Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass to open the year marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Neumann, C.Ss.R.

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for a Mass to commemorate those who lost their lives and are still suffering as a result of the earthquake that struck Haiti last January.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead an Interfaith Prayer Service in remembrance of the life of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the 28th anniversary of this service sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All are welcome to attend.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia will lead a prayer service at the site of the future St. Rocco Church. In addition to the prayer service there will be a "topping off" ceremony of the final steel beam, which will be placed on top of the Bell Tower of the Church. Those in attendance will be encouraged to sign the beam before it is put in place. All are welcome to attend.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications
215-587-3747

It was both a shock and a horror to learn of the practices of Dr. Kermit B. Gosnell and his staff who now face criminal charges, including murder, in connection with the Women's Medical Society at 38th Street and Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, which was closed after a raid in February 2010. As Catholics, we believe in the dignity and sacredness of all human life from conception until natural death. The repeated actions of Dr. Gosnell and his staff were abhorrent and intrinsically evil in their disregard for the lives of the unborn and the welfare of the women who sought their services. The charges filed by the District Attorney's Office today bear witness to these facts.

The report's use of the language of "infants and babies" for the unborn and the charges of murder underscore our conviction that every child in the womb is created in the image and likeness of God.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers fervent prayers for all who have been affected by these heinous practices. We are prepared to assist with support services for the women who suffered these abortions and stand ready to provide proper burial at the appropriate time for the aborted babies previously stored in Dr. Gosnell's office.

Contact
Donna M. 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 Monday, January 24, 2011 in solemn commemoration of the 38th 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
Kenneth A. Gavin
Associate Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will honor three remarkable Catholic school graduates and a passionate alumni association with its 2011 Distinguished Graduate Award. 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.

"The Distinguished Graduate Awards celebrate the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's legacy for providing a superior Catholic education - an education that focuses on the academic, moral and spiritual development of our youth," said Most Reverend Michael Fitzgerald, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. "In their personal and professional accomplishments and their continuing commitment to the values they learned as students in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, our honorees exemplify our mission for Catholic education and the promise we see in all of our students."

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Bishop Michael Fitzgerald and Superintendent Mary Rochford to attend anniversary Mass and mark beginning of Catholic Schools Week

Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass for the 90th anniversary of St. Charles Borromeo Parish School in Bensalem. Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will also attend the Mass to mark the beginning of Catholic Schools Week across the Archdiocese.

In addition to the celebration, the school will mark the 90th anniversary of the dedicated service of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the parish and honor Sister Honora Mary Ivers, IHM, a distinguished graduate of St. Charles Borromeo Parish School.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Today, Wednesday, February 9, 2011, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education received an allegation of inappropriate physical behavior by a part-time music instructor, Mr. Edward Golaszewski, towards a student at Bishop Shanahan High School in Chester County. Upon learning of these allegations, the Bishop Shanahan Administration immediately contacted ChildLine, the Chester County District Attorney's Office and the Downingtown Police Department. Mr. Golaszewski is also a part-time music instructor at Archbishop Wood High School in Bucks County. He previously taught at Cardinal Dougherty High School prior to its closure in June 2010. The Office of Catholic Education is unaware of any other allegations regarding Mr. Golaszewski.

As of today, this instructor is on administrative leave, which means he is relieved of all duties within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Shanahan and Archbishop Wood emailed letters to parents and guardians of their respective school communities today. The Office of Catholic Education will be contacting school families of students who previously attended Cardinal Dougherty High School.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of these allegations and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well being of our children," said, Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Office of Catholic Education of 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
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

February 10, 2011




Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese,

As the Archdiocese continues to review the grand jury report that was released this morning, there is one assertion in the report that must be addressed immediately. The report states that there remain in ministry archdiocesan priests who have credible allegations of abuse against them. I assure all the faithful that there are no archdiocesan priests in ministry today who have an admitted or established allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against them.

Please join me in prayer for healing.


Sincerely yours,

+ Justin Card. Rigali

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

As an initial response to the Grand Jury Report, Cardinal Justin Rigali announces the following actions which he has taken recently:

1. The Archdiocese has once again retained the services of Mary Achilles as a Consultant to the Archdiocese to advise Cardinal Justin Rigali regarding how best to address the needs of victims of sexual abuse and to assist in our review of the observations and recommendations of the Grand Jury Report. Ms. Achilles, who previously served as a Consultant to the Archdiocese from 2006 through 2008, was appointed by former Governor Tom Ridge as the first-ever Victim Advocate for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to this, Ms. Achilles worked in a variety of capacities including fourteen years in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

2. Cardinal Rigali has created a new position, Delegate for Investigations, which will now be a separate office distinct from the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The Delegate's responsibility will begin at the time an allegation of sexual abuse is received and continue until the presentation of the Archdiocesan Review Board's recommendation to the Archbishop. The Delegate's responsibility will also include immediate reporting to civil authorities upon receipt of an allegation, as is our practice for all allegations whether current or historical. In cases where, for any reason, the civil authorities do not investigate, the Delegate will oversee the Archdiocesan investigation.

3. Cardinal Rigali has hired Joseph A. Cronin, Jr., J.D., Ph.D., to serve in the recently created position in the Office for Clergy, the Clergy Support Associate. Dr. Cronin's primary responsibility is to assist the Vicar for Clergy in ensuring the compliance of priests in the active ministry with the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. Dr. Cronin brings a wealth of clinical experience in behavioral health. Since October 2008 he has served as the Program Coordinator for the Prayer and Penance Program where he oversees the supervision and treatment of priests who have been permanently removed from ministry and live a supervised life of prayer and penance. Prior to working with the Archdiocese, Dr. Cronin, a licensed psychologist, worked in private practice as well as in a variety of management positions in non-profit and for-profit behavioral health corporations.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will continue its review of the Grand Jury Report's observations and recommendations.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, released a video message today, Saturday, February 12, 2011 as Catholics across the Archdiocese prepare to attend Mass this weekend following the release of the Grand Jury Report. The Cardinal addresses Catholics as their spiritual leader in this message about suffering and prayer, faith and hope.

The video, in English and Spanish, is available on the Archdiocesan web site at www.archphila.org
or YouTube at http://bit.ly/CardinalSpiritualMessage

Text of the video in English and Spanish is below.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I speak to you today as your Archbishop, your shepherd and pastor. My concern is for all of you who belong to Christ and his Church. I speak to you who are active members of the flock of Christ and also to you, who, for one reason or another, find yourselves distanced from the Church.

The release of the Philadelphia Grand Jury Report this past Thursday brings great sadness and distress to every Catholic, to every person. Once again the issue of the sexual abuse of minors is raised, as well as the role of the Church and her leaders in addressing this abuse. As Catholics we are hurt and confused, and perhaps even quite angry and feeling betrayed. We are keenly aware of Saint Paul's words, that if one part of the Body of Christ suffers, all the parts suffer with it (1 Cor 12:26). All of us are afflicted at this moment!

Those suffering the most are victims of sexual abuse. In them, we see Jesus suffering in our midst. Just as Mary, Model of the Church, embraced her crucified Son, so we, as the Church, embrace all victims with our love, compassion and concern. I ask you to join me in praying everyday for victims of sexual abuse, invoking the tender intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. We pray that they will have real hope in Christ and will truly know they do not stand alone. We stand with them and their families.

Many of you suffer in solidarity with your priests who serve you so faithfully. They themselves are suffering. It is deeply painful that the sinful choices of some of our priests have caused great harm in the Church. What we must remember is that Christ is the true priest and in him the priesthood does not forfeit its integrity. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. Let us support our priests with our constant prayers.

Many of you find yourselves wondering how to react in light of the recent Grand Jury Report. This is a moment for renewed faith. We believe in the never failing love that God has for us and in his compassionate mercy. Jesus is the presence of God's love and mercy in this very moment, to each of us and to the whole Church. On the Cross, Jesus continues to reveal this love and mercy, a message proclaimed in the Gospel and celebrated fully in the Holy Eucharist. I encourage you to join me as we turn together to Jesus. He sustains us. He sustains the whole Church. His cross and resurrection conquer all sin and give us faith and hope, which must remain strong in our hearts as we vigorously commit ourselves anew to do everything possible for the protection of all children and for the prevention of any abuse in the future. Let us confidently place our faith and hope again and always in Christ!



Mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Yo les hablo a ustedes hoy como su Arzobispo y su pastor. Mi preocupación es por todos ustedes que pertenecen a Cristo y su Iglesia. Yo les hablo a ustedes los miembros activos del rebaño de Cristo y también a ustedes, los que por un motivo u otro, se encuentran distanciados de la Iglesia.

La publicación del Informe del Gran Jurado de Filadelfia este jueves pasado trae gran tristeza y angustia a cada católico, a cada persona. Otra vez el asunto del abuso sexual de menores surge, así como el papel de la Iglesia y sus líderes al abordar este abuso. Como católicos nosotros estamos heridos y confundidos, y quizás hasta completamente airados y sintiéndonos engañados. Somos muy conscientes de las palabras de san Pablo, que si una parte del cuerpo de Cristo sufre, todas las partes sufren con él (1 Corintio 12:26). ¡Todos nosotros estamos afligidos en este momento!

Los que más sufren son las víctimas del abuso sexual. En ellos, vemos a Jesús sufriendo en medio de nosotros. Así como María, Modelo de la Iglesia, abrazó a su Hijo crucificado, así nosotros, como la Iglesia, abrazamos a todas las víctimas con nuestro amor, compasión y preocupación. Les pido que me acompañen en oración todos los días por las víctimas del abuso sexual, invocando la tierna intercesión de María, Madre de la Iglesia. Oremos para que tengan una verdadera esperanza en Cristo y realmente sepan que no están solos. Nos unimos a ellos y sus familias.

Muchos de ustedes sufren en solidaridad con los sacerdotes que les sirven con tanta fidelidad. Ellos mismos están sufriendo. Es profundamente doloroso que las opciones pecaminosas de algunos de nuestros sacerdotes hayan causado un gran daño en la Iglesia. Lo que debemos recordar es que Cristo es el verdadero sacerdote y en Él el sacerdocio no pierde su integridad. El sacerdocio es el amor del corazón de Jesús. Apoyemos a nuestros sacerdotes con nuestras constantes oraciones.

Muchos de ustedes se preguntan cómo reaccionar ante el reciente informe del Gran Jurado. Éste es un momento de fe renovada. Creemos en el amor que nunca falla que Dios tiene por nosotros, y en su compasiva misericordia. Jesús es la presencia del amor y misericordia de Dios en este mismo momento, para cada uno de nosotros y para toda la Iglesia. En la Cruz, Jesús continúa revelando este amor y misericordia, un mensaje proclamado en el Evangelio y celebrado plenamente en la Sagrada Eucaristía. Los animo a que me acompañen a dirigirnos juntos a Jesús. Él nos sostiene. Él sostiene a toda la Iglesia. Su cruz y resurrección vencen todo pecado y nos da la fe y la esperanza, que deben seguir siendo fuertes en nuestros corazones al nosotros enérgicamente reafirmar nuestro compromiso de hacer todo lo posible para la protección de todos los niños y para la prevención de cualquier abuso en el futuro. ¡Vamos a poner con confianza nuestra fe y esperanza de nuevo y siempre en Jesucristo!

###

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director
215-587-3747

"Sexual abuse of children is a crime. It is always wrong and gravely evil. Protecting children, preventing child abuse and assisting victims are priorities of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia," stated Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. "The Grand Jury Report makes clear that for as much as the Archdiocese has done to address child sexual abuse, there is still much to do."

In his continuing response to the Grand Jury Report:

- Cardinal Rigali has directed the immediate re-examination of all cases of concern to the Grand Jury, which asserts that as many as "37" priests remain in active ministry with credible allegations of child sexual abuse. This re-examination will be undertaken to determine the suitability of these priests for active ministry.

- To lead that re-examination, the Archdiocese has retained the services of Gina Maisto Smith, J.D., a partner at the law firm of Ballard Spahr. Mrs. Smith is a former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney who for nearly two decades has prosecuted child sexual assault cases. Mrs. Smith will re-examine all cases of accused priests in active ministry, as well as review the procedures employed by the Archdiocese, and make recommendations to the Cardinal. Mrs. Smith will also assist the Archdiocese in its communications in the course of dealing with the District Attorney's Office and in responding to the Grand Jury Report.

- The Archdiocese has placed Father Joseph L. DiGregorio, Father Joseph J. Gallagher and Father Stephen B. Perzan on administrative leave. At the direction of Cardinal Rigali, all three will refrain from the public exercise of ministry pending the outcome of a second review of their cases.

The Archdiocese takes seriously the observations and recommendations of the Grand Jury Report, and remains committed to working with the Philadelphia District Attorney.

Change begins with action. The actions we announce today build on the changes that the Church has already announced, including retaining Mary Achilles as a victim services consultant, hiring Joseph Cronin Jr., J.D., Ph.D., to ensure priests' compliance with the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries [http://bit.ly/AOPministerialstandards], and creating the position of Delegate for Investigations.

In making this announcement Cardinal Rigali said, "Many people of faith and in the community at large think that the Archdiocese does not understand the gravity of child sexual abuse. We do. The task before us now is to recognize where we have fallen short and to let our actions speak to our resolve."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Como una respuesta inicial al informe emitido por el Gran Jurado, el cardenal Justin Rigali anuncia las acciones siguientes que él ha tomado recientemente:

1. La Arquidiócesis ha retenido una vez más los servicios de Mary Achilles como asesora de la Arquidiócesis para aconsejar al cardenal Justin Rigali en cuanto a cómo abordar mejor las necesidades de las víctimas del abuso sexual y asistir en nuestra revisión de las observaciones y recomendaciones del informe del Gran Jurado. La señora Achilles, que antes sirvió como asesora de la Arquidióócesis desde el 2006 hasta el 2008, fue designada por el antiguo gobernador Tom Ridge como el primerísimo Abogado de Víctima para el Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Antes de esto, la señora Achilles trabajó en una variedad de capacidades incluyendo catorce años en la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia.

2. El cardenal Rigali ha creado una nueva posición, Delegado para las Investigaciones, que ahora será una oficina separada y distinta de la Oficina para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes. La responsabilidad del delegado comenzará en el momento en que se recibe una denuncia de abuso sexual y continuará hasta la presentación de la recomendación de la Junta de Revisión de la Arquidiócesis, al arzobispo. La responsabilidad del delegado también incluirá el informe inmediato a las autoridades civiles tras de recibir una denuncia, como es nuestra práctica para todas las denuncias ya sean actuales o históricas. En los casos donde, por cualquier razón, las autoridades civiles no investigan, el delegado se encargará de supervisar la investigación arquidiocesana.

3. El cardenal Rigali ha contratado a José A. Cronin, Jr., JD, Ph.D., para servir en el cargo recientemente creado de Clergy Support Associate (Asociado de Apoyo del Clero), en la Oficina para el Clero. La responsabilidad primaria del Dr. Cronin es ayudar al Vicario del Clero para garantizar el cumplimiento, de parte de los sacerdotes en el ministerio activo, con los Estándares de comportamiento ministerial y sus límites. El Dr. Cronin trae una riqueza de experiencia clínica en salud mental. Desde octubre del 2008 él ha servido como coordinador del Programa para Oración y Penitencia donde supervisa la vigilancia y el tratamiento de los sacerdotes removidos permanentemente del ministerio y que viven una vida supervisada de oración y penitencia. Antes de trabajar con la Arquidiócesis, el Dr. Cronin, un psicólogo licenciado, trabajó en la práctica privada y en diversos puestos de responsabilidad, en corporaciones de salud mental sin fines de lucro y con fines lucrativos.

La Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia continuará su revisión de las observaciones y recomendaciones del informe del Gran Jurado.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office issued a report of the Investigative Grand Jury earlier today concerning the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and matters related to sexual abuse of minors. Since the report was just released this morning, the Archdiocese has not yet had the opportunity to review it and, therefore, I am not able to comment specifically on its contents. It is my intention to consider carefully and take very seriously any observations and recommendations of this Grand Jury. I also welcome the opportunity for ongoing collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office in the vital work of protecting children.

