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THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA Seventy-four students representing Archdiocesan Secondary Schools and private Catholic High Schools throughout the five-county region have been selected to participate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 2021 All Catholic Concert Band. This year’s concert is under the direction of guest conductor, Mr. James Colonna, D.M.A, Director of Bands/Graduate Studies in Instrumental Conducting, Messiah University. It will be hosted by Mr. Michael Connor (Class of ’85), President of Cardinal O’Hara High School, Mrs. Eileen Vice (Class of ’89), Principal of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield (Delaware County), and Mr. Hector Ramirez, Music Director for Cardinal O’Hara High School. Saturday, April 10, 2021 6:30 p.m. Cardinal O’Hara High School To view the livestream of the 2021 All Catholic Concert Band please click here.... Read more →

ANGELA IS THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES’ DIVINE PROVIDENCE VILLAGE Ms. Angela Babcock, Director of Nursing for Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (CSS) Divine Providence Village (DPV), was recently selected by the Philadelphia Phillies to be honored as a frontline hero. Angela was selected as one of 41 honorees from a field of nearly 500 nominated frontline workers throughout the Philadelphia area. Angela was nominated by her DPV colleagues for her compassionate care and dedication to the residents, their families, the community, and staff since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. DPV, part of The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence and the Intellectual Disabilities Division of CSS, provides intermediate care for 72 individuals with developmental disabilities who... Read more →

by Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor The Catholic League March 26, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the recent mass killings: Gloucestercitynews.net files The media would have us believe that Christianity inspired the Atlanta killer, Robert Aaron Long, to go on his rampage. We are also told that Islam had nothing to do with inspiring the Boulder killer, Ahmed Al Aliwi Alissa, to go on his rampage. They are right about the latter but wrong about the former: In both cases, religion had nothing to do with their behavior. Long and Alissa are alike in one sense: both have serious psychosocial issues and neither has any friends. That should be the focus of our concern, not their religion. The professoriate was quick to... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor March 29, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on children who want to change their sex: It is all the rage among elites in many quarters to sanction sex transitioning for minors. It is time to call this madness for what it is—child abuse. The damage that is being done is incalculable. Consider what this process involves. Puberty blockers are used to facilitate the sex transition process. These medications stop the normal estrogen or testosterone progression in girls and boys during puberty, affecting vocal chord changes, the development of breast tissue, brain development and the like. So little is known about the long-term effects of puberty blockers that some doctors say we are dealing with a "blank slate." Children... Read more →

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER – April 1st 7:30 p.m. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and gave us His commandment to love one another. The washing of feet, which is always optional, will not be performed during this celebration. Gloucestercitynews.net files Members of the Cathedral Schola, accompanied by organ, will assist with liturgical music. This Mass will be streamed live on the Archdiocese website http://archphila.org as well as on Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez. (mult-box feed available) GOOD FRIDAY CELEBRATION OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD – April 2nd 3:00 p.m. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez... Read more →

The students and their families raised over $150,000 to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma Pauline Hartman, Alexa Mervine, and Barbara Nather are three Archdiocese of Philadelphia Elementary School alumni who were recently recognized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as “Students of the Year 2021” for raising $153,336.96 for the Delaware chapter of LLS. Gloucestercitynews.net files Both Pauline and Alexa are graduates of Saint Thomas the Apostle School in Glen Mills (Delaware County) and Barbara is a graduate of Holy Family Regional Catholic School in Aston (Delaware County). All graduated from elementary school in 2018. The students named their team “Fight With All Your Might” and participated in a seven-week campaign, which launched in January. The initiative involved raising funds by writing letters to hundreds... Read more →

