Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Saint John Neumann with a special feast day Mass at the National Shrine. Saint John Neumann was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia from 1852 until his death on January 5, 1860 at the age of 48. As Bishop, he was the founder of Catholic education in America and the first to organize a Diocesan Catholic school system.

Cardinal Rigali was present at the Vatican on June 19, 1977 for the canonization of Saint John Neumann. Saint John Neumann's body lies beneath the altar at the National Shrine which bears his name at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia,has asked for all of the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to be united in prayer for an increase in priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. On January 11, 2010 each parish will have Adoration throughout the day with Holy Hour from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the Bishop's Conference designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week. In 1997 this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 10 this year, marks the initiation of Jesus into public ministry.

In this year when the Church is celebrating the Year of the Priest, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to release a new Video on the Priesthood entitled COME AND SEE: DISCERNING THE PRIESTLY CALL OF JESUS. This dynamic and informative video featuring the work and vocation of Philadelphia priests and is meant to assist young men in their consideration of God's call to be a priest. The debut showing of this video will take place on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 8 p.m.at St. Charles Seminary when the Cardinal hosts an Evening for Young Men who are considering the vocation to the priesthood. Segments of the video will be featured on the Archdiocesan Website for Priestly Vocations www.HeedTheCall.org

National Vocation Awareness Week begins on January 10, 2010 and will conclude on January 16, 2010. For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood visit www.HeedTheCall.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Celebrant: His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali

Saturday, 02/27/2010, 10 a.m., Epiphany of Our Lord, Philadelphia
Saturday, 03/06/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown
Tuesday, 03/09/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Cyril of Alexandria, East Lansdowne
Saturday, 03/20/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Eleanor, Collegeville
Monday, 04/12/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady Help of Christians, Abington
Saturday, 04/24/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Maximilian Kolbe, West Chester
Sunday, 04/25/2010, 11 a.m., Saint Augustine, Philadelphia
Monday, 04/26/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Monica, Philadelphia
Monday, 05/03/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of Ransom, Philadelphia
Sunday, 05/16/2010, 9 a.m., Our Mother of Sorrows, Philadelphia

Celebrant: Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis

Wednesday, 02/24/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Andrew, Drexel Hill
Saturday, 02/27/2010, 10:30 a.m., Saint Cecilia, Philadelphia
Saturday, 02/27/2010, 5 p.m., Saint Barnabas, Philadelphia
Sunday, 02/28/2010, 11:30 a.m., Old Saint Joseph, Philadelphia
Wednesday, 03/03/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Helena, Blue Bell
Saturday, 03/06/2010, 9 a.m. & 12 Noon, Saint Katherine of Siena, Wayne
Wednesday, 03/10/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Philadelphia
Tuesday, 03/16/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia
Thursday, 03/18/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Albert the Great, Huntingdon Valley
Saturday, 03/20/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saints Simon & Jude, West Chester
Wednesday, 03/24/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Alphonsus, Maple Glen
Saturday, 03/27/2010, 11 a.m., Saint Joseph, Collingdale
Thursday, 04/08/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Thomas More, South Coventry
Saturday, 04/10/2010, 5 p.m., Saint Hugh of Cluny, Philadelphia
Sunday, 04/11/2010, 11:30 a.m., Saint Ann, Bristol
Tuesday, 04/13/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Charles Borromeo, Bensalem
Thursday, 04/15/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Philip Neri, Lafayette Hill
Saturday, 04/17/2010, 12 Noon, Assumption B.V.M., West Grove
Sunday, 04/18/2010, 12 Noon, Saint Colman, Ardmore
Tuesday, 04/20/2010, 4 p.m., Visitation B.V.M., Norristown
Thursday, 04/22/2010, 4 p.m., Our Mother of Consolation, Philadelphia
Sunday, 04/25/2010, 11:30 a.m., Saint Ambrose, Philadelphia
Saturday, 05/01/2010, 12 Noon, Saint John Vianney, Gladwyne
Thursday, 05/06/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Thomas the Apostle, Glen Mills
Saturday, 05/08/2010, 11 a.m., Saint Luke the Evangelist, Glenside
Sunday, 05/09/2010, 9 a.m., Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Coatesville
Tuesday, 05/18/2010, 4 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence, King of Prussia


Celebrant: Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden

Saturday, 02/20/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Stanislaus, Lansdale
Monday, 02/22/2010, 4 p.m., Saint George, Glenolden
Thursday, 02/25/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Patrick, Norristown
Friday, 02/26/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Laurence, Highland Park
Saturday, 02/27/2010, 10 a.m., Visitation B.V.M., Philadelphia
Thursday, 03/04/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Denis, Havertown
Friday, 03/05/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Bede, Holland
AND
Saturday, 03/06/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Bede, Holland
Monday, 03/08/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Pius X, Broomall
Tuesday, 03/09/2010, 4 p.m., Blessed Virgin Mary, Darby
Wednesday, 03/10/2010, 4 p.m., Sacred Heart, Clifton Heights
Thursday, 03/11/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia
Monday, 03/15/2010, 4 p.m., Immaculate Conception, Levittown
Thursday, 03/18/2010, Saint Eugene, Primos
Friday, 03/19/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Joseph, Downingtown
AND
Saturday, 03/20/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Joseph, Downingtown
Friday, 03/26/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Andrew, Newtown
AND
Saturday, 03/27/2010, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Saint Andrew, Newtown
Friday, 04/09/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Teresa of Avila, Valley Forge
Saturday, 04/10/2010, 5:30 p.m., Saint Agatha/Saint James, Philadelphia (* Newman Center Students)
Monday, 04/12/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Gabriel, Norwood
Tuesday, 04/13/2010, 4 p.m., Saints Peter & Paul, East Goshen
Wednesday, 04/14/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Christopher, Philadelphia
Thursday, 04/15/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Madeleine Sophie/Holy Cross, Philadelphia, (At Holy Cross Church)
Friday, 04/16/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Agnes, West Chester
AND
Saturday, 04/17/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Agnes, West Chester
Wednesday, 04/21/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Lawrence, Riegelsville
Thursday, 04/22/2010, 4 p.m., Saint John the Evangelist, Lower Makefield


Celebrant: Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas
Tuesday, 02/24/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Rydal
Sunday, 02/28/2010, 9:30 a.m., Saint Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia
Monday, 03/01/2010, 4 p.m., Holy Cross, Springfield
Monday, 03/08/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Joseph, Warrington
Wednesday, 03/10/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Charles Borromeo, Drexel Hill
Saturday, 03/13/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Bernadette, Drexel Hill
Monday, 03/15/2010, 4 p.m., Nativity B.V.M., Media
Wednesday, 03/17/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Jerome, Philadelphia
Wednesday, 03/24/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Francis Xavier, Philadelphia
Saturday, 03/27/2010, 11 a.m., Saint John the Baptist, Ottsville
Monday, 03/29/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of the Rosary, Coatesville
Tuesday, 04/06/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of Good Counsel, Southampton
Wednesday, 04/07/2010, 4 p.m., Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting
Friday, 04/09/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Timothy, Philadelphia
Saturday, 04/10/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Isidore, Quakertown
Tuesday, 04/20/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Mark, Bristol
Saturday, 04/24/2010, 11 a.m., Sacred Heart, Havertown
Saturday, 05/01/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Cornelius, Chadds Ford
Monday, 05/03/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Mary, Schwenksville
Wednesday, 05/05/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Agnes, Sellersville
Saturday, 05/17/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Patrick, Kennett Square
Wednesday, 05/19/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Matthew, Philadelphia
Saturday, 05/22/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saints Philip & James, Exton
Monday, 05/24/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Cecilia, Coatesville
Wednesday, 05/26/2010, 4 p.m., Mision Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, West Grove


Celebrant: Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Saturday, 01/23/2010, 2 p.m., Saint Norbert, Paoli
Thursday, 03/04/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Gabriel, Philadelphia
Saturday, 03/06/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales
Tuesday, 03/09/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown
Thursday, 03/11/2010, 4 p.m., Maternity B.V.M., Philadelphia
Saturday, 03/13/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Yardley
Monday, 03/15/2010, 4 p.m., Nativity of Our Lord, Warminister
Friday, 03/19/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Joseph, Aston
Tuesday, 03/23/2010, 4 p.m., Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Limerick
Tuesday, 04/06/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Monica, Berwyn
Thursday, 04/08/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Francis of Assisi, Springfield
Saturday, 04/10/2010, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe, Buckingham
Monday, 04/12/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Basil the Great, Kimberton
Wednesday, 04/14/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Genevieve, Flourtown
Friday, 04/16/2010, 5 p.m., Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, Avondale
Sunday, 04/18/2010, 11:30 a.m., Saint Leo, Philadelphia
Tuesday, 04/20/2010, 4 p.m., Queen of the Universe, Levittown
Thursday, 04/22/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Mary Magdalen, Media
Saturday, 04/24/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Elizabeth, Upper Uwchlan
Sunday, 04/25/2010, 11 a.m., Saint Athanasius, Philadelphia
Wednesday, 04/28/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Maria Goretti, Hatfield
Friday, 04/30/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Frances Cabrini, Fairless Hills
Saturday, 05/01/2010, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saint Patrick, Malvern
Sunday, 05/02/2010, 10 a.m., Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia
Tuesday, 05/04/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Peter, West Brandywine
Thursday, 05/06/2010, 4 p.m., Assumption B.V.M., Feasterville
Wednesday, 05/19/2010, 5 p.m., Saint John Chrysostom, Wallingford
Friday, 05/21/2010, 4 p.m., Saint Titus, Norristown


Celebrant: Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone
Monday, 04/12/2010, 4 p.m., Saint John the Baptist, Philadelphia
Saturday, 04/17/2010, 10 a.m., Saint Matthias, Bala Cynwyd
Sunday, 04/18/2010, 3 p.m., Saint John Neumann, Bryn Mawr
Wednesday, 04/21/2010, 4 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford
Sunday, 04/25/2010, 1 p.m., Saint Thomas of Villanova, Villanova
Wednesday, 05/05/2010, 4 p.m., Holy Family, Philadelphia

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead an Ecumenical Prayer Service in remembrance of the life of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the 27th anniversary of this service sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All are welcome to attend.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is expressing his solidarity with the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake and offering his prayerful support. Cardinal Rigali said, "At this time of destruction and loss of life in the country of Haiti, I urge all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray for those who have died and are suffering as a result of the devastating earthquake in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. This is an unimaginable tragedy in a country that already experiences tremendous poverty and hardship. I also extend my prayers and condolences to the family and faithful of the Most Reverend Joseph Serge Miot, the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, who lost his life in the earthquake. I pray too for the hundreds of priests, seminarians and religious who are reported to have died. My sympathy and heartfelt compassion are also with the Haitian community here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as they mourn and wait for word of loved ones in Haiti."

Cardinal Rigali is asking all 269 parishes in the five-county Archdiocese to include prayers for those who lost their lives and those still suffering in Haiti at Masses this coming weekend and to announce that there will be a special collection for relief efforts in Haiti on Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, 2010.* All funds donated by parishioners will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services which is the official international relief and development agency of the United States Catholic community. The Cardinal said, "Many challenges will face the Haitian people in the days and months ahead. Through prayerful solidarity we support our brothers and sisters who are experiencing such terrible devastation in their homes and towns."

On Sunday, January 17, 2010, Cardinal Rigali will lead an Ecumenical Prayer Service in remembrance of the life of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The Office for Black Catholics also plans for a collection to be taken up for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The prayer service will take place at 3:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish, DeKalb and Chestnut Streets in Norristown, Montgomery County.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to remember those who lost their lives or are suffering in any way due to the earthquake in Haiti. All are welcome and media are invited to cover.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead thousands of people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 22, 2010. This date marks the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that legalized abortion. Joining Cardinal Rigali will be the four Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia; priests; deacons; men and women religious; seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, students and parishioners.
Cardinal Rigali will concelebrate the Vigil for Life Mass with principal celebrant and homilist Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Chairman, USCCB Pro-Life Committee, the night before the March.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Robert Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, announces that Charles H. Ramsey, Commissioner of Police for the City of Philadelphia, has joined the lineup of speakers for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's 2nd annual Men's Spirituality Conference to be held March 13, 2010 at Archbishop Ryan High School.

