Local News
Civil suits ‘not best mechanism’ to address abuse, says archdiocese
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Philadelphia archdiocesan officials said a new round of civil lawsuits filed Sept. 18 “are not the best mechanism to promote healing in the context of the very private and difficult circumstances of sexual abuse.” “We have not received copies of the cases that the plaintiffs have said they intend to file, so […]
Mercy Health System opens clinic in shopping mall
Malls are one of the greatest modern conveniences. Take Plymouth Meeting Mall. All within a few steps of each other, you can browse at Boscov’s, get a sandwich at Subway or get an MRI at Mercy. You read correctly. Mercy Health System has just opened a spanking new 23,000 square-foot health center in the heart of the mall with all kinds of out-patient services. If you shop ‘til you drop they can probably resuscitate you.
Pastor of Ascension Parish suspended for abuse allegations
Father Michael Chapman, 56, pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Philadelphia, has been placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput following allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The priest was suspended in March 2011 for an alleged violation of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s guidelines […]
At workshop for catechists, Archbishop Chaput tells how to ‘render unto God’
The 150 or so catechists who attended the Sept. 13 Fall Professional Development Day at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary were in for a special treat – their own catechist for the day was Archbishop Charles Chaput. His topic — issues to consider in this election year, especially life issues — was at the top of […]
Archdiocese’s shore home for priests sold for $4.5 million
A vacation house at the South Jersey shore used by generations of elderly priests was sold at auction by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for $4.5 million Sept. 15. Steve and Ilene Berger of Newtown Square won the bidding at $4.125 million for Villa St. Joseph by the Sea, a 19-room, 9,800-square-foot mansion in Ventnor, N.J., […]
Archbishop announces clerical appointment
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M.Cap., has appointed Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino as Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, effective immediately.
Gov. Corbett, Archbishop Chaput rally for education at Bonner/Prendie
The Faith in the Future Foundation used a Sept. 13 visit to an assembly at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, a large contingent of state legislators and Archbishop Charles Chaput as a backdrop to unveil “E20K: Educate 20,000” an ambitious program to increase enrollment in the high schools to 20,000 students in coming years.
Phila. Mayor Nutter, in nod to former teacher, visits Little Flower High School
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter makes it a practice to visit schools of all types at the opening of the school year – public, private, Catholic and charters. His Sept. 11 visit to Little Flower High School in the Hunting Park section of the city was probably not a random choice. He admits when growing up […]
Pa.’s Catholic bishops urge Corbett to commute death sentence
Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops wrote to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Sept. 5 urging its members to recommend to Governor Tom Corbett a commutation of Terrance Williams’ sentence to life in prison, according to a statement by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. The bishops, including Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput in his column on CatholicPhilly.com, are encouraging […]
Last summer, kids learned how to lead at Catholic programs
Archdiocesan Out of School Time programs aren’t just there to keep kids busy during the school year. It is year round, and for some teens it means summer employment that they can build upon in years to come. “We had 68 kids in programs during summertime,” said Dominique James, who is program director at the […]