News
Bill on sex-selection abortion fails to get needed two-thirds majority in House
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A bill that would have prohibited abortions motivated by the gender of the unborn child failed to gain a needed two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives May 31. The vote to suspend the rules and pass the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., and known as PRENDA, was […]
School choice rally held at Philadelphia City Hall
Hundreds of Catholic high school students, parents, community advocates, legislators and community leaders held a school choice rally Wednesday, May 30 at Philadelphia City Hall. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald also spoke at the rally. Other speakers included Chris Berry, a junior from SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School and Lisa Marie Richburg, parent […]
Peruvian church leaders concerned after two are detained during mine protests
SICUANI, Peru (CNS) — Church leaders in Peru called for dialogue and expressed concern about the detention of two human rights workers in the southern Andes Mountains during violent protests over a copper mine. Two people have been killed and dozens, including police officers, have been injured in demonstrations against the Tintaya Mine, owned by […]
Students encourage support of vouchers
With school vouchers and Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) under Pennsylvania’s legislative microscope, students in the Archdiocese focused on the benefits of a Catholic education on May 20, Voucher Sunday. Teens like Mary Fitzpatrick, a senior at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, urged the faithful to contribute to their parish schools and parochial […]
In trial of priests, Msgr. Lynn defends actions, cites superiors’ roles
Msgr. William J. Lynn took the witness stand in his own defense May 23 and told jurors that “in my heart” he put the interests of children first as he handled allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The former secretary for clergy of the Archdiocese faces two counts of endangering the welfare of children by recommending for assignment some priests accused of sexual misconduct with children.
Archdiocese celebrates ordination of six priests
Saturday, May 19 was a beautiful, sun-filled day. But even if there had been a roaring hurricane, it would have been a beautiful day inside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. That’s because at that day and place six men, after years of study and discernment, received ordination to the priesthood at the […]
Students of new grade schools looking ahead
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the first principal of Mater Dei, and it is my hope that the partnership between St. Stanislaus, St. Rose of Lima and St. Maria Goretti parishes will create a strong, quality, faith-based educational program so that the powerful legacy of Catholic education will continue to serve our children for generations to come,” McCaughan said. Msgr. Joseph A. Tracy, pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, said, “Keeping all current names in a new title was awkward, and we feel that the new name (Mater Dei) offers students, faculty and parishioners the chance to start off fresh under Mary’s mantle.”
Nearly 400 priests gather for convocation
For Msgr. Michael Magee, the two days spent in Hershey, Pa. with 380 other priests was a prayerful time, a learning experience and an all-too-rare chance for diocesan clergy to relax and enjoy one another’s company. The occasion, held May 14-16, was the second Convocation for Priests, scheduled in anticipation of a “Year of Faith,” […]
Calendar of events for July
Spiritual Novenas The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia will hold its regular Monday novena with Father Richard Kehoe, C.M., as principal homilist on July 2. He will preach on “Mary, Patroness of the United States.” On July 9 Father William Allegretto, C.M., will preach on “Our Lady of Mount Carmel”; on July 16 Father Michael […]
Our Lady of Calvary School receives $5,000 grant from Beneficial Bank
The Beneficial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Beneficial Bank, awarded a $5,000 grant to Our Lady of Calvary School in Northeast Philadelphia for placing first in the Grades 4-8 category of The Beneficial Foundation School Challenge. Our Lady of Calvary School will use the grant to fund a new OLC Mission Control Initiative program, which […]