
Local News
Alumni Keep the Spirit of Closed Schools Alive Through Scholarships
Graduates of former archdiocesan high schools North Catholic and St. James are raising millions of dollars for today’s students at Catholic elementary and secondary schools, extending a hand to “help the next person up.”
Archbishop Pérez Consecrates Archdiocesan Catholic Schools to Sacred Heart
At a special Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Oct. 16, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez consecrated more than 41,000 Catholic school students across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. About 1,200 students attended in person.
Faithful Citizenship Resource for the 2026 Election
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has released a nonpartisan voter resource to help Catholics prepare for the Nov. 3 general election with an informed conscience.

Photo features
Scenes from the 2026 Catholic Women’s Conference
A record number of women from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered Oct. 24 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa for the annual Catholic Women’s Conference, themed “Real Beauty in an Artificial Age.”
Queen of Peace, Ardsley, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Approximately 50 young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during an Oct. 26 Mass at Queen of Peace Parish in Montgomery County.
OCE Leadership Academy Volunteers at Catholic Charities Ministry
Members of the Office of Catholic Education’s Rising Stars Leadership Academy volunteered at Martha’s Community Farm, a Catholic Charities of Philadelphia ministry, on Oct. 15 to support local food pantry efforts. View a photo gallery.

People and Events
Jason Sorgini Named Chief HR Officer for Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Jason Sorgini has been appointed chief human resources officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, effective Jan. 4, 2027.
Roman Catholic Welcomes City Officials for Youth Safety Initiative
Roman Catholic High School hosted city officials on Oct. 22 for its Center City Safe Schools initiative.
Discover Catholic Philadelphia Guide Available as Free Digital Download
The latest edition of Discover Catholic Philadelphia, founded by Ascension Press founder Matthew Pinto, is available as a free digital download featuring the region’s Catholic churches, shrines, and historic landmarks.
Spirituality
Love of God Is Foundation of Our Love for All Humanity
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus avoids the trap set for him by a scholar. He shows that the perfect love of the Holy Trinity, extended to everyone, is the model for our boundless love of neighbor.

Calendar of Events
Archdiocese to Host Webinar on Supporting Grieving Children and Teens
The webinar, held in recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, is designed for educators, counselors, administrators and other professionals who work with children and teens.
Upcoming Events for Healing and Support in November
Two November events at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Warrington and St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Drexel Hill will offer prayer, reflection, and faith-based support focused on grief, healing, and hope. Hosted by the archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization and the Office for Persons with Disabilities.
Young Adults Invited to ‘The Well’ Conference in Philadelphia
Young adults aged 18-39 are invited to deepen their faith and community connections at The Well: Young Adult Conference.
Commentaries
My Hunger to Help the Human Family Began 50 Years Ago
Just after her college graduation, Anne Healy Ayella participated in the 1976 Eucharistic Congress. It inspired her mission to feed the needy of the world, including 360 million people via CRS Rice Bowl.
Oppose Intentional Killing of Elderly by Encountering Them With Love
Our elders are most vulnerable to assisted suicide, and most easily thrown away, when they are at their weakest, writes Sister Constance Veit. The loving care that we show them affirms their dignity and can transform us.
Love Beyond Death: The Power of Prayer
With two feasts in November honoring the faithful departed, it is a fitting time to pray for our deceased loved ones and to rely on God’s mercy and healing grace, writes Anne DeSantis.
Sports
PCL Girls’ Soccer Playoffs Proceed in Typical Tight Fashion
Three teams in the Philadelphia Catholic League finished with identical records. So it was fitting that the quarterfinal playoffs resulted in a 1-0 win and 2-1 win decided after seven rounds of penalty kicks.
O’Hara Pins Hopes on Ending Carroll’s Field Hockey Dynasty
The Lions are eager to face a Carroll squad that has won 31 consecutive PCL games and nine straight championship appearances. A close contest between the two on Oct. 7 presages a thriller should they meet in this year’s final.

Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo Recovering Well From Surgery; Receives Prayers for Healing
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 October 11, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Profile
A Letter of Gratitude, A Career of Service
Inspired by a thank-you letter from a grateful parent, Donna Fanelli’s 30 years with Catholic Charities reflect a lasting commitment to feeding children and supporting families across the region.
Walking with People Through Life’s Hardest Moments
From helping families secure safe housing to supporting women in recovery and older adults in need, Katherine “Kate” Baumgardner has spent nearly 25 years accompanying people on their journey toward stability, dignity, and healing.
Where Hope Finds a Home
Inspired by her faith and a desire to serve others, Leslie Diaz connects vulnerable individuals and families with the support they need to thrive.
Creating Opportunities for All
After 17 years with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services, Maureen Lewis continues to help individuals build skills, foster meaningful connections, and live lives of dignity, inclusion, and purpose.

USCCB
National Vocation Awareness Week Is a Reminder of the Beautiful Witness of Those Who Have Responded to God’s Call To Serve, Says Archbishop Hicks

Hispanic Catholics
¿Cuál es nuestra misión? Todos somos misioneros: nuestra vocación también se vive en el trabajo – La Voz de Dios Oct. 18, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con la Hermana Linda Sariego, O.S.F., de las Hermanas de San Francisco de Filadelfia, sobre cómo descubrir y vivir nuestra vocación misionera en medio de las responsabilidades de cada día.

