Local News
Sign of peace makes return at Masses this weekend
While always an option during the Communion Rite at Mass, the familiar handshake among worshipers was omitted during the COVID pandemic, but can return April 24-25.
Family Festival aims to build up families post-pandemic
“It’s been a rough couple of years” for families, said the organizer of the archdiocesan all-day festival April 30 featuring prayer, fun, good music and food, all to rekindle bonds between families.
St. John’s, Manayunk sets 190th parish jubilee celebration
Marking almost two centuries as the mother church of the Manayunk area, the Philadelphia parish will host an April 30 Mass with Archbishop Perez and a dinner reception to follow in the church hall that welcomed waves of immigrant Catholics.
Program helps Catholic schools to ‘run like business, on a mission’
An archdiocesan initiative is training principals in core accounting and finance skills so they can balance budgets and visions for the future.
Police rally for beloved chaplain in hospital
Local law enforcement members flashed their emergency lights at an April 6 procession for Oblate Father Steven Wetzel, chaplain of the Michael the Archangel Ministry, who is currently experiencing health issues.
Easter blessing of food satisfies body and soul
The tradition, which originated among Slavic peoples, ultimately reminds us that "Jesus is the Bread of Life," said Oblate Father Eugène Almonor of St. William Parish in Philadelphia.
Amid Holy Week, victims in Ukraine remembered
Faithful gathered April 13 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia to commemorate thousands of civilian deaths and atrocities in Ukraine, now in the second month of a Russian invasion.
Video series shows how to present Passion, without blaming Jews
Two professors from Saint Joseph's University have joined a number of scholars in exploring "fresh ways" to understand Jesus' crucifixion, while illuminating the Gospel and redressing centuries of anti-Jewish theology.
Easter tradition spells out a message of hope for Ukraine
The ancient custom of pysanky, Easter eggs decorated with rich symbols, has taken on new life amid a brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Mask mandate returns to city’s Catholic schools
Catholic schools in Philadelphia are preparing to reinstate a requirement to wear face masks by April 19, and churches in the city will "strongly encourage" wearing masks, due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.