News
13 permanent deacons ordained for Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The June 2 ordination ceremony for Philadelphia’s newest permanent deacons was strikingly similar to the May 19 ordination ceremony for its newest priests. One noticeable difference was that the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul was much more crowded for the deacons, which is reasonable because there were 13 new deacons as opposed to […]
Four parishes in Phoenixville will merge into two
Archbishop Charles Chaput has accepted the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations to merge the four Catholic parishes of Phoenixville, Chester County, into two. The announcement was made Sunday, June 3 and read in the affected churches at weekend Masses. Holy Trinity Parish, founded in 1903 to serve Polish Catholics, will merge with St. Mary of the […]
St. Hubert High School community gathers to show support for school choice
Students, teachers and administrators from St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls gathered on the steps of the school June 1 to support the immediate proposal and passage of School Choice legislation, including school vouchers and expanded Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). The community of St. Hubert’s was joined by Rep. Kevin Boyle, from the […]
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.”