The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has received the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission, which include an ambitious plan to restructure the schools that will stabilize Catholic schools across the Archdiocese and position them for future growth. The recommendations also address, among other things, Parish Religious Education Programs (PREP), governance and advocacy for government support.

"The content of the report is challenging - especially, and in a very personal way, for many of our families and students," said Archbishop Chaput. "But we can no longer avoid dealing with enrollment and financial realities that have been building in our schools for many years. The restructuring proposed in the Commission's report is a critical first step in renewing the health of our Catholic education ministry."

Appointed by Cardinal Justin Rigali in December 2010, the 16-member Blue Ribbon Commission engaged in a yearlong process to examine current programs at all levels. They looked at the educational programs offered at each school, current and historical enrollment figures, overall finances for the schools and parishes, current and projected capacity, facility improvements that would be needed and overall demographic trends in the Archdiocese. The Commission found that overall enrollment is down more than 70 percent since 1961, parish subsidies to the schools have increased by 25 percent in the last 10 years, and rising costs have caused a reduction of full-time personnel to staff programs like art, music, languages and technology at some parish elementary schools.

With deep analysis, thoughtful debate and continued prayer, the Commission has recommended restructuring the schools as part of a broader plan designed to strengthen the remaining schools and enhance Catholic education in the Philadelphia region. This restructuring plan includes partnering and regionalizing a significant number of parish elementary and high schools across the Archdiocese.

"While the restructuring of our schools was necessary to ensure their future, our plan is much broader," said John J. (Jack) Quindlen, Chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission. "This plan is designed to develop stronger schools that are better positioned to deliver the high quality education that parents want and students need in order to compete in the 21st century."


The plan includes a new governance model that will provide greater oversight and efficiency to the management of the schools. More support will go into the Parish Religious Education Programs (PREP) that serve tens of thousands of students who attend public schools but come to the parishes to receive their Sacraments and Catechetical Formation. The plan also calls for establishing a foundation, specifically to support our schools, to supplement the current foundation, parish and Archdiocesan support. This foundation will provide for greater tuition assistance and will ensure that the schools have the funds needed to innovate.

"I am grateful to the Commission for their tireless work over the last year," said Archbishop Chaput. "The charge given to them was not an easy one and we have deep appreciation for their commitment to this worthy cause. I also extend my heartfelt support and prayer to the administrators, teachers, staff and families who are affected by this news."

The Blue Ribbon Commission report, parent letters and updates from the Office of Catholic education can be viewed at www.faithinthefuture.com.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is celebrating National Vocations Awareness Week, January 8 to Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. will preside over a special Eucharistic gathering with students and faculty

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Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. will lead an Ecumenical Service in remembrance of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on

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Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia outlined a review process for parish and school administrators who wish to request that the recommendation of a closure, partnership or regionalization be reconsidered for their school.

The Archdiocese has established two Review Committees-one for parish elementary schools and one for high schools-to facilitate these requests. Pastors, elementary school principals and high school presidents seeking an appeal have been asked to contact the Office of Catholic Education to request a meeting with the appropriate Review Committee.

These committees, which consist of members of the Blue Ribbon Commission and Archdiocesan administrators, will hold review meetings starting Thursday, January 12 and continue through early February. At these review meetings, school representatives will be presented with all of the facts used by the Blue Ribbon Commission in reaching its recommendation. Those requesting a review will also be given the opportunity to present the reasoning for their request along with supporting facts and documentation.

The Review Committees will present all information to Archbishop Chaput for his consideration. He will then make a final decision. A final listing of the schools affected will be made public by mid-February.

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

Over the past week, I've received hundreds of emails about the report of our Blue Ribbon Commission on Catholic Education. The report calls for the closing or merger of dozens of our archdiocesan schools. Philadelphia has a long and venerable Catholic school tradition. So it's no surprise that, while quite a few emails have expressed support, many more have been filled with confusion, anger and grief. This is natural. In fact, it would be abnormal and very troubling if people didn't vent their feelings on a matter so close to the heart of Philadelphia Catholics.

But as tempers begin to cool, people read the report more closely, and schools consider appealing the Commission's recommendations, we should keep a few basic facts in mind.

First, the Blue Ribbon Commission report is not finally about "closing schools." It's about putting Catholic education on a firm footing for the first time in decades. We tend to avoid this unpleasant work for understandable reasons: It can't be done without suffering, and nobody wants to be the cause of other good people's pain. But the work needs to be done. It can't be delayed. Commission members have served all of us well by speaking truthfully - and offering genuine hope for the future -- about enrollment and financial realities nobody wants to face.

The resource challenges we face in 2012 are much harsher than 40 or 50 years ago when many of us attended Catholic school. No family can run on nostalgia and red ink. Every parent knows this from experience. And so it is with the Church. We have a moral duty to use our resources wisely, not just in education, but in every aspect of our life as a believing community. If we haven't always done that in the past, then we need to start now. Catholic schools are worth fighting for because they do an extraordinary job of educating young people. We need to ensure that our schools are vigorously Catholic; academically excellent; and serve our people for decades to come. But we need to do it wisely and creatively, enlisting all the outside help we can. The Blue Ribbon Commission report is a vital step toward a strategic renewal of Catholic education in the archdiocese - which is why it's a step forward.

Second, I'm very aware of the burdens many families and teachers will face because of the Commission's recommendations. This was the hardest part of the Commission's deliberations, especially since every Commission member has a long track record of service to the Church and a personal love for Catholic schools. I want to assure our people that the archdiocese will make every reasonable effort to place students and teachers in new positions and to assist those teachers who will lose their employment. No one will be ignored.

Third, one of the bright spots of a difficult week has been the number of business leaders and elected officials who have approached me privately to voice their support for Catholic schools and offer their help going forward. So maybe this is a moment when we can start imagining and doing the future differently. It's useful to wonder how many of our schools might have been saved if, over the last decade, Catholics had fought for vouchers as loudly and vigorously as they now grieve about school closings. Some Catholics - too many -- seem to find it easier to criticize their own leaders than to face the fact that they're discriminated against every day of the year. They pay once for public schools; then they pay again for the Catholic schools they rightly hold in such esteem. Something's wrong with that equation. It's important for Catholics to hold the leadership of their Church accountable. No bishop or pastor should fear that. But Catholics should hold public leaders - beginning with our elected officials in Harrisburg - to an equally demanding standard. School choice may not answer every financial challenge in Catholic education; but vouchers would make a decisive difference. They'd help our schools enormously. To put it simply: Vouchers are a matter of parental rights and basic justice.

Fourth and finally, in the weeks ahead, as emotions subside, let's remember that all of us have the duty to treat each other with charity and civility in Jesus Christ. The Blue Ribbon Commission members who worked so selflessly on the report, along with many members of our archdiocesan staff, did their service with extraordinary dedication, integrity and concern for the needs of our people. They deserve our thanks and respect. They do not deserve the bitter - and unjust - criticism some parents and students have shown them.

Catholic schools exist, first and foremost, to form believing Catholic Christians; people of the Gospel; people of justice, mercy and charity. If they produce something less, then we need to ask ourselves whether they deserve to survive.

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

Rumors began circulating this morning that schools requesting a review of the Blue Ribbon Commission's recommendations would need to raise money in order to obtain a meeting. That is not the case at all.

As outlined previously, pastors, elementary school principals and high school presidents seeking an appeal have been asked to contact the Office of Catholic Education to request a meeting. Making that request is the only action needed to take part in the appeal process.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will lead, for the first time as Archbishop of Philadelphia, thousands of faithful from the Archdiocese on the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Monday. This date marks the 39th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973.

The March for Life activities will begin with an Opening Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Chaput will concelebrate the Vigil Mass with principal celebrant and homilist Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee, the night before the March.

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Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Zygmut Zimowski, President of the Pontifical Council for Healthcare Workers, will be the keynote speaker and offer reflections on the message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 2012 World Day for the Sick.

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Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Monday, January 29, begins Catholic Schools Week. It's a time to honor the unique value of Catholic education. Here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we have a long record of dedicated service by the women and men who teach in our classrooms and run the "business" of Catholic schools. That record includes the legacy of thousands of women and men religious and diocesan clergy. In the single academic year of 1963-64, more than 4,100 religious and 1,600 laypersons taught more than 263,000 students enrolled in our schools. Today, scores of our pastors make extraordinary commitments of parish funds to keep our schools open and excellent.

Unfortunately, schools run on resources, not simply good will and heroic service. Our schools can no longer count on unlimited Church support. The resources simply don't exist. Many of our parishes are financially strained. The archdiocese itself faces serious financial and organizational challenges that have been developing for many years and cannot be ignored.

So where does that leave us? We can honor Catholic Schools Week this year by actually doing something about the fiscal problems hurting our schools. We need to press our lawmakers, respectfully but vigorously, to pass school choice.

First, we need some clarity: School vouchers do not mean "government support for religious schools." That argument is flatly false. No vouchers go to any school, religious or otherwise. Vouchers do, however, return the power of educational choice to parents, where it belongs. In doing so, vouchers make all schools more accountable for the quality of education they deliver. Parents get the voucher. Parents choose the school. This makes perfect sense. And if a school offers a poor education for young people, parents will rightly vote with their feet -- and their vouchers. Of course, most Catholic schools do the opposite: They offer a strong education, in a safe environment, with a focus on developing good moral character. That's why parents are so upset when they close.

Some people argue that school choice legislation only helps families in poor areas. Helping the poor is obviously vital, and vouchers would accomplish that. But vouchers would also assist many more families than the poor.

If vouchers are approved, they will free up what's known as EITC funds -- Educational Improvement Tax Credit funds - along with other grant and scholarship monies for many thousands of other school families. In effect, the positive impact of vouchers translates to millions of dollars of additional educational resources potentially available to a wide range of school families each year - including Catholic school families.

Now here's an unhappy fact: In 2011, the bishops of Pennsylvania made the passage of vouchers one of their priority legislative issues. People like Bob O'Hara in our statewide Catholic bishops' conference and Jason Budd in our archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education worked hard to mobilize Catholic support. Their efforts failed - and not because they didn't try, but because too few people in the pews listened. Very few Catholics called or wrote their state senators and representatives. Even fewer visited their offices to lobby as citizens. Despite this, vouchers passed in the state senate, before stalling in the house. One non-Catholic school choice activist - who has poured years of his time and millions of dollars of his own resources into fighting for vouchers as a social justice issue - was baffled at the inability of Catholics to mobilize around an issue so obviously vital to the public interest and so clearly helpful to the survival of their own schools.

In the coming week I'll be writing every state senator and representative in the territory of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to press them to support school vouchers. And I'll continue doing it until vouchers pass. I hope my brother bishops and pastors across the state will do the same. More importantly: Our Catholic people need to do the same. Elected officials do listen, and they act when the noise gets loud enough. If nothing else, the crisis of Philadelphia's Catholic schools is an unpleasant but finally very healthy wake up call. The bill for our failure to pass school choice over the past decade has come due. Now we're paying for it.

When vouchers stalled, yet again, in the Pennsylvania house last fall, a frustrated Catholic school teacher friend of mine said "Catholics are suckers." I don't believe that. But then, I'm new in town. If we Philadelphia Catholics love our Catholic schools, and we obviously do, then the time to get active and focused is now. We need to begin pressing our state lawmakers to pass the school choice legislation -- including vouchers and expanded EITC credits - that's currently pending in Harrisburg. And we need to do it this week, today, right now. I plan to do that. I hope you'll join me.
For more information on school choice, and to contact your legislator, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/PASchoolChoice

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

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in the national observance of Catholic Schools Week beginning January 29, 2012 through February 5, 2012. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the values-centered, faith-filled education that students receive in Catholic elementary, secondary and special education schools. The national theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is "Faith. Academics. Service."

In his weekly column: Catholic Schools Week - How you and I can help, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., said, "We can honor Catholic Schools Week this year by actually doing something about the fiscal problems hurting our schools. We need to press our lawmakers, respectfully but vigorously, to pass school choice. School vouchers do not mean "government support for religious schools." That argument is flatly false. No vouchers go to any school, religious or otherwise. Vouchers do, however, return the power of educational choice to parents, where it belongs. In doing so, vouchers make all schools more accountable for the quality of education they deliver. Parents get the voucher. Parents choose the school. This makes perfect sense."

To read the Archbishop's full column, please visit www.catholicphilly.com. School families are urged to visit the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference website to join the advocacy network and send a message to their legislators at www.pacatholic.org/advocacy.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is participating in Operation Rice Bowl for the 37th year in a row. Operation Rice Bowl is a nationwide effort administered by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to alleviate hunger both locally and abroad through four components: prayer, fasting, learning, and giving. Bishop John J. McIntyre will preside at this year's kick-off.

