CatholicPhilly

Local News

‘Moment of Grace:’ Cathedral’s Music Director Leads Song at Sheen Beatification Mass

Philadelphian Charlene Angelini served as cantor during the liturgy declaring Archbishop Fulton Sheen “blessed” last month in St. Louis. She also received a major honor by the Knights of Columbus.

Diverse African Catholic Communities Celebrate ‘Promise of Communion’

A bishop born in Cameroon joined Philadelphians from 19 African nations for the annual African Family Heritage Mass and feast Oct. 11 at St. Irenaeus Church in Southwest Philadelphia.

#iGiveCatholic Registration Now Open for 2026

Registration is now open for any parish, school, or nonprofit in the archdiocese wishing to participate in the 2026 #iGiveCatholic giving campaign. The annual day of Catholic giving will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, with advanced giving beginning Nov. 16.

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Photo features

Archbishop, Priests Gather for Annual Fall Workshops

In addition to fostering fraternity and professional development, the gathering included the celebration of Mass.

St. Philomena, Lansdowne, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation

Approximately 20 young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during an Oct. 11 Mass at the Delaware County parish.

St. Jude, Chalfont, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation

Approximately 60 young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during an Oct. 10 Mass at the Bucks County parish.

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Archbishop Pérez

Archbishop Pérez Expresses Gratitude for Pope Leo’s Successful Surgery and Calls for Continued Prayers

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez expresses gratitude for the successful completion of Pope Leo’s surgery and urges the faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to continue praying for the Holy Father’s health and recovery.

Archbishop Pérez Calls for Prayers for Pope Leo XIV Before Surgery

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez is asking Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray for Pope Leo XIV, who announced Oct. 11 that he will undergo surgery to remove a small nodule detected in his lung during recent medical examinations.

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Spirituality

Accepting the Invitation to God’s Feast

This week’s readings remind us that God invites all people to share in the heavenly feast, calling us to respond with gratitude, faith, and lives rooted in Christ.

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Commentaries

Sitting in the Middle of the Pew Is an Act of Welcome

Whether you sit at the end or the middle of a church pew, Mark Griswold believes such a choice invites us to reflect of our missionary call to welcome the late-comer and anyone to Mass.

Catholic School Educators to Learn Ways of Teaching Racial Justice

A Nov. 14 symposium at St. Joseph’s University for educators in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia aims to help them teach students that racial healing is an authentically Catholic pro-life issue.

We Can Do Better for Our Immigrant Sisters and Brothers

Marge Vance writes that the current climate of anti-immigrant rhetoric and enforcement activities is not only destructive to those affected but is counter-productive to local economies.

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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.

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Vatican News

This Week: Pope Visits France, Where Church Sees New Influx of Catholics

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 September 27, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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Sports

Lansdale Catholic Repeats as PCL Tennis Champions

Senior Kate Donathan won the deciding match as Lansdale Catholic edged Cardinal O’Hara, 3-2, to capture its second consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League girls’ tennis championship.

Daughter Shares Jim Algeo’s ‘Rare Breed’ Ethos in New Film

Bridget Algeo created a documentary love letter to her dad and the thousands of young people he touched as a football coach for 44 years through “faith, family and football.”

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Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events for Healing and Support in November

The Office for the New Evangelization and the Office for Persons with Disabilities will host two November events focused on healing and faith.

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.

Solemn Mass to Celebrate Feast of St. John Henry Newman Oct. 9

The liturgy will feature sacred music in the English choral tradition, including hymns by Newman and O Sacrum Convivium by Anton Bruckner.

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People and Events

Cathedral Basilica to Offer Evening Vespers Prior to Sunday Mass

This evening prayer will precede the celebrated 6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass, offering an opportunity for reflection, community, and a deepening of our spiritual journey.

Five New Culture Project Missionaries Begin Service in Philadelphia Archdiocese

Five Culture Project International missionaries will serve throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia during the coming year, educating young people about human dignity, virtue, authentic love, and chastity.

BLOCS Names Retired SEI Executive to Board

Retired SEI Investments executive John Steinmetz has joined the BLOCS Board of Directors as the Pennsylvania scholarship organization continues its statewide expansion.

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USCCB

For Citizens in a Representative Democracy, Voting Is Both a Right and a Responsibility, Says Archbishop Coakley

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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.

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Hispanic Catholics

Celebrando nuestra herencia hispana, nuestra fe y nuestras raíces – La Voz de Dios Oct. 11, 2026

Esta semana en La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con María del Amo, directora de Participación Hispana y Latina de la Asociación Nacional de Educación Católica (NCEA), en un episodio especial dedicado a celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

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