Local News
Catholic Commitment to Affordable Senior Housing Growing Deeper
As a new senior housing community rises in Northeast Philadelphia, two others developed by Catholic Charities of Philadelphia marked 10 years in the city. A total of nine communities allow seniors to live within their budgets and with dignity in the communities they love.
Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Office Receives $125,000 Grant to Expand Leadership Program
The Office for Ministry with Youth has received a $125,000 grant from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry to expand a program that empowers teens to lead parish-based mission projects rooted in faith.
Author’s Strong Faith, Love for History, Leads to First Book
The parishioner of St. Kevin’s in Springfield, Delaware County was inspired by her granddaughter to write a historical fiction novel for children last year. A follow-up book is expected next year.
People and Events
Archdiocese Names Sister Marie Mechtild Wasserthal Delegate for Consecrated Life
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has appointed Sister Marie Mechtild Wasserthal, R.S.M., as Delegate for Consecrated Life, serving as liaison to 66 religious communities in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
James Meredith Named New President of Father Judge High School
Father Judge High School has named alumnus and veteran Catholic educator James D. Meredith, currently principal of Lansdale Catholic High School, as its next president, effective Aug. 17.
William Gennaro Jr. Named New President of Archbishop Carroll High School
Gennaro has served as principal of the archdiocesan high school in Radnor for the past five years. Since 2012, he has taught and served as administrator, and founded the boys’ and girls’ rowing program at the school.
Spirituality
Jesus Teaches Lesson on Prayer: ‘Being Together’ With the Father We Love
This week's Gospel, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior, completes the journey of Jesus to pray on the mountain, which he intended before meeting the large crowd. Jesus shows us the importance of taking quiet time to be alone with God in prayer.
What a Way to Say Hi: Greeting of the Mass Draws Us Into Divine Life
You can tell what a family believes by how it says hello, and the opening words of the Church’s liturgy greet the congregation with the full Trinity, writes Father Patrick Brady. It's a welcome that waits for us every time we attend Mass.

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.
Commentaries
Angelo Cecco: A ‘Point of Light,’ a Good and Faithful Servant
Guy Ciarrocchi remembers his late friend and fellow St. Norbert’s parishioner for his many virtues, especially how he visited nursing homes joyfully and faithfully. We should thank the Angelos in our lives.
Clergy to Help Shape Upcoming Campaign With Focus on Pastoral Ministry, Missionary Discipleship
A new committee of 14 priests and deacons is set to work with lay leaders to guide the campaign and advance Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez's vision for missionary renewal.
Catholics Urged to Seek Extending Protections for Haitians in U.S.
Marge Vance echoes the call of the U.S. bishops in rallying support for two bills in Congress that would extend Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Haitian immigrants.

Photo features
Luminiscence Celebrates Art and History at Mother Church of Philadelphia
Archbishop Nelson Pérez attended the Luminescence show at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on June 25, experiencing the blending of music with the rich history of the Mother Church of Philadelphia.
Photos: Archbishop Pérez Hosts Trust and Hope Leadership Gathering at Pastoral Center
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joined bishops, clergy, lay leaders and archdiocesan staff on July 30 at the new Pastoral Center to highlight progress on the Trust and Hope initiative. See a photo gallery.
Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo Teases Possible Future U.S. Visit, Reflects on Music
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 26, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

USCCB
Bishop Garcia Underscores the Significance of the Voting Rights Act and Encourages Recommitment to the Work Which Remains
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.

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.
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.

Hispanic Catholics
La Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María: Un signo de esperanza para todos – La Voz de Dios August 2, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Padre Wesly Taveras sobre la belleza y el significado del dogma de la Asunción de María.

