News
Focolare offers reflection on passion and death of Jesus before Lent
Members of the Focolare Movement will tell how a deeper understanding of the passion and death of our Lord enables people to deal with the trials and tribulations of day-to-day life on Sunday, March 2 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Philadelphia.
Nuns in Central African Republic reported safe as armed militia retreat
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- Catholic church leaders in the Central African Republic said they believe European nuns working in the country are "generally safe," after reports of rape by retreating armed groups.
Vatican releases pope’s Lenten schedule, including penitential service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' calendar of liturgical services for March and April -- including Holy Week and Easter -- includes the addition of a Lenten "penitential service," but does not say where he will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper.
High rate of Bible illiteracy among general population ‘no surprise’
Last year, the American Bible Society showed 57 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 to 28 read their Bible less than three times per year or never. A 2010 Pew survey found only 42 percent of U.S. Catholics could identify Genesis as the first book of the Bible.
Ignorance about marriage is no reason to change doctrine, cardinal says
Just because people don't understand Jesus' word doesn't mean it can or should be changed, said the head of the church's doctrinal office in the Vatican. "It would be paradoxical if the church said, 'Since not everyone knows the truth, the truth isn't obligatory for the future.'"
Youth rally on Sunday aims to help anxious teens trust in God
All Catholic high school-aged students are invited to the Generation Phaith Youth Rally March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., which will include live music, workshops, lunch, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confession and Mass.
Beloved pastor who shared link with Pope John Paul II dies at 96
Msgr. Anthony E. Jaworowski, 96, pastor emeritus of St. Adalbert Parish Philadelphia, and host to the soon-to-be canonized Pope John Paul II during the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia, died Feb 22.
Questionnaire on family life to aid church meetings
The input of Philadelphia-area Catholics last November will help with church discussions regarding marriage and the family this fall in Rome, and for the World Meeting of Families next year in Philadelphia.
Prayer, talk on Blessed Louis Martin offered at Carmelite Monastery
The Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia’s Oak Lane section invites everyone to pray in the presence of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and of her parents, Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin on Sunday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rydal parish explores, Who is Pope Francis?
St. Hilary Parish in Rydal, Montgomery County, offers an evening with Jesuit Father Dan Ruff to learn more about Pope Francis on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.