Local News
Of six priests on leave, four cleared to return to ministry
The fate of six priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia placed on administrative leave after the February 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report was announced today by the Archdiocese. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., decided on the cases after “a rigorous investigative process involving over 20 experts in child abuse,” a statement from the Archdiocese said July 6. Of the six priests, four were determined to have unsubstantiated allegations against them, and they have been deemed suitable for ministry.
Fortnight for Freedom brings focus on challenges to religious freedom
The Fortnight for Freedom, an initiative of the Catholic bishops of the United States, ended on Independence Day after two weeks of efforts to increase awareness among Catholics of threats to religious freedom in America. Archbishop Charles Chaput provided a fitting end to the initiative by serving as homilist for a Mass celebrated for the […]
St. Cyprian Parish to launch Wisdom Ball for young people
The Wisdom Ball Committee at St. Cyprian Parish in West Philadelphia announces its inaugural Cotillion-Beautillion Ball and Scholarship Program. The program is designed to celebrate exceptional young men and women in the community while they attain scholarship money. Those who are accepted into the program take part in an eight-week series of workshops and activities […]
Archbishop Chaput announces clerical changes
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: GRADUATE STUDIES Reverend Anthony J. DiGuglielmo, from Graduate Studies, Catholic University of America, Washington, to Graduate Studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, beginning with the Fall 2012 semester RESIDENCE Reverend Michael V. […]
After 40 years, teacher retires from Chestnut Hill Catholic school
For 40 years Bill Brennan taught, inspired and encouraged the students at Our Mother of Consolation Parish School in Chestnut Hill. As a young man one year out college, Brennan came to OMC in 1972 with a belief that Catholic schools were essential in the development of young people in the faith, and in becoming […]
Archbishop Chaput reflects from Rome on Supreme Court ruling
Archbishop Charles Chaput sat for an exclusive interview with the National Catholic Register newspaper June 29 in Rome after receiving the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI. The Archbishop reflected at length on the the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Patient Affordable Care Act, or health care reform law, the previous day. Read the full interview […]
Philadelphia monsignor found guilty of criminal charge in abuse trial
With the same expression of serenity that he had shown for 13 weeks, Msgr. William J. Lynn listened to the criminal jury foreman speak the verdict of guilty on one charge of endangering the welfare of a child June 22 at the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. Msgr. Lynn becomes the first high-ranking Catholic clergyman in the United States to be convicted of a crime associated with the handling of priests accused of child sexual abuse, though he himself faced no charge of abuse.
POWER forum held at St. Raymond Church
On Monday, June 18, nearly 300 members and allies of congregations in Northwest Philadelphia affiliated with POWER: An Interfaith Movement, gathered at St. Raymond Catholic Church for the organization’s third Economic Justice Forum. POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild) is an ecumenical organization that is working collaboratively with 40 religious congregations, including 10 […]
Proposed Manayunk regional school will not open due to low enrollment
The proposed St. Blaise Regional School in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia will not open in September 2012 as previously planned, according to a statement from the Archdiocese June 18. The school was formed out of the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations announced in January 2012 to merge St. Bridget Parish School and Holy Child Regional […]
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul honors Missionaries of Charity Sisters with Keys & Sword Award
The Keys & Sword Award, given annually by the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul “acknowledges members of the religious or civic community in recognition of their extraordinary commitment and selfless dedication in service to others.” Given that description, this year’s choice was a no-brainer. It was the Missionaries of Charity, the religious congregation […]