At this moment, as people of faith we must reach out in compassion and support for one another and for all who are affected by this news. Victims of sexual abuse by clergy may find this news deeply painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is in this spirit that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is cooperating fully with the civil authorities in this and all related matters.

Through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we recommit ourselves to pray and to labor in His Spirit to do everything possible to rectify the injustices suffered by victims.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

La Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia emitió un informe de la investigación del Gran Jurado el día de hoy, acerca de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia y los asuntos relacionados con el abuso sexual de menores. Dado que el informe fue emitido esta misma mañana, la Arquidiócesis no ha tenido todavía la oportunidad de revisarlo y, por lo tanto, no soy capaz de comentar específicamente sobre su contenido. Es mi intención examinarlo con cuidado y tomar muy en serio las observaciones y recomendaciones de este Gran Jurado. También doy la bienvenida a la oportunidad de colaborar continuamente con la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia en la labor vital de proteger a los niños.

En este momento, como personas de fe nosotros debemos extender compasión y apoyo el uno al otro y a todos los que se ven afectados por esta noticia. Las víctimas de abuso sexual por el clero pueden encontrar esta noticia profundamente dolorosa. Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están con ellos. Es en este espíritu que la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia está cooperando plenamente con las autoridades civiles en éste y en todos los asuntos relacionados.

Por la fe en nuestro Señor Jesucristo, nos comprometemos a orar y trabajar en su Espíritu para hacer todo lo posible para corregir las injusticias sufridas por las victímas.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Parishioners at Saint Joseph Parish in Downingtown were informed at Masses this weekend that Cardinal Justin Rigali has placed Monsignor William J. Lynn, Pastor, on administrative leave effective Friday, February 18, 2011.

It was also announced that Cardinal Rigali has appointed Monsignor Joseph C. McLoone as parochial administrator pro-tem of Saint Joseph Parish. Monsignor McLoone is currently the Pastor of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester, Delaware County.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

"El abuso sexual de niños es un delito. Siempre es erróneo y de gran maldad. La protección de los niños, la prevención del abuso de niños y la asistencia a las víctimas son prioridades de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia", afirmó el cardenal Justin Rigali, arzobispo de Filadelfia. "El Informe del Gran Jurado deja claro que, a pesar de lo que la Arquidiócesis ha hecho para abordar el abuso sexual de niños, hay todavía mucho por hacer".

En su continua respuesta al Informe del Gran Jurado:

- El cardenal Rigali ha ordenado la revisión inmediata de todos los casos de interés para el Gran Jurado, que afirma que no menos de "37" sacerdotes permanecen en ministerio activo con denuncias creíbles de abuso sexual de niños. Esta nueva revisión se emprenderá para determinar si esos sacerdotes son aptos para el ministerio activo.

- Para dirigir la revisión, la Arquidiócesis ha contratado los servicios de Maisto Gina Smith, JD, socio de la firma de abogados Ballard Spahr. La señora Smith es una ex asistente del fiscal de Filadelfia, que durante casi dos décadas ha procesado casos de abuso de niños. La señora Smith volverá a examinar todos los casos de sacerdotes acusados en el ministerio activo, va a revisar los procedimientos empleados por la Arquidiócesis, y va hacer recomendaciones al cardenal. La señora Smith también ayudará a la Arquidiócesis en sus comunicaciones en el curso de las negociaciones con la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito y en la respuesta al Informe del Gran Jurado.

- La Arquidiócesis ha colocado al padre Joseph L. DiGregorio, al padre Joseph J. Gallagher y al padre Stephen B. Perzan en ausencia administrativa. Por dirección del cardenal Rigali, los tres se abstendrán del ejercicio público del ministerio en espera del resultado de una segunda revisión de sus casos.

La Arquidiócesis toma en serio las observaciones y recomendaciones del Informe del Gran Jurado, y mantiene su compromiso de trabajar con el Fiscal de Distrito de Filadelfia.

El cambio comienza con la acción. Las acciones que anunciamos hoy se basan en los cambios que la Iglesia ya ha anunciado, incluyendo la retención de Mary Achilles como consultora de servicios para víctimas, la contratación de Joseph Cronin, Jr., JD, Ph.D., para garantizar que los sacerdotes cumplan con los Estándares de comportamiento ministerial y sus límites [http://bit.ly/AOPministerialstandards], y la creación de la posición de Delegado para las Investigaciones.

Al hacer este anuncio, el cardenal Rigali, dijo: "Muchas personas de fe y en la comunidad en general piensan que la Arquidiócesis no entiende la gravedad del abuso sexual de niños. Nosotros sí! La tarea que tenemos ante nosotros ahora es reconocer que nos hemos quedado cortos y dejar que nuestras acciones hablen de nuestra determinación".

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Durante las misas de este pasado fin de semana se les informó a los feligreses de la parroquia San José en Downingtown que el cardenal Justin Rigali ha puesto al monseñor William J. Lynn, párroco, en ausencia administrativa comenzando el viernes 18 de febrero del 2011.

También fue anunciado que el cardenal Rigali ha nombrado al monseñor Joseph C. McLoone como administrador parroquial pro tempore de la parroquia San José. El monseñor McLoone es actualmente el pórroco de la parroquia Santa Catalina Drexel en Chester, Condado Delaware.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

For the 36th year in a row, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will participate in Operation Rice Bowl, a nationwide effort administered by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) that aims to alleviate hunger both locally and abroad through four components: pray, fast, learn, and give. The kickoff will take place on

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

PHILADELPHIA (February 28, 2011) - The Office of Catholic Education today announced that seven parishes will close their respective parish schools at the end of the current academic year. The parish schools include:

- Ascension of Our Lord Parish School in the Kensington section of Philadelphia;
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish School, Bensalem, Bucks County;
- Saint Anne Parish School in the Kensington section of Philadelphia;
- Saint Cyprian Parish School in the Cobbs Creek section of Philadelphia;
- Saint Hugh of Cluny Parish School in the Fairhill section of Philadelphia;
- Saint Martin of Tours Parish School in New Hope, Bucks County; and
- Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish School in Croydon, Bucks County.

The decision to close these parish schools is due to low enrollments. It became clear that sustaining the schools would require a dramatic tuition increase that would preclude many families from providing a Catholic education to their children. Therefore, the parishes concluded that maintaining their schools was no longer a tenable option. Faculty members were informed of the decision at the end of last week, letters were mailed to all school families last Friday, and announcements were made at all Masses over the weekend. Additionally, families received information concerning accommodations at neighboring parish schools.

"It is always a heartbreaking and difficult decision to close a school, especially when so many have given their time and talents to try and sustain it," said Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "The reality is that these parishes can no longer sustain their schools with so few students. We would rather provide affordable options to those families interested in Catholic education than levy a high tuition upon families simply to buoy a school with either sharply declining enrollments or the inability of the parish to meet the class size expectations as outlined in the Standards for Quality Catholic Schools."

Background:

Ascension of Our Lord Parish School, 735 E. Westmoreland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Ascension of Our Lord Parish School had a projected enrollment of 118 students for the 2011-12 school, compared to 204 students five years ago (a 43% decrease over five years). Students from Ascension of Our Lord will be welcomed to Our Lady of Port Richmond School, 3233 East Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134; Holy Innocents Parish School, 1312 East Bristol Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124; or Visitation B.V.M. Parish School, 300 East Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School, 2915 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
Our Lady of Fatima Parish School had a projected enrollment of 132 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 187 students five years ago (a 30% decrease over five years). Students from Our Lady of Fatima Parish School will be welcomed to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish School, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020; or Saint Ephrem Parish School, 5340 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.

Saint Anne Parish School, 2343 East Tucker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Saint Anne Parish School had a projected enrollment of 151 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 246 students five years ago (a 39% decrease over five years). Students from Saint Anne Parish School will be accommodated at Our Lady of Port Richmond Regional School, 3233 East Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134; Saint Laurentius Parish School, 1612 East Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125; Mother of Divine Grace Parish School, 2612 East Monmouth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134; or Visitation B.V.M. Parish School, 300 East Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Saint Cyprian Parish School, 6225 Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Saint Cyprian Parish School had a projected enrollment of 115 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 229 students five years ago (a 50% decrease over five years). Students from Saint Cyprian Parish School will be welcomed to Saint Francis de Sales Parish School, 917 South 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143; Mary Mother of Peace Parish School, 6328 Buist Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142; or Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish School, 345 North 63rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139.

Saint Hugh of Cluny Parish School, 3501 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Saint Hugh of Cluny Parish School had a projected enrollment of 99 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 225 students five years ago (a 56% decrease over five years). Students from Saint Hugh of Cluny may attend nearby Saint Veronica Parish School at 3521 North 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Saint Martin of Tours Parish School, One Riverstone Circle, New Hope, PA 18938
Saint Martin of Tours Parish School had a projected enrollment of 126 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 143 students five years ago (a 12% decrease over five years). From the time of its establishment in 2000, Saint Martin of Tours Parish School has operated at less than half of its full capacity of 300+ students, and is not viable long-term without jeopardizing the financial stability of the parish. Students from Saint Martin of Tours Parish School will be welcomed to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 225 East Ashland Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 or Saint Andrew Parish School, 51 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish School, 130 Walnut Avenue, Croydon, PA 19021
Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish School had a projected enrollment of 116 students for the 2011-12 school year, compared to 197 students five years ago (a 42% decrease over five years). Students from Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish School will be accommodated at Holy Family Regional School, 2477 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19054; Saint Charles Borromeo Parish School, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020; Saint Ephrem Parish School, 5340 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020; Saint Mark Parish School, 1024 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007 or Saint Michael the Archangel Parish School, 130 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, PA 19054.

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, today announced that he has placed 21 priests on administrative leave. The action follows an initial examination of files looking at both the substance of allegations and the process by which those allegations were reviewed. In each case the next step is a thorough independent investigation.

Cardinal Rigali said, "These have been difficult weeks since the release of the Grand Jury Report: difficult most of all for victims of sexual abuse, but also for all Catholics and for everyone in our community.

"As we strive to move forward today," Cardinal Rigali added, "I wish to express again my sorrow for the sexual abuse of minors committed by any members of the Church, especially clergy. I am truly sorry for the harm done to the victims of sexual abuse, as well as to the members of our community who suffer as a result of this great evil and crime."

The Grand Jury Report identified 37 cases of concern. In addition to the 21 announced today, three priests were placed on administrative leave after the report was released in February. Five others would have been subject to administrative leave. However, one who was already on leave and two who are incapacitated have not been in active ministry. Two others no longer serve in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and, as both are members of a Religious Order, the Archdiocese has notified the Superiors of their Religious Orders and the Bishops of the Dioceses where they are residing.

The remaining eight priests will not be subject to administrative leave. The initial independent examination of these cases found no further investigation is warranted.

All 37 cases were subject to a review using the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the Child Protective Services Act, the "Essential Norms" from the Charter for the Protection of Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Archdiocese's Standards for Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The cases of those on administrative leave involve a range from allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to boundary issues with minors.

Cardinal Rigali stated, "Since 2005, the Archdiocese has worked very hard and we believed that we were on the right path, making significant progress in the protection of children and in the investigation and handling of abuse allegations. In fact, the present investigation of sexual abuse began as a result of reports from the Archdiocese to the District Attorney's Office. The 2011 Grand Jury Report, however, presented us with serious concerns that demand a decisive response."

Within a week of the release of the Grand Jury Report, the Archdiocese retained Gina Maisto Smith, a former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney who has prosecuted child sexual assault cases for nearly two decades. Mrs. Smith, a partner at the law firm of Ballard Spahr, conducted an initial review of all 37 cases of concern with the aid of her team and a forensic psychiatrist.

"Cardinal Rigali asked me to assist him in responding to the concerns raised in the Grand Jury Report," Mrs. Smith said. "I was given the unlimited freedom to do a thorough review with full access to all files and documents."

The Cardinal's actions were based on Mrs. Smith's recommendations. She will now lead a team of experts to investigate more fully each case. Her team will include a nationally renowned pediatrician in the field of child abuse, a forensic psychiatrist and psychologist, an expert from the child advocacy community and other experts.

Cardinal Rigali said, "I want to be clear: These administrative leaves are interim measures. They are not in any way final determinations or judgments."

"I know that for many people their trust in the Church has been shaken," stated the Cardinal. "I pray that the efforts of the Archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice."

For more information and to read Cardinal Rigali's complete statement, visit the Archdiocese of Philadelphia web site Response to 2011 Grand Jury Report.

Cardinal Rigali will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Christians throughout the world. Lent is the penitential season of prayer and sacrifice lasting from Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday, in preparation for Easter.

Cardinal Rigali also has invited the faithful to join him at the Cathedral for a Penitential Service, including Stations of the Cross, at 7 p.m. March 11, 2011, the first Friday of Lent.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

These have been difficult weeks since the release of the Grand Jury Report: difficult most of all for victims of sexual abuse, but also for all Catholics and for everyone in our community.

The Grand Jury Report, issued last month by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, called into question the way in which the Archdiocese handles allegations of child sexual abuse and asserted that as many as 37 priests remain in ministry ". . . after the Archdiocese learned of accusations or reports of their inappropriate behavior or sexual abuse of minors" (Grand Jury Report issued February 10, 2011).

Since 2005, the Archdiocese has worked very hard and we believed that we were on the right path, making significant progress in the protection of children and in the investigation and handling of abuse allegations. In fact, the present investigation of sexual abuse began as a result of reports from the Archdiocese to the District Attorney's Office. The 2011 Grand Jury Report, however, presented us with serious concerns that demand a decisive response.

As Archbishop of Philadelphia, it is my responsibility to respond to this Report transparently. I am determined to work for a solution that deals effectively with this issue in the Church and I share with the District Attorney's Office and the Grand Jury the desire to deal definitively with the concerns noted in the Report. I will continue to do so in cooperation with the District Attorney's Office.

In reviewing the concerns of the Grand Jury, it became clear that we needed additional and independent expertise in place to evaluate allegations of sexual abuse. That is why I turned to a veteran child abuse prosecutor, Gina Maisto Smith, and asked her to re-examine both the cases of concern for the Grand Jury and the way in which the Archdiocese handles allegations of sexual abuse of minors. She brings 15 years of experience to bear in assessing, investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse allegations.

Her initial examination has concluded, and I have accepted her initial recommendations.

Working to allay concerns in the community about the suitability of priests to minister and wishing to ensure that our processes are entirely effective, yesterday I placed twenty-one priests on administrative leave, effective immediately. These are in addition to the three who were placed on leave in February, after the report was released.

While on administrative leave, all of these priests will not publicly exercise their ministry.

Among the remaining cases, five additional priests would have been subject to administrative leave. However, one who was already on leave and two who are incapacitated have not been in active ministry. Two others no longer serve in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and, as both are members of a Religious Order, the Archdiocese has notified the Superiors of their Religious Orders and the Bishops of the Dioceses where they are residing.

The remaining eight priests will not be subject to administrative leave. A review of these cases by Mrs. Smith found no further investigation is warranted.

I want to be clear: These administrative leaves are interim measures. They are not in any way final determinations or judgments. Mrs. Smith will now lead a team of experts to investigate more fully each case.

I know that for many people their trust in the Church has been shaken. I pray that the efforts of the Archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice.

As we strive to move forward today, I wish to express again my sorrow for the sexual abuse of minors committed by any members of the Church, especially clergy. I am truly sorry for the harm done to the victims of sexual abuse, as well as to the members of our community who suffer as a result of this great evil and crime.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Estas han sido semanas difíciles desde la publicación del informe del Gran Jurado: difícil sobre todo para las víctimas de abuso sexual, pero también para todos los católicos y para todos en nuestra comunidad.