On January 30, 2015, Franklin Graham, the son of the late Billy Graham, at the First Baptist Church, in Jacksonville, Florida, gave his opinion on the future of the United States and what he felt was the decline of America's values. Franklin Graham stated Time is like a river. You cannot touch the water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. The American dream ended on November 6th, 2012. The second term of Barack Obama has been the final nail in the coffin for the legacy of the white Christian males who discovered, explored, pioneered, settled, and developed the greatest republic in the history of mankind. A coalition of blacks, Latinos, feminists, gays, government workers, union members, environmental extremists, the media,... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor March 22, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the ruling class' obsession with race: We are getting close to the point where if a white person says he prefers vanilla ice cream to chocolate, he risks being labeled a racist. The ruling class, in particular, is obsessed with this issue, seeing racism lurking behind every decision that adversely affects people of color. We need to grow up. The first thing we need to do is get rid of the term "people of color." It is meaningless. Asians have little in common with African Americans or Hispanics. Indeed, Asians have little in common with each other: The Chinese do not share a common history or culture with the Japanese,... Read more →

Eighty-four students representing Archdiocesan Secondary Schools and private Catholic High Schools throughout the five-county region have been selected to participate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 2021 All Catholic Chorus Concert. This year’s concert is under the direction of guest conductor, Dr. Rachel Cornacchio, Professor of Music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County), and will be hosted by Mr. Thomas Lynch `72, President of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, and Mr. Thomas Kuchler, Director of Performing Arts at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills (Bucks County). Saturday, March 20, 2021 6:30 p.m. Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Auditorium To view the Livestream of the 2021 All Catholic Chorus Concert, please click here. Social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. The students will perform pieces... Read more →

Hilton Head Island, SC (March 14, 2021)--The Rev. Jairo Calderon, Parish Vicar, of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, SC is asking the public to pray for the family of Father Manuel Ubaldo Jauregui Vega. Father Vega surrounded by village children in Angola, Africa (source Facebook) Father Vega, was a dear friend and seminary classmate of Father Jairo Calderon, who was a missionary priest assigned to Angola, Africa for six years. He was stabbed to death on Sunday, March 7, following a slight accident in a parking lot, in which he damaged a motorcycle with his car. He got out to see the extent of the damage and was attacked by the owner of the motorcycle who stabbed him with a knife, killing... Read more →

The Festival will be live-streamed Eighty-four students representing Archdiocesan Secondary Schools and private Catholic High Schools throughout the five-county region have been selected to participate in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 2021 All Catholic Chorus Concert. This year’s concert is under the direction of guest conductor, Dr. Rachel Cornacchio, Professor of Music at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County), and will be hosted by Mr. Thomas Lynch `72, President of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, and Mr. Thomas Kuchler, Director of Performing Arts at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills (Bucks County). Saturday, March 20, 2021 6:30 p.m. Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Auditorium To view the live stream of 2021 All Catholic Chorus Concert, please click here. Social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.... Read more →

Bill Donohue |CNBNews Contributor March 15, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on a Vatican statement issued March 15 that is sure to be controversial: There will be no recognition of homosexual unions or marriage by the Catholic Church. It is non-negotiable. End of story. Pope Francis has been under considerable pressure by gay activists, in and out of the Church, to give the green light to gay marriage. The statement released by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to queries on this issue is the most decisive rejection of those efforts ever written. The Church's top doctrinal office said, "it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e, outside... Read more →

Mansfield Township, NJ – Besides running one of the only summer camps that opened last summer, for the past 50 years, Liberty Lake has hosted thousands of Corporate, School, and Family outdoor events... and in a few weeks- PASSOVER and EASTER as well! Passover, Second night- March 28, 1:30-4pm: Join the wonderful Cantor Borsky for a unique outdoor Community Passover Seder. Doors open at 1:30, Seder begins at 2pm, with the meal beginning at 3pm. Liberty Lake and Cantor Borsky are committed to bringing our community a Passover Seder that we can enjoy and cherish. Safety is the priority, as guests will sit with their families at picnic tables, separated by a safe distance from other tables. Delicious Braised Brisket, Roast Chicken, Matzah Ball Soup,... Read more →

