Local News
Philadelphia Archdiocese sues Obamacare’s ‘mandate’
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its Catholic Charities affiliates sued three agencies of the U.S. federal government Monday, June 2, seeking relief from the so-called “HHS mandate” that requires health care coverage for contraception. Church agencies face fines of $1,600 per day for non-compliance, or violation of Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life if they comply.
Clergy assignment changes announced
Archbishop Chaput announced 86 changes in assignments for priests, including parish pastors, in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia June 1.
Parishes in Philadelphia, counties to merge in latest wave of planning
Parishes in South Philadelphia and Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties will see some churches become worship sites as communities merge into 13 new, larger parishes in geographic areas with high concentrations of Catholic churches. Changes in clergy assignments in the Philadelphia Archdiocese were also announced.
Parish sings joyfully of its milestone anniversary
Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a slate of concerts, including the visit of two guest choirs last month.
Pa. diocese files suit against HHS mandate
The Diocese of Greensburg in western Pennsylvania and Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt filed suit in a U.S. District Court May 27, claiming the regulation known as the HHS mandate infringes on the church’s religious liberty.
Catholic Leadership Institute transitions its own leadership
Founder and longtime board chairman of Wayne-based CLI, Tim Flanagan, is stepping aside for a new chair, Mike Emmi. He is a former leader of technology firms and a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Strafford.
Deal to lease archdiocesan cemeteries closes, workers retain jobs
The agreement to lease 13 Catholic cemeteries operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia became final May 28. The cemeteries will remain Catholic under the deal with Levittown-based StoneMor Partners. The archdiocese will gain $53 million initially with $36 million more coming over the next 35 years.
Latino couples, individuals study Catholic teaching on family each week
For more than a year up to 60 Spanish-speaking people have been coming on Monday nights to St. Martin of Tours Church in Northeast Philadelphia to study and pray as a group on St. John Paul II’s letter on the family, “Familiaris Consortio.”
Priests of archdiocese gather for friendship and prayer
The convocation of priests in Hershey drew 320 archdiocesan priests for three days of camaraderie last week. Famed speaker Father Robert Barron called them to a revitalized priesthood and prophetic public witness. Also see our photo gallery and video.
Catholic high schools gear up for week of graduation exercises, Masses
CatholicPhilly.com lists the following graduation information for each of the 17 Catholic high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and warmly congratulates the Class of 2014!