News
Parish views: From do-it-all pastors to 100 ministries to guide
In the latest story in our American Parish series, the shortage of priests is impacting parishioners, their pastors and community life as parishes combine and in some cases, thrive.
Although of many styles, Catholic schools face similar challenges
Pope Francis will visit a Catholic school in Harlem, New York. But he will get only a glimpse of the wide variety of Catholic education available in the U.S.
A totem pole and a papal encyclical symbolize opposition to coal trains
The papal encyclical on the environment was invoked during a Washington State protest against use of fossil fuels and a planned coal shipping plant on the coast.
Francis Festival offers fun, security-free zone in city
The "I'll Be There" campaign invites visitors into a large swath of center city Philadelphia, and encourages businesses and residents to welcome all for the historic September events.
Brand new ballgame: 72 men start lives as seminarians in Rome
Seventy two young men recently entered the Pontifical North American seminary in Rome, where they are expected set aside secular values and dedicate themselves in serving the poor and oppressed. .
Prisoners make chair Pope Francis will use in visit
When the pope stops to speak with inmates and their families at Philadelphia's Curran-Fromhold jail, he'll use a chair the men built in the prison shop.
Although of many styles, Catholic schools face similar challenges
Some Catholic schools are prosperous and flourish through parental involvement. Others struggle as even teachers and nuns wear many hats to keep the classrooms and the buildings operating.
Charismatics plan Mass and rally as pope comes to city
Organizers expect up to 5,000 Catholic Charismatics from around the world will attend their event in South Philadelphia on the day when Pope Francis arrives here.
From flush to floundering, parish finances run the gamut
The American Parish series looks at how parishes across the U.S., including one in New Jersey, handle collections, deficits and new initiatives to keep the parish going.
Across the U.S., parish life is changing
Pope Francis won't have time on his U.S. visit in September to stop at churches representing a cross-section of Catholic parishes. But he might read the American Parish series starting today, which over three years examined several parishes.