Local News
Surprise Engagement Proposal at School Shows Couple’s Deep Catholic Roots
Ed Peterson shocked Ashley Dougherty – both teachers in Catholic grade schools – when he asked “Will you marry me?” in the presence of her young students. The couple (she accepted!) will join a long family line of Catholic educators.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Launching Program to Mentor Young Priests
Thanks to a $10 million grant, St. Charles and three other U.S. Catholic seminaries will provide training and ongoing evaluation to ensure transitional deacons and newly ordained priests receive guidance in their early parish assignments.
Audited Reports Show Surplus in Archdiocese’s Finances for 2025
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia reported a $2 million core operating surplus. It was the eighth consecutive year for a surplus, marking a significant improvement from the $17.6 million deficit in 2012.
Series Explores Advent Journey for Black Catholics, and Everyone
Dr. Toni Reaves of the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics leads “From the Manger to the Movement,” a four-week online exploration of the Christmas story and its links to universal themes of hope and liberation.
Catholic Charities Set to Celebrate 70 Years of Joy at Annual Christmas Party
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia will host its annual Christmas party Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, welcoming 500 children with a live Nativity, performances and gifts continuing a tradition begun in 1955.
As AI Ascends, Humans Must Keep it Real, and Catholic Teaching Can Help
The Church’s long history of considering the human person is more important than ever, as artificial intelligence offers people simulated experiences, according to a Catholic author who spoke recently in Philadelphia at the Collegium Institute.
Philadelphia Oratory, St. Francis Xavier Parish Celebrate Ordination of New Priest
Father Alexander Mosko last month became the second priest ordained for the Philadelphia Oratory in 35 years – a blessing for the religious community and a joy for Fairmount parishioners.
Cathedral Basilica to Host Advent Retreat on Pope Leo’s Letter on the Poor
The six-hour retreat Dec. 13 focuses on Pope Leo XIV’s first letter about God’s love for us and the Church’s response, in love, to the cry of the poor.
Advent ‘Novena for the 83%’ Aims to Invite Catholics Back
The prayer campaign this month, which invokes the grace of reconciliation, focuses on loved ones who are inactive in their Catholic faith and healing broken relationships.
Advent Retreat Explores Blessed ‘Foolishness of Hope’ in God
At a day of reflection Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Northeast Philadelphia, Sister Linda Sariego explained God’s unconditional love through salvation history.