Dear friends in Christ,

On December 26, Pennsylvania's Superior Court unanimously reversed the 2012 conviction of Msgr. William Lynn on a charge of endangering the welfare of children. At my direction, the Archdiocese has provided 10 percent of Msgr. Lynn's bail – $25,000 – to assist his release from prison. Msgr. Lynn is free but constrained by a number of court restrictions pending an appeal of the reversal by civil authorities to the commonwealth's Supreme Court.

Msgr. Lynn remains on administrative leave. As such, he may not function publicly as a priest.

The Superior Court ruling does not vindicate Msgr. Lynn's past decisions. Nor does it absolve the Archdiocese from deeply flawed thinking and actions in the past that resulted in bitter suffering for victims of sexual abuse and their families. Above all, it does not and cannot erase the Archdiocese's duty to help survivors heal. We remain committed to that healing – now and in the future.

For the past three years the Archdiocese has worked vigorously to reform the way it protects the children and families it serves. New policies and procedures, new standards of ministerial behavior, new Archdiocesan Review Board members, mandated reporter training for thousands of volunteers, clergy and staff: All these things are a matter of public record. Throughout the trial of Msgr. Lynn, the Archdiocese cooperated fully and honestly with law enforcement and the court. And that cooperation will continue, whatever the final outcome of Msgr. Lynn's case. We cannot change the past. But we can and will do everything in our power to prevent it from being repeated.

I understand and accept the anger felt toward the Archdiocese by many of our people and priests, as well as the general public, for the ugly events of the past decade. Only time and a record of honest conversion by the Archdiocese can change that. Msgr. Lynn has already spent 18 months in prison on a conviction which Pennsylvania's state appellate court has reversed – unanimously – as “fundamentally flawed.” This reversal is not a matter of technicalities but of legal substance. That is made very clear in the text of the Superior Court's decision.
Msgr. Lynn presents no danger to anyone. He poses no flight risk. The funding for his bail has been taken from no parish, school or ministry resources, impacts no ongoing work of the Church and will be returned when the terms of bail are completed. Nor does it diminish in any way our determination to root out the possibility of sexual abuse from the life of our local Church.

As a result, I believe that assisting Msgr. Lynn's family and attorney with resources for his bail is both reasonable and just. We have acted accordingly.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ,
+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Updated: January 8, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.

EDITOR'S NOTE: National Migration Week will be observed in dioceses around the country January 5-11. Ongoing goals of Catholic efforts for immigration justice include:

1. Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented persons in the country.
2. Preserve family unity as a cornerstone of our national immigration system.
3. Provide legal paths for low-skilled immigrant workers to come and work in the United States.
4. Restore due process protections to immigration enforcement policies.
5. Address the root causes of migration caused by persecution and economic disparity.

The observance of National Migration Week was launched over a quarter century ago by the U.S. bishops to give Catholics an opportunity to see the wide diversity of peoples in the Church and the ministries serving them.

While the immigration debate in this country has burned on for years, Congress has consistently failed to pass adequate reform legislation. No single party bears the blame for the paralysis. Both Democrats and Republicans have misused this issue, and the powerful emotions it generates, for political gain. As a result, despite millions of words in partisan sloganeering, our national immigration policy still fails to address the complicated economic and social forces driving immigration.

Worse, this gridlock has very human consequences in the separation of children who are U.S. citizens from their non-citizen parents, and the wholesale alienation of immigrant communities.

As America's bishops have stressed many times in the past, in the United States we now employ a permanent underclass of human beings who build our roads, pick our fruit, clean our hotel rooms and landscape our lawns. Most of these men and women, like millions of immigrants before them, simply want a better life for their children. They pay billions into our tax and Social Security systems. But even as we benefit from their labor, we too often do not offer them the basic protection of law. When convenient, we blame them for our social ills and pursue policies that intimidate them and their families.

Our immigration laws undergird this troubling status quo. Despite billions spent on enforcement each year, most unauthorized migrants find jobs once they arrive, or, in the case of visa overstays, remain in the United States. And while hundreds of thousands of these workers are added to our economy each year, only a fraction of that number in annual immigrant visas become available for people to enter our country legally.

Congress can end these current policy and humanitarian failures by adopting a comprehensive immigration reform package. Any serious reform should provide a path to permanent citizenship for the undocumented already here, and create avenues for future workers and their families to enter the country legally.

Obviously, maintaining the rule of law is a vital aspect of reform. Americans have very legitimate concerns for public safety and the solvency of our public institutions. Nor is the problem purely a product of ill will in Washington, D.C. Some people enjoy blaming the United States for nearly every problem, and unfortunately, American policy has had a very mixed history in Latin America. But until Latin American nations seriously reform their own legal and economic systems, they also bear responsibility for the current crisis. Just pointing fingers at the United States accomplishes very little. One of the implications of a hemispheric economy is that both sides of the border need to cooperate. Both sides of the border have duties.

Nonetheless, we should remember that while we are a nation of laws, we also are a nation founded on the principle of justice. Accomplishing immigration reform would restore justice to our immigration system and strengthen, not undermine, the rule of law.

By providing the undocumented population an opportunity to work toward permanent citizenship through earned legalization, we would encourage them to identify themselves to the government. By creating avenues for migrant workers and their families to cross the border safely, we would better enable the government to monitor who enters the country and for what purpose. Law enforcement officials would then be able to focus on apprehending real criminals: drug smugglers, human traffickers and potential terrorists.
It does not take political courage to complain about undocumented immigrants. It does take political courage to seek and achieve real change in immigration policies sustained on the weakness of those without rights or a voice.

We need to pray that our elected federal officials will find the courage in this new year of Our Lord, 2014, to finally pass real immigration reform. In the end, the ultimate question for Congress - and for all Americans - is whether we want to live in a society that accepts the toil of migrants with one hand, and then treats them like outcasts with the other. For our own sake, I want to believe the answer is "no."

Educational materials and other resources for National Migration Week can be found at www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week. Information on how Catholics can join in efforts to call on Congress to pass fair and comprehensive immigration reform can be found at www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

Advocates can use the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network to contact their Congressmen in support of immigration reform by visiting https://www.votervoice.net/PACC/Campaigns/33031/Respond.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the main celebrant and homilist during the annual Religious Education Mass and Award Ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Among the 250 religious educators being honored, Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will be recognized posthumously with the Paul VI Award.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Charities Appeal is partnering with the Philadelphia 76ers for "Catholic Charities Night" at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $25 to $40 per ticket. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through a dedicated link will go directly to the appeal.

Every year, the Philadelphia Catholic Charities Appeal feeds, clothes, shelters, and educates more than 200,000 people across our region, regardless of their faith. Care is provided for the homeless, the elderly, disadvantaged youth and the developmentally delayed through more than 80 highly effective social service programs that build up the dignity of those served.

To purchase tickets to this game and support the Catholic Charities Appeal, please visit http://www.nba.com/sixers/promocode and enter the promo code: TCF.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Office for the New Evangelization are pleased to announce the featured speakers and topics for the 2014 Archbishop's Lecture Series. The series presents an opportunity for all to come to a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Catholic faith, its authentic content, and its orientation toward the transformation of the world around us. This year's lecture topics revolve around masculinity and femininity, marriage and the family, a timely preparation for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

All lectures will take place at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Vianney Hall Auditorium; 100 East Wynnewood Road; Wynnewood, PA 19096 (Montgomery County).

A complete listing of scheduled programs is below.

Philadelphia, PA (March 7, 2014) - The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that a leadership delegation led by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap. and Honorary Co-Chairs for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Governor Tom Corbett and Mayor Michael A. Nutter, will travel to Rome in preparation for the September 22-27, 2015 event. The delegation will spend March 24-26 in Rome in planning meetings and events related to the World Meeting of Families. The visit will officially conclude with a Papal Audience between the delegation and Pope Francis.

Announced concurrently with the planned visit to Rome was the lay leadership who will serve as public ambassadors for the World Meeting of Families and the City of Philadelphia during the next 18 months. Mr. Robert J. Ciaruffoli, Chairman and CEO of ParenteBeard LLC, will serve as President of the World Meeting of Families, the 501(c)-3 established to oversee comprehensive planning, logistics and financials for the event. Mr. Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation; Mr. Joseph Neubauer, Chairman of ARAMARK; Mr. David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation; Mr. Daniel J. Hilferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross; and Mr. James J. Maguire, Sr., Co-Principal of The Maguire Foundation; will serve as Co-Chairs of the Executive Leadership Cabinet, which will support the World Meeting of Families in outreach to the broader corporate and philanthropic community. Mr. Ciaruffoli, Mr. Neubauer, Mr. Hilferty and Mr. Maguire will be members of the official delegation to Rome.

"We are delighted to have such an esteemed delegation represent the World Meeting of Families- Philadelphia 2015 at the Vatican," said Archbishop Chaput. "I have always welcomed the World Meeting of Families as an event that has the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, not just the spirit of Catholic life in our region, but our entire community. I am grateful to so many civic and business leaders- representing many different faiths - for their willingness to undertake this endeavor with the Archdiocese. Their recognition of the World Meeting of Families as a gift not only to the City and Commonwealth but to the nation gives me great confidence as we move forward in planning. I look forward to sharing these important updates and our momentum with Pope Francis."

Echoing Archbishop Chaput's sentiments, Mr. Ciaruffoli commented, "There is much to be done in planning and executing such a significant global event. We are equal to the task. We've developed an organizational structure that encourages meaningful participation at many levels. We are working closely with the City of Philadelphia on all the ways this event can positively affect our city and region. Our upcoming visit to Rome will give us another way to more deeply engage the planning process and better understand the full scope of this event."

The 2015 event in Philadelphia marks the first time the United States will welcome this event, which was last hosted by Milan, Italy in June 2012. The three-day visit by the delegation to Rome will focus upon fact-finding and high level discussions regarding the City's preparation for the World Meeting of Families, which is expected to draw tens of thousands from more than 150 nations. The delegation's projected itinerary currently includes:

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Here's a simple fact: The dignity of the human person is what all Catholic teaching seeks to advance. But what sets the Christian faith apart from every other revolutionary movement for justice is the rejection of violence and the affirmation of the power of love. Real love -- love that involves a complete surrender of ourselves to meet the needs of another person -- is life's most challenging and rewarding experience.

We learn this first and most fruitfully in the school of love which is the family. Vatican II described the family as "the first and vital cell of society." And it very wisely taught that "the well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life."

The power of the family boils down to a very particular, very intimate, kind of witness. This is why the greatest gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. Nothing is more demanding, and nothing takes more care and self-sacrifice, than love within a family. But neither is anything more joyful than when a parent's love comes to harvest in a child who grows into a man or woman filled with character, courage and grace. Loving "humanity" is easy. Theories about love and justice are always easier than the reality. But loving real persons in all their messy complexity as God wants them to be loved, day in and day out -- that's what separates the wheat from the chaff. And nowhere is that truer than within a family.

Blessed (and soon to be canonized St.) Pope John Paul II once described the Christian family as "the most effective means for humanizing and personalizing society," building up the world "by making possible a life that is, properly speaking, human."

That's still true. And we've never needed healthy families more urgently than now. The developed world has created an environment where today, both parents often have jobs outside the home; a society of more work and more stress, caused by our addictive consumption of goods, which is fueled by the relentless marketing of products, which creates more consumer debt, which generates the need for longer work hours, in order to make more money. The result is pretty obvious. Families have no time to be a family. And tens of millions of husbands and wives are essentially working to service their credit-card debt. They live to pay their bills.

To counter this, one of the most important gifts a family can share is gratitude. Gratitude is the beginning of joy. Gratitude leads to humility. Humility makes us aware of others. And an awareness of others and their needs softens our hearts to forgive; it helps us to see our own sins and our own need for repentance more clearly. These are the seeds of real justice and real mercy, that kind that endures, without which no society can survive.

The lesson is this: As families, we need to teach our children that what we do becomes who we are. We need to share more and acquire less. We need to unplug a little from the network of noise that surrounds us. And we need to create the room for a silence that we can fill with conversation; conversation with each other and with God.

We can't do this alone. And therein lies the tremendous value of families coming together to reinforce each other's vocation, to deepen their faith and to experience the presence of God. This is the mission of the World Meeting of Families: to show the joy of authentic family life to the world, and to invite others from around the world to share in it.

In September next year, families from around the globe will gather in Philadelphia for the Eighth World Meeting of Families. We have strong hopes that our wonderful Pope Francis will join us. And we're confident that the Spirit of God and his transforming joy will bless everyone who takes part. This is a moment of grace not just for Catholics, but for the whole Philadelphia region and people of good will across the wider community; an opportunity for renewal that comes once in a lifetime. All will be welcome. So please keep this gathering in your daily prayers. And please, please, urge others to join us here in the City of Brotherly Love in 2015!

On-going information about the Eighth World Meeting of Families can be found at: www.worldmeeting2015.org

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Faithful throughout the Archdiocese are invited to participate in an evangelization initiative making its area debut here in Philadelphia. Borrowed from the idea of flash mobs and modeled after a successful grassroots program developed in the Diocese of Buffalo, a "Mass mob" encourages Catholics to come together in an organized fashion and in large numbers to attend Mass at a designated parish.

Mass Mob Philly will hold its first gathering at Saint Francis Xavier, The Oratory.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia has launched this year's Catholic School Students for Catholic Charities fundraising program, intended to educate students with the works of the Archdiocese and emphasize the relationship between charity and our Catholic faith. Student fundraiser ideas include bake sales, pep rallies, basketball shoot-offs, car washes, karaoke nights and school dances.

The money raised by Catholic School Students for Catholic Charities will be used exclusively to support the schools of Special Education in the Archdiocese: Archbishop Ryan Academy for the Deaf, Saint Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments, Saint Katherine Day School and Our Lady of Confidence Day School.

A collective event including live music and entertainment is planned for May to recognize students' fundraising efforts during this Lenten season. In addition, Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese, will offer remarks and acknowledge schools with outstanding participation.

The 2014 Catholic Charities Appeal, which was officially launched in February, is the single largest fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Funds from the Appeal assist many programs administered by the Archdiocese, including housing and meals for the homeless, senior and family service centers, afterschool programs, community food cupboards and residential and community-based academic programs for dependent and delinquent youth, developmentally disabled and special needs children.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Father Andrew McCormick was placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in March 2011. This action followed concerns raised by a Grand Jury Report issued in February of that year. Since that time, he has not exercised public ministry. He has not and may not administer the sacraments publicly or present himself as a priest in good standing.

In July 2012 police arrested Father McCormick based on an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor received directly by law enforcement. That allegation had not been previously reported to the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese immediately and publicly urged individuals with relevant case information to contact either the Philadelphia Police Department's Special Victims Unit or the Philadelphia District Attorney's Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit.

The Archdiocese was not involved in Father McCormick's legal defense and did not underwrite its costs.
The Archdiocese will not move forward with its canonical process as the criminal proceedings against Father McCormick have not come to a conclusion. Father McCormick will remain on administrative leave with all current restrictions in place at this time.

We understand that the spotlight on Father McCormick's trial has been difficult for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. We regret their continued burden and urge survivors and their families to seek support and assistance through the Victim Assistance Program administered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].

The Church remains committed to helping the survivors of sexual abuse heal, and to ensure that all young people in her care are protected. We pray for all those impacted by the outcome of this trial and especially for all those who suffer due to the tragedy of sexual abuse.


To Make a Report
To report an allegation of sexual abuse, contact your local law enforcement agency and the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

To report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and the Faith in the Future Foundation are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas S. Fertal as the 3rd President of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Delaware County. Mr. Fertal will formally assume his responsibilities on June 1st. He succeeds Dr. William J. McCusker, President of Cardinal O'Hara since 2001, who previously announced his retirement would be effective at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Mr. Fertal said, "I am humbled to have been selected as the leader of an institution with such a storied history as Cardinal O'Hara High School. From my interaction with representatives of the school, it is clear to me that there is a deep and genuine affinity for the school and for Catholic education within the O'Hara family. I look forward to the honor and the challenge of walking in the footsteps of the school's first President and my former Bishop, the late Bishop Joseph McFadden, as well as continuing the excellent work of Dr. William J. McCusker in serving the students, staff and families of the Cardinal O'Hara community."

Mr. Fertal joins Cardinal O'Hara after having served in various leadership roles in the Diocese of Harrisburg since 1996, including principal at Lancaster Catholic High School since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Restorative Practices and Education from the International Institute of Restorative Practices in Bethlehem (Lehigh County) and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Leadership from Alvernia University in Reading (Berks County).

Mr. Casey Carter, Chief Executive Officer of the Faith in the Future Foundation said, "Tom's tremendous personal leadership made all the difference in shaping Lancaster Catholic into the success story that it is today. We are just thrilled for the entire O'Hara community that Tom has agreed to join our team and bring all of his energy and enthusiasm for Catholic education to this great school. I can't wait to see the great things he is going to bring to O'Hara."

A devout Catholic, Mr. Fertal is a Charter member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 15028 in Elizabethtown (Lancaster County). He is also a three-time presenter at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry on the topic of Catholic High School campus ministry/Catholic Identity and a two-time global presenter on the topic of leadership at the International Leadership Association and International Institute for Restorative Practices. Mr. Fertal and his wife of 19 years are the parents of six children.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Green Light Pantry at Casa del Carmen, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will graduate the first Green Light Pantry class. Diego Castellanos, host of WPVI-TV Channel 6's "Puerto Rican Panorama," will be the guest speaker. In association with the graduation, the United Way and the Philadelphia Eagles will participate in a groundbreaking for garden beds and a jungle gym that will be used to grow fruits and vegetables for the Green Light Pantry.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Contextual Background
Last March, Archbishop Chaput announced a plan focused on the future viability and sustainability of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Its stated goal was to bring a sense of energy to the Seminary, its program of priestly formation, its program of permanent diaconate formation and educational opportunities it offers for the general public through the Graduate School of Theology.

The plan called for the Seminary to consolidate its entire operation. The College Division program, currently situated on the lower side of the campus, is slated to move into vacant space within the Theology Division buildings on the upper side of the campus over the next three to five years as necessary renovations are completed.

As a result of this consolidation, the Seminary will retain 35 acres of land as well as sufficient space for state-of-the-art classrooms, dormitories and offices. It will be positioned for future growth to support up to 200 resident seminarians, all non-resident candidates discerning vocations to the permanent diaconate and hundreds of full and part-time students enrolled in the Graduate School of Theology, which offers graduate degrees and catechetical certificate programs for clergy and the laity.

Last October, the Seminary engaged HHF, L.P. as a consultant for the potential lease or sale of the buildings and property currently housing the College Division and announced that funds realized from that process would be directed to the renovations called for in its plan for viability and sustainability. At that time, it was stated that additional necessary funding would be derived from the Heritage of Faith-Vision of Hope Capital Campaign, a new capital campaign focused solely on the Seminary and the sale of select pieces of artwork from the Seminary's collections.

Today's Announcement Regarding the Sale of Selected Pieces of Art
Today, Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, announced that the Seminary has entered into an agreement with Christie's for the private consignment sale of five works of art by Thomas Eakins in its collection including: The Right Reverend James F. Loughlin (1902), Reverend James P. Turner (1900), James A. Flaherty (1903), Dr. Patrick Garvey (1902) and Archbishop James Frederick Wood (1877). Most of these portraits feature past faculty members, were gifts to the Seminary and have been in its care for over 80 years.