Commissioner Ramsey will speak on the topic "Leadership, Faith and the Common Good." Ramsey was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Keys & Sword Award presented by the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, which acknowledges one whose actions reflect the Gospel values of faith, selfless service, personal sacrifice, respect and valor.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in the national observation of Catholic Schools Week from January 31 to February 6, 2010. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the values-centered, faith-driven education that students receive in Catholic elementary, secondary and special education schools. The national theme for Catholic Schools Week 2010 is "Catholic Schools-Dividends for Life."

"The theme for this year's Catholic Schools Week, 'Dividends for Life,' reminds us all that there is no better investment than the education of a child," said Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. "Throughout Catholic Schools Week, our schools will also demonstrate the value of a Catholic education through service projects, academic competitions and expressions of gratitude for those who make their Catholic education possible."

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia there are:
- 177 parish and regional elementary schools
- 20 Archdiocesan high schools
- 4 schools of special education
- Parish elementary school enrollment is 54,407
- High school enrollment is 17,903
- Schools of Special Education enrollment is 230
- Catholic schools save taxpayers $800 million annually in the five counties of the Archdiocese

Hallmark Events for Catholic Schools Week

Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10 a.m.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a Mass during Catholic Schools Week for over 1,000 high school teachers on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 10 a.m.
Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist of a Catholic Schools Week Mass recognizing 1,400 senior student athletes who, through athletics, not only improve their physical fitness, but also embody Gospel values in their sportsmanship. The Mass will take place at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 10 a.m.
Holy Innocents Area Catholic School - 1312 E. Bristol St., Philadelphia (215-743-5909)
10:00 a.m. - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will distribute more than 60 netbooks, which are part of the new netbook technology initiative at Holy Innocents and other Archdiocesan Schools. As part of the program, each seventh and eighth student will receive a netbook that will be used throughout the school day. Also in attendance at the unveiling will be Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools and Ms. Nancy Caramanico, Director of Technology K-12.

Throughout Catholic Schools Week, students, parents and teachers across the five-county Archdiocese will celebrate with a variety of special religious, social and recreational activities.

Following is a list of some of the activities planned:

Sunday, January 31, 2010
St. Martin of Tours School - One Riverstone Circle, New Hope, Bucks County (215-785-0973)
11 a.m. -- St. Martin of Tours will hold a Mass and pancake breakfast to honor local medical and emergency workers. Mass begins at 11 a.m. followed by breakfast in the school's cafeteria, which will be decorated by the students. Each of the guests will be given a school mug filled with treats as an expression of gratitude for the work they do to protect the school's community.

Monday, February 1, 2010
St. Francis de Sales School - 39 New Road, Aston, Delaware County (610-459-0799)
Throughout the day, students from Kindergarten through eighth grade will express their appreciation for local service men and women by collecting care package items. In addition, the names of these brave service men and women will be displayed on entrance of the school to honor their dedication to our country.

Corpus Christi Parish School- 920 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Montgomery County (215-368-0582)
Corpus Christi students will dedicate their day to service when they collect new T-shirts, white athletic socks and work pants for Brother House in Norristown, which serves the homeless.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
St. Kevin Parish School - 200 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, Delaware County (610-544-4455)
9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. - All St. Kevin Parish School students will spend the morning preparing Valentine's Day gift bags of love for the residents of Fair Acres Long-Term Care Facility in Delaware County. Each gift bag will be filled with cards from the students and distributed to Fair Acres residents on Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Holy Innocents Area Catholic School - 1312 E. Bristol St., Philadelphia (215-743-5909)
10:00 a.m. - Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will distribute more than 60 netbooks, which are part of the new netbook technology initiative at Holy Innocents and other Archdiocesan Schools. As part of the program, each seventh and eighth student will receive a netbook that will be used throughout the school day. Also in attendance at the unveiling will be Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools and Ms. Nancy Caramanico, Director of Technology K-12.

St. Mary Magdalen Parish School - 2430 N. Providence Rd, Media, Delaware County (215-424-5045)
Throughout the day, students will write letters and make cards for retired area priests in celebration of The Year of the Priest, an Archdiocesan observance from June 19, 2009 through June 19, 2010.

St. Athanasius-Immaculate Conception School - 7105 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia (215-424-5045)
10:45 a.m. - Students will celebrate Sister Arleen McNicholas, S.S.J. and Sister Joanne Uetz, S.S.J. for their 50 years of service to education and the Catholic church with a special Mass. In addition, the school community will honor Mrs. Susan O'Brien's 25 years of service to the school.

St. Francis Cabrini Parish School - 10 Goble Court, Fairless Hills, Bucks County (215-946-6334)
11:00 a.m. - Eighth grade students will switch places with teachers throughout the school as part of a "switcheroo" day. More than 20 students and teachers will take part in the event.

Thursday, February 4, 2010
Archbishop Wood High School - 655 York Road, Warminster, Bucks County (215-672-5050)
8:00 a.m. - Students will celebrate a liturgy to commemorate the Year of the Priest, a yearlong observance. All priests and seminarians who are graduates of Archbishop Wood are invited to concelebrate.

St. Mark Parish School - 1024 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Bucks County (215-785-0973)
6:30 p.m.-St. Mark Parish School will host an open house for the community. The theme for this year's open house is "Avenue of the Arts." As part of the theme, students' artwork will be on display throughout the school and the school band will play. Students will also put on a wax museum performance, where each of the students will dress to look like a wax replica of a musician from a selected era.

St. Laurence Parish School - 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, Delaware County (610-789-2670)
7:00 p.m.-St. Laurence will celebrate 90 years of providing quality Catholic education with a commemorative birthday party. As part of the celebration, the Overbrook String Band and the school's choir will entertain parents, students, faculty and staff with performances throughout the evening. Students will also be invited to participate in a scavenger hunt based on the school's 90 years of history.

Bishop McDevitt High School - 125 Royal Avenue, Wyncote, Montgomery County (215-887-5575)
11:00 a.m.- Bishop McDevitt High School will host the Fifth Annual Papal Colloquium, entitled The Dignity of a Person. The keynote speaker for the event will be Immaculée Ilibagiza, one of the world's most renowned speakers on the topics of peace, faith, and forgiveness. Immaculée will tell the amazing story of her horrific ordeal during the 1994 Rwanda genocide campaign, and how her experiences led her to a new life of forgiveness and a profound relationship with God.

Friday, February 5, 2010
Holy Trinity Parish School -Stockham & Osborne Avenues, Morrisville, Bucks County (215-295-6900)
6:30 p.m.-Holy Trinity Parish School will celebrate the diversity of its school community through an assembly highlighting school families from different countries. Ten families will share clothing, art and stories from their native country. The students will also use Google Earth to "zoom in" and see the different places their classmates lived. Fifth and sixth graders will begin the assembly with a prayer for peace and acceptance that is based on Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. At the conclusion of the assembly, the eighth grade will perform a choral recitation of Dr. King's speech.

Fore more information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia visit www.catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will honor five remarkable Catholic school graduates with the 2010 Distinguished Graduate Award for their professional and personal accomplishments. Also known as the Archdiocesan Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Graduate Awards have a grand tradition of honoring Catholic school alumni who have not only achieved professional success in their chosen fields, but also have demonstrated a commitment to living their lives by the Gospel Values that guide and define Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

Ms. Tracy Davidson, Anchor, WCAU-TV (NBC10), will be the emcee for the evening.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have heeded the call of Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, to support the people of Haiti and pray for their ongoing recovery. Here is a sample of school programs across the Archdiocese to bolster Haitian relief efforts:

Conshohocken Catholic School, 205 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, Montgomery County
In just one day, the students of Conshohocken Catholic School raised $1,100 for Haitian relief efforts. A friend of the school, Sr. Catherine Gerald, S.S.J., was scheduled to visit the neighboring Dominican Republic on January 14,just two days after the Haiti earthquake struck. Students quickly mobilized to raise funds for Sr. Catherine to bring with her to purchase medicine for the earthquake victims. A letter to parents was sent home on January 13, and by the time Sr. Catherine boarded a plane for the Dominican Republic the very next day, she had more than $1,000 to deliver in person for relief efforts. Sr. Catherine is still in the Dominican Republic and available for interviews for interested media.

Mother of Divine Providence Parish School, 405 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, Montgomery County
On Friday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m., Mother of Divine Providence Parish School's seventh grade will sell donuts to raise money for Catholic Relief Services. To help instill the Gospel value of charity in the students, teachers and school administration have encouraged the students to consider donating their own allowances or snack money. Many of the students have even taken on special chores at home to earn additional money to donate.

Our Lady of Confidence School of Special Education, 314 N. Easton Road, Willow Grove, Montgomery County
On Tuesday, February 2 at 1 p.m., Our Lady of Confidence students will dance the afternoon away to help support the relief efforts in Haiti. Students will be invited to Father Curran Hall at St. David Parish (316 N. Easton Road, Willow Grove, Montgomery County) to participate in the dance-a-thon to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

St. Athanasius-Immaculate Conception, 7105 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia
On Friday, February 5 at 9:30 a.m., St. Athanasius-Immaculate Conception will hold a "Hoops for Haiti" basketball competition. The school's Junior Varsity boys' and girls' basketball teams will face off to raise funds for the Haiti relief efforts. Admission is $1 for students and $2 for adults, and all ticket sales will be donated to Catholic Relief Services.

Lansdale Catholic High School, 700 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, Montgomery County
On Saturday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m., Lansdale Catholic will host the "Taking a Bow for Haiti" talent show in lieu of the school's annual Valentine's Day dance. The school's Personal and Organizational Leadership Class presented a proposal to school administrators outlining their idea to have a fundraising event instead of the yearly Valentine's Day dance. The school's administration gladly accepted the students' proposal to host the "Taking a Bow for Haiti" talent show. All proceeds for the event will be donated to Catholic Relief Services for the victims of earthquake in Haiti.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m., Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will unveil a new Netbook program at Holy Innocents Area Catholic School as part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's 2010 Catholic Schools Week celebration. Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools; Nancy Caramanico, Director of Technology K-12; and Sister Regina Mullen, I.H.M., Principal of Holy Innocents Area Catholic School, will take part in the ceremony.

The ceremony will commence with a prayer offered by Bishop McFadden, who will lead the seventh and eighth grade students in unwrapping their new netbooks. A few students will provide a brief demonstration on how the netbooks will be utilized in the classroom.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Friday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m., Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, on behalf of the staffs of Divine Providence Village, St. Edmond's Home for Children and Don Guanella Village and School, Delaware County, will present a check to Candice Harris, of Catholic Relief Services' U.S. Northeast Regional Office, to benefit the Haiti Relief effort.

The check represents donations from staff members of the Developmental Programs of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is with respect and compassion for the Haitian people that this small effort will assist those so desperately in need. One additional contribution was made by Jamie Manella, a resident of the Cardinal Krol Center at Don Guanella Village, for developmentally disabled young adult men. Mr. Manella insisted that staff members accept his savings of $4.00.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Due to the extreme weather, Cardinal Justin Rigali is reminding parishioners in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to use caution as they plan for weekend Mass attendance. Masses will be celebrated in the 267 parishes of the Archdiocese on both Saturday evening and Sunday. At the same time, Cardinal Rigali asks parishioners to use their best judgment about whether it is safe for them to leave home.

If parishioners are unable to travel they are encouraged to watch the Mass on television in English on WPVI-TV that airs at 5:30 a.m. Sunday or on EWTN (check ewtn.com for times). Parishioners may also find the Mass in Spanish on Telemundo at 6:30 a.m.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Reverend Martin T. Cioppi, Pastor at St. John Bosco Parish in Hatboro announced at Masses this past weekend that the recommendation to close the parish's school has been accepted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. Fr. Cioppi informed faculty members on Thursday, February 4, 2010. School families were also informed this weekend that St. John Bosco Parish School will close at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

In accepting the recommendation, Cardinal Rigali said, "I know that this is a very painful time for the St. John Bosco school community, however without action, the academic and spiritual vigor of this school and the financial health of the parish would suffer."

In April 2009, Fr. Cioppi sought permission to study the viability of the parish's school due to declining enrollment, increasing costs and a desire to provide families an affordable, quality Catholic education. The study, undertaken by a Steering Committee consisting of Fr. Cioppi, the school's principal and lay representatives, found that the enrollment at St. John Bosco decreased by more than 30% over a five year period -- from 222 in 2003-2004 to 152 in 2009-2010. Without action, the parish was projected to incur significant debt, as the financial resources it generates were insufficient to cover the school subsidies. After reviewing the study findings, the Steering Committee came to the unanimous decision to recommend the closing of St. John Bosco Parish School at the end of the school year in June 2010.

Neighboring parish schools, including Saint David in Willow Grove, Nativity of Our Lord in Warminster and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Southampton will be prepared to accept students from St. John Bosco beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.

"The Parish of Saint John Bosco is a vibrant community of faith and is saddened by the need to close our parish school," said Fr. Cioppi. "However, we know that our neighboring parish schools will be able to provide an affordable and quality Catholic education for our parishioners' children."

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archdiocesan schools in Philadelphia will be closed on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 due to the snow. Please note that this announcement only pertains to Archdiocesan schools within the city of Philadelphia. Schools in the suburbs make their own announcements. Please continue to check this website for updates.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass and distribute ashes on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at three celebrations of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This is an important step for 895 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. All of the celebrations will be at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

On Tuesday, February 23 at 9:45 a.m., Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and students from twelve Archdiocesan schools will present Catholic Relief Services with a check to help fund the organization's Haiti relief efforts. Maureen McCullough, Regional Director of Catholic Relief Services, will be on hand to accept the check on behalf of the organization, which is the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community providing assistance to people in more than 100 countries and territories based on need.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Approximately 40 priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will perform in concert at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Thursday, March 25, 2010 in celebration of the Year of the Priest.

Joining the "Philadelphia Priest Singers" in the Concert of Sacred Music will be the All-Catholic Secondary Chorus and the renowned Keystone State Boychoir.

Reserved seat tickets ( $7.00-$10.00-$15.00) are on sale now at the Archdiocesan Office for Special Projects, 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, or by phone at 215-587-3519. A ticket order form is available online at www.archphila.org (click the Sacred Concert box). Seating capacity is limited.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Phoenixville native Mike Piazza, a 12-time Major League Baseball All-Star catcher; Evangelist and radio/TV talk host Jesse Romero; and Charles Ramsey, Philadelphia Police Commissioner, will headline an impressive lineup of speakers for the second Men's Spirituality Conference to be held March 13, 2010 at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia.

Piazza is a product of St. Ann Parish School in Phoenixville, Montgomery County and is an Advisory Board member of "Catholic Athletes for Christ." Piazza will speak on the influence that the Mass and the Blessed Virgin Mary had on his Journey of Faith throughout his baseball career. Romero's topic will be "Thank God I Am Forgiven". Romero will also lead the Spanish-speaking portion of the conference. Commissioner Ramsey will discuss how his Catholic faith strengthens and guide him as he leads his police force and serves the Common Good.

More than 60 priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the day.

The Conference theme during Lent is, "Be Reconciled to the Lord." (2Cor 5:20). Registration ($35 per person, $30 family rate) is underway at www.archphila.org or via 215-587-5639.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate the conference's Closing Mass at 4 p.m.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director
215-587-3747

The flu season directives which have been in force since October 18, 2009 provided a necessary pastoral response to the health risks associated with the H1N1 Flu. The current information available from the Center for Disease Control confirms that the 2009 H1N1 Flu has significantly dissipated throughout the country and especially in our region. Individuals must still be encouraged to use good sense if they are ill and have flu-like symptoms when they are in group settings.

Therefore, with the notable change in the circumstances that prompted the flu season directives, it seems timely to terminate them. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in all parishes and institutions, as of Sunday, March 14, 2010 the exchange of the sign of peace and the distribution of the Precious Blood for the faithful may be reintroduced in the manner indicated by the liturgical norms.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will host the women's basketball team from Villanova University for their annual basketball clinic. The Lady Wildcats will conduct drills in dribbling, 3-point shooting and passing for the boys with special needs. The young men will also hold a pep rally complete with chants and homemade posters to wish the team good luck in their upcoming Big East Tournament.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali has announced that Stella Maris School may remain open for the 2010-2011 school year, dependent upon registration, as parish planning continues in the region to strengthen Catholic education on the elementary level.

The Pastor of Stella Maris Parish, Reverend Peter DiMaria, informed the faculty this morning. A letter, signed by Father DiMaria; Sister Lawrence Elizabeth, S.S.J., Principal of Stella Maris Parish and Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools, was sent to school families.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Reverend Monsignor Joseph G. Prior, Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, will lead approximately 150 seminarians, administrators, and faculty members on a walking pilgrimage from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, located in Wynnewood, Montgomery County, to the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia at 833 North Franklin Street on Sunday, March 14, 2010. This pilgrimage will be a walking journey of approximately 7.5 miles.

This year marks the third time in the Seminary's history that the pilgrimage will be made entirely on foot; the previous pilgrimages were March, 2006 to Saint Peter's Church with the Shrine of Saint John Neumann in North Philadelphia and April, 2008 to the Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in South Philadelphia. The walking pilgrimage is conducted every two years and is alternated with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Washington, D.C.

The group will depart the Seminary around 8:00 a.m. with an expected arrival around 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, which will be celebrated in English, is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

On Wednesday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m., Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will serve as the honorary chaplain to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Bishop McFadden was invited by members of the Irish Caucus to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the House of Representatives in observance of Saint Patrick's Day.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults will celebrate the 17th Annual Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Hall of Fame Awards Dinner to honor the lifetime achievements of adults who espouse the virtues and values of the Catholic Church and CYO. Proceeds from the Awards Dinner will help fund programs coordinated by the Office for Youth and Young Adults.

The Class of 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees includes Reverend Monsignor Francis X. Schmidt, former Director of Youth Activities; Harry Perretta, Villanova University women's basketball coach; Deacon Alvin A Clay III, CEO of Davidson Trust Company; and Dolores Purcell, former women's basketball coach at West Catholic High School. In addition, Chris DiJulia will receive the prestigious Tom Gola Award, which is presented to someone who embodies faith, courage, spirit and support of others through sports. DiJulia, 40, has not allowed the challenges of cerebral palsy to limit his support and loyalty to a family of athletes, as well as CYO and collegiate athletics.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will host Saint Malachy's Traditional Choir of Belfast, Ireland for a musical celebration. In addition to performing music selections, the choir will share Irish traditions and Gaelic football with the young men of Don Guanella. There will also be a juggler from Eastern University on hand to open the show.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a 12:05 p.m. Mass marking the fifth anniversary of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. Because the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II coincides with Good Friday this year, Pope Benedict XVI has designated Monday as the day of observance.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

On Monday, March 22nd the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia celebrated its fourth year as a Council. Members gathered to share their wisdom as they face common challenges. They also decided to launch 'Zones of Peace', an interfaith, grassroots initiative will bring together congregations and schools throughout the region to address the root causes of violence and work for peace.

The Council includes 26 Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Baha'i religious leaders dedicated to "building relationships of mutual support, serving as a moral and spiritual voice, and taking action on issues of critical concern in our region." A focus on violence prevention became their first priority. With a public call for peace, read and celebrated in an Interfaith Inaugural Service for Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter, held on January 3, 2008, the Council announced its commitment "to promote peace in our homes and communities, to eliminate causes of hatred and to honor the dignity of all people. and to make our homes and neighborhoods zones of peace."

The Council's semi-annual meeting on March 22nd was hosted by Arthur Larrabee, General Secretary of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, at Friends Center in Center City, Philadelphia.

# # #

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - April 1st - 9:40 a.m. Procession / 10:00 a.m. Mass
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the main celebrant and homilist. This Mass is a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ which continues to be present in the Church. During the Mass, Cardinal Rigali will consecrate the Oil of Chrism and bless the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick. These holy oils will be used throughout the Archdiocese during the coming year in celebration of the Sacraments. (mult-box feed)

For those that cannot attend the Chrism Mass in person, the Mass will be streamed live on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia website at www.archphila.org. This Mass is also being broadcast live on Holy Spirit Radio 1570 AM (WISP) and 1420 AM (WCOJ) and on The Catholic Channel on Sirius 159 and XM 117.

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - April 1st - 5:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the main celebrant and homilist. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the sacrament of 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 Cardinal will wash the feet of seminarians from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. no mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY - April 2nd - 12:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Father Sean Bransfield, Assistant Judicial Vicar, Metropolitan Tribunal, will preside during choral meditations, readings and homilies prior to the Solemn Celebration of the Lord's Passion. (no mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS - April 2nd - 7:30 p.m.
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, Montgomery County
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant for a Good Friday candlelight procession and devotions of the Way of the Cross on the grounds of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood. These devotions will commemorate the tradition of Pope John Paul II in praying the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday night throughout his Pontificate. Clergy, religious and parishioners in the Archdiocese as well as those of other Christian faiths are invited to join Cardinal Rigali for this public witness to our faith and to make the Way of the Cross part of their devotional life. The Stations of the Cross will take place rain or shine. Parking will be available at Saint Joseph's University (entrance to parking lot is on 54th Street below City Avenue) with shuttle buses to bring participants to the Seminary. If you are planning to attend, please call Kathy Kelley at (215) 965-8280 with the number expected to participate (for planning purposes). (no mult-box feed)

HOLY SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL - April 3rd - 8:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist at the Easter Vigil Mass celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. There are four parts: Light Service (Blessing of the Fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle), Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism and the 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 in other faiths) will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Cathedral and parishes throughout the Archdiocese. In 2010, almost 900 Catholics will be welcomed into the Church. (no-mult-box feed)

EASTER SUNDAY MASS - April 4th - 11:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Other Masses at the Cathedral on Easter Sunday are: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. (no mult-box feed)

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Reverend J. Thomas Heron, Pastor at St. James Parish in Elkins Park, Montgomery County, and Reverend Michael J. Ryan, Pastor at Holy Martyrs Parish in Oreland, Montgomery County, announced recently the recommendations to close their respective parish schools have been accepted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. St. James Parish School and Holy Martyrs Parish School will close at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

In accepting the recommendations, Cardinal Rigali said, "We always struggle with the decision to close any of our parish schools, especially schools like St. James and Holy Martyrs that have such rich histories of providing their communities with an affordable Catholic education. It is my hope that the special spirit that infused these two schools will be carried with the students as they join the communities of other local Catholic schools. I extend my gratitude to Fr. Heron, Fr. Ryan, and the dedicated administrators and faculties of both schools, as they help our students and families through this time of transition."

St. James Parish School:
Fr. Heron, in consultation with the St. James Parish Council and Finance Council, made a recommendation to close the parish school due to declining enrollment and increasing costs. St. James Parish School's enrollment has decreased by more than 320% over a 10-year period -- from 253 in 2000-2001 to 60 students registered for the 2010-2011 school year. Without action, the parish was projected to incur significant debt, as the financial resources it generates were insufficient to cover the school subsidies. Currently, 95% of the parish's income is used to support St. James Parish School. The St. James Early Childhood Center will remain open for kindergartners and children ages 3 and 4.


"With our current and projected enrollment, it became clear that our school was not going to be able to continue to offer the quality of education that our parishioners have come to expect," said Fr. Heron. "That is why with a heavy heart I recommended the closing of St. James Parish School to Cardinal Rigali. I am confident that our surrounding parish schools will be able to offer our parishioners' children the values based education they have come to expect. Great gratitude is offered to the current faculty, staff and administration of Saint James Parish School. I know of the many sacrifices and efforts that went into providing an exceptional spiritual and academic program over the years as well as the many recent efforts to keep the school open in the future."

