News

Sister M. Ryszarda Kopec, chef for 2 Philadelphia cardinals, dies at 93

The Little Servant Sister of the Immaculate Conception was dietician in Poland when she came to New Jersey in 1984, then became the chef at the residence of Cardinals John Krol and Anthony Bevilacqua.

Sister Phyllis Ann DiRenzo, I.H.M., dies at 70 from COVID-19

The former Sister Rose David was in the 51st year as a Sister Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She taught at several schools, was a pastoral minister and hospital chaplain.

Sister Mary Jane Daily dies at 84, was Sister of St. Joseph for 66 years

The former Sister Michael Lawrence ministered in the Dioceses of Allentown and Camden, and the Archdioceses of Newark, Philadelphia and Washington.

Sister Hildegard Grogan dies, was health care leader

The native of St. Raymond Parish in Philadelphia became a Franciscan sister, earned three nursing degrees and served as a nurse, professor and hospital vice president.

Sister Sally Dougherty, S.S.J., dies at 95

The Bethlehem, Pa. native entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1944 as Sister Mary Richard. She went on to serve in four dioceses in the Northeast U.S.

Father John Harkins, retired pastor, dies at 81

The Philadelphia native served as parochial vicar at several parishes and taught at Bishop McDevitt High School, and was the pastor of St. Michael Parish in the city.

World Marriage Day to be celebrated this year on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day

National Marriage Week, which began Feb. 7, highlights how married couples live their wedding promises daily, "particularly as many couples and families have spent more time at home together this year."

Proposed suit in Vancouver alleges Christian Brothers abuse

A class-action suit says that between 1976 and 1983, six men who abused children at a Newfoundland school run by the Christian Brothers were transferred to two Vancouver high schools, also run by the order.

Kansas bishop steps aside as abuse allegation is investigated

Under recent Vatican reforms, the bishop of Dodge City is deferring to the metropolitan, Archbishop Naumann in Kansas City, for a church investigation while a civil probe continues.

Sister Lauretta, teacher at Nazareth Academy for 42 years, dies at 98

The Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth entered the order in 1952, was among the first class of Holy Family College (now University) and spent most of her ministry at the girls' high school in Philadelphia.