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Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, died on January 31, 2012 at the age of 88. Cardinal Bevilacqua died in his sleep at 9:15 p.m. at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he had resided since his retirement. Cardinal Bevilacqua served as Archbishop of Philadelphia from February 11, 1988 to October 7, 2003. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals on June 28, 1991.

"I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of my predecessor Cardinal Bevilacqua," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. of Philadelphia. "I encourage all Catholics in the Archdiocese to join me in praying for the repose of his soul and that God will comfort his family as they mourn his loss. Cardinal Bevilacqua has been called home by God; a servant of the Lord who loved Jesus Christ and His people."

As the leader of the Archdiocese for 15 years, Cardinal Bevilacqua initiated a renewal process called Catholic Faith and Life 2000 to bring non-practicing Catholics back to the Church. The renewal process culminated on October 22, 2000 with 40,000 Catholics participating in a candlelight procession on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Cardinal Bevilacqua also reached out to Catholics in the Archdiocese through a weekly live call-in radio program and a monthly bulletin titled, "Voice of Your Shepherd." He regularly made pastoral visits to parishes, schools, nursing homes and other institutions throughout the Archdiocese and to people of all faiths through his visits to hospitals and prisons as well as ecumenical and interreligious outreach.

In January of 1998, with racial tensions flaring in areas such as Grays Ferry, North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia, the Cardinal issued "Healing Through Faith and Truth," a pastoral letter on racism regarded as one of the most important documents written during his tenure as Archbishop of Philadelphia.

"Racism is an intrinsic evil that separates us from God," he said in his letter. "It is a moral disease and it is contagious." The Cardinal called on "Catholics and all people of good will to pray that God will cast out the demon of racism wherever it exists."

Toward the end of his tenure, in 2002, a grand jury investigation began into allegations of clergy sexual abuse which eventually led to the 2005 Grand Jury Report.

Cardinal Bevilacqua celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for Fifteen Years of Service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on July 12, 2003. At that time, the Cardinal addressed the faithful of the Archdiocese saying, "Thank you for the affection which you have given me throughout these years and for your active participation in the life of the Church. You have been for me over the years a great joy and gift from God."

Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua was born in Brooklyn, NY, on June 17, 1923. He was one of 11 children born to Luigi and Maria Bevilacqua. Following his 1943 graduation from Cathedral College, he attended Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, NY. There he completed the six years of philosophy and theology requirements and was ordained on June 11, 1949 at St. James Cathedral, Brooklyn.

In 1956, he received his Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.) Summa Cum Laude from Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University. In 1962, he received a Master of Arts degree in Political Science (M.A.) from Columbia University in New York. In 1975 Father Bevilacqua received a degree in Civil Law (J.D.) from St. John's University Law School in Queens, NY. He was admitted to practice as a civil lawyer before the Courts of New York State, the Courts of the State of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1971, the Bishop of Brooklyn appointed then-Father Bevilacqua as the Founding Director of the Catholic Migration and Refugee Office. In 1976, he was named Honorary Prelate by His Holiness Pope Paul VI with the title of Monsignor. Also in 1976, he was named Chancellor of the Brooklyn Diocese. He remained Chancellor of the Diocese and Director of its Migration and Refugee Office until 1983.

From 1968 to 1980, Monsignor Bevilacqua was visiting Professor of Canon Law at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York. From 1977 to 1980, he also taught immigration law as an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. John's University Law School.

On November 24, 1980, he was ordained a Bishop and served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn until Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1983, where he served until his appointment as Archbishop of Philadelphia in 1987. As Archbishop of Philadelphia he also served as a member of various congregations and councils of the Holy See and committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Cardinal Bevilacqua's death comes at a time when the Archdiocese is facing extraordinary challenges," said Archbishop Chaput. "During this difficult period, I invite all of our people to come together in prayer for a renewal of our Church and Her mission."

Cardinal Bevilacqua is survived by his sister Madeline Langan of Bayville, New York and his brother Frank Bevilacqua of West Simsbury, Connecticut.

Funeral arrangements: Following a private viewing at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Archbishop Chaput will receive the body at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday, February 6, 2012 at approximately 5:30 p.m. A public viewing will take place at the Cathedral Basilica from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will also be a public viewing on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal Bevilacqua will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Rite of Committal in the Cathedral Crypt (located below the main altar). The celebrant for the Funeral Mass will be Archbishop Chaput and the homilist will be Monsignor Louis D'Addezio.

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Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Dear friends in Christ,

The United States Department of Health and Human Services announced on January 20 that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those "services" in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.

In so ruling, the current Administration has undermined both the principle of religious conscience and the First Amendment to the Constitution in an unprecedented way. Unless the ruling is overturned, faithful Catholics will be forced either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees and suffer the penalties for doing so. The Administration's only concession was to give our institutions a one-year delay to comply. This is not merely inadequate. It is dangerous. And it betrays the good faith of many Catholics who -- until now -- have supported the current Administration with an honest will.

Bishops and lay Catholic leaders across the United States have made it clear that we cannot comply with this unjust law without compromising our convictions and undermining the Catholic identity of many of our service ministries. This is not just another important issue among the many we need to be concerned about. This ruling is different. This ruling interferes with the basic right of Catholic citizens to organize and work for the common good as Catholics in the public square.

Today, I ask of you two things. First, we need to pray for our country, for our Church, and for our own right to work freely as a believing community through our ministries in the public square. Second, we need to act.

Please visit the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference website at www.pacatholic.org to learn how to contact your federal Representative and Senators. Write them, call them, visit them -- and help them understand the deep resistance of Pennsylvania Catholics to this dangerous ruling. Please also visit www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this attack on religious conscience, and how to work to reverse the Administration's decision.

Your action on this issue matters -- not just today but for many years to come; and in ways that will shape the ability of the Church to witness the Gospel publicly through her ministries well into the future. Please know that you have my gratitude and daily prayers. And please remember me in your prayers as well.

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

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

When I wrote to the people of the Archdiocese on December 8 last year, I said that we'd face a great many legal and financial issues in 2012. Last Sunday, January 29, one of those challenges made Philadelphia Inquirer headlines. A senior member of the archdiocesan staff stole more than $900,000 of our people's resources before being discovered and fired last summer. Our normal outside auditing firm -- independent and nationally respected -- had previously found no evidence of criminal activity.

The story is not new. In fact, news media first reported this story last July. But neither the Church nor the District Attorney's office knew the scope of the loss until last fall. We've been silent on this matter until now for obvious reasons: to allow law enforcement to do its work. Circumstances have now changed.

People are angry about this loss, and they're right. So am I. There's no excuse for it. Non-profit organizations - like foundations, Churches, museums and many hospitals - tend to draw mission-driven people as staff. Most of their employees are honest. A few are not. And in a work environment based on shared beliefs and service, a dishonest person can do massive damage. Precisely because religious organizations run on the good will of the people they serve and the dedication of their staffs, they can easily become too trusting in their internal safeguards. But that only makes the need for tight financial controls and accounting procedures more urgent.

It's important to keep a few facts in mind as this story plays out over the coming weeks:

First, the theft occurred from the general operating funds of the Archdiocese. Monies donated to the Heritage of Faith, Vision of Hope capital campaign and the annual Catholic Charities Appeal were not impacted in any way. The theft also had no effect on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission or the decision to close or regionalize any school.

Second, based on an outside forensic financial review conducted by the firms of ParenteBeard and BallardSpahr, the theft was confined to one senior staffer. No other archdiocesan staff persons were involved.

Third, the Archdiocese has worked with the District Attorney's office throughout this investigation. And we will vigorously pursue restitution from the wrong-doer.

Fourth, as bitter as this loss is, insurance will cover much of it. This is little comfort and absolves no one, but as an immediate concern, at least some of the damage will be made whole. Moreover, since Catholic Social Services, Catholic Health Care Services and similar ministries are separate entities from the Archdiocese, they suffered no loss from the theft.

Fifth and finally, when I arrived in Philadelphia in September, I began a comprehensive legal and financial review of archdiocesan operations conducted by experienced outside professionals. That independent review is continuing. We've begun to apply its recommendations in the way we steward the resources entrusted to the Church by our people. The recruitment of a new chief financial officer is nearing completion. The search for a new archdiocesan controller is also underway. New procedures are in place in the areas where the embezzlement occurred. In the coming year, new and much more rigorous internal controls will take effect, along with tighter budget discipline and a demand for improved skills in everyone tasked with the management of archdiocesan resources. To their credit, Bishop Timothy Senior, our moderator of the curia, and Marc Fisher, the new director of our internal auditing efforts, have been a great help in this difficult process.

The task ahead is large. But protections are already in effect to help prevent this kind of damaging criminal activity in the future. Working with our Archdiocesan Priests' Council, our Archdiocesan Finance Council and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council now in formation, I do promise that every aspect of our shared life as a Church will be subject in the years ahead to the kind of clarity, greater accountability and careful stewardship our people deserve.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces the launch of the 2012 Catholic Charities Appeal, the single greatest fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese supporting Catholic Charities. Through the support of more than 80 programs within the Philadelphia-region - including educational programs for disabled children, soup kitchens, senior centers and hospices - Catholic Charities Appeal cares for more than 200,000 people every year.

Bishop John J. McIntyre, Temple University Head Basketball Coach Fran Dunphy, St. Joseph's University Head Basketball Coach Phil Martelli, Philadelphia Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Garrett-Harley and long-standing Catholic Charities Appeal donor Dr. Rich Vassallo will offer remarks during the afternoon press conference.

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Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Every year at this time we embark on a critically important campaign for our local Church: the Catholic Charities Appeal. Here's why it's so vital - especially now.

When we think of the Church, we usually think first of our own parish. That makes sense, because that's where we live out most of our lives as Catholics. At our parishes we encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and the Word of God. It's where couples are married, babies are baptized, sins are confessed and families come together for the funerals of loved ones.

But a Catholic understanding of the Church is much broader than our parishes. In fact, each of our parishes is a local expression of the larger, archdiocesan Church. And each part of that larger Church, whether it be in the northern corner of Bucks County or the heart of Philadelphia, is an essential part of the body of Christ.

The Catholic Charities Appeal is a key way of contributing to that community of faith which is the Church in southeastern Pennsylvania. We believe that the Church is the ongoing presence of Christ in the world. We're called as his Church to do as Jesus did, and that can be summarized in three simple duties.

The first thing the Church is called to do is to evangelize; in other words, to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, even when the Gospel message is unwelcome in the world around us.

The second mission of the Church is to build up the community of faith internally through education and fellowship.

The third thing the Church is called to do -- and which our archdiocese always seeks to do -- is to care for those who are in need, especially in rough economic times like today. Jesus didn't require people to believe in him before he loved them, healed them or entered their lives. As a Church, we have the duty to be the presence of Jesus Christ in the lives of others, even those who are not believers.

This is why I'm glad, and proud, to ask our Catholic community for financial help through the Catholic Charities Appeal. Money is a vital means of assisting others. In fact, the Acts of the Apostles describe Peter and Paul as often taking up collections for the poor and for the Mother Church in Jerusalem.

Giving of our resources is an important sign of faith. All of us as believers, bishops and other clergy included, should tithe all that we have back to God -- ideally, 10 percent of our incomes; but if that's not possible, at least some regular, sacrificial percentage of our personal resources.

The more generous we are with God, the more God gives back to us. Our annual Catholic Charities Appeal campaign is -- quite literally -- the lifeblood of more than 80 archdiocesan ministries. The Appeal supports, in various ways, everything from our schools for special education, to Catholic Human Services, to youth and young adult ministry, to our prolife efforts, to aid for our elderly and infirm priests. In other words, the Appeal is absolutely vital to the on-going work of the Church in southeastern Pennsylvania.

I'm grateful for the gift of being called to Philadelphia to serve as your bishop. Because of that call, one of my duties is to invite each of you to respond to the work of the Holy Spirit in your own lives. We should thank God every day for our time in this world, our families and our sustenance; and when we do, we should also remember the vocation God gave to each of us at our baptism: a vocation to help him remake and renew the world in Christ's name.

The work of the Gospel won't happen in a vacuum, and it can't happen without the resources to pursue it. So please be as generous as possible this year when you're asked to contribute to the Catholic Charities Appeal. Many, many deserving ministries depend on the success of the Appeal -- which means, ultimately, that they depend on you and me. God bless you for your kindness.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces the official kick-off of the 2012 Catholic Charities Appeal, the single largest fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese supporting the charitable works of the Church. This year, the Catholic Charities Appeal and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., have set a fundraising goal of $10 million.

"Through the support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, more than 80 programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are able to provide help and create hope for thousands of individuals and families in need every day," said Archbishop Chaput. "Together, we can dramatically transform the lives of those who need it the most by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and providing for the poor. Continued support from our faith community is essential in order to carry out these powerful services for so many and to make a lasting, positive impact on our city of Philadelphia and its surrounding communities."

