Profile
St. Joseph Sister leads spiritual direction for parish
The new position at St. John Chrysostom Parish in Wallingford is perhaps unprecedented for an archdiocesan parish, but Sister Maria McCoy brings vast experience in helping the average parishioner to pray.
Good relations with lawmakers key to ‘vocation’ as lobbyist
Before his retirement as executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, Robert O’Hara reflects on his 21 years representing the Catholic Church in the state capitol on a range of issues, including Catholic education.
Jim Lackey, longtime editor who embraced old and new media, retires
From 1979 until last December, the longtime journalist for Catholic News Service covered the White House and national news both in print and, later, in digital media. Amidst his accomplishments, he's remained humble.
If Catholic Church owns up to its racism, it can change, says scholar
Tia Noelle Pratt, a St. Joseph’s professor, studies the history of racism toward Black Catholics. “People are working toward justice,” said the member of St. Matthias Parish in Bala Cynwyd. “The church can be fixed.”
With Mercedarians, Anne DeSantis leads ministry to the divorced
The parishioner of Corpus Christi in Lansdale deepened her faith through the Mercedarian Fathers. As director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, she is "reaching out to people who are suffering, supporting marriage and families in all ways.”
Even with stellar credentials, his hobbies may serve him best
Superintendent of Elementary Education Dr. Andrew McLaughlin has numerous degrees and years of experience. But he will rely on the patience of fly fishing and the attention to detail of woodworking as he leads Catholic grade schools.
Family man now leads area’s largest pro-life organization
Tom Stevens, head of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, has pro-life credentials tracing back to his days as an economics student at Villanova University, where he met his wife. A "bridge-builder," his specialty is helping organizations grow.
Exec with long link to Miraculous Medal Shrine takes the reins
Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag, a former health care executive, has been named to lead the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, the first woman to do so in its 103-year history. Given her own history and devotion to Mary, it's a natural fit.
What’s a nice Presbyterian doing in a Catholic convent?
Ask Sister Kimberly Kessler, who last month took perpetual vows as a Sister of the Redeemer, and she will say the yearning for God in her heart came from her Protestant parents and the witness of Catholic sisters.
From South Philly to corporate suite, Valletta’s business is helping people
Andrew Valletta grew up in a row home with his extended family, where he learned about hard work, love and the Catholic faith. He'll apply them all to growing the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, for which he is the new CEO.