El informe del Gran Jurado, publicado el mes pasado por la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia, cuestiona la forma en que la Arquidiócesis maneja las denuncias de abuso sexual infantil y afirmó que hasta 37 sacerdotes permanecen en el ministerio ". . . después de que la Arquidiócesis se enteró de acusaciones o informes de sus comportamientos inadecuados o abuso sexual de menores" (Informe del Gran Jurado emitido el 10 de febrero del 2011).

Desde 2005, la Arquidiócesis ha trabajado muy duro y hemos creído que estábamos en el camino correcto, haciendo un progreso significativo en la protección de los niños y en la investigación y el manejo de las acusaciones de abuso. De hecho, la actual investigación de abuso sexual se inició como resultado de los informes de la Arquidiócesis a la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito. El informe del 2011 del Gran Jurado, sin embargo, nos presentó grandes preocupaciones que demandan una respuesta firme.

Como arzobispo de Filadelfia, es mi responsabilidad responder a este informe de manera transparente. Estoy decidido a trabajar por una solución que aborde con eficacia este problema en la Iglesia y comparto con la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito y el Gran Jurado el deseo de acabar definitivamente con las preocupaciones señaladas en el informe. Voy a seguir haciéndolo en colaboración con la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito

Al examinar las preocupaciones del Gran Jurado, se hizo evidente que necesitábamos experiencia adicional e independiente en el lugar para evaluar las denuncias de abuso sexual. Es por eso que recurrí a un fiscal de abuso infantil veterano, Gina Smith Maisto, y le pidió que vuelva a examinar ambos, los casos de interés para el Gran Jurado y la forma en que la Arquidiócesis maneja las denuncias de abuso sexual de menores. Ella lleva 15 años de experiencia evaluando, investigando y enjuiciando acusaciones de abuso sexual infantil.

Su primer examen ha concluido, y he aceptado sus recomendaciones iniciales.

Trabajando para disipar las preocupaciones de la comunidad sobre la propiedad de los sacerdotes para servir y deseando asegurar que nuestros procesos son totalmente eficaces, ayer puse veintiún sacerdotes en ausencia administrativa, con efecto inmediato.
Estos se suman a los tres que fueron puestos en ausencia administrativa en febrero, después que se publicó el informe.

Mientras están en ausencia administrativa, ninguno de estos sacerdotes ejercitaré su ministerio públicamente.

Entre los casos restantes, cinco sacerdotes adicionales habráan sido sujetos a la ausencia administrativa. Sin embargo, uno ya estaba en excedencia y dos que son incapacitados no han estado en el ministerio activo. Otros dos ya no sirven en la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia y, ya que ambos son miembros de una orden religiosa, la Arquidiócesis ha notificado a los superiores de sus órdenes religiosas y a los obispos de las diócesis donde ellos residen.

Los restantes ocho sacerdotes no serón sujetos a la ausencia administrativa. Una revisión de estos casos por la señora Smith encontró que ninguna investigación adicional es justificada.

Quiero ser claro: Estas ausencias administrativas son medidas provisionales. No son en modo alguno las resoluciones definitivas o resoluciones judiciales. La señora Smith ahora liderará un equipo de expertos para investigar más a fondo cada caso.

Sé que para muchas personas su confianza en la Iglesia ha sido sacudida. Oro para que los esfuerzos de la Arquidiócesis para tratar estos casos de preocupación y de revaluar nuestra manera de tratar las acusaciones, ayuden a reconstruir esa confianza en la verdad y la justicia.

Mientras nos esforzamos por seguir adelante hoy, deseo expresar nuevamente mi dolor por el abuso sexual de menores cometidos por algunos miembros de la Iglesia, especialmente del clero. Realmente me siento muy triste por el daño causado a las víctimas de abuso sexual, así como a los miembros de nuestra comunidad que sufren como resultado de este gran mal y crimen.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Directadora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

El Cardenal Justin Rigali, Arzobispo de Filadelfia, ha anunciado hoy que ha colocado a 21 sacerdotes en ausencia administrativa. La acción sigue un examen inicial de los archivos mirando tanto la sustancia de las denuncias como el proceso por el cual las denuncias fueron examinadas. En cada caso el siguiente paso es una investigación independiente, exhaustiva.

El Cardenal Rigali dijo: "Estas han sido semanas difíciles desde la publicación del Informe del Gran Jurado: difícil sobre todo para las víctimas de abuso sexual, pero también para todos los católicos y para todos en nuestra comunidad.

"Mientras nos esforzamos por seguir adelante hoy, añadió el cardenal Rigali, deseo expresar nuevamente mi dolor por el abuso sexual de menores cometido por algunos miembros de la Iglesia, especialmente del clero. Realmente me siento muy triste por el daño causado a las víctimas de abuso sexual, así como a los miembros de nuestra comunidad que sufren como resultado de este gran mal y crimen."

El Informe del Gran Jurado identificó 37 casos de interés. Además de los 21 anunciados hoy, tres sacerdotes fueron puestos en ausencia administrativa después de que el informe fue publicado en febrero. Otros cinco habráan sido sujetos a la ausencia administrativa. Sin embargo, uno ya estaba en excedencia y dos que son incapacitados no han estado en el ministerio activo. Otros dos ya no sirven en la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia y, ya que ambos son miembros de una orden religiosa, la Arquidiócesis ha notificado a los superiores de sus órdenes religiosas y a los obispos de las diócesis donde residen.

Los restantes ocho sacerdotes no estarán sujetos a ausencia administrativa. El examen inicial independiente de estos casos encontró que ninguna investigación adicional es justificada.

Todos los 37 casos fueron sometidos a una revisión con el uso del Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Código de crímenes de Pensilvania), Charter for the Protection of Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Carta para la protección de los jóvenes de la Conferencia Estadounidense de Obispos Católicos), y los Estándares de comportamiento ministerial y sus límites, de la Arquidiócesis. Los casos de aquellos en ausencia administrativa implican una gama de acusaciones del abuso sexual de un menor a cuestiones de límites con los menores

El Cardenal Rigali declaró: "Desde 2005, la Arquidiócesis ha trabajado muy duro y hemos creído que estábamos en el camino correcto, haciendo un progreso significativo en la protección de los niños y en la investigación y el manejo de las acusaciones de abuso. De hecho, la actual investigación de abuso sexual se inició como resultado de los informes de la Arquidiócesis a la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito. El informe del 2011 del Gran Jurado, sin embargo, nos presentó grandes preocupaciones que demandan una respuesta firme".

Dentro de una semana de la publicación del Informe del Gran Jurado, la Arquidiócesis contratú a Gina Maisto Smith, una ex asistente del fiscal del distrito de Filadelfia, que ha procesado casos de abuso sexual de niños durante casi dos décadas. La señora Smith, socio de la firma de abogados Ballard Spahr, llevó a cabo una revisión inicial de los 37 casos de interés con la ayuda de su equipo y un psiquiatra forense.

"El cardenal Rigali me pidió que le ayudará a responder a las inquietudes planteadas en el Informe del Gran Jurado, dijo la señora Smith. Se me dio la libertad ilimitada para hacer una revisión a fondo con el pleno acceso a todos los archivos y documentos."

Las acciones del cardenal se basaron en las recomendaciones de la señora Smith. Ahora ella liderará un equipo de expertos para investigar más a fondo cada caso. Su equipo incluirá un pediatra reconocido a nivel nacional en el campo del abuso de niños, un psiquiatra forense y un psicologo, un experto de la comunidad de defensa de niños y otros expertos.

El Cardenal Rigali dijo: "Quiero ser claro: Estas ausencias administrativas son medidas provisionales. No son en modo alguno las resoluciones definitivas o resoluciones judiciales".

"Sé que para muchas personas su confianza en la Iglesia ha sido sacudida, declaró el cardenal. Oro para que los esfuerzos de la Arquidiócesis para tratar estos casos de preocupación y de revaluar nuestra manera de tratar las acusaciones, ayuden a reconstruir esa confianza en la verdad y la justicia".

Para obtener más información y para leer la declaración completa del cardenal Rigali, visite el sitio web de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia en (Respuesta al Informe del Gran Jurado 2011).

El cardenal Rigali ha invitado a los fieles a unirse a él en la catedral para un Servico Penitencial, incluyendo las Estaciones de la Cruz, a las 7 p.m. el 11 de marzo del 2011, el primer viernes de cuaresma

Contact
Donna Farrell
Directadora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the life of the Church, Lent is all about facing the reality of sin in the light of the victory of Christ's Death and Resurrection.

Today, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, we gather together in the community of the Church, in the name of Jesus. We bow our heads in the spirit of repentance and humbly receive blessed ashes.

Each one of us knows that we are called to acknowledge sin in our lives. At every Mass we admit this reality. In the confiteor we say clearly: "I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do...."

Throughout the centuries of Christianity, Lent has always been a special time to acknowledge sin, to ask God's pardon, and to resolve-with His help-not to sin again. In Lent we express deep sorrow for having offended God and our neighbor as we strive to accept the Gospel invitation of Jesus to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The Church offers us today in our responsorial psalm the inspired words of King David that help us to formulate in our own hearts sentiments of personal sorrow for all our sins:

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will host the 14th Annual Student Art Exhibition from March 26 to April 15 at La Salle University. More than 150 students from 18 Catholic high schools will have their worked judged by a panel from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

Teachers from each participating school selected the art work they thought was best to exhibit. Students will be judged in the categories of drawing, painting, design, printmaking, computer-aided art, photography
mixed media/collage/mosaic, three-dimensional and ceramics. A first, second and third place award will be given in each category.

The high schools participating in the exhibit are Archbishop Ryan High School, Archbishop Wood High School, Bishop McDevitt High School, Bishop Shanahan High School, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Conwell-Egan High School, Father Judge High School for Boys, Holy Ghost Preparatory School, La Salle College High School, Lansdale Catholic High School, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, Monsignor Bonner High School, Archbishop Prendergast High School, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Pope John Paul II High School, Roman Catholic High School, Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School, Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls and West Philadelphia Catholic High School.

For more information about schools in the Archdiocese, please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith V. Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, today announced that he has placed two retired priests on administrative leave effective immediately. This action is a result of the continuing dialogue with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office following the Grand Jury Report issued February 10, 2011. In its ongoing response to concerns raised by the District Attorney's Office, the Archdiocese conducted an initial review which resulted in the administrative leave of the two priests pending a more thorough, independent investigation. Consistent with Cardinal Rigali's previous statement, these steps are interim measures and are not in any way final determinations or judgments.

Cardinal Rigali's actions today and on March 8th when he placed 21 priests on administrative leave were based upon recommendations by Gina Maisto Smith, a former child abuse prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office for nearly two decades. As previously announced Mrs. Smith, a partner at the law firm of Ballard Spahr, is conducting an initial review of cases of concern.

The cases of administrative leave will be more fully investigated by Mrs. Smith and a team of experts including a pediatrician with expertise in the field of child abuse, a forensic psychiatrist and psychologist, an expert from the child advocacy community and other experts.

Both of the priests placed on administrative leave today are retired and live in private residences. One retired in 2005 and due to health reasons is not currently serving in any public ministry. The other priest retired in 2006 and has assisted at parishes in another diocese. The Bishop of the Diocese where he resides has been informed.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Phil Martelli, Fran Dunphy, and Danny Abramowicz will be the keynote speakers at the Third Annual Men's Spirituality Conference hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on

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

Cardenal Justin Rigali, arzobispo de Filadelfia, anunció hoy que ha colocado a dos sacerdotes jubilados en ausencia administrativa con efecto inmediato. Esta acción es el resultado de la continuación del diálogo con la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia después del informe del Gran Jurado publicado el 10 de febrero del 2011. En su respuesta continua a las preocupaciones expresadas por la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito, la Arquidiócesis llevó a cabo un examen inicial que dio como resultado la ausencia administrativa de los dos sacerdotes pendiente una investigación independiente más a fondo. De conformidad con la declaración anterior del cardenal Rigali, estos pasos son medidas provisionales y en ninguna forma resoluciones definitivas o judiciales.

Las acciones del cardenal Rigali hoy y el 8 de marzo cuando él colocó 21 sacerdotes en ausencia administrativa están basadas en recomendaciones por Gina Maisto Smith, un antiguo fiscal de abuso de niños de la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia durante casi dos décadas. Como anteriormente anunciado la señora Smith, un socio en el bufete de Ballard Spahr, está realizando un examen inicial de los casos de preocupación.

Los casos de ausencia administrativa serán investigados más plenamente por la señora Smith y un equipo de expertos, incluyendo un pediatra con experiencia en el campo de abuso infantil, un psiquiatra forense y psicólogo, un experto de la comunidad de defensa del niño y otros expertos.

Ambos sacerdotes colocados en ausencia administrativa hoy son jubilados y viven en residencias privadas. Uno se retiró en el 2005 y debido a motivos de salud no sirve actualmente en ningún ministerio público. El otro sacerdote se retiró en el 2006 y ha asistido en parroquias en otra diócesis. El obispo de la diócesis donde él reside ha sido informado.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Directadora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is asking all 267 parishes in the five-county Archdiocese to include prayers for the people of Japan at Masses during the Easter season and to consider taking up a special collection to support humanitarian efforts currently underway overseas. These actions are expressions of solidarity with the people of Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami as well as the current crisis surrounding its nuclear power facilities.

Cardinal Rigali said, "At this time of destruction and loss of life in the country of Japan, I urge all of the faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray for those who have died and who continue to suffer physical and mental anguish as a result of the devastation. My sympathy and heartfelt compassion are with the people of Japan as well as the local Japanese community."

Relief efforts to assist the most vulnerable and support the Japanese Church in its ongoing mission of compassion are being led by Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Japan. All proceeds collected within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be forwarded directly to these organizations. Direct donations can be made by individuals online at www.crs.org/japan.

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has released the first in a periodic series of bulletin inserts to parishes. The insert was provided to all 268 parishes and published on the Archdiocesan website. All inserts will focus on action steps the Archdiocese has taken to assist victims, advance the protection of children, and ensure the integrity of the Priesthood.

The initial document provided information about priests on administrative leave, those indicted by the Grand Jury, and the Delegate for Investigations.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has received notice that Mr. Francis Murphy, Athletic Director for Archbishop John Carroll High School, was arrested by the Montgomery County District Attorney's office and charged with unlawful contact with minors and corruption of minors.

Mr. Murphy is now on administrative leave, which means he is relieved of all duties related to his employment within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has been athletic director at Archbishop Carroll since 1999, where he began his coaching career in 1993, and has most recently served as the boys' baseball coach and offensive coordinator of the football team. He previously served as the boys' baseball coach and assistant football coach at Kennedy-Kenrick High School from 1996 to 1998. All of the required criminal background checks and child abuse clearances were in place.

School administrators sent a letter via e-mail to school families today informing them of the arrest. "The letter conveyed to parents how troubling this news is for the members of our school community," said Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "It also reaffirmed our pledge to parents that the prevention of child abuse and protection of children is our primary concern."

The Office of Catholic Education of 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 M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

La Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia ha emitido la primera de una serie periódica de hojas informativas insertadas en el boletín de las parroquias. La hoja informativa se envió a todas las 268 parroquias y ha sido publicada en el sitio web de la Arquidiócesis. Toda la información se centrará en los pasos de acción que la Arquidiócesis ha tomado para ayudar a las víctimas, promover la Protección de los niños, y asegurar la integridad del sacerdocio.

El documento inicial ofrece información acerca de los sacerdotes en ausencia administrativa, las personas acusadas por el Gran Jurado, y el Delegado para las Investigaciones.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Directora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - April 21st - 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 principal 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 and broadcast on The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM.