BY Bill Donohue CNBNEWS CONTRIBUTOR March 10, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the bishops' opposition to the "Covid Relief Bill": The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has formally opposed the American Rescue Plan Act, more commonly known as the "Stimulus Bill" or the "Covid Relief Bill." Thanks to CNSNews, we learned that USCCB president José Gomez wrote a letter on March 6 to all U.S. Senators urging them to vote against the bill; several USCCB committee chairmen co-signed the letter. This came the day after the USCCB released a letter by Gomez (and the committee chairmen) stating they could not support the bill unless it prohibited funding for abortions. The sponsors of the bill refused to accede to the bishops'... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on Biden's Catholic standing: Everyone knew that Sen. Joe Lieberman was proudly Jewish, so there was no need to persuade the public of his religious status. Similarly, it is widely recognized that Sen. Mitt Romney is a practicing Mormon, therefore making moot attempts to prove he is. President Biden is different. Not a day goes by without some commentators, usually left-wing Catholics, trying to convince the public that he is a model Catholic. Gloucestercitynews.net files This is disingenuous. If Biden were a model Catholic, there would be no need to assure us that he is. Even his fans know he isn't, otherwise, they wouldn't waste so much energy on this issue. What galvanizes them... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor March 2, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the intense focus on President Biden's religion: The obsession with President Biden's religion is everywhere apparent, especially among Democrats, liberal pundits, reporters and activists. They are working overtime to convince the public that he is a good Catholic. On Biden's first day in office, White House press secretary Jen Psaki addressed his religion at a press conference. "I will just take the opportunity to remind all of you that he is a devout Catholic, and somebody who attends church regularly." "Devout Catholic." A lexis-nexis search reveals that this descriptive term has been used by the press hundreds of times in the last three months. The day after Biden was inaugurated,... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on accusations of sexual harassment against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo: Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs to step aside immediately pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace. In doing so, he would simply be taking the same medicine he has prescribed for the Catholic Church. If a priest is accused of sexual misconduct, the Church’s zero tolerance policy insists he must step aside pending an investigation. Initially, this policy was directed at offenses committed against minors. However, in 2017 and 2019, Pope Francis said that zero tolerance must also be applied to sexual offenses committed against “vulnerable adults,” defined, in part, as those in a state that “limits their ability” to... Read more →

Bill Donohue |CNBNews Contributor February 22, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue explains why the Equality Act is flawed: According to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Equality Act is "about ending discrimination"; President Joe Biden agrees. That may be its intent, but its effect is to promote the most comprehensive assault on Christianity ever written into law. This explains why the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been fighting this proposed law for years. Most recently it said the Equality Act "would discriminate against people of faith." The Catholic League and many other civil rights and religious organizations have also sounded the alarm. The Equality Act has two major goals: it would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor February 19, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the growing tension between President Biden and the bishops: President Biden has been in office for just over a month and already he is on a collision course with the bishops. It reached a new level today when he issued a statement endorsing the Equality Act; next week it will be voted on in the House and will also be reintroduced in the Senate. Biden sees the Equality Act as granting "dignity and respect" to everyone, making sure that "America lives up to our foundational values of equality and freedom for all." He says it is needed because "LGBTQ+ Americans" have been denied "full equality." This is a dishonest account.... Read more →

Sicklerville- On February 13, 2021. Age 64. (nee Burkhardt) Loving and devoted wife of 41 years to Gregory J. Madjeski. Loving mother of Rebekah Guckin (Brandon) and Benjamin Madjeski (Alyssa). Cherished grandmother of Christian and Charlotte Guckin. Beloved sister of Barbara Cohen (Steven). Beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Jane Burkhardt. Denise was a graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1975. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Science from Rutgers Camden. Denise worked 10 years as a medical technologist for West Jersey Hospital Camden and Voorhees and was a proud member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. After remaining at home to raise her children, she became a teacher at Victory Christian School in Williamstown. Denise was a longtime member... Read more →

