News
All Saints, St. John Cantius parishes to merge in Philadelphia
Two parishes in the Bridesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia will merge beginning July 1, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Sunday, May 26. All Saints Parish and St. John Cantius Parish will merge to become a new parish at the site of St. John Cantius, with All Saints Church remaining “a worship site for the time being,” according to a statement by the archdiocese.
Priest suspended on 40-year-old allegation of sexual abuse
Father James J. Collins, 74, has been suspended from ministry following an allegation that he sexually abused a minor over 40 years ago. No other such allegation has been received against him. Archbishop Charles Chaput placed the priest on administrative leave Sunday, May 26, the Archdiocese announced in a statement. The decision is not connected to the cases of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
Pope prays for Chinese Catholics, talks about loving one’s enemies
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the face of difficulty, it’s natural to hope just to get by, but being Christian means patiently enduring trials and overcoming oppression with love, Pope Francis said at a Mass that included special prayers for China. During the Mass May 24, Pope Francis concluded the prayers of the faithful with […]
Rosary gave courage to soldier who recalls one of WWII’s last European battles
As a nation we’ve fought many wars, some necessary, others questionable. Very few people would deny that World War II, which was the deadliest war in human history, was truly necessary. Decency and civilization itself were in the balance. Most of the men and women who served and survived are now dead and gone, but their stories need to be remembered on Memorial Day -- stories like those of Norbert McGettigan, still going strong at 88.
Prendergast upsets St. Hubert’s for first league softball title in 31 years
On a hot afternoon May 22 on an immaculately landscaped field at Arcadia University, Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School -- aka Prendergast when talking only girls’ sports -- produced a memorable performance in the Catholic League softball championship. Led by senior pitcher Brooke Lachette’s steady pitching and a barrage of 10-hit, four-walk offense, Prendergast stunned defending champion St. Hubert’s, 6-3, for the school’s first softball title since 1982.
Archbishop calls for day of prayer and penance in response to Gosnell convition
Archbishop Charles Chaput encourages the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to observe Friday, May 24, 2013 as a day of prayer and penance, in response to the trial and conviction of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell. Archbishop Chaput is asking that the faithful participate in this day, with others or alone, by: attending […]
Boy Scouts vote to allow openly gay youths to belong to Scout troops
GRAPEVINE, Texas (CNS) — The Boy Scouts of America’s National Council voted late May 23 to allow openly gay youths admittance as members into the 103-year-old organization, effective Jan. 1, 2014. In a statement, the organization said the decision to review the organization’s ban on accepting homosexuals as members was made based on “growing […]
Old St. Mary Parish at 250 years: Older than the diocese, and U.S.
Parish anniversaries are always worth celebrating. A 250th anniversary is awesome -- think about it, that’s older than the United States itself. Old St. Mary’s in Philadelphia, where Archbishop Chaput will celebrate a quarter millennium anniversary Mass on May 26, traces back to 1763. St. Mary Chapel, established by Jesuit Father Robert Harding, was really an offshoot of Old St. Joseph’s which was established in 1733.
At memorial Mass on his birthday, Bishop McFadden remembered in Cathedral he loved
That a recently deceased bishop of another diocese, but originally from Philadelphia, should have a Memorial Mass celebrated in his home town is not unusual. What was unusual at the memorial Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for Harrisburg Bishop Joseph P. McFadden was the size of the congregation: the Cathedral was full to its 1,500 seating capacity.
No prayers at public meetings? Supreme Court will take up the case
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) -- The U.S. Supreme Court in the fall will hear oral arguments in a case from upstate New York about the practice of praying at open public meetings. One of the questions the high court may consider is what steps a municipality should take to ensure the religious diversity of prayers offered at such meetings.