Local News

‘Blessed to be the best,’ thanks to faithful donors

Students at Our Lady of Confidence School are receiving instruction in academics, life skills and the Catholic faith, all made possible by those who support the Catholic Charities Appeal.

Ukraine steadfast in ‘fight for Western civilization,’ say local faithful

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its seventh month, fear mixes with faith and a determination to fight tyranny, said Ukrainian Catholics on hand at an Aug. 28 folk festival.

Test scores show archdiocesan K-8 school students on track, despite pandemic

Kids at archdiocesan elementary schools experienced "a full year's growth" academically due to in-person learning and dedicated teachers, said officials.

Labor Day a ‘respite from the noise, duties, expectations of life,’ says archbishop

The national holiday honoring workers reminds faithful of human dignity, and of the rest "we can always find" in God during "times of trial and labor," said Archbishop Nelson Pérez in his message for the occasion.

‘Positive momentum’ in resolving textbook delay, says archdiocese

A backlog in the processing and shipment of state-funded books and educational materials is underway, while both teachers and students are ready to start the school year "books or no books," said one principal.

Pope John Paul II HS unveils ‘game-changing’ learning center, program

Two initiatives unveiled at an Aug. 29 ceremony will expand access for students with special needs, thanks to support from the Ambassador's Fund for Catholic Education and other partners.

Faithful gather in prayer, solidarity for Pakistan flooding victims

With more than 1,110 killed and 33 million endangered by record rainfall in the South Asia nation, the archdiocesan Pakistani Catholic Community is organizing both spiritual and material aid.

Open mic opens doors, builds community for young adults

Dozens gathered for an Aug. 27 talent showcase (featuring a guest performance by Archbishop Nelson Pérez) aimed at creating a "critical mass" of evangelizing energy.

Cathedral invites all to prayers for ‘Peace in Our City’ and end to violence

Starting Aug. 28, the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will host a weekly one-hour gathering for "focused, intentional" intercession amid Philadelphia's rising homicide rate.

New seminarians move in, begin life at St. Charles Borromeo

Close to 30 young men arrived on campus this week, bringing the total number of seminarians on campus to 133 -- and their presence is a "sign of hope," said rector Father Keith Chylinski.