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the death of Rush Limbaugh: No talk-show host, on radio or TV—liberal or conservative—has ever had as much public impact as Rush Limbaugh. His voice was a gift from God and his daily presentations and musings were classic. He did not need prepared scripts: his commentary was fluid, coherent and persuasive. Indeed, he captivated his audience in a way no one else ever has. Rush was also a good friend of the Catholic League. His kind remarks about our work, and his decision to interview me for his monthly newsletter (April 2014) is an honor that I will always treasure. We have lost a titan. Sad to note but there is no one who can fill his shoes.... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ --Gloucester Catholic Junior-Senior High School is currently accepting applications for those families wishing to enroll students in Grades 7-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Registration for incoming Junior and Senior High students will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Attendees will have a great opportunity to meet the incoming students, their families, along with faculty and staff! Three Easy Ways to Register! 1. TRADITIONAL MAIL Mail registration packet to: Gloucester Catholic 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 MEMO: GC Registration 2. "DRIVE-BY DROP OFF" "Drive by Drop Off" at the Main Office entrance between 9 AM and 10:30 AM on Saturday, Feb. 20th. 3. REGISTER IN-PERSON To register in-person, stop by the Gloucester Catholic... Read more →

Catherine J. Sturgis Surrounded by her loving family, at home, Catherine passed peacefully on February 11, 2021 at age 93. Longtime resident of Gloucester City. Beloved mother of Rosemary Hilliard and Isabella Hilliard. Predeceased by her daughter, Dianne E. DeMore and sons, William J. Hilliard and John J. DeMore. Cherished daughter of the late Clarence and Catherine Sturgis (nee Reid). Cherished grandmother of 19, great-grandmother of 45 and great-great-grandmother of 24. Beloved sister of Evelyn Horner and Marie Mowery. Predeceased by her baby brother Clarence Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, February 20thfrom 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Her funeral service will be celebrated at 10:30 AM by Rev. Debra Connor.... Read more →

Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files (Camden City, NJ) (February 12, 2021)--– The Camden County Police Department is investigating several thefts of vans in the city and asking for help from the public with any relevant information about these crimes. Seven vans have been reported stolen in the city since Jan. 25, including three taken from churches in the city. Four of the incidents occurred in East Camden and one of the stolen vans was later recovered in Philadelphia. The Camden County Police Department is urging residents, business owners and those involved in churches or other organizations in the city that own vans to make sure that they are locked when not in use and parked in secure locations if possible. Anyone with information about these crimes or... Read more →

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the 12:05 p.m. Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent for Christians throughout the world. Lent is a 40-day period of penitence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving from Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Wednesday, February 17, 2021 12:05 p.m. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews February 5, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on an article by the Associated Press on the Catholic Church's participation in the Payroll Protection Program: Nancy Pelosi's husband, who has a net worth of $120 million, co-owns a company that received a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan; he and his wife are worth $202 million. The Los Angeles Lakers, which are worth $4.4 billion, received PPP funding as well; they gave back the $4.6 million loan after being publicly embarrassed. Lucrative Hollywood law firms also raked in PPP funds. None of this is of any interest to the Associated Press (AP). On February 4, it continued its obsession with the Catholic Church by running a lengthy piece on this subject... Read more →

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (NDS) Community Food Program is continuing its efforts to fight hunger in the Philadelphia region by participating in the nation-wide Souper Bowl of Caring collection. This effort aims to help tackle hunger in local communities using the energy surrounding the Super Bowl. This relief effort is especially critical when many across the Philadelphia region are faced with food insecurity and increased financial challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic. Each month, NDS’ Community Food Program is delivering over 25,000 pounds of food to its network of over 50 food cupboards and outreaches located throughout the five-county metropolitan area. This number is expected to increase as the need for food continues to rise. Those interested in supporting NDS’ Community... Read more →