The decision to sell these works comes with the approval of the Seminary's Board of Trustees after a year-long study conducted by a special Art Committee consisting of art specialists familiar with the history and value of the collection as well as Seminary alumni and administrators. Prior to coming to the conclusion to proceed with a private sale, the Seminary earnestly explored the possibility of partnering with local museums and historical societies in the hope that a cultural institution within the Philadelphia region would make an offer on these paintings, but a willing partner could not be found. While the Eakins paintings represent the most valuable portion of its collection, the Seminary will still maintain a substantial number of religious works of art after their sale.

"The Seminary has long been a steward of these works, but this was the right time to seize an opportunity to do what is best for the artwork and for the Seminary itself," said Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo. "We will keep many of the paintings in our collection but the core mission of the Seminary is to form men for service in the Priesthood. We are not a museum. Our hope is that as a result of this decision the Eakins paintings will find a home where they can be well cared for and viewed widely by people from across the country. What we're doing is consistent with our overall efforts to reenergize the Seminary and focus on its mission while building for the future."

Another painting by Eakins, The Translator, has been in the care of the Seminary since 1932 but is owned by the American Catholic Historical Society (ACHS). ACHS has elected to place it for consignment sale along with the pieces owned by the Seminary. Proceeds from the sale of The Translator will revert to ACHS.

Two additional paintings are being consigned for sale by the Seminary. Bonham's has been engaged as the broker for the sale of Saint Peter's Cathedral (undated) by Colin Campbell Cooper and Sotheby's will broker the sale of Archbishop Jadot (1976) by Alice Neel. All of the artworks noted above have been removed from the Seminary and transferred to the custody of the appropriate brokering party.

Future Announcements
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will continue to make public announcements as it reaches milestones in the fulfillment of its plan for future viability and sustainability. As it works to re-purpose the lower portion of its campus and renovate the upper portion, it will sustain ongoing dialogue with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Lower Merion Township and the community.

The Seminary has served as a leading institution in the formation of Catholic men for the Priesthood in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and dioceses throughout the country for over 180 years. As the Seminary evolves in the coming years, the four pillars of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation will remain strong.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

What Francis of Assisi and every other great saint discovered in their time is that we become who we really are -- we experience life most vividly -- when we allow Jesus Christ to transform and work through us. Each of us as disciples receives a call to share in God's power to give life. That's the meaning of the prayer we all learned as children:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we will be created, and You will renew the face of the earth.

Blessed Pope John XXIII described the Church as our mother and teacher. And in that role, the Church gives us a blueprint for accomplishing God's work of renewal. Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council's great Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, argues beautifully for the dignity of the human person; for economic and social justice; and for true peace and human development. And it offers us an examination of conscience that we can apply during Lent to just about every aspect of our lives:

Do we reverence and defend the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death?

Do we really love our enemies? Do we even try?

Do we teach our children to have gratitude; to take responsibility for their time, choices and actions; to feel the suffering of others; and to understand their role in building up the common good? Do we encourage that by our own good example?

Do we preach, by our actions, the dignity of human labor and the importance of human free will, work and creativity? Do we live our lives with a clear moral purpose - the purpose of co-creating with God a world shaped by the Gospel?

Do we promote the nobility of marriage and the integrity of the family?

Do we practice justice and mercy in our own social and economic relationships? Do we try to root out the prejudices in our own hearts? And do we encourage justice in our friends, business associates and leaders?

Do we take an active hand in the public square? Do we demand that our leaders promote the sanctity of the human person? And do we do everything in our power to correct or replace them if they don't?

Finally, do we cultivate in ourselves and in our children an appetite for simplicity, humility and solidarity with others? The word "Catholic" means universal. We live most of our lives in our families and parishes, and that's where our first priorities should always lie. But there's no such thing as a merely "parochial" Catholic. Baptism makes all of us members of the global Christian community. That's why issues like hunger, poverty, economic development, human trafficking, the rights of migrant workers, religious persecution - even when they're happening on the other side of the world - are happening to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. And so they involve us.

We're in the world as agents of God's love and joy. And we need to live in a way that honors each other, and honors the mission of the Church -- because in us and through our actions, both individually and as a community of faith, the outside world will judge the Gospel we claim to believe.

Two images are worth remembering as we move more deeply into Lent.

Here's the first image: The Gospel of John, 19:26-27, says that on Golgotha "when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple that he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'woman behold your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother.' And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own home."

Each of us this Lent is that disciple Jesus loved, and loves. And from the cross he's asking us to take the Church into our hearts as John took Mary into his home; to love, defend and care for her, and to advance her mission in the world.

The second image comes from Robert Frost and the last few lines of one his greatest poems:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Following him may be "the road less traveled," but as every great saint learned, it's the road that leads to the joy and light of God's love.

In these days of Lent, and every day of our lives, that road should be ours as well.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Rome, Italy (March 24, 2014) - A special leadership delegation led by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap., Governor Tom Corbett (Pennsylvania) and Mayor Michael A. Nutter (Philadelphia), arrived in Rome , Italy, this morning to commence planning meetings for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, which will be held in Philadelphia, PA in September 2015. Joined by corporate and civic leaders from the Philadelphia region, this delegation prepares for three days of public and private events across the Eternal City as the group engages in discussions of logistics and "best practices" in planning this triennial global event.

The first official event scheduled for the delegation in Rome will be a private reception, held Monday evening, at Villa Richardson, the home of Mr. Kenneth F. Hackett, United States Ambassador to The Holy See. At this event, Ambassador Hackett will officially welcome the Pennsylvania Delegation to Rome and remarks will be offered Archbishop Chaput and Governor Corbett.

Tuesday's agenda for the delegation is robust, beginning with a reception and meeting at the Pontifical Council for the Family (PCF) at 9:15 a.m. (4:15 a.m. EST). Hosted by PCF President Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, this meeting will include remarks from Archbishop Paglia, Archbishop Chaput, Governor Corbett and Mayor Nutter, followed by a ceremonial contract signing for the World Meeting of Families between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the PCF. A press conference will follow this meeting at 11:30 a.m. (6:30 a.m. EST) at La Sala Stampa, The Press Office of the Holy See. At this time, Archbishop Chaput and Archbishop Paglia will officially announce the theme of the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

The visit culminates on Wednesday when the delegation will visit Domus Sanctae Marthae at 8:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. EST) for a private Audience with Pope Francis. During this meeting, the delegation will ask Pope Francis to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Immediately following this private audience, the delegation will then attend the weekly General Audience in Saint Peter's Square at 10:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. EST), where the 24-person delegation will enjoy reserved seating in close proximity to Pope Francis.

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, please visit www.archphila.org or www.WorldMeeting2015.org. You can also follow the visit to Rome on Facebook (Eighth World Meeting of Families), Twitter (@WMF2015M) and Instagram (WMF2015).

About World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Blessed John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme, which aims to emphasize the good news of the family and highlight its intrinsic value to the good of society.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will honor four remarkable Catholic school graduates with its 2014 Distinguished Graduate Awards. The event honors Catholic school alumni who, through their achievements and commitment to living a Catholic life, best embody the spirit of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

As part of the Leadership Delegation from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's formal itinerary in Rome, planning meetings were held at the offices of the Pontifical Council for the Family followed by a news conference at the Press Office of the Holy See featuring remarks from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family. Full text can be found below.

Remarks of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop Paglia, Bishop Laffitte, Bishop McIntyre, Governor and Mrs. Corbett, Mayor Nutter, Deputy Mayor Gillison, distinguished guests and friends,

Before I do anything, I want to thank His Holiness, Pope Francis, for confirming Philadelphia as the site for this great family event in 2015. He embodies the message of mercy and joy that lies at the heart of the Gospel. His enthusiasm for life and his compassion for the genuine needs of people have inspired us to focus on our common mission of love, and how love so much enlivens all families and its respective members.

For such reasons, we are working on a Preparatory Catechism, not just for our Catholic faithful, but also for all people of good will, as we underline the beauty and truth of family life which, as the most privileged place of love, provides for a dynamism of reciprocal human affection that fills every home and family member with a unique and invigorating light and warmth.

We are very pleased to be working with the Pontifical Council for the Family, the Holy Father's office that has responsibility for the care of families globally. And we sincerely pray that Pope Francis will be able to join us for our celebration next year.

Gatherings like this are a tremendous source of joy. They also demand quite a lot of planning and a great deal of work. They draw many thousands of people - in this case, many thousands of families with children of all ages - and their magnitude poses some very special challenges. But these events also become moments of grace. They have the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, the whole public community.
That's an important point. The World Meeting of Families is meant to be a gift not just for Catholics in Philadelphia, but for every person of good will in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the surrounding regions and the wider world. Everyone with a generous heart is welcome to be a part of it, and I'll be working closely with my brother bishops in the months ahead to encourage families across the globe, to come to Philadelphia in 2015.

Philadelphia is one of my country's greatest cities and uniquely rich in America's history. It's where the United States began as a nation. The political ideals conceived in Philadelphia have served human rights and human freedom for more than two centuries -- not just in the United States but everywhere. Pope Francis has already stressed the importance of human dignity in EvangeliiGaudium and elsewhere. And he's placed a special emphasis on the strength of the family as a guarantee of human flourishing. The more we encourage and support the health of families, the more "alive" society becomes.

Philadelphia is also an American Catholic icon, with two great American saints. Mother Katharine Drexel spent her life serving African Americans and North American Indians. And Bishop John Neumann created parochial schools that became a national model and helped poor immigrant families educate their children. As a result, Philadelphia has a great Church legacy of Catholic education, and many decades of service to immigrants, minorities, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the hungry and the poor. That service continues right now, today, in all our Catholic social ministries.

The Church in Philadelphia is also very much a community in need of renewal in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis of the past decade. In that sense, Philadelphia is a snapshot of the Church globally. We have a duty to help abuse victims and their families to heal, and to protect children and young people from harm in the years ahead.

At the same time, the Church still has the duty to help people find God and to live their faith with joy and conviction. The story of repentance and new life was the story of ancient Israel, and it's the story of the Church at her best throughout history.

I think faithful Catholics everywhere know that. And they long for a chance to deepen God's presence in their own families, and to share the Gospel with a world that urgently needs hope. That's why - with the help of God - the World Meeting of Families in 2015 will achieve everything God intends for it.

I want to thank Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania and his wife Susan for being here today, and Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, along with Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison. The Governor and Mayor have very kindly agreed to serve as honorary co-chairs of the World Meeting of Families. I want to say publicly that Philadelphia's Catholic community is very, very grateful for your presence here today and for your support.

I'm also very grateful to the major interfaith and ecumenical leaders of Philadelphia's business community who have joined their Catholic colleagues in serving as co-chairs of the meeting's Executive Leadership Cabinet. They honor the Holy Father and our world meeting with their support. It's a wonderful coincidence that this global gathering of families will happen exactly 50 years after the close of the Second Vatican Council - a council that opened the Catholic Church to the Jewish and wider Christian community in a decisive way.

With us today are cabinet co-chairs Mr. Daniel Hilferty and his wife Joan; Mr. James Maguire and his wife Frances; and Mr. Joseph Neubauer and his wife Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer. Mr. Brian Roberts and Mr. David Cohen were unable to join us in Rome today because of schedule conflicts, but I want to offer them my sincerest thanks as well.

I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary service of Bishop John McIntyre, who has general oversight of the event for the Church in Philadelphia; Father William Donovan, our Archdiocese of Philadelphia liaison here in Rome working with the Pontifical Council for the Family; Mr. Robert Ciaruffoli, president and board chairman of the World Meeting of Families/Philadelphia corporation; board member and business leader Mr. Eustace Mita and his wife Susan; Mrs. Donna Crilley Farrell, the executive director of our Philadelphia efforts; and Mr. Brian Tierney, another great supporter of the World Meeting of Families, and his wife Maud.

Much work still needs to be done in perfecting the design and content of this event. But we very much want the World Meeting of Families in 2015 to be a moment of hope and joy for every person and every family that attends. It's especially fitting that next month Blessed John Paul II will be canonized a saint by our Holy Father. It was Blessed John Paul II, the Pope of the Family, who first proposed these global meetings on the family. And we in Pennsylvania are grateful to continue this great tradition of reaffirming the importance, the beauty and the joy of Christian family life.

To that purpose, we're bringing together the best experts we can enlist to address the pastoral, social, economic and cultural challenges that families now face. In the end, our goal is simple. We want to help families strengthen their family life in very practical ways. And so I'd ask everyone here today to pray that God will guide our efforts in a way that benefits his people, and proves worthy of the families and communities we serve.

Remarks of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, it is my great honor to welcome the Archbishop of Philadelphia, the Most Reverend Charles Chaput, the Mayor of Philadelphia, The Honorable Michael Nutter, and the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Honorable Tom Corbett, and all the members of the delegation that has come to Rome for the official start of preparations for the World Meeting of Families to be held in Philadelphia from the twenty-second to the twenty-seventh of September in 2015. For myself, and on behalf of the Presidential Committee, the Members and the Consultors of the Pontifical Council for the Family, I thank them most sincerely for the welcome they are giving to this event that is extraordinarily significant in the life of the Catholic Church.

As we know, His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI announced the choice of Philadelphia at the conclusion of the two thousand twelve World Meeting of Families in Milan, and Pope Francis confirmed it in his Letter to Families dated February second of this year.

The Philadelphia Meeting will be held at a particularly important time for the Church. Pope Francis, in fact, has decided to focus all of Catholicism on the subject of the family. Last month, he called a Consistory, an official gathering of his Cardinals, to hear their advice on family concerns. Next October, he will preside over a Special Meeting of the Synod of Bishops to study the question of "The Challenges to Families in the Context of Evangelization;" and that same theme will be pursued in the Regular Meeting of the Synod scheduled for October of two thousand fifteen.

Within that framework, it is particularly significant that our Meeting will be held just before the October two thousand fifteen Synod, and that its theme will be "Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive."

Likewise, we cannot forget that this moment in the Church coincides with the process of analysis and discussion undertaken by the United Nations this year to celebrate the Twentieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, and we must not underestimate the fact of the geographic proximity between the ecclesial event taking place in Philadelphia and the debates being held in the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. That proximity is a providential call to religious and civil institutions to work together to bring a better future to all the families of the world.

The Philadelphia Meeting is looking first of all to gathering the Churches of the Americas, and it is encouraging participation by all the diverse cultures, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, that people these vast continents. In addition, there is no doubt that the presence on the Chair of Peter of the first Latin American Pope makes the event even more meaningful. The Pope who bears the name of Francis of Assisi, the saint of universal brotherhood, the Pope who was called "from the ends of the earth," is already walking with us as we prepare for the two thousand fifteen Meeting. We see what he has already done just this past year: The Family Pilgrimage of the Year of the Faith last twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh of October; the twenty-first Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family three days before, which studied the Charter of the Rights of the Family on its thirtieth anniversary; the Meeting between the Pope and engaged couples in St. Peter's Square for Valentine's Day this past February 14; the Letter of the Pope to Families and the Consistory on the Family that I mentioned above. These are all milestones on a path that is being walked by men and women from all our churches in the world, nor can we fail to mention the questionnaire submitted to all the world's dioceses to facilitate sharing in this journey.

The starting point and the guide for this journey is the one given to us by Pope Francis: "the beauty of the family and of marriage, the grandeur of a reality that is both simple and profound, a combination of joy, hope, burdens and suffering, just like the rest of life." We will seek to deepen our understanding of the theology of the family and of the pastoral care that we must exercise in today's world." "All this we will do," confirmed Pope Francis, "in depth and without tripping into that 'casuistry' that would inevitably diminish the value of our work." The Holy Father emphasized that in today's world the family is looked down on and treated badly and that what we are called on to do is make known how beautiful, and true and good it is to create a family, to be a family in today's world, and how the world, and the future of all human kind, cannot do without the family. Our task is to show the world God's shining plan for families, to help married couples live out that plan with joy, and to be there for them with a shepherd's care that is wise, brave and full of love" (Pope Francis' Opening Discourse to the Special Consistory on the Family, February twentieth, 2014)

This is what we will do as we look toward the Meeting in Philadelphia: we will be there for all the families of the world with a shepherd's care that is "wise," and "brave" and "full of love." Wisdom in understanding what families face today, bravery in taking on today's many and complex problems; and love in helping to resolve those problems in the light of the Gospel of the Family and of Life. We will deal with many issues in our wise, brave and loving work together: theology of the family, married spirituality and holiness, ecclesiology and pastoral care for families, the family in contemporary culture, immigration and the family, the family and ecumenism.

We would also hope that the Meeting in Philadelphia sees a broad and active presence from the other Christian Churches and communities, as well as from representatives of the world's other Great Religions, together with other men and women who, though not religious, are committed to bringing peace and good will to our world.

May our coming together for the family encourage all peoples to remember that we are one family of humankind and that it is together as a family that we must walk the path to true happiness.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, VISIT PHILADELPHIA, and the City of Philadelphia are encouraging people to show their desire for Pope Francis to visit our city as well as their support for the international event being held in our city next fall.

World Meeting of Families and Archdiocesan social media channels have partnered with VISIT PHILADELPHIA in an effort to bring the hashtag #PopeInPhilly to trending status on Twitter, bringing Councilman James F. Kenney's idea to life. All are welcome and invited to draft tweets asking the @Pontifex to experience Philadelphia using the hashtag #PopeInPhilly or retweet one of the many people/organizations that have already tweeted using the hashtag.

The World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015 is expected to draw tens of thousands to Pennsylvania from more than 150 nations. The presence of Pope Francis could draw over 1 million visitors to the Philadelphia region.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Peter Balzano, Principal of Cardinal O'Hara High School (Delaware County), Mr. William E. Brannick, Director of Technology, Office of Catholic Education and Mr. Michael J. McArdle as Director of Financial Aid, Office of Catholic Education.

Addressing the strategic importance of these key appointments, Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, "These three appointments are a continuation of our bold commitment to building out the world's premiere Catholic Education system. Beyond our goal of stabilizing schools, we are actively upgrading leadership and transforming The Office of Catholic Education to best serve the needs of our PK-12 families. By delivering the best in school level leadership, technology development, and strategic stewardship of financial aid resources, we are living our number one commitment: to grow our Catholic schools, to positively impact The Archdiocese and to benefit our communities for years to come."

Mr. Peter Balzano has served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia over the last decade as an educator including as Assistant Principal at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School (Delaware County) and Lansdale Catholic High School (Montgomery County). In September 2011, Mr. Balzano became the Director of Secondary School Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Most recently, he was appointed as an Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools. For the past several months, Mr. Balzano has worked on-site contributing to day-to-day operations at Cardinal O'Hara while fulfilling his Associate Superintendent duties. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Temple University and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic and Organizational Leadership from Neumann University. His appointment as Principal of Cardinal O'Hara is effective immediately.

Mr. William E. Brannick joins the Office of Catholic Education after serving as an educator at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School (Delaware County) in various roles, including Principal, since 2007. Mr. Brannick began his career as an educator at Monsignor Bonner as a Business and Technology teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Education in Instructional Leadership from Neumann University. He will begin his role as Director of Technology in the Office of Catholic Education effective July 1st.

