Local News
Archbishop Pérez Announces Latest Clerical Assignments
Changes of assignment for one diocesan priest and two religious priests in parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese were announced this week.
Missionary Hub in Chester Offering Workshops to Share, Teach the Faith
Joshua Bean, the missionary hub director at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Delaware County, led a talk July 8 on the basics of the Catholic faith, suggesting the workshop as a first step before one invites a friend to Mass.
Living Catholic With Intention: Lay Household Communities Thrive in Phila. Region
Young adults are consciously seeking out ways to live together in small households where they can share their work, prayer, and leisure while evangelizing the community.
People and Events
Archdiocesan Educator Named to National Group for AI Instruction
Annabel Dotzman, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education, is one of 13 founding members of Google Educator Group for Catholic Educators which aims to bring artificial intelligence tools into Catholic school classrooms.
BLOCS Serves 43K Pa. Students with $250M in Scholarship Aid
The largest scholarship organization in Pennsylvania reached milestones in the number of nonpublic students it assists through the EITC and OSTC tax credit programs and the amount of funds raised for scholarships.
Eric Stonesifer Named New Principal of Little Flower High School
Eric A. Stonesifer has been appointed the next principal of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls effective Monday, Aug. 3.

Profile
Bucks County Deacon Begins Leading Two Churches as Parish Life Director
Permanent Deacon John Teson, a father of two, believes listening is the first step to serving the people of Holy Trinity and St. John the Evangelist parishes, both in Morrisville.
In New Role, Deacon Aims to Help Parishioners Encounter Christ
Deacon Mario Gonzalez brings his passion for faith and decades running a small family business to his ministry as Parish Life Director at St. Mark Parish in Bristol.
Deacon Gets to Stay in Northeast Philly Neighborhood in New Work as Parish Life Director
Retired city police officer and Permanent Deacon Steve Guckin, who has been serving at St. Martha Parish for 19 years, begins administrative leadership there, allowing priests to focus on sacramental ministry.
Sports
Seven PCL Softball Standouts Named to All-State Team
Players and their coaches reflect on the dedication and teamwork that led to the high honors by the PIAA. Among them: Archbishop Carroll junior pitcher Olivia Zanetich with her 14-4 record, 1.40 ERA and 200 strikeouts with only 34 walks.
Local Star Kevin McGonigle Comes Home to Play in 1st MLB All-Star Game
The former standout at Msgr. Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, and now a Detroit Tigers rookie phenom, “remembers where he came from,” said Bonner & Prendie’s leaders.
Photo features
Photos: Cathedral Basilica Honors Capt. Lou Campione With 2026 Keys and Sword Award
The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul presented its 2026 Keys and Sword Award to Philadelphia Police Capt. Lou Campione, recognizing his nearly 50 years of leadership, service and dedication to the Philadelphia community.
Bishop Esmilla Joins Filipino Catholic Community for Mass Honoring Our Lady of FIAT
Bishop Efren V. Esmilla celebrated Mass honoring Our Lady of FIAT on July 13 with the Catholic Filipino community in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. See a photo gallery.
Spirituality
In a Mixed Up World, Keep Focus on God’s Kingdom, Communion of Church
Jesus teaches a lesson of perseverance in the face of evil in His parable of the weeds among the wheat, in the Gospel passage for this Sunday's liturgy that Msgr. Joseph Prior explains.
Vatican News
This Week: Vatican Legate Visits Ukraine Seeking Peace, Return of Abducted Children
CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of July 12, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

USCCB
“Acts That Diminish or Disregard the Dignity of Any Person or Group of People Should Never Be Normalized in Our Society,” Say Bishop Garcia and Bishop Cahill
250th Anniversary
Quakers’ Toleration Led Skeptical Young Nation to Accept Catholics as Americans
Catholics were present in colonial America but faced restrictions and discrimination. In Philadelphia, the cradle of religious liberty, they found freedom to worship and earned respect from their peers.
Not All Were Patriots: Remembering American Catholics Loyal to the British Crown
While many noted 18th century Catholics sided with the American patriots during the Revolution, numerous lesser-known Catholics sided with Crown forces – and paid a price when they left Philadelphia.
Catholics Had Prominent Roles in Last 3 Milestone Celebrations of America’s Founding
The large-scale commemorations of 1876, 1926, and 1976 in Philadelphia saw contributions and leadership from the Catholic community, a local historian points out.
George Meade’s Catholic Faith Made Him a Merchant of the Revolution
The Philadelphia philanthropist and father of 10 played a major economic role in funding the American colonists’ eventual victory over the British empire.
Catholic Faith Shaped Commodore John Barry’s Life, Service in American Revolution
The Irish immigrant’s legacy and his imprint on the United States Navy affords him a permanent place of honor in Philadelphia.
Commentaries
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by Embracing God’s Gift of Freedom
The freedoms that we celebrate this Independence Day should inspire us to become faithful witnesses to God’s blessings and to bring peace into our homes and communities, writes Anne DeSantis.
Mother of Mercy House Festival Shows Face of Hope in Kensington
The festival held Saturday, May 30 featured simple fun, games, and food for families in a neighborhood many have forgotten. But the Church, and the virtues of faith, hope and love, remain.

Calendar of Events
Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Set for Oct. 24 in Doylestown
Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a transformative day of fun, friendship, faith formation, and prayer at the Catholic Women’s Conference on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown.
South Philadelphia Parish to Honor Blessed Michael McGivney Aug. 15
Epiphany of Our Lord Church in South Philadelphia will host its third annual Father McGivney Feast Day Vigil Mass on Aug. 15, honoring Blessed Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus
Saint Joseph’s University to Host Ignatian Spirituality and Leadership Conference
Saint Joseph's University will host its annual Ignatian Spirituality and Leadership Conference on July 30, bringing together participants for a day of reflection, learning, and leadership formation. The event will feature keynote speakers Eric Clayton and Sr. Margaret Scott, A.C.I., D.Min., along with breakout sessions focused on discernment, self-awareness, and Ignatian spirituality.

Hispanic Catholics
Dios sigue creyendo en nosotros – La Voz de Dios July 19, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, reflexionamos sobre la paciencia infinita del Señor, su misericordia y el poder transformador de las pequeñas semillas de fe. Descubramos cómo Dios sigue obrando silenciosamente en nuestra vida y nos invita a confiar en que, con su gracia, el bien siempre dará fruto.