The Catholic Charities Appeal funds many programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including housing and meals for the homeless, senior and family service centers, afterschool programs, community food cupboards and residential and community-based academic programs for dependent and delinquent youth, developmentally disabled and special needs children. Donations to the Appeal enable these programs to continue providing help and creating hope for more than 200,000 people each year. Of every dollar contributed to the Appeal, 92 cents directly benefits those in need throughout the five-county region served by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This rate is considerably better than industry standards for non-profit organizations and demonstrates the efficiency of the organizations funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal.

"Catholic Social Services changed my life for the better," said Camille Turner, a Mercy Hospice alumna, which assists homeless women and women in recovery from substance abuse to stabilize their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. "The devoted, loving staff at Mercy Hospice gave me the hope and resources to get back on the right track. Without Mercy Hospice, I don't know where I would be today."

Founded in 1958 by John Cardinal O'Hara, the Catholic Charities Appeal funds over 80 agencies throughout the five counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The services that the Archdiocese provides reflect a belief in the sanctity of all human life, the inherent dignity of every person, and the central role of the family in life and society.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education announces that with great reluctance it has accepted the resignation of Brother Timothy Ahern, F.S.C., President of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, effective immediately.

As President for the past seven years Brother Tim was a model leader who worked with faithfully and enthusiastically on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of West Catholic. A proud alumnus himself, Brother Tim had previously served on the faculty at West Catholic from 1971-1979. As a teacher and an administrator he profoundly impacted the lives of countless students in a positive way.

Following the announcement of the Blue Ribbon Commission's recommendations last month, Brother Tim elected not to appeal the proposed closure of West Catholic. His decision, which was based on facts related to future enrollment projections, was made with a heavy heart. He did not wish to raise false hopes through an appeal. Unfortunately, that decision created an untenable atmosphere for Brother Tim within the school.

Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese said, "I was deeply saddened to learn of Brother Tim's resignation. He loves West Catholic with all of his heart. His care for each and every member of the school community was evident in the devotion and dedication he put into his work." Bishop Fitzgerald continued, "If not for Brother Tim's leadership, hard work, and innovative partnerships with business leaders, alumni and alumnae, West Catholic very likely would have closed several years ago. Those who have benefitted from the school's fine tradition of educational excellence during his tenure owe him a debt of gratitude."

The Office of Catholic Education has assigned Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas Rooney, to serve as the interim president at the school for the remainder of the year.

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

CELEBRANT: ARCHBISHOP CHARLES J. CHAPUT, O.F.M. CAP.

Friday, March 16, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales,

Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales

Thursday, March 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Alphonsus, Maple Glen

Friday, March 30, 2012, 6:00 p.m., Saint Thomas the Apostle, Glen Mills

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Thomas the Apostle, Glen Mills

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 5:30 p.m., Saint Agatha-Saint James, Philadelphia

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Saint Frances Cabrini, Fairless Hills

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:00 p.m., Saint Eugene, Primos

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 6:00 p.m., Immaculate Conception, Levittown

Friday April 20, 2012, 6:00 p.m., Saint Rocco, Avondale

Saturday, April 21, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Rocco, Avondale

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 12:00 Noon, Our Lady of Consolation, Parkesburg


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND DANIEL E. THOMAS

Sunday, February 26, 2012, 9:00 a.m., Holy Cross, Philadelphia AND Saint Madeleine Sophie, at Saint Madeleine Sophie Church, Philadelphia

Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint George, Glenolden

Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown

Sunday, March 18, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Saint John Baptist Vianney, Gladwyne

Friday, March 23, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Andrew, Newtown

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 9:30 a.m and 1:30 p.m., Saint Andrew, Newtown

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Helena, Blue Bell

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m and 1:00 p.m., Saint Agnes, West Chester

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 10:30 a.m., Saint Joseph Coatesville

Saturday, April 21, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Matthias, Bala Cynwyd

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 12:00 Noon, Saint Colman, Ardmore

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Joseph, Spring City

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Barnabas, Philadelphia

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Our Mother of Consolation, Philadelphia

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 11:30 a.m., Saint Donato, Philadelphia

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Pius X, Broomall

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Divine Mercy, Philadelphia

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Ann, Bristol

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence, King of Prussia

Thursday, May 24, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Lawrence, Riegelsville


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY C. SENIOR

Monday, March 5, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Joseph, Collingdale

Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Rosary, Coatesville

Thursday, March 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Albert the Great, Huntingdon Valley

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10:00 a.m and 1:30 p.m., Saint Cornelius, Chadds Ford

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Denis, Havertown

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Visitation B.V.M., Philadelphia

Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady of Good Counsel, Southampton

Thursday, April 12, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saints Peter and Paul, West Chester

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saint Philip and James, Exton

Monday, April 16, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Charles Borromeo, Bensalem

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Saint Augustine, Philadelphia

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 5:30 p.m., Saint Veronica, Philadelphia

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 12:00 Noon, Saint Laurence, Upper Darby

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saints Simon and Jude, West Chester

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Saint Philip Neri, Philadelphia

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint John the Baptist (Manayunk), Philadelphia

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint John the Evangelist, Morrisville

Friday, May 11, 2012, 7:00 p.m., Saint Hugh of Cluny, Philadelphia

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 3:00 p.m., Saint Mary, Schwenksville

Sunday, May 27, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 7:00 p.m., Saint Thomas Aquinas, Philadelphia


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND JOHN J. MCINTYRE

Monday, February 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Gabriel, Philadelphia

Thursday, March 8, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Francis Xavier-The Oratory, Philadelphia

Saturday, March 10, 2012, 11:00 a.m. Saint Katharine of Siena, Wayne

Thursday, March 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Joseph, Warrington

Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Robert Bellarmine, Warrington

Thursday, March 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia

Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint John the Baptist, Ottsville

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saint Maximilian Kolbe, West Chester

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saint Eleanor, Collegeville

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Yardley

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Francis of Assisi, Philadelphia

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Christopher, Philadelphia

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Luke the Evangelist, Glenside

Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Saint Stanislaus, Lansdale

Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, Avondale

Monday, April 30, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Saint Isidore, Quakertown

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 5:30 p.m., Saint Peter, West Brandywine

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Assumption BVM, Feasterville

Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Matthew, Philadelphia

Monday, May 21, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Queen of the Universe, Levittown

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Sacred Heart (Manoa), Havertown


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND MICHAEL J. FITZGERALD

Sunday, February 5, 2012, 11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart, Clifton Heights,

Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10:30 a.m., Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Limerick

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:30 a.m., Old Saint Joseph's, Philadelphia

Monday, February 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Epiphany of Our Lord, Philadelphia

Thursday, February 16, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Philadelphia

Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saint Patrick, Malvern,

Friday, February 24, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady of Ransom Philadelphia,

Sunday, February 26, 2012, 11:30 a.m., Saint Ambrose, Philadelphia

Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Mary Magdalen, Media

Saturday, March 3, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saint Joseph, Downingtown

Monday, March 5, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Gabriel, Norwood

Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Maria Goretti, Hatfield

Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe, Buckingham

Sunday, March 11, 2012, 11:15 a.m., Mater Dolorosa, Philadelphia

Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Holy Cross, Springfield

Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Maternity B.V.M., Philadelphia

Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Genevieve, Flourtown

Sunday, March 25, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Philadelphia

Monday, March 26, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady Help of Christians, Abington

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting

Friday, March 30, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Cecilia, Coatesville


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND MARTIN H. LOHMULLER

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 3:00 p.m., Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Jamison

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 3:00 p.m., Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Jamison


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND LOUIS A. DE SIMONE

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Philip Neri, Lafayette Hill

Saturday, April 21, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Monica, Berwyn

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 11:30 a.m., Saint Leo, Philadelphia

Friday, April 27, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Titus, Norristown

Sunday, May 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m., Saint Athanasius, Philadelphia

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 3:00 p.m., Saint Theresa of Avila, Norristown


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND ROBERT P. MAGINNIS

Thursday, March 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Norbert, Paoli

Sunday, March 18, 2012, 1:00 p.m., Saint Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont

Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Joseph, Aston

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m., Saint Bede the Venerable, Holland

Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Joseph the Worker, Fallsington

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Nativity, B.V.M., Media

Thursday, April 12, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Mark, Bristol

Saturday, April 14, 2012, 10:30 a.m., Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bensalem

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Francis of Assisi, Springfield

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Patrick, Norristown

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 2:30 p.m., Saint Monica, Philadelphia

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Timothy, Philadelphia

Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Agnes, Sellersville

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10:00 a.m., Saint Charles Borromeo, Drexel Hill


CELEBRANT: MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. MARTINO

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Our Mother of Sorrows & Saint Ignatius of Loyola at Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church

Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Lansdowne

Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10:30 a.m., Saint Cecilia, Philadelphia

Monday, February 27, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Basil the Great, Kimberton

Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Bernadette, Drexel Hill

Thursday, March 1, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Nativity of Our Lord, Warminster

Thursday, March 8, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Blessed Virgin Mary, Darby

Monday, March 12, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint John Chrysostom, Wallingford

Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 4:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown

Thursday, March 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Jerome, Philadelphia

Monday, March 19, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Rydal

Thursday, April 12, 2012, 4:30 p.m., Saint Thomas More, Pottstown

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Andrew, Drexel Hill

Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Visitation B.V.M., Norristown

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saint Elizabeth, Uwchlan

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Saint John Neumann, Bryn Mawr

Monday, May 7, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Saint Patrick, Kennett Square

Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 4:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Creighton Abrams, arguably America's best general in recent history, was an uncommon man. A biographer said that "he touched those who came to know him in a way they valued and would never forget." It's easy to see why. He led by example. He embodied the virtues of courage, honesty, dedication to mission, personal humility and unfailing fidelity to his wife and six children over a marriage of 38 years.

Abrams never degraded his opponents. He never demeaned himself by demeaning others. He lived by the highest ethical standards, and he demanded the same from the people around him. One of his favorite sayings was "Never wrestle with pigs: You get dirty, and the pigs love it."

Those words came back to me this past week. The trigger was the fierce public debate over the Obama administration's misleading February 10 "compromise" on a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate. The original HHS mandate, announced on January 20, would have forced nearly all Catholic institutions, organizations and private employers to provide contraception and abortifacients as part of their health coverage.

As many Catholic legal scholars have observed: The February 10 "compromise" does not solve the problem. It continues, in its practical effect, to force faithful Catholic employers to violate their religious beliefs. In short, the HHS mandate is coercive and deeply troubling in its implications for the rights of conscience. Nor is this accidental. The administration, despite the good will it has enjoyed from many Catholics, has taken a path that it knows to be unnecessary and knows to be hostile to Catholic belief.

The contempt dumped on Catholic teaching in our mass media over the past few days of debate tells us quite a lot about our critics. It also underlines the need for fighting respectfully but vigorously for what we believe. When a columnist in a major news daily claims, for example, that "The Catholic Church basically endorses one form of birth control, the rhythm method, which is contraception for stupid people," we can learn two things: Neither accuracy nor civility matters when it comes to demeaning how faithful Catholics try to live their lives. In the task of pushing birth control, sneering is fully licensed.

Of course, people are free to join or leave the Catholic community. They're free to criticize Catholic belief in any way they choose. But they're not free to force Catholic institutions, organizations and individual employers into violating their religious convictions. They're not free to mislead the public about a flawed and dangerous HHS mandate. And they're not free to ignore the concerns of Catholic citizens who are rightly angry about the current administration's indifference to religious freedom and the rights of conscience.

A friend of Creighton Abrams once said that, despite his humility and mastery of self, when it came to matters of principle, he "could inspire aggressiveness in a begonia." It's an interesting line. The Christian life does not need aggression. It doesn't return hatred with more hatred. Living the Gospel depends on virtues like justice, charity and mercy. But it also depends on courage. It does require fortitude. And that means a great many Catholics need to wake up and take a hard look at what's happening to our country. They may not like what they see. They shouldn't like what they see. And if they don't, they need to fight -- without apologies -- to turn things toward the good.

The current HHS mandate is not a real "compromise." It's bad law with very dangerous implications. It needs to be rescinded, and it doesn't matter how ugly or deceptive our critics choose to be. I ask every Catholic who reads these words and takes his or her faith seriously, to please contact your U.S. senators and representative. Do it today. Press them to rescind this destructive HHS mandate.

I know: We all have so many issues that compete for our daily attention. We're often tempted to ignore the whole lot.

But this one is urgent. This one really matters.

[Please visit the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference website at www.pacatholic.org to learn how to contact your federal Representative and Senators].

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has reviewed and accepted the recommendations regarding elementary schools from the Review Committees assigned to hear appeals to the school restructuring outlined by the Blue Ribbon Commission. The recommendations regarding the high schools will be delayed approximately one week. The postponement is due to recently received information regarding potential donors that has to be explored before any decision is made. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap, Archbishop of Philadelphia, said, "I recognize how anxious all of those affected by this decision are to hear the final outcome. I want to see this resolved too but this decision is too important to be made without considering absolutely every fact and all serious, substantive proposals even if they don't fit the time frame originally set. We owe it to our teachers, administrators, students and school families."