Mr. Michael J. McArdle will join the staff of the Office of Catholic Education, effective July 1st, in the position of Director of Financial Aid. Mr. McArdle has been President of Archbishop Ryan High School since 2004. He is a veteran educator in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Over the last 30-plus years, he has taught at Father Judge High School for Boys and Saint Hubert High School for Girls. He has held administrator roles at Cardinal O'Hara (Delaware County) and Bishop Shanahan (Chester County) high schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Villanova University and a Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from West Chester University.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Saint Laurentius Church worship site in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia will be immediately closed until further notice. The building has been examined on multiple occasions over the past several months by an independent engineering firm. An inspection conducted earlier this week led to a recommendation to close the site. This recommendation was accepted by the Archdiocese, which authorized the closure out of concern for the safety of parishioners, students and the surrounding community.

In accordance with requirements set forth by the City of Philadelphia's Facade Ordinance Bill that was enacted in 2010, an initial facade inspection was performed by independent engineers on the Saint Laurentius Church building during fall 2013. That process revealed a number of outstanding maintenance issues including vertical cracks in the brownstone masonry, improperly completed cement patch repairs, and deteriorated faces of brownstone. Protective scaffolding and netting was installed around the church building in an effort to maintain the safety of parishioners and members of the community.

As a result of a follow up inspection conducted this week, structural engineers have noted that the condition of the building has greatly deteriorated because of the weather this winter and is in imminent danger of a collapse.

The future of the church building is still being considered. All masses will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church moving forward. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will continue to work with parish leadership, engineering consultants and the City of Philadelphia to ensure the immediate safety of parishioners, students and the community at-large.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Thomas Awiapo, a survivor of bleak poverty and hunger in his village in Ghana, will share his story of perseverance and success over a simple meal at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Mr. Awiapo survived with the aid of Catholic Relief Services. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is participating in CRS Rice Bowl for the 39th year in a row.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

This week's column is brief. But the subject matter warrants all our attention.

Again this June, our nation's bishops have asked Catholics across the country to observe a "Fortnight for Freedom." The theme this year is "Freedom to Serve." It highlights the many Catholic social and charitable ministries that serve the poor, the homeless and other vulnerable groups in our country, but that now face growing government interference. Details on the Fortnight will be made available throughout the archdiocese in the coming weeks.

Americans tend to take their religious liberty for granted. Religious freedom in the Founders' sense was, and remains, far more robust than a mere "freedom to worship." That makes sense because religious believers played a key role in founding and building the United States, and for Christians, faith is always personal but never private. Faith requires public engagement and expression - not just by individuals, but by communities as well.

This year's Fortnight for Freedom has special urgency because the U.S. Supreme Court will likely rule on cases involving the HHS mandate. The outcome of those cases will have very significant religious liberty implications.

To ready ourselves for this year's Fortnight, I want to focus our attention on a gathering in early May that needs our involvement and support.

In 2009, Catholic and other national religious leaders came together to draft the Manhattan Declaration. The Declaration sought to address growing debates over the sanctity of life, the integrity of marriage and the future of religious freedom in the public square, and to provide the latest news and helpful commentary on these issues.

Since then, Manhattan Declaration supporters have stayed active on all these vital matters, with discussions, action alerts and educational meetings around the country. This year -- on Friday, May 2 -- the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) will sponsor "The Manhattan Declaration in Philadelphia," an interfaith prayer service and religious liberty forum. Speakers and panelists will include Ryan Anderson, editor of The Public Discourse; Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List; author Sherif Girgis; Robert George of Princeton University; Patrick Brennan, Scarpa Chair at the Villanova University School of Law; Alan Sears of the Alliance Defending Freedom, and others.

The May 2 forum will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium of the National Constitution Center. The Center is located just steps from Philadelphia's Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The event is free of charge but advance registration is required.

I know the demands on everyone's time are very heavy. But I'll be taking an active part in this gathering. And if your schedule allows, I ask you to please join me for this vitally important event. Religious freedom is our first freedom and a fundamental right -- but it can only remain so if we work to protect it.

For additional information and to register, please visit the webpage for "The Manhattan Declaration in Philadelphia"

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD - April 13th, 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at both Masses. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Proclamation of the Passion. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. Other Masses on Palm Sunday are: (Saturday Vigil) 5:15 p.m.; (Sunday) 8:00 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish). (no mult-box feed available)

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - April 17th, 9:40 a.m. (Procession) 10:00 a.m. (Mass)
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist. All Archdiocesan priests are invited to gather and concelebrate with the Archbishop and to renew their priestly promises.

During this Mass, Archbishop Chaput will bless the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick as well as consecrate the Oil of Chrism. These holy oils will be used throughout the Archdiocese during the coming year in the celebration of the Sacraments. (mult-box feed available)

The Chrism Mass will be streamed live at www.archphila.org and broadcast live on The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM and Holy Spirit Radio 1420 AM and 1570 AM.

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - April 17th, 5:00 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant. 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. After the homily, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper, the Archbishop will wash the feet of seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. (mult-box feed available)

GOOD FRIDAY PASSION OF THE LORD - April 18th, 3:00 p.m.
Reverend Monsignor Arthur E. Rodgers, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, commemorating the Holy Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The traditional Adoration of the Cross, led by Archbishop Chaput, will take place during the Liturgy. There will be three hours of prayer in the Cathedral from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during which Confessions will be heard. (no mult-box feed available)

EASTER VIGIL - April 19th, 8:00 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Easter Vigil Mass celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord. The Easter Vigil contains four components: Service of Light (Blessing of the Fire and Lighting of the Paschal Candle), Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of Eucharist.

After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and Candidates (those who have been baptized) will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Cathedral and parishes throughout the Archdiocese at the Easter Vigil and during Easter Time. In 2014, close to 700 new Catholics will be welcomed into the Church. (no mult-box feed available)

EASTER SUNDAY MASS - April 20th, 12:30 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Other Masses on Easter Sunday are: 8:00 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; and 11:00 a.m. There will not be a 6:30 p.m. Mass. (no mult-box feed available)

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities.

The Eucharistic liturgy is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, which recognizes the needs and gifts of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and facilitates their participation in the life of the Church and its faith community.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Christian year. And on every Holy Thursday, priests of the archdiocese gather at the annual Chrism Mass to renew their fraternal bonds and the meaning of their vocation.

The readings of the Chrism Mass have a special beauty and power, and they deserve the attention of all the faithful, not just our priests:

First reading: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9
Second reading: Rev 1:5-8
Gospel: Lk 4:16-21

The Bible has dozens of dramatic moments, but the one that arguably matters most is the last line of the Chrism Mass Gospel: "Today, this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." If human history has a center, this is it. If Scripture has a direction and meaning, this is it. All of God's contact with humanity either leads up to this point, or flows from it. As C.S. Lewis once famously observed, in speaking these Gospel words Jesus is either stating a fact, or he's blaspheming, or he's mentally ill. There's no middle ground. And the people in the synagogue who heard him say the words, understood this very well -- which is why they tried to assault him.

Christ's radical claim requires a radical response. The apostles who followed him reconfigured their lives and risked or gave away all that they owned. Joy and fruitfulness come from this kind of discipleship, but very little comfort. Faith is not a leisure activity. And it may become even less so in the years ahead as many people forget their religious roots and drift away from the Church as their home.

Living the Catholic faith, for every committed Christian, is a life of conscious focus and sacrifice. But for priests, whom Christ configures to himself through ordination, this is especially true. The priesthood is a "helping profession" only in the sense that it "helps" to have someone around who's willing to live, serve, intercede, suffer and die on our behalf. Jesus lived and died for all of us. In like manner, priests are called to live and die for their people in his name. Otherwise the priesthood means nothing.

The lives of our priests have a purpose that no one else can fulfill. As Isaiah reminds priests in the Chrism Mass readings, "God has anointed" them. Anointing is the outward physical mark of a permanent, interior covenant. Priests have a mission to which they must conform their lives; a mission to heal the wounded; offer real and enduring freedom to their people; to comfort the suffering, to restore gladness and glory to those who mourn.

The people who carried the Catholic faith forward in history, who made the culture of beauty, music, art and architecture rooted in the Christian understanding of God and humanity - these generations were taught, spiritually fed, and shaped by priests exactly like the men who minister to us in our local Church. Where there is Catholic faith anywhere in the world, it exists because priests offered their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ and the people God called them to serve.

The crisis of our time is not finally a crisis of resources or personnel or intelligence or talent. God has given us enough of all these things, if we steward them with prudence.

Rather, what too many people lack today is faith. Unbelief is easy, like adultery in a marriage where the spouses have stopped cultivating their love out of indifference or resentment. But it leads nowhere, because faith is the only firm foundation for human hope.

Fidelity can be difficult. But it leads in the opposite direction - to meaning, hope and life. And priests play an irreplaceable role in strengthening the faith of the Christian people.

This Holy Week, as we remember Christ's suffering on the cross and ready ourselves for the joy of the Resurrection, please also remember our priests. They need our love and support as brothers in the Lord's work. Thank God for them. Pray for them in a special way. The bond of Christian people and their priests is the strength of the Church in a skeptical world that has never needed the Word of God more urgently.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Together with the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I want to extend to the local Jewish community our prayerful best wishes during this year's observance of Passover.

Passover is, of course, the great feast that marks the liberation of the Chosen People from slavery. In remembering this miracle, the celebrations relating to Passover do not simply recall the past. These rituals are living reminders that in all times and places, God calls his people to a deeper personal commitment to promote justice in a troubled world. We Catholics, who owe so much to the Jewish roots of our faith, join you in revering this great feast.

Our times are challenging, and it can be easy to fear that evil may triumph. The Exodus event reminds us once again that under heavenly guidance, genuine freedom can never be extinguished.


+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Dear friends in Jesus Christ,

For Christians, Holy Week is the most sacred time of year. It's a time to reflect on what the "good news" of Jesus Christ really means. C.S. Lewis once wrote that "Christianity is a thing of unspeakable joy. But it begins not in joy, but in wretchedness, and it does no good to try to get to the joy by bypassing the wretchedness." Jesus Christ lived for us; suffered and died for us, and then was raised up for us. And because of that truth -- because of those facts of history -- joy and hope have taken root in the world.

The real joy of the Gospel doesn't happen at Christmas. It happens on the other side of Golgotha. The cross is the way Christ accomplishes our redemption. Only in being nailed to the wood with him, can we rise with him on Easter. In other words, there's no resurrection without the crucifixion. In offering God the personal sorrows and sufferings which each of us daily face, we join ourselves to Jesus and share in his sacrifice for the world . . . but we also share in the reward, for he draws us with him out of death into new life on Easter.

Therefore, when we speak about the Gospel message of joy and hope, this is what we mean: the joy of restored life; and our firm hope here and now that even in dying, we will live forever in the Lord.

As we begin the Sacred Triduum - the wonderful and moving sacramental celebrations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil - may God grant all of us the gift of encountering Jesus Christ as savior . . . in the Eucharist, at the cross and beyond the empty tomb.

Jesus Christ is our deliverer! Jesus Christ is Lord! May his peace fill each one of you and those you love in the coming days, and throughout the Easter season.

Your brother in the Lord,

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) planted approximately 180 pinwheels in front of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center as part of a national effort to commemorate National Child Abuse Prevention month. The pinwheels will remain in place through the end of April. The nationwide Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign was conceived by Prevent Child Abuse America in 2008.

The pinwheel is intended as a symbol of the happy and carefree childhood every child deserves as well as a call to the community-at-large to play a role in protecting and nurturing our youngest citizens. Each pinwheel planted represents about 1,000 children receiving support, protection, and personal safety lessons throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

"National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize the important role that communities play in protecting children," said Leslie Davila, Director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection. "During April and throughout the year, OCYP encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the Archdiocese of Philadelphia community a better place for children and families."

OCYP works throughout the year to create and maintain an atmosphere of prevention and protection in the Archdiocese through various educational and training programs in parishes, schools and offices.

Through their efforts over 30,000 employees, clergy members and volunteers have participated in Mandatory Reporter training. Additionally, between 6,000-9,000 individuals participate in Safe Environment Training Programs yearly. Also, all employees, volunteers and clergy must obtain background checks and child abuse clearances. The Archdiocese goes above and beyond what is required by state law to create the safest possible environment for children and young people entrusted in its care. The eradication of child abuse begins with educating everyone working with young people on how to recognize signs of problems early on and empower them to speak up and make a report.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

In just a few days - April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday - Pope Francis will canonize two of the greatest religious leaders in many decades: Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II. It's a good moment to pause and reflect on each.

Elected in October 1958 at the age of 77, Pope John XXIII (born Angelo Roncalli) was very unlike his predecessor, Pius XII. John XXIII came from Italian peasant stock, and in the place of papal formality, he radiated humor and warmth. It was John XXIII who, when once asked by an interviewer how many people worked at the Vatican, quipped "about half." Of course, he could also command, as he did in April 1959 when he forbade Catholics to vote for parties supporting communism. He was also honored as "righteous among the nations" by Yad Vashem - Israel's official memorial for victims of the Holocaust - for his help in saving Jews as a papal nuncio during World War II. And he was nobody's fool, as his own Curia soon learned.

Many people assumed that John XXIII would serve as a caretaker on the road to a younger pope. But less than three months after his election, in January 1959, he called for a new ecumenical council, the first in nearly a century. He lived to open Vatican II in 1962. He did not live to close it, dying in 1963 just two months after releasing his encyclical Pacem in Terris ("Peace on Earth"). But in the brief five years he served as bishop of Rome, John XXIII worked a revolution, returning the papal ministry from medieval princeling to good shepherd; from castle lord to the real meaning of pontifex -- i.e.,"bridge builder."

We can't understand the Second Vatican Council without grasping the spirit of the pope who called it. John XXIII was a man of unusual pastoral skill. He was alert to the concerns of others. He had a strong sense of social justice. He saw the evil of the arms race. He respected the achievements of the modern world. As a former Vatican diplomat, he was also a globalist. He understood the suffering of people in the developing countries; the priority of the poor; and the mission of the Catholic faith to all persons, in all cultures, in all ages.

And yet he sifted all these concerns through a heart shaped by his episcopal motto: "obedience and peace." John XXIII never saw the Church as a problem that needed fixing or a corporation at civil war with its soul. The Catholic Church was one reality, an intimately personal unity summed up in his great encyclical Mater et Magistra, issued a year before the council: "Mother and Teacher of all nations -- such is the Catholic Church in the mind of her Founder, Jesus Christ; to hold the world in an embrace of love, that men, in every age, should find in her their own completeness in a higher order of living, and their ultimate salvation. She is 'the pillar and ground of the truth.'"

Charles de Foucald once wrote that obedience is the yardstick of love. For Pope John XXIII, any love of the Church that claimed to express itself as disobedience to her teaching would have been impossible to imagine.

And what of Pope John Paul II (born Karol Wojtyla) - already known to millions as "the Great"?

Pope John Paul died nine years ago in Easter Week, during the season at the heart of our faith. He saw in a uniquely powerful way that the secret to Christian love is the experience of divine mercy received through the cross. Mercy is love that goes beyond fairness. Fairness alone can't save anyone. If God's justice were like human justice, we'd all be condemned, because we're all sinners. We're caught in a web of sins against one another, and we can never make that right by demanding what we claim is "fair," because someone else can rightly place on us the same judgment we place on others.

Mercy was a guiding principle of John Paul's pontificate. In fact, Divine Mercy Sunday exists on the universal Church calendar because John Paul II placed it there. Mercy is the heart of his second encyclical, Dives in Misericordia ("Rich in Mercy"), which stresses our need to forgive and to seek forgiveness. Real justice, God's justice, flows from mercy. Mercy is an expression of God's fatherhood, his greatness, which has the power of forgiving us freely and is beyond natural understanding. Only when we forgive and show mercy to others can we rely on the same mercy for ourselves.

After his death, some 600,000 people filed past John Paul II's bier on the first day of official mourning. More than 1.4 million saw the body before he was buried. Nearly 3 million persons traveled to Rome for the funeral. Why did he draw such emotion? Obviously, he was deeply loved and respected, and not just by Catholics. But he also embodied certain qualities that all of us instinctively hunger to believe in: that one life can make a difference; that beauty and good are more powerful than evil and death; that there's a purpose to our lives beyond ourselves; and that because we're all created by the same God, what we share in common is more important than what divides us.

Karol Wojtyla survived two murderous ideologies - Nazism and Communism; but he was equally critical of Western greed, selfishness and disregard for the poor and the unborn. He was a quarry worker, actor, poet, athlete, playwright, priest, and philosopher. He did all these things well. He proved by his life the words of St. Irenaeus: that "the glory of God is man fully alive."

In an age of determinism -- filled with one soulless explanation of the human person after another; economic, historical, scientific -- there was no trace of fatalism in the man. For Karol Wojtyla, nothing was predetermined except God's sovereignty and final victory. The rest is up to us. We have the freedom to help God shape the world. And that freedom both reflects and reinforces the dignity of the human person.

Be not afraid. Those words of John Paul II ring as true today in his silence as they did from his lips on the night of his election. Karol Wojtyla embodied hope in an age with so little of it, and because of him, the world is different. And so are we.

May God grant us the ability to learn from the witness of these two great saints - Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II - and carry their discipleship forward with the example of our own lives.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

After a successful turnout last season, the Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) will partner once again with the Philadelphia Phillies for "Catholic Charities Night". A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through a dedicated link will go directly to the appeal.

Orders must be placed by May 24th. To purchase tickets to this game and support the Catholic Charities Appeal please visit www.phillies.com/catholiccharitiesnight.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

In his great encyclical, Populorum Progressio, Pope Paul VI described the "natural family" - the permanent union of one man and one woman -- as the key to real human development and the basis of all human community. Every neighborhood, city and nation begins with the family. It's the seed from which all larger communities grow.

One of the Church's arguments for the natural family is that we need the family in order to create the kind of world everyone wants to live in. We all want a world where relations between people are more than commercial or contractual; a world of solidarity and charity. We want a world of people who freely come together, and live together, in mutual support around shared goals and beliefs. In other words, we want a world of real communities. And therefore, whether or not we know it, we want a world of strong, independent, natural families.

Lived well, the family is the most ennobling force in history. In his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio, St. John Paul II noted that in the family "citizens come to birth, and it is within the family that they find the first school of the social virtues which are the animating principle of the existence and development of society itself." The dignity of the human person is what all Catholic social teaching seeks to advance. We learn this first and most fruitfully in the "school of love" we know as the family.

So the Church defends the family not just for her own sake, but for the good of the world.

This has implications. Families create the future. But they don't do it with magic. They do it by being open to new life. They do it by having children. Children are the key to a culture's survival - not just in terms of hope, energy, creativity and imagination, but also economically in terms of paying for the elderly. Last fall China announced changes in its famous one child per family policy. And the reason for the changes - sadly but tellingly -- had nothing to do with human rights or compassion. China's population is aging rapidly. And too few young people are entering the work force to sustain the growing number of old people. It's that simple.

A population replaces itself with a fertility rate of about 2.1 children per woman. The average fertility rate for the European Union is now about 1.6. The U.S. fertility rate is about 1.9, but that's misleadingly high and masked by immigration. China's fertility rate is about 1.55.