BY BILL DONOHUE | CNBNEWS CONTRIBUTOR January 27, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on recent calls to deprogram Trump supporters: The Catholic League, like all advocacy organizations, makes maximum use of its First Amendment right to freedom of speech. To this extent, the increasing calls for censorship of organizations that espouse traditional moral views are worrisome. We live in a time of unparalleled attacks on free speech, emanating from established sources, including the media. One might think that the media, which does not exist without freedom of speech, would be reflexively opposed to censorship, but not anymore. In many cases, those who work in the media are leading the charge to silence what it sees as its opposition. This is much more dangerous... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA PA--Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (NDS) Community Food Program is continuing its efforts to fight hunger in the Philadelphia region by participating in the nation-wide Souper Bowl of Caring collection. This effort aims to help tackle hunger in local communities using the energy surrounding the Super Bowl. This relief effort is especially critical when many across the Philadelphia region are faced with food insecurity and increased financial challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic. Each month, NDS’ Community Food Program is delivering over 25,000 pounds of food to its network of over 50 food cupboards and outreaches located throughout the five-county metropolitan area. This number is expected to increase as the need for food continues to rise. Those interested in supporting NDS’... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue explains what led to the Capitol riot: Any investigation of the Capitol riot on January 6 must start by asking what provoked these men and women to act. While thousands showed up, roughly 200 of them managed to enter the Capitol. That small portion of Trump supporters must be held accountable, but we can’t get to the bottom of this until we understand why most of the crowd—the non-violent ones—were there in the first place. What fueled the anger of this mob were many things, among them being the passive reaction of the ruling class to the wave of violence that encapsulated American cities in 2020. The police were told to stand down and prosecutors... Read more →

January 25, 2021 by Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on what happened at a pro-life Mass on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade: In the 1930s, Nazis routinely invaded religious services at synagogues. There have been many copycat events in the United States since that time, most of which have taken place in Catholic churches. The latest incident took place on January 22, the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion-on-demand. The venue was St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio. While Columbus Bishop Robert Brennan was celebrating a pro-life Mass, a group of protesters stormed the cathedral. They held up pro-abortion signs and chanted anti-Catholic slogans, leaving Catholics in attendance in a state of shock. Bishop... Read more →

Monday morning at a news conference, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez launched the 2021 Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA), the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's single largest and most important annual fundraising initiative. It benefits hundreds of thousands of people through countless organizations and ministries in the Archdiocese. This year’s fundraising goal is $12.5 million with the theme “Giving Hope to All.” The announcement took place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center with due respect for and adherence to guidelines set forth by governmental health agencies. Archbishop Pérez said, “By supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal, you are feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, supporting veterans, those in recovery, and helping students with special needs to receive the Catholic education they deserve. You are helping desperate families get back on their... Read more →

by Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor January 23, 2021 Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the death of Larry King: Larry King was perhaps the greatest interviewer of all time. Unlike today's cable news hosts, Larry came to the table without cue cards. There were no canned questions prepared by a producer, no teleprompter to lean on for support. Most of all, Larry listened. Larry asked a question and the guest answered. The next question was based on what the guest said. It was a conversation. He would listen attentively to what was said and would then dig deeper. And so on. Sounds fairly simple. But it isn't. Larry's gift was to make his guests feel relaxed, getting them to open up about matters... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 21, 2021)--Faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and throughout the United States will observe the 48th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing abortion nationwide. Since that time, millions of lives have been lost to abortion. Our prayers and sacrifices make a difference in the face of the culture of death and place emphasis on our real hope for a culture of life. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez encourages faithful of the Archdiocese to participate in the “9 Days of Life” (January 21-29, 2021) and the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children” (January 22, 2021). RELATED: Video: Father Jim Gigliotti on a Biden Presidency The “9 Days for Life” The... Read more →

Updated on January 6, 2021 Gentle People, I am sure that you are as disturbed and upset as I am at the events of this afternoon and evening (January 6, 2021) at the US Capitol. Not in living memory have we seen the security of that building of the two chambers of congress breached by insurrectionists threatening harm to our government and its leaders. I want to encourage you to heed the advice of Presbyterian minister Fred Rogers, who taught us to, in times of trouble, look for the helpers. There will always be helpers in times of trouble and chaos. Today we saw the US Capitol Police and US Secret Service spring into action to keep members and leaders of our Congressional bodies safe... Read more →