Neighboring parish schools, including Presentation BVM in Cheltenham, St. Hilary of Poitiers in Rydal and Immaculate Conception in Jenkintown, will be prepared to accept students from St. James beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.

Holy Martyrs Parish School:
In November of 2009, Fr. Ryan formed a steering committee to analyze the sustainability of Holy Martyrs Parish School. An analysis of support concluded that the parish as a whole was overwhelmingly in favor of supporting the school both financially and spiritually, but the financial burden was becoming more and more difficult to sustain. With 82 students registered for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, the committee was faced with the need to substantially increase tuition and cut operating costs in order to prevent going into further debt. At the end of March, the difficult decision was made to recommend to Cardinal Rigali to close the school.

"This decision to close Holy Martyrs Parish School is extremely painful but one that has been made with prayerful and thoughtful consideration. I want to thank the dedicated faculty, staff and administration who have devoted themselves to educating the children of Holy Martyrs Parish School for so many years," said Father Ryan. "I am also grateful to the surrounding schools that will be opening their doors to our students in the fall of 2010. We are sad that our school is closing but our parish remains vibrant, currently offering 40 ministries and faith formation programs."

Holy Martyrs Early Childhood Education Program, in operation for more than 15 years in an adjacent building, will remain open. The Preschool has both a 3 and 4 year old program, and runs at full capacity each year. Not all nearby parishes have a program for 3 and 4 year old children, and the Preschool does not need financial support from Holy Martyrs Parish. With these factors in mind, the administration felt that it was important to keep the Preschool open.

Nearby parish communities of St. Genevieve in Flourtown, Our Mother of Consolation in Chestnut Hill, St. Philip Neri in Lafayette Hill and Luke the Evangelist in Glenside, Good Shepherd Regional Catholic School (currently Queen of Peace in Ardsley and St. John of the Cross in Roslyn ), St. Alphonsus in Maple Glen and St. Anthony - St. Joseph in Ambler have kindly offered to Holy Martyrs students that they visit and consider enrolling in their schools.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that it has received a grant from the Verizon Foundation, which will equip school nurses across Philadelphia with netbooks for electronic student record keeping. These netbooks will allow the schools' nurses to access the Health eTools for Schools program, a web-based application that promotes health and wellness.

"This grant from Verizon will enable our nurses to work more efficiently in protecting the health of our 30,000 students, and will significantly reduce cumbersome paperwork and file storage," Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Currently, school nurses must record all student medications and daily visits to their offices, calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) of each student annually and send BMI notifications home to parents and guardians. Nurses also conduct routine health screenings (including hearing, vision, scoliosis, and general physicals) and send screening reports home. This paperwork, mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, consumes approximately 80% of a school nurse's day.

"On behalf of Verizon Foundation, we are pleased to partner in the Health eTools for Schools program with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to help empower educators and health care providers with innovative tools and resources to improve the quality of life for students in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools", said Gale Y. Given, President of Verizon Pennsylvania." "We're investing in programs that touch people's lives by focusing on health and family safety in the 21st century."

The Verizon Foundation grant will help to provide approximately 35 netbooks for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's school nursing staff, who travel across the school system, to use in streamlining their records and reports electronically. Approximately 30,000 student records will be converted to an electronic format that the nurse can access remotely. Nurses will also have the ability to create automatic notifications to parents that provide test results, BMI measurements and health updates.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate an outdoor candlelight Stations of the Cross on the grounds of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary on Good Friday. The fifth annual Archdiocesan service commemorates the tradition of Pope John Paul II in praying the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday throughout his Pontificate. Pope Benedict XVI has continued the tradition as Holy Father. Cardinal Rigali initiated the Way of the Cross in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2006.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with Saint Joseph Parish in Collingdale and Stella Maris Parish in South Philadelphia, announce that the two parishes' respective schools will close at the end of the current school year.

At the end of February, Cardinal Rigali announced that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia would consider keeping Stella Maris School and St. Joseph Parish School open for the 2010-2011 school year, dependent upon registration. As the registration period concluded on March 30, each school had too few students registered to keep the parish schools open.

Saint Joseph School, which needed 200 students to open in the fall, registered 142. Stella Maris School, which needed 175 students to remain open, registered 69.

Earlier this week, the pastor, parochial administrator, the principals and business managers of each parish met with representatives of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to see if there was any way possible that the schools could remain open. Unfortunately the reality is that the parishes cannot sustain the schools with so few students.

Cardinal Rigali said, "It was our hope that through registration and fundraising efforts, Stella Maris and St. Joseph parish schools could remain open but sadly the conscientious and diligent efforts of the parish schools' communities were unable to surmount the trend of declining enrollment."
Cardinal Rigali continued, "Providing our children with the highest quality, faith-filled education remains our priority. As we stay steadfast in this commitment, difficult and painful decisions, such as closing St. Joseph and Stella Maris parish schools, must be made to ensure the viability of our parishes and first-rate education of our young people. I extend my gratitude to Father DiMaria, Father Reilly, and the dedicated administrators, faculties and communities of both schools, as they help our students and families through this time of transition."

All registration fees will be refunded within ten days. In the coming weeks, meetings will be held at each parish for the other Catholic schools in the area to provide parents information about tuition, uniforms, academics and other programs in those schools. There are no plans for any alternate use of the school buildings at either Saint Joseph or Stella Maris at this time.

St. Joseph Parish School, Collingdale
On February 26, Cardinal Rigali and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said that St. Joseph Parish School could potentially remain open for the 2010-2011 school year, if a registration goal of 200 students was met. When the registration period ended on March 30, 2010, there were 142 students registered, with the result that some classes would be as small as six or eight students.

Fr. Michael Reilly, whom Cardinal Rigali appointed Parochial Administrator of Saint Joseph Parish in February 2010, said in a letter to parents, "I tried my best and joined with the parent committee in promoting our school. I interviewed a number of families, some I was able to help, others stated that they did not want to return to the school because of all the upheaval. We worked hard and we worked together. In the end, we did not meet our goal. Besides not being able to meet our goal of 200 registered students, another concern is the mounting costs. If the school were to re-open with just 142 students, the deficit for school operations in just one year at a minimum would be $518,000. This amount would add to the $800,000 debt we already carry. It is important to point out that our parish continues to receive Archdiocesan assistance every year.

The school has 230 students for the current school year. The goal for the next school year was 200 students resulting in a parish a cost per student of $4,400. With 142 students the cost per student would be $6,437. The parish could not afford to sustain the difference between tuition and the actual cost to educate each student. At the same time, such a low enrollment jeopardizes the quality standards the Archdiocese desires for a solid Catholic Education for our children. The school is already unable to provide a teacher dedicated solely to music, art, computers or gym. The school has experienced dramatically increasing costs and declining enrollment, decreasing from 518 students in 2003-2004 to 230 students currently.

Fr. Reilly said, "As we deal with this sad reality, I want to extend my gratitude to the faculty and staff at St. Joseph and also, in a special way I thank all of the volunteers who tried so valiantly during recent months to "save our school."

The designated schools for the children to attend will be Saint Gabriel in Norwood, Saint Eugene in Primos and Our Lady of Fatima in Secane. If parents have a specific need or are requesting an exception, they are asked kindly to see Father Reilly to discuss their request. Finally, the school families that are designated as participating parishioners will receive the parish subsidy. This subsidy will make up the difference between out-of-parish tuition and in-parish tuition at the new school. Saint Joseph Parish will offer this subsidy as planning continues for the future of Catholic elementary education in the area.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

On Thursday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m., the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will support the REACH Foundation by hosting a town hall meeting at Cardinal O'Hara High School to support the organization's Operation Restore initiative, a campaign to restore funding for Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.

Parents, students, business leaders and community members are all invited to take part in the town hall meeting to demonstrate community support for restoration of the EITC program to $75 million-the level at which it was funded in the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit provides companies with a tax credit for donations to a non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organization, providing children and families with a choice in their education.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Monday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m., 12 runners will carry a lit torch into St. Norbert School gymnasium as part of the 2010 World Harmony Run USA relay-a global relay that promotes peace and understanding among people of different cultures. The runners, followed by a procession of students, teachers and Myra DiNicola, Principal of St. Norbert School, will enter the school's gymnasium where students will take part in an assembly featuring World Harmony runners from all over the world.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Limerick, Montgomery County, will celebrate the 105th birthday of parishioner Sophie Voyner. Ms. Voyner, a resident of Manatawny Manor Nursing Home, will attend the Mass in her honor.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass for couples who have been married 25 and 50 years or more. There are two anniversary masses scheduled to accommodate the large number of couples celebrating these milestones.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Friday, April 23 at 8:00 a.m., representatives from Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools will meet at Archbishop Ryan High School to share innovative, technology-focused programs that have been implemented and integrated into their schools. Showcased programs range from digital video skills, to school-sponsored blogs and wikis, to teachers utilizing social networks to share lesson plans, homework assignments and materials with parents, students and colleagues.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communciations Specialist
215-587-3747

More than 90 students from Saint Kevin School in Springfield, Delaware County, are preparing for their musical debut at Citizens Bank Ballpark before the Phillies Game on May 4, 2010. The students, grades K through eight, will sing the National Anthem prior to the Phillies taking on the St. Louis Cardinals at 7:05 p.m.

The Saint Kevin students have been rehearsing every week since they received word of this honor. The final session will take place on:

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Student representatives from Archdiocesan high schools and parish elementary schools will present checks for the 2010 Catholic Charities Appeal during the Nickels for Neighbors annual event. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will thank the students for their efforts and talk to them about the importance of the Catholic Charities Appeal.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Students at St Monica School have earned a visit from the Phillies Mascot to celebrate being a Phanatic About Reading!

The Phillie Phanatic will pay the students of St Monica School a special visit for their efforts in reading. The visit is their prize for the Be a Phanatic About Reading program.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, presented a check for $1,807,269 this morning to Mr. Ken Hackett, President of Catholic Relief Services, at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish in the Olney section of Philadelphia. The money was raised through special collections at the 267 parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since the January 12, 2010 earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti. Reverend Jerry Pinero, Pastor of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, welcomed Cardinal Rigali to the parish which has a large number of parishioners personally impacted by the Haitian earthquake.

Cardinal Rigali said, "It is a real joy to be here because this gives us the opportunity once again to express very close solidarity with the Haitian people-our community here in Philadelphia and the people in Haiti. And so our gathering today for the presentation of this check is a living expression of something even more important. Namely it is the love that goes out from heart to heart and embraces the community. At this time it is my great joy to be able to give a tangible expression of the very beautiful and profound love of the people of this Archdiocese of Philadelphia. How wonderful it is that amidst this tremendous tragedy, amidst all the loss of life, that it could generate so much love, so much solidarity and such a response that comes directly from the heart."

Also attending the presentation were Incarnation of Our Lord parishioners who sang hymns in Haitian Creole; Reverend Monsignor Joseph Logrip, Vicar for Philadelphia - North and Ms. Maureen McCullough, Director for the Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Region, Catholic Relief Services. Reverend Albert Gardy Villarson, the Chaplain to the Haitian community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, offered a prayer and thanked Cardinal Rigali and the people of the Archdiocese. There are almost 2,300 Haitian Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Haiti is approximately 80 percent Catholic.

Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas relief agency of the United States Bishops. When the earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, CRS immediately sprang into action, delivering food, water and emergency shelter, and using a variety of ways to provide clean drinking water and improve sanitation throughout a number of camps. Accepting the check from Cardinal Rigali, Ken Hackett, the CRS President, expressed gratitude to the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, "Catholic Relief Services takes the role of steward as you entrust your gifts to us. We take that role very seriously. We have a very large program in Haiti, over 500 staff, and we are engaged in making sure that we respond to the maximum extent we can in the best way we can in the needs of people who are suffering both in Port-Au-Prince and now in other parts of the country. So we thank you for your generosity, we thank you for your compassion, your concern of and for the people in Haiti who are suffering today. And things will continue to be difficult for the next few months as we move into the hurricane season."