Following the January 6, 2012 announcement when the Archbishop received the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia established an appeals process to allow schools the opportunity to present fact-based evidence in support of their position to remain open or not merge.

The Review Committee, which consisted of members of the Blue Ribbon Commission and Archdiocesan administrators, began hearing appeals on January 12, 2012. At these meetings, the Review Committee presented the facts considered by the Blue Ribbon Commission in reaching its recommendation to the school administrators, and school administrators were given the opportunity to present the rationale for their appeal along with supporting facts and documentation.

"The Review Committee listened with open minds and hearts, but knew it would take hard facts to change the recommendations made by the Blue Ribbon Commission," said Archbishop Chaput. "After all, the intent of the Blue Ribbon Commission was to create a strategic plan for stabilizing and reinvigorating Catholic education in our diocese, so any decision to alter the Commission's recommendations was given a great deal of consideration as to its short- and long-term impact."

The Archbishop agreed with the assessment completed by the Review Committee to alter 18 of the original recommendations for elementary schools to close, partner or merge. These recommendations were changed for a variety of reasons, including: some schools will remain parish schools because they have demonstrated that their school is poised for long-term sustainability, some schools may be closed outright to allow welcoming schools to maintain their identity, and other schools will still form regional schools, but perhaps in a different location that may be better suited for the schools.

In addition to the appeals outcomes, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia also announced today that a plan is underway to structure and fund up to 14 mission schools to ensure their long-term viability. The committed and engaged community leaders have completed a similar mission program at St. Martin de Porres School, and hope that this effort will be replicated once funding is able to be secured.

"We are pleased to be working with these Catholic community leaders, who have stepped forward at such a critical time for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia," said Archbishop Chaput. "This entire Blue Ribbon Commission process has led people to approach us with creative ideas, solutions and resources that help us to continue our mission to provide families access to an affordable, quality Catholic education. We have engaged a whole new group of people and reengaged others that will help to make the future of Catholic education a bright one."

While there is no assurance that schools under review will ultimately become mission schools, the schools presently under consideration include: St. Helena and Incarnation of Our Lord partnered at the St. Helena site, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Donato partnered at the St. Donato site, St. Gabriel, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Malachy, Visitation BVM, Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius, St. Rose of Lima, Mary, Mother of Peace, St. Martin of Tours, The DePaul Catholic School, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Peter the Apostle, and St. Veronica.

"This entire process is just a beginning to reinvigorating Catholic education," said Archbishop Chaput. "Let's not lose sight of the fact that legislation allowing parents to decide where their children go to school through opportunity scholarships and greatly expanded EITC, would be a game changer for our schools in the future."

A full list of schools affected by the Review Committees' recommendations can be viewed at www.faithinthefuture.com.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant at Mass and distribute blessed ashes at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Catholics in 266 parishes across the Archdiocese will attend Mass and receive ashes on their foreheads which are marked in the sign of a cross to remind them of their mortality as Lent 2012 begins with Ash Wednesday.

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

Steeples will be placed on the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish Church in Schwenksville, Montgomery County on Ash Wednesday. Once the steeples are in place, Father Paul Brandt, Pastor, will ride a construction lift 100 feet into the air to place a 10 foot cross onto the steeple of the bell tower.

All of the students from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish School as well as children in Child Care and many parishioners will gather in the parking lot to witness this historic event. The setting of the cross will take place around 10:00 a.m. immediately following Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:00 a.m.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

One of the defining moments of Jesus' public ministry takes place before his work even begins. In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, God's Spirit leads Jesus into the desert for fasting and prayer. While there, Satan attacks him with temptations to vanity, worldly power and glory. In effect, Christ's knowledge of who he really is and the nature of his messiahship are put to the test. Pressed by the devil to turn stones into bread, a hungry and weakened Jesus nonetheless answers: "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'" (Mt 4:4).

Reading the New Testament reminds us again and again that Christian discipleship has social implications. We have obligations of charity, mercy and justice to each other that bind us together as one human family. We cannot be saved alone. We prove our faith and we make our way to God through service to other people, especially the poor and the weak. The Epistle of James especially warns us that pious words alone do not make a Christian. James urges us to "be doers of the word and not hearers only" (Jas 1:22). And he stresses that "religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27).

We are in the world, and we have duties to help ease its needs. We're called to make it a more virtuous and humane place. But-and this is vital-we are not of the world. The material dimension of Gospel justice flows from a deeper and more important spiritual truth: We were created by God. We cannot be happy or whole without him.

Human beings are much more than mere animals or interesting biochemical systems. We have souls. Through Jesus Christ, we will live forever. Thus we have needs and longings that can never be satisfied by merely material things. There can be no real "justice" divorced from questions about man's final purpose and humanity's deeper spiritual hungers. Any social order that denies God or refuses to allow him space in the public life of its people fundamentally attacks its own legitimacy because it denies reality and trivializes the scope of the human person.

This week, on Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world begin the holy season of Lent, one of the most sacred periods in the Christian year. Lent is a time for self-denial and prayer; a time to reconnect with Scripture; a time to purify ourselves and reconcile with God through the sacrament of penance. It's an invitation to humility, forgiveness of others, honest self-examination and repentance -- but also to growing joy, because with Easter, our redemption will be at hand.

Lent is a precious time and gift; a unique chance to reorient our lives toward those unseen but enduring things that really matter. This year, may God grant us the wisdom to use these weeks of Lent well. May we remember that we serve justice best by first giving ourselves to God; and then bringing the light of Jesus Christ to others through the witness of our lives, our words and our actions. There is no justice without truth; and only Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Timothy O'Shaughnessy, 48, has been named Chief Financial Officer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective April 16, 2012.

O'Shaughnessy comes to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia where he has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2008, responsible for overseeing all finance related matters including the school's budget, treasury and debt management and the yearly audit. Prior to that, O'Shaughnessy worked for ARAMARK most recently as a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Business, Sports and Entertainment Group. His responsibilities included annual business planning, budgeting, improvement of internal accounting controls and participating in monthly operating reviews. While at ARAMARK, O'Shaughnessy also served on the company's Business Conduct Policy Committee which in part focused on improving internal controls and procedures to prevent loss.

"We face many financial challenges right now and going forward, and I'm grateful to have Tim O'Shaughnessy's skills as Chief Financial Officer," said Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. "Tim has the experience and ability to handle any financial situation, to create the controls and procedures to protect against loss, and to work very effectively in a mission driven organization. These gifts are vital as the Archdiocese works to put our house in order and restore the trust of our people and major donors."

O'Shaughnessy holds a bachelor's degree from LaSalle University in Business Administration and Accounting and a MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Earlier in his career he was a Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, he currently serves on the Audit Committee for Holy Family University, is a Board Member of the Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School and is a Director of Polonia Bank.

Tim and his wife, Marianne, who have five children, are parishioners of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in West Chester.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will make an announcement regarding the future of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia following the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission in January. The final decisions regarding the four high schools, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School; Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls; Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School; and West Philadelphia Catholic High School will be announced.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

This independent foundation will be an affiliated partner of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its Office of Catholic Education (OCE). All 17 high schools will continue under this new model including, Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast, Conwell-Egan Catholic, St. Hubert's and West Catholic, which were slated for closure in June 2012.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today the creation of the Faith in the Future Foundation, which will which will support and guide the system of 17 Archdiocesan high schools and eventually assist the parish elementary schools, regional schools and schools of special education across the five-county Philadelphia region. The foundation is a private and independent entity focused on creating a growing, innovative, best-in-class and fiscally sustainable Catholic secondary educational system. The Faith in the Future Foundation will be chaired by Edward Hanway, former chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CIGNA Corporation, and its Board of Directors will be comprised of leaders from a multitude of vocations, professions, industries and philanthropic organizations. More, the Board of Directors will reflect the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity that is present within the region's Catholic high schools today.

As part of the creation of the Faith in the Future Foundation, the four Catholic secondary schools originally slated for closure in June 2012 - Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School and West Philadelphia Catholic High School- will now remain open. The foundation has agreed to guarantee funding for the secondary school system, through the next several years, as a concerted fundraising effort and a robust marketing initiative are undertaken to address the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission.

These efforts will be concurrent with renewed advocacy by the foundation for the immediate passage of legislation providing opportunity scholarships to students who wish to attend an Archdiocesan school.

"The grassroots efforts to save these schools, coupled with the advocacy of legislators and the generosity of many who wish to make our schools healthy again brought us to this innovative new model for Catholic secondary education," said Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. "The Archdiocese and the Faith in the Future Foundation have much to do in putting these four high schools - and our entire system - on a strong footing. However, to make this new model truly successful, I strongly believe that beyond the fundraising and recruitment initiatives that will be implemented by the foundation, it is critical that we expand EITC funds and pass legislation for opportunity scholarships. We need this to help all of our schools survive -- not 'maybe' and not sometime in the future; but urgently, in this legislative session, right now."

Through generous donations of several anonymous donors but also through the individual fundraising efforts of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast, Conwell-Egan Catholic, St. Hubert's and West Catholic communities, the Faith in the Future Foundation has already secured two years of runway funding to address the cost of keeping the high schools open. To date, more than $12 million has been secured in cash and pledges, with a goal of $15 million by May 1, 2012. Additional funding will be necessary for this endeavor and the Faith in the Future Foundation, in concert with the 17 Archdiocesan high schools, has committed to raising an additional $15 million by June 2013 as well as a $70 million endowment for all schools by June 2017.

While a new executive management team will be created for the foundation, it is important to note that each of the 17 high schools within the system will maintain its President/Principal model, its own Board of Directors and its distinctive legacy identity including school colors, mascots and traditions. The Faith in the Future Foundation will offer strategic guidance as it relates to governance, fundraising, marketing and recruitment for the system and will work in close cooperation with the Office of Catholic Education.

"The Blue Ribbon Commission rightly identified many of the key issues facing our Catholic secondary schools and the report spoke to the need for a foundation to address those critical concerns," said Edward Hanway, a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission and Chairman of the Faith in the Future Foundation. "Although it wasn't anticipated that such a recommendation would come to fruition so quickly, this is the right time. Our Archdiocese is blessed with 17 Catholic high schools, all of which are outstanding and all of which serve their communities well. The creation of this independent foundation allows us to cultivate and share best practices in academics, extra-curricular activities, athletics, advancement and so many more areas. Further, we can now address - head on and across the entire system - the need for major funding, the need for stronger marketing and recruitment efforts and the need for legislation to provide opportunity scholarships to our students. We are committed to never traveling this path again and it starts today with the Faith in the Future Foundation."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. welcomed almost 800 new Catholics to the Church at two celebrations this weekend at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. These men and women will practice their faith at parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese.

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates signified an important step for 785 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. During the Rite of Election, Archbishop Chaput received and blessed 384 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 401 catechumens (those who have not been baptized).

After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, the catechumens and candidates will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass in their parishes on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

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

The Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults will celebrate the 18th Annual CYO Hall of Fame Awards Banquet to raise funds for the Office for Youth and Young Adults' programs while honoring men and women who give great witness to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and serve as excellent Catholic role models for youth and young adults.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Catholic men from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will come together for a day of prayer and fellowship at the Fourth Annual Men's Spirituality Conference. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will celebrate the Closing Mass at 2:30 p.m.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

At approximately 5:00 p.m. this evening the Archdiocese of Philadelphia learned that Father Patrick McCormick was arrested on Feburary 23rd and charged with patronizing a prostitute. This information is deeply troubling.

On Friday, Feburary 24th, Father McCormick informed the Archdiocese that he had been arrested the day before, but that the charge was DUI.

Father McCormick has been placed on administrative leave.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

One of the best moments in the recent life of our Church happened on Friday, February 23, as students at West Catholic, Conwell-Egan, Bonner-Prendie and St. Hubert's learned that their high schools, originally slated to close, would remain open.

I made the judgment to keep these financially challenged high schools open just a few hours before the press conference announcing the final decision. That little "miracle" happened because a great many people - from the Blue Ribbon Commission, the Office of Catholic Education, the individual school communities and Philadelphia's business and philanthropic leadership -- worked heroically to make it so. They raised new money and created the seeds of a new education foundation to assist our archdiocesan high schools, and eventually all our archdiocesan schools.

The Blue Ribbon Commission's work, the subsequent appeals process and the effort to save the four high schools placed very heavy demands on everyone involved. We owe a big debt of thanks to Jack Quindlen, Ed Hanway, Eleanor Dezzi, Jerry Davis, Frank Farnesi and other members of Blue Ribbon Commission; to Richard McCarron, Mary Rochford and David Magee of the Office of Catholic Education; and to Brian O'Neill, Brian Tierney and other members of the wider community for stepping forward to help.