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - April 21st - 5:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the principal 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 Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. (no mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY - April 22nd - 3:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the principal celebrant and homilist at the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, commemorating the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The traditional veneration of the cross, led by Cardinal Rigali, will take place during the liturgy. (no mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS - April 22nd - 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 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 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to bring participants to the Seminary. The media contact for Way of the Cross is Dan Skalski, Communications and Promotions Specialist, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, 609-335-0714. (no mult-box feed)

HOLY SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL - April 23rd - 8:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the principal 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 2011, over 800 new Catholics will be welcomed into the Church.
(no mult-box feed)

EASTER SUNDAY MASS - April 24th - 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 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

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School in West Brandywine, Chester County, is celebrating the Beatification of Pope John Paul II with a special Mass and day of festivities on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
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

The Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who administers the Office for Youth and Young Adults (OYYA), will be the celebrant and homilist for Mass honoring approximately 165 Catholics who have provided outstanding service and leadership in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on: Bishop Fitzgerald will present awards after Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass to mark the 32nd Annual Academic Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

"We celebrate these students who are living testaments of the mission of Catholic education for they have been formed and informed in the Catholic faith," said Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "Each of these students has worked to reach their academic potential through the blessing of Catholic education."

Students named a distinguished scholar must be in the top three percent of their graduating senior class, according to the cumulative rank at the end of the first semester of their senior year. This year, 163 students from Archdiocesan and private Catholic high schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will receive this prestigious honor.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The annual Catholic Charities Appeal: Open Your Heart, Open a Door begins across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday, May 7, 2011 and continues throughout the month of May.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, reflected on the following in his annual Catholic Charities Appeal's Letter:

"I continue to be impressed on a daily basis by the corporal and spiritual works of our clergy, the men and women religious and laity who tirelessly serve the people of Greater Philadelphia. Our Church has an extraordinary commitment in providing for the poor, addressing parish needs, enhancing our children's religious, elementary and high school education and supporting the many other good works of our Archdiocese. We have built an attentive, faithful ministry of services that provide hope to hundreds of thousands of people every year."

The Catholic Charities Appeal dates to 1912 when the first Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Charities was established in Philadelphia by then-Archbishop Edmond F. Prendergast. The Catholic Charities Appeal supports:

Catholic Human Services

The Catholic Charities Appeal provides major funding for Archdiocesan programs and agencies within Catholic Human Services, which encompasses nearly 100 sites across the five-county Philadelphia region. Four divisions - Catholic Social Services, Catholic Health Care Services, Nutritional Development Services, and the Office for Community Development - together fulfill the social mission of the Church by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, protecting and nurturing neglected children and at-risk youth, healing and strengthening families, caring for the elderly, and building safer communities united in their concern for the common good. The divisions of Catholic Human Services embraces God's people in their time of need providing services without distinction to race, color, or creed.

Catholic Education

The Catholic Charities Appeal will provide nearly half the operational costs of the four schools of special education within the Archdiocesan school system and financially support many of the staff and programs provided by the Office for Youth and Young Adults.

Skilled Care for Elderly and Infirm Priests

The Catholic faithful have always been loyal supporters of the priests who have baptized and taught their children, preached the Gospel, presided at their weddings, comforted them in their sufferings, forgiven their sins and celebrated the Eucharist. The Catholic Charities Appeal will provide much needed funds for skilled care to those priests who have given their lives in service to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Evangelization

The Catholic Charities Appeal provides funding to the Family Life Office and the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese in an effort to assist Cardinal Rigali in strengthening the bonds of the Catholic faith throughout the region.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Marion Slack, the 88 year-old founder of Mary's Cupboard, was one of the top ten finalists for the Catholic Charities USA 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award. Mary's Cupboard is a food distribution ministry, which has been based at the Family Services Center of Catholic Social Services in Levittown, Bucks County, for the past 35 years.

Mr. Joseph J. Sweeney, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, responded to the news by saying:

"Marion exemplifies a true servant leader whose good example of faithful service has led many others to do likewise. She bears witness to the compassion of Jesus Christ, and we are grateful to her and her co-workers in Mary's Cupboard for their vital partnership of more than 25 years in providing help and creating hope for those in need."

Ms. Slack was chosen as a finalist for her continuous commitment to feeding the hungry. In addition to the usual canned and dry foods stocked by most food cupboards, Mary's Cupboard also distributes fresh meat, eggs and dairy products. She coordinates 61 volunteers from local parish communities as well as other Christian churches.

She is featured on the CCUSA website http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/volunteers#3 and will also be profiled in the June CCUSA Charities Magazine issue.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless the Saint Leonie Aviat Statue and celebrate Mass at Saint Bernadette Parish in Delaware County on

Contact
Meredith V. Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

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

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Kenneth C. Brabazon, 26, son of Carmel C.B. Brabazon and the late Mr. Kenneth C. Brabazon, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

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

The Rev. Mr. David M. Friel, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Patricia Friel, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

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

The Rev. Mr. Christopher P. Landis, 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Winifred Landis, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

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

Students in 112 parish schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have received recognition for their excellent performance in an eight-month long national math competition, First In Math. The online competition is designed to help students in grades K-8 practice math skills at all levels. Participants included public, private, and parochial students.

"We could not be more proud of the way our schools and our students have performed in this year's First In Math competition; these are stellar results" said Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "This level of achievement is testament to the endless dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm and commitment of our parents and students."

The Office of Catholic Education will present awards to the students on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has released the third in a periodic series of bulletin inserts to all 268 parishes and published it on the Archdiocesan website (www.archphila.org).

All inserts focus on action steps being taken to assist victims, advance the protection of children, and ensure the integrity of the Priesthood.

The recently released document provides information about victim assistance efforts in the Archdiocese from 2002 to the present.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia will preside over a Blessing of the Grounds Ceremony and Groundbreaking for the new Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish Church on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

"I have carefully watched developments in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, last Sunday with deep concern. At this time of destruction and loss of life, I urge all of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray for those who have died as well as those who suffer mental and physical anguish as a result of this tragedy. My sympathy and heartfelt compassion are with the community of Joplin and I pray that God may grant its people courage, wisdom, and fortitude as they seek to emerge and rebuild their lives, homes, and businesses."

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

La Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia ha emitido la tercera de una serie periódica de hojas de boletín insertadas en los boletines de todas las 268 parroquias y publicadas en el sitio web de la Arquidiócesis (www.archphila.org).

Toda la información se centrará en los pasos de acción que la Arquidiócesis ha tomado para ayudar a las víctimas, promover la protección de los niños, y asegurar la integridad del sacerdocio.

El documento publicado recientemente ofrece información acerca de los esfuerzos de asistencia a las víctimas en la Arquidiócesis desde 2002 hasta el presente.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Directora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

I have followed the discussion regarding the potential elimination of funding for transit passes for approximately 45,000 Philadelphia school students. It is my hope that this situation is resolved quickly for the good of all young people and families who would be affected. This issue impacts not only public school students but also those in eight Archdiocesan high schools located within the city of Philadelphia.

Eliminating transit passes would place a tremendous financial burden upon families in an already challenging economic climate. This possibility also presents safety concerns as some of our young people would need to walk great distances and to cross heavily traveled roads. I was encouraged to learn this afternoon that a resolution may be at hand. I remain hopeful that those parties involved in negotiations will preserve this important program and urge them to remember the needs of all students and their families.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that all elementary schools and high schools within the city of Philadelphia will be closing early today due to the extreme heat. This does not impact Archdiocesan schools in the suburban counties.

The Philadelphia Archdiocesan schools, including eight high schools and 62 elementary schools, will close at 1:30 p.m. today. Transportation will be provided as normal.

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

Parents at two parish elementary schools were informed at meetings on Tuesday evening, June 7, 2011, that their parish schools are unable to re-open in September 2011 due to extremely low re-registration. The two schools are:

-Our Lady of Charity Parish School in Brookhaven, Delaware County and
-Saint Philomena Parish School in Lansdowne, Delaware County.

89 children are re-registered for Our Lady of Charity School and 88 students are re-registered for Saint Philomena School. Each of the schools would have had at least one grade with fewer than five students. With such low enrollment each school would have needed minimally to cut art, physical education and library services in order to remain fiscally viable. The Standards for Quality Catholic Schools* call for all schools to provide Religion, Mathematics, Honors Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Physical Education and Technology and for the integration of Technology throughout all content areas.

"This was an extremely difficult decision to make because of the impact on students, families and teachers. We waited as long as possible in the hope that re-registration numbers would increase and that the schools could remain open next year," said Superintendent of Schools Mary E. Rochford. "One of the hallmarks of our Catholic schools is that we provide an outstanding education that is affordable for families. We owe it to our families to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that is no different than what students at our other schools receive. It would not have been possible for these schools to provide that type of program next year."

Administrators from the Office of Catholic Education attended the meetings on Tuesday evening. They detailed for parents the re-registration numbers, the impact on the academic program and the costs per pupil. They also explained that the two parish schools are being asked to partner with nearby parishes:
-Our Lady of Charity School to partner with Saint Joseph School in Aston and
-Saint Philomena Parish School to partner with Saint Andrew School in Drexel Hill and/or
Saint Laurence School in Upper Darby

If the schools' buildings remained open next year, tuition would have needed to increase by thousands of dollars per student. Experience has proven that following that route would only lead to further enrollment erosion and even higher costs. The current re-registration figures would have led to costs per pupil of between $6,000 and $10,000. The parishes subsidize the schools but do not have the resources to assume costs of this magnitude. Superintendent Rochford said, "We want Catholic education to be accessible and tuition to be affordable for families. We know many families are already struggling to pay tuition during these difficult economic times and lower enrollments make that even more challenging."

The Office of Catholic Education will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for students and school families and work with the faculties to try to find other teaching positions within the Archdiocese. Open houses will be scheduled at the partner schools in coming weeks.

BACKGROUND:

Our Lady of Charity Parish School
Presentation by Office of Catholic Education
Enrollment in 2005: 288
Current enrollment: 176
Re-registration: 89
Average class size in 2011-2012 would have been 9 students (6th grade would have had 3 students, 6 other grades would have had fewer than 10 students)

Saint Philomena Parish School
Presentation by Office of Catholic Education
Enrollment in 2005: 196
Current enrollment: 141
Re-registration: 88
Average class size would be 10 students (2nd grade would have 4 students, 3 other classes would have had less than 10 students.)

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that all elementary schools and high schools within the city of Philadelphia will close early on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 due to the extreme heat. The Philadelphia Archdiocesan schools, including eight high schools and 62 elementary schools, will close at 1:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided at that time for students who normally take buses.

This does not impact Archdiocesan schools in the suburban counties.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Parents at Saint Kevin Parish Elementary were informed at a meeting on Thursday evening, June 9, 2011, that their parish school will be unable to re-open in September 2011 due to extremely low re-registration. 93 children are re-registered for the school next year. Seven grades would have had fewer that ten students.

With such low enrollment the school would have needed minimally to cut art, physical, education and library services in order to remain fiscally viable. The Standards for Quality Catholic Schools* call for all schools to provide Religion, Mathematics, Honors Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Physical Education and Technology and for the integration of Technology throughout all content areas.

"Because of the impact on students, families and teachers, this decision was just as difficult as the other recent closure announcements. We had hoped that re-registration numbers would increase and that the school could remain open next year," said Superintendent of Schools Mary E. Rochford. "We recognize that our parish schools are an integral part of the fabric of the community and that their closure is a painful situation for all those involved. However, we owe it to our families to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program that is no different than what students at our other schools receive. It would not have been possible for Saint Kevin School to provide that type of program next year."
Administrators from the Office of Catholic Education attended the meeting on Thursday evening. They detailed for parents the re-registration numbers, the impact on the academic program and the costs per pupil. They also explained that the parish school is being asked to partner with Saint Francis of Assisi Parish School, also in Springfield.

If the school building remained open next year, tuition would have needed to increase by thousands of dollars per student. Experience has proven that following that route would only lead to further enrollment erosion and even higher costs. The current re-registration figures would have led to costs per pupil of between $6,000 and $10,000. The parish subsidizes the school but does not have the resources to assume costs of this magnitude.

Superintendent Rochford said, "We want Catholic education to be accessible and tuition to be affordable for families. We know many families are already struggling to pay tuition during these difficult economic times and lower enrollments make that even more challenging."

The Office of Catholic Education will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for students and school families and work with the faculty to try to find other teaching positions within the Archdiocese. Open houses will be scheduled at the partner school in the coming weeks.

BACKGROUND:

Saint Kevin Parish School
Presentation by Office of Catholic Education
Enrollment in 2005: 198
Current enrollment: 158
Re-registration: 93
Average class size in 2011-2012 would have been 10 students (4th grade would have had 3 students, 6 other grades would have had fewer than 10 students)

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces the hiring of Ms. Leslie J. Davila as its new director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection.

Since 1999, Ms. Davila has worked as assistant director of victim services and a victim assistance coordinator in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office. Her responsibilities ranged from overseeing the daily operations of the District Attorney's victim and witness services unit to providing direct service assistance such as case management, court orientation and accompaniment to victims.

In announcing Ms. Davila's hiring, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia said: "For more than fifteen years, Ms. Davila has been a tireless and compassionate advocate for Philadelphia's underserved and often overwhelmed victims and witnesses. She comes to the Archdiocese with knowledge and expertise regarding the needs of victims and their families. With her assistance, the Archdiocese will build upon our services to victims and continue striving to protect our young people and create a safe environment in which they can grow and flourish."

As director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection, Ms. Davila will oversee both the Archdiocesan efforts to protect children and young people and the efforts toward healing and reconciliation for those sexually abused as minors.

Ms. Davila believes that her experience acting as a source of guidance and knowledge for Philadelphia's victims and witnesses will be essential in her new role with the Archdiocese. "I will be a vocal advocate for adult survivors of sexual abuse as well as for the children and youth of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

In addition to her work in the District Attorney's office, Ms. Davila also served as a training consultant for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from 2002 to 2009. She presented a training curriculum for new victim advocates which covered ethics and values, crisis/trauma responses, and the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

Since 2000, she has served as a crisis responder on the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team, which provides crisis intervention services to victims and surrounding communities in the wake of a traumatic event. She has twice served as co-chair of the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy, which in 2007 presented her its Catherine Bachrach Award for exemplary service and support to victims and witnesses of crimes.

Davila has a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph's University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from La Salle University. She is a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School. Since 2009, she has served as an adjunct professor of sociology and criminal justice at Community College of Philadelphia.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The 4,229 young men and women who graduated from the 17 high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this June have earned a grand total of $270,211,116 in scholarships, a record high for scholarship dollars awarded. 94% of the Class of 2011 will pursue a post-secondary education; 92% will be headed for college this fall.

"We are beyond proud of our Class of 2011. Through hard work and determination, these students have excelled by setting a record for scholarships earned," said Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education. "Their performance is a testament to the value of a Catholic education, the sacrifices of their parents, and the work of their teachers. Students from the secondary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia stand among the most gifted and talented in the region. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless them on the life long journey of education."

Nearly half (46%) of the members of the Archdiocesan Class of 2011 received at least one college scholarship, and more than 6,200 total scholarships were awarded. The Class of 2010 received $262,069,165 in college scholarships. Since 2000, Archdiocesan graduates have received more than $1.75 billion in scholarships.

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

The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has awarded a one-year grant of $20,000 to Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for use by Saint Mary's Residence for Women.

"The grant will enable the purchase of food to prepare nutritious meals for about 36 frail elderly residents," said Michelle Montgomery, W.W. Smith Grant Administrator.

Kathy Nelson, Director of Saint Mary's Residence and a former Catholic Social Services employee of the year, said, "Today, our ladies come to us mainly because they have fallen through the cracks. Ensuring they have a healthy diet is essential. These women are in community living not because it is a cheaper housing option, but because most cannot live on their own, or prepare their own meals. We are grateful to the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust for enabling us to better fulfill our mission and hope that this grant will raise public awareness of our work." She went on to say. "Our facility dates back to the 1960's when the Notre Dame Sisters and the Sisters of Mercy saw the need to offer a safe home for working women alone in the city. We want Saint Mary's Residence to be the haven of help it must be for years to come."

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation established by William Wikoff Smith. The Trust is specifically focused on areas involving basic needs for food, clothing and shelter; supplementing higher education scholarship programs and basic medical research primarily in Heart Disease, Cancer and AIDS.

