Local News

Bishop Thomas greets Toledo Diocese

The following are the remarks of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas at the news conference for his appointment as the eighth bishop of Toledo, Aug. 26 in Toledo, Ohio.

Now it’s easier for children to have a free lunch at school

Nutritional Development Services is helping needy families eliminate the need to fill out paper applications for school meals. The Community Eligibility Provision allows schools with high percentages of qualifying students to provide free breakfast and lunch to all children in the school.

Clergy assignment changes announced

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announced three clergy appointments effective as noted.

Archbishop Chaput hears of suffering in Syria first hand

The Catholic archbishop of Damascus wrote a letter to Philadelphia’s archbishop detailing violence in Syria and an upswing in religious vocations among the young, despite persecution of Christians in the Middle East.

Purple Heart award overdue, and well earned

Ron Arpino, 82, was awarded the high honor this week at Holy Redeemer Hospital for wounds he sustained in Korea, in 1953. He also holds the elite Silver Star for his service there.

Archbishop invites all parishes to pray for peace in Iraq this Sunday

Pope Francis is calling on every Catholic to pray for peace in Iraq and for persecuted Iraqi Christians this Sunday. Archbishop Chaput invites all local parishioners to pray for the intention as well -- read the intercessory prayer before Mass.

Day of prayer urged for Iraq on Sunday

Archbishop Chaput, following Pope Francis' call for prayers, invites all parishes to join in prayer Aug. 17 for the people of Iraq.

As parish mergers go, Levittown’s looks like a model

Merging two parishes into one can be hard, but Queen of the Universe exceeded expectations when merging with the former Immaculate Conception. Instead of the 400 parishioners planned for the pastor’s installation Mass, 700 showed up.

Retiree completes degree, becomes Catholic chaplain to the dying

At 71, Angelo Delorenzo became the oldest member of La Salle University's graduating class this year. He is starting a new career through St. Mary Medical Center as a chaplain, which began as he aided his mother in her final days in a nursing home.

Harrisburg bishop gets hip replacement

Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, who turns 67 this month, had successful surgery for a hip replacement at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pa., Aug. 5.