Local News
Newly appointed Harrisburg bishop dedicated to holiness, social justice
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer introduced himself as the 11th bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese and as a shepherd dedicated to the sanctification and ministry of his people.
Local Ukrainian Catholic faithful to pray for justice in their homeland
Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop Stefan Soroka has asked all priests in churches of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia to lead the faithful in prayer at all services this weekend for a peaceful end to the tragic events and violence in Ukraine.
Catholic Charities Appeal aims to give hope in 2014
Archbishop Chaput led a press conference to launch this year's appeal to support more than 80 social service programs of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Though needs are growing, so is the response: Last year the $10 million goal was exceeded, thanks to almost twice the donors from the previous year.
Philadelphians make it through snowstorm to join March for Life
Few Philadelphia-area Catholics made it to Washington for the largest annual pro-life march in the world. But some did manage to join the thousands who marched in witness to the sanctity of human life.
Kentucky bishop, grad of St. Charles Seminary, named to head Harrisburg Diocese
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, 66, currently head of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., will be installed as the 11th bishop of Harrisburg on March 19. He succeeds Philadelphia native Bishop Joseph McFadden, who died suddenly last year. He and Bishop Gainer, ordained a priest of the Allentown Diocese, both studied at St. Charles Seminary.
Special Mass will give hope to infertile couples
The St. Gerard Mass on Jan. 29 for couples experiencing difficulty conceiving children will help them feel they’re not alone, says the lead organizer. A 12-week follow-up course to the Mass will be offered beginning in February.
Philadelphia buses cancelled for march on Washington
Due to heavy snowfall along the Northeast corridor, all buses of Catholic faithful scheduled to depart from the Philadelphia Archdiocese for the March for Life to Washington, D.C., have been cancelled, the archdiocese announced Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 21.
Lily’s Gift helps ease the pain when new baby’s diagnosis is grim
A new ministry of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, a collaboration of pastoral care, pro-life and social service workers, helps parents who decide not to abort their baby who receives a poor prenatal diagnosis. Volunteers counsel and support families during and after the baby's birth and natural death.
Holy Family U president reflects on three-decade tenure coming to an end
Sister Francesca Onley’s savvy business sense and strong faith took her far in the mission of education, but only a few miles from her Northeast Philadelphia home.
76ers, Catholic Charities Appeal team up for good cause
The Catholic Charities Appeal is offering a fun night out for a good cause. The Feb. 5 Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Boston Celtics, one of pro basketball’s oldest rivalries, is also “Catholic Charities Night.” A portion of the ticket proceeds will support the appeal.