CatholicPhilly

Local News

Catholic Charities Set to Celebrate 70 Years of Joy at Annual Christmas Party

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia will host its annual Christmas party Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, welcoming 500 children with a live Nativity, performances and gifts continuing a tradition begun in 1955.

As AI Ascends, Humans Must Keep it Real, and Catholic Teaching Can Help

The Church’s long history of considering the human person is more important than ever, as artificial intelligence offers people simulated experiences, according to a Catholic author who spoke recently in Philadelphia at the Collegium Institute.

Philadelphia Oratory, St. Francis Xavier Parish Celebrate Ordination of New Priest

Father Alexander Mosko last month became the second priest ordained for the Philadelphia Oratory in 35 years – a blessing for the religious community and a joy for Fairmount parishioners.

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Spirituality

Advent Week 2: Peace Comes Not Into Calm, But Into Chaos of the Ordinary

The second candle that we light on the Advent wreath this Sunday reminds us of peace, and Deacon Franz Fruehwald points to three ways we can welcome Christ’s peace: through simplicity, stillness, and forgiveness.

Like Lent, Advent Features Cleansing Repentance Before Joyous Event

Advent is the season of hope, and it is bolstered by the opportunity for repentance. On the Second Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Joseph Prior echoes the cry of St. John the Baptist to repent from sin and receive God's mercy.

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Profile

Parish Life Director Mark Griswold Works to Grow a Vital Catholic Presence in Delaware County

Adopting a new model of parish leadership in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, the longtime lay minister at St. Norbert Parish now leads St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lenni. It’s a role he views as “a sign from God.”

Amy Stoner’s Calling to Serve Will Continue Even in Retirement

The Catholic Charities of Philadelphia division director has touched countless lives in her 38 years uplifting the underserved through the Catholic Church.

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Faces of Hope

Meet the Faces of Hope

A new video and storytelling series that shines a light on the inspiring ways everyday Catholics across the Philadelphia region are putting their faith into action. Discover their stories, share their hope.

The Second Time Around: Karen Barnes Helps Grandparents Find Hope in Parenting Again

Across Pennsylvania, thousands of grandparents are raising children for a second time, but they aren’t alone. Karen Barnes is there with support, strength, and the hope they need to keep going.

She Knows Their Names: How Colleen McDonough and Christ in the City Turn Sidewalks into Sacred Spaces

Not every need is visible. Colleen from Christ in the City is walking with people who carry a deep loneliness — offering presence, friendship, and a reminder that they’re not forgotten.

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People and Events

Family Film Offers Philly-Flavored Take on Nativity Story

“Finding Christmas,” available on streaming platforms, is set in Northeast Philadelphia as it follows the story of a young man who travels in a dreamy adventure with an angel to the time of Christ’s birth, and back to his city neighborhood.

Cristo Rey Philadelphia Celebrates Mission Moments Gathering

The Nov. 19 gathering brought together Cristo Rey Philadelphia supporters to reflect on the religious charisms and faith communities that continue to guide the school’s culture and mission since its founding.

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Calendar of Events

Young Catholic Professionals Executive Speaker Series Set for Jan. 14 with Dr. Laura Sicola

Young Catholic Professionals Philadelphia will host Dr. Laura Sicola on Jan. 14 for an inspiring talk on leadership, faith, and communication.

Holy Martyrs, Oreland, To Host Holiday Events for Families and Youth

The Montgomery County parish is inviting families to upcoming seasonal events of faith, fun, and service.

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Photo features

Scenes: Philadelphia-Area Priests Gather for Annual Day of Sanctification

Archbishop Nelson Pérez and priests from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered Dec. 1 for the annual Day of Sanctification.

Scenes from National Catholic Youth Conference 2025

See highlights from NCYC 2025 in our photo gallery.

St. Kevin, Springfield, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation

Young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Pérez as he celebrated Mass Nov. 17 at the Delaware County parish.

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Obituaries

Permanent Deacon Peter H. Burghart

Permanent Deacon Peter H. Burghart, passed away on December 1, 2025, at the age of 77.

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Vatican News

Live Authentically with Prayer, Letting Go of the Unnecessary, Pope Says

The secret to living an authentic life is praying to understand what is truly beneficial according to God's plan and letting go of the superfluous, Pope Leo XIV said.

Dialogue, Diplomacy Can Lead to Just, Lasting Peace in Ukraine, Pope Says

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the importance of dialogue and his hopes for a just and lasting peace in the region.

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Hispanic Catholics

Adviento: Preparando el Corazón para un Encuentro Real con Cristo – La Voz de Dios Dec. 7, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela conversa con Sister Linda Sariego, OSF, profesora universitaria, franciscana y mujer profundamente arraigada en la espiritualidad del Adviento.

Spanish Advent Morning of Reflection Dec. 15

On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center will host a Spanish Advent Morning of Reflection titled “From Darkness to Light.” Spanish translation included.

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USCCB

U.S. Bishops Grant More Than $7.5 Million to Strengthen Nearly 70 U.S. Mission Dioceses

Bishop Garcia Appointed Inaugural Chairman of Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation

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