Local News
Parishes to take next step in plan
All of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 266 parishes are beginning to examine each parish’s mission, identity and goals, “while working to determine if (each) has the resources required for sustained operation,” according to a Dec. 14 statement by the Archdiocese. Archbishop Charles Chaput directed the ongoing archdiocesan Parish Pastoral Planning Initiative in a letter to […]
Glad to be Home for Christmas
The atmosphere was already crackling with excitement in Maternity B.V.M.’s parish hall Dec. 13 as first grade students filed in to “Santa’s Secret Shop” to buy presents for their parents. But the tables were turned on one of the little ones when she realized the surprise in store for her. Daijah Fordham, 6, was sitting […]
Blue Ribbon Commission on Catholic Education: Final report to be released
In December 2010, when Cardinal Justin Rigali announced the formation and membership of a Blue Ribbon Commission to chart the future course of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it was charged with examining current programs with the objective of defining a strategic plan that would assure a sustainable Catholic education system into the […]
Youth perform “Live Nativity” at St. Robert Parish
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the St. Robert Bellarmine Youth Ministry Program in Warminster presented “Live Nativity – The Christmas Story Comes to Life.” The main cast and crew included students from St. Joseph/St. Robert School, PREP, and parish youth through 12th grade. Supporting cast consisted of live sheep, donkeys and llamas. […]
More than 1,000 attend Cardinal John Foley’s funeral Mass
One thing was crystal clear at the Dec. 16 funeral for Cardinal John P. Foley, 76, at Philadelphia’s Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The man was loved. Technically the thousand or so at the Mass were mourners, but the word just doesn’t seem to fit, because it was basically a happy gathering remembering […]
A loving remembrance of John Cardinal Foley
Click on links to 35 articles, reflections, photo galleries and videos about the late Cardinal John P. Foley’s life and his enduring legacy. In the CatholicPhilly.com’s comprehensive package: Funeral coverage, obituary, statements from Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop Charles Chaput; and homilies by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Thomas and New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, plus video […]
Parish schools demonstrate season’s spirit of giving
In Holland, St. Bede the Venerable students visited homebound parishioners during the annual Advent Day of Prayer Dec. 13. Seventh grade students joined seniors for lunch; kindergarteners and eighth grade students sang Christmas carols after the meal.
Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president of Neumann University, on Cardinal Foley
I am writing to add my voice to the scores of others that have already sung the praises of John Cardinal Foley. Truly a man of the people, Cardinal Foley could engage anyone in genuine conversation because of his heartfelt belief that every human being is a child of God and worthy of sincere respect. […]
Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s homily for Cardinal John Foley’s funeral Mass
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us!” It is the celebration of that mystery of the Incarnation that we await this Advent season, as we long to hear those inspired poetic lines from the Prologue of the Gospel of John the Evangelist on Christmas morning. It is the mystery of the ongoing […]
Twitter report: Procession and Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal John Foley
Editor’s note: we will be updating this throughout the Mass, which starts at 2 p.m. 1:45 p.m. Procession of clergy & prelates begins in a few minutes. Casket is in main aisle covered with cream & gold colored pall. Whole left side of cathedral is reserved for clergy, who are now in procession from archdiocesan […]