Fort Worth, TX--Father Jim Gigliotti, pastor Saint Andrew Catholic Parish, Fort Worth, TX, spoke to teachers and students following his homily about the election of Joe Biden, a Catholic, to President of the United States. Father Jim told his audience that they should not celebrate Biden's election on school grounds because he is pro-abortion. “This is my role to say this. You want to go to court about this, that’s your prerogative. You want to have a fisticuffs fight about it, I don’t do that,” he said. “I'm just going to take a stand and let the pieces fall where they may. You are not to celebrate the fact that this pro-abortionist is close to being President of the United States.” The Catholic church opposes... Read more →

Bill Donohue When I became president and CEO of the Catholic League in 1993, the lion’s share of anti-Catholic bigotry stemmed from the entertainment industry and the media. Fast forward to today and we find that the primary source of anti-Catholicism is government. In other words, we are regressing. It is one thing to be disparaged, even viciously so; it is quite another to be discriminated against. The first serious discriminatory act of the year took place in Utah. Utah Rep. Angela Romero, a Democrat, sponsored a bill that would have gutted the seal of confession. She said it was necessary because priests learn of the sexual abuse of minors in confession and do not report it to the authorities. On January 13, I wrote... Read more →

Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia (file photo) PHILADELPHIA PA--Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Mass on Thursday, December 24, 2020 and the Christmas Day Noon Solemn Mass on Friday, December 25, 2020. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 The Holy Day of Christmas is a most special occasion for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The current liturgical guidelines issued by the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship and approved by Archbishop Pérez pertaining to the celebration of Advent and Christmas within the context of the ongoing... Read more →

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Mass on Thursday, December 24, 2020 and the Christmas Day Noon Solemn Mass on Friday, December 25, 2020. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 The Holy Day of Christmas is a most special occasion for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The current liturgical guidelines issued by the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship and approved by Archbishop Pérez pertaining to the celebration of Advent and Christmas within the context of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic remain in effect. A full copy of these guidelines, along... Read more →

Instead of In-Person Services ROCKAWAY, NJ (December 14, 2020) – Christ Church, one of the largest churches in the New York metropolitan area with more than 9,500 members, has announced that it will host Christmas services online only, as a live musical celebration of the holiday. Titled Home for Christmas, the production is designed to express the true meaning of Christmas through some of the most beloved Christmas songs, as performed by Christ Church’s accomplished worship band. Home for Christmas will take place on December 16, 17 and 23 at 8:00pm Eastern and can be streamed live at https://www.christchurchusa.org/christmas/ or on the Christ Church YouTube channels: ChristChurchNJ or ChristChurchUSA. Replays will also be available on December 24, and 25, also at 8:00 p.m. The event... Read more →

William J Casey Jr. MILLSBORO, DELAWARE (CNBNewsnet)--William J Casey Jr, age 78 of Millsboro DE, passed away peacefully in his home on December 3, 2020, after a long illness. William was born in Camden City, NJ, and raised in Cramer Hill, NJ. After graduating from Camden Catholic High School in 1961, he worked for GlaxoSmithKline Printing and Packaging Division for 25 years, retired, and opened his own printing company, Alliance Printing LLC. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 09053, Elks Lodge 2514, and a founding member of Sacred Heart University Tailgate Village. Bill was very active in his community. He was a beloved bartender in his community clubhouse along with his buddy, Burt. He and his wife Mary Beth coordinated many... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA PA--Students from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield (Delaware County) have collected almost 300 items for at risk and in need children and youth served by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) throughout the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan region. Members of the senior class from the Operation Santa Claus team will be dressed in festive Christmas attire to help pack the gifts into the vehicles. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Cardinal O’Hara High School 1701 Sproul Road Springfield, PA 19064 (Delaware County) Traditionally, many of the gifts collected would be distributed during CSS’ 65th Annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children. The annual Christmas party serves several hundred children and youth who represent thousands across the Greater... Read more →

Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on media reaction to Joe Biden’s faith: CNN ran a piece December 13 noting that Joe Biden goes to church, prays, and carries a rosary. Right after the election, America, the Jesuit media outlet, commented that Biden prays and carries a rosary. Back in September, NPR observed that Biden uses “biblical language,” prays, is a “deeply devout person of faith,” and, of course, carries a rosary. The Washington Post is fascinated by Biden’s faith. On November 30th, it noted his “devout Catholicism.” On December 9th, two articles were published on this subject. One mentioned that he goes to church on Sunday and carries a rosary. The other was more pointed: “Joe Biden goes to... Read more →

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued an order for Limited Time Mitigation on Thursday, December 10, 2020. The order from Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, includes this stated exception: “Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations set forth above during religious services. These institutions are strongly encouraged to enforce physical distancing and other mitigation measures at their gatherings.” Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that current liturgical guidelines developed by the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship and approved by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez remain fully in effect. This includes the Directives for Advent and Christmas and the Guidelines for the Application of Safer at Home Restrictions in the City of Philadelphia. These Archdiocesan... Read more →

by Bill Donohue | CNBNews Contributor Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the Catholic League’s nativity scene on public property: Today, the Catholic League erected a life-size nativity scene in Central Park, on a piece of public property in front of the Plaza Hotel, between 58th and 59th Street on 5th Avenue. We received a permit from the New York City Parks Department, as we have for decades. Sitting nearby is the world’s largest menorah, which is also a religious symbol. There are no Santa Clauses, reindeers, Jack Frosts, or any other secular symbols surrounding our religious display. We don’t need to have them. Why? Because Central Park is a public forum, a place that is open to all ideas, concerts, artistic exhibitions, and... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA PA--Each year, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) honors dedicated staff and administrators who are celebrating significant service milestones for the contributions they have made to the Church’s works of charity. This year, CSS is pleased to recognize 24 “Partners in Mission” from programs throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This year’s honorees have a combined total of nearly 400 years of service to faith-based delivery of social services. Recognition for special achievement begins with 10 years of employment and continues in five-year intervals. Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services said, “As our dedicated staff members, you make it possible for us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as we affirm, assist and advocate for our brothers and... Read more →

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will present its annual Christmas Concert, Prayer for Peace, on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m. Due to current COVID-19 guidelines regarding in-person gatherings, the concert will be held virtually. All are invited to join in the Cathedral Basilica Schola and instrumentalists for an afternoon of peace and joy. This year’s program will include works by Abbie Betinis, Frank La Rocca, Julian Wachner, William Walton, as well as beloved Christmas Carols for all to sing along. Reverend G. Dennis Gill, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and Ms. Charlene Angelini, Director of Cathedral Parish Music, recently released a special video invitation via the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Facebook page. To view the video message,... Read more →

...a $1.3 million commitment from the Connelly Foundation to these students over the next four years PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 7, 2020) – Last week, the Connelly Foundation announced virtually its 2021 Neumann Scholars, awarding 40 academically talented eighth grade students from 30 regional parochial schools with four-year, full scholarships to attend any Philadelphia Archdiocesan high school of their choosing. The scholarships are named for Saint John Neumann, the fourth bishop of Philadelphia, who is credited with founding over 200 schools in the Archdiocese. “The Connelly Foundation is proud to shine a light on the accomplishments and brilliance of the scholars across the Philadelphia Archdiocese, especially during this challenging time to be a student,” said Josephine C. Mandeville, Chair of the Connelly Foundation Board. “Through the Neumann... Read more →

ON THE OCCASION OF THE SEASON OF ADVENT This year, perhaps more than ever, we need Christmas and its promise of hope for a suffering humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. To fully understand and be ready to accept that profound gift on Christmas day, we must prepare our minds and hearts. If we embrace the Season of Advent fully, we will be ready for the Savior. Though our Advent experience may be far from typical this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this holy season can still be one of prayer and charity. At the Angelus this past weekend, Pope Francis said, “Advent is a continuous call to hope: it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its... Read more →