CatholicPhilly

Local News

Meet the Digital Missionaries Opening New Doors to the Church

A three-person team is reaching people where they are – on their phones – to show the local Church and the Trust and Hope initiative in action, and inviting a relationship with Jesus.

Father Bill Atkinson Remembered at Mass 20 Years After His Death

The late Delco priest now on the path toward sainthood could have chosen bitterness when he was paralyzed in an accident, but he chose to live and see the loving God with him, and became the world’s first quadriplegic priest.

La Salle University, Archdiocesan High Schools Announce Partnership

La Salle University and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have partnered to provide guaranteed admission and scholarship opportunities for qualified graduates of the archdiocese’s 15 high schools.

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Photo features

Archbishop Pérez, Area Faithful Attend Annual PA March for Life

Held on the steps of the State Capitol, the Sept. 21 rally and march promoted respect for all human life from conception to natural death.

See Scenes: Archdiocese Honored at Little Sisters of the Poor Gala

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez accepted an award on behalf of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia at the Sept. 27 Saint Jeanne Jugan Gala, celebrating generations of support for the Little Sisters of the Poor and their mission to care for the elderly poor.

Photos: Inaugural Mass for Racial Healing

The Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing hosted its inaugural Mass for Racial Healing on Sept. 26 at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. See a photo gallery.

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Commentaries

Despite Promise of Clickbait, Pay Attention to the Person

An endless stream of digital content seeks to cash in on our attention span, but a forthcoming message by Pope Leo XIV next January will direct our gaze to God, and to one another, writes Matthew Gambino.

3 Ways to Evangelize Those Who Have Drifted From the Faith

Everyone knows someone who was baptized Catholic but no longer participates in the Church. Anne DeSantis shows practical ways to listen and invite people back, while prayerfully trusting in God.

As School Begins Again, Students Discover the Nearness of Christ

Bishop Keith J. Chylinski invites young people heading back to school during this 175th anniversary year of the Catholic school system in Philadelphia to encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a refuge and source of unity.

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Sports

A Summer of Aces for Lansdale Catholic Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach

After a whirlwind summer that included her wedding and a promotion to assistant principal, Lansdale Catholic girls’ volleyball coach Rachael Silhanek enters the new season balancing expanded leadership roles both on campus and on the court.

Holy Ghost Prep Soccer Appears as Powerhouse in PCL Debut Season

Preseason training and strong leadership are already paying off as the Bensalem Catholic school is off to an impressive 3-0 start in its first season in the Philadelphia Catholic League.

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Spirituality

Gospel Calls Us to Live God’s Way, the Way of Mercy

This Sunday's Gospel parable -- two sons are called, only one acts -- invites us to ponder God’s mercy and His invitation to repentance. It calls us to reflect on our attitude toward God’s gracious call and show mercy to others.

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Calendar of Events

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.

Permanent Diaconate Discernment Day Set for Oct. 3 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

The day, themed “Called to Serve as Christ the Servant,” will provide an opportunity for participants to spend time in prayer, conversation and discernment with permanent deacons, their wives, members of the Archdiocesan Clergy Office, and the Diaconal Formation Team.

In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America Screening at St. Augustine Sept. 21

This compelling film explores the people, movements, and pivotal moments that have shaped Philadelphia and the nation.

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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 Respect Life Month, Bishop Thomas Requests Prayer and Action on the Abortion Pill

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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

Santa Teresa de Ávila: La oración como amistad – La Voz de Dios Sept. 27, 2026

Esta semana en La Voz de Dios, descubrimos la vida y espiritualidad de Santa Teresa de Ávila, una de las grandes maestras de la oración de la Iglesia.

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