Photo features
SS. Simon and Jude Parish celebrates one-day-long Vacation Bible Camp
SS. Simon and Jude Parish in West Chester held its annual Vacation Bible Camp on Sunday, July 21. The theme this year was "One Day Fun Day Sunday" since unlike other years it was a one-day camp for children ages 3 to 12 years and their families.
World Youth Day photo gallery
World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, had to be considered a rousing success by organizers. This photo gallery by Catholic News Service photographers captures some of the moments of the July 22-28 event.
Scores attend second annual pro-life summit in Philadelphia
"Summer Witness and Prayer," the second annual pro-life summit of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, featured Archbishop Charles Chaput as celebrant for Mass on the morning of July 20 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.
Knights of Peter Claver annual convention comes to Philadelphia
Almost 1,000 Knights and Ladies (especially the Ladies) of the Knights of Peter Claver filled the cathedral on July 21 for the opening Mass of Thanksgiving as part of their annual convention, and first ever in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Most other events took place at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel.
Local youths depart for World Youth Day
A delegation of young people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia departed on a pilgrimage to Brazil on Monday, July 22 From St. David Parish in Willow Grove to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) with Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro through next week.
Archdiocese turns over control of 14 urban schools to Independence Mission Schools
St. Gabriel School in the Gray's Ferry section of Philadelphia welcomed Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and Brian McElwee, chairman of the Independence Mission Schools (IMS), to officially designate 14 Catholic schools as part of the IMS system on Monday, July 15.
Fortnight for Freedom prayer at Nativity BVM Parish in Media
Nativity BVM Parish prays for religious freedom during the Fortnight for Freedom.
Youths enjoy vocations conference at St. Charles Seminary
Youths from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia attended the Brothers of Borromeo and Girls of Goretti Vocations Conferences (BBVC/GGVC) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood on Wednesday, June 26. Boys and girls from grades 6 through 8 enjoyed activities, sports, prayer, Mass, food and vocation stories from seminarians and religious sisters. The theme for the day was "Hold faith as a shield" (Eph. 6:16).
Summer Meals Program receives a blessing
Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia held its annual Blessing of the Summer on June 21 to kick off its Summer Meals Program. Msgr. Daniel Sullivan, president of the NDS Board, presided over the blessing at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in North Philadelphia.
St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, 2nd largest in archdiocese, dedicates new church
St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, Chester County, dedicated its new church on Saturday, June 15 at 460 Manor Avenue, Downingtown. The celebration was the culmination of planning for future parish and enrollment that began in 2007. The Rite of Solemn Dedication was celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. Approximately 1,200 parishioners, priests, community officials and those involved with building the church were in attendance.