I especially want to thank the pastors and people of the archdiocese who supported the Commission report and the findings of the appeals process. Some of them did so at great personal cost. No process is perfect. Some persons are always left unsatisfied. In a financially challenged environment as large and complex as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, this can't be avoided. But in the end, the process of examining our schools was just. Our schools will grow stronger because of the new ideas and structures we now begin to test.

And that brings me to a two simple but urgent facts we need to remember in the weeks ahead.

First, after every feel-good moment like the high school news on February 23, many of us would like to relax. But that's a luxury we can't afford. Our problems are not yet solved. They're merely delayed. We've been given more time, more talent and more resources to address them, but the problems facing our schools still need a great deal of hard work and creative thinking to be overcome. We need to vigorously increase school enrollments. We need to raise far more money both at the local grassroots and wider business community levels. And we need to stay focused on the effort. If we don't do all of these things, the failure will be ours to own.

Second, without the passage of opportunity scholarships and greater Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC), all of our school efforts become much more difficult. In fact, many of our schools will face the same financial crisis again in the future. "School choice" in the form of vouchers (i.e., opportunity scholarships), along with more EITC resources, is essential to the survival and thriving of our schools. That means that parents, pastors, and Catholic school teachers, presidents and principals need to contact their state lawmakers - this week and next week and the week after, no matter how many times it takes. They need to press their legislators to support opportunity scholarships and to increase Educational Improvement Tax Credits.

Catholic education in southeast Pennsylvania has a long and fruitful history. Our schools have played a huge role in enriching the life of Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. Now we need to work to restore that great legacy of education.

If we stay focused, raise the resources we need and fight for the passage of opportunity scholarships and more EITC funds, we'll succeed. If we don't, we'll fail -- and we'll have no one to blame but ourselves. The choice is ours.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Tomorrow, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will host an in person and virtual town hall meeting - including Archdiocesan high school and eighth grade students - to announce new marketing initiatives to help drive enrollment. This follows the February 24 announcement that the four high schools slated for closure will in fact stay open.

Since Archdiocesan students and their love for their schools are one of the Archdiocese's best assets in driving enrollment, leaders from each of the 17 Archdiocesan high schools will be on hand to connect directly with the Archbishop and learn how to become an active ambassador for their schools. The town hall format will also allow thousands of Catholic high school and elementary students to tune in to the Archdiocese's website (www.archphila.org) and ask questions via two-way web conferencing.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist at the annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities. The liturgy is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Department of Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, which recognizes the needs and gifts of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and facilitates their participation in the life of the Church and its faith community.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia in partnership with the Faith in the Future Foundation, which was created to support and guide the system of Archdiocesan high schools, announced today new initiatives to drive enrollment. These initiatives include over a million dollars in new grant money, incentive programs for current students, ways for students to share with others their love for their Archdiocesan school, a centralized online registration system and the announcement of a "See Our School" weekend.

1,000 grants of $1,000: The Faith in the Future Foundation recognizes that cost is one of the biggest barriers that families face when choosing a Catholic education and although, the Archdiocese and its supporting organizations provide scholarships and tuition assistance, there is always a need for more. To address this need, the foundation will be providing 1,000 new grants of $1,000 for incoming freshman-a million dollars in new grant money. These grants will allow the Archdiocese to offer students a high-quality education at a cost of $399 per month over 12 months.

I Love My School-You Should Love Yours Too: The foundation recognizes that Archdiocesan students are some of the schools' best proponents, and therefore, it is offering one student at each high school the opportunity to win a $5,000 tuition grant for referring the most new students to register for the 2012-2013 school year. The student, who refers the most new students across all high schools, will win a $25,000 tuition grant. This referral program will only count for new registrations, currently registered incoming freshmen and transfer students will not count as referrals.

Show it! Snap it! Share it!: The recent outpouring of love to the Archdiocesan high schools proved many things. It proved loyalty, determination and a willingness to help. But most of all, it proved that a Catholic education forms a special, life-long bond. It's a bond full of love and pride, which these students carry with them in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community. The foundation has created a new microsite, www.MyAOPSchool.com that encourages high school students to share their love for their school through photos on Twitter.

"See Our Schools" Weekend: All Archdiocesan high schools will be hosting "See Our Schools" events from Thursday, March 22 through Sunday, March 25 to encourage families to visit their schools to see firsthand their unique benefits. Computer labs and kiosks will be set up to accept online registrations through a new centralized online registration website that is launching on Monday, March 12, www.AOPregister.com.

"When we founded the Faith in the Future Foundation, we knew that stronger marketing and recruitment efforts would need to be a top priority," said Edward Hanway, Chairman of the Faith in the Future Foundation. "These innovative initiatives allow us to address head on the need to increase enrollment by reaching parents where they are, allowing them to easily register their children, removing some of the cost barriers, utilizing our best assets and showcasing the life changing benefits of a Catholic education."

In addition to the initiatives announced today, the foundation is working closely with the Office of Catholic Education and each of the high schools to develop further programs and marketing initiatives, including a paid media campaign to support "See Our Schools" weekend and cultivate ongoing partnerships and unique programs with colleges and others to bolster Philadelphia Archdiocesan High School graduates entering post-secondary education.

"When I announced that West Catholic, Conwell-Egan, Bonner-Prendie and St. Hubert's would remain open, I knew that we needed to vigorously increase school enrollments not just at these schools but all of our high schools" said Archbishop Charles Chaput. "These initiatives put forth by the Faith in the Future Foundation demonstrate that we are on the right path towards sustainable, academically excellent schools that are rooted in faith. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that we all need to do our part to ensure the future of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Six months ago this week (March 8), I began my service as Archbishop of Philadelphia. One of the reasons I write this weekly column is to speak directly and freely to our clergy and people. Today is a good time to reflect on the work that's been done so far to resolve the challenges facing the Archdiocese, and the work - a great deal of work - that still remains.

As I've noted in the past, when I arrived in Philadelphia I began a comprehensive financial and legal review of our archdiocesan operations. That process has been thorough and sobering. It will continue for several more months. But today we do have a far better sense of our limited resources and the scope of our problems. I've shared this information in detail with our Priests' Council, our Archdiocesan Finance Council and our newly formed Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, which I'll focus on in my column next week. Going forward, all three of these key advisory bodies will have regular, accurate briefings on the issues we face as a Church.

In the months since last September, we've reorganized our legal representation; hired a new and very capable chief financial officer; developed new internal financial controls; begun the work of improving our business policies, personnel and procedures; brought the Blue Ribbon Commission's important work to conclusion; started a new education foundation; and carried out a difficult -- but necessary and fair -- appeals process for schools slated to regionalize or close.

Since October I've appointed seven new members to our Archdiocesan Review Board to deal with allegations of clergy sexual abuse. All of them have outstanding backgrounds in law enforcement or victim assistance.

I've also had the good fortune of working with several people appointed by Cardinal Rigali in his final months of service who've done great work in addressing the problem of sexual abuse and making the Archdiocese a safe environment. These include victims' advocate Ms. Mary Achilles, who's overseen the training of more than 25,000 archdiocesan clergy, staff and volunteers in identifying and reporting suspected abuse; and Ms. Leslie Davila, formerly with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, who's reorganized and greatly improved our victim assistance efforts.

They also include Mr. Al Toczydlowski, a former Philadelphia Deputy District Attorney, who works closely with law enforcement, serves as our Delegate for Investigations, and helped develop our current abuse reporting and investigation policies; and Ms. Gina Maisto Smith, also a veteran former Philadelphia prosecutor, who has led an exhaustive review of our abuse-related policies, procedures and cases stemming from the 2011 grand jury report.

A point worth remembering is this: We need to acknowledge our failures of the past in dealing with clergy sexual abuse, and we need to help victims of that abuse to heal. We also need to acknowledge that no entity in the United States today - Catholic or otherwise - seeks more earnestly than the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to prevent abuse and to protect its people. And that commitment will only grow stronger in the years ahead.

I can't conclude this column without noting that one item - a very painful one -- remains a source of great frustration for our priests, our people and for me. More than two dozen of my brother priests who were placed on leave in the wake of last year's grand jury report remain on administrative leave. On several different occasions, our priests have heard that these cases would end "soon." We're now in March 2012, exactly one year later. Justice requires a resolution of these men's circumstances.

Our ability to act on these cases has been limited by a number of stubborn legal and practical factors. But some of these cases are very near conclusion. My hope is that most will be completed and announced over the next eight weeks. A few will likely be delayed because of continuing legal review.

Our attorneys are committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement. In that spirit, I've asked them to inform the court that, unless otherwise prohibited, we intend to begin announcing the resolution of these administrative leave cases in the coming weeks.

What we've achieved in the last six months is small compared to what remains to be done. But it's a start; a beginning made hopeful by the good will and kindness of our priests and our people. I said six months ago that I was proud and grateful to be your bishop. I feel that even more strongly today. So I ask again for your prayers and your support. And as I said last September: You will have from me - now and always -- all of my energy, and my whole heart.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the celebrant and homilist for the Saint Patrick's Day Observance Mass. Additional concelebrants of the Mass include chaplains of the Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Rev. Kevin J. Gallagher and Rev. Christopher M. Walsh.
The Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band will lead a procession from Saint Patrick Parish Rectory to the Church at 9:15 a.m.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has worked closely with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office regarding the embezzlement of funds by Anita Guzzardi, the former chief financial officer of the Archdiocese.

On July 13, 2011, the District Attorney's Office alerted the Archdiocese to certain accounting irregularities reported to the D.A.'s office by a credit card company. Guzzardi was placed on administrative leave the following day. After a preliminary internal forensic financial investigation by the Archdiocese, she was terminated on July 22. Following the initial investigation, the Archdiocese continued the financial investigation and shared all findings with the D.A.'s office in August.

Estimates show that Guzzardi embezzled more than $900,000 from the general operating fund of the Archdiocese. Donations to the Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope capital campaign and the annual Catholic Charities Appeal were not impacted. The theft had no effect on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission or the decision to close or regionalize any school.

Insurance will cover most of the costs for embezzled funds and a portion of the fees for the internal investigation.

Guzzardi held a number of finance-related positions within the Archdiocese since her hiring in 1989. She was formally appointed to the CFO position on July 1, 2011.

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

Philadelphia Catholics and pro-life supporters will gather at a Rally for Religious Freedom to voice their concerns regarding the HHS Mandate which Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has called, "flawed and dangerous."

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Starting Wednesday, March 21 and running through Sunday, March 25, Archdiocesan high schools will host "See Our Schools" events on their campuses. The events provide prospective students and their parents the opportunity to tour the facilities and speak with students, faculty and staff. This is part of the larger efforts of the Faith in the Future Foundation to implement marketing initiatives to showcase the unique learning environment fostered by a Catholic education.


School: Pope John Paul ll High School
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

School: Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

School: West Philadelphia Catholic High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

School: Little Flower Catholic High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

School: Bishop Shanahan High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

School: Saint Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

School: Archbishop Wood High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

School: Cardinal O'Hara High School
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

School: Lansdale Catholic High School
Date: Friday, March 23, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

School: Archbishop Carroll High School
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

School: Bishop McDevitt High School
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

School: John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

School: Archbishop Ryan High School
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

School: Monsignor Bonner - Archbishop Prendergast High School
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

School: Father Judge High School
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

School: Mercy Vocational High School
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

School: Conwell-Egan Catholic High School
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012
Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The Faith in the Future Foundation brings a new vision for Archdiocesan high schools to grow and thrive. The foundation will support and guide the system of Archdiocesan high schools and eventually assist the parish elementary schools, regional schools and schools of special education across the five-county Philadelphia region. The foundation is a private and independent entity focused on creating an innovative, best-in-class and fiscally sustainable Catholic secondary educational system.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

In the next few months, at my request, the Catholic Standard and Times will publish a report on the financial condition of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including its offices, ministry programs and many of its related agencies and non-profit corporations.

Too often we think of the Church as an institution, and institutions are hard to love. The structures of Catholic life are required by canon and civil law, and they're important. But they're also secondary. At her heart, the Church is a family, a community of believers. Like any family, her members have mutual obligations of respect and accountability. This has practical consequences. We ask our people to be generous. As a result, they have a right to know that their resources, which the Church holds in trust for them, are used properly.

To put it another way: We can't be confident about the future; we can't even begin to solve our problems; unless we're well informed. Much of this year's financial information will be new. Some of it will be quite sobering. Nonetheless, beginning this year and every year in the future, we will provide to our people as full a picture of our financial life as a Church as we reasonably can.

Part of my accountability as a bishop involves seeking the advice of skilled, prudent people. In the life of the Church, advisory bodies exist for a purpose. They have a duty to be faithful to the Church and her teachings, but if they simply say what they think the pastor or bishop wants to hear, they fail in their mission. They have a responsibility to offer honest counsel based on their experience and on proper access to good information.