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is committed to continuing the work of Jesus by affirming, assisting, and advocating for individuals families and communities in need throughout the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan area. It provides services without distinction to race, color, or creed.

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

La Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia anuncia la contratación de la señora Leslie J. Dávila como la nueva directora de la Oficina para la Protección de Niños y Jávenes.

Desde 1999, la Sra. Dávila ha trabajado como asistente del director de servicios a las víctimas y como coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas en la oficina del Fiscal del Distrito de Filadelfia. Sus responsabilidades van desde la supervisión de las operaciones diarias en la unidad del Fiscal del Distrito que presta servicio a las víctimas y a los testigos hasta la prestación de asistencia directa de servicios tales como gestión de casos, orientación judicial y acompañamiento a las víctimas

Al anunciar la contratación de la Sra. Dávila, el cardenal Justin Rigali, arzobispo de Filadelfia, dijo: "Durante más de quince años, la Sra. Dávila ha sido una incansable y compasiva defensora de las víctimas y testigos de Filadelfia a menudo atendidos inadecuadamente y abrumados. Ella llega a la Arquidiócesis con conocimiento y experiencia acerca de las necesidades de las víctimas y sus familias. Con su ayuda, la Arquidiócesis ampliará nuestros servicios a las víctimas y seguirá luchando para proteger a nuestros jóvenes y crear un ambiente seguro en el que puedan crecer y prosperar".

Como la directora de la Oficina para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes, la Sra. Dávila supervisará tanto los esfuerzos arquidiocesanos de proteger a niños y jóvenes, como los esfuerzos hacia la sanación y reconciliación para aquellos sexualmente abusados como menores.

La Sra. Dávila cree que su experiencia sirviendo como una fuente de guía y conocimiento para víctimas y testigos de Filadelfia será esencial en su nuevo papel con la Arquidiócesis. "Será una fuerte defensora para los adultos sobrevivientes del abuso sexual así como para los niños y la juventud de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia".

Además de su trabajo en la oficina del Fiscal del Distrito, la Sra. Dávila también sirvió como asesora de entrenamiento en Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (comisión de Pensilvania en crimen y delincuencia) a partir del 2002 hasta el 2009. Ella presentó un plan de estudios de formación, para los defensores de nuevas víctimas, que cubrió ética y valores, respuestas de crisis/trauma, y los sistemas de justicia criminales y juveniles.

Desde el 2000, ella ha servido como la encargada de responder a crisis para Keystone Crisis Intervention Team (equipo clave de intervención de crisis), que proporciona servicios de intervención de crisis a víctimas y comunidades circundantes como consecuencia de un acontecimiento traumático. Ella ha servido dos veces como la copresidente de Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy (coalición de Filadelfia para defensa de víctima), que en el 2007 la premió con su Catherine Bachrach Award por servicio ejemplar y apoyo a víctimas y testigos de crímenes.

Dávila tiene una maestría en Justicia Criminal de la Universidad San José y una licenciatura en Sociología y Justicia Penal de la Universidad La Salle. Ella es graduada de la Escuela Secundaria Cardenal Dougherty. Desde el 2009, ha servido como un profesor adjunto de sociología y derecho penal en el Community College de Filadelfia.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Directora de Comunicacion
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the main celebrant and homilist at a Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

We admire the zeal and dedication of school families and parishioners of Saint Kevin Parish in Springfield. Their commitment to their parish elementary school is commendable. We also understand that parish elementary schools are integral to the fabric of the community. The closure of any school is painful for all those involved and every effort is always made to provide the necessary support.

The truth of the matter is that low re-registration numbers for the forthcoming academic year combined with a parish debt of approximately $1.8 million prohibit the school from remaining open. Meetings with parish and school administrators were held as early as November of 2010 to highlight the importance of increasing enrollment in the school in order for it to remain a fiscally viable institution, especially in light of the level of parish debt. We had hoped that registration numbers would increase so that Saint Kevin Parish School would continue to be able to provide the quality Catholic education for which it is known.

Unfortunately, the necessary enrollment figures were never reached. If the school remained open next year, tuition would have had to increase from approximately $3,000 per student to between $6,000 and $9,000 per student. Experience has proven that following that route would only lead to further enrollment erosion and even higher costs. The parish, which is responsible for the administration of the school, does subsidize it, but does not have the resources to assume costs of that magnitude. Our history has shown that extending the enrollment deadline would not have led to significantly higher registration numbers; it has also proven that even if enough funds were raised to keep the school open for the coming year it would not have been sustainable for the foreseeable future. Admittedly, the timing of the closure announcement was not ideal, but it would have been much worse had it occurred in August.

To keep the school open next year would have placed such a financial strain on the parish that its own welfare would have been jeopardized. Additionally, the school would have had to cut art, music, physical education, technology, honors math, and library services in an attempt to remain fiscally viable. As a result, its programs would fall far short of the Standards for Quality Catholic Education established by the Archdiocese. We owe it to our families to provide a rigorous and challenging 21st century academic program that is no different than what students at our other schools receive. It would not have been possible for Saint Kevin School to provide that type of program next year.

After enrollment figures had been monitored carefully in conjunction with parish and school administration for a number of months, on Thursday June 9th the emergency closure of Saint Kevin School was announced at a parent meeting by representatives from the Office of Catholic Education.

Following that meeting, representatives of the school petitioned Cardinal Justin Rigali to keep the school open next year. Their request was reviewed, but the decision to close the school was upheld. That final decision was communicated to parish and school administrators in writing on Tuesday, June 14th.

The Office of Catholic Education is currently doing everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for school families and teachers at this difficult time. Students from Saint Kevin School will be welcomed at neighboring Saint Francis of Assisi School in Springfield and teachers are being given priority for other available positions within the parish and regional elementary schools of the Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is most grateful to its dedicated and caring teachers and to the faithful and generous school families who have sacrificed so much to provide a quality Catholic education for their children. We pray that God will see the Saint Kevin Parish community through the challenge of the school's closure.

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

Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Thomas will be the Mass main celebrant and homilist at a Mass to honor this year's Keys and Swords Award recipients.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

This week, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia launches a Mandatory Reporter Training program to increase the understanding among over 24,000 clergy, employees, parish and school staff, coaches and volunteers regarding their role and responsibility in the mandated reporting of child abuse under the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (CPSL).

CPSL defines any person who comes into regular contact with children in the course of his or her employment, occupation or professional practice must be considered a mandated reporter. CPSL does not require training for mandated reporters, nor does it define "regular contact." The Archdiocese recognizes that those working on its behalf have a legal and moral responsibility to play a role in creating a network of prevention and protection for children. Therefore, the Archdiocese has instructed that all employees and volunteers who come into contact with children at least once a week undergo the Mandated Reporter Training program.

The training will be conducted by the Bucks County-based Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) and hosted by the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection. The curriculum, which has been independently evaluated and meets the standards for a variety of professional credentialing programs, includes: discussion of indicators of child abuse; definitions of child abuse and neglect; and a review of mandated reporting obligations, including how to make a report, information regarding civil and criminal liability for those who report, and the criminal consequences for failing to report child abuse.

"We remain dedicated to the goal of promoting awareness regarding the safety of children," said Leslie Davila, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection. "In that vein, we are committed to the work of hosting the Mandatory Reporter Training Program provided by the Network of Victim of Assistance and are working tirelessly to ensure that mandated reporters in the Archdiocese will benefit from this training."

The Mandatory Reporter Training program will be implemented through a series of 90 separate trainings held in nearly forty different locations throughout the Archdiocese, starting on Monday, June 27th and ending in November 2011. Any employee or volunteer designated as a mandatory reporter who does not complete the required training will not be able to work on behalf of the Archdiocese.

"This training represents a fundamental shift within society for the child being responsible for stopping and reporting the abuse they suffered to adult bystanders identifying their role and responsibility in child abuse intervention," said Mary Achilles, Victim Services Consultant for the Archdiocese.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has released the fourth in a periodic series of bulletin inserts to all 268 parishes and published it on the Archdiocesan website (www.archphila.org).

All inserts focus on action steps being taken to advance the protection of children, assist victims, and ensure the integrity of the Priesthood.

The recently released document provides information about a new mandatory reporter training program being implemented for over 24,000 clergy, staff and volunteers. This training program, though not required by Pennsylvania law, is in addition to, as well as separate and distinct from, the Safe Environment Training already required for all clergy, staff, and volunteers working on behalf of the Archdiocese. It will be conducted by the Network of Victim Assistance, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, from June through November 2011.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has asked all of the faithful of the Archdiocese to join in celebrating Pope Benedict XVI's 60th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood with a designated period of Eucharistic adoration through Friday, July 1st.

Today, Wednesday, June 29th, the Holy Father celebrates 60 years as a priest. People throughout the world have been invited to observe this occasion by praying for intentions before the Blessed Sacrament and in particular for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood.

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, recently accepted recommendations to merge two parishes in Philadelphia into two adjacent parishes. Immaculate Conception Parish merged into Saint Michael Parish and Saint Casimir Parish merged into Saint Andrew Parish In his October 2010 Pastoral Letter, "Called to Conversion and Holiness," Cardinal Rigali stated, "We must try to ensure that each parish possesses what is necessary for it to promote effectively the mission of Christ. To do so requires that we examine the demographics of our parishes in light of the number of priests available to serve our communities, in light of the migration of our people, and in light of our financial resources to maintain and support our parishes."

Immaculate Conception Parish (Front and Allen Streets, Philadelphia, PA)
Effective July 1, 2011, Immaculate Conception Parish merged into Saint Michael Parish, located at 2nd and Jefferson Streets. Immaculate Conception and Saint Michael Parishes had already been "twinned," sharing the same pastor since 2000. The number of registered parishioners at Immaculate Conception declined from 429 in 2000 to 196 in 2010, a 54% decrease. During that same period, the number of registered parishioners at Saint Michael grew from 400 to 800, a 100% increase.

The Immaculate Conception church building will remain open and be used as a worship site for Saint Michael Parish. Traditional devotions previously celebrated there will be continued.

Saint Casimir Parish (324 Wharton Street, Philadelphia, PA)
Effective July 1, 2011, Saint Casimir Parish merged into Saint Andrew Parish, located at 19th and Wallace Streets. Saint Casimir and Saint Andrew Parishes, which serve the spiritual needs of Lithuanian-speaking Catholics in the Archdiocese, had already been "twinned," sharing the same pastor since 1998. The number of registered parishioners at Saint Casimir declined from 195 in 2000 to 182 in 2010, a 7% decrease. During that same period, the number of registered parishioners at Saint Andrew grew from 479 to 761, a 59% increase.

The Saint Casimir church building will remain open and be used as a worship site for Saint Andrew Parish. Traditional devotions previously celebrated there in both English and Lithuanian will be continued.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

La Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia ha emitido la cuarta de una serie periódica de hojas de boletín insertadas en los boletines de todas las 268 parroquias y publicadas en el sitio web de la Arquidiócesis
(www.archphila.org).

Toda la información se centrará en los pasos de acción que la Arquidiócesis ha tomado para ayudar a las víctimas, promover la Protección de los niños, y asegurar la integridad del sacerdocio.

El documento recientemente publicado proporciona información sobre un nuevo Programa Obligatorio de Capacitación para Denunciantes Obligados que está siendo implementado para más de 24.000 clérigos, personal y voluntarios. Este programa de capacitación, aunque no requerido por la ley de Pensilvania, es además, adicional, separado y distinto del Programa Ambiente Seguro requerido ya para todo el clero personal y voluntarios trabajando en nombre de la Arquidiócesis.

Será dirigido por Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) [Red de asistencia a víctima (NOVA, por sus siglas en inglés)], Condado Bucks, Pensilvania, de junio a noviembre del 2011.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Directora de Comunicaciones
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali will hold a news conference this morning to announce that Pope Benedict XVI has named Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M., Cap. as the 13th Bishop and 9th Archbishop of Philadelphia. Archbishop Chaput will be Installed on Thursday, September 8, 2011, the feast of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 2:00 p.m. The Holy Father has also appointed Cardinal Rigali as Apostolic Administrator with all of the responsibilities of Archbishop until the Installation of Archbishop Chaput.

Archbishop Chaput, who is 66, is a member of the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin. He was ordained a priest in 1970 and became a bishop at the age of 43. At that time he became the Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. Since 1997 he has served as Archbishop of Denver. A member of the Prairie Band Potowatami Tribe, Archbishop Chaput is the second Native American to be ordained a Bishop in the United States and the first Native American Archbishop.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali announced at a news conference this morning that Pope Benedict XVI has named Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M., Cap. as the 13th Bishop and 9th Archbishop of Philadelphia. Archbishop Chaput will be Installed on Thursday, September 8, 2011, the feast of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 2:00 p.m.

Cardinal Rigali said, "The announcement of a new diocesan bishop is always an occasion of great joy and hope for a local Church. We recall that God always provides for His people and we are reminded of the fundamental mission of the Church, which is also the core mission of the bishop. It is none other than the proclamation of the person of Jesus Christ. This is the mission of the universal Church, of this local Church of Philadelphia, and of Archbishop Chaput as our new Archbishop."

Archbishop Chaput, who is 66, is a member of the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin. He was ordained a priest in 1970 and became a bishop at the age of 43. At that time he became the Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota. Since 1997 he has served as Archbishop of Denver. A member of the Prairie Band Potowatami Tribe, Archbishop Chaput is the second Native American to be ordained a Bishop in the United States and the first Native American Archbishop.

Cardinal Rigali said, "Archbishop Chaput's ministry is marked by an evident joy in his Priesthood, a fearless proclamation of the Gospel, and a clear commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church."

At the news conference, Archbishop Chaput noted that Philadelphia is one of America's truly great cities, rich in history and achievement, with an extraordinary community of Catholic faith that goes back to saints like John Neumann and Katharine Drexel. Archbishop Chaput said, "I don't know why the Holy Father sent me here. But I do trust his heart, and I do believe in his judgment. I know other bishops would have been smarter than I am, or more talented, or more connected to Philadelphia's past.

Archbishop Chaput added, "But I do promise that no bishop will love the people and priests of this local Church more than I will. No bishop will give more of himself than I will. And no bishop will try harder to help persons who have been hurt by the sins of the past, or work harder to strengthen and encourage our priests and renew the hearts of our people."

Archbishop Chaput addressed the challenge of leaving Denver for Philadelphia, by saying, "When I moved from my ministry as a bishop in South Dakota to the Archdiocese of Denver 14 years ago, I felt like I had gone from crewing a very beautiful sailboat to running a supertanker. That's the way I feel this morning. I've spent the last 23 years of my life as a bishop in the West. The priests and people of Colorado and South Dakota have formed me with their faith, their generosity, their humor and their love. Leaving a place is easy. But leaving the people who have shaped me with their friendship, opened their homes to me, and welcomed me into the happiness and sorrows of their lives - that's very, very hard. All I can say to them is thank you. My life as a priest has been filled with goodness because they made it so."

The Holy Father has appointed Cardinal Rigali to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until the Installation of Archbishop Chaput. Cardinal Rigali announced that as Apostolic Administrator he will serve with all the responsibilities of Archbishop. After the installation, he will begin his time of retirement in the Diocese of Knoxville, where he has been invited to live. Cardinal Rigali was installed as Archbishop of Philadelphia on October 7, 2003. Today he said, "For me, it has been a great grace and privilege to serve as the Archbishop of this historic See over the past eight years. Throughout the Archdiocese, I have found a deep faith and an unwavering generosity of spirit. I have prayed with people from all walks of life, in parishes, schools, and nursing homes at Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. In all of this I was supported by my brother bishops and priests whose fidelity, untiring pastoral care and love for the Lord have inspired me and all those whom they serve."

The Cardinal continued, "It is a formidable task to be a bishop. I have tried always throughout my ministry to be faithful to the ideal of episcopal ministry. If I have offended any one in any way, I am deeply sorry. I apologize for any weaknesses on my part in representing Christ and His Church worthily and effectively."