The point is this. Societies that discourage children and undermine the integrity of the family actively choose to have no future. They may not intend it, but that's the logic of their choices. The world will continue. Life will go on. But it won't include cultures that are already dead in their spirit. If our nation's idea of human development involves the export of abortion, contraception and a confused version of marriage and the family - and too often, unhappily, it does -- then the developing world is right and sensible to reject us.

What can we do about it? Healing families and healing our culture are tasks well beyond the capacity of any of us as individuals. But we are not at all powerless. We can live our Christian faith with courage and conviction as a counter-witness to the times. We can choose life over sterility in our own families. We can touch other lives with our willingness to trust in God and to love the people around us.

And we can at least speak and write the truth. Because the truth, as Jesus himself once said, does make people free. And real freedom, alive in the hearts of real disciples, has the power to renew the world. It already happened once. It can happen again, beginning now in our own families. But that depends on us.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Catholic School Students for Catholic Charities will host a collection celebration with Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. More than 100 students from schools throughout the Archdiocese will celebrate their hard work raising funds to benefit the schools of special education in the Archdiocese.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Philadelphia, PA (May 13, 2014) - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, along with World Meetings of Families-Philadelphia 2015, today announced the official theme for the Eighth World Meeting of Families: "Love is our mission: the family fully alive." Inspired by the words of the early Church father, St. Irenaeus, "the glory of God is man fully alive," the conference theme reflects the central role of the family in teaching people how to receive and give love.

Joined by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Honorary Co-Chairs for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, the theme was unveiled to an audience of business and civic leaders at a press conference held at the Independence Visitors Center, overlooking Independence Hall - one of the world's great symbols of religious freedom.

"His Holiness, Pope Francis embodies the message of mercy, joy and love that lies at the heart of the Gospel," said Archbishop Chaput. "His compassion for the genuine needs of people around the world and his deep care for the institution of the family have inspired our theme. It not only reminds each of us that love should be our life's 'mission' but that also it is the engine of life. Our goal for the 2015 World Meeting of Families is to create a moment of hope and celebration for all of the world's families - a moment in which we hope Pope Francis will join."

The role of the family has surfaced often within Pope Francis' papacy. The theme will serve to drive catechetical content and programming for the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Philadelphia from September 22-27, 2015. Nearly 100 speakers are expected to be part of this international conference, which typically draws thousands of attendees from more than 150 nations.

Archbishop Chaput further commented, "The Holy Father has stressed that our task in planning this event is to show the world God's shining plan for families. 'Love is our mission: the family fully alive' is a theme that resonates not just with Catholics, but all people of good will. It underlines the beauty and truth of family life. The love that we cite in our theme is a love that we must ensure fills every home and all family members with a unique and invigorating light and warmth."

Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, please visit www.archphila.org or www.WorldMeeting2015.org.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Good morning, and welcome to our special guests including Governor Corbett and Mayor Nutter.

Most of all I am honored and pleased to welcome to Philadelphia his excellency, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Monsignor Carlos Simone Vasquez of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and Father Andrea Ciucci of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Our visitors from Rome arrived last night with much business ahead of them in the United States, but we are very happy that a site visit of Philadelphia, in advance of the World Meeting of Families in September 2015 is a first and important part of their American travels.

I also want to welcome Archbishop Stefan Soroka to today's event. The Archbishop is the Metropolitan Archbishop for all Ukrainian Catholics in the United States and a very good personal friend. All of us join him in praying for the situation in Ukraine today. We ask the good Lord to give those good people peace. So, Archbishop, we're happy to have you join us today.

I also want to acknowledge and welcome home someone who is integral to our planning for this global event, Father Bill Donovan. Father Bill, if you will stand up. Father Bill is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is our liaison to the Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome. He's done a great job in that role and we're happy to see him back home for a visit to his seminary family and his family in Delaware County. So, welcome home, Father.

And we're grateful that all of you are able to be with us today.

When we first realized that Archbishop Paglia's visit to Philadelphia would occur near the time that we planned to share the theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, it seemed only appropriate that we ask him to be part of this moment. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme from which all content and programming flows. Key note addresses, breakout sessions, and panels are developed on a wide variety of topics that all connect back to the central theme. In Milan in 2012 the theme of the world meeting was "The Family: Work and Celebration".

As we began to discuss what the theme in Philadelphia would be, we took inspiration from this place, its history and its spirit. As many of you know from our history books, William Penn founded this colony as a holy experiment-an example to the nations. His Charter of Privileges guaranteed religious freedom to all. Pennsylvania welcomed Quakers, Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Mennonites and dozens of other congregations as well as Catholics and Jews. Colonial Philadelphia was a blueprint for democracy. It was founded upon liberty and tolerance. Surely there were tensions that arose as customs and languages weren't necessarily shared, but as we know Philadelphians, even today, strive to find what unites rather than divides us. We specially chose this place, which overlooks Independence Mall for the announcement of our theme today because it is a beautiful reflection of why Philadelphia will be an extraordinary host to the World Meeting of Families, and hopefully, a place to welcome Pope Francis.

Independence Hall is one of the greatest markers of religious tolerance and freedom in the world. And the spirit of tolerance and freedom that William Penn established here and all that came after is rooted in love. To help us unveil the theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, I'm honored to introduce Christopher Bannon, and Isabella Fontanez. Christopher is an eighth grader as St. Francis Xavier Catholic School at 24th and Fairmount and his sister Isabella is a 5th grader there. What better way to share our theme than to have family members representing our wonderful Catholic schools here with us today. We're so glad you're with us, thank you. Please come forward.

Ladies and gentleman, the theme for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 is, "Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive." These words were inspired by the words of the early Church Father Saint Irenaeus of Lyons who said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." In like manner, the glory of men and women is their capacity to love as God loves and no better means exist to teach the meaning of love than the family. These words were also inspired by his Holiness, Pope Francis, who embodies the message of mercy, joy and love that lies at the heart of the Gospel. His compassion for the genuine needs of people and his deep care for the institution of the family are very much part of this scene as well. Irenaeus reminds each of us that love should be our life's mission and that it's the engine of life.

So we're excited to see how this theme will inspire all that will happen during the week of September 22-27, 2015. Now, I would like to introduce our partner in planning this global event, Archbishop Paglia. As mentioned earlier, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia is President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, which is the organization that helps the Holy Father deal with family issues in the Church and in the world. And he helps to guide the mission and planning for the World Meetings of Families throughout the world. He's visiting us from Rome to tour sites in the city, engage in several planning meetings with our leadership, and also to visit with some of our Catholic school students who share in our enthusiasm for this event and for the probable visit of Pope Francis.

We have already shown him the Liberty Bell, the real one, and Independence Hall. Now we welcome him to share a few words on his visit, on our theme and on the planning for the World Meeting of Families 2015. Please welcome, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Students of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia today welcomed Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, to Philadelphia and officially invited Pope Francis to attend the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015. Archbishop Paglia visited Roman Catholic High School during his last day in Philadelphia and was greeted by the students of both Roman Catholic and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School on behalf of all Archdiocesan high school students.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined Archbishop Paglia's school visit which comes just one day after the announcement of the World Meeting of Families 2015 theme, "Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive," and their visit to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Archbishop Paglia made the trip to Philadelphia to join planning meetings and scout event locations in advance of the World Meeting of Families, which will be held from September 22-27, 2015.

Students from Roman Catholic High School, the oldest all-boys Catholic high school in the United States, and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School, the oldest all-girls Diocesan high school in the United States, presented Archbishop Paglia with a special souvenir on behalf of the schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Archbishop was gifted a framed custom welcome banner to commemorate his visit to Philadelphia which also serves as an invitation to Pope Francis reading, "The students of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia welcome Archbishop Paglia to Philadelphia and invite Pope Francis to join us for the World Meeting of Families in 2015."

"Each one of our students is excited about a papal visit during the World Meeting of Families in September 2015," said Christopher Mominey, Secretary for Catholic Education. "Welcoming Archbishop Paglia to Philadelphia has generated even more excitement for this event - and for the possibility of a visit by Pope Francis to our great city. Philadelphia has an extraordinary legacy of Catholic education and this rich heritage is something we are proud to share with Archbishop Paglia and the Pontifical Council for the Family. We hope that he will return to Rome and share with Pope Francis our great enthusiasm for the World Meeting of Families and our desire to have the pope visit with us."

Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, please visit www.archphila.org or www.WorldMeeting2015.org.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of making public Pope Francis' theme for next year's World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia: Love is our mission: the family fully alive. The theme was inspired by the words of the early Church Father, St. Irenaeus, who said that "the glory of God is man fully alive." In like manner, the glory of men and women is their capacity to love as God loves. And rarely can that love be lived out more intimately and fruitfully than in the family.

As we begin the "heavy lifting" to prepare for the World Meeting of Families and a possible papal visit, it's a good moment to pause and reflect.

Every moment of every day, a mother and father are teaching and guiding each other and their children, while witnessing about their love to the world beyond their home. The structure of marriage -- if lived faithfully -- naturally points a man and woman outward toward the world, as well as inward toward one another and their children. As Augustine once said: "To be faithful in little things is a big thing." Simply by living their vocation, a husband and wife become the most important living cell of society. Marriage is the foundation and guarantee of the family. And the family is the foundation and guarantee of society.

It's within the intimate community of the family that a son knows he is loved and has value. In observing her parents, a daughter first learns basic values like loyalty, honesty and selfless concern for others, which build up the character of the wider society. Truth is always most persuasive, not when we read about it in a book or hear about it in a classroom, but when we see it incarnated in the actions of our parents.

Marriage and family safeguard our most basic sense of community, because within the family, the child grows up in a web of tightly connected rights and responsibilities to other people. It also protects our individual identity, because it surrounds the child with a mantle of privacy and personal devotion. Most of the laws concerning marriage in our culture were originally developed precisely to protect family members from the selfishness and lack of love so common in wider society. The family is the human person's single most important sanctuary from mistaken models of love, misguided notions of sexual relationships and destructive ideas about self-fulfillment. All these painful things, unchecked, can be a centrifugal force pulling families apart.

Love is a counter-force. Love is the glue both for family and society. This is why love is the fundamental mission of the family. It's why the family must be a sanctuary of love. We most easily understand love when we, ourselves, are the fruit of our parents' tenderness. We most easily believe in fidelity when we see it modeled by our father and mother. Love lived generously is the unanswerable argument for God -- and also for the dignity of the human heart. And marriage is transformed and fulfilled when spouses cooperate with God in the creation of new life. A husband and wife are completed by sharing in God's procreative gift of life to their children, who are new and unique images of God.

In my years as a priest and bishop, I've seen again and again that the human heart is made for truth. People are hungry for the truth; and they'll choose it, if it's presented clearly and with conviction. Therein lies the need for every Christian marriage to be engaged in preaching by example. A husband and wife who model a love for Jesus Christ within their family -- who pray and worship together with their children and read the Scriptures -- become a beacon for other couples. They also more easily acquire an outward-looking zeal for consciously spreading the Gospel to others, teaching the faith and doing good apostolic works.

Our God is the God of life, abundance, deliverance and joy. And we're his missionaries by nature and by mandate. In a developed world increasingly indifferent or hostile to God, no Catholic family can afford to be lukewarm about the Church No culture is so traditionally "Christian" that it's heard enough about Jesus Christ, or safe from the unbelief and disregard for human dignity which mark our age.

Catholic families have a key role in God's healing of a broken world. So let's pray for each other -- beginning right now - that the World Meeting of Families 2015 will become for each of us and all of Philadelphia a new Pentecost; a new birth of the Church in each of our hearts . . . for our own salvation, the salvation of our families and the redemption of the world.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will ordain six men to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All have completed their program of priestly formation and course of studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood (Montgomery County). The Rite of Ordination will take place during Mass following Archbishop Chaput's homily.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Jason E. Buck, son of Mr. Edward and Mrs. Janice Buck, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Sean P. English, son of Mr. Paul and Mrs. Marybeth English, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Speacialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Robert M. Gross, son of Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Mary Gross, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Christopher C. Moriconi, son of Dr. E. Steven and Dr. Christine D. Moriconi, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Charles J. Ravert, son of Ms. Eleanor M. Todd, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. David A. Waters, Jr. son of Mr. David and Mrs. Evelyn Waters, will be ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Speacialist
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will hold a Blessing for two of its group homes in Downingtown for former residents of Don Guanella Village.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Today's federal district court decision striking down Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act is a mistake with long-term, negative consequences. Like many other Pennsylvanians, I hope that an appeal will be made promptly. Laws that defend the traditional definition of marriage were enacted for sound reasons-namely to defend the rights of children and contribute to the well-being of the larger community.

Marriage is more than a private arrangement between two people. It's a public commitment of love and fidelity, and it's ordered not just to companionship but to creating and rearing new life. This is why every child deserves a mother and a father in a loving marriage, and the child is the fruit of that love.

All men and women are formed in the image of God and deserve our respect. But attempts to redefine the nature of marriage, no matter how well intentioned, damage a cornerstone of our human interaction and ultimately work against human dignity itself.

I also fully support and endorse the statement issued earlier today by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on this issue. You can read the full text of that document here http://www.pacatholic.org/statement-todays-marriage-ruling/.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

A week after arriving in Philadelphia in 2011, I got an email from a very persuasive student inviting me to speak at his school - the University of Pennsylvania. I said yes, and I'm glad I did. It was my first taste of our city's many excellent universities and colleges, from Villanova and St. Joe's, to Neumann, La Salle, Holy Family, Immaculata and others.

Penn, of course, is secular and Ivy League. And that made my time with the students there uniquely interesting. Attending a Catholic university may or may not result in a deeper life of faith; but along with providing a good education, the campus environment is usually biased toward a respect for Christian belief. At the leading secular institutions - so often seen as the seedbed of America's command class -- no such friendly bias exists. At schools like Harvard, Yale and Penn, Catholic students who value their faith need to choose it, cultivate it and be fed by adult mentors who excel not just as men and women of faith, but also as scholars of exceptional professional skill.

In my remarks to Penn students I noted that:

"The University of Pennsylvania is one our country's premier research universities. That's a great gift to the Philadelphia community. It's also a great privilege for all of you as students, especially those specializing in the sciences. Science and technology have expanded human horizons and improved human life in vital ways over the last century. They've also, at times, done the opposite.

"Part of a good education is learning the skill of appropriate skepticism. And that skepticism, that healthy wariness, should apply even to the methods and claims of science and technology. When a distinguished and thoroughly secular scholar like Neil Postman writes that 'the uncontrolled growth of technology destroys the vital sources of our humanity. It creates a culture without a moral foundation. It undermines certain mental processes and social relations that make human life worth living' - then we need to be concerned". [i]

The task of preserving and enriching "the vital sources of our humanity" goes to the heart of the Christian mission. The Catholic tradition - with its centuries of extraordinary scholarship, art, music, architecture and science - is a song of praise to the God who made us. In the Catholic tradition, we pursue knowledge in order to be free of our own ignorance and pride; we learn about the world in order to experience the beauty of God's creation and the nobility of our own humanity. And that brings me to the point of this week's column.

Penn in 2011 was a remarkable university with remarkable students, faculty and standards of excellence. Penn in 2014 is equally remarkable -- with one important and very positive addition. Earlier this month, the Collegium Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture at Penn concluded its inaugural year. Started by Catholic Penn graduates, faculty and friends last spring, the Collegium Institute is a free-standing scholarly foundation, independent of the university and the archdiocese, committed both to academic excellence and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Modeled roughly on the Lumen Christi Institute at the University of Chicago but unique to Penn in its structure and mission, the Collegium Institute describes itself in these words:

"The Catholic intellectual tradition is a reservoir of profound thinking about the synthesis of knowledge. By bringing this tradition into conversation with the secular academy and by encouraging a holistic approach to scholarship that transcends disciplinary boundaries, the Collegium Institute affirms the unifying and truly liberal ends of education - namely, freedom in truth."

The Collegium Institute is an example of the Catholic lay vocation lived intelligently, respectfully and confidently - for the benefit of Catholics, but also for the enrichment of the academy and general public. It deserves our support within the Catholic community and beyond.

And we need a lot more of the same.

For more about the Collegium Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, visit collegiuminstitute.org. Information on the Collegium Institute's latest seminar focusing on Pope Francis' text, "The Joy of the Gospel," can be found at http://collegiuminstitute.org/2014/05/this-friday-joy-of-the-gospel/.

[i] Neil Postman, Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, Vintage Books/Random House, New York 1993; p. xii

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Out of School Time (OST) Programs will host a championship fantasy baseball tournament featuring over 50 students from six sites. The students at the fantasy baseball tournament will apply statistical analyses to the sport of baseball.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has reviewed recommendations of the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee and made decisions to merge parishes in the City of Philadelphia as well as Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks Counties.

In the Fall of 2010, a pastoral letter was issued to parishioners throughout the Archdiocese. It outlined the necessity of an in-depth examination of all parishes in order to gauge whether they possessed the necessary resources to remain vibrant and sustainable faith communities. This process, known as Parish Area Pastoral Planning, is designed to be as collaborative and consultative as possible. Its goal is to provide pastors, after consulting their parish leadership, with the opportunity to dialogue with members of the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee in providing joint recommendations for parish growth and sustainability within their respective geographic areas.

During the process additional steps are taken to be as inclusive as possible. In the majority of cases, the regional bishop and the dean meet with the pastors as well as their pastoral and finance councils to hear their concerns and receive their recommendations which are brought before the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee, the Council of Priests and the College of Consultors for their observations and recommendations. Input and consultation from all of these groups is provided to the Archbishop.

The mergers being announced today are due to a number of factors including a shift in Catholic population, a high density of parishes in a small area, as well as declines in Mass attendance, Sacramental activity, the availability of priests to staff parishes, and a review of facilities.

In each instance of a merger, parishioners will attend daily and Sunday Mass at the church of the newly formed parish. The church(es) of the former parish(es) will become a worship site(es). Worship sites will be utilized for weddings, funerals and feast days, as well as traditional and ethnic devotions. Sunday Mass may also be celebrated at worship sites at the discretion of the pastor and the newly formed pastoral council and depending upon the availability of clergy.

Additionally, all parish property, assets and debts of any former parish will be assumed by the newly formed parish, which will also be responsible for the care of all sacramental records. The pastors from the merging parishes will form a transitional team made up of lay leaders from each of the merging parishes to assist in moving forward with forming the new parish community. The Archdiocese will provide ongoing guidance and support during the transition process.

When the mergers detailed below become effective there will be 219 parishes in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The pastors assigned to all of the newly formed parishes were publicly announced this weekend with the regular priest personnel assignments. A complete list of those assignments can be found at www.CatholicPhilly.com.

It is expected that additional parishes will engage in the Parish Area Pastoral Planning Initiative beginning in the Fall of 2014 with decisions expected in the Spring of 2015. Announcements will be made this September in those parishes that will take part in that round of study as well as to the general public.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Bethany Welch, Ph.D., has been named the winner of the 2014 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. She is being recognized for her commitment to serving the immigrant and the stranger as founding director of the Aquinas Center at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in South Philadelphia. The award is sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the national anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Dr. Welch is a convert to Catholicism who worked with the diverse immigrant community of South Philadelphia to repurpose a former convent that is now a space for advocacy, social services, urban immersion experiences and revitalization projects.