The Archdiocesan Priests' Council (along with the College of Consultors) brings together experienced priests from around our local Church to share in the bishop's decision-making. These men share in the priesthood with their bishop, they lead our local parishes, and they have uniquely important experience of the problems and opportunities in Catholic life at the grassroots level.

Likewise the Archdiocesan Finance Council should gather together the best Catholic professionals in business and finance from the Philadelphia region to help the Church steward her people's resources. Again, the resources of the Church belong to her people, not to the clergy and not to some impersonal monolith. They come from the sweat and sacrifices of generations of Catholics who came before us. The Church holds these resources in trust for the whole Catholic community to carry out the ministries and apostolic works that the Gospel calls all of us to pursue.

The Church requires that every diocese must have a council of priests, a College of Consultors and a finance council. But she also recommends another key advisory body: a diocese-wide pastoral council composed mainly of laypeople and focused on the pastoral issues facing the Catholic community.

Philadelphia's Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) has been planned for some years, with important groundwork done by Dr. Robert Miller of our archdiocesan research staff and Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre. Last month, on February 25, their work bore fruit in the first ever meeting of the Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The meeting began with Mass, and work continued throughout the day. Council sessions included briefings on the legal and financial issues facing the archdiocese; the future of Catholic education in the Philadelphia region; and an overview of our efforts to deal with issues of sexual abuse and to preclude such incidents in the future.

Going forward, APC meetings will occur quarterly. Remaining 2012 dates include May 5, September 8 and December 15. In practice, the council should be a local snapshot of the whole People of God. In Philadelphia, that means it will always include at least one priest, one permanent deacon and one religious. But the rest of the roughly 30 members are laypeople from every walk of life and region in the archdiocese. This makes sense, since the Church is overwhelmingly lay in her membership, and - especially today -- laypeople must play a vital role in advancing the work of the Gospel. I select APC members from candidates nominated by their pastors through the local deaneries. I also reserve a number of at-large appointments to myself to ensure a balance in gender, age, ethnicity and experience.

Service on the council follows four simple rules: fidelity to Catholic teaching; charity; mutual respect; and candor. Members do not "represent" any constituency but themselves. Their great value to the bishop lies in bringing their personal life experience to the honest discussion of pastoral issues facing our Church.

Over the past six months, I've written several times about the hard challenges that lie ahead for our Church. But it won't always be so. To borrow a thought from Francis of Assisi, God has given us too many good people in our archdiocese -- clergy, laypersons and religious -- to fail if we work together to "repair [God's] house."

Things like a financial report and an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council are a beginning. More will come.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M Cap., recently met with the newly founded Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Pastoral Council is an advisory group to the Archbishop that examines the pastoral activities of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and offers practical counsel to promote the mission of the Church.

While similar councils exist in parishes throughout the Archdiocese, this is the first time that an Archbishop of Philadelphia has established a Pastoral Council for the entire Archdiocese.

Archbishop Chaput said, "The council we now have in place is a local snapshot of the whole People of God, with intelligent, dedicated Catholics from every walk of life. In both of my previous places of ministry as bishop - Rapid City and Denver - the diocesan pastoral council was a vital source of collaboration and help in my work. I look forward to the same good working friendship with council members here in Philadelphia."

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council consists of Archbishop Chaput and four additional administrators from the Archdiocese who serve in an ex-officio capacity, as well as up to 30 members selected from around the Archdiocese. Some are nominated by particular Deaneries. Others are appointed "at large." The Council currently includes 12 lay women, 11 lay men, one priest, one deacon, and one consecrated religious woman.

In addition to the Archbishop, those serving in an ex-officio capacity include:

Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Senior, Moderator of the Curia; Monsignor Daniel Sullivan, Vicar for Clergy; Mr. Timothy O'Shaughnessy, Chief Financial Officer*; and Mr. Francis X. Maier, Special Assistant and Senior Adviser to the Archbishop.


Members nominated and selected from around the Archdiocese include:

Mr. Edward "Jody" Arena, Ms. Tonya Banks, Saint Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia; Mrs. Bernadette Brooks, Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Media; Dr. James Callahan, Saint Matthias Parish, Bala Cynwyd; Ms. Sarah Cardie, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Springfield; Mr. Dennis Carey, Ms. Dawn Chism, Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Philadelphia; Mr. Bernard Cory, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia; Ms. Laura Endara-Manteilla, Maternity B.V.M. Parish, Philadelphia; Ms. Cynthia Fedele, Mater Dolorosa Parish, Philadelphia; Mr. Jorge Ignacio-Fernández, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Buckingham; Deacon Dennis Friel, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Philadelphia; Mrs. Ann Giunta, Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester; Ms. Barbara Inforzato, Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Philadelphia; Ms. Marie Joseph, Saint Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Yardley; Ms. Connie McCalla, Saint Raymond Parish, Jenkintown; Sr. Anne Patricia Myers SSJ, Congregational President, Sisters of Saint Joseph; Mr. Rocco Palmo, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Philadelphia; Mr. Michael Shank, Saints Philip and James Parish, Exton; Ms. Maria Stumpf, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales; Monsignor Joseph Trinh, Pastor, Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia; Mr. Andrew Vu, Saint Helena Parish, Philadelphia; Ms. Mary Beth Walsh, Saint Bernadette Parish, Drexel Hill; Mr. Damian Wargo, Saint Madeleine Sophie Parish, Philadelphia; Mr. Ronald Watson, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Ottsville; and Mr. Michael Yasick, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Upper Uwchlan.

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

Image Books, a division of Random House publishing, has announced the release of an original new eBook authored by Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. A Heart on Fire: Catholic Witness and the Next America, will be available electronically on March 27, 2012. The eBook - an extended essay on the role of religious faith in American public life today -contrasts current pressures against religious liberty in the United States with the vigorous role this freedom played in founding and forming the nation.

A new and authentically Catholic activism in public affairs is urgent, writes the Archbishop, "as the mistakes and ambiguities of the past half-century of American Catholic experience come to harvest. Our national leadership in 2012 seems deaf to matters of religious freedom abroad and unreceptive -- or frankly hostile -- to religious engagement in public affairs here at home."

A Heart on Fire, initially drafted in the fall of 2011, is even timelier now with the imposition of the current administration's HHS mandate -- an action the Archbishop considers "coercive and deeply troubling in its implications for the rights of conscience." On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reaffirmed a rule that virtually all private health care plans must cover sterilization, abortion-causing drugs, and contraception. The exemption provided for "religious employers" is so narrow that it failed to cover the vast majority of faith-based organizations-including Catholic hospitals, universities, and charities-that help millions of people every year regardless of their faith.

Archbishop Chaput is the author previously of Living the Catholic Faith: Rediscovering the Basics (Servant) and Image Books' best-selling Render Unto Caesar, along with numerous articles, reflections, essays and talks. He writes a weekly web column at www.CatholicPhilly.com.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces with great pleasure the appointment of Brother Richard Kestler, F.S.C., as president of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, effective July 1, 2012. Brother Richard brings with him over 50 years of experience as an educator, administrator and Brother of the Christian Schools. Brother Richard previously served at West Catholic as Principal from 1973-1979 and President from 1999-2005.

According to Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, "Brother Richard is a visionary educational leader and administrator. Due to his successful leadership at West Catholic in the past he is revered by the alumni and alumnae, major donors, administrators, faculty and staff. He has a passion and zeal for West that are necessary to take this school into a new and secure future."

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

With great reluctance, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that it has accepted the resignation of Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools. Her decision was made in order to devote time to providing physical care for members of her family unable to do so on their own. Rochford said, "It has been my privilege to serve in the ministry of Catholic education for almost forty years. A long time ago, when I was very young, a wise woman religious told me, 'Remember, you are only a useless servant.' I have kept that in mind and worked as diligently as I could for the sake of the children and now I leave for the sake of my family." The resignation will be effective June 30, 2012.

Mary Rochford has served in the Office of Catholic Education since 1999 and as Superintendent of Schools since 2008. Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic Education in the Archdiocese said, "Mary is a model leader who always works with joyous, and faith-filled dedication on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of every school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She labors tirelessly to advance the mission of Catholic education and to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, who are the future leaders of our communities. It was with deep sadness that I learned of her decision to resign." Bishop Fitzgerald continued, "Mary has done God's work with excellence and has positively impacted the lives of countless young people. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors."

A product of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Ms. Rochford graduated from the former-Saint Athanasius Parish Elementary School and the former-Cardinal Dougherty High School. She then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College and a Master of Arts Degree in Catholic School Leadership and Administration from Boston College. Prior to joining the Office of Catholic Education in August of 1999, she served as a Catholic school teacher and administrator for over 25 years.

She continued, "I look forward to supporting those who will replace me during this time of transition and am most grateful to Bishop Fitzgerald, the Staff in the Office of Catholic Education, the school administrations, faculties and staffs for their support over the years. It certainly takes a village to support the best educational organization in our country, Catholic schools!"

The Office of Catholic Education will begin a search for a new Superintendent of Schools.

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

Catholics from parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join in spiritual union with their brothers and sisters throughout the state to preserve their religious liberty tomorrow.

In a letter issued earlier this month through the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), all of the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania called on the faithful throughout the Commonwealth to offer a Lenten sacrifice of prayer and fasting on Friday, March 30th for the cause of religious freedom.

Their request was in response to what Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the PCC, has called "flawed and dangerous" legislation in the form of the current HHS mandates that severely restrict religious freedom.

Catholics believe that prayer and fasting draw individuals closer to the Lord, inspire them to do God's will, and provides an answer to their petitions. In calling for March 30th as a Day of Prayer and Fasting the bishops of Pennsylvania said, "Offer your sacrifice for the cause of religious liberty, that the Church may be granted the basic right to practice what she preaches, and for our political leaders that their eyes may be opened to the rights of all Americans, including those of faith."

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

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD - April 1st, 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Proclamation of the Passion. It marks the beginning of Holy Week.

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - April 5th, 9:40 a.m. (Procession) 10:00 a.m. (Mass)
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist. All Archdiocesan priests gather to concelebrate with the Archbishop and to renew their priestly promises. During this Mass, Archbishop Chaput will bless the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, and consecrate the Oil of Chrism. These holy oils are used throughout the Archdiocese during the coming year in the celebration of the Sacraments. (mult-box feed available)

For those who cannot attend the Chrism Mass, the Mass will be streamed live at www.archphila.org and broadcast on The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM, and Holy Spirit Radio 1420 AM and 1570 AM.

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - April 5th, 5:00 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant. Father Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, will be the homilist. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and gave us His commandment to love one another. After the homily, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper, the Archbishop will wash the feet of seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

GOOD FRIDAY PASSION OF THE LORD - April 6th, 3:00 p.m.
Bishop Joseph Martino will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, commemorating the Holy Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The traditional adoration of the cross, led by Archbishop Chaput, will take place during the Liturgy. There will be three hours of prayer in the Cathedral from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during which Confession will be heard. (no mult-box feed available)

EASTER VIGIL - April 7th, 8:00 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Easter Vigil Mass celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord. Four components makeup the Easter Vigil: Service of Light (Blessing of the Fire and Lighting of the Paschal Candle), Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of Eucharist.

After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and Candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Cathedral and parishes throughout the Archdiocese at the Easter Vigil and during Easter Time. In 2012, close to 800 new Catholics will be welcomed into the Church. (no mult-box feed available)

EASTER SUNDAY MASS - April 8th, 6:30 p.m.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Other Masses on Easter Sunday are: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. (no mult-box feed available)

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The late and much loved Cardinal Augustin Mayer, O.S.B., once wrote that, "Nothing great is ever achieved without suffering."

His words come back to me every year during Holy Week.

They remind us that discipleship always has a cost. No Christian ever lives the Gospel without eventually encountering the cross.

During the Triduum-Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday-the Church invites us to remember that sin is real and that only blood can redeem it . . . but also that God loves us so deeply that he sent his only son to offer himself for our deliverance.

In giving his life for us, Jesus asks us to live our lives for others. He asks us to share in his work of redemption. That's why the Gospel is never merely a call to be "nice" to others. There's nothing sweet about Golgotha. Life in Jesus Christ is a call to heroic and self-sacrificing love. If we want to rise with Jesus on Easter, we also have to share his work of salvation on Good Friday.

C.S. Lewis captured this basic Christian understanding very clearly when he wrote that, "Christianity is a thing of unspeakable joy. But it begins not in joy, but in wretchedness, and it does no good to try to get to the joy by bypassing the wretchedness."

Of course, the nature of "everyday America" in 2012 is that we all live our lives in routines -- routines that tend to dull us into self-absorption at work, at play, in our families, and also in our religious faith. Even the broken body of Christ on the cross can become a standard piety, an object of devotion that doesn't really touch our hearts.

