The repeal of the death penalty in Nebraska represents a further step in the building of a culture of life, said the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami. Nebraska becomes the 19th state to abolish the death penalty since it was reinstated in the United States in 1976.

The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program today announced plans to create a mural honoring the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the historic visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia in September 2015.

The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Eileen Vice as Principal of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield (Delaware County) effective July 1, 2015. Mrs. Vice is an alumna of Cardinal O’Hara, Class of 1989.

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) began the process of negotiating a potential early bird contract with the Association of Catholic Teachers (ACT) in mid-April. Representatives of OCE bargained in good faith with the Association in the hope of reaching an early labor agreement for the 2015-2016 academic year.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary today announced that two religious orders – the Congregation of the Mission (The Vincentians) and the Oblates of Saint Joseph – have selected Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary for theological studies for its men studying for the priesthood.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 17 high schools are proud to announce the baccalaureate Masses and commencement exercises for the Class of 2015.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Charities Appeal is once again partnering with the Philadelphia Phillies for “Catholic Charities Night” at Citizens Bank Park. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through a dedicated link will go directly to the appeal.

In Christian thought, justice is one of the cardinal (or “hinge”) virtues. Mercy – also a virtue – is a fruit of the great theological virtue, charity. Together, mercy and justice should guide a mature Christian’s actions, choices and words.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will ordain seven men to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Rite of Ordination will take place during Mass following Archbishop Chaput’s homily.

The Rev. Mr. Daniel J. Arechabala, son of Mr. Miguel and Mrs. Mary Beth Arechabala, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap