News
Who would make a good priest? Parishioners will suggest some names
Catholics at all of the archdiocese's parishes can get involved with priestly vocations in early November through a new program, “Called by Name,” in which they can identify a young man who may have the qualities of a good priest.
Kindergartners learn about fire prevention
Students at St. Joseph/St. Robert School in Warrington had the opportunity to learn about fire safety from members of the Warrington Fire Company.
Support struggling families, synod’s lay observers say
Lay individuals and married couples, including the Witczaks from Philadelphia, offered members of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome some views of family life, and where ministry is needed.
World Mission Sunday Mass set for Abington church
Our Lady Help of Christians Church will host the archdiocese's annual Mass to pray for missionaries throughout the world this Sunday, Oct. 18. Bishop Michael Fitzgerald will be the celebrant.
Jerusalem holy site at center of enflamed tensions
The new wave of violence is taking place at one of the smallest contested spots on earth -- a 36-acre site claimed today by a Muslim mosque -- in the wake of rumors that Israel plans to take over the compound, which the Israeli government denies.
Archbishop: Family ministry is giving more love to those most in need
Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich told reporters that something his mother once said might give the Synod of Bishops a way to balance the need to affirm church teaching while reaching out to those who are struggling.
Infertility leads to sadness, and in Africa, divorce
Married couples need help in dealing with childlessness, which is "one of the major causes of divorce in Africa," said a Nigerian bishop at the Synod of Bishops on the family. The trauma "is beyond anything I can say."
Immigrants ‘need our loving response’ but sense hatred, St. Louis archbishop says
As Archbishop Robert Carlson listens to the national discussion on immigration, he said in a pastoral letter that he is "becoming increasingly concerned about the language and rhetoric of discrimination, hate and alienation."
Extreme poverty declining but much work remains, says Vatican rep at U.N.
The good news: the percentage of people living in extreme poverty will drop below 10 percent for the first time. But for many of those who have escaped it, "progress has been temporary and regression ... is even more painful," said the Vatican nuncio.
Confronting family issues, synod fathers focus on mercy, not changing doctrine
Members of the Synod of Bishops on the family summed up yesterday's sessions, which dealt with the rupture of families due to immigration, human trafficking and terrorism, and pastoral responses.