
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.”
Sacred Heart Parish, Havertown Closes 40 Hours, Opens Centennial Year
The Delaware County parish welcomed Bishop Keith Chylinski to the close of the annual devotion on Oct. 20, joined by the clergy and parishioners young and old.
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.

Photo features
Photos: Archbishop Pérez Celebrates Mass at Holy Martyrs Parish in Oreland
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated Mass Sunday at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church in Oreland, Montgomery County, and joined parishioners for fellowship following the liturgy.
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.
Profile
New Director at St. Rita Shrine Fosters Its Mission of Mercy, Peace
Dr. Guilherme Lopes leads a ministry team at the national shrine on Broad Street in South Philadelphia that is helping people to believe forgiveness and reconciliation is not an impossible cause.

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
All Saints Day Points to End of Our Life’s Journey: Heaven’s Eternal Love
The continual transformation that takes place within our hearts through the struggles and joys of life prepares us for being in God’s presence, where we will see God "as He is,” writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Solemnity of All Saints.

Calendar of Events
Cathedral Basilica to Host Annual Advent Retreat Dec. 12
The retreat will feature two conferences led by Sister Marie Mechtild, RSM, along with opportunities for prayer, quiet reflection, the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass and a holy hour with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
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.
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
When Grown Men Become Kids Again, Everyone Enjoys the Emotion
The Milwaukee Brewers won their first World Series title this week. As their emotions exploded across American TV screens, everyone joined in the joy and vulnerability of the moment, writes John Knebels.
Cartafalsa’s Return, Conboy’s Clutch Save Help Carroll Capture 6th Straight PCL Crown
Archbishop Carroll turned away Cardinal O’Hara’s upset bid with a 2-1 victory Oct. 28 for the Philadelphia Catholic League field hockey title.

Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Peace in Ukraine, Sends Charity
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 25, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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.


