Local News
Reverend Louis C. Bier placed on administrative leave
Father Louis C. Bier, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, Delaware County, has been placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, according to a statement by the archdiocesan Office for Communications March 12. The action came in response to concerns regarding Father Bier’s current suitability for ministry. The concerns are […]
More than 1,000 men gather to grow in their faith, spirituality
The fourth annual Men’s Spirituality Conference, held March 3 at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia, broke its own tradition by featuring a woman for the day’s keynote address. It was an extraordinary step, but Immaculee Ilibagiza was an extraordinary speaker. In 1994, during 100 terrible days, Hutu rebels massacred 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda, […]
Montco coroner releases report on Cardinal Bevilacqua’s death
Suspicion surrounding the death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, former Archbishop of Philadelphia, has been laid to rest. He died of natural causes Jan. 31 at St. Charles Seminary in Wynnewood, according to Montgomery County Coroner Walter I. Hofman. “Elderly people with pre-existent natural disease often die quite suddenly,” Hofman said March 8 at press conference […]
Mary Mother of Captives support group helps families of prisoners
Her name is Maryann and she doesn’t want her last name published. She is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. She also has a son who is 25. He is in prison serving a term of two to five years. Maryann, 60, attends regular support group meetings for her breast cancer. She also has started […]
Meet Paul Gleason Sr., the longest serving Knight in the world
To live to be a centenarian is certainly a distinction. To discover that you are the longest serving member of the 1.8 million Knights of Columbus in the entire world is quite another. That would be Paul J. Gleason Sr., who is a member of Phoenixville Council #1374 whose singular longevity in the Catholic men’s […]
Archdiocese issues statement on Father McCormick
At approximately 5 p.m. Friday, March 2, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia learned that Father Patrick G. McCormick was arrested Feb. 23 and charged with patronizing a prostitute, according to a statement by the archdiocesan Communications Office. “This information is deeply troubling,” the statement said. It explained that Father McCormick informed the Archdiocese on Feb. 24 that he had […]
Bishop DeSimone celebrates 90th birthday at St. Monica Parish
It was a full church for the Saturday vigil Mass at St. Monica Church in South Philadelphia on Feb. 18 when retired Auxiliary Bishop Louis A. DeSimone returned as the parish honored him for his 90th birthday on Feb. 21. Bishop DeSimone, who was pastor of St. Monica’s for a quarter century before his retirement, […]
Bucks County parish sends windows, hope to Mississippi Delta
A distance of more than 1,100 miles separates the suburban sprawl of Holland in Bucks County from the Mississippi delta town of Greenwood. But the simple act of giving has connected the two communities, and the churches that serve them. Both Franciscan Fathers Gregory Plata and William Stout understand the chasm, in both demographics and […]
Valentines for veterans
Giving back to the community and helping others are values instilled in every St. Francis de Sales school student. As part of Catholic Schools Week activities, students created valentine cards to share with local VFW Post 6613 to show appreciation for their patriotic efforts. Students and families also donated specific items for Armed Forces Care […]
Parishes in Philadelphia, Chester Co., evaluated
Seven parishes in Northwest Philadelphia and four parishes in Coatesville, Chester County, submitted written recommendations for Archbishop Charles Chaput’s consideration regarding merging, consolidating or closing some of the parishes in those Pastoral Planning Areas (PPAs). The proposals were due Feb. 15, and will be discussed among the parish pastors and a Strategic Planning Committee comprised of archdiocesan experts in several aspects of Church life. PPA 540 includes nine parishes located in the Germantown, Mount Airy and Oak Lane sections of Philadelphia and a detailed study of seven of those parishes began last October. The parishes affected are St. Vincent de Paul, founded in 1851; St. Francis of Assisi, founded in 1899; Immaculate Conception, founded in 1902; St. Benedict, founded in 1922; St. Therese of the Child Jesus, founded in 1925; St. Athanasius, founded in 1928; and St. Raymond of Penafort, founded in 1941.