Parishioners in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have contributed more than $9 million since 2001 to disaster relief efforts, including $2,880,912 for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina and $2,844,076 for Tsunami relief efforts.

Catholic Relief Services, www.crs.org, is the official overseas relief agency of the Catholic Bishops of the United States. CRS operates on more than five continents and in over 90 countries, including Haiti.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali has received and reported to civil authorities an allegation that Reverend Monsignor George J. Mazzotta sexually abused a minor more than 40 years ago. This is the first such allegation that the Archdiocese has received regarding Monsignor Mazzotta.

Since 2008, Monsignor Mazzotta has served as parochial vicar at Stella Maris Parish in South Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali has relieved him of his assignment pending completion of a formal investigation. Monsignor is no longer residing at Stella Maris Parish but at Villa Saint Joseph in Darby, the home for retired priests of the Archdiocese and he has agreed to refrain from the public exercise of his priestly ministry during the investigation.

An announcement was made this past weekend at Stella Maris Parish regarding Monsignor Mazzotta. Counselors from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Victim Assistance Office were available after Masses.

Monsignor Mazzotta is 72 years old. He was ordained in 1966. He has served at the following parishes and schools in addition to his service at Stella Maris Parish: St. Joseph, Downingtown (1966-1971); Epiphany of Our Lord, Philadelphia and St. Maria Goretti High School (1971-1976); St. Gabriel, Philadelphia (1976-1978); St. Clement, Philadelphia (1978-1980); St. Eugene, Primos (1980-1985); St. Paul, Norristown (1985-1988); SS. Cosmas and Damian, Conshohocken (June 1988 - November 1988); St. Robert Bellarmine, Warrington (1988-1990); Mother of Divine Grace, Philadelphia (1990-1997) and St. Madeline, Ridley Park (1997-2008).

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that this public notice may be painful to those who have been abused. If anyone needs assistance please contact the Victim Assistance Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Thomas J. Gardner, 26, son of Christine and Thomas Gardner, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

The Rev. Mr. James R. DeGrassa, 27, son of Margaret and Russell DeGrassa, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

The Rev. Mr. Harold B. McKale III, 38, son of Ms. Mary Ellen McKale and Mr. Harold B. McKale, Jr., will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

The Rev. Mr. Michael J. Pawelko, 43, son of Mr. Joseph Pawelko and the late Mrs. Carmela Pawelko, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

The Rev. Mr. Matthew J. Tralies, 29, son of Karen and John Tralies will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communications/Promotions Coordinator
610-785-6219

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will ordain six men to the priesthood who have completed their studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a special Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to honor Archdiocesan and private Catholic high school seniors for their academic excellence, on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

The students, who are ranked in the top 2% of the graduating senior class, will be honored for their academic prowess and dedication to their schoolwork. This year 117 students are included in this elite group according to the cumulative rank at the end of the first semester of their senior year.

As they prepare to move on to the next journey in life, undoubtedly their individual traits of determination and fortitude will carry them to achieve great things. These students exemplify how Archdiocesan students receive the gift of not only an outstanding academic curriculum but also a strong moral foundation rooted in the teachings and principles of Jesus Christ.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education announces the closing of Archangels Academy in Levittown, Bucks County at the conclusion of the 2009-2010 school year. Archangels Academy is a special education school for students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, moderate to mild cognitive impairments, developmental delay or slow learner. The 30 students who currently attend Archangels Academy will attend Our Lady of Confidence in Willow Grove and Saint Katherine Day School in Wynnewood. Archangels Academy is one of five schools operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

"The closing of Archangels Academy is a sad time for us," said Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia." "The work of many teachers, administrators and parents over the years has been most gratifying and greatly appreciated. We are grateful for the availability of two similar programs for our students which are really closer in proximity to the homes of the current Archangels students. The school communities of Our Lady of Confidence and Saint Katherine Day School will welcome the students of Archangels with open hearts!"

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education reached its decision to close Archangels Academy after a comprehensive study of current and projected enrollments, future ability to provide a quality academic program, regional demographic trends and the finances of its schools of special education.

"I can not express enough the tremendous gratitude that we have for our parents, volunteers at donors Archangels Academy," said Sister Angela Mastrangelo, I.H.M., Principal of Archangels Academy. "Although this is a sad and difficult time for our students and families, please rest assured our blessed children will be able to continue their journey at two wonderful schools."

For more information about the Schools for Special Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org or call 215-587-3700.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at a Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. In a personal letter, Cardinal Rigali invited children from parishes in the Archdiocese who received their First Communion this year to join him in the Eucharistic Procession. The children have been asked to dress in their First Communion clothes - girls in white dresses and veils and boys in suits. The Procession will take place at the end of Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Students and staff of St. Gabriel's Hall, Audubon, Montgomery County, will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a five-month house demo and renovation project that will provide new housing for a family in need. St. Gabriel's Hall is a residence facility of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia providing education, training and community-based services for court adjudicated delinquent youth between the ages of 10 and 19 years old under the continuing inspirational influence of the De LaSalle Christian Brothers.

The students from St. Gabriel's will be joined at the celebration by participating students of Montgomery County's YouthBuild program, along with St. Gabriel's Hall staff and county representatives.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

PHILADELPHIA (May 25, 2010) - Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, celebrated with 21 students, one representing each Archdiocesan secondary school, who announced that the Archdiocesan Class of 2010 has earned $241,205,631 in college scholarships. Cardinal Rigali and Superintendent of Schools Mary Rochford presided over a morning ceremony in which each student stood and revealed the total amount of college scholarships received by seniors at his/her school. The students then shared the grand total of scholarships awarded, which totaled nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.

"We talk so often about the value of Catholic education," said Cardinal Rigali. "Today, we celebrate both the intangible and tangible value of Catholic education. Our students receive an education to serve God in all that they do, but also obtain a high quality education that earns them very substantive financial rewards for college. It is my hope that the countless numbers of families who have selflessly chosen Catholic education for their children see today that their sacrifice and investment pays dividends well into the future."

"Students from the Catholic secondary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia stand among the most gifted and talented students who will become a vital part of many college and university campuses beginning this August," said Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools. "We wish them every blessing as the grace of the Lord accompanies them on the next step of their preparation."

The following students participated in this morning's ceremony:

- Megan McKee, Archbishop John Carroll High School
- Colleen Ianni, Archbishop Prendergast High School
- Kaitlyn Kutschera, Archbishop Ryan High School
- Nicholas Snyder, Archbishop Wood High School
- Gavin McLaughlin, Bishop McDevitt High School
- Jessica Eby, Bishop Shanahan High School
- Rebecca Searight, Cardinal Dougherty High School
- Dana Giacobello, Cardinal O'Hara High School
- Anna Augustin, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School
- James Stumpo, Father Judge High School
- Lena Ma, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School
- Meghan McNair, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School
- Shawna Morse, Lansdale Catholic High School
- Brigid McCloskey, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls
- Joseph Cerrone, Monsignor Bonner High School
- Robert Franco, North Catholic High School
- Kaitlin Barcoski, St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls
- Gabriella Mastrobuoni, Neumann-Goretti High School
- Lauren Proud, St. Pius X High School
- Jacky Lee, Roman Catholic High School
- Stephanie Tran, West Catholic High School

Event video and photography are available for viewing at Cardinal Rigali's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cardinalrigali, or by contacting the Office for Communications at [email protected].

For information on all of the schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit http://catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced at a news conference at the Archdiocesan Office Center in Philadelphia this morning that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali also announced that the Holy Father has appointed Reverend Monsignor John J. McIntyre as an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

Bishop Maginnis, age 76, has headed the Secretariat for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since June of 2004. Bishop Maginnis oversees all aspects of Evangelization, as well as the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal, Chancery Office, Office for Consecrated Life, Office for Research and Planning; Office for Black Catholics and Office for Hispanic Catholics. Prior to his Episcopal ordination in 1996, Bishop Maginnis served for 21 years in the Department of Youth Activities; this later became the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). A Philadelphia native, Bishop Maginnis is a graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

Bishop Maginnis said, "I thank God for the gift of the priesthood. I have enjoyed 49 years of the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in various assignments. I look forward to continuing to work in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in any capacity that Cardinal Rigali would wish me to be involved. I look forward to continuing to be of service to the people of the Archdiocese."

Bishop-elect McIntyre, age 46, is a native of Philadelphia. After attending Father Judge High School for three years, he decided to study for the Redemptorists and attended Saint Mary's High School Seminary located within the Diocese of Erie. He then attended Saint Alphonsus Seminary in Connecticut and, having decided to study for the diocesan priesthood, attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA. He was ordained a priest in 1992. Since 1999, Bishop-elect McIntyre has served as Secretary to the Cardinal Archbishop.

Cardinal Rigali said, "Monsignor McIntyre - now Bishop-elect McIntyre - is a priest of great compassion and kindness, humility and tranquility. He is self-effacing and always puts the Lord's work first, never his own needs. He lives out his priestly ministry with quiet joy each day and I know he will bring the same zeal to his episcopal ministry."

Cardinal Rigali will ordain Bishop-elect McIntyre to the episcopacy on August 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

The Bishop-elect's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Blanche McIntyre, along with his brother priests, friends and colleagues, attended the news conference. In his remarks, Bishop-elect McIntyre said, "For the last eighteen years I have had the singular privilege of being a Catholic priest. What a joy to know the will of God in your life and to be given the grace to follow it! What a joy for me to know that the will of God for me is a share in the Priesthood of His Son Jesus Christ. I can think of no greater honor than celebrating Mass each day and being about the many and varied responsibilities that make up the day of a priest."

Bishop-elect McIntyre has served the Church in a number of capacities. For three years following his 1992 Ordination he was parochial vicar at Saint Dominic Parish, Philadelphia, followed by four years in a similar capacity at St. Mark Parish in Bristol, Bucks County. Since 1999, he has served as Secretary to the Cardinal Archbishop.

Biographical Information:

John J. McIntyre was born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia on August 20, 1963 to Thomas and Blanche (nee Ferrero) McIntyre. He has two brothers, Thomas (Kim) and Brian.The McIntyres were parishioners of St. Michael of the Saints Parish in Germantown followed by Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Rhawnhurst. John McIntyre graduated from Saint Basil Elementary School (of the Ukrainian Archeparchy) in Philadelphia. He attended Father Judge High School, Philadelphia, for three years before deciding to study for the Redemptorists and attended Saint Mary's High School Seminary located within the Diocese of Erie. He graduated from Saint Alphonsus Seminary in Connecticut in 1986. He served as a lay teacher for two years at Saint Benedict School in Philadelphia before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Saint Charles in 1991. He was ordained a priest in 1992.

Bishop-elect McIntyre served as a parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish, Philadelphia from 1992 to 1995, and as parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish, Bristol from 1995 to 1999. Since 1999 he has served as Secretary to the Cardinal Archbishop.

In 2003, he was named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of "Monsignor" and in 2005 a Prelate of Honor.

He also has served on the Archdiocesan Admissions Board for Saint Charles Seminary; the Council of Priests; and as Chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy, Merion, PA.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will accept the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Keys & Sword Award on behalf of the priests of the Archdiocese in recognition of their dedicated service to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Keys & Sword Award acknowledges those whose actions reflect the Gospel values of faith, selfless service, personal sacrifice, respect and valor. This year's event comes as the universal Church and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia officially close out the Year of the Priest, which has been celebrated since June, 2009. Catholics across the Archdiocese are invited to join Cardinal Justin Rigali in congratulating the Archdiocesan priests for their award on Sunday, June 20, beginning with 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The award ceremony and luncheon will follow at the Union League.

