News
Religious join bishops in urging states to opt for Medicaid expansion
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishops and men and women religious are urging governors and state legislators in a handful of states, including Pennsylvania, to opt for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The action comes in states where no final decision has been made on whether to expand Medicaid or let the federal government step […]
Catholic Charismatics set for all-day celebration of joy April 6
If you need a theme for a Charismatic conference, “The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength,” certainly encapsulates the movement. Approximately 400 area Catholic Charismatics will converge on St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media, on April 6 and it’s a guarantee, they will be joyful.
Archdiocesan parishes joining rally for immigration reform in Washington April 10
There are now about 11 million illegal or undocumented immigrants (whichever term you prefer) living in the United States in legal limbo with no path to citizenship. A rally to remind people of this fact will be held in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, April 10 in support of immigration reform. Among those who will attend from Philadelphia are two busloads of mostly immigrants from Latin America, leaving for the rally from Visitation B.V.M. Parish in the Kensington section of the city, an area teeming with immigrants from the world over.
Pope says women’s love makes them privileged witnesses of Christ
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Women have a privileged role in the church because of their ability to pass on the faith through love, Pope Francis said.
Theology on Tap coming to a head in Northeast Philadelphia
A fun and interactive faith sharing opportunity for young adults is brewing in Northeast Philadelphia. Starting Monday, April 8, a new Theology on Tap series will take place at Gearo’s Grille on Welsh Road. The four-night event was organized by Father David Friel, parochial vicar at St. Anselm Parish.
Safeguarding creation expected to be major theme at WYD in Rio
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When hundreds of thousands of young Catholics gather with Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro in the summer, reflections on safeguarding the environment will be part of the program.
Small town celebrates 31 years of dedication to Divine Mercy
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. (CNS) — Many people come to Sauk Centre to visit the birthplace of famed novelist Sinclair Lewis, but four local men would argue that the small community can offer something much more — the gift of the Divine Mercy. Thirty-one years ago, a retired insurance agent, a restaurant night cook, a motel […]
U.S. Catholic school enrollment dropped last year but 28 schools opened
HOUSTON (CNS) -- Catholic educators opened 28 new schools and closed or consolidated 148 others during the 2012-13 school year, according to a report issued by the National Catholic Educational Association. And while a number of Catholic schools have closed, more than 32 percent of U.S Catholic schools have waiting lists.
New book on American nuns tells tales of sacrifice, dedication, faith
It started with 12 and how appropriate that would be. That was in 1727, when 12 Ursuline Sisters arrived in New Orleans, long before it was part of the United States. They were the vanguard for a vast army of women religious in America that probably peaked at about 180,000 around 1965 and has since dwindled to 54,000.
Sister Irene Regina, I.H.M.
Sister Irene Regina, I.H.M., formerly Irene McConnell, died March 25 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, after a brief illness. She was in the 59th year of her religious and was 76. Born in Philadelphia, Sister Irene entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1954 from St. Athanasius Parish […]