That's why these days of Holy Week are so vital. Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year. It's a time to wake up from our routines and shake off the distractions of daily life-and to concentrate on the One in whom we anchor our hope.

This year, listen to the word of God with new ears. Make some personal room for silence this week. Read and pray over the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. Venerate the cross.
Remember the price paid for your redemption. Understand how zealously God loves you and when you do, you'll begin to understand the meaning of the Gospel and the urgency of your own vocation to bring the fruit of God's love -- new life in Jesus Christ -- to others.

Good Friday is an end: an end to death; an end to our old selves and our old selfishness. Easter Sunday is a beginning, the beginning of a new and "unspeakable joy" for each of us and all of us. The sorrow of Holy Week is the doorway to something infinitely more beautiful.

So may God grant you and your family, and all of us, a blessed Holy Week-and a holy and joy-filled Easter!

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

When the prophet Isaiah spoke to the Jewish people in this morning's first reading and said, "You yourselves shall be named priests of the Lord, ministers of our God shall you be called," he was not only addressing the descendants of Aaron, the priests of the Old Testament. He was speaking to all of God's people.

So when the Church proclaims this same Word of God in today's liturgy, God, through those words, is speaking to each one of us. "You yourselves shall be named priests of the Lord, ministers of our God shall you be called." Because of our baptism and our confirmation, we all share in the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ. In these sacraments we are all anointed, that is, "marked" with the sacred oils, which means that we are all set aside, "consecrated" and "dedicated" for the work of God.

In a unique way, priests and bishops are set aside within the believing community when hands are laid upon them, and they are anointed with the sacred chrism at their ordinations. As we acknowledge these distinctions within the Church, the sacred oil is a sign of the sacramental unity of the clergy and lay faithful in the person of the Anointed One, Jesus, the Christ.

Every Chrism Mass has two important moments. First, we bless the holy oils and the chrism used throughout the coming year in our local Church. This takes place during Holy Week to remind us that all sacraments draw their power from Christ's death and resurrection.

The second key moment in the Chrism Mass takes place when we who are priests renew our commitment to priestly service. Some years that commitment is easier than others. This past year has been a difficult time for the whole Church in Philadelphia, but it has been a uniquely painful Way of the Cross for every priest. Because of that, I'd like to address the heart of my homily to my brother priests and bishops. I'm sure our people here this morning will understand, and I welcome all of you to please listen in.

Brothers, God sometimes blesses us with special moments of insight into his will and into ourselves. This is especially true when the Lord calls us to conversion. Conversion and renewal are important for every Christian. But they're crucial for us as priests and bishops, because our vocation calls us to be the spark of God's love in the hearts of his people. If priests and bishops don't change, very little in the life of the Church can change.

A few weeks ago, I visited Yeshiva University in New York for a dialogue between Jewish scholars and a group of Catholic bishops. Yeshiva is an Orthodox Jewish university that includes a focus on the study of traditional Jewish religious texts -- mainly the Torah and the Talmud. The study is done through daily lectures. But it's combined with a unique way of immersing oneself in the Word of God called "chavrutas," the Aramaic word for "friendship" or "companionship."

In the chavruta style of learning the young men sit together in groups of two and debate and challenge one another to a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. They're guided by senior rabbinical scholars, but the scholars themselves -- as they walk around the study hall -- become part of the learning dialogue and expand their own understanding of the sacred text.

I came away from my time at Yeshiva with three main impressions.

What struck me first was the passion the students had for the Torah. They didn't merely study it; they consumed it. Or maybe it would be better to say that God's Word consumed them. When a man and woman fall in love, a kind of electricity runs not just between them, but also in the air around them. The story of every true encounter with God is the same. Scripture is a romance. It's the story of God's love for humanity. When we give our hearts entirely to seeking God in the richness of God's Word, we begin to discover and experience that same kind of electricity. I saw it in the students at Yeshiva.

The second thing I noticed was the power of Scripture to create new life. God's Word is a living dialogue between God and humanity. That divine dialogue mirrored itself in the "learning dialogue" among the Yeshiva students. The students began as strangers, but their work in reflecting on Scripture and in sharing what they discovered with each other, then created something more than themselves -- a friendship between themselves and with God.

Third and finally, I saw in the lives of those Jewish students the incredible durability of God's promises and God's Word. Despite centuries of persecution, exile, dispersion and even apostasy, the Jewish people continue to exist because their covenant with God is alive and permanent. God's Word is the organizing principle of their identity. It's the foundation and glue of their relationship with one another, with their past and with their future. And the more faithful they are to God's Word, the more certain they can be of their survival.

My point is this: What I saw at Yeshiva should apply to all of us as priests and bishops, and all of our seminarians who will one day join us in the work. The source of our brotherhood, the seal of our friendship, is the person of Jesus Christ -- alive in God's Word, and alive in the Eucharist we celebrate today and throughout the year.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the crowds that the rabbis "have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you." In our Catholic tradition we see that same rabbinical role as the duty and responsibility of priests. In our communities God has charged us with taking our seat on the chair of Moses. We need to do everything we can to purify ourselves of vanity and fear and fatigue and resentment, and to make ourselves worthy of that responsibility. Our own souls, and the souls of our people, will depend on the fire that should burn in our hearts -- a fire of love for Jesus Christ, for the Church as our mother, and for the people that God places in our care.

God's Word never weakens. His promises never disappear. At ordination, God called each of us to a special relationship of friendship with himself and of service to his people. This is the only real privilege of our priesthood. It's the only one we should seek; and the only one we need for a life of fruitfulness and joy.

The Yeshiva "chavruta" learning dialogue provides a reminder of our responsibility to be friends and companions of one another as we minister together. We cannot fully understand the richness of God's word nor bear the burden of ministry alone. To be a "companion" means to "share bread" with another. The Eucharist is the source of our fraternal strength.

When we leave here today I pray that we recommit ourselves to trusting in the durability of God's Word; to renewing our passion for Scripture; to loving one another and to following the witness of zeal I saw so powerfully in the students at Yeshiva University -- the same zeal I know lives in each one of you as my brothers. This long Lent is ending. Easter is upon us, and God makes all things new. We need to draw strength from the faith and courage of each other. We need to give ourselves to God without holding anything back, so that through us, God will create a new life for our local Church, for our people and for ourselves.

The writer Francois Mauriac once said that "anyone who has truly known God can never be cured of him." I think that sums up the life of every good priest I've ever known. Each of us began our priesthood as a romance with the God of Israel and the God of Jesus Christ. That thirst for an encounter with the living God; that hunger for the Word of God to consume and reshape our lives with the same electricity so evident in the halls of Yeshiva University -- those yearnings still burn in each of us.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the people of Nazareth that the Word of God found in the prophet Isaiah "is today fulfilled in your hearing." More than any other passage in Scripture, these words are the center of human history; the pivot on which all of creation turns. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega of this world and all worlds, and we need to reclaim him as the Alpha and Omega of our personal lives and of our ministry. He loves us; he has freed us from our sins by his blood; and he has truly made the Church into his Kingdom.

There's a line from the Gospel of Luke that I return to again and again in my life as a priest. And while it doesn't come from today's readings, I ask each of us to pray over it in the days and weeks ahead because it speaks to the kind of men we need to be. Jesus said, "I came to cast fire upon the earth, and would that it were already kindled." The fire Christ meant is the fire of God's love -- the fire of zeal and courage and hope that converts hearts and transforms the world. We need to reclaim the mission God intended for all of us as priests. We begin the future today. So may God grant us the passion to burn up every atom, every trace, every memory of ourselves in a fire of service to God's will and to God's people.

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

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

"With their strong leadership skills and unique professional backgrounds, these newly appointed individuals will greatly assist and further guide the Archdiocesan Review Board through these critical review processes," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. "I am thankful to all those serving on the Archdiocesan Review Board and am pleased to have such a dedicated and talented group of people, each of whom brings the highest level of expertise, long-standing dedication and passion, working with us through this process."

The Archdiocesan Review Board was established in accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms, and is comprised of psychologists, social workers, educators, retired law enforcement agents, health care professionals, parents and pastors. This group functions as a confidential, advisory committee to the Archbishop, providing recommendations in the assessment of allegations of abuse and suitability for ministry. Through careful analysis of reports, the Board works to ensure that individuals who may have been harmed are given necessary care and that no one with a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse will serve as a member of active ministry. All allegations of abuse heard by the Review Board, whether historical or current, are reported to law enforcement by the Delegate for Investigations.

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

-Robert L. Sadoff, Clinical Professor of Forensic Psychiatry and Director of the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

-Bebe Kivitz, former prosecutor and former Chief of the Child Abuse Unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and currently an attorney in private practice. Member of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance.

-Stacey Ginesin, current member, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board. Formerly the Program Director of TAP program, an outpatient sex offender treatment program in Philadelphia.

The Archdiocesan Review Board now consists of twelve 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), Reverend Monsignor Thomas Owens (Pastor, Saint Alphonsus Parish), Anne Shenberger (Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates/Youth Advocates, Inc.), Michael Boyle (Program Director at Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center), Arnold Gordon (retired prosecutor who served as First Assistant District Attorney), Janet Shaw Lemoine (former victim advocate who most recently served as Director of the Victim/Witness Training and Networking Project), Richmond Parsons (Deputy Chief of Offender Services in the Montgomery County Adult Probation and Parole Department), Laura Rogers (former prosecutor), and Robert Spinelli (former prosecutor and now Partner at the law firm Kelley, Jasons, McGowan, Spinelli, Hanna, & Reber, LLP).

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Catholic School Students for Catholic Charities will host their collection celebration with
Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald. With help from the Archbishop Carroll Cheerleaders, Band, Step Team and the school Choir, more than 150 students from schools throughout the Archdiocese will celebrate their hard work raising funds that will benefit Catholic Special Education.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The $1.5 million dollar grant, will be used to enhance and broaden current CSS afterschool and summer programs over a three year period.

"This was a very competitive selection process, and we are honored to have been chosen to receive this generous grant," said Director of Community-Based Prevention Services Division of CSS, Amy Stoner. "As 21st Century Community Learning Centers, we now have the technology and resources to align our Out Of School Time Programs with the academic learning that is taking place in the classroom during the school day, as well as follow the PA Core Standards for Education. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to work closely with the schools and the Office of Catholic Education, in evaluating the positive impact after school programs have on academic achievement."

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates 12 Out of School Time (OST) Programs in the City of Philadelphia, serving more than 2,200 children in grades K-12th annually. These programs are located at Catholic grade schools, CSS Family Service Centers, and the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center. Located in neighborhoods with high poverty and crime rates, these programs provide a safe haven for children to access high quality programs.

The Out of School Time Programs is a catalyst in the lives of youth to combat challenges and to promote academic and social success in the areas of reading, writing, math, school attendance, and post-secondary and career exploration. This is achieved by providing students with an array of accessible, enriching and academically focused programs. Funds from the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant will support in part; academic enrichment programs including, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, arts and music, and the expansion of the existing Out of School Time programs.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

On Thursday, April 12, America's bishops issued one of their most important statements in years. Our First, Most Cherished Liberty is not just a compelling defense of religious freedom. It's also a call to action no committed Catholic can afford to ignore.

First, a little history and some background:

In the vision of America's Founders, God exists, and his sovereignty matters. God endows each person with freedom and rights so that we can fulfill our duties toward him and each other. Our rights come from God, not from the state. Government is justified only insofar as it secures, promotes and defends those natural rights.

As James Madison said in his 1785 "Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments":

"[Man's duty of honoring God] is precedent both in order of time and degree of obligation to the claims of civil society. Before any man can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the universe."

This is why religious liberty is our most important freedom. Our first governor is God, our Creator, the Governor of the universe. We're created for a higher purpose. We have a religious destiny. Our right to pursue this destiny precedes the state. Any attempt to suppress our right to worship, preach, teach, practice, organize and peacefully engage society because of our belief in God is an attack not only on the cornerstone of human dignity, but also on the nature of the American experiment.

To put it another way, in the American model, religion is more than a private affair between the individual believer and God. Religion is essential to the virtues needed for a free people.

America's Founders expected religious groups to contribute actively to the nation's social fabric. For all their many differences, the Founders agreed that a free people cannot remain free and self-governing without religious faith and the virtues that it fosters. John Adams' famous words to the Massachusetts militia in 1789 were typical: "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Moreover, when the Founders talked about religion, they meant something much more demanding and vigorous than a vague "spirituality." One of the great legal scholars of the last century, Harold Berman, showed that the Founders understood religion in a frankly Christian-informed sense. For the Founders, religion meant "both belief in God and belief in an after-life of reward for virtue, and punishment for sin." In other words, religion mattered - personally and socially. It was more than a private preference. It made people live differently. People's faith was assumed to have broad implications, including the political kind.

