Local News
St. Matthew Parish Begins 175th Year with ‘Full-to-the-Brim’ Mass, Breakfast
Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrated Mass Feb. 8 at the Conshohocken church, marked by stunning artwork and beautiful liturgical music reflecting the parish’s Irish roots.
Seminary Catechism Series Infuses Life Experience With Truths of Church
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary offers “Foundations of the Catholic Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism” to adult learners who can apply the catechism to everyday life and deepen their faith.

Photo features
Photos: Rite of Election Liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica
Archbishop Pérez welcomed and blessed hundreds of people preparing to enter the Catholic Church fully this Easter during Feb. 21-22 liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica.
Archbishop Celebrates Mass on the First Sunday of Lent
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez marked the first Sunday of Lent with a solemn Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, opening the 40‑day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Commentaries
I Carry My First Baby into Easter
Writer Brianna Dauby’s pregnancy has advanced through Advent and Lent with a mix of joyful anticipation and suffering. With her baby’s due date of Easter Sunday, she is grateful to enter into the cross with Christ during this time of Lenten preparation.
Forming and Supporting Priests is Important for All Catholics
As the Church of Philadelphia undertakes a planning study, one emphasis is on the care of priests and parish life directors, and formation of seminarians, for the future.
Calendar of Events
Lenten Retreat for Older Adults at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center
A Lenten retreat for older adults will offer participants an opportunity for reflection, guided prayer, and fellowship as they deepen their faith and reflect on God’s compassion during the Lenten season.
Archbishop Pérez to Lead Day of Prayer for Peace Feb. 24
In solidarity with dioceses across the country, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will gather Feb. 24 at the cathedral for a Mass and Holy Hour for Peace to pray for healing, unity, and renewed respect for human dignity.
St. Carlo Acutis Exhibit to Open Feb. 13 at Miraculous Medal Shrine
An exhibit featuring Church-approved Eucharistic miracles from around the world, honoring the saint canonized last year, comes to the Miraculous Medal Shrine Feb. 13–18, offering a reflective start to Lent.
Spirituality
To Experience Intimacy with God, We Do as He Asks: ‘Listen to Him’
The Transfiguration of Jesus, in the Gospel reading for this Sunday's Mass that Msgr. Joseph Prior explains, uses three images that show how God is not distant but is present to us in a communion of love. We hear His voice in the Scriptures.

Profile
Lauren Joyce Brings ‘Startup Energy’ to Missionary Hub in Phoenixville
The Chester County native leads the Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, where she sees the good work the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. She loves to build bold new ventures, evangelize those seeking connection, and build the flame of a relationship with Jesus.
Setting the World on Fire for Christ, at least in NE Philly, is Jeffrey Shields’ Goal
The Missionary Hub director at St. Matthew Parish in the city’s Mayfair section brings a creative missionary spirit and a lifetime of evangelization and ministry experience to his new role.

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