Dr. Bethany Welch will be honored with the Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award at a reception June 11, 2014 during the Spring General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in New Orleans.

The Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award honors a Catholic between the age of 18 and 40 who demonstrates leadership in fighting poverty and injustice in the United States through community-based solutions.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Secondary School System of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Association of Catholic Teachers are happy to announce that a new contract agreement has been ratified by the teachers at a General Membership Meeting held on May 28, 2014.  The new one-year Agreement takes effect on September 1, 2014 and affects the 650 high school lay teachers in the 17 schools operated by the Archdiocese.

In the fall of 2013, the School System and the Association agreed to focus on key issues in an effort to streamline negotiations and settle the contract prior to the close of the school year.  The negotiating teams met often throughout the spring in a spirit of collaboration to achieve a contract settlement.

The Agreement provides for salary increases of $1200 for 2014-2015 and addresses rising medical costs in a manner that is fair to all parties.  There will be moderate increases in employee contributions to the medical plan. Both parties agreed to partner in exploring ways to better manage health care costs moving forward.

Both the Association and the School System are pleased that these successful negotiations will provide assurances to the students and their parents that our schools will be poised for another year of success in September.

# # #

Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit http://www.catholicschools-phl.org/. For additional information on the Association of Catholic Teachers, please visit www.act1776.com.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
215-587-3747

The Gospel asks Christians to love and respect persons, no matter how deeply we might disagree with them. But we have no such duty to accept bad law or the confusion it creates. Law not only regulates, it also teaches, which is why our national debates over abortion and marriage have been argued so vigorously in the courts.

The misfortune of our times is that our courts have systematically overturned and sought to reshape the will of the people on the nature of marriage. And this has implications.

Helen Alvare, professor of law at George Mason University, noted recently that the U.S. Supreme Court has already "strongly suggested [in its 2013 Windsor decision] that any view of marriage which excludes the possibility of same-sex unions is irrational and even hateful" while articulating "a meaning of marriage strikingly at odds with both centuries of American law" and Christian belief about the dignity of human sexuality and the nature of the family.

In the days after a federal district court struck down Pennsylvania's marriage law earlier this month, a variety of law professors from around the country -- legal scholars with decades of courtroom practice and teaching experience -- wrote to me. They described the court's ruling and the state's refusal to appeal the decision as "baffling," "muddleheaded" and even "unctuous."

One said that "I've been teaching constitutional law for more than 30 years, so I thought I'd heard it all; but evidently not." Another simply quoted Justice Antonin Scalia's famous critique of a hapless lawyer's presentation: "Either he's stupid, or he thinks we are." Yet another wrote that "we're watching a catastrophe unfold -- one that will devastate the church in her ability to transmit the truth of her teaching about marriage to our own young people. As to what its consequences will be for society more broadly, you need no words from me."

These are hard words from people accustomed to using careful language. Their frustration underscores how serious the challenges to marriage and family life have become. But dwelling on the confusion of the moment achieves very little. Our task as believers is to live and to witness what we know to be true -- and to do it without rancor or disrespect for those who believe differently.

That means, first, that married Catholics need to love their spouses and raise their children with a deepened sense of Christian discipleship. It also means that the church needs to do a better job of providing a community of support for couples and families; support that makes her vision of marriage and family appealing. Every life has its sufferings, but God made us ultimately for joy, and unless Catholic life satisfies the human hunger for happiness -- and articulates that joy clearly to the world -- the Gospel will not be heard.

Witnessing what we know to be true also means expressing our convictions publicly and confidently. The Christian faith is personal but never private. It always has a community dimension. It always has public obligations. And that leads to the key point of this week's column.

The annual March for Marriage will take place on Thursday, June 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on the U.S. Capitol grounds, First Street NW and Constitution Ave., in Washington, D.C. This is a crucial opportunity for Philadelphia Catholics to show their support for the family and for marriage as a permanent union of one man and one woman. Buses will leave from St. Raymond Parish in Philadelphia; St. Andrew Parish in Newtown (Bucks County); SS. Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester (Chester County); St. Pius X Parish, Broomall (Delaware County) and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Limerick (Montgomery County).

Cultures change when people change. And people change through the word and witness of other people. This is a moment to show our support for the nature of the family and the integrity of marriage as foundation stones of our life as a nation. Please make every effort this year to join the March for Marriage.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Today, representatives from Saint John the Baptist Parish School in Ottsville (Bucks County), the Regina Academies and the Office of Catholic Education gathered for an announcement regarding a partnership between the school and the Regina Academies. In recent years, the school had struggled with sustainability issues due to low enrollment. This arrangement will serve to preserve the presence of Catholic education in Ottsville at the elementary level.

Effective July 1, 2014, Saint John the Baptist will transition from a parish school to a private Catholic School-The Regina Academy at Saint John the Baptist. As a result, Saint John's will embrace a different style of education and incorporate the model of the Regina Academies currently operating throughout the Delaware Valley as independent Catholic schools.

To this end, Saint John's will establish a curriculum that will expand the horizons of our students beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year. The school will begin to transition to an educational philosophy based on grammar, classical writings, Latin and the catechism.

As with all Regina Academies, positioning the school within the setting of an active parish with the availability of a church for liturgy and prayer is integral to the fulfillment of its mission.

"Our numbers may be small, but our faculty and staff work very hard to provide your children with the quality Catholic education parents expect and deserve," says Mr. Michael Patterson, Principal of Saint John's. "This is an exciting time for the Saint John the Baptist Parish community and especially for our school children. We are so grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff and to the Regina Academies for this wonderful opportunity."

This partnership between the parish and the Regina Academies will not bring an increase in tuition next year. All current tuition rates and discounts will remain in place. Additionally, the scholarship opportunities currently extended to school families through BLOCS and BRAVO will still be available. The school uniform will also remain unchanged.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Charitable entities related to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with the Archdiocese itself, filed suit late yesterday in Federal court against the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U. S. Department of Labor, and the U. S. Department of the Treasury as well as their respective Secretaries. Grounded on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment, the action asks the court to block enforcement of portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that force religious employers to provide contraceptive services that violate Catholic belief.

The charitable entities argue that ACA regulations force them to violate their religious convictions by either directly supplying, or cooperating in the process to supply, services that gravely conflict with Catholic belief. The court filing disputes the Government's power to order Catholic entities to offer or cooperate in such services.

Dozens of similar cases have been filed nationwide. Various courts have already recognized that the Affordable Care Act imposes a burden on sincerely held religious beliefs. Relief was recently granted in the Western District of Pennsylvania to the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Erie.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join thousands at our nation's capital in the annual March for Marriage, an event giving witness to the unique dignity of marriage as a lifelong union of one man and one woman.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

This year on Sunday, June 8, we mark the great feast of Pentecost, and it's a good time to examine the language we use in describing God. Jesus was a male, and he called God his Father. That's how Christians think about God, mainly in masculine terms. God is our Father. Jesus is his son, the New Adam; the king, prophet, priest and bridegroom. All these are masculine terms. St. Paul tells us that all of us, both male and female, become sons in the Son, through Baptism. Of course, God isn't literally male. But gender language is part of the way God reveals his identity to us . . . and reveals our own identities to ourselves.

Paul also tells us that Jesus is the bridegroom, and the Church is his bride. So this means that all of us, both male and female, are the spouse of Christ. The Church is not an "it." The Church is a "she." The Church is feminine. That's why Mary is so important to the Catholic understanding of the world. Mary is the first Christian, the perfect model of the Church and the perfect model for each of us as individual disciples. We're all called to be Mary. And that's as hard for some men to accept as it is for some women to call God "he."

Here's the point. What did Mary do? She said "yes" to the Holy Spirit. And in that yes, God filled her with new life. The Early Church called Mary theotokos, which is Greek for "God-bearer." As a creature, she allowed her Creator to act in her and accomplish great things through her. In giving birth to God's son, Mary gave new life to the whole world. We're called to follow her example, each of us in his or her own way. Merely hearing the Gospel isn't enough. Merely talking about our faith isn't enough. We need to do something about it. Each of us, in a personal way, needs to be a kind of theotokos, a God-bearer. The seed of faith needs to bear fruit in a life of Christian action, a life of personal Christian witness, or it's just words -- and talk is cheap.

That's why every Pentecost celebration is so important. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. Pentecost is our birthday as a believing people. The Church, like Mary, is about new life. The Holy Spirit filled Mary with new life at the Annunciation, and Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled the Apostles with new life at Pentecost, and they immediately gave birth to a new era through their preaching and example. God is a God of abundance, not sterility; of confidence, not fear. God relentlessly creates new life through each of us, if we allow him to. We're meant to be fertile. We're meant to bring others to new life in Jesus Christ. The "Acts of the Apostles" should continue today in the witness of our own lives.

In other words, faith should animate everything we do. It should bear fruit every day in beauty and new life. When Jesus told us, "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19), he not only gave us a missionary mandate to evangelize the world, he also gave us the reason to have confidence in accomplishing it. The last thing he told the Apostles before returning to his Father in heaven was, "I am with you always, to the close of the age" (Mt 28:20). In that one simple verse is the key to the entire life of the Church.

Pentecost is not just the birthday of the Church. It's also the feast day of the Holy Spirit, who set the Apostles on fire with zeal in the Upper Room . . . who opened the minds in the crowd of people that first heard them preach . . . and who's guided and renewed the life of the Church for 2,000 years. The Holy Spirit has never stopped sustaining the mission of the Church. And just as he strengthened and encouraged the first Apostles, so too he will strengthen and encourage each of us -- if we let him.

We begin to understand our vocation as Christians when we acknowledge that God alone is the "Lord and giver of life," and we are his creatures. We become who we really are -- we experience reality most vividly -- when we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, and to work through us to renew the face of the earth. Each of us is called to share in God's creative power to give life. That's the meaning of the prayer we all learned as children:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we will be created, and you will renew the face of the earth.

May God grant us the humility, joy and generosity to be the disciples he invites us to be.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will ordain seven men to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Rite of Ordination will take place during Mass following the Gospel.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has made a final decision in the last remaining case of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Grand Jury Report. While on administrative leave, priests are not permitted to exercise their public ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, or present themselves publicly as priests.

Archbishop Chaput has decided that Monsignor Joseph L. Logrip is suitable for ministry based on unsubstantiated allegations that he sexually abused minors over 20 years ago.

Announcements were made at Saint Stanislaus Parish and Saint Mary Manor, both in Lansdale, when Monsignor Logrip was placed on administrative leave in March of 2011. Follow up announcements were made at those locations this weekend regarding the final decision in this case. Counselors were also made available.

Monsignor Logrip's case followed the same procedure as all other cases of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Grand Jury Report. Prior to any investigation, the case was submitted to the appropriate local district attorney's office. After the district attorney declined to press charges, investigations were conducted by the Multi-Disciplinary Team and the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations. The results of this process were submitted to the Archdiocesan Professional Responsibility Review Board (APRRB). The APRRB is comprised of twelve men and women, both Catholic and non-Catholic, with extensive professional backgrounds in the investigation and treatment of child sexual abuse. It functions as a confidential advisory committee to the Archbishop, which assesses allegations of sexual abuse as well as allegations of violations of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. This body provided a recommendation as to suitability for ministry to the Archbishop, who made the final decision.


On May 4, 2012; July 6, 2012; October 15, 2012; April 7, 2013; and December 15, 2013 Archbishop Chaput announced resolutions in 25 of the cases of priests on administrative leave. Of the 25, ten priests were found suitable for ministry and fourteen priests were found unsuitable for ministry. In one additional case, the priest died before a full investigation could be conducted so it was not possible to reach a conclusion. All of those cases followed the same process of review by the district attorney, an internal, canonical investigation, review by the APRRB and a final decision by the Archbishop. More information regarding those announcements is available at http://archphila.org/HHHIC/hhhic.php.

All priests found unsuitable for ministry will have no public ministry in the Archdiocese. They do have the right to appeal the decision to the Holy See. For any priest found to have a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, if they do not appeal, or if their appeal is unsuccessful, they could be laicized (removed from the clerical state) or live a life of prayer and penance.

With the decision announced today, the Archdiocese will continue the initiative entitled Honesty, Healing and Hope in Christ: Confronting Sexual Violence in Our Archdiocese, which was introduced in May 2012. Once a case is resolved the initiative begins at the parish level and consists of four phases over six months. Its purpose is to address the wide variety of reactions, thoughts and feelings that will be experienced as a result of this announcement both immediately and in the days and weeks moving forward. It identifies three primary stakeholders: the victims of the allegation or violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behaviors and Boundaries, the parishioners, who include school and Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) families, and the priests on administrative leave. Through the implementation of this initiative, the Archdiocese continues a journey of honesty, healing and hope toward the restoration of trust.

Biographical Information on Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Logrip
Monsignor Logrip is 67 years old. He was ordained in 1972. He served at the following parishes, schools and offices: Saint Ignatius, Yardley (1972-1974); Saint Rose of Lima, North Wales (1974-1975); Bishop Kenrick High School (1974-1983); Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting (1975-1981); Saint Gabriel's Hall (1981-1983); Archbishop Carroll High School (1983-1990); Saint Francis of Assisi, Norristown (1990-1992); Saint Monica, Philadelphia (1992-1994); Mater Dolorosa, Philadelphia (1994-2000); Immaculate Conception, Levittown (2000-2007); Saints Philip and James, Exton (2007-2008); Mother of Divine Grace, Philadelphia (2008-2010); Chaplain, Saint Mary Manor (2010-2011); Saint Stanislaus, Lansdale (2010-2011); placed on administrative leave (2011).

To Make a Report
If you would like to report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

If you would like to report an allegation of sexual abuse, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

We recognize that this public notice may be painful to victims of sexual violence. If you need support or assistance, victim services are available to you through the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

After a successful turnout last season, the Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) will partner once again with the Philadelphia Phillies for "Catholic Charities Night at the Ballpark". A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through a dedicated link will go directly to the appeal.

To purchase tickets to this game and support the Catholic Charities Appeal please visit www.phillies.com/catholiccharitiesnight.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

"Mass Mob Philly" is pleased to announce that the venue for the second 'Mass Mob' will be Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish located in the Pennsport section of South Philadelphia. Sacred Heart was one of four parishes in the Archdiocese nominated by its respective parish staff and was narrowly chosen in a vote set up on "Mass Mob Philly's" Facebook page.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sponsoring its annual
Blessing of the Summer to kick off its Summer Meals Program. Monsignor Daniel Sullivan, President of the NDS Board, will preside over the blessing at Saint Athanasius Parish in Northwest Philadelphia.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-8737

The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tracey A. Rush as Principal of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School (Delaware County) effective July 1st.

Dr. Rush is a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School's Class of 1989. She currently serves as a member of the Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Advisory Board as well as Chair of the school's Academic Achievement and Retention Committee. This announcement follows the March appointment of the current principal, Mr. William Brannick, to the position of Director of Technology for the Office of Catholic Education.

Dr. Carol Cary, Superintendent of Secondary Schools said, "We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Rush as Principal of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast. It is wonderful to have someone who knows the Bonner and Prendie community so well, poised to lead the school into an exciting future. As a veteran educator and administrator with diversified experience, Dr. Rush will be a valuable asset to the school."

Rev. James P Olson, President of Bonner & Prendie, says, "I am grateful that so many strong and well-qualified candidates presented themselves during our search for principal and I am overjoyed to know that Dr. Rush has accepted the position. Already a strong part of our community, we look forward to the great things we will accomplish with her as part of our team."

Dr. Rush holds her Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2011, she has worked as an Assistant Professor and Director of Field Placement in the School of Education, Innovation and Continuing Studies at Widener University. Prior to her time at Widener, she spent five years as the Director of Student Disability Services/Learning Resources in the Dean's Office at Swarthmore College. In addition to her extensive work in Higher Education, Dr. Rush began her career as an Elementary School teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which included positions at the former Our Lady of Peace Parish Elementary School in Milmont Park (Delaware County) and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Elementary School in Springfield (Delaware County).

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Twenty Archdiocese of Philadelphia parish and regional elementary schools, whose students and educators have ranked nationally in the First InMath� online program will be honored during a local awards ceremony. The awards will be presented by Dr. Robert Sun, Creator of First InMath� and Sister Edward William Quinn, IHM, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Staff Development for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

New Orleans, LA (June 12, 2014) - Yesterday at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) spring plenary meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, the bishops articulated their collective support for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 by approving a letter to Pope Francis inviting him to the upcoming international conference, which will be held September 22-27, 2015.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap. invited both his fellow bishops and families from their home dioceses to Philadelphia next year for the World Meeting of Families, encouraging them inspire families everywhere to attend.

Archbishop Chaput also addressed the possibility of a papal visit stating, "Obviously a papal visit is never official until the Holy See confirms it. And that rarely happens this far in advance. But we do have good reasons to believe that Pope Francis will take part in the meeting, and we're planning to welcome him wholeheartedly."

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, President of the USCCB, read a letter inviting the Holy Father to the World Meeting of Families in the presence of all of the bishops, who enthusiastically approved the text.

Text of Archbishop Kurtz' Letter to the Holy Father

Most Holy Father,

Assembled in New Orleans at our spring plenary meeting, we the Catholic Bishops of the United States look forward with joyful anticipation to the Eighth World Meeting of Families that is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia in September 2015. This event will be an occasion for Catholics from around the world to reflect on family life, and the role that families can play in strengthening our society and our Catholic faith.

We wish to take this opportunity to warmly invite Your Holiness to grace us with your presence at this event.

We have no doubt that the participants would be deeply honored, and would receive with gratitude your pastoral reflections on the meaning of the family.

It is our fervent hope, Your Holiness, that you will favorably consider our invitation to visit us in the United States. Your presence would not only add significance to the World Meeting of Families, but also serve to deepen the bonds of affection that our faithful and many other Americans share with you as Bishop of Rome.

Respectfully and fraternally yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Remarks of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

I have two brief tasks today. My first task is to invite you and the families in all of your parishes back home to come to Philadelphia next year for the World Meeting of Families 2015.

As most of us know, this is a gathering every three years not just for Catholics in a particular country or region, but a celebration designed for the global Church. We've already been blessed with the strong support of Pennsylvania's governor and Philadelphia's mayor. We also have the enthusiastic help of major corporations and business leaders, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. And that's a good thing, because the cost of next year's meeting will easily run into the tens of millions of dollars.

I'm confident we can raise those resources. But we do need your help in publicizing the World Meeting of Families in your own dioceses, and encouraging families everywhere to attend.

The dates for the 2015 meeting are September 22-27. Obviously a papal visit is never official until the Holy See confirms it. And that rarely happens this far in advance. But we do have good reasons to believe that Pope Francis will take part in the meeting, and we're planning to welcome him wholeheartedly. We expect up to 15,000 attendees for the first three days of the family congress, but well over 1 million for the Pope's visit on the concluding Saturday and Sunday.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of our country. It's a city rich in history, beauty, culture, entertainment and really marvelous food. So it's a wonderful place for families to visit and enjoy, while also deepening their faith. We've also studied what worked and didn't work about past world family meetings. We're committed to making our content engaging and our logistics simple and smooth. That means a wide variety of very practical speakers and breakout sessions on the real issues facing today's families, and also plenty of opportunities for enjoyment and entertainment.