Following the news conference, Cardinal Rigali and Archbishop Chaput have planned the public schedule below. All are invited to attend any of the public events or follow the Archbishop's first official visit to Philadelphia virtually on Twitter and Facebook at www.twitter.com/ArchPhilly and www.facebook.com/ArchbishopChaput.

Cardinal Rigali and Archbishop Chaput Schedule for Tuesday, July 19, 2011

12:05 p.m.
Cardinal Rigali will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway). Archbishop Chaput and the Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia will concelebrate. All priests in the Archdiocese have also been invited to concelebrate. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

2:00 p.m.
Visit to the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann
1019 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
www.stjohnneumann.org

2:50 p.m.
Visit to the Saint Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine
1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020 (Bucks County)
www.katharinedrexel.org

For more information about the Archdiocese of Denver visit www.archden.org

Follow Archbishop Chaput on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArchbishopChaput

Follow the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ArchPhilly

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Saint Joseph Parish in Downingtown, Chester County, is moving its rectory down the street to make room for a new church. The rectory is currently sitting on wheels as it waits to be transported to its new location at
334 Manor Avenue. Groundbreaking for the new church is expected in Spring 2012.

The move will take place:

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

"It was with great sorrow that I received news of the death of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. As the personal representative of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, Archbishop Sambi displayed a true affection for its people as well as a strong sense of just diplomacy honed by many years of valued service in the Vatican's diplomatic corps. He understood the needs of the Catholic Church in our country and worked zealously for the spiritual welfare of its faithful.

Archbishop Sambi's love for his Priesthood, the Church, and the people of God shone brilliantly in his every action. His dedication as well as his warm and pastoral style won him the admiration and respect of all those with whom he came into contact. As a friend, he provided wise counsel and a priestly example that cannot be duplicated; I mourn his passing deeply.

His death is a significant loss for the universal Church and his presence will be missed. Archbishop Sambi has been called home by God; a good and faithful servant who has earned his eternal reward through a life of love and service to Jesus Christ. On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Archbishop Sambi's family and offer prayers that the Lord will grant him the peace and joy of eternal life in heaven."

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

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been awarded the Catholic Charities USA /Annie E. Casey Family Strengthening Award. This national award recognizes exemplary and innovative programs in support of families and communities. The award includes a $25,000 prize. The CCUSA Board of Trustees will present the Family Strengthening awards during an Award Breakfast at the Catholic Charities USA Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas on September 21, 2011.

Mr. James Amato, Deputy Secretary of Catholic Social Services, said, "We are proud and grateful to receive this award which reflects the work we do daily to provide help and create hope. Our Family Service Centers exemplify the Archdiocesan commitment to serve those in need."

Catholic Social Services (CSS) highlighted three of its family service centers operating in Philadelphia in its application. The Northeast Family Service Center, the Southwest Family Service Center and Casa Del Carmen are family strengthening programs within the Community-Based Prevention Services Division of CSS.

Programs offered at these Family Service Centers include the Homelessness Prevention Program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, the Strengthening Families Program, the Prenatal Education and Support Program, and the Job Training Program among others. This Division also includes a large network of community and parish-based Out of School Time Programs.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, will lead young people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on a
12 day pilgrimage that concludes at World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid, Spain from August 16-21, 2011. Over 200 young people from parishes throughout the Philadelphia area will attend World Youth Day, 30 of which will also visit Fatima, Portugal and Lourdes, France, sites where the Blessed Mother Virgin Mary appeared. Local participation is being coordinated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Youth and Young Adults.

Photo op: Bishop Fitzgerald and 30 of the pilgrims will depart for World Youth Day on:

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Nutritional Development Services (NDS), of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be hosting its annual Millionth Meal celebration. There will be 45 children participating who benefit from the NDS Summer Meals Program. During the Millionth Meal celebration children will be provided with a back to school gift kindly donated by Wal-Mart. One child will be chosen to symbolize the one millionth meal given out this Summer and will be provided with a backpack full of school supplies and a $25 Wal-Mart gift card. Wal-mart Director of Operations Amy Corso will be on hand to help mark the millionth meal served this Summer.

Contact
Stefan Johnson
 
215-587-3747

• Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord, Philadelphia
  
  
• Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint John Bosco, Hatboro
  

• Monday, October 10, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Presentation BVM, Cheltenham
  
  
• Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Queen of Peace, Ardsley
  
  
• Monday, October 17, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Anne, Philadelphia
  
  
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Rose of Lima, North Wales
  
  
• Saturday, November 5, 2011 - 10:30 a.m. at Saint Katharine Drexel, Chester
  
  
• Sunday, November 6, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph, Cheltenham
  
  
• Monday, November 7, 2011 - 4:30 p.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas, Croydon
  
  
• Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, Secane
  
  
• Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena, Horsham
  
  
• Monday, November 28, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Ann, Phoenixville
  

• Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 11:30 a.m. at Holy Martyrs, Oreland
  
  
• Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Dominic, Philadelphia
  
  
• Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 10 a.m. AND 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart, Oxford
  
  
• Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint George, Philadelphia
  
  
• Saturday, November 5, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Saint Madeline, Ridley Park
  
  
• Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 10:30 a.m. AND 1:30 p.m. at Saint Anastasia, Newtown Square
  
  
• Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace, Penndel
  
  
• Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace, Milmont Park
  
  
• Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Notre Dame de Lourdes, Swarthmore
  
  
• Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua, Ambler
  
  
• Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph, Ambler
  

• Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Ephrem Bensalem
  
  
• Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Incarnation of Our Lord, Philadelphia
  
  
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Anslem, Philadelphia
  
  
• Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima, Bensalem
  
  
• Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 3:00 p.m. at Saint Vincent de Paul, Richboro
  
  
• Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Christ the King, Philadelphia
  
  
• Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 3:00 p.m. AND 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia
  
  
• Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint John of the Cross, Roslyn
  
  
• Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Bernard, Philadelphia
  
  
• Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. AND 7:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi, Lansdale
  
  
• Thursday, November 10, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity, Morrisville
  
  
• Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - 6:00 p.m. at Saint Philip Neri, Pennsburg
  

• Sunday, October 9, 2011 - 3:00 p.m. at Saint Jude, Chalfont
  
  
• Monday, October 17, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Dorothy, Drexel Hill
  
  
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Aloysius, Pottstown
  
  
• Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 5:00 p.m. at Saint Martha, Philadelphia
  
  
• Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 10:30 a.m. at Mother of Divine Grace, Philadelphia
  
  
• Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint William, Philadelphia
  
  
• Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart, Royersford
  
  
• Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint John Fisher, Boothwyn
  
  
• Sunday, November 6, 2011 - 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bridgeport
  
  
• Monday, November 7, 2011 - 5:00 p.m. at Holy Innocents, Philadelphia
  
  
• Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint David, Willow Grove
  
  
• Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Saint Francis de Sales, Lenni
  

• Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Charity, Brookhaven
  
  
• Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Holy Saviour, Linwood
  
  
• Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation B.V.M., Havertown
  
  
• Saturday, November 5, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Philadelphia
  
  
• Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton
  
  
• Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 2:00 p.m. at Saint Isaac Jogues, Wayne
  
  
• Monday, December 12, 2011 - 4:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception B.V.M., Jenkintown
  

• Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Saint Margaret, Narberth
  
  
• Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Saint Richard, Philadelphia
  
  
• Tuesday, November 8, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Philadelphia
  
  
• Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Saint Michael, Levittown
  
  
• Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - 4:00 p.m. at Saint Kevin, Springfield
  
  
• Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. at Saint Martin of Tours, New Hope
  
  
• Tuesday, November 22, 2011 4:00 PM Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia
  
  
• Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. at Holy Angels, Philadelphia
  

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

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

The Office of Catholic Education continues to bargain with representatives of the Association of Catholic Teachers. Sessions have been ongoing since March. The Archdiocese is committed to a contract agreement that respects the needs of not only our teachers but also our school families who sacrifice to provide a quality Catholic education for their children. The goal of the Archdiocese is to reach an agreement that will be fair and equitable to all parties.

In addition to negotiating with the Association, the Office of Catholic Education has been providing periodic updates to our teachers in order to explain our position on issues. We will continue to communicate so that teachers are presented with the fullest possible picture of matters being discussed. We have already highlighted system wide programmatic changes we must formalize in order to keep pace with the rapidly changing educational landscape of the 21st century.

If our schools are to grow and thrive, we must have the ability to continue and implement unique elective courses and innovative academic initiatives. Distance learning, Robotics, Pre-Engineering, and Mandarin Chinese are a few examples. To do so often requires that the Archdiocese have the ability to use part time teachers to augment and supplement courses and programs. It is also crucial that all parents have the ability to monitor their children's progress online and to schedule personal meetings with teachers at times convenient to working families' schedules. Our focus must be on what the families we serve rightly need and expect to be available.

We must embrace a certain degree of change in order to achieve such goals. We must be proactive in the delivery of our educational services if we expect to remain viable and competitive. Included within the teacher contract must be the ability to continue to grow our excellent, quality academic programs that will provide for the ever-changing needs of the twenty-first century learner. In this manner, our schools will continue to demonstrate excellence.

Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia must be affordable and accessible to remain sustainable. Like many school systems around the country we have been forced to thoroughly examine our available resources. This contract is being negotiated at a very difficult economic time.

The Office of Catholic Education is committed to achieving a contract that is fair and equitable for our valued teachers. We seek to provide a quality Catholic education infused with 21st century skills, technology, as well as a rigorous and relevant curriculum supported by the hard work and dedication of our teachers. It must also recognize the sacrifices made by our school families and the very real challenges posed by current demographic and economic factors. Addressing the well-being of all of these components is essential to ensuring the sustainability of our Secondary School System.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

On August 30, 2011, the Association of Catholic Teachers made a request for a mediator in its negotiations with the Office of Catholic Education for its secondary schools. We have been negotiating since March 25, 2011.

We did not expect this request because the Association leadership previously emphatically stated that these negotiations would be done only by the teams of negotiators present at the bargaining table. We find the Association's position to be inconsistent with the above statement. In addition, no mediator has ever been utilized to reach a contract settlement in the history of our negotiations dating back decades.

There are unique and substantive issues involving the operation of our secondary Catholic schools that are a part of these negotiations. This is not the typical contract negotiation where the issues are primarily limited to financial matters, such as salary and benefits. The issues at stake are critical for our teachers, our students and our parents if our schools are to continue their tradition of excellence into the future. We cannot agree to the request for an outside mediator.

The Office of Catholic Education remains committed to bargaining in good faith and to reaching a settlement. We appeal to the Association of Catholic Teachers to devote the time needed to seriously negotiate the issues at hand. We believe as committed professionals on both sides of the table we can work to reach a fair and just agreement to ensure an excellent value-centered academic program for the 21st century.

Contact
Donna M. Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Communications will provide live, streaming video online and to mobile devices at www.archphila.org. Full coverage begins at 1:40 p.m. with the Procession.

Other live coverage includes:

EWTN Global Catholic Network will broadcast live beginning at 1:45 p.m.
(Encore -September 9th, 12 midnight) Visit www.ewtn.com for channel information.

Holy Spirit Radio 1570 AM and 1420 AM will broadcast live starting at 2:00 p.m.

NBC 10 Digital on Comcast Channel 248 and Verizon Channel 460 starting at 2:00 p.m.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Saint Agnes Parish School in West Chester, Chester County, will open the school year with a celebration for its renovated Junior High School Wing featuring a Back to School Fair. Seventh and eighth grade students and parents will gather for a blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

It is a delight to learn of the appointment of Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore, as the Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Archbishop O'Brien is a learned, prayerful, zealous, and dedicated prelate whom I have had the pleasure of knowing since his first year of priestly ordination. Father O'Brien was an assistant pastor at the parish church on the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, when, as a student-priest at Columbia University School of Journalism, I was assigned to write a story about his unique parish. I later worked closely with then-Monsignor O'Brien when he was Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of New York, and when he was Rector at the North American College in Rome, and later when as a Bishop he served as Auxiliary to Cardinal John O'Connor. Archbishop O'Brien would sometimes visit in Rome in the course of his service as Archbishop of the United States Military Services, and later when he was appointed Archbishop of our nation's premier see of Baltimore.

Because of his extensive experience and splendid dedication as priest and archbishop, Archbishop O'Brien will be an outstanding leader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. I could not be happier that he is my successor as spiritual leader of this outstanding group of men and women dedicated to the service of the Church in the Holy Land, the land made sacred by the presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archdiocesan musicians are making preparations for the Installation Mass of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., the ninth Archbishop of Philadelphia, with a final instrumental and choral rehearsal. The choir for this Installation and for all of the major Archdiocesan Liturgies, is the Archdiocesan Choir of Philadelphia. The choir is currently composed of 70 singers representing 33 Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Dr. John A. Romeri, Director for Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will lead the rehearsal on

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Association of Catholic Teachers broke off negotiations early Tuesday morning after very little progress was made in weekend negotiating sessions. The Archdiocesan team was willing to talk until the last minute but the Association's team walked away from the table with significant issues not agreed upon or in some cases even discussed. Many issues were not responded to since the Archdiocesan team presented them in mid-August. Negotiations began in March 2011.

This is a critical contract agreement for the Archdiocese. As the Secretary for Catholic Education, Dr. Richard McCarron, and the Superintendent of Schools Ms. Mary E. Rochford, said in a September 2nd letter to parents, "In order to advance the mission of Catholic education and our schools, we must be conscious of the educational changes that need to be implemented in a timely manner. Each year in the life of a student requires a curriculum and learning experience that will prove beneficial to the future success of that student. We cannot simply wait for changes in working conditions with the rapid advancement in so many areas of education such as the speed of technology and the tools that support a 21st century learning experience."

The Archdiocese made multiple concessions in our proposals and believes the contract offered to the teachers is equitable. It is our hope that our teachers will recognize that a strike is not in their best interest and most certainly not in the best interest of our students and their families.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

More than 68,000 students who attend 157 parish and regional elementary schools, 17 high schools and 4 schools of special education within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will return to their classrooms during the week of September 6, 2011. Numerous back-to-school events are planned throughout the Archdiocese to launch the upcoming school year.

Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, will officially kick off the start of the new school year by reading to students at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic School, 2300 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia.

"Over more than 100 years, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has provided 15 million young people with a spiritually and intellectually enlightening education rooted in the Gospels and immersed in the spirit of Christ," said Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese. "Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, we will continue building upon this tradition of spiritual growth and intellectual rigor by incorporating even more innovative and exciting teaching strategies, subjects, and technological advances within each classroom."

As the academic year begins, all elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese are prepared to utilize the new Common Core Standards in the classroom after preparing to adopt them since July of 2010. The schools in the Archdiocese are among the first in the nation to begin full implementation of English and Language Arts, this year. As education continues to change throughout the nation and world, our schools are working to remain on the cutting edge by serving students and preparing them for their future success in 21st century careers. The curriculum is designed with an inter-disciplinary approach that is permeated by literacy and a thinking skills approach to problem solving. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the first diocese in the state to adopt the Common Core.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is terribly disappointed by the decision of the Association of Catholic Teachers to strike. Since March 25, 2011 the Archdiocese has been bargaining in good faith to achieve a just and fair contract. Although the Association promised counter proposals regarding key issues on numerous occasions, it never provided anything substantial. Upon learning of the vote to strike the Archdiocesan negotiating team immediately offered to resume dialogue on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. The Association declined this request.

These negotiations involve unique and substantive issues about the operation of our secondary Catholic schools. This is not the typical contract negotiation where the issues are primarily limited to financial matters, such as salary and benefits. The issues at stake are critical for our teachers, our students and our parents if our schools are to continue their tradition of excellence into the future. The contract proposed by the Archdiocese was a watershed agreement aiming to allow our schools to adapt to the ever changing 21st century educational landscape and provide our students with the tools to succeed.

Each of the 17 Archdiocesan high schools will adhere to orientation schedules planned for this week. Students should report to school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 7, 2011. School administrators and non-union personnel will conduct orientation related activities.

