Local News

Archbishop Chaput announces clerical changes

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective July 2, 2012, unless otherwise noted: PASTORS EMERITI Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Cribben, St. Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square Monsignor Cribben is retiring and will reside at a private residence. Reverend Monsignor J. Michael Flood, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Glenside […]

Archbishop Chaput discusses plans for 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia

While Archbishop Charles Chaput has dealt with various challenges over the past nine months in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in recent weeks he has experienced a few pleasant surprises. One of those surprises happened when he learned that Pope Benedict XVI had chosen Philadelphia as the site of the World Meeting of Families in 2015, […]

Archbishop Chaput announces permanent deacon appointments

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective June 18, 2012: NEWLY ORDAINED PERMANENT DEACONS Deacon Michael L. Cibenko, to St. Ignatius Parish, Yardley Deacon John P. Donnelly, to St. Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill Deacon George S. Harmansky, to St. Aloysius Parish, Pottstown Deacon John A. Hasson, to […]

Philadelphia Archdiocese to host 2015 meeting that Pope may attend

MILAN (CNS) — When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosts the United States’ first World Meeting of Families in 2015, it will need to be a significantly smaller affair than the enormous gatherings seen since its inception in 1994, said the city’s Archbishop. It is only with a reduced number of participants that “we could manage […]

Assumption B.V.M. student wins certificate for July 4th cover design

Brandon Rudolph, center, an eighth grader at Assumption B.V.M. School in Feasterville, shares a congratulatory moment after being named the runner-up in the Lower Southampton July 4th Parade Book cover design contest. Pictured with him are Parade Committee Co-chairpersons Ed Shannon, left, and Bob DiBenedetto, right, both also of Feasterville. The parade book will be […]

National Catholic Charismatic Conference draws 2,500 participants to Philadelphia

At the Last Supper St. John tells us, Jesus promised His followers the Father would give them another Advocate, the Spirit of truth. That promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. On June 1-3, approximately 2,500 Catholic women and men from around the country who accept this promise with their whole minds, body and soul, as the […]

13 permanent deacons ordained for Archdiocese of Philadelphia

The June 2 ordination ceremony for Philadelphia’s newest permanent deacons was strikingly similar to the May 19 ordination ceremony for its newest priests. One noticeable difference was that the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul was much more crowded for the deacons, which is reasonable because there were 13 new deacons as opposed to […]

Four parishes in Phoenixville will merge into two

Archbishop Charles Chaput has accepted the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations to merge the four Catholic parishes of Phoenixville, Chester County, into two. The announcement was made Sunday, June 3 and read in the affected churches at weekend Masses. Holy Trinity Parish, founded in 1903 to serve Polish Catholics, will merge with St. Mary of the […]

School choice rally held at Philadelphia City Hall

Hundreds of Catholic high school students, parents, community advocates, legislators and community leaders held a school choice rally Wednesday, May 30 at Philadelphia City Hall. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald also spoke at the rally.  Other speakers included Chris Berry,  a junior from SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School and Lisa Marie Richburg, parent […]

In trial of priests, Msgr. Lynn defends actions, cites superiors’ roles

Msgr. William J. Lynn took the witness stand in his own defense May 23 and told jurors that “in my heart” he put the interests of children first as he handled allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The former secretary for clergy of the Archdiocese faces two counts of endangering the welfare of children by recommending for assignment some priests accused of sexual misconduct with children.