We have the full cooperation of Philadelphia's public safety and transportation services, more than enough hotel accommodations and a great centralized venue for nearly all our events in Philadelphia's new Convention Center.

All of our events will have simultaneous translation in major languages. We'll be offering scholarships to representatives of poor dioceses from around our hemisphere and the world. And we're making a special effort to include the poor, the disabled and the elderly in the flow of all our events.

World Meeting of Families 2015 comes at a time when the Church in the United States urgently needs an opportunity for joy and renewal. It's also a time of great confusion about the nature of marriage and the family.

Our goal is to exclude no one from the excitement of this meeting. Our goal is to offer the beauty of Catholic teaching about marriage and the family with confidence and a spirit of invitation to every person of good will. That's the heart of our theme: "Love is our mission; the family fully alive." Just as St. Irenaeus taught that "the glory of God is man fully alive," so too the glory of men and women is their capacity to love as God loves. And nowhere is that love more powerfully modeled than in a faithful, natural family of mother, father and children. We want to show that truth persuasively to the world.

Our website is www.worldmeeting2015.org, and we'll be sending you ample information about the meeting in the weeks ahead. So again, please pray for the success of this gathering. And please help it succeed by urging your priests, deacons, religious and people to come to Philadelphia next year to be part of this extraordinary event.

My second task today is a personal pleasure. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia helped found the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome, went on to become bishop of Terni-Narni-Amelia in Italy, and is now the president of the Pontifical Council for the Family. In that role he serves as the council's guiding spirit in service to the Holy Father, and he has overall responsibility for the tri-annual World Meeting of Families.

Archbishop Paglia has a long history of inter-religious dialogue and of building bridges across religious divides. And he's been intimately involved in the planning for our Philadelphia gathering in 2015. So I ask you to join me in welcoming him for his own brief remarks.

Contact
Kenneth Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sponsoring an 8 day pilgrimage to shrines in Canada and United States for the Quebec Jubilee Pilgrimage, celebrating the 350th Anniversary of the founding of Notre-Dame de Quebec Cathedral- Basilica. The pilgrimage will be led by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Thomas and Reverend G. Dennis Gill, director of the office for Divine Worship.

The pilgrimage's first stop will be the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs in Auriesville, New York. The trip will also feature a visit to the shrine of North American Martyrs, the birthplace and tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakawitha and include the Jubilee Mass at Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral.

Pilgrims will leave Philadelphia Wednesday September 10 and return Wednesday September 17.
Registration and payment are due by July 1, 2014.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Speciliast
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are encouraged to take part in the third annual Fortnight for Freedom being observed nationally June 21 to July 4, 2014.

Locally, the observance will be parish-based with various ways to participate including: daily praying of the rosary before and after Mass and in homes; adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament; praying for religious freedom in all meetings and assemblies in the parish during these two weeks; and various parish outreach efforts, especially to the needy and the poor, to demonstrate how religious freedom enables the Church to be of service to others.

Reverend Dennis Gill will preside over the Holy Hour for Religious Freedom and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass immediately following. Confessions will be heard during the Holy Hour.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

This week the Church leads us from one great solemnity, Trinity Sunday last weekend, to another, Corpus Christi Sunday, on June 22. Both feasts teach us something beautiful about the God we profess and the life he invites us to lead.

Like Jews and Muslims, Christians believe that God is one. There is no other god but God, who made all things from nothing; who is infinitely greater than and different from us; and who is utterly independent of his creation. When we call God holy we mean what the Latin word sanctus or the Hebrew word kadosh means - God is "other than" us, and our human understanding, unaided by God himself, can never fully grasp his essence.

But Christians also believe that God speaks to us through Scripture and the wisdom of the Church, and that the words from the First Letter of John - "God is love" (4:8,16) -- are quite literally true. God's nature, his "oneness," is a communion of love among Father, Son and Holy Spirit; one God in three divine persons, whose love creates and sustains all things. Thus, while the nature of God is a mystery, it's not an entirely foreign one: Every loving human family - the unity of father, mother and child -- reflects, in a small and partial way, the nature of God himself.

There's more. Christians believe that God is not merely transcendent but also immanent. God became man in Jesus Christ. He took on our flesh. Therefore Christianity is incarnational. God created the human race, but then he also entered it out of love to redeem us. He loves each of us not only as a maker, but also as a father and brother. This constant, tangible presence of God personally in our midst is renewed in every Mass. The Eucharist is more than a symbol or a metaphor or a commemorative meal, although it's all those things, as well. Rather, it's the living flesh and blood of Jesus Christ.

Corpus Christi Sunday, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us that Jesus really is Emmanuel - "God with us" - and every time we receive him in the Eucharist, he asks us to love as he loved and trust God as he trusted his father.

How do we love as Christ loved? How do we take Christian love from the realm of theology to the realm of practice?

Mother Teresa did it one small act of mercy at a time. Today her Missionaries of Charity comfort the destitute and suffering around the world. Eunice Kennedy Shriver began with the same modest steps. The Special Olympics movement started more than 50 years ago as simple games in the back yard of Eunice and Sargent Shriver's home. The Shrivers had a profoundly Catholic love for children with intellectual disabilities, and once they began, they never stopped helping persons with disabilities discover their God-given dignity and skills.

Today the Special Olympics movement includes 4.2 million athletes in more than 170 countries. As I write this column, nearly 4,000 Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are competing in the 2014 USA National Special Olympics Games in New Jersey, and 185 of those extraordinary athletes belong to the Pennsylvania delegation. Each of them is a hero. So is every coach, parent, volunteer and sponsor who has worked so hard, sacrificed so much and loved so unselfishly to win these Special Olympians the inclusion and recognition they deserve.

If "God is love" - and he is - then those who love well, for the sake of others, without counting the cost, are the godly. They're the human face of God's love in our midst. And all of us are the richer for it.

This coming Sunday, as we celebrate Corpus Christi, we need to thank God in a special way for the gift of his love, incarnate in his son; for Christ's real presence in the Eucharist; for the living water we find in Sacred Scripture; and for the Christian witness of those whose lives give us a glimpse of the beauty of God himself.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Catholic Community Services (CCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will host a Guided Van Tour of its offices as well as the sites of partner agencies and community affiliates. The tour will begin at 11:30 a.m. on June 26, 2014 at the CCS Office located on Verree Road. CCS is a Community Umbrella Agency under the Department of Human Services, serving Northeast Philadelphia.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

CatholicPhilly.com was awarded first place for Best General Publisher Web Site in the United States and Canada by the Catholic Press Association at this year's Catholic Media Conference. Deemed the top source for Catholic news in the Philadelphia area and beyond, judges applauded the website for its 'clean presentation', 'easy navigation', and ability to 'get where you need to go easily with just a few clicks.' The website underwent a redesign last November.

"It is a blessing to work with talented professionals in any field. But in this one, we know that our work has a dimension of the eternal," says Matt Gambino, Director and General Manager of CatholicPhilly.com. "It remains our mission to inform, inspire and form in the Catholic faith the 50,000 monthly visitors to CatholicPhilly.com, and thereby to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the new evangelization."

The site was also awarded honorable mention for Best Freestanding Online/Multimedia Presentation of Photo Gallery or Slide Show for their photo coverage of the 250th anniversary celebration at Old Saint Mary's Parish.

"Photographer Sarah Webb captures the essence of events and people with professionalism and insight," Gambino adds. "She and all our faithful contributors are a credit to the church and the profession of journalism to which they are dedicated."

Catholic Philly serves more customers digitally than they did in print through the former Catholic Standard and Times newspaper.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

I was deeply disappointed to learn that U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Buckwalter has denied charitable entities related to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with the Archdiocese itself, a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Elements of the Act would force religious employers to cooperate in providing employees with access to contraceptives, abortifacients and other services that violate Catholic beliefs.

An appeal was filed yesterday to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Our case parallels dozens of other cases nationwide in which such relief has been granted. Without it, on July 1, 2014, we will be forced to choose between violating our deeply held religious beliefs or grave financial distress that threatens our ability to continue to perform the good works and ministerial outreach to people in need throughout the Philadelphia region.

Archdiocesan charities daily assist the homeless, the elderly, immigrants, the disabled, the developmentally delayed and many other segments of our population that are vulnerable. These services are provided regardless of an individual's religious beliefs or lack thereof. We are grateful for the privilege of ministering to those most in need. We seek only to do those works of mercy without government coercion or interference that would compromise our religious convictions. It's a reasonable request, and for believing Catholics, a fundamentally important one. We'll continue to press it in every way and at every level of judicial appeal available to us.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Earlier this month, members of Philadelphia's Congregations of Ner Zedek found swastikas spray-painted on their synagogue. It was the second act of vandalism against their community this year. Americans have a natural repugnance for this kind of religious and ethnic bigotry, especially in the wake of the Holocaust. For Christians, whose own faith makes no sense if severed from its Jewish roots, anti-Semitism is a uniquely ugly sin.

Thus, while American Jews have often faced prejudice, the Jewish community has generally thrived in Philadelphia and the United States. And Jews have played a vital role, since the founding, in the development of the country we share.

I mention this because we Americans too easily take our habits of religious coexistence, cooperation and freedom for granted. And we shouldn't. A recent Wall Street Journal commentary - "Do Jews Have a Future in Europe?" - noted that:

"The reality is that Europe's Jews face almost daily attacks. In France, home to Europe's largest Jewish community of about 650,000, the situation is particularly severe, with 170 anti-Semitic acts reported by the Paris-based Jewish Community Protection Service and the French Ministry of the Interior in the first trimester of 2014. According to the French League of Human Rights, nearly 50 percent of racist acts in France are anti-Semitic, though Jews are 1 percent of the population."

In countries where just 70 years ago Jews were murdered by the millions, hatred of Jews is strong again from the far right, the anti-Israeli left and extremist elements of the Muslim immigrant community. Pope Francis had warm relations with the Argentine Jewish community as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He's spoken out forcefully against anti-Semitism. He's had especially harsh words for the hypocrisy of anyone who claims to be a Christian but refuses to see Jews as brothers. But the "old" European anti-Semitism -- rooted partly in Christian supersessionist theology -- has been replaced by an equally toxic mix of racism, Holocaust denial, political bigotry and radical Islam.

Pope Francis has also repeatedly warned that anti-Semitism is not the only murderous form of modern bigotry. He noted that Christians are now the most widely and brutally persecuted religious community in the world, especially in Asia and Africa, but with growing hostility toward the Christian faith in Europe and North America as well. He described today's attacks on Christians as exceeding anything in the violence of the Church's first centuries, with more martyrs now than during the era of Roman persecutions.

Here's my point. This week we American Catholics observe the third annual Fortnight for Freedom (June 21-July 4). The Fortnight exists to remind us what an exceptional gift we have in our nation's guarantees of religious liberty. But those guarantees are only as strong as our zeal in insisting on them; and in our determination to fight hard for them in our legislatures and courts. We're a long way in the United States from the kind of terrible violence experienced by many Jews in Europe and many Christians in Asia and Africa. America remains, in large measure, a nation of law, common sense and good will. But coercion comes in many forms, and Americans have no magic immunity from today's growing government interference with their natural and constitutional rights - or with their religious consciences.

The theme for this year's Fortnight for Freedom is "Freedom to Serve." The Catholic community in Philadelphia has a long - and in fact, unrivaled -- legacy of helping the poor, the disabled, the hungry, the orphan, the elderly, the homeless and the immigrant. We're proud of that legacy, and we're grateful for the opportunity to serve the needs of the wider public.

What we ask in return is simple. It's also thoroughly consistent with the American ideal of religious freedom. Our charitable ministries do what they do because they're Catholic, because we're Catholic, and they embody and carry out our religious beliefs. But our ministries, and we ourselves, quite logically need to serve without violating the very religious and moral convictions that led us to serve in the first place.

It's a reasonable request, and for believing Catholics, a fundamentally important one. We'll continue to press it in every way and at every level of judicial appeal available to us. And that's at the heart of this year's Fortnight for Freedom.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

I was very pleased to learn just a short time ago that the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has granted charitable entities related to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with the Archdiocese itself, temporary injunctive relief, pending further briefing. This temporary injunction delays enforcement of portions of the Affordable Care Act.

I’m grateful for the order issued by this court, which allows us to continue our pursuit of the First Amendment principle of religious freedom. Thankfully, the injunction will allow our charitable entities to continue performing their good works and ministerial outreach to people throughout the Philadelphia region without fear of facing punitive fines. We will continue, on behalf of all believing Catholics, to stand up for religious liberty and our right to minister to those most in need according to the teachings of the Church.

###
BACKGROUND:

Elements of the ACA would force religious employers to cooperate in providing employees with access to contraceptives, abortifacients and other services that violate Catholic belief. 

Archdiocesan charities daily assist the homeless, the elderly, immigrants, the disabled, the developmentally delayed and many other segments of the region’s population that are vulnerable. These services are provided regardless of an individual’s religious beliefs or lack thereof.

The legal action parallels dozens of other cases nationwide.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contextual Background

Last July, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia published audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. The financial statements disclosed a $39.2 million operating deficit for that period as well as very significant underfunded balance sheet liabilities that measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Since his arrival in Philadelphia nearly three years ago, Archbishop Chaput has repeatedly expressed his commitment to financial transparency and prudent stewardship of the resources of the Archdiocese. Beginning in the summer of 2012, a series of steps were taken to begin to remedy Archdiocesan fiscal challenges. The Archbishop's residence along with a property in Ventnor, New Jersey, were both sold to provide necessary immediate cash flow. Many other actions followed including a reduction of 25% of the workforce at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in order to stem the operating deficit. None of those measures were taken lightly, but all were essential to maintaining the presence of the Catholic Church in the Philadelphia region and the good works accomplished through its various ministries.

The audited financial statements published by the Archdiocese last December for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 illustrated the beginning of the positive impact of these actions with an "as reported" surplus of $3.9 million and a core operational deficit that had shrunk to $4.9 million from the $17.9 million core deficit that had been reported for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. The report did indicate, however, that significant underfunded balance sheet liabilities remained in the categories of the Trust and Loan Fund, the Self Insurance Reserve, the Priests' Pension Plan and the Lay Employees' Retirement Plan.

Background Regarding Today's Announcement

In an effort to address the underfunded balance sheet liabilities noted above, an evaluation of various Archdiocesan real estate assets and operating entities was undertaken. This evaluation focused on assets that could potentially be used to remedy the underfunded balance sheet obligations.

Among the operating entities evaluated was Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS), which has been well managed for many years. Archbishop Chaput decided to market the six nursing homes and one assisted living facility operated by CHCS for potential sale last August. At that time an announcement regarding his decision was made to CHCS employees as well nursing home residents, families of residents and the general public. Further information regarding that announcement can be found at http://archphila.org/press releases/pr002216.php.

Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell the nursing homes to Center Management Group (CMG), headquartered in Flushing, New York. Founded in 1999, CMG is a regional health care management company that specializes in long term care. Its skilled nursing operations include short term rehabilitation, sub-acute care, long term care and ventilator care. CMG also offers independent and assisted living, as well as homecare, and adult medical day care programs.

CMG currently owns and operates 15 nursing homes in New York and New Jersey. Two of these homes, formerly known as the Bishop Mugavero Center for Geriatric Care and the Holy Family Home, were once part of the Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Centers of New York System, and continue to be operated in a Catholic, faith-based manner.

"This agreement will serve the Archdiocese and its people well by ensuring the nursing homes presently operated by Catholic Health Care Services will continue to be dignified centers of care for the elderly in the Catholic tradition and in accord with the moral and ethical teachings of the Church," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. "I did not arrive at this decision lightly. It came only after a great deal of consultation, discussion and prayer. Center Management Group has a great deal of experience in the operation of nursing homes and they've guaranteed the conditions I set forth some time ago in terms of fair treatment of current employees and residents. Center Management Group was selected from a group of nearly 30 initial bidders in a competitive process that focused largely on the personal commitment of potential buyers to provide the highest possible quality of health care in a manner consistent with Catholic identity and moral teaching.

As I've said time and again, I'm committed to talking about our financial issues and how we are dealing with them in a transparent fashion. We're making progress and we become a little more stable with each step we take. We still have a way to go, but everything is being done so that we can best fulfill the Church's mission of evangelization and service to those in need."

"Center Management Group is excited about the culmination of the more than six months of meetings and discussions with the senior administration of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Catholic Health Care Services that led to today's agreement," said Charles-Edouard Gros, MPH, LNHA, EMT-P, Chief Executive Officer of Center Management Group LLC. "Our collaborative and careful deliberations over the past months have allowed us to finalize a transaction that will provide for the seamless continuation of the seven skilled nursing and assisted living facilities as well as adult medical day care programs and continuing care retirement communities that have been optimally operated and maintained by Catholic Health Care Services. We are enthusiastic about the future and grateful for Archbishop Chaput's confidence in our ability. The experience we bring to delivering premier healthcare to our residents, coupled with our commitment to safeguard and fortify the Catholic religious and ethical practices currently in place, will allow the facilities to continue flourishing. We look forward to working alongside those who have staffed and managed them so well as we move forward."


Financial Aspects of the Transaction

Upon closing, subject to satisfaction of certain pre-closing conditions, CMG will provide a payment of $145 million to the Archdiocese. The net proceeds available will be reduced by CMG's retention of resident accounts receivable; the paying down of CHCS' outstanding external debt; the setting aside of certain amounts for ongoing ministries of Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and closing costs.

The net proceeds will be applied to lessen the previously disclosed underfunded balance sheet liabilities noted in the bullet points below. The exact allocations to be made to each have not yet been determined.

Please note that the amounts presented below and labeled as "current underfunding" are unaudited approximations as of June 30, 2014. The current estimates of the underfunded balance sheet liabilities have been positively impacted by proceeds applied from the recently completed transaction involving the Archdiocesan cemeteries. Amounts noted as of June 30, 2013 are audited figures previously published by the Archdiocese.

• Trust and Loan Fund-current underfunding estimated at $49.8 million after an allocation of $30 million from the cemeteries transaction (i.e. this liability was underfunded by $79.8 million as of June 30, 2013).
• The Self Insurance Reserve-current underfunding estimated at $18.9 million after an allocation of $11.5 million from the cemeteries transaction (i.e. this liability was underfunded by $30.4 million as of June 30, 2013).
• The Priests' Pension Plan-current underfunding estimated at $76.3 million after an allocation of $11.5 million from the cemeteries transaction (i.e. this liability was underfunded by $87.8 million as of June 30, 2013).
• The Lay Employees' Retirement Plan (underfunded by $142 million as of June 30, 2013). (see footnote below)

• The Archdiocese and CMG will enter into a stewardship agreement to ensure the continued Catholic identity of all facilities involved in the sale.
• CMG will operate each facility in accordance with the moral, ethical and social teachings of the Catholic Church as expressed in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
• CMG will maintain the presence of Roman Catholic priests as chaplains at each facility, at their expense, along with a pastoral care department.
• CMG will maintain existing chapels and places of worship along with all signs and symbols of Catholic identity.
• An advisory board will be established and maintain responsibility for advising Center Management Group and the management of each facility on issues relating to Catholic identity and practices as they apply to operation of the nursing homes. This board will consist of five Catholic members. Three will be appointed by the Archbishop of Philadelphia and two will be selected by CMG with the approval of the Archbishop.
• Mass and the sacraments are required to be celebrated regularly at each facility.
• The Archbishop will retain sole and absolute discretion, to revoke the Catholic identity of the nursing homes if CMG fails to operate one or more of the facilities or provide services in accordance with the terms of the stewardship agreement and correct noted deficiencies within a reasonable time frame.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The outcome of the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Products cases is heartening. The decision appears to reaffirm the founding fathers' vision of a country where religious believers may live out their convictions in everyday life without undue government interference or coercion.

