News
Clergy assignment changes announced
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: PASTOR EMERITUS Reverend Donald G. Birch, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Fallsington, effective October 14, 2013 Father Birch is retiring and will reside at a private residence. PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR Reverend Michael F. Hennelly, to Parochial Administrator, Saint Joseph […]
Cathedral Concert Series presents music in space for which it was meant
Music is alive and well in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and at a level of excellence it hasn’t seen in years, thanks to John Romeri, archdiocesan director of liturgical music who is entering his fourth year in the City of Brotherly Love since his arrival from St. Louis. The Cathedral Choir, originally formed by Dr. Peter LaManna for the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia and reconstituted by Romeri, has 89 members drawn from 50 parishes. The Girls’ Choir formed by him two years ago has 42 girls representing more than 20 parishes.
New Jersey pro-lifers cite power of prayer in effort to end abortion
MANVILLE, N.J. (CNS) -- Some pro-lifers get discouraged that bringing an end to abortion isn't happening overnight, but the power of prayer is making a difference, said Kevin Dugan, a parish pro-life ministry leader. For years members of Dugan's parish, Immaculate Conception in Somerville, have been joined by other faith communities in the Diocese of Metuchen to pray near a Planned Parenthood clinic in Manville. The effort is part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Britain’s top prosecutor confirms gender-based abortions are legal
MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- Abortions on grounds of gender are legal in Britain, the country's top prosecutor clarified in a letter to the government. Keir Starmer, director of public prosecutions, said in an Oct. 7 letter to Attorney General Dominic Grieve that the 1967 Abortion Act "does not ... expressly prohibit gender-specific abortions."
Pope calls synod to discuss families, divorce and remarriage
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The predicament of divorced and remarried Catholics will be a major topic of discussion when bishops from around the world meet at the Vatican in October 2014. The Vatican announced Oct. 8 that an extraordinary session of the Synod of Bishops will meet Oct. 5-19, 2014, to discuss the "pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization."
Thousands from Philadelphia parishes honor Mary in ‘America’s Church’
Washington D.C. may have been shut down for most purposes on Saturday, Oct. 5, but Philadelphia Catholics were there anyway for their bi-annual visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The largest Catholic Church in the hemisphere, it is popularly called “America’s Church” but in reality it is far more than that. With scores of interior chapels and shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin as she is venerated in countries around the globe, it would be difficult to find a structure anywhere that more visually portrays the universality of the Church.
What the Supreme Court is thinking about today, and maybe later
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court's docket for the term beginning Oct. 7 is notable -- from the perspective of the Catholic Church -- for a handful of cases accepted or in the pipeline that would refine previous rulings on free speech, public prayer and the Affordable Care Act.
Polls show majority of U.S. Catholics have favorable view of pope
A new poll from Quinnipiac University showed that 53 percent of American Catholics view Pope Francis favorably; 36 percent have a very favorable opinion of him and 4 percent view him negatively. The results were similar to a poll released Sept. 12 by the Washington-based Pew Research's Religion & Public Life Project Center, which that found 79 percent of Catholics have a favorable view of the pope and 4 percent thought poorly of him. The former poll also revealed a sampling of American Catholics' views on marriage and abortion.
Deacon Coyle dies at 84; funeral rites at St. Kevin Church, Springfield
Deacon Joseph P. Coyle, a retired permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, Oct. 1. Deacon Coyle was born March 29, 1929, in Philadelphia. He attended Our Mother of Sorrows School, St. Rose of Lima School and St. Thomas More High School, Philadelphia. He also attended St. Joseph’s University. Deacon Coyle was ordained […]
St. Bede’s holds Ministry Fair featuring 32 parish groups
St. Bede Parish, Holland, is promoting the services it offers the community during a Ministry Fair held after Masses Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, at the church. St. Bede is located at 1071 Holland Road in Holland, Bucks County. A total of 32 parish organizations, including liturgical and social ministries, the pastoral council, Legion of […]