CatholicPhilly

Archbishop Perez's messages

Christmas Greetings from Archbishop Pérez, Auxiliary Bishops

As the faithful prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez and the auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia offer Christmas greetings to Catholics throughout the Philadelphia region.

Local News

Local Parishes Evangelize with Advent, Christmas Decor

Many parish volunteers are hard at work decorating their church as they’ve done for years, while others place laser-focus on the days of Advent at hand.

Advent Retreatants at Cathedral Reminded ‘Christ Himself is Present in the Poor’

Dozens of participants at a retreat Dec. 13 reflected on “Dilexi Te,” the recent letter of Pope Leo XIV, on the need to encounter marginalized people with love, and on the ways indifference to them can occur.

17 Catholic High School and Special Education Educators Honored for Long Service

Teachers and administrators marking 25 years of dedicated service, including one teacher celebrating his 50th year, will receive the Archdiocese of Philadelphia High School and Special Education Service Award.

Local Catholic Relief Services Group Raising Funds for Humanitarian Aid

The CRS Philadelphia Advocacy Chapter is seeking community support for its Save Lives campaign, which aims to sustain critical humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations worldwide amid significant funding cutbacks.

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People and Events

St. John Fisher, Boothwyn, Donates Nearly 1,000 Gifts Through Advent Drive

The Delaware County parish collected nearly 1,000 gifts and dozens of gift cards through its annual Advent giving tree drive.

Young Catholic Professionals Philadelphia Names New President

Young Catholic Professionals Philadelphia welcomes new president Autumn Gargiule as the chapter enters its fifth year.

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Photo features

St. Margaret Parish, Narberth, Marks the Closing of Its 125th Anniversary Year

The Montgomery County parish celebrated 125 years with a special Mass honoring its 1900 founding and legacy.

Photos: 70th Catholic Charities Christmas Party Brings Smiles to 500 Children

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia hosted its 70th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, continuing a tradition begun in 1955.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation

Archbishop Nelson Pérez confirmed 36 young Catholics Dec. 7 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in city’s Andorra neighborhood.

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Sports

Sidelined by Knee Injury, Sophia Topakas Leads as Champion Teammate

The Archbishop Wood senior soccer star suffered a devastating setback midway through her team’s run to the state title, but her resilience, maturity, and bench presence made her a still-valuable contributor.

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Spirituality

Advent Week 4: By His Trust in God’s Plan, Joseph Becomes Model of Faith

In his final reflection for Advent, Deacon Franz Fruehwald explores the quiet and resolute faith of St. Joseph. He shows us how to rise from our fears, open our hearts, and be assured that God is at work in the world.

Total Reliance on God Bolsters Our Hope, for God is With Us

In their response to God’s invitation, both Mary and Joseph show complete trust in God’s plan, even when its outcome is unclear. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

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Commentaries

The ‘Little Way’ of St. Therese Endures as her Centennial Begins

100 years after the young French saint’s canonization, writer Brianna Dauby sees in a relative’s death that signs of hope, the way of holiness, and God’s graces continue today.

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Profile

Deacon Mark Nowakowski Leads Phoenixville Parish, Making a ‘Welcoming Place’

As Parish Life Director of St. Mary the Assumption Parish, his administrative abilities will allow the priest to administer the sacraments offer pastoral care more fully. As a deacon, he is “focused on serving the people of the parish, to help them grow closer to Christ.”

Deacon Thomas Croke Looks to Renewal in ‘Fulfilling’ Role as Leader of Holy Martyrs Parish

The permanent deacon, assuming the new role of Parish Life Director in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, hopes to use his unique skill set to inspire new energy at the parish in Oreland that has faced challenges in recent years.

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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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Calendar of Events

Living Drive‑thru Nativity Returns to Warminster Dec. 20

Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster will present its free living drive‑thru Nativity, with live Christmas scenes and home‑baked cookies for each car.

Chalfont Parish Invites Faithful to Advent Lessons & Carols Dec. 21

St. Jude Church and Shrine invites the faithful to a reflective Festival of Lessons & Carols celebrating Advent through Scripture and song.

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Vatican News

Catholic Actor Finds Christmas Joy in Helping US Charity

With the Vatican's Nativity scene and huge Christmas tree glittering in the Roman sun behind him, David Henrie reflected on the joy of giving during the Advent season.

Pope Urges People to Protect, Cultivate Even Smallest Signs of Peace, Hope

The "confrontational" tone dominating both global and national politics is "deepening instability and unpredictability day by day," Pope Leo XIV wrote in his message for World Peace Day.

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USCCB

“I Promise Our Prayers and Our Solidarity at This Difficult Moment,” Says USCCB President Archbishop Coakley

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

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Hispanic Catholics

Domingo de Gaudete: la luz de la alegría en el Adviento – La Voz de Dios Dec. 14, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Arzobispo Nelson Pérez sobre el Domingo de Gaudete, el Tercer Domingo de Adviento, y el profundo significado de la alegría cristiana simbolizada por la tercera vela de la corona de Adviento. Juntos reflexionan sobre cómo vivir esta alegría no como una emoción pasajera, sino como una esperanza firme que nace de saber que el Señor está cerca.

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.