A letter to parents and answers to frequently asked questions are posted on the web page created to provide updates on teacher negotiations at www.catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
2115-587-3747

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

On September 11, 2011 Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will participate in two services to mark the Tenth Anniversary of September 11th. The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia will hold an interfaith prayer service of memory and hope on the tenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The service will be led by Co-Conveners including Archbishop Chaput.

Mayor Nutter will lead the assembly in a Call from the People of Faith to Stop the Violence. Immediately following the prayer gathering, participants will walk to the City of Philadelphia's 9/11 Commemoration Service scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Independence Mall.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Saint Genevieve Parish in Flourtown, Montgomery County, will celebrate the rededication of its newly renovated church. Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass celebrated on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Corpus Christi Parish School (Lansdale, Montgomery County) and Nativity of Our Lord Parish School (Warminster, Bucks County) have been selected by the United States Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools. These two schools have been recognized as only two of 49 private and 255 public schools throughout the country. This brings the total of Archdiocesan elementary schools which have received this distinction to 15. Officials from both schools will attend a conference in Washington, D.C. in November where they will receive this prestigious award.

The Blue Ribbon Program, an effort on the part of the United States Department of Education to identify the best school leadership and best teaching practices, sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Each year since 1982, the United States Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. A list of the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html.

For more information about the 157 parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.catholicschools-phl.org/find-a-school/elementary-schools.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The inaugural season of "Concerts at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul" features local and international groups in a six concert series in the sonic splendor of the historic Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, located at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19103.
Vox Renaissance Consort kicks off the season this evening.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Tuesday, September 20, 2011 the Philadelphia Police Department informed administrators for Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School that they had arrested Mr. Lou Spadaccini, the school's baseball coach. Mr. Spadaccini has been charged with corrupting the morals of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, reckless endangerment, interference with the custody of children, luring a child into a vehicle or structure, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Mr. Spadaccini is now on administrative leave pending investigation, which means he is relieved of all duties within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has been baseball coach at Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School since 2006. He had previously served as Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Saint John Neumann High School in 1995. All of the required criminal background checks and child abuse clearances were in place.

School administrators sent a letter to school families today informing them of the arrest and asked if they had any information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3263. The letter went on to say, "Please know that we join with you in concern for the safety of all of our children. If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about supporting your child through this situation please call the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection at 1-888-800-8780 or e-mail [email protected]."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will hear Confession and celebrate Mass weekly at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul beginning Sunday, October 9, 2011. Confessions will be heard each week at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 6:30 p.m. The Cathedral is located at 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Archbishop Chaput will be the celebrant and homilist. All are invited to attend. The homily from this Mass, along with Archbishop Chaput's other homilies, will be available for download each week as an mp3 file at www.archphila.org.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at the annual Respect Life Mass. This Mass marks the beginning of Respect Life Month during which all Catholics are encouraged to promote the culture of life.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

HARRISBURG (September 29) - The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania yesterday reaffirmed their strong opposition to the mandate issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which would violate religious freedom and force private insurance plans to cover contraception-including abortifacients-and sterilization. The very narrow definition of "religious employer" would not apply to health insurance plans for Catholic hospitals, colleges or universities, social service agencies, and religious orders that employ lay persons and other Church ministries.

The Bishops endorsed the comments already submitted by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) and the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA) and urged others concerned about religious liberty to also voice their objections to HHS and Congress. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the PCC, said, "The HHS mandate is not simply 'bad' social policy, but precedent-setting in its disregard for conscience rights. There is no reasonable defense for a coercive approach to contraception in health insurance coverage, and Catholics need to make their opposition known firmly and immediately to the Department of Health and Human Services."

"Within the dioceses are over 3. 2 million Catholics; over 1,000 parishes; nearly 500 Catholic schools; 27 Catholic colleges; nearly 100 Catholic social service agencies; 14 Catholic hospitals; 34 long-term care facilities, numerous health care systems and other related health care entities; and over 6,000 women and men religious. The interim rule is one of significant impact upon the Church in Pennsylvania and that impact will not go unnoticed within the vast Catholic community," states PCC's comments to HHS.

"The religious 'exemption' in the mandate fails miserably to assure that religious conscience is protected. The religious exemption is so narrowly crafted that hospitals, universities, religious affiliated social service agencies, Catholic dioceses, parishes and even Catholic elementary schools would be subject to the contraceptive/sterilization mandate. Ignoring the broad nature of the Church's religious ministries and the care, services and education provided to a diverse group by mandating coverage is an unwarranted attack on religion in general."

The PCHA also expressed its "grave concern" at the government's attempt to define what is and what is not religious, calling it "fraught with danger."

"(The proposed HHS mandate) ignores this nation's foundations which were built upon freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. The (narrowly defined) religious exemption directly violates the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution."

The Bishops encouraged concerned citizens to take action by using the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network at www.pacatholic.org to submit comments to HHS by the September 30, 2011, deadline and urge Members of Congress to support legislation to stop this infringement of religious liberty.

The Bishops were meeting in Harrisburg for the annual Board of Governors meeting of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. They also affirmed their support of school choice and other legislative issues. More information about the PCC is available at www.pacatholic.org.

Contact
Amy B. Hill
Director of Communications, PA Catholic Conference
717-238-9613

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the main celebrant and homilist at the annual Hispanic Heritage Mass.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Blessed Father Louis Guanella (1842-1915), founder of the Religious Orders of the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, and the Pious Union of Saint Joseph Prayer Association, will be canonized a saint in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia Robert P. Maginnis will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass celebrating Saint Guanella's feast day on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

"School choice is the right choice for Pennsylvania's families." The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania yesterday issued a statement (http://bit.ly/PCCVoucherandEITC) in support of legislative efforts to create a school voucher program and increase the already successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

The Bishops believe school choice is "a defining social justice issue of our society. Legislation currently being considered in Harrisburg could herald a new, more just era for education in Pennsylvania - an era in which we focus on the ideal educational environment for each student, not on a mandatory system in which students are assigned to a school based solely on geographic location. The current treatment of these children, particularly children from low-income families, is unjust and inequitable." Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the PCC, said, "The debate over school vouchers and an increase in EITC funding is a pivotal moment for education in Pennsylvania. School choice is about more than education; it's also about opportunity, justice and parental rights Its goal is always the same-to empower parents to educate their children as they judge best, and to provide poor families with alternatives and real opportunities to succeed."

The Bishops continue, "Catholic and private schools already participate in the marketplace of education. We must meet the high expectations of parents, for they have the freedom to withdraw their students and choose a different school if they feel it will better meet their needs. Current school choice legislation places all educational institutions into this marketplace and recognizes the moral obligation of educating each and every child to their potential. The public schools of the state of Pennsylvania and the fine teachers and administrators who labor there are our collaborators in fulfilling this obligation, not our adversaries. School choice is not a public versus non-public school issue; it is a family and child issue. Each family should have a full range of educational options within its grasp; this is a civil right for every parent."

With school choice, parents have wider options for educating their children. Most will remain in public schools, but a significant number will choose to enroll or remain enrolled in non-public schools. With fewer students in public school, some of the financial pressure will be lessened on state and local budgets.

As the largest provider of non-public education in the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania's 500 plus Catholic schools have educated "millions of intelligent, active and community-minded Pennsylvanians. These schools educate both Catholics and non-Catholics in an academically excellent and nurturing environment. This essential service not only helps to create new generations of productive and engaged citizens, but also by saves over $4 billion tax dollars annually," according to the Bishops.

The Bishops are emphatic in their support of school choice, "We have reached a critical moment in the debate over school choice. Now is the time for the Pennsylvania legislature to ensure that ideal educational opportunities are accessible and available to all."

The Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), Robert J. O'Hara, Jr., says, "Catholic schools have rolled out the welcome mat for students with vouchers and EITC scholarships. The schools stand poised and ready with enough empty seats to enroll thousands more students immediately."

The Bishops are calling upon the Catholic community to visit, call, write or send an email message through the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network to their elected officials urging them to pass the bill.

The Bishops were meeting in Harrisburg for the annual Board of Governors meeting of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. They also affirmed their opposition to a federal contraceptives mandate and their positions on other legislative issues. More information about the PCC is available at www.pacatholic.org.

Contact
Amy B. Hill
Director of Communicatons, PA Catholic Conference
717-238-9613

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) reiterates the Catholic community's support of school choice and applauds Governor Tom Corbett who today announced his plan to create a school voucher program and increase the already successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Chairman of the PCC said "It was very encouraging to hear Governor Corbett voice his support for the school voucher program and more EITC scholarship funding. His words should serve as a clarion call to the people of Pennsylvania. As citizens, we face a pivotal opportunity to improve the lives and enrich the minds of our children. School choice is the right choice for Pennsylvania. It will give families the freedom to educate their children as they see fit, and it offers real alternatives for underprivileged families who seek to give their children a chance to succeed."

Under the governor's school choice plan, parents would have access to more educational options for their children. EITC scholarships that already allow low and middle income parents to send their children to non-public schools would expand. With vouchers, qualified parents could move their children from a failing school to another public school, a charter school or a non-public school.

"The Catholic community agrees with Governor Corbett's call for action - students deserve access to educational opportunities that work for their learning needs and parents have the right to choose the school that is best for their child," said Robert J. O'Hara, Jr., Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. "Economic or social barriers often prevent families from accessing the educational options that would be best for them. A mandatory system in which students are assigned to a school based solely on geographic location is unjust and inequitable for many students, especially those in low-income families."

"Two weeks ago, the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania called school choice 'a defining social justice issue for our society.' Educating each and every child to his or her potential is our moral obligation," added O'Hara. "The Bishops do not see school choice as a public versus non-public school issue, but a family and child issue. Each family should have a full range of educational options for their children; it is a civil right for every parent.

Pennsylvania's 500 plus Catholic schools together are the largest provider of non-public education in the Commonwealth. These schools educate both Catholics and non-Catholics in an academically excellent and nurturing environment. This essential service not only helps to create new generations of productive and engaged citizens, but also by saves over $4 billion tax dollars annually.

More information about the PCC's advocacy for school choice is available at www.pacatholic.org.

Contact
Amy B. Hill
Director of Communications, PA Catholic Conference
717-238-9613

Westminster Cathedral Choir, the internationally acclaimed boys choir from London, performs this evening in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Since its foundation in 1903 the Westminster Cathedral Choir has been at the forefront of English church music. This will be the Choir's first performance at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Cathedral, the second stop in its eight-city-tour throughout the United States.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist at the annual World Mission Sunday Mass. This Mass celebrates and supports the vital work of mission churches throughout the world.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Note: Bishop McIntyre represented Archbishop Chaput at the Canonization of Saint Luigi Guanella

Greetings from Rome!

It is a perfect Fall day in Rome. Under a beautiful blue sky, Pope Benedict XVI presided at Mass in Saint Peter's Square during which three members of the Church were canonized: Don Luigi Guanella, Bishop Guido Conforti and Mother Bonifacio Rodriguez De Castro. The piazza was full of pilgrims from many parts of Italy and the world. They represented the countries from which the newly canonized came and the peoples now served by the religious communities which they founded. All three saints were instruments through which God responded to the needs of the Church during a particular time. Now, that gift given through each of these saints, lives on and continues to build up the Church in and through the members of the communities which came into being through them.

It is a particular joy for the Church in Philadelphia to witness the canonization of Don Luigi Guanella. Members of the Servants of Charity, founding by Don Guanella serve at the Cardinal Krol Center, caring for mentally handicapped men. For many years, the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, also founded by Don Guanella, served mentally handicapped woman at Divine Providence Village. The love of God for the poor, the handicapped, widows and orphans was made manifest through Saint Luigi Guanella and continues to enrich and strengthen the Church in Philadelphia.

Bill Glisson, who is the recipient of the miracle for the canonization of Don Guanella, is a member of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was present with his family for this morning's Mass. It was very moving to see him carry the relics of Saint Luigi Guanella to the Holy Father and then take them to a place of honor near the altar. Through the intercession of our new saint, Bill was healed and restored to health after a very serious accident.

It is a wonderful day for the Church. We have been given three new saints who will inspire us by their example and help us through their intercession to grow in holiness in the vocation to which God has called each one of us.

Saint Luigi Guanella, DSaint Guido Conforti and Saint Bonifacia Rodriguez pray for us!

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Three food cupboards from Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will receive food donations from Peapod, an online grocery retailer.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will open the 2011 Catholic Life Congress with the celebration of Mass. This educational gathering for faithful, religious, deacons and priests features keynote speakers, presentations and workshops geared toward faith formation and educational development.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School in South Philadelphia will celebrate a ground breaking ceremony for the new Saints Field House. School President, John Murawski, representatives from the Office of Catholic Education and members of the student body will participate in the ground breaking.

Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School is the home of the Saints. The ground breaking takes on additional significance as it will occur on All Saints Day.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the main celebrant and homilist at the annual Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Saint Martin de Porres Mass.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the successful completion of its 2011 Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive in conjunction with Archdiocesan schools and outreach programs.

The photo op will take place at Don Guanella Village operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in Springfield, Delaware County. The Divine Providence Community Outreach Program was one of 85 participants in the drive. More than 75,000 pounds of PB&J have been collected since September 12, 2011.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archdiocesan High School students will be attending a rally in Harrisburg to make their voices heard to legislators about the importance of School Choice.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of Saint Louis Guanella.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialists
215-587-3747

In recognition of his outstanding priestly service to the Catholic Church and distinguished accomplishments as a professional communicator, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, located in Wynnewood (Montgomery County), announces the establishment of The John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communication.

The Seminary's Administration and Board of Trustees voted unanimously to create the Chair in Cardinal Foley's name. The Chair will serve to train seminarians in Homiletics, which is the art of rhetoric in public preaching, and to cultivate a practical knowledge and mastery of modern communication media.

In establishing this Chair, the Seminary expresses esteem for Cardinal Foley, one of its most-distinguished alumni, and seeks to perpetuate his high standards of communicating the Gospel message in the life and ministry of future generations of priests.

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced the appointment of seven new members to serve on the Archdiocesan Review Board, the consultative panel which advises the Archbishop of Philadelphia throughout the process of assessing allegations of sexual abuse of minors, evaluating clerics' suitability for ministry, and the continual review of Archdiocesan policies and procedures related to these matters.

Archbishop Chaput said, "These individuals, Catholic and non-Catholic, possess a broad range of professional competencies that are essential to conducting a review process that is equally thorough and just to all who may be involved. Non-clerical external advisers such as these are crucial to the process as they provide a high level of expertise coupled with objective advice. I am grateful to all of them for their willingness to serve on the Archdiocesan Review Board and look forward to the unique perspective that each will bring to the table."

The new appointees, for whom additional biographical information is available in the attached document, include:

-Michael Boyle, retired Lieutenant, Philadelphia Police Department Child Abuse Unit, and current Program Director at Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center.

-Charles Ehrlich, Judge-elect of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, former Assistant Chief of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, current member of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance Board of Directors and Associate at the law firm Marshall, Dennehey Warner, Coleman, & Goggin.

-Arnold Gordon, a retired prosecutor who served as First Assistant District Attorney with 40 years of experience working in various units of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

-Janet Shaw Lemoine, a former project coordinator with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Institute, where her responsibilities included training victim witness coordinators from D.A.'s offices and community-based victim assistance programs throughout the Commonwealth.

-Richmond Parsons, a law enforcement veteran of over 20 years currently serving as Deputy Chief of Offender Services in the Montgomery County Adult Probation and Parole Department.

-Laura Rogers, a former prosecutor, served as the Deputy Director of the Criminal Division of the Navy's Judge Advocate General, which was preceded by her work as Director of the SMART Office at the U.S. Department of Justice implementing the Adam Walsh Child Protection Safety Act.

-Robert Spinelli, a Partner at the law firm Kelley, Jasons, McGowan, Spinelli, Hanna, & Reber, LLP, a former prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office who specializes in cases involving companies defending mass tort litigation.

