Local News
Masks to be mandated in all archdiocesan schools
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is requiring that face masks be worn by students, faculty, staff and visitors in all archdiocesan schools starting Monday, Aug. 30 before the start of in-person instruction Sept. 8 as a precaution against the spread of COVID -- especially by the unvaccinated.
Ministry to youth is a call to the whole church, leader says
Accompanying teens on their journey of faith is a task for all ages, even if it means "being OK with the mess" at times, said Marisally Santiago, director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Ministry with Youth.
Data needed to ‘find the core’ of rising violence in Phila., says counselor
As the city's homicide rate soars, Bette Kennedy of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services is studying troubled teens' anger, which runs "deeper than we think."
After brutal attack on husband, archdiocesan social worker calls for end to violence
"All I want is for this to stop," said Christine Torrisi-Lean following an Aug. 17 ambush by youth that has left her spouse Zach fighting for his life.
Local Rice Bowl campaign rebounds 65% amid year two of pandemic
Catholic Relief Services' annual collection has raised more than $354,000 in the Philadelphia Archdiocese so far -- and those funds are urgently needed at home and across the world, said area director Anne Ayella.
Young adult ministries help next generation connect, share faith
Parish-based, regional and national outreaches are ready to engage the next generation of believers in the five-county area, with the help of two archdiocesan offices.
Catholic school shifts into high gear for ‘real-world’ success
Multimillion dollar commitments from software executives and a regional automotive group are helping Father Judge High School in Philadelphia evolve in the 21st century, said president Brian Patrick King.
When loved one goes to prison, Catholic ministry walks with families
Sue and John Killeen of Drexel Hill lead the Mary Mother of Captives ministry in the Philadelphia area. John visits men in prison and helps transition them back to society, while Sue aids up to 112 families in a mutual support group.
Life ‘will never be like before’ following earthquake in Haiti, says local priest
A devastating 7.2 quake that has killed some 1,300 is the latest disaster to strike the Caribbean's poorest nation, and Oblate Father Eugène Almonor is organizing prayers to "implore the Lord" for his native land.
St. Rita statue back home after theft from national shrine
After going missing for some 36 hours in a theft from a locked grotto on Broad Street in South Philadelphia, a beloved image of St. Rita of Cascia was found undamaged several blocks away in answer to prayers of the shrine's staff and supporters.