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced at a news conference at the Archdiocesan Office Center in Philadelphia this morning that Pope Benedict XVI has named Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, currently Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, as the Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg (www.hbgdiocese.org). Cardinal Rigali also announced that the Holy Father has appointed Monsignor Michael J. Fitzgerald as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

Bishop McFadden, 63, is a native of Philadelphia. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School and Saint Thomas More High School for Boys. Following graduation from St. Joseph's University, he became a teacher at West Catholic High School for Boys where he also coached basketball. He then attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA and was ordained a priest in 1981. He served as Administrative Secretary to Cardinal John Krol from 1982 to 1993. He was ordained a bishop in 2004 assisting Cardinal Rigali with the pastoral and administrative care of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In making the announcement regarding Bishop McFadden's appointment, Cardinal Rigali said, "This appointment demonstrates that the Holy Father has confidence that Bishop McFadden will be a compassionate and wise shepherd for the people of Harrisburg. He is a skillful leader with vision and a faith-filled priest who serves joyfully in Jesus' name. Devoted to Mary our Mother, Bishop McFadden will lead the people of Harrisburg with great care and concern for their spiritual well-being."

Bishop McFadden will be installed on August 18, 2010 in Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Harrisburg. At a news conference in Harrisburg this morning, he told reporters, "I am especially happy to have been named the new Bishop of Harrisburg during the Marian Year that Bishop Rhoades convoked last October and which continues until this coming October. When I was named Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia six years ago, I took as my Episcopal motto, "Mary the Model, Jesus the Center." I strongly urge the Catholic community here in Harrisburg to embrace Mary the Mother of Jesus as the model for being open to and doing the Lord's will in one's daily life."

Bishop-elect Fitzgerald, 62, was born in Montclair, New Jersey. His family moved to Southwest Philadelphia and then to King of Prussia, Montgomery County. He attended Saint Clement Parish School in Philadelphia, Saint Augustine Parish School in Bridgeport and Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and was ordained in 1980. He holds a B.A. from Temple University and a law degree from Villanova University. Bishop-elect Fitzgerald earned a Licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America and a doctorate in Canon Law from the Gregorian University, Rome. He has served as Vice-Rector of St. Charles Seminary and Director of the Office for Legal Services. He is currently Judicial Vicar. In making the announcement regarding Bishop-elect Fitzgerald, Cardinal Rigali said, "He is an exemplary priest with a great love for the Church. I am grateful for his constant efforts to promote vocations to the diocesan priesthood. For 14 years he has served as Chaplain to the Serra Club of Philadelphia, which promotes priestly vocations."

On June 8, 2010, Cardinal Rigali announced the appointment by the Holy Father of Monsignor John McIntyre as an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. The Cardinal will ordain both Bishop-elect McIntyre and Bishop-elect Fitzgerald to the episcopacy on the same day, August 6, 2010, the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Ordination will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

In his remarks at the news conference in Philadelphia, Bishop-elect Fitzgerald said, "In accepting this nomination I am conscious of the great responsibility that has been entrusted to me but I am even more aware of the providence of Almighty God in calling me to the priesthood and sustaining me happily in the priesthood these past thirty years. It is in that Providence that I continue to place my trust as I answer a new call of the Church to serve the People of God as a bishop."

Bishop-elect Fitzgerald Biographical Information:
Michael Joseph Fitzgerald is one of nine children born to Dorothy (Bogart) and the late Edwin Michael Fitzgerald in Montclair, New Jersey on May 23, 1948. His family moved to Southwest Philadelphia and then to King of Prussia, Montgomery County. He attended St. Clement Parish School in Philadelphia, St. Augustine Parish School in Bridgeport and Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in 1970 and his law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1973. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1980 and was ordained a priest in May 1980.

Father Fitzgerald served as parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Philadelphia, from 1980 to 1981, and as parochial vicar at St. Callistus Parish, Philadelphia, from 1981 to 1982. He served as Judge for the Metropolitan Tribunal from October 1982 until June 1987. Father Fitzgerald received a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of American in 1989 and a Doctorate in Canon Law from Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1991. Father Fitzgerald was the founding director of the Office for Legal Services for the Archdiocese, now the Office of General Counsel, serving in this position from 1991 until 2004.

He served as Vice-Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary from 2004 until 2007. Since 2007 he has served as Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

In 2003, he was named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of "Monsignor."

Bishop-elect Fitzgerald is a member of the Canon Law Society of America; Adjunct Faculty, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; Chaplain, Serra Club of Philadelphia, and Confessor, Holy Spirit of Adoration Sisters (Pink Sisters).

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

A KICK-OFF TO THE SUMMER NUTRITION PROGRAM SPONSORED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sponsoring its annual Blessing of the Summer. Monsignor Daniel Sullivan, Vicar for Clergy, will preside over the blessing at Holy Child Lower School in Manayunk. Monsignor Sullivan is the president of the NDS board. Campers from Camp Acaraho ages 3 thru 15 years-old will participate.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The 4,648 young men and women who graduated from the 20 high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this June have been offered a grand total of $262,069,165 in scholarships, an all-time record high for scholarship dollars awarded to students across the Archdiocese. More than 94% of the Class of 2010 graduates will pursue a post-secondary education; 92% will be headed for college this fall.

"The Class of 2010, fueled by determination and passion for learning, has set an Archdiocesan record for scholarships earned," said Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "The $262 million awarded to our students reflects not only the academic and spiritual growth of the Class of 2010, but also the selfless support of their families, who have made significant investments in Catholic education that will set their children on a well-rooted path into the future."

Nearly half (46%) of the members of the Archdiocesan Class of 2010 received at least one college scholarship, and more than 6,000 scholarships were awarded in total. The Class of 2009 received $244,062,716 in college scholarships. Since 2000, Archdiocesan graduates have received more than $1.5 billion in scholarships.

For information on all of the schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit http://catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will deliver the opening address of a one-day Conference on Addictions based on his recent book, Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction, the seventh in the Shepherd's Voice Series (Basilica Press) written by Bishops and Cardinals addressing important topics from the Catholic perspective.

In this 80-page pastoral work, Cardinal Rigali provides poignant insights into the multi-faceted nature of addictions, including the spiritual dimension of much addictive behavior and the consequent ramifications for effective treatment and recovery. Cardinal Rigali stresses the value of the Catholic Church's sacramental and pastoral ministry in offering effective help and genuine hope to those battling addiction, and compassionate support to their families and loved ones.

The Conference will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia, with a Closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Rigali at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul. The Conference will focus on the interplay between the sacred and the therapeutic dimensions of clinical pastoral care in addictions ministry with individuals and families. Issues of prevention, treatment and recovery will be addressed.

In the book's Introduction, Cardinal Rigali writes that "the contemporary culture so often casts persons to the sidelines, and in their pain they sometimes seek out ways of coping that do further harm to their human dignity. Pastoral experience tells us that persons of all backgrounds and ages can be affected by addiction. The Church always calls us to appreciate and renew our dedication to the inviolable dignity of the human person. This is especially true in the area of addiction."

Cardinal Rigali writes that the Catholic Church has addressed addiction and dependency in many ways, by calling for care for those who are addicted or dependent, by offering ongoing spiritual guidance for those in recovery, and by advocating for greater integration of pastoral and clinic strategies aimed at both treatment and prevention of addiction.

Copies of the "Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction" can be ordered by calling Basilica Press at: 1-888-570-5182.

For more information about speakers or to register online go to www.guesthouseinstitute.org/Conference%20on%20Addiction.html or contact Colleen Richards at 800-626-6910. Educational Credit Information for Psychologists: Saint John Vianney Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Saint John Vianney Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Educational Credit Information for Addiction Counselors: Guest House Institute is a Provider approved by NAADAC Approved Education Provider Program, Provider #634.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at a Mass of Thanksgiving for the service of Bishop Robert P. Maginnis on the occasion of his retirement as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Bishop Maginnis will be be the celebrant and homilist for the Mass. An Open House Reception will follow in the Archdiocesan Office Center. All are welcome to attend Mass and the Open House Reception.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, Cardinal Rigali held a news conference announcing that Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop Maginnis was ordained by Cardinal John Krol in 1961. Bishop Maginnis headed the Secretariat for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since June of 2004. Bishop Maginnis oversaw all aspects of Evangelization, as well as the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal, Chancery Office, Office for Consecrated Life, Office for Research and Planning; Office for Black Catholics and Office for Hispanic Catholics. Prior to his Episcopal ordination in 1996, Bishop Maginnis served for 21 years in the Department of Youth Activities; this later became the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO).

Assignments: Assistant Pastor, Our Lady Help of Christians, Abington, Montgomery County, 1961-1964; Assistant Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Chester, Delaware County, 1964-1967; Assistant Director, Department of Youth Activities 1967-1981; Director, Department of Youth Activities 1987-1988; Administrator, Saint Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen, Montgomery County; Regional Vicar for Montgomery County 1991-1996; Pastor, Saint Colman Parish, Ardmore, Montgomery County June 1996 - June 2004; Appointed to the Synod of Bishops in Rome 2001; Appointed Administrative Overseer to Chester County and part of Delaware County Vicariates, Secretariat for Evangelization, The Metropolitan Tribunal, Chancery, Office of the Vicar for Consecrated Life, Office of the Vicar for Hispanic Catholics and Research and Planning, July 2004.

A Philadelphia native, Bishop Maginnis is a graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.

Editor's Note: Cardinal Rigali also announced on June 8, 2010 that Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor John J. McIntyre as an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. On June 22, 2010 Cardinal Rigali announced that Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Joseph P. McFadden as Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, and appointed Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop-elect McIntyre and Bishop-elect Fitzgerald will be ordained to the episcopacy on Friday, August 6, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School, along with six NBA referees, will host the 12th annual NBA Referee Clinic. Don Guanella School is a facility operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Springfield, Delaware County, for boys with a wide variety of disabilities ranging in age from five to 21. The National Basketball Association referees, who will work with the students of Don Guanella are Joe Crawford, Duke Callahan, Steve Javie, Mark Wunderlick, Ed Malloy and Mark Lindsay.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will sponsor a Peace Day Celebration. The Peace Day Celebration has become an annual summer event for many of the more than 500 sites that offer the Summer Meals Program in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. During Peace Day participating sites teach the children how to be peacemakers in their community through various activities.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will ordain Reverend Monsignor John J. McIntyre and Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Fitzgerald as Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia on Friday, August 6, 2010 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Co-consecrators are Cardinal John P. Foley, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, Michigan.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Solemn Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament in thanksgiving for the service of Bishop Joseph McFadden on the occasion of his appointment as the Tenth Bishop of Harrisburg on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Bishop McFadden will preach. An Open House Reception will follow in the Archdiocesan Office Center. All are welcome to attend Solemn Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Open House Reception.

On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, Cardinal Rigali held a news conference announcing that Pope Benedict XVI had appointed Bishop Joseph McFadden the tenth Bishop of Harrisburg. Bishop McFadden was ordained by Cardinal John Krol in 1981.

Bishop McFadden, 63, is a native of Philadelphia. He attended and was ordained a priest in 1981. He served as Administrative Secretary to Cardinal John Krol from 1982 to 1993. He was ordained a bishop in 2004 assisting Cardinal Rigali with the pastoral and administrative care of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia native, Bishop McFadden attended Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School and Saint Thomas More High School for Boys. Following graduation from St. Joseph's University, he became a teacher at West Catholic High School for Boys where he also coached basketball. He then attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Assignments: Parochial Vicar, St. Laurence Parish, Highland Park, X County, 1981-1982; Administrative Secretary to Cardinal Krol 1982-1993; President of Cardinal O'Hara High School, Springfield, Delaware County, 1993-2001; Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown, X County 2001-2004 Assistant Pastor,

Editor's Note: On June 22, 2010 Cardinal Rigali announced that Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Joseph P. McFadden as Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, and appointed Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali also announced on June 8, 2010 that Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor John J. McIntyre as an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia Bishop McIntyre and Bishop Fitzgerald were ordained to the episcopacy on August 6, 2010 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia will bless the new St. Rocco Center and the land of the planned Parish church during the ceremonial groundbreaking at the site on the feast of the Parish's namesake. The evening will include a procession from the center to the site of the planned St. Rocco Church led by the Divine Providence Choir. In addition, there will be tours, slideshows and traditional Mexican and Puerto Rican refreshments.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa of Calcutta with an day-long celebration including Morning Prayer followed by all day exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a presentation on the life of Mother Teresa and praying of the Rosary.   The day concludes with Benediction and Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish will join representatives from the United States Postal Service, Philadelphia Metropolitan District, in a ceremony for the issuance of the new Mother Teresa commemorative postage stamp. August 26th marked the 100th Birthday of Mother Teresa.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Dominic Carmon, SVD, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will be the main celebrant and homilist for Mass honoring the Feast of Saint Peter Claver. He will be joined by many priests, who will concelebrate the Mass. In addition to celebrating the feats day of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary, there will also be special recognition of Religious Sisters and Brothers.