The Archdiocesan Review Board now consists of eleven total members, each of whom is appointed to serve a four-year or five-year term, which is renewable. The remaining members include Ana Maria Catanzaro (Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, Holy Family University), David Ingle (licensed clinical psychologist), Reverend Monsignor Thomas Owens (Pastor, Saint Alphonsus Parish), and Anne Shenberger (Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates/Youth Advocates, Inc.).

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Below please find the text of a letter Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. sent to all priests, deacons and lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia last weekend regarding the implementation of the revised edition of the Roman Missal at Masses this weekend.

During this first weekend of Advent, all 266 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join with parishes across the country in using the new translation of the Roman Missal for the first time. This edition includes updated translations of existing prayers, including well-known responses and acclamations, among other changes. Parishes in the Archdiocese have prepared to adopt the new translation over the past two years. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/AOPRomanMissal and http://bit.ly/USCCBRomanMissal.

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

Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School in South Philadelphia will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication for the first iPad Lab in an Archdiocesan High School. The iPad Lab/Learning Center will be equipped with 30 iPads, a smart board, projector and instructor's station.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Father Judge High School will be closed on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 due to the situation that led some attendees at Sunday's cheerleading competition at the school to seek medical attention for eye and skin irritations.

The school was closed today because of a previously scheduled in-service for teachers. Health and safety officials spent the day inspecting the school's gym but could not determine the source of the irritant.

The school will remain closed tomorrow out of an abundance of caution and so that officials can do additional testing. Parents are being informed at this hour of tomorrow's closure. No decisions regarding any day beyond tomorrow have been made.

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

Mr. Dennis Reitano, principal of Saint Madeline-Saint Rose School in Ridley Park, Delaware County, has been placed on administrative leave effective Monday, December 5, 2011, after concerns were raised during a Safe Environment lesson. A report was made to law enforcement and authorities are investigating.

School families were sent a letter Monday evening via-email informing them that Mr. Reitano has been placed on administrative leave and a hard copy of the letter is being sent home today. The letter stated, "Nothing is more important to all of us at Saint Madeline - Saint Rose School than the safety and security of your children-we are all committed to creating a healthy academic environment for the children."

The letter also encourages parents to contact authorities with any additional information or concerns. Counselors from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit were made available today for anyone who wanted to speak with them about the situation. Parents needing guidance on how to talk to their children about this can contact the Office for Child and Youth Protection directly at 1-888-800-8780 or e-mail [email protected].

Safe Environment is a comprehensive program which provides an age-appropriate curriculum regarding healthy relationships between young people and adults. The Archdiocese provides this education to almost 120,000 young people every year in our schools and parish religious education programs. For more information about resources available to parents please visit Creating a Network of Prevention and Protection at http://bit.ly/OCEPreventionandProtection.

Mr. Reitano has been principal at Saint Madeline-Saint Rose School since 2009. He taught at the following schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Saint Richard School, Philadelphia (1985-1995); Stella Maris School, Philadelphia (1981-1985); Saint Thomas Aquinas School, Philadelphia (1977-1981); The Trinity School, Philadelphia (1974-1976); Saint Aloysius School, Philadelphia (November -December 1973) and Saint Ludwig School, Philadelphia (1972-1973).

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The administration of Father Judge High School was notified late this afternoon by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that it was safe for its school to be open to students. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of its students and faculty, as well as concern for those who experienced eye and skin irritation after visiting the school for a cheerleading competition last Sunday, the school will remain closed tomorrow.

Over the past two days, the Philadelphia Police, Fire, and Public Health Departments have investigated the situation. The continued presence of risky hazardous materials or agents has been ruled out. The high school is working with an outside environmental firm to conduct additional testing which would not have otherwise been performed. Those results are expected tomorrow afternoon. Pending those results, school would reopen on Thursday, December 8th. School families are being informed at this hour.

The Father Judge High School community is extremely grateful to all city agencies who have worked to ensure the safety of their school.

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

Yesterday, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health notified Father Judge High School that its buildings were safe. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of its students and faculty, as well as concern for those who experienced eye and skin irritation last week, the school elected to proceed with additional testing through an outside environmental firm that would not have been performed otherwise.

The results, which were received this afternoon, could not conclusively point to the source of the eye and skin irritation experienced by visitors to the school last Sunday. Their findings mirror the Department of Public Health's position that the school environment is safe. Classes will resume tomorrow, Thursday, December 8, 2011, at the regular time. Parents are being informed at this hour.

The administration of Father Judge High School is extremely grateful to the Philadelphia Police, Fire, and Public Health Departments as well the Office of Emergency Management for all of their efforts to ensure the safety of the school's students, faculty, and staff.

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

The Hispanic Community of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will gather in anticipation of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th) to celebrate Las Mañanitas -a serenading of Our Lady on the vigil of her feast day - followed by Mass. The main celebrant and homilist will be Monsignor Hugh Shields, Pastor of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish (South Philadelphia).

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal John Patrick Foley, Grand Master Emeritus of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and former President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, died this morning at the age of 76. Cardinal Foley was ordained a priest on May 19, 1962, an Archbishop on May 8, 1984 and elevated to the College of Cardinals on November 24, 2007. He died at Villa St. Joseph in Darby, Delaware County early this morning. Funeral arrangements are pending.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal John Foley," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia. "Cardinal Foley was a man of great apostolic energy. Anyone who met him was immediately aware of his intense love for the Church and his zeal for communicating the Gospel. By the sheer force of his personality, he drew people to the faith and to himself. I was pleased that he was able to come home during the final months of his life. No matter where he lived or how he served the Church over the years, he always considered Philadelphia his home."

Archbishop Chaput continued, "I ask the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to offer prayers for Cardinal Foley, and I invite our priests to offer Masses for the repose of his soul. All of us are very grateful for the life and service of Cardinal Foley. His charisma and gentle spirit will be sorely missed throughout the Universal Church. May God grant him the gift of eternal life, and give peace and consolation to all those who loved, admired, and respected him."

John Patrick Foley was born to John and Regina Foley on November 11, 1935 at Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Holy Spirit Parish in Sharon Hill, Delaware County, on the outskirts of Philadelphia.

He attended Saint Joseph's Preparatory School from 1949 to 1953 and obtained a Bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Saint Joseph's College in 1957. He entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary that year and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 19, 1962.

He was assigned to further studies earning a Master's Degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He also received a Licentiate degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas and earned his Doctorate in Philosophy from the same institution after completing the required coursework in only one year. During his time in Rome, he also served as Assistant Editor and Vatican correspondent for the archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard and Times.

Upon his return to the Archdiocese in 1966, then-Father Foley was appointed Assistant Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Philadelphia, while serving on the faculty of Cardinal Dougherty High School. From 1967 to 1984, he also served on the faculty of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary teaching philosophy and acting as a spiritual director for men aspiring to the Priesthood.

From 1966 until 1974, he was also co-producer and co-host of the Philadelphia Catholic Hour on local radio station WFIL and served as Editor-in-Chief of The Catholic Standard & Times from 1970 to 1984.

In 1976, He was named an honorary Prelate of His Holiness by Pope Paul VI, receiving the title of Monsignor. From 1979 to 1984, he served as Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission.

In 1984, he was named an Archbishop by the late Pope John Paul II and appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and named an Archbishop. He faithfully fulfilled this role for 23 years and spearheaded numerous evangelization efforts through the worldwide media. His consecration as an Archbishop took place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on May 8, 1984. Cardinal John Krol served as the principal consecrator with Bishops Martin Lohmuller and Thomas Welsh serving as co-consecrators.

For 25 years, beginning in 1984, then-Archbishop Foley provided commentary for American television viewers of the Christmas Midnight Mass from Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. His last appearance on NBC-TV's national broadcast of this Mass was in December 2009.

On June 17, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI named him Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, which lends spiritual and financial support to the Catholic Church in the Holy Land and helps maintain Christian shrines in that region.

Pope Benedict XVI elevated then-Archbishop John P. Foley to the Cardinalate at a Consistory in Saint Peter's Basilica on November 24, 2007 and named him Cardinal-Deacon of the Church of San Sebastiano al Palatino in Rome. He was the seventh priest ordained for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to be elevated to the College of Cardinals.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal John Patrick Foley, Grand Master Emeritus of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and former President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, died on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Villa Saint Joseph in Darby, Pennsylvania (Delaware County). Cardinal Foley was 76 years old.

He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1962, an Archbishop on May 8, 1984 and elevated to the College of Cardinals on November 24, 2007.

All are welcome to participate in any of the events.

Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
100 East Wynnewood Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096 (Montgomery County)

Schedule:
9:00 a.m.: Transfer of the Body in the main lobby of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Reception of the Body followed by Midmorning Prayer in the Chapel of Saint Martin of Tours.

Following Midmorning Prayer Cardinal Foley's body will lie in state for public viewing in the Chapel of Saint Martin of Tours.

7:00 p.m.: Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Following Mass the Chapel will be closed.

Friday, December 16, 2011
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Schedule:
9:15 a.m. (approximately): Funeral motorcade departs Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary en route to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

10:00 a.m.: Reception of the Body in the Cathedral Basilica followed by Midmorning Prayer.

Following Midmorning Prayer Cardinal Foley's body will lie in state for public viewing in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul until 1:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.: Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal Foley followed by the Rite of Committal in the Cathedral Crypt (located below the main altar).

More specific details regarding the funeral arrangements will be released as soon as they are available.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal John P. Foley will take place Friday, December 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Most Reverend Edwin F. O'Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore, and Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will be the principal celebrant for the Mass. Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the homilist.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Auxiliary Bishop Timothy C. Senior, will celebrate the annual Bless the Baby Jesus Devotion and Fourth Sunday of Advent Mass. All are invited to bring figurines of Baby Jesus from their Nativity Crèche to be blessed.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre, will dedicate new chapel at Saint Monica Manor.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Today the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces the beginning of the implementation of Parish Pastoral Planning Initiative. The first 22 of 44 Pastoral Planning Areas (PPAs), each made up of several parishes in the same geographic vicinity, will begin their work of developing and implementing their Parish Pastoral Plans.

Under the leadership of Reverend Monsignor Arthur E. Rodgers, Coordinator of Archdiocesan Planning Initiatives and the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee, these PPAs will take part in a prayerful and participative process by which each parish clearly defines its identity, mission, and goals while working to determine if it has the resources required for sustained operation.

It is expected that the first 22 PPAs will complete the work of planning and implementation over the next three years. The remainder of the PPAs will likely require an additional three years to complete their work. At this time, no decisions have been made regarding any of the PPAs.

Statistics from the past two decades show that numerous factors including demographic shifts, a decline in weekly Mass attendance, a high density of parishes in a relatively small geographic area, the availability of clergy, serious financial challenges and underutilized parish facilities have seriously impacted the quality of parish life. To address these challenges, a pastoral letter, "Called to Conversion and Holiness," was distributed to all the faithful of the Archdiocese in the fall of 2010. It outlined the need to examine all 266 parishes in order to determine if they possess the resources to accomplish their role in the mission of Christ and remain sustainable and vibrant faith communities.

The work of Parish Area Pastoral Planning is conducted in three stages involving review of information, consultation and recommendations. There are two possible outcomes of the work: parish mergers or no change in structure but a plan for future sustainability. For a detailed overview of the stages, criteria for parish mergers and possible outcomes visit http://archphila.org/conversion/conversion_index.htm

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Communications will provide live, streaming video online and to mobile devices at www.archphila.org beginning at 9:45 a.m.

The Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal John Patrick Foley will take place in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday, December 16, 2011. Cardinal Foley himself identified the principal celebrant, homilist, key participants, readings and some of the liturgical music.

Most Reverend Edwin F. O'Brien, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will be the principal celebrant for the Mass. Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the homilist. A complete list of liturgical ministers and participants is attached.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. the motorcade will arrive at the Cathedral. The mult-box feed and live streaming video will begin at this time. Cardinal Foley's body will be transferred to the vestibule of Cathedral for the Rite of Reception of the Body. Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will preside over this brief ceremony. Midmorning Prayer for the Dead will be celebrated and Cardinal Foley's body will then lie in state for public viewing until the casket is closed at 1:30 p.m.

At 1:40 p.m. the procession begins. The Procession of approximately 300 Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Seminarians begins in the parking lot of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. It will exit the parking lot on the 18th Street side turn left onto 18th Street and then left into the main entrance of the Cathedral. No interviews may be conducted with anyone in the Procession.

At 2:00 p.m. the Solemn Funeral Mass begins. Approximately 1500 people are expected to attend. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia; Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston; Cardinal William Keeler, Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore; Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C.; Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.; Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Representatives of the Church of Philadelphia will be joined by Ecumenical and Interfaith representatives, civil dignitaries, and members of the general public.

The Rite of Committal will take place immediately after the Solemn Funeral Mass has ended. The casket will be carried to the crypt of the Cathedral, which is located underneath the main altar, by Archbishops Vigano, Celli, Chaput, Dolan, along with family members. At this time, prayer will be offered and Cardinal Foley's remains will be committed to their final resting place.

Seating space inside the Cathedral will be extremely limited. An area has been reserved for media and Archdiocesan Communications staff will provide assistance.

An audio/video mult-box clean feed is available in the Cathedral parking lot with multiple BNC video and XLR mic/lines. Crews will need a live truck or recording device. Each television broadcast media outlet is permitted one parking space in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot and will be directed by Archdiocesan staff where to park. The parking lot will open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning.

Pool coverage for still photos of the Solemn Funeral Mass will be provided to Catholic media by Catholic News Service (CNS). The contact at CNS is Nancy Wiechec. Her phone number is
(202) 541-3471; her email is [email protected].

Pool coverage for still photos of the Solemn Funeral Mass will be provided to secular media by The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.The contact is Michael Mercanti. His phone number is (215) 854-2626; his email is [email protected].

Pool coverage for still photos of the Rite Committal in Cathedral Crypt will be provided to Catholic and secular media by The Catholic Standard and Times. The contact is Sarah Webb. Her phone number is (215) 587-3660; her email is [email protected]. Due to severe space limitations in the crypt there is only room for one still photographer.

For media wishing to downlink to the satellite feed the coordinates are
AMC 15 / Transponder K2 - Slot C9
Uplink Frquency - 14044.500 (V)
Downlink Frequency - 11744.500 (H)
FEC - 3 / 4
Symbol Rate - 6.1113
Windows - 1200 to 1230 (test) and 1330 to 1700 with a 30 minute approximation.

The on site technical contact for the satellite feed and live audio/video stream is Dan Kearns. His phone number is (215) 888-0305.

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

On Thursday, December 22nd, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass for the inmates at the House of Correction (HOC) in Northeast Philadelphia. Media are invited to cover the Mass.

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

For the 44th year in a row, young adults from across the Archdiocese will gather to collect, sort, wrap, and tag toys that will delivered to nearly 3,000 children from families in need. The toys will be delivered by 170 teams of young adult volunteers and their drivers. Mass will be celebrated for the volunteers by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald before the toys are delivered.

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

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will host the annual Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children for approximately 400 young people who received services from agencies of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this year. They represent approximately 16,000 children across the Delaware Valley who benefited from donations to Catholic Social Services this year.

Approximately 500 Archdiocesan high school students will participate in various aspects of the Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children from greeting children, to serving as Santa's elves to providing entertainment and music. The benefit begins with a parade followed by entertainment and presents. The Phillie Phanatic will also join in the festivities.

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

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist at the Midnight and 10:00 a.m. Christmas Masses

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. is celebrating his first Christmas as Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Our new Archbishop will celebrate Masses at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul beginning with Midnight Mass tonight. The schedule is attached.
All are welcome at this Mass or any Masses in the parishes throughout the region as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. (visit www.masstimes.org for parish information).

Archbishop Chaput also delivers a Christmas blessing on YouTube and at www.archphilaonline.org or
(Spanish Version) http://youtu.be/mOqu-IMfjUw and (English Version) http://youtu.be/G8jkLnetmrg.

Find his Christmas card at www.archphila.org.

In his video message, Archbishop Chaput tells us, "May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus reign always in your hearts this Christmas and throughout the New Year."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747