News

Palms to ashes: A few things to know about Ash Wednesday

Rich in history and tradition, the first day of Lent invites the faithful to turn from sin and recommit themselves to God through prayer, fasting and abstinence. Fun fact: Lent actually spans 46 days.

USCCB leaders offer prayers, urge support for tornado victims

UPDATED - The violent storms caused at least 23 deaths and scattered debris across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and parts of South Carolina, knocking out power for more than 10,000 homes.

States, District of Columbia sue to stop new rule for Title X funding

Twenty states and the District of Columbia filed a joint suit to block the Trump administration's "Protect Life Rule," which prevents funds from being used in services that include abortion as a method of family planning.

Religious, nonprofit leaders want Congress to repeal ‘parking lot tax’

A provision in the 2017 tax cut bill taxes religious and nonprofit organizations for the cost of parking lots and transit benefits for employees. It "creates an income tax on churches for the first time in U.S. history.”

Court denies case over religious buildings not getting taxpayer funds

The dispute is over state funds -- through historic preservation grants -- being offered to churches and other religious institutions.

Sessions set to conclude 3-year initiative on marriage, family life

This year the archdiocesan “Remain in My Love” program to reinvigorate Christian marriage and the family will present nine sessions at parishes from March through September -- see the full schedule.

Dissenting sisters in Indian rape case say they are church outcasts

As the Vatican grapples to devise stronger protocols and responses on clergy sex abuse of minors, five nuns in India complain of church repression for their support of a former superior general who was allegedly raped by a bishop.

Catholic youth learn significance of ashes in fiery Lenten tradition

By involving children in the process of creating these ashes, the staff of St. Bartholomew hoped the young people would better understand the rich symbolism contained in the tradition.

Former Northeast Phila. pastor arrested for child sex abuse

Father Armand Garcia, 49, was arrested March 4 on charges of rape, corruption of a minor and sexual abuse of a minor in a period during which he served at parishes in Roxborough and Oxford Circle.

Life Evangelists Initial Outreach Meeting

Kim Savage, a former member of Generation Life, invites fellow pro-lifers to join her over coffee and snacks to discuss the next step in building a culture of life.