Local News

Human and economic impact of climate change studied at Villanova

A panel discussion Tuesday night explored the effects of climate change on U.S. national security, the rural poor and emerging Catholic teaching on the topic.

Program for families’ congress stays positive, doesn’t shy away from issues

Discussions of sexuality are only part of the program of talks for the 2015 World Meeting of Families made public this week. Relationships in the family, with God, and in the community and the world remain the focus, says the head of programming.

One year after Philippines’ typhoon, CRS helping to rebuild lives

Caroline Brennan, a representative of Catholic Relief Services, gave updates at two locations in the archdiocese last week on efforts to help Filipinos reclaim their livelihoods. She also spoke of her work with CRS for people in Middle East hot spots and around the world.

Black Catholics honor St. Martin with fervent prayers and songs

More than 500 people -- including nine Catholic priests and four parish choirs representing the Black Catholic community in the archdiocese -- filled St. Ignatius Church in West Philadelphia to celebrate St. Martin de Porres’ canonization.

Registration for World Meeting of Families opens

Philadelphia formally opened its arms to the world as Archbishop Charles Chaput told the Catholic bishops of the United States that registration has begun for the gathering of families next September in the city.

Archbishop Chaput addresses U.S. bishops

The archbishop announced that registration for the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia officially opened today during the annual fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore.

Archdiocese’s finances are improving, new statements show

The financial health of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to recover, despite a persistent though shrinking deficit. A key measure shows the core operating deficit at $3.1 million for fiscal 2014, down from $4.9 million in fiscal 2013 and $17.6 million in fiscal 2012.

Catholic Life Congress inspires, energizes today’s saintly catechists

About 900 women and men braved bad weather but enjoyed the speakers at the annual archdiocesan congress. Parish leaders and regular parishioners learned how they are saints as members of the church.

Friends of St. John’s face uphill challenge in Manayunk

Parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Philadelphia's Manayunk section want to raise $450,000 to make urgent repairs on the iconic 120-year-old church, and $2 million for all the needed work. The church is the main worship site for three merged parishes.

Archbishop Chaput presents pastoral letter on Catholic education to 3,500 educators

The teachers and administrators at elementary, high school and special education schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered Oct. 31 for a meeting with the archbishop to hear him and others speak on Catholic education and faith formation.