On behalf of the charitable entities affiliated with our Archdiocese and the Archdiocese itself, we hope that today's decision will have a positive impact on our own pending litigation related to the HHS mandate.

In our country, no person and no organization grounded in religious conviction should be forced to choose between complying with the law and violating their religious beliefs.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and Faith in the Future are proud to announce the launch of a new transfer grant campaign, taking place in all 17 Archdiocesan high schools. The "Transfer Advantage" campaign is an outreach to parents of any students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grades who are not currently enrolled at an Archdiocesan high school. Transfer students, who meet all admission requirements and are accepted to one of the 17 Archdiocesan high schools, would be eligible to receive a $1,000 grant for the 2014-2015 academic year.

In addition to the roll out of a new website, www.transferadvantage.org, radio and transit campaigns are also being launched in Philadelphia and the four suburban counties and will run through early Fall. The tag line for the campaign is, "It's their future. Don't settle." The transit campaign began June 27th and runs through September 21st. The radio campaign will begin airing on local stations July 14th and will run through August 17th.

Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, "We are thrilled to launch this new initiative. With 'Transfer Advantage,' our purpose is simple: to attract potential students not currently enrolled at an Archdiocesan high school who are interested in learning more about the gift of Catholic education right here in their own backyards. Recently, we announced that graduates of the Class of 2014 earned a staggering $320 million in college scholarships. That record number is a testament to what a quality Catholic high school education is worth in the Philadelphia area. Along with our partners at Faith in the Future, whose mission is to help ensure that every family that desires a Catholic education has access to one, we are committed to making this initiative a success across all 17 of our high schools."

Current Archdiocesan high school students, though not eligible for the $1,000 "Transfer Advantage" grant, are still eligible for other programs including need-based assistance, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. A summary of high school financial assistance available to current students can be found at www.affordcatholicschool.org. These programs provide significant financial help and support to almost half of the students attending the 17 Archdiocesan high schools. For the 2012-2013 academic year, students received close to $13 million in tuition assistance and scholarships to attend Archdiocesan high schools.


# # #

Editor's Note: For more information on Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit http://www.catholicschools-phl.org/. For more information on Faith in the Future, please visit http://www.faithinthefuture.com/.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Denise LePera as President of Archbishop Ryan High School, effective July 28th.

Ms. LePera joins Archbishop Ryan after six years of dedicated service to Roman Catholic High School for Boys as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. This announcement follows the March appointment of the former president, Mr. Michael McArdle, to the position of Director of Financial Aid for the Office of Catholic Education, which was effective on July 1st.

Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, "Denise brings to Archbishop Ryan an extensive background in Development and Institutional Advancement, which speaks to our commitment to lead each of our 17 high schools into a mindset of growth and innovation. Ms. LePera is a great example of that commitment. During the search for a new president at Archbishop Ryan the Office of Catholic Education and Faith in the Future sought input from a variety of members within the school community. We are especially appreciative of the Archbishop Ryan Board of Advisors who was integral in the recommendation and selection process."

Ms. LePera holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Leadership both from Neumann University in Aston (Delaware County). Prior to her position at Roman Catholic, Ms. LePera was Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations from 1999 to 2006 and Director of Institutional Gifts and Donor Relations from 2006-2008 at Neumann University. Her sons, Steve, Class of 2002 and Dan, Class of 2004, are both proud graduates of Archbishop Ryan High School.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

A precious Relic of the recently canonized Pope Saint John Paul II will be exposed for public veneration between all of the Masses at the Cathedral Basilica.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is hosting an informational gathering with the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins before their 2014 convocation, which is being held in Philadelphia.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. officially announced Saint John Paul II and Saint Gianna as the Patron Saints for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015. First made public during the July 20th Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Archbishop Chaput's announcement was made in conjunction with the unveiling of the first-class relic of Saint John Paul II for public veneration.

The World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 selected Saint John Paul II as one of its' Patron Saints as he is inextricably linked to both Philadelphia and this world gathering. In 1979 Saint John Paul II was the first Pope to ever visit Philadelphia, celebrating Mass on Logan Circle for nearly one million. 15 years later, in 1994, Saint John Paul II celebrated the first World Meeting of Families, which aimed to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe. Upon his canonization, he was declared "the pope of the family."

Saint Gianna was also chosen as a Patron Saint for the 2015 World Meeting of Families as she encompasses the conference's 2015 theme, "Love is our mission: the family fully alive." A pediatrician and mother of four, Saint Gianna is best known for her selfless love as a mother, giving her life to bear her fourth child in 1962. She was beatified in 1994 - the first year the World Meeting of Families was ever held - by Saint John Paul II and canonized in 2004. Saint Gianna is the Patron Saint for mothers, physicians and unborn children.

"Saint John Paul II and Saint Gianna have been chosen as the two worthy Patron Saints to guide all in preparation and participation of this international event as they fully embody the history, mission and theme of the World Meeting of Families 2015," said Archbishop Chaput. "Saints John Paul II and Gianna had a deep and abiding commitment to strengthening the family and sustaining it with love. This historic event will give thousands from around the globe the opportunity to share in the same commitment of our Patron Saints."

To commemorate the announcement, Archbishop Chaput concluded Mass with a blessing of the Relic of Pope Saint John Paul II asking for his heavenly intercession. The Relic is the Holy Father's blood, which remains in a liquid state. The Knights of Columbus have been entrusted with this Relic to foster devotion to Pope Saint John Paul II.

About World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Communications Director
215-587-3747

There has been no official confirmation by the Vatican or The Holy See of Pope Francis' attendance at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. We still expect that any official confirmation will come approximately six months prior to the event.

Archbishop Chaput has frequently shared his confidence in Pope Francis' attendance at the World Meeting and his personal conversations with the Holy Father are the foundation for that confidence. We are further heartened and excited by the comments of the Vatican Press Office regarding Pope Francis' "willingness to participate in the World Meeting of Families." While Archbishop Chaput's comments do not serve as official confirmation, they do serve to bolster our sincere hope that Philadelphia will welcome Pope Francis next September.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Bruce Robinson as President and Mr. John Murawski as Executive Director of Alumni Relations of Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School. Both appointments became effective July 1st.

Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, "These appointments come at a pivotal time for the Neumann-Goretti school community and Catholic secondary education in South Philadelphia. Bruce is a proven leader with a great track record of success. We believe he will be an asset to Neumann-Goretti as we build a strategy for growth and innovation in the years to come. John is a natural fit for the newly created and unique position of Executive Director of Alumni Relations. He is eager to take on the responsibility with great zeal."

Mr. Robinson joins Neumann-Goretti after extensive work as a business executive. For the last two years he was Chief Executive Officer and President of Golfview Advisors LLC in Ardmore (Delaware County), where he provided financial and operating consulting services for real estate and business investment funds. Prior to his position with Golfview he was the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Balfour Beatty Capital Group in Newtown Square (Delaware County). Mr. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Taxation both from Drexel University.
Mr. Murawski has led the Neumann-Goretti school community for the last five years as president. He is a graduate of Saint John Neumann High School for Boys, Class of 1996. In his new role as Executive Director of Alumni Relations he will utilize his intimate knowledge of the community as a former graduate to provide needed outreach to fellow alumni and business leaders in support of the students and school.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and Faith in the Future are pleased to announce the appointment of Father Joseph Bongard as President and Rector of Roman Catholic High School For Boys, effective August 1st.

Father Bongard has been the Vice Rector at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood (Montgomery County) since 2010. Today's announcement follows the June 2nd appointment of Roman's former President and Rector Father John B. Flanagan as Pastor of Saint Madeline Parish, Ridley Park (Delaware County).

Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education said, "Father Bongard is a veteran educator and administrator who has given years of dedicated service to educating students in secondary schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He knows the Roman Catholic High School community well. He is both a proud graduate and a former Rector of the school. Father Bongard is an obvious choice to lead the young men of Roman Catholic High School for Boys both spiritually and academically into a new chapter of an already rich history of Catholic education in Philadelphia."

Father Bongard is a graduate of Roman Catholic High School's Class of 1977. He also served from 2006-2010 as Rector of the school. Father Bongard holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing from Temple University, a Master of Arts Degree in Theology and a Master of Divinity Degree both from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Villanova University.

In addition to his time at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and Roman Catholic High School for Boys, Father Bongard also served in various roles at several other Archdiocesan high schools including: School Minister and Athletic Director at the former Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School (Montgomery County), Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at the former Cardinal Dougherty High School (Philadelphia); President and Principal of the former Saint Pius X High School (Montgomery County).

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will host their second annual gala fundraiser featuring an elegant reception followed by a concert featuring the La Diva Tenors. All proceeds will directly benefit the Seminary in forming priests as servant leaders for the Catholic Church.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the election of Deacon Paul McBlain to the office of President-Elect of the National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education, a national center for continuing education and spiritual formation of deacons and their spouses. The office of President-Elect encompasses two years of service, followed by an immediate ascendance to the office of President for a period of two years.

Deacon McBlain was ordained June 10, 2001 and assigned to Saint Joseph Parish in Collingdale (Delaware County). In 2003, he was named Chairman of the Ongoing Formation Committee for Permanent Deacons. In 2008, he became the Associate to the Director of the Office for Permanent Deacons.

Last year, Deacon McBlain celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife, Helen. They are the parents of seven children, twenty-one grandchildren and one great grandchild. A graduate of Villanova University and West Philadelphia High School for Boys, the deacon and his wife are members of Saint Joseph Parish in Collingdale.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contextual Background
In January 2013, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish merged with Saint Cyprian Parish, both located in West Philadelphia's Haddington-Carroll Park neighborhood, as part of the Parish Area Pastoral Planning Initiative that has been ongoing in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Both parishes merged at the location and retained the name of Saint Cyprian Parish.

At that time, the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church building became a worship site of the newly formed Saint Cyprian Parish and was available for the occasional celebration of Mass as well as funerals, weddings and baptisms as is customary whenever possible in the case of a parish merger.

Additional information regarding that merger can be found at the following link: http://archphila.org/press%20releases/pr002099.php.

Today's Announcement
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. relegated the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church building to profane but not sordid use effective August 1, 2014. This formal, canonical designation means that the church will no longer serve as a worship site of Saint Cyprian parish and close as a Roman Catholic church.

This information was shared with Saint Cyprian parishioners prior to the August 1st effective date of the relegation. A copy of the official canonical decree regarding this matter can be found at http://archphila.org/conversion/canonical/LadyBlSacRelegation.pdf.

Further Information Regarding Today's Announcement
The formal request to close the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament worship site originated from Saint Cyprian Parish's pastor together with his parish pastoral and finance councils. This request was then reviewed by the Archdiocesan Council of Priests and presented to Archbishop Chaput, who, after a careful review of all supporting factors, made the final decision.

Those factors included, but were not limited to, lack of parish funding to maintain the church building, ongoing maintenance costs and the deteriorated condition of the building. Saint Cyprian Parish spent approximately $35,000 over the past year on upkeep of the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament worship site and those costs were projected to rise prohibitively over the course of time. Such continued expenditures would have forced staffing cuts at Saint Cyprian Parish and jeopardized the stability of vital ministerial programs such as outreach to the poor.

Future Use of the Former Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church Building
When Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and Saint Cyprian Parishes merged, all real estate holdings, assets and debts of the former Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish were transferred to the newly formed Saint Cyprian Parish. These transfers are part of standard procedure in the case of all parish mergers.

As such, the former Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament church building is the property of Saint Cyprian Parish. The future disposition of this building will be determined by the pastor of Saint Cyprian Parish in consultation with his parish pastoral and finance councils in a manner consistent with providing for continued parish viability and sustainability.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Secretariat for Catholic Human Services recently released the 2013 Annual Report for its three divisions. Together they showcase the positive impact on a quarter of a million men, women and children throughout Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

"One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to 'go out on the road' to visit our Catholic Social Services sites and programs throughout the region," said Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr., Secretary for Catholic Human Services. "What I find in my site visits are dedicated staff and volunteers following in the footsteps of Jesus, offering round the clock care for thousands of the most vulnerable men, women and children in our region. For over 200 years we have been instruments of God's mercy in the world, serving people of all faiths with compassion and dignity. We do so much good for so many people, enabling those we serve to not just survive, but also to thrive and prosper."

While not all-inclusive, a snapshot of the works performed by Catholic Human Services is provided is outlined below.


Catholic Social Services (CSS)
CSS programs and services provide a social safety net for men, woman and children across the Archdiocese. Clients of CSS are from all socioeconomic and religious backgrounds who seek help for a variety of personal and social issues.

- In 2013, 163,316 persons benefitted from the programs of CSS, including the homeless and hungry, developmentally disabled, at-risk children and youth, and vulnerable elderly.
- Nightly, over 1,000 beds provided persons with disabilities, the homeless and at-risk youth with a safe and stable place to stay.
- Daily, 350 at-risk youth attended academic day programs. 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities attended day programs. 500 senior citizens visited senior centers, which include meals and social activities.

Nutritional Development Services (NDS)
NDS provides food assistance primarily to children and others in the community through various governmental and nongovernmental programs.

- In 2013, 9,662,156 meals were provided to thousands of needy through lunches, afterschool programs, childcare centers, and community food cupboards.
- More than 6,500 donors raised more than $450,000 for the Community Food Program through the efforts of the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.
- During the school year 3.3 million meals were served, with an average of 29,838 breakfasts and lunches served each day at 111 school buildings. As an extension of the school year, NDS worked with 440 sites and provided over 820,749 meals in the summer.

Office for Community Development (OCD)
OCD primarily partners with community, government, parishes and other faith-based organizations to build more stable communities in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

- In 2013, OCD positively improved the lives of over 10,000 individuals through neighborhood revitalization and affordable senior housing projects in Philadelphia.
- The St. Francis Villa development project was selected by the state to receive a $10 million tax credit to create 40-units of affordable senior housing in the East Kensington area of Philadelphia.

Catholic Human Services relies on the continued support of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the essential collaboration of its government and community partners, the generous support of its benefactors and the highly skilled employees and dedicated volunteers that make it possible to reach and serve the most vulnerable members our the community.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

CELEBRANT: ARCHBISHOP CHARLES J. CHAPUT, O.F.M. CAP.
Sunday, November 30 at 10:30 a.m., Saint Andrew, Philadelphia
Tuesday, December 9 at 6 p.m., Saint Aloysius, Pottstown
Sunday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia
Saturday, December 20 at 10 a.m., Saint Francis de Sales, Lenni

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND DANIEL E. THOMAS
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Saturday, October 4 at 10 a.m., & 2 p.m., Saint Jude, Chalfont

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY C. SENIOR
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Sunday, October 19 at 12 Noon Saint Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville
Thursday, October 30 at 4 p.m., Corpus Christi, Lansdale
Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m., Saint Isidore, Quakertown
Saturday, November 22 at 10 a.m., Saint Luke the Evangelist, Glenside
Thursday, December 4 at 5 p.m., Christ the King, Philadelphia
Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m., Saint Mary Magdalen, Media
Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m., Saint Martin of Tours, New Hope

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND JOHN J. MCINTYRE
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m., Holy Martyrs, Oreland
Monday, October 27 at 4 p.m., St. Kevin, Springfield
Thursday, October 30 at 4 p.m., Saint Dorothy, Drexel Hill
Monday, November 3 at 4 p.m., Presentation B.V.M., Cheltenham
Thursday, November 6 at 4 p.m., Assumption B.V.M., West Grove
Saturday, November 8 at 9 a.m., & 12 Noon St. Ann, Phoenixville
Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m., & 2 p.m., Saint Patrick, Malvern
Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m., & 1:30 p.m., St. Anastasia, Newtown Square
Sunday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m., St. Michael, Philadelphia
Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m., St. Raymond of Penafort, Philadelphia

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Sunday, October 5 at 10 a.m., Old St Mary's Church, Philadelphia
Thursday, October 9 at 4 p.m., St. Bernard Parish, Philadelphia
Tuesday, October 28 at 4 p.m., St. Margaret, Narberth
Saturday, November 1 at 10 a.m., & 1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Calvary Parish, Philadelphia
Tuesday, November 4 at 4 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish, Morrisville
Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m., & 1 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford
Sunday, November 9 at 12 Noon St. Philomena Parish, Lansdowne
Sunday, November 16 at 3 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Richboro
Thursday, November 20 at 4 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton
Sunday, November 23 at 10 a.m., St. Barbara Parish, Philadelphia
Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 PM. Our Lady of Charity, Brookhaven
Sunday, November 30 at 11 a.m., Holy Family Parish, Philadelphia

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND ROBERT P. MAGINNIS
Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Sunday, October 19 at 12 Noon Saint Martha, Philadelphia
Saturday, October 25 at 4 p.m., Saint Bartholomew, Philadelphia
Saturday, November 8 at 11 a.m., Our Lady of Grace, Penndel
Tuesday, November 11 at 4 p.m., Saint Rose of Lima, Eddystone
Thursday, November 13 at 4 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Secane
Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m., Saint Madeline, Ridley Park
Sunday, November 16 at 11:30 a.m., Our Lady of Peace, Milmont Park

CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. MARTINO
Retired Bishop of Scranton

Thursday, October 16 at 4 p.m., Saint Anselm, Philadelphia
Tuesday, November 4 at 4 p.m., Nativity BVM, Philadelphia w/Our Lady Help of Christians, Philadelphia
Wednesday, November 5 at 4 p.m., Saint Michael, Levittown
Thursday, November 6 at 4 p.m., Saint Adalbert, Philadelphia
Thursday, November 13 at 4 p.m., Saint Ephrem, Bensalem
Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m., Saint Catherine of Siena, Horsham
Wednesday, November 19 at 4 p.m., Saint Dominic, Philadelphia
Thursday, November 20 at 4 p.m., Saint Anthony of Padua, Ambler
Wednesday, December 3 at 4 p.m., Saint Alphonsus, Maple Glen
Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m., Immaculate Conception BVM, Jenkintown
Wednesday, December 10 at 4 p.m., Saint John Bosco, Hatboro

CELEBRANT: REVEREND MONSIGNOR MICHAEL T. McCULKEN
Wednesday, December 3 at 4 p.m., Saint Gabriel, Norwood

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has invited all 219 parishes in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia to participate in a Day of Prayer for Iraq on Sunday, August 17th.

This initiative is part of a national effort being led by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It follows the call of Pope Francis for the Universal Church to join in prayerful solidarity for an immediate end to the violence and destruction in Iraq along with the merciless persecution being directed at Christians.

