Local News
Local collection for Sandy relief coming Sunday after Thanksgiving
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput invites all 257 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to consider taking up a special second collection for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the weekend of Nov. 24-25, the archdiocese announced Nov. 8.
Catholic Life Congress ready to help deepen Philadelphia Catholics’ faith
Catholic Life Congress is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s annual convention for the faith formation of lay people, religious and clergy. Held this year on Saturday, Nov. 17, it comes during the Year of Faith in the Catholic Church, a time for Catholics to “grow deeper into their faith and to be renewed in their faith,” said Connie Scharff, the archdiocesan point person for organizing the congress. “As a result of that, by virtue of our baptism, once we have gone into our own faith we’re able to evangelize others simply by the way we live our daily lives.” In a sense, she believes, Catholics are answering the question, how would Jesus have lived in this day and age?
Pa.’s Catholic bishops: Democracy depends on people fighting for what they believe
Election Day, Nov. 6, offers “a critical opportunity for Catholics … to exercise our civic duty and fulfill our social responsibility in a way that becomes us as aspiring saints,” the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania said in a statement Nov. 2. “Because politics is the place where competing moral visions of a society meet and struggle,” […]
Clerical changes announced
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective November 1, 2012, unless otherwise noted: PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR Reverend David M. Vidal, I.V.E., to Parochial Administrator, Saint Hugh of Cluny Parish, Philadelphia, while continuing as Pastor, Saint Veronica Parish, Philadelphia SPECIAL MINISTRY Reverend Monsignor J. Michael Flood, to Administrator, Regina […]
Archdiocese unveils new policies for handling complaints of improper conduct with minors
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia released its comprehensive Policies for the Protection of Children and Young People Oct. 31. The policies, most of which have been already in effect, become fully effective Nov. 1 and can be read at the archdiocesan website, www.archphila.org. The policies were developed and provisionally implemented since the release of the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on child sexual abuse in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Investigator explains reason for delays in suspended priests’ cases
The Policies for Protection of Children and Young People is really a living document, according to Al Toczydlowski, who brings to the table his 30 years’ experience in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to the archdiocesan Office for Investigations, which he has headed for the past year and a half.
At Mass for Malvern Retreat House, archbishop urges openness to Holy Spirit
“Happy Anniversary, we are grateful for the past; now let’s talk about the future,” paraphrases the basic message from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput during his homily at the 100th Anniversary Mass for Malvern Retreat House held Oct. 28 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul before a packed congregation composed of supporters of America’s largest retreat facility.
Archbishop Chaput offers statement on Hurricane Sandy
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput issued the following statement Monday, Oct. 29 regarding Hurricane Sandy. Archdiocesan parochial and secondary schools will remain closed Tuesday, Oct. 30, as will the offices of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.
New Blessed Teresa Church dedicated in Limerick
The winding country roads of Limerick host modest homes, small churches and businesses as any town. But now high spires poke out of the Montgomery County landscape as parishioners of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish now worship God in their new church. Archbishop Charles Chaput dedicated the 22,000 square foot Gothic edifice Saturday, Oct. 27.
Archbishop Chaput: Catholic teaching trumps party loyalty on abortion
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Church teaching against abortion "requires absolute adherence" on the part of Catholic voters, who must "stand united" in opposition to the practice regardless of party affiliation, said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia. "(Abortion) really is a big issue today, and I think what it requires of Catholics is a loyalty to the church prior to their political party," Archbishop Chaput told Catholic News Service Oct. 20 in Rome. (See a video interview)