Local News

Catholics in Phila. asked to mask up for Mass

Guidelines issued by the Philadelphia Archdiocese on Friday, Aug. 13 “strongly encourage” people to wear a face mask during Mass “whether vaccinated or not, in the body of the church.”

Local college launches world’s first certificate in Eastern Catholic catechesis

Starting this fall, Manor College will offer a fully online curriculum in the theology of the 23 Eastern churches that, along with the Latin rite, comprise the Catholic Church.

Parishes across archdiocese welcome cycling seminarians

The Biking for Vocations tour of two groups of young men winding across the Philadelphia Archdiocese and Allentown Diocese spoke about vocations, socialized and prayed with parishioners at more than 20 churches and institutions Aug. 4-8.

‘No words,’ only prayer, a year after deadly Beirut blast, says local priest

Maronite Father Andrawos El-Tabchi, pastor of St. Maron Catholic Church in South Philadelphia, offered an Aug. 5 Mass to mark last year's explosion -- and for a Lebanon that has become "a living hell" of poverty and turmoil.

Beloved nun, theology teacher killed in accident

Sister Frances Antoinette Engler, S.S.J., was struck and killed Aug. 5 while crossing a street in Northeast Philadelphia. Those she touched through her ministry are remembering "a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to God."

‘Biking for Vocations’ takes call to priesthood on the road

Now in its third year, the five-day tour kicked off Aug. 4, leading 10 seminarians over some 370 miles throughout the archdiocese to bring hope, joy and love to their future flocks.

MagniFest raises songs of praise in Chester County

More than 100 people including young adults and families enjoyed the first of a three-night summer concert series on a warm evening July 31 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson. Two more concerts are set for Aug. 7 and 14, the latter including Mass and a talk.

New program helps future priests ‘get the word of God out’ in perfect English

Starting this September, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary will offer a full-immersion English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

Ministries feed body and soul in Chester

The practical and spiritual support offered by the St. Katharine Drexel pantry and the Anna's Place hospitality center are "more than just food," said Archbishop Nelson Pérez during a July 22 visit.

Baby shower pampers moms and little ones

Catholic Social Services treated expectant mothers and their little ones July 29 to food, fun and "fellowship with one another" at the agency's Delaware County location.