Local News
Graduation ceremonies planned for 17 archdiocesan high schools
The schedule for baccalaureate Masses and commencement exercises for the graduating seniors of the 17 high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in coming days is as follows:
Pact allows Bishop Shanahan students to study engineering through Widener U
Students of Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, who aspire to be engineers can get a jump start on their college education thanks to an agreement signed May 29 with Widener University. Starting this fall qualified junior and senior Bishop Shanahan students can start taking Widener School of Engineering courses at a rate of only $500 per two-credit course – discounted significantly from the normal $2,440 cost -- and can earn up to four credits toward their engineering degree before graduating from high school.
All Saints, St. John Cantius parishes to merge in Philadelphia
Two parishes in the Bridesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia will merge beginning July 1, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Sunday, May 26. All Saints Parish and St. John Cantius Parish will merge to become a new parish at the site of St. John Cantius, with All Saints Church remaining “a worship site for the time being,” according to a statement by the archdiocese.
Priest suspended on 40-year-old allegation of sexual abuse
Father James J. Collins, 74, has been suspended from ministry following an allegation that he sexually abused a minor over 40 years ago. No other such allegation has been received against him. Archbishop Charles Chaput placed the priest on administrative leave Sunday, May 26, the Archdiocese announced in a statement. The decision is not connected to the cases of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
Rosary gave courage to soldier who recalls one of WWII’s last European battles
As a nation we’ve fought many wars, some necessary, others questionable. Very few people would deny that World War II, which was the deadliest war in human history, was truly necessary. Decency and civilization itself were in the balance. Most of the men and women who served and survived are now dead and gone, but their stories need to be remembered on Memorial Day -- stories like those of Norbert McGettigan, still going strong at 88.
Old St. Mary Parish at 250 years: Older than the diocese, and U.S.
Parish anniversaries are always worth celebrating. A 250th anniversary is awesome -- think about it, that’s older than the United States itself. Old St. Mary’s in Philadelphia, where Archbishop Chaput will celebrate a quarter millennium anniversary Mass on May 26, traces back to 1763. St. Mary Chapel, established by Jesuit Father Robert Harding, was really an offshoot of Old St. Joseph’s which was established in 1733.
At memorial Mass on his birthday, Bishop McFadden remembered in Cathedral he loved
That a recently deceased bishop of another diocese, but originally from Philadelphia, should have a Memorial Mass celebrated in his home town is not unusual. What was unusual at the memorial Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for Harrisburg Bishop Joseph P. McFadden was the size of the congregation: the Cathedral was full to its 1,500 seating capacity.
Archdiocese names Syracuse man new secretary for Catholic education
The superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Syracuse has been named the new secretary for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and chief operating officer for Faith in the Future Foundation, the archdiocese announced May 23. Christopher Mominey, a former Catholic high school principal and author of two books on education, will assume his new position July 1. He succeeds Richard V. McCarron, the long-time education secretary who retired early this year.
Temple-West’s legacy of feeding the hungry honored in new scholarship
Patrick Temple-West, the late founding director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Nutritional Development Services, was recognized May 15 by the establishment of a permanent scholarship in his name by St. Joseph’s University’s Academy of Food Marketing.
Pastor known for parish, family ministry marks 50 years of ‘very rewarding’ priesthood
Msgr. Charles McGroarty is celebrating 50 years as a priest. His prior experience working with lay people in previous assignments has served him well as a pastor in a parish, St. Matthew's in Philadelphia, that still has one of the largest elementary schools in the Archdiocese. He believes there is too much emphasis placed on negative aspects rather than the positive accomplishments of the Church that are all around us. “The challenge of a pastor is to meet the needs of present-day Catholics,” he said. “We should publicize the good things that are being done, not putting our light under a basket.”