Next Sunday, a Holy Hour will take place in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray especially for the intention of peace in Iraq.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

With summer drawing to a close and a new school year just around the corner, it's a good time to resume this column. And this week, three important matters deserve our attention and our action.

First, with the World Meeting of Families and a likely papal visit only 13 months away, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing has just released the official "preparatory catechesis" for the 2015 Philadelphia event. A copy of Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive will be sent, free of charge, to every pastor, school principal and parish director of religious education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. But it deserves a much wider audience.

Beautifully produced, very readable and rich in its presentation of Catholic teaching about marriage and the family, this is the sort of resource every adult Christian will find valuable. It's a great tool for preparing individuals, study groups and Catholic homes for the World Meeting of Families. Best of all, the cost is very modest thanks to the generous underwriting of production expenses by Our Sunday Visitor Institute.

Printed copies are available for purchase in English now; Spanish copies will be available in several weeks. Amazon will also have Kindle versions of the catechesis for sale before the end of August.

Copies of Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive may be purchased at the Our Sunday Visitor website for $9.95, with discounts for larger orders. It's well worth the cost. Over the coming weeks, OSV will be offering a wide range of additional devotional aids to help Catholics ready themselves for next year's Philadelphia event.

Note too that a parish preparation packet along with two sets of excellent lesson plans for Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive -- one for grades preK-8 and the other for grades 9-12 -- are also available now for download, free, at worldmeeting2015.org under "parish involvement."

Second, one of the most popular youth and young adult novels of the past 20 years -- Lois Lowry's Newberry Award-winning The Giver -- comes to movie screens tomorrow, August 15, thanks to Walden Media. Walden is the same family-friendly production and distribution company that released The Chronicles of Narnia films. Lowry's book has sold more than 10 million copies.

Some parents have found the novel too troubling or controversial for young children because of its subject matter. The story portrays a tightly controlled society of the future that runs on "Sameness," where memories and strong emotions are discouraged, conscience is virtually unknown, and defective infants, the elderly and dissenters are methodically sent to "Elsewhere" -- in other words, killed. One young man, chosen by the community to train as its "Receiver of Memories," is repelled by the secrets at the heart of the utopia. He sets in motion an awakening the human spirit.

This is a wonderful film. Nothing in the movie version of The Giver will offend a family. Just the opposite. It's an intelligent, absorbing, beautifully crafted film everyone should see. This is a major production of a great story, well above standard "family" fare in quality, rendered by an excellent cast -- Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift and others. It shouldn't be missed.

Third and finally, across the archdiocese this weekend, on August 17, we'll be offering prayers for the many tens of thousands of our fellow Christians suffering under Islamic extremism in Iraq and Syria. As Pope Benedict said several years ago and Pope Francis has stressed increasingly in recent months, Christians are now the most persecuted religious community in the world. Western news media have too often distinguished themselves by their ignorance and indifference in covering this terrible issue. Meanwhile a murderous "Caliphate" conducts a campaign of killing, abduction and slavery against one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, many of whose people are fellow Catholics.

Please pray for the suffering Christians of the Middle East. And then contact your federal elected officials to press this administration to act vigorously, in every way possible, to defend Iraqi and Syrian Christians from the campaign of violence against them.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Today, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. is pleased to share that Pope Francis has named Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, currently an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo (www.toledodiocese.org). Founded in 1910, the Diocese of Toledo is home to over 320,000 Catholics from19 counties in northwestern Ohio.

Biographical Information on Bishop Thomas:
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, 55, is one of two children born to the late Anna M. (Weber) Thomas and the late Francis P. Thomas, Jr., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Holy Family Parish Elementary School and Roman Catholic High School for Boys. Following graduation from high school, he enrolled at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood (Montgomery County). There he earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees. He was ordained to the Priesthood by John Cardinal Krol in 1985 and served as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Parish in Aston (Delaware County) 1985-1987. Then-Father Thomas studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome 1987-1989, earning an S.T.L. in Dogmatic Theology. He served as an official in the Congregation for Bishops at the Vatican and an Adjunct Spiritual Director at the North American College in Rome 1990-2005.

Saint Pope John Paul II named then-Father Thomas a Chaplain to His Holiness, which came with the tile of Monsignor, in 1995 and a Prelate of Honor in 2005. He returned home to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to become Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Strafford (Chester County) 2005-2006. In 2006, then-Monsignor Thomas was ordained a bishop by Cardinal Justin Rigali. Since that time he has assisted both Cardinal Rigali and Archbishop Chaput with the pastoral and administrative care of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Comments from Archbishop Chaput and Bishop Thomas Regarding the Appointment:
Archbishop Chaput said, "The appointment being announced today demonstrates the confidence our Holy Father has in Bishop Thomas' pastoral and administrative skills. I have worked with him closely since my arrival in Philadelphia nearly three years ago and have witnessed his wisdom, intelligence, personal warmth and keen affection for the people of God. The Diocese of Toledo has been given a true gift in Bishop Thomas. I know he will serve them joyfully as a faithful shepherd and spiritual father. I ask that all priests, deacons, religious and laity of the Archdiocese join me in extending congratulations and prayerful best wishes as he prepares to accept this assignment."

Bishop Thomas is in Toledo today to hold a news conference regarding his appointment. He will be installed as the bishop of that diocese on Wednesday, October 22nd in Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo. In his remarks, Bishop Thomas said, "I express my profound gratitude to Pope Francis for his confidence and trust in appointing me the shepherd of the Lord's flock here in northwest Ohio. Aware that I am not worthy of the Office, I trust in God's Holy Will. It is my sincere prayer that I may be a faithful, humble, holy and ardent bishop for Toledo, and that I may spend myself for love of souls in teaching, governing and sanctifying in the name of Jesus for the sake of His Church."

Additional Information on Bishop Thomas:
Bishop Thomas is a member of the Archdiocesan Council of Priests, the Archdiocesan College of Consultors and the Archdiocesan Priest Personnel Board. He is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and a member of the Seminary's Admissions Board for the Diocesan Priesthood.

In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop Thomas serves as a member of the following: The Ad Hoc Committee on Catechism; the Committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; the Task Force Commission on Certification and Accreditation; and the Committee on Divine Worship.

Bishop Thomas also serves as a member of the Episcopal Advisory Boards for both the Catholic Leadership Institute and the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors and as a member of the National Advisory Council for the Saint John Vianney Center.

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Two items are worth noting this week. Together, they're a lesson in priorities.

Here's the first item. A doctor friend quipped recently that America is becoming a country where it's easier to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance than to avoid the HHS mandate. Expressions of national loyalty may be optional, she said. Paying for everybody's birth control is not.

My friend overstates her case - but not by very much. For the past two years the current administration has refused any real compromise on a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate that forces most employer health plans to cover contraceptive and abortifacient services. This, in a nation where free or low cost birth control is already widely available. This, in a country where Planned Parenthood already receives hundreds of millions of federal dollars every year.

The U.S. Catholic bishops, along with many other religious and secular entities, have fought the mandate for good reason. It's coercive, unnecessary and miserly in its lack of protections for religious and moral belief. Many Catholic-related ministries and organizations will be forced - directly, or indirectly through a process of verbal and legal gymnastics - to collude in services that violate their religious convictions. To no one's surprise, more than 100 lawsuits are now pending against the mandate's application.

In response, every HHS adjustment to the mandate has so far been minimal; empty of any robust sense of religious freedom. The latest government "accommodation" - issued on August 22 - is just as inadequate as all the others. Both the U.S. bishops and organizations like the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty have already voiced their frustration.

Our current leadership is, however, consistent. Its disinterest in religious liberty concerns here at home seems replicated in its foreign policy. And that brings us to my second item.

The 1998 law that established the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom made the United States unique among major nations in ranking freedom of belief among its top foreign policy goals. But in recent years, Washington's interest in protecting and expanding the rights of religious minorities abroad has been tepid -- or worse. The gruesome murder of journalist James Foley by Islamic extremists this August riveted the attention of the world. But this kind of barbarism isn't new.

Violence against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East has been escalating for years, from beatings and extortion, to bombed churches, to the abduction and forced conversion of young Christian women, to the murder of Christian clergy and lay leaders. Ethnic cleansing in the Balkans drew world action behind American leadership. The extermination of religious minorities in the Middle East - what Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan calls "attempted genocide" -- has so far drawn a very different response.

How should we as Catholics respond? We can start by realizing that a discomfort about dealing with religious liberty issues abroad has been part of the culture of America's foreign policy bureaucracy for a long time, despite the 1998 law. Our current national leadership has simply made it worse. As much as we love our country -- and Catholics have proven that love again and again in public service and in combat -- our primary loyalty as Catholics is to Jesus Christ, to the Church as our community of faith and to our fellow Christians. They come first; and if in our hearts we don't place them first, then we need to take a hard look at what we mean when we say we're "Catholic."

In that regard, the HHS mandate dispute does have one good effect. It helps us see just how eager some of us are to find a way to avoid conflict, to get along, to compromise our convictions. Few of us want to think too deeply about how and why the mandate fight happened in the first place, or where it's likely to lead. It's easier to blame the Church for being stubborn or conducting a phony "war on women."

Meanwhile, fellow believers are being murdered overseas simply for being Christian. There's something wrong with us -- not just wrong with our Catholic faith, but wrong with our humanity -- if that doesn't leave us appalled . . . and also more alert to the changing climate of our own country. Here in America, nobody's painting "N" for Nazarene on Christian houses; in fact, even mentioning the idea sounds outlandish and melodramatic. But not if you're in Mosul. In the so-called "Caliphate," an "N" on your home means convert, leave or die. And again, this sort of extremist savagery isn't new. It's simply more obvious and widespread.

Here at home, the HHS mandate fight will now be decided in the courts. But in the long run, as a nation, we'll get the measure of religious liberty we deserve based on the kind of people we elect to federal office -- something we need to remember in an election year. And as for Christians suffering in the Middle East, we need to see them as members of our own family whose witness humbles and demands solidarity from us all. We need to pray for them zealously and constantly. But our sympathy and concern aren't enough. We urgently need to build on our prayers with our actions - and our financial support.

NOTE: A special voluntary collection will be taken up in parishes of the archdiocese on the weekend of September 20-21. Donated funds will be used to assist suffering Christians in the Middle East. Given the many demands already faced by parishes, some may be unable to participate. Individuals may therefore contribute directly; see http://emergencies.crs.org/iraq-crs-response-strategy-during-displacement-crisis/

Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Student athletes and trainers from eight Archdiocesan high schools are completing a week long program with researchers from the University of Notre Dame who are developing voice analysis software that will assist doctors and athletic trainers in recognizing concussions.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has asked that all 219 parishes in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia consider taking part in a national initiative spearheaded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop (USCCB) to support victims of religious persecution and terroristic violence in the Middle East.

"Christians are among the most persecuted religious communities in the world, and the brutal violence directed at Christians in the Middle East continues to be of grave concern for all people of good will," said Archbishop Chaput. "This special collection will provide much needed support of our fellow Christians suffering greatly at the hands of brutal extremists in Iraq and Syria."

Voluntary, special collections may be taken up in parishes at Masses during the weekends of September 6-7 and September 20-21. Funds will be remitted directly to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to assist their efforts in providing urgent humanitarian needs and pastoral support to those suffering religious persecution and violence in the Middle East. Alternately, individuals may contribute direct to Catholic Relief Services by visiting http://emergencies.crs.org/iraq-crs-response-strategy-during-displacement-crisis/.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The 2014-2015 school year begins on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 for students who attend the 122 elementary schools, 17 high schools and four schools of special education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

This academic year marks the first anniversary of the hiring of Mr. Christopher Mominey as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Mr. Mominey said, "I'm thrilled to be celebrating my first full year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as Secretary for Catholic Education. At the start of this school year I especially want our teachers in all schools, no matter what level they teach, to know that their ministry is so critically important to the future of our Church. They are the ones who are equipping saints for life in this world and the next. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage next year during the 2015 World Meeting of Families, I have no doubt that people will see our work, our mission and our ministry in Catholic education continue to grow and thrive well into the future."

You can view Mr. Mominey's welcome back to school video message at the following link: http://youtu.be/I2SWFKTuP3U.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

This academic year marks the first anniversary of the hiring of Mr. Christopher Mominey as Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Mr. Mominey said, "I'm thrilled to be celebrating my first full year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as Secretary for Catholic Education. At the start of this school year I especially want our teachers in all schools, no matter what level they teach, to know that their ministry is so critically important to the future of our Church. They are the ones who are equipping saints for life in this world and the next. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage next year during the 2015 World Meeting of Families, I have no doubt that people will see our work, our mission and our ministry in Catholic education continue to grow and thrive well into the future."

You can view Mr. Mominey's welcome back video message at the following link: http://youtu.be/I2SWFKTuP3U.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Office for the New Evangelization are pleased to announce the featured speakers and topics for the 2014 Archbishop's Lecture Series. The series presents an opportunity for all to come to a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Catholic faith, its authentic content, and its orientation toward the transformation of the world around us. This year's lecture topics revolve around masculinity and femininity, marriage and the family, a timely preparation for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

All lectures will take place at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Vianney Hall Auditorium; 100 East Wynnewood Road; Wynnewood, PA 19096 (Montgomery County).

A complete listing of scheduled programs is below.

Contact
Stephanie Brophy
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Most of us know C.S. Lewis as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters. But he was a teacher as well as a writer - and in his lectures, he often described God as a sculptor. For Lewis, the suffering in a person's life has special meaning, echoed again and again in Scripture.

Proverbs tells us, "� Do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights" (3:11-12). And the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that in suffering, "� God is treating you as sons, for what son is there whom a father does not discipline?" (12:7).

Challenges and hardships help us grow. Suffering is a tool. God uses this tool to shape each of us into the saints he wants us to be. God sees the shape of our greatness in the marble of our humanity. Then he cuts away the stone of ignorance and sin to free us.

It's a useful metaphor. Anyone who's seen a photograph of Michelangelo's sculpture of the Pieta - or viewed it in person at the Vatican - knows what Lewis meant. The Pieta's figures of Jesus and Mary seem marvelously real. The smoothness of their skin, the elegance of their limbs, the sorrow on Mary's face - these things are so real that we can forget they came from a slab of dead marble. Michelangelo saw the beauty in the stone � and he set it free with a hammer and a chisel. Nobody remembers the hammer blow; that was over in an instant. The result - the beauty - lasts forever.

Now, people aren't blocks of stone. They're living tissue, with the freedom and dignity of children of God. And teachers aren't chisels and hammers - nor should they ever be. In the work of Catholic education, they're active mentors and agents in God's plan, not merely his instruments. But we can still draw some lessons from the sculptor and his art.

First, every great sculptor is motivated by love, not merely technical skill. The sculptor loves the beauty and the truth he sees locked in the stone. In the same way, every great teacher loves the possibilities for beauty, joy, achievement and truth - the hint of the glory of God - she sees in the face of her students.

Next, the great sculptor has a passion for his work and a confidence in his vision. In like manner, no Catholic teacher can form her students in moral character without a passion for the Gospel, a zeal for Jesus Christ, and a confidence in the truth of the Church and her teaching. No Catholic educator can give what he doesn't have himself. If we ourselves don't believe, then we can only share our unbelief. If we're not faithfully Catholic ourselves, then we can only communicate infidelity. Who we are and how we live inescapably shape the formation we give to others.

Finally, we need to recognize that people, unlike marble, have free will which must be respected. A person can refuse to grow. A person can freely reject the Gospel. The adult who forms a young man or woman in Christian maturity must rely, therefore, on persuasion and never coercion. At the same time, the teacher should never lose sight of the fact that real freedom, Gospel freedom, is a very different creature from today's common ideas of liberty, and choice for choice's sake.

Real freedom emerges from self-giving, not self-assertion. Real freedom means letting God shape our lives, so that the beauty he sees in us emerges and gives light to others.

Michelangelo could find the beauty in nearly any piece of marble. But he also left us a reminder of failure. Millions of people know his sculpture of the biblical figure David. It's one of humanity's greatest works of art. But Michelangelo also produced a collection called "the Captives." The name is a grim kind of irony. Each piece of sculpture in "the Captives" collection is a crude, half-finished form of a person, roughly cut from the marble, that the artist simply could not complete because the marble would not surrender the shape. Whatever Michelangelo saw in those stones is still trapped in them today, unfinished. It's held captive by the marble, five centuries later. And that's our alternative to God's love. Persons who reject God remain captive in their own stone - without beauty, without form, and without real freedom.

As we start a new school year, we might spend a few moments remembering that academic excellence in our classrooms is important, even vital, especially today. But a genuinely Catholic education is about much more than that. It's far more ambitious, and its expectations are much higher.

We become most "human" when we learn to place ourselves in the hands of God - the sculptor who knows the beauty and meaning of our lives better than we do ourselves. I'll be forever grateful to the teachers I had in Catholic schools, from grade school through graduate studies, who helped me see that. It's why we owe the teachers in our Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia such a debt of thanks.

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Philadelphia, PA (September 7, 2014) - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. today unveiled the official prayer and iconic image for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, which is set to be held next September. Inspired by the conference theme, "Love is our mission: the family fully alive," which was announced in May 2014, the conference's prayer and iconic image were unveiled and blessed by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. during the Sunday evening Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Both the prayer and the image will be shared with the Pontifical Council of the Family at the Vatican during Archbishop Chaput's visit to Rome during the week of September 15.

"The prayer and iconic image will inspire everyone as we continue to prepare for the 2015 World Meeting of Families," said Archbishop Chaput. "With their focus on enriching and reenergizing the spiritual life of families - both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, I'm hopeful that this prayer and image can help all of us to examine our minds and hearts and deepen our relationships with God and our families in meaningful ways."

The official prayer for the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 is meant to aid delegates around the world in their spiritual preparation for this momentous event. Distributed to parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and also accessible via the 2015 World Meeting of Families' web site in 18 languages including American Sign Language, the prayer is meant to serve as a vehicle of hope and faith for families. Encouraging daily recitation for the success of the event and for personal intentions, the prayer is foundational to both the conference's theme and its planned content.

In addition to an official prayer, the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 has produced a definitive iconic image for the event. This image is a religious work of art meant to encourage both reflection and prayer. For the 2015 World Meeting of Families, artist Neilson Carlin, based in Kennett Square, PA, was commissioned to create an oil painting of the Holy Family depicting Mary, Joseph and Jesus, as a small child, as well as Mary's parents, Saints Anna and Joachim. The four-by-five foot canvas, which was also unveiled on Sunday with the assistance of students from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School, Roman Catholic High School, Saint Peter the Apostle School, and Saint Francis Xavier School, will be on display in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul through the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, which will be held September 22-27, 2015. Those coming to the view the iconic image at the Cathedral are encouraged to pray for families around the world by reciting the official prayer and lighting a votive candle at the Marian Shrine.

Carlin, who specializes in large-scale commission work for the Catholic Church, said, "I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to use my talents to serve the Church, my fellow Catholics and this global event, which hopefully will welcome Pope Francis. Inspired by the theme of 'Love is our mission,' it is my sincerest hope that this image will be a source of prayer and contemplation that draws people of all faiths in and ultimately makes them feel closer and more connected to their own families."

For more information about the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, its official prayer or the iconic image for this international event, please visit worldmeeting2015.org.