News
Holy Family Sister dies after 76 years in religious life
Sister M. Vera Ochmanowicz, C.S.F.N., died at age 97 after spending 41 years as a Catholic school teacher mostly in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. She also crocheted, grew violets and was an avid Phillies fan.
Sister Margaret Appell dies, ministered in education for 67 years
The Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia taught or was principal in schools mostly in the Trenton Diocese, as well as Camden and Harrisburg. She was 87.
A global response to abuse: Work already underway, Jesuit says
By summoning leaders of the world's bishops' conferences and top representatives of religious orders to the Vatican in February to address the abuse crisis and the protection of minors, Pope Francis is sending the message that the need for safeguarding is a global issue.
Vatican abuse summit will underline need to end cover-ups, official says
The aim of Pope Francis' February meeting on abuse and safeguarding is to clarify and underline what must and must not be done with allegations and make sure no more cases are ever covered up.
Sister Veronica Stawski, 94, dies after long ministry in local church
Formerly known as Sister Ann Louis, the Newark, N.J native entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1943. She would go on to minister in three New Jersey dioceses, as well as Philadelphia.
Sister Joan Bannigan, S.S.J., dies at 73
The Sister of St. Joseph was raised in Newark, N.J. and after entering the congregation in 1963, served in the archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia, and the Diocese of Camden.
Sister Regina Steffe, S.S.J., dies at age 88
Formerly known as Sister Margaret Alphonsus, the graduate of St. Joachim School and Little Flower High School in Philadelphia served with the of the Sisters of St. Joseph since 1950.
Sister Margaret Siegfried, S.S.J., dies at 72
The native of Bethlehem, Pa. attended Catholic schools before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1964. She served in the Newark and Philadelphia archdioceses.
Sister Kathleen Bonawitz, North Philadelphia native, dies at 83
The Sister of St. Joseph attended St Stephen School and Little Flower High School before entering the congregation in 1954. She served in the archdioceses of Philadelphia and Washington.
Sister Manetto Ruocchio, longtime Catholic school teacher, dies at 93
The South Philadelphia native had been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 72 years. With undergraduate and graduate degrees she taught for many years in several dioceses.