Local News
Catholic ministries, schools ‘meet kids where they are’ amid mental health crisis
A national call to address depression and anxiety in teens shows there’s plenty of reason for concern – and for hope, say archdiocesan experts and Catholic school educators.
Guadalupe Mass shows Mary ‘etched’ into hearts of faithful, says archbishop
Hundreds gathered Dec. 11 to honor a 16th-century Marian apparition in Mexico whose message of hope resounds throughout the world, said Archbishop Nelson Pérez.
Priest’s ‘yes’ to God changed his life, for good of his parishioners
Msgr. Frank Depman, 40 years a priest and pastor of a large parish for Hispanic Catholics, reflects on “the power of grace” in his ministry in a new video highlighting the good work of priests in support of the archdiocesan Vocation Office.
New priests honored at Mass as part of ‘beautiful tradition’
A Dec. 2 liturgy sponsored by the Serra Club of Philadelphia recalled the recent ordination of Father Kenneth Cavara and Father Mark Tobin, while inviting young men to consider religious life.
Local donors raise $1.7 million for Catholic causes in archdiocese
Some 9,000 local donors raised $1.77 million for 124 parishes, schools and ministries of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Three local beneficiaries were among the top five in the U.S. as Catholics raised $16 million nationwide through #iGiveCatholic.
Priest, archdiocesan choir take stage at Kimmel for ‘A Soulful Christmas’
Father Stephen Thorne and the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, directed by Tonya Taylor-Dorsey, will join hundreds of African American musicians Dec. 14 to ring in the season with "a Holy Ghost jam."
Local Catholic teen crowdfunds for abortion-free vaccines
Luke Luna, a student at Martin Saints Classical High School, is raising awareness of the John Paul II Medical Research Institute and its efforts to develop therapies consistent with Catholic teaching.
Beloved Marian feast honors ‘mother, companion, advocate’
Some 1,200 area faithful, many traveling several miles on foot, are expected at a Dec. 11 celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, marking a 16th-century appearance of Mary that continues to inspire profound devotion.
Immaculate Conception points to Christ and Christmas, says local priest
God "reached back in time" from the cross to preserve Mary from original sin, making her "a worthy dwelling" for Jesus and preparing us to be the same, said Father Dennis Gill.
At Advent gathering, ancient prayer speaks to ‘what’s happening today’
The Religious Sisters of the Assumption are inviting faithful to "raise their experiences to God" by chanting the Liturgy of the Hours Dec. 11.