Local News
Catholics work with other Christians to rebuild a neighborhood
A Habitat for Humanity project in West Philadelphia welcomed parishioners from St. Cornelius Parish, Chadds Ford, plus several other congregations and community groups to rehab old homes. It was a demonstration of ecumenical cooperation at its finest.
Casa del Carmen helps employers find workers in North Philadelphia
More than 300 job seekers came to an outdoor career fair hosted by Casa del Carmen, a Catholic Social Services agency, located in a highly diverse, multicultural neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Court denies archdiocese’s request for relief from HHS mandate
UPDATE -- The Archdiocese of Philadelphia lost its bid to block regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) June 26, but a new ruling will prevent the church from paying fines of $160,000 a day for noncompliance.
Mass attendance slide not as bad as it seems
The annual October Count census of Mass-goers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia shows bad news – Mass attendance is down again – and good news: the decline of less than 2 percent is much lower than previous years.
Archbishop Chaput throws a pitch for Catholic Charities
Archbishop Charles Chaput threw out the first pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies game June 24 at Citizens Bank Park, leading off the successful "Catholic Charities Night at the Ballpark." A portion of the proceeds from the more than 500 tickets purchased through the event will go directly to the appeal. For their part the Phillies beat the Miami Marlins, 7-4, thanks perhaps to good (starting) pitching.
Keeping kids healthy in a peaceful summer
Nutritional Development Services will offer healthy foods to children at 400 sites in the region while school is out for the summer. Joined with an initiative to promote peace in their neighborhoods, kids receive food for body and soul in the Summer Meals Program.
Clergy assignment changes announced
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announces the following appointments effective June 30 unless otherwise noted.
From North Philadelphia, a priest for the inner city
Parish priests and the Sisters of Mercy inspired Father Richard Owens toward ordination as a Capuchin Franciscan priest. His vocation was sown in his family, at Our Lady of Hope Parish and at Mercy Vocational, the only Catholic vocational high school in the United States.
Sisters’ ministry to the poor of Kensington flourishes
Parishes may close, but the St. Joseph’s Sisters Welcome Center keep the church’s presence and outreach to people on the margins strong.
Formerly homeless women get spiritual boost in Malvern
Malvern Retreat House hosted 53 women served by Catholic Social Services, along with some staff, for a free overnight retreat that helped them discover God's healing love in their lives.