Saint Peter Claver was a 16th Century Spanish Jesuit priest, who dedicated his life to ministry to Africans in South America. He was known to have baptized hundreds of thousands of people in life.

The Mass celebrating the Feast of Saint Peter Claver will take place at the Historic Saint Peter Claver Church, which was dedicated in 1892.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

ROYERSFORD (September 10, 2010) -Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, the first new Archdiocesan high school to open in a decade, will welcome 900 students for the first time on September 10. The innovative facility is located on 78 acres at 181 Rittenhouse Road in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., faculty, staff and student representatives will greet students with a "Welcome Home" message as students file in for the school day that begins at 8:05 a.m. Reverend Alan Okon, school president, will celebrate an Opening Mass at 9:00 a.m. during which the paschal candles from the former Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School and St. Pius X High School will come together to pay homage to the roots of Pope John Paul II High School and the unity of the two school communities. A student body pep rally will be held prior to the 2:53 p.m. dismissal.

The new high school, which spans 209,000 square feet, features 29 wireless classrooms. Each enrolled student will receive a netbook to use during the school year. The school also has five science laboratories, three computer laboratories and a large library/media resource center. Students will also have access to two dedicated distance-learning classrooms, and all classrooms feature LCD projectors with SMART Board interactive whiteboards and videoconferencing capabilities. Additionally, the school features two fine art studios, choral/band suites, a 432-seat cafeteria, a 1200-seat auditorium, a 1000-seat main gymnasium, an auxiliary gymnasium and a fitness center. In support of athletic programs, the school has six competition level sports fields, tennis courts and a running track with an all-weather surface.

One of the hallmarks of the school is a 72-seat chapel that contains furnishings from parishes around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The wood for the altar is from the Cathedral Basilica SS Peter & Paul in Center City Philadelphia and the former Transfiguration of our Lord Parish in West Philadelphia. The stations of the cross are from St. John the Baptist of Coaldale, Pa. The stained-glass windows, from the former Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Southwest Philadelphia, were refurbished prior to installation in the chapel. The school will offer Mass every morning before classes begin, and confession will be offered weekly.

"The arrival of this day is a wonderful blessing," said Rev. Alan Okon, President, Pope John Paul II High School. "We began construction in 2008 awaiting this moment - and we cannot wait to witness our students in action, enjoying their new, magnificent school and receiving a superior and modern Catholic education."

Construction of Pope John Paul II began in August 2008. The school will house students from 38 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and several more from the Dioceses of Allentown and Reading. More than half (52%) of incoming students live in the Norristown, Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley school districts, and several students will attend from districts as far-reaching as Quakertown, Brandywine, Cheltenham, Daniel Boone and Philadelphia. Forty-four students enrolled at Pope John Paul II High School come from countries outside of the United States.

Additional information for Pope John Paul II High School is available online at www.PJPHS.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at Mass on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his Ordination as a Bishop. Cardinal Rigali was ordained a Bishop by Pope John Paul II twenty five years ago on The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, 1985.

The Mass of Thanksgiving will be streamed live beginning with the Procession at 1:40 p.m. on the Archdiocesan website www.archphila.org. The Mass will also air live on EWTN Television at 2 p.m.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia,will celebrate Mass and bless the new Holy Family Regional Catholic School in Levittown, Bucks County.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless Pope John Paul II High School in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 2 p.m. The state-of-the-art high school opened on September 10, 2010 to 900 students. Cardinal Rigali will be joined by Reverend Alan Okon, President of Pope John Paul II, Office of Catholic Education administrators, Office of Catholic Education board members, local government officials, faculty, staff and students in celebrating the formal dedication of the school, which was built to bring together two school communities: the former Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School of Norristown and the former St. Pius X High School of Pottstown.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the principal celebrant and homilist, at a Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of Don Guanella Village. Bishop Maginnis will be joined by Superior General Father Alfonso Crippa, SdC and Father Luigi De Giambattista, SdC as well as a number of priests from the Servants of Charity. During Mass residents will serve as altar servers and gift bearers during the Offertory.

Don Guanella Village is made up of residents from the Cardinal Krol Center and Don Guanella School. Don Guanella School is a facility operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Springfield, Delaware County, for boys with a wide variety of disabilities ranging in age from six to 21.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Northeast Family Service Center. The festivities will begin with a flea market followed by a block party. There will be games, prizes, moon bounce, music, face painting and community service information tables.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at the Hispanic Heritage Mass. Mass will be concelebrated by priests who work with the Hispanic Apostolate throughout the Archdiocese. This year, Cardinal Rigali will also bless the newly installed Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Prior to Mass a procession of flags and banners of patron saints of the 20 countries with historic Hispanic heritage, including the United States will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, the Feast of Our Lady of Pilar, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced the establishment of Saint Rocco Parish, 333 Sunny Dell Road, Avondale, Chester County, 19311. Saint Rocco Parish will serve the needs of people of Hispanic heritage and language. Saint Rocco Church, once completed, will seat 500 people and will be built in a Mexican style with a plaza in front.

Misión Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, which since 1992 has been serving the pastoral needs of the Spanish-speaking people in the area has been elevated to a parish with the creation of Saint Rocco. Saint Rocco parish has been established due to the large number of people of Hispanic heritage and language who have moved into southern Chester County. The non-Spanish speaking parishes do not have the resources and language skills necessary to serve the Spanish speaking people of the area, therefore the religious traditions and needs of the Hispanic people of southern Chester County are best served by sharing a common parish.

The boundaries of the newly established parish are St. Patrick Parish, Kennett Square; St. Gabriel Parish, New Garden Township; Assumption B.V.M. Parish, West Grove; Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford; and Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Parkesburg.

On Monday, August 16, 2010, the Feast of Saint Rocco, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, blessed the new Saint Rocco Center and the land of the planned Parish church during the ceremonial groundbreaking.


For more information on Saint Rocco Parish and Center please call 610-268-3365.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will bless Holy Family Catholic Regional School's brand new school lunch program. Several students will participate in the blessing. The program is a part of the National School Lunch Program under the sponsorship of Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There are approximately 200 students at the school currently participating in the lunch program, which officially began on October 5, 2010.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

St. Monica Parish School in Berwyn, Chester County, is hosting a blood drive in honor of first grade student Jack Barausky on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Jack was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2009. Since his diagnosis almost a year ago, Jack has had multiple treatments and hospitalizations, including blood transfusions which are a vital part of Jack's treatments. The goal is to collect 60 units of blood for the American Red Cross.

The children of St. Monica Parish School are baking and donating cookies to give to all of those who donate blood - a treat for being sweet! Media coverage is welcome.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics will hold their annual banquet to support the Monsignor John Mitchell Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship Fund has assisted 19 high school students since its founding in 2008. This year's banquet honoree is Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, and founding Chairman of the Scholarship Fund.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will deliver the opening address of a one-day Conference on Addictions based on his recent book, Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction, the seventh in the Shepherd's Voice Series (Basilica Press) written by Bishops and Cardinals addressing important topics from the Catholic perspective.

The Conference will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali will offer Opening Remarks at 8:30 a.m. There will be a Closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Rigali at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul.

The Conference will focus on the interplay between the sacred and the therapeutic dimensions of clinical pastoral care in addictions ministry with individuals and families. Issues of prevention, treatment and recovery will be addressed.

In the book's Introduction, Cardinal Rigali writes that "the contemporary culture so often casts persons to the sidelines, and in their pain they sometimes seek out ways of coping that do further harm to their human dignity. Pastoral experience tells us that persons of all backgrounds and ages can be affected by addiction. The Church always calls us to appreciate and renew our dedication to the inviolable dignity of the human person. This is especially true in the area of addiction."

Copies of the "Let the Oppressed Go Free: Breaking the Bonds of Addiction" can be ordered by calling Basilica Press at 1-888-570-5182.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is hosting Catholic Life Congress 2010, an educational gathering for laity, religious, deacons and priests. The theme of this year's program is Sacred Mysteries Ever Ancient ~ Ever New. The program is designed for those who wish to learn more about the Church, its teachings and practices, and for all who serve in leadership positions in the Church. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass at 9:30 a.m. Catholic Life Congress features a keynote speaker, presentations and workshops and will be held:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Limerick, Montgomery County, is holding a bone marrow drive to help find a match for Justin, a one-year old parishioner and student in Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's Child Care Program. Justin was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Justin's parents will be in attendance. Media coverage is welcome.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archdiocesan Schools and Nutritional Development Services team up to fight hunger

On Thursday, November 18, 2010, Nutritional Development Services (NDS), of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will celebrate the successful completion of their 2010 peanut butter and jelly drive in conjunction with Archdiocesan Schools.

The photo op will take place at Mother of Divine Grace Parish School in Port Richmond. More than 75,000 pounds of pb&j have been collected to date since September 13, 2010.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Students, faculty and local dignitaries to hold prayer service and celebration

Mary, Mother of The Redeemer Parish School will hold a prayer service and reception to celebrate the school's recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The school is one of only 300 in the nation to receive this designation.

The Blue Ribbon Program, established by the U.S. Department of Education, identifies and celebrates the best school leadership and the best teaching practices. It also sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Mary, Mother of The Redeemer Principal Denise Judge and Vice Principal Susan Tarrant represented the school at a national awards ceremony held on November 15 in Washington D.C.

During the prayer service and celebration on Friday, various members of the community will speak including: Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Representative Kate Harper and Pennsylvania State Senator, Stewart Greenleaf. Senator Greenleaf will also present a proclamation to the school.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Thursday of last week, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Reverend William G. Ayres, Pastor of Saint Michael Parish, and Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, both in Philadelphia. The Archdiocese reported to civil authorities this allegation, which concerns events from the mid 1990's. This is the first allegation of sexual abuse that the Archdiocese has received regarding Father Ayres.

Since 2006, Father Ayres has been Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Philadelphia. Since 2007 he has also been Pastor of Saint Michael Parish in Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali has relieved him of his assignment pending completion of a formal investigation. Father Ayres is no longer residing at Saint Michael Parish but at Villa Saint Joseph in Darby, the home for retired priests of the Archdiocese, and he has agreed to refrain from the public exercise of his priestly ministry during the investigation.

An announcement was made this past weekend at Saint Michael Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish regarding Father Ayres. Counselors from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Victim Assistance Office were available after Masses.

Father Ayres is 39 years old. He was ordained in 1999. He has served at the following parishes and offices in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in addition to Saint Michael Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish: Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia (1999-2002); Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Chester (2002-2003) and the Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants & Refugees (2003-2007). He also served as Coordinator of the Laotian Apostolate (2001-2003).

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that this public notice may be painful to those who have been abused. If anyone needs assistance please contact the Victim Assistance Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School in Delaware County continues to mark its year long 50th anniversary celebration with a juggling magic show. The young men of Don Guanella will be joined by clients from the Cardinal Krol Center and Divine Providence Village, as well as other groups with special needs.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia introduces a new way to support CSS via text message donation through mobile payment provider XIPWIRE. CSS launched the convenient text-to-donate service November 9, 2010, to encourage easy donations to its Annual Cardinal's Christmas Party, marking the official start of Catholic Social Services' first-ever mobile giving initiative. The affordable text-to-pledge service, called XIP2GIVE, enables its users to securely send or pledge donations to help the more than 16,000 needy children in the five-county area that it serves.

