CatholicPhilly

Local News

‘Like an Easter Vigil:’ 13 Schoolmates Baptized Together in January Mass

The all-school liturgy for Pope John Paul II Regional Elementary School in West Brandywine was celebrated by St. Peter Parish’s Father Michael Olivere Jan. 9. Said a first grader: “Father, thank you for making me baptized.”

National Marriage Week Toasts ‘Missionary Adventure’ of Matrimony

The Catholic Church celebrates and calls married couples to recall the grace that sustains them during the week of Feb. 7-14. The head of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family recommends couples show gratitude to God and make regular date nights.

Archbishop Invites Faithful to Participate in Planning Study in New Video

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez is inviting Catholics across the region to take part in a planning study to strengthen the local Church. In a Jan. 29 video, he highlighted the Trust and Hope initiative and encouraged participation.

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Spirituality

Humility: The First Beatitude, Bedrock of Christian Life

The "poor in spirit," to which Jesus refers in the Sermon on the Mount, are the humble people who live with an awareness of God’s ever-present love, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

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Photo features

Young Men Explore the Call to Priesthood at Archdiocesan Vocations Event

The Jan. 29 evening of prayer, conversation, and vocation stories brought together young men exploring the priesthood, seminarians, and clergy from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. See our photo gallery.

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Commentaries

Is it Prudent to Trek to Mass in a Snowstorm?

With snow on the ground and possibly more on the way, Father Patrick Brady shows how to balance the obligation to attend Sunday Mass with deciding whether to drive, ride or walk to church – or stay home.

‘Year of St. Francis’ to Shine Light on EcoPhilly’s Work in Philly Region

The Catholic environmental stewardship group invites more local Catholics to its work of caring for our common home – this year featuring mini grants for parishes and schools.

Planning Study Aims to Assess How Best to Support Trust and Hope

A comprehensive capital campaign will invite support for the Catholic Church of Philadelphia’s renewal, launched last year. Everyone is invited to participate in a survey to offer feedback on plans.

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Vatican News

This Week: Recalling the Holocaust’s Lessons; Prayers for Peace Amidst ‘Climate of Fear’ in U.S.

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 Jan. 25, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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Profile

Missionary Hub Director Aims to ‘Burst Open the Doors’ to Welcome People Back to Church

Michael Hadjak leads the Missionary Hub at St. Alphonsus Parish in Maple Glen, where he hopes evangelization by today’s active parishioners joyfully sharing their faith will attract those who are distant from their home in the Church.

Catholic Charities Appoints its First-Ever Chief HR Officer as Part of Efforts to Strengthen and Unify Programs in the Service of Mission

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia has appointed its first Chief Human Resources Officer as part of a broader effort to unify more than 40 programs and strengthen support for its 1,600 employees.

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Sports

Conwell-Egan’s Juggernaut Wrestling Squad Retakes PCL Title

The Eagles won the Philadelphia Catholic League championship, their fourth in five years, with a decisive victory over St. Joseph’s Prep Jan. 28.

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Calendar of Events

March Trainings to Equip Parishes for Disability-Inclusive Ministry

The Office for Persons with Disabilities will host free two‑day trainings in English and Spanish to equip parish leaders and volunteers with tools for welcoming parishioners of all abilities.

St. Patrick Parish, Philadelphia, Announces Lenten Eucharistic Series and Devotions

Guest preachers will lead reflections on the Eucharist throughout Lent, culminating in the parish’s annual Forty Hours Devotions.

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USCCB

In Commemoration of Black History Month, “Let Us Be Faithful Stewards of Memory,” Say Bishop Garcia and Bishop Campbell

Archbishop Coakley Calls on Policymakers to Pursue Diplomatic Negotiations and Maintain New START’s Limits

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Hispanic Catholics

Nuestra Señora de Lourdes – La Voz de Dios Feb. 1, 2026

En este programa especial de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez comparte una reflexión profunda sobre Nuestra Señora de Lourdes y la sanación de los enfermos.

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Obituaries

Sister Mary Martina Lavin, RSM, dies at 90

Sister Mary Martina Lavin, RSM, age 90, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on January 11, 2026, at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, PA.

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