Local News
Archbishop Chaput named to Vatican council
Pope Francis appointed the archbishop a member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity Feb. 6. He is the only American member of the council.
Chester County Catholic school shelters residents without power
Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic School in West Brandywine opened its doors as an emergency shelter Feb. 5 and 6 for people who lost electricity and heat in their homes due to the ice storm that tore through the region Tuesday night.
Villanova U and Rosemont College lose power, shut campuses
The two Catholic colleges on the Main Line succumbed to the ice storm Wednesday, Feb. 5 that left the campuses without power or heat, along with more than half a million PECO residents in the Philadelphia region. The schools will remain closed through Friday while emergency generators provide a minimum of comfort.
Judge clears way for Catholic cemeteries’ lease deal
A Philadelphia Orphans Court judge approved the agreement for StoneMor Partners to lease and manage 13 archdiocesan cemeteries. Officials did not cite a date for finalizing the agreement.
Hundreds of boys receive awards at Scout Mass in Cathedral
Boy Scouts of all age levels, and their leaders, were recognized at the annual Mass and ceremony that celebrates scouting in a Catholic setting. The 231 awardees displayed the leadership skills developed by scouting.
Local priest speaks about Eucharist with Protestants
Father Joseph Shenosky, a professor at St. Charles Seminary, took part in an ecumenical conference in Nashville with the Disciples of Christ. Participants prayed to the Holy Spirit for the gift of Christian unity.
Changes in priest, deacon assignments announced
Archbishop Chaput announces the following assignment changes for parochial vicars and permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Archbishop Chaput urges prayer, U.S. action for Ukraine
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia released the following statement Jan. 30 by Archbishop Charles Chaput on the continuing political and social unrest in Ukraine. He asks all Catholics in the Philadelphia region "to pray urgently for the Church in Ukraine and to press our elected federal representatives for financial and travel restrictions on Ukraine’s political and business leaders."
Men’s group opposes Wing Bowl’s ‘debauchery’
The raucous eating contest known as Wing Bowl has drawn thousands of fans of the face-stuffing spectacle for 22 years in Philadelphia. This year the King's Men organization plans a peaceful outreach to protest the event at the Wells Fargo Center.
Rice Bowl begins with blessing at North Philadelphia parish
The annual sacrificial program collects funds for the poor overseas through CRS. Some money stays local to help 40 parish food cupboards like the one at St. Martin de Porres Parish.