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Father Michael Heim, 55, parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish, dies
Father Michael J. Heim, 55, a parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish in Philadelphia, died May 4. Born in Levittown, the son of the late William Heim and the late Sophia Rydzewska Heim, he attended St. Joseph the Worker School and Bishop Egan High School before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He was ordained May […]
Charles Madden, local artist, dies at 78
Charles L. Madden, 78, a noted area artist proficient in various media, died May 7. Born in Philadelphia Madden had an interest in art from an early age, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1956. He immediately began his career as co-founder of Madden, Baron […]
Mexican priest who helps migrants takes break after increased threats
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — A Mexican priest known for sheltering undocumented Central American migrants — and defying organized criminal groups and corrupt politicians — has withdrawn from his work temporarily due to threats, but says he will return. News of the threats came the same day officials in the northern state of Nuevo Leon found […]
Six men to be ordained priests on May 19
Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will receive six new priests as Archbishop Charles Chaput ordains transitional deacons Daniel J. Dwyer, Anthony R. Hangholt, Robert A. Ianelli, John Paul Masson, Timothy J. McGuire and Thomas P. Whittingham on Saturday, May 19 at the Cathedral […]
Continuing coverage of Archbishop Chaput’s decisions on priests
Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests 'Swift and transparent' investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful
Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful
Church action following the clergy sexual abuse scandal is most importantly about justice for the victims. But it’s also about healing – not only for the victims, but for the entire Church community. With that in mind the Archdiocese has begun a new initiative, “Honesty, Healing and Hope in Christ: Confronting Sexual Violence in Our […]
‘Swift and transparent’ investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases
When Gina Maisto Smith, a veteran child abuse prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, was hired by the Archdiocese to review all cases of living priests accused of child abuse in the Archdiocese in the aftermath of the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on clergy sex abuse, Philadelphia Catholics might be excused if they […]
Details of a rigorous review process revealed during press conference about suspended priests
After intensive review, eight of the 26 cases of priests placed on leave last year by Cardinal Justin Rigali following the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report have been resolved, Archbishop Charles Chaput announced at a May 4 press conference held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. All eight priests had allegations against them of sexual abuse of minors or violations of the Archdiocese’s Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The Archbishop also said a number of the remaining cases should be decided within coming weeks.
Documents regarding Archbishop Chaput’s decisions
News Release May 4, 2012 Archbishop Chaput's remarks at press conference Archbishop Chaput's Letter Archbishop Chaput's Letter (in Spanish) Executive Summary Executive Summary (in Spanish) Priest Administrative Leave Resolution Chart Priest Administrative Leave Resolution Background
Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests
Archbishop Charles Chaput announced May 4 his decisions on eight priests who had been suspended due to past allegations of clerical misconduct or child sexual abuse. Of the priests, five were “unsuitable for ministry.” They include Msgr. Francis Feret, 75, and Fathers George Cadwallader, 58; Robert Povish, 47; John Reardon, 65; and Thomas Rooney, 61. The three priests deemed suitable for ministry are Msgr. Michael Flood, 72, and Fathers Philip Barr, 92; and Michael Chapman, 56.