amend HB 1947, the bill that aims to lift the statute of limitations on lawsuits for sexual abuse going back decades. The new amendment would allow civil suits going forward.
St. Gabriel’s gets 3 grants totaling $62K, mostly for tech upgrades
Among the grants for the archdiocesan system that educates and cares for at-risk young men is a project in which boys who rebuild properties damaged by crime will now convert a barn into a workshop.
In Philadelphia visit, Indian cardinal praises respect for family and religion
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, visited with church officials to discuss Catholic Christian communities in India and, with recent migration, in the United States.
Pope John Paul II HS names new president
Jason Bozzone brings long experience in fundraising and recruitment to the archdiocesan high school in Royersford, after working for years at the college level including Temple University.
Pa. House passes ban on two types of abortions
The House overwhelmingly approved a bill to prohibit abortions that dismember the unborn child limb by limb, and abortions after 20 weeks when the child can feel pain and risks to the mother increase.
With new leaders, archdiocese aims to rejuvenate youth ministry
In a major development, Archbishop Chaput has bolstered the church's ministry by naming a new director and associate director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, with robust support from a Catholic Life 2000 fund.
Graduations up for at-risk youth in St. Gabriel’s System
The Catholic Social Services-run system for youth entrusted to it by Philadelphia Family Court reports one of the highest high school graduation rates in 30 years. Grads leave with a diploma and career training.
Catholics urged again to block HB 1947, as senators mull action on bill
The bill that would lift the statutes of limitation for civil suits of decades-old claims of child sexual abuse now sits in a Senate committee. Parishioners are urged to ask their legislators to oppose the measure.
Catholic high school teachers ratify new contract
The 640 lay members of the Catholic school teachers' union agreed on a new one-year contract with the Philadelphia Archdiocese. It assures the 17 archdiocesan high schools will open on time in September.
This one’s for Dad
Archbishop Charles Chaput offers his best wishes on Father’s Day, along with a prayer that God may shower his blessings on all who fulfill the responsibility of fatherhood, living and deceased.