Local News

B.V.M. Parish’s sermons in art show divine mercy at work

Four parishioner-artists at the Darby parish expressed what the Year of Mercy means to them. Now anyone worshiping at the Delaware County church can use the art works to deepen their devotion and live with mercy.

Msgr. Lynn’s conviction overturned, court calls for new trial

Pennsylvania Superior Court said Dec. 22 that trial evidence of decades of clergy sexual abuse predating the tenure of the former archdiocesan clergy official unfairly prejudiced the jury that convicted him in 2012.

Archbishop Chaput’s Christmas greeting

Listen to Archbishop Charles Chaput's message for the Christmas season and the new year, during the Year of Mercy.

Hearts and doors opened to Year of Mercy at Drexel Shrine

More than 300 worshipers of various backgrounds and ages filled the pews for Mass Dec. 18 as the Holy Door was opened at the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine in Bensalem, part of a jubilee year celebration in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Pastor of St. Bridget Parish is placed on leave

Father Steven Harris, pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Philadelphia, has been suspended because of “concerns regarding his suitability for ministry,” according to the Philadelphia Archdiocese. After a separate probe in 2011, the priest was cleared for ministry in 2012.

Social services’ leader named to head archdiocese’s outreach ministries

James Amato has been named secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, effective Jan. 1. He succeeds Joseph Sweeney Jr., who is retiring.

St. Patrick students study a multi-course STREAM of water

The Catholic school in Malvern adopted a month-long curriculum to study water and its connection across disciplines such as science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math. In addition to hands-on activities, they raised money and awareness.

Blessed Teresa parishioners focus on performing Corporal Works of Mercy

Father Paul Brandt, pastor of Blessed Teresa Parish in Limerick, has challenged his parishioners "to perform one intentional work of mercy as a spiritual preparation for Christmas." The good works and prayers will continue through the Year of Mercy.

Children enjoy festivities at Archbishop’s Christmas Party

Approximately 500 children were treated to Polar Express-themed entertainment during the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit on Dec. 17 at the Sheraton Hotel. More than $300,000 was raised to support archdiocesan outreach programs throughout the year.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia releases additional financial statements

On Dec. 18, the Archdiocese released audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 for the Office of Catholic Education, Catholic Health Care Services and Nutritional Development Services and St. John Vianney Center.