Assisting more than 162,000 people last year through its 75 programs, CSS greatly depends on donations from members of the Archdiocese. For this reason, CSS saw the potential to use mobile giving via XIPWIRE to facilitate donations for the Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children along with other donation options.

Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr., Secretary, Catholic Human Services, said, "The face of charity has changed. From teenage girls residing in CSS' St. Vincent's Home and men studying at De La Salle Vocational School to elementary students getting extra attention through Out-of-School Time programs, we recognize the faces of those we support have changed and the face of giving must change with it. Offering XIPWIRE as a donation method affords us a quick and easy alternative to the traditional annual gift. We believe its convenience factor will enable us to expand our giving efforts and will encourage smaller, more frequent donations throughout the year."

Held on December 20 and hosted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, the Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children was selected to launch the mobile giving campaign because donations raised for this event are critical to the success of CSS' many youth and adolescent programs and family service centers. The event is an afternoon of joyous gift-giving for local children, presenting the perfect platform to introduce the text-to-give campaign.

"Christmas reminds us of our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members in the community: our children," said Sweeney. "But with this mobile giving campaign, it is our hope to remind people throughout the year that Philadelphia's children need the support of CSS. XIPWIRE should allow us to easily do that."

To text a pledge, a user should first fund a XIPWIRE account by connecting it to a bank account, credit or debit card. Then it is as easy as texting the campaign's code and the amount of the gift to 56624. A text of "CSS 100," for example, would result in an instant $100 gift to the Archdiocese. Users who do not have a XIPWIRE account at the time of the text will receive reminders to complete their registration so that current and future gifts can be processed.

XIPWIRE makes donations to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia a simple and secure one-step process that can be completed in less than 10 seconds. Sibyl Lindsay, co-founder of XIPWIRE, said, "Sharing our technology with CSS means that its programs can continue serving our neighbors - the people of Philadelphia and the suburbs. From our vantage point, this is by far the best use of mobile payment technology to date."

About XIPWIRE
Founded in 2009, XIPWIRE is a mobile payment service that enables people to securely send and receive money using a simple text message. XIPWIRE leads the mobile payment technology industry with a strong focus on simplicity and security. Its robust platform caters to individual users as well as merchants and non-profits. XIPWIRE enables businesses to offer their customers a convenient cash alternative without the need to pay high credit card fees. XIPWIRE complies with all state regulations, operating with SMS short code (56624) and certification from all major mobile carriers. www.xipwire.com

About Catholic Social Services
Catholic Social Services traces its roots to colonial Philadelphia. The ten agencies of CSS administer programs dedicated to serving men, women, and children in need. They are an expression of the charitable works of the local church. Services include residential treatment programs for at-risk children, family preservation services, foster care, adoption, immigration services, counseling, senior citizen centers, programming for the elderly, transitional housing, homeless services, and care for medically fragile men and women. CSS provides residential and community-based education programs to court-adjudicated youth, and sponsors residential and community-based care for persons who are developmentally delayed.

Contact
Jim Senior
Catholic Human Services
610-326-1000

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, invites families and individuals throughout the Archdiocese to the Bless the Baby Jesus Devotion and Second Sunday of Advent mass. Cardinal Rigali initiated this event five years ago in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bless the Baby Devotion is sponsored by the Family Life Office and Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Everyone is encouraged to bring an image or figurine of the Baby Jesus, perhaps from their family Nativity Creche, to be blessed by Cardinal Rigali at the end of Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

It was very disappointing to learn of the city's decision to remove the word "Christmas" on the village archway sign located at Dilworth Plaza in Philadelphia. The change was reportedly a "common sense decision" made in order to be sensitive to the diverse needs of the larger community in Philadelphia. Now that the decision has been made to remove the sign altogether, is it "common sense" to continue to call it a Christmas village in publically available brochures and Internet advertising?

If we are to be a truly diverse and inclusive community, we must certainly be respectful of all of the various celebrations that occur during this time of year. Christmas deserves its rightful place among those. If we are truly to use common sense, we should understand that Christmas villages and trees are just that and not vague symbols of some nebulous winter "holiday" devoid of meaning.

This decision is a stark example of the secularization that is obscuring the true meaning of the Christmas season. It is a time when we Christians rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and rekindle within our hearts a renewed spirit of charity, forbearance, and benevolence toward our fellow human beings. As it stands, the decision in question falls far short of capturing that essence.

The heritage of the City of Philadelphia is one that celebrates and respects freedom of religious expression. It is indeed disappointing to see this basic freedom undermined in America's cradle of religious liberty. After all, there wouldn't be a village if it weren't Christmas!

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, today formally announced his appointees to the Blue Ribbon Commission, a strategic advisory group he established to chart the future course of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali said, "Since its founding, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has educated more than fifteen million students, providing academic and faith formation rooted in Gospel values. That is a staggering figure and one that tells you how important the subject of Catholic education is in the Archdiocese."

Cardinal Rigali, in a news conference at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office Center in Philadelphia that was streamed live via the Archdiocesan website, was joined in making the announcement by Mr. Jack Quindlen, Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Mr. Quindlen is a retired Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Dupont, as well as a former Chairman of the Archdiocesan Board of Education. He chaired the Building Committees of Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown and the newest high school in the Archdiocese, Pope John Paul II High School, which opened in Royersford, Montgomery County in September 2010.

In announcing the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission, Mr. Quindlen said, "Each of these members is a dynamic and experienced leader - and I am very much looking forward to working with them to strengthen the future of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. " Mr. Quindlen introduced the other 16 members of the Blue Ribbon Commission, eleven of whom were in attendance. The Commission includes talented individuals from diverse backgrounds - from corporate leaders to educational experts - all of whom are dedicated to Catholic education.

As Cardinal Rigali announced in his October 2010 Pastoral Letter Called to Conversion and Holiness, he has asked the Office of Catholic Education to undertake a comprehensive study of Archdiocesan elementary and secondary schools, as well as the schools of special education and religious education programs. In making the announcement at the news conference, Cardinal Rigali said, "Archdiocesan schools face challenges -- changing demographics, lower enrollments in some schools and the continued struggle to keep Catholic education affordable for the many families who wish to make this investment for their children's futures. We are not alone in this struggle - in fact; it is very much a national trend. Across the country, many dioceses are finding themselves at a crossroads, carefully seeking what path is best for the future of Catholic education."

Also participating in the news conference were Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education on behalf of Cardinal Rigali; Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education, and Ms. Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

West Philadelphia Catholic High School will host the United States Naval Academy Band

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 young people who received services from community or residential agencies of Catholic Social Services this year. They will represent an additional 16,000 children across the Delaware Valley who also will benefit from donations to Catholic Social Services. For more information on the Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children please visit www.cardinalschristmaspartyforchildren.org/. The party begins with a colorful parade followed by presents and entertainment.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at

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

Friday, December 24, 2010:
Christmas Eve: Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist of all Masses
- 5:00 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass - music provided by cantor, organ and cathedral brass quartet and tympani
- 7:30 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass - music provided by the Archdiocesan Boy Choir and instruments
Midnight Mass
- Beginning at 11:00 p.m.: Cathedral Basilica Choir and the Cathedral Basilica Brass Quartet will provide carols and anthems for the Christmas feast
- 12:00 a.m. Mass Celebrated by Cardinal Rigali with music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and the Cathedral Basilica Brass Quartet and tympani

Saturday, December 25, 2010:
Christmas Day: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
- 10:00 a.m. Mass - Celebrated by Cardinal Rigali with music provided by the Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Brass Quartet and tympani

Editor's Note: There will not be a mult-box feed for any of the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Masses. Media planning to cover any Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul are asked to call the Cathedral rectory at 215-561-1313 and leave a message.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

For the 43rd year in a row, teens from across the Archdiocese will be gathering each day for two straight weeks to collect, sort, wrap and tag toys that will be delivered to over 660 families in need. Twenty-five community groups will also receive toys from Operation Santa Claus for children served by their agencies. The student volunteers are members of the Community Service Corps in their Catholic high school or their parish youth ministry program.

On Dec. 17th, "elves" from Cardinal O'Hara and Archbishop Wood High Schools will be wrapping and shopping. Volunteers from Archbishop Carroll and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools will be at the Operation Santa Claus Wrapping Center on Monday, Dec. 20th.

Operation Santa Claus started in 1967 when 12 Archdiocesan teenagers wanted to help 10 families in need in their area. They dressed up like Santa and his elves and delivered toys to the families. The Archdiocesan tradition grew from that selfless act to its current size. This year over 15,000 toys will be distributed or delivered to 5000 children.

For more information please contact Kathy Pfeffer, Coordinator of Community Service Corps, Office for Youth and Young Adults, Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 215-965-4636.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

West Philadelphia Catholic High School will sponsor a pep rally on

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week which begins on January 9, 2011 and concludes on January 15, 2011. Vocation Awareness Week celebrates vocations to the priesthood in particular. During these days families and the parish community are urged to nurture the faith of their children to prepare them to respond to whatever God's call is for them.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has asked for all of the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to be united in prayer for an increase in priestly vocations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. On January 10, 2011 each parish will have Adoration throughout the day with Holy Hour from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

On Friday, January 12, 2011, there will be a Gathering for Young Men with Cardinal Rigali at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The evening will include a candlelight procession, a tour of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Night Prayer and Reflection by Cardinal Rigali.

National Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the Bishop's Conference designated the 28th Sunday of the year as the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week. In 1997 this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on January 9 this year, marks the initiation of Jesus into public ministry.

For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood visit www.HeedTheCall.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

December 25, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

As we celebrate this holy feast of Christmas, the words of the Angel spoken to the shepherds
are proclaimed anew: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy . . .
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord." The Church makes these words her own as she announces to all people the joy and peace that were born on Christmas morning.

These words of the Angel led the shepherds to search out the infant Jesus and to encounter
Him in the presence of Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family. So too for us, the words of the Angel
invite us to contemplate the joy and hope of this Christmas day. God has sent us a Savior, His Son who brings us lasting peace.

And so: Do not be afraid! Our Savior is born. Let us adore Him, with Mary and Joseph,
through our fidelity to prayer, especially in the celebration of Mass. And with the Angel of the Lord, the shepherds, and the whole Church, let us make the message of Christ's birth known to all, especially by our love for one another.

May the Lord Jesus continue to bless you and may our Mother Mary and Saint Joseph watch over you always.

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Justin Card. Rigali
Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia



25 de diciembre, 2010

Queridos amigos en Cristo:

¡Que la gracia y la paz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo están con ustedes!

Al celebrar esta fiesta santa de Navidad, las palabras del ángel dichas a los pastores son
proclamadas otra vez: "No teman, les traigo una buena noticia que causará gran alegría . . . . les
ha nacido un salvador, que es Cristo, el Señor". La Iglesia hace propias estas palabras mientras
anuncia a toda la gente la alegría y la paz que nacieron en la mañana de Navidad.

Estas palabras del ángel guiaron a los pastores a descubrir al niño Jesús y encontrarlo en
la presencia de María y José, la Sagrada Familia. Así también para nosotros, las palabras del
ángel nos invitan a contemplar la alegría y la esperanza de este día de Navidad. Dios nos ha
enviado un salvador, su Hijo que nos trae la paz de vida eterna.

Y ahora: ¡No teman! Nuestro Salvador ha nacido. Vamos a adorarlo, con María y José,
a través de nuestra fidelidad a orar, especialmente en la celebración de la misa. Y con el ángel
del Señor, los pastores y toda la Iglesia, demos a conocer a todos el mensaje del nacimiento de
Cristo, especialmente por nuestro amor del uno con el otro.

Que el Señor Jesús continúe bendiciéndolos y que nuestra Madre María y San José los
cuide siempre.

Sinceramente en Cristo,

+ Justin Card. Rigali
Cardenal Justin Rigali
Arzobispo de Filadelfia

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747