Local News
Day of prayer and fasting to be observed today
Catholics from parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in spiritual union with their brothers and sisters throughout the state to preserve their religious liberty March 30. In a letter issued earlier this month through the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), all of the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania called on the faithful throughout the […]
Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools resigns
With great reluctance, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that it has accepted the resignation of Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools. Her decision was made in order to devote time to providing physical care for members of her family unable to do so on their own. Rochford said, “It has been my privilege to serve […]
Rally for Religious Freedom held at Independence Hall
As one of approximately 140 such demonstrations around the country, on March 23 a throng of about 800 gathered for a noonday rally at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the birthplace of American liberty, to protest what they firmly believe is an infringement on their freedom of religion – the new requirement imposed by the Obama administration […]
Pennsylvanians for Human Life host annual banquet
Life-changing moments can come at unexpected times. Georgette Forney will never forget that heart-wrenching conversation begun at a family dinner in a restaurant 14 years ago. “Mom, were you married when you were 16?” asked Rebecca who was 8 years old at the time. “Of course not, what kind of a crazy question is that?” […]
Archdiocese announces new president of West Catholic High School
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces with great pleasure the appointment of Brother Richard Kestler, F.S.C., as president of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, effective July 1. Brother Richard brings with him over 50 years of experience as an educator, administrator and Brother of the Christian Schools. Brother Richard previously served at West Catholic as principal […]
St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown breaks ground on new church building
DOWNINGTOWN – St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Downingtown, Chester County, broke ground for a new church March 18 at the site of the new church, 460 Manor Ave. in Downingtown following the noon Mass which was celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput. A reception followed the groundbreaking ceremony. To accommodate future growth, the parish began […]
Archbishop Chaput forms Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
Archbishop Charles Chaput has instituted a mostly-lay and highly diversified Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) which met with him for the first time Feb. 25. Although similar pastoral councils have been in place in the parishes, this is the first time there has been a similar archdiocesan council. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, which is similar to […]
Archbishop Chaput receives honorary degree from Neumann University
Archbishop Charles Chaput received an honorary degree from Neumann University on March 14. The university presented the award during an academic convocation to celebrate Charter Day, the 47th anniversary of its founding. “I hope to be an agent of good change in your life,” Archbishop Chaput told the crowd of more than 200 during remarks […]
St. John Vianney Scholars Program awards first scholarships
Parishioners from St. John Vianney Church in Gladywne, Montgomery County, have created a scholarship program that will provide financial and academic support to eligible students who desire to attend an Archdiocesan high school beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. The Saint John Vianney Scholars program awarded eight incoming freshmen with a $3,000 a year scholarship […]
Archdiocesan general counsel placed on administrative leave
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Friday, March 16 that general counsel Tim Coyne, who manages legal affairs, had been placed on administrative leave. There was no explanation or comment from the Archdiocese. Spokesman Kenneth Gavin said, “It’s a personnel issue; therefore we won’t be discussing it publicly.” Ordinary legal matters of archdiocesan entities will be […]