As a result, from the start, believers - alone and in communities - have shaped American history simply by trying to live their faith in the world. The American experience of personal freedom and civil peace would be inconceivable without a religious grounding and a predominantly Christian inspiration. The reason is simple. What we believe about God shapes what we believe about man. And what we believe about man shapes what we believe about the purpose and proper structure of human society. So it should surprise no one that at the heart of American life is a Christian-informed definition of what it means to be human.

That richly developed idea of what it means to be "human," and even the nature of religious freedom itself, now face heavy attacks in our courts, our mass media and our legislatures.

As Our First, Most Cherished Liberty shows, the current HHS healthcare mandate fight - which threatens the mission of many Catholic employers and organizations by forcing them to violate the teachings of their Church - is not an isolated assault. It's part of a growing pattern. The bishops list at least six other high-profile, recent cases where government has aggressively interfered with the rights of religious communities and believers. And these violations are happening right here, in our own country, right now.

I encourage Catholics throughout the archdiocese to download the bishops' statement from the link provided below. It's an outstanding and urgently needed resource. Read it. Pray over it. Then share it with others. Most importantly, the statement calls for a "Fortnight for Freedom" in dioceses across the United States from June 21 through July 4. In the days and weeks ahead, please check our archdiocesan website for our local efforts to observe this important event.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of American independence. It's the cradle of our rights as a free people. There's no better place to begin the renewal of our nation's first and most important freedom: religious liberty.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has approved the recommendations of the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee to merge several parishes across the Archdiocese in Coatesville, Germantown, and Manayunk. This ongoing restructuring will ultimately strengthen parish communities positioning them for future growth and sustainability.

"Restructuring our parishes will be a challenge for many families and individuals. Change is rarely easy. But we do need to take these steps to help every parish more effectively promote the Gospel and strengthen the future of our Catholic life together," said Archbishop Chaput.

The recommendations and resulting mergers are an outcome of the Archdiocesan-wide Parish Pastoral Planning Area initiative, which began in 2011. Parishioners at all affected parishes learned of the final decisions through letters mailed to all registered parishioners as well as announcements made at all Masses this past weekend. It is hoped that the planning and restructuring process will result in revitalized parishes throughout the Archdiocese that are better equipped to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of future generations.

The mergers announced today were based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, demographic shifts in Catholic populations, concentrated density of parishes in a limited geographic area, history of declining Mass attendance and sacramental activity, increasing economic challenges that threaten sustainability, a decrease in the availability of clergy to staff parishes, and a review of facilities.

Parishioners will attend daily and Sunday Mass at the church of the newly formed parish. In some cases, the churches of the former parishes will remain open and be maintained as worship sites. At the discretion of the pastor, these sites will be utilized for weddings, funerals and feast days, as well as traditional and ethnic devotions. Because of the physical condition of some church buildings and the inability of the parishes to maintain them this will not be possible in all cases. Sunday Mass may also be celebrated at a worship site at the discretion of the pastor and the newly formed pastoral council. All parish property, assets and debts of the former parishes will be assumed by the newly created parishes, which will also be responsible for the care of all sacramental records.

The pastors from the merging parishes will form a transitional team made up of lay leaders from each of the merging parishes to assist in moving forward with building the new parish community.

The Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee, made up of lay persons, priests and Archdiocesan personnel, is examining all 267 parishes within the Archdiocese to gauge their viability and assess whether they possess the resources to accomplish their role in the mission of the Church and remain sustainable and vibrant faith communities. Parishes within each pastoral planning area will continue to carefully and thoughtfully examine their viability in order to make future recommendations. Additional parish announcements are expected in the fall of 2012 and the spring of 2013 and 2014.

Parish Area Pastoral Planning is designed to be as collaborative and consultative as possible. Its goal is to provide pastors, after consulting their parish leadership, with the opportunity to dialogue with members of the Strategic Planning Committee in providing joint recommendations to the Archbishop for growth and sustainability within their respective geographic areas. Additionally, in the majority of cases, the regional bishop and the dean meet with the pastors as well as their pastoral and finance councils to hear their concerns and receive their recommendations.

The Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee shared all final proposals with the Council of Priests and the College of Consultors for the review before final approval by the Archbishop.

The merger plan for these parishes will be studied further to obtain more input and broader consultation. A final decision is expected by the spring of 2013.

Editor's Note: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is comprised of 44 Pastoral Planning Areas (PPAs). It is expected that the first 22 PPAs will complete the work of planning and implementation over the next two years and that additional two years will be required for the remainder of the PPAs. For more information on the Parish Area Pastoral Planning, please visit www.archphila.org.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Students from Saint Dominic Parish School in Northeast Philadelphia recently met with Mr. Thomas Awiapo from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Ghana, who was in the United States speaking about the importance of Operation Rice Bowl during Lent. Mr. Awiapo shared his story of being orphaned before the age of ten and surviving poverty and hunger in his African village.

Mr. Awiapo's story inspired the students from Saint Dominic so much they decided to increase their Operation Rice Bowl efforts. Sister Shaun Thomas Callahan, I.H.M., Principal, promised students that the winning class would have the opportunity to play their teachers in a basketball game. The 7th grade students raised $800 and will play the school teachers on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Two months after the official kick-off of the 2012 Catholic Charities Appeal, the single largest fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia supporting the charitable works of the Church , the Appeal has raised more than $5.6 million and received more than 38,000 gifts. This figure has exceeded previous donation years and attracted nearly 19,000 donors who returned to the Appeal after having been away for a year or more, or have never donated before.

"The outpouring of support for the Catholic Charities Appeal has been nothing short of extraordinary. This year, we set an ambitious goal of $10 million, and despite these difficult economic times people are finding a way to give and support the thousands of impoverished individuals and families in our communities," said Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. "The response thus far gives me great hope that we can reach our goal and continue to provide help and create hope for those in need."

To provide supporters with a first-hand experience of the good works accomplished through their donations, the Catholic Charities Appeal is hosting a series of Open Houses on Sunday, April 22nd from 1:30 - 4:00pm. Visitors are welcome to take a guided tour and meet staff and some of those served by one of the programs of Catholic Social Services and supported by CCA. These programs provide residential care, education, and professional case management services to disadvantaged youth and developmentally disabled children and adults. Attending an Open House event is a great way to witness how Catholic Social Services and CCA together make a difference in the lives of so many people in the greater Philadelphia region every day.

The following locations will host an Open House on Sunday, April 22nd:

Saint Francis-St. Joseph Homes for Children (Bensalem, Bucks County):
3436 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA 19020
A campus residence and school for nearly 100 dependent, neglected or emotionally troubled male youth, St. Francis-St. Joseph offers individualized treatment programs that promote the personal and academic development of each young man, as well as maintaining and strengthening his family relationships.

Saint Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments
& Archbishop Ryan Academy for the Deaf (Northeast section of Philadelphia):
4251 L Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
This is one of the four operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that are dedicated to the special educational needs of students in order to prepare them for the challenges of life and pursuit of higher education, by providing spiritual and academic instruction, as well as intense development of language skills and training in all areas of the expanded core curriculum.

Saint Gabriel's Hall(Audubon, Montgomery County):
1350 Pawlings Road
Norristown, PA 19407
This campus residence and school provides a structured setting for 200 young men ages 10 to 18 adjudicated by the Philadelphia court system, where they receive the transformative therapeutic, educational, and vocational support needed to support them in making better choices toward a positive and productive future.

Divine Providence Village(Springfield, Delaware County):
686 Old Marple Road
Springfield, PA 19064
A campus residence for adult women with developmental disabilities, Divine Providence Village provides these gifted individuals with daily occupational, recreational and spiritual opportunities to achieve greater independence and reach their fullest human potential.

Saint Edmond's Home for Children (Rosemont, Montgomery County):
320 South Roberts Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
At this residence for 40 children with significant physical and developmental disabilities, a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of caring and qualified professionals offers a broad spectrum of medical/nursing and therapeutic services to assist each child to progress in achieving his/her greatest physical, intellectual, and social capacities.

In addition to these five exceptional Catholic Social Services and special education programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Catholic Charities Appeal also helps fund senior community centers, family service centers, hospices and shelters that house and feed the homeless, and afterschool programs for at-risk children. The Appeal constitutes vital support for 80 social service and educational programs that together provide hope and create help to over 250,000 people across the five-county region each year. Ninety two percent of the money raised during the Appeal directly benefits those members of our local community who are most in need.

Founded in 1958 by John Cardinal O'Hara, the Catholic Charities Appeal funds agencies and programs sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, reflecting our fundamental commitment to defend and promote the sanctity of all human life, the dignity of every individual, and the central role of healthy family life in our community.

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

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will be the main celebrant and homilist at a Mass marking the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel, known by the Hispanic community as La Milagrosa. It is the oldest house of worship in continuous use by the Hispanic community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Archbishop Chaput will be joined by priests, religious, deacons, and lay leaders from the Hispanic Apostolate.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialists
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has signed on as a member of the Philadelphia Great Schools Compact, a united effort by the Mayor, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis, the School District, the School Reform Commission, charter schools, and Archdiocesan schools in Philadelphia to increase access to great schools in neighborhoods throughout the city. This announcement was made at St. Peter the Apostle School in Northern Liberties.

"The City of Philadelphia, the School Reform Commission, charter school leaders and now the Archdiocese have made a commitment to work together to transform education through the expansion of high-quality schools, the improvement of underperforming schools, and ensuring accountability," said Mayor Nutter, who himself attended parochial elementary school in West Philadelphia and a Catholic high school. "Our five-year goal is to ensure a seat in a quality school for every single student in Philadelphia. We can only achieve that goal through the collective efforts of all of our city's school providers."

Archbishop Chaput said, "The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to join in this Great Schools Compact and to be a part of this major education collaborative. We support the vision of the Great Schools Compact believing that all children-when challenged with high expectations-can learn at high levels. By signing this Great Schools Compact we declare our shared commitment to providing the children of Philadelphia outstanding education that will prepare them for postsecondary education and successful entry into the workplace of the 21st century."

To accomplish the goal of expanding the number of high-performing schools in Philadelphia, signers of the Compact have pledged to "eliminate barriers to collaboration" and "share information, best practices, resources, responsibility for success, and responsibility for failure." It is believed that Philadelphia is the first city in the nation where the local diocese has joined a school-collaboration compact.

The inclusion of the Archdiocese enhances opportunities for coordinating efforts among K-12 education providers and policymakers as they work toward dramatically increasing access to high-performing schools and addressing the obstacles that lie in their path. One such obstacle that is shared by both the Archdiocese and the School District is a large inventory of aging school facilities, many of which are underutilized. The signers of the Great Schools Compact are together vying for grants from national and local institutions to support the improvement and reuse of such facilities by growing charter and independent schools.

"Recently, officials from the School District and Archdiocese sat down together to study the potential impact on public schools of the proposed closings of Catholic schools," noted Lori Shorr, the Mayor's Chief Education Officer and Chair of the Great Schools Compact Committee. "Those meetings helped us to understand which of our schools would be most likely to see increased enrollment and to plan accordingly as we develop budgets and staffing plans for next academic year. We look forward to working together in the future to understand our respective priorities and identify ways we can assist each of our systems in improving academic outcomes for greater numbers of students."

The Great Schools Compact will create new avenues for all Philadelphia schools to share promising practices in the education sphere, such as learning models that blend virtual or computer instruction with traditional classroom teaching or innovations in assessing student progress. Ideas will also flow around innovation, best practices and cost savings. Both Catholic and public schools hope to identify opportunities for realizing economies of scale by sharing-or jointly purchasing-services.

"Catholic schools are an important education asset in the city of Philadelphia-providing quality, college-preparatory education," said Mark Gleason, executive director of the Philadelphia School Partnership. He noted that the Catholic school system is the second largest K-12 education provider in the city, with 25,000 students, or more than 10% of total students. Sixty-five percent of students in the city's Catholic schools are classified as economically disadvantaged, not far below the 78% figure in all types of public schools. "This announcement reinforces the commitment of the Mayor and other stakeholders in the Great Schools Compact to a vision for education that emphasizes school quality rather than school type."

PSP is a nonprofit organization that provides growth capital to all types of school providers-public and private-to help them expand access to high-performing schools by increasing enrollment, opening new schools or turning around failing schools. PSP also serves as the facilitator of the Great Schools Compact.

Today's announcement took place at Saint Peter the Apostle School, an Archdiocesan grade school located at 5th Street and Girard Avenue. The school is located at the site of the Shrine of Saint John Neumann, who during his tenure as bishop of Philadelphia is credited with establishing the first parochial school system in the country.

The backdrop for today's announcement was a mosaic designed by St. Peter the Apostle students, which reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the school's population. It features heroes such as Saint John Neumann, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Roberto Clemente, Rosa Parks, and Marian Anderson.

The Philadelphia School District, City of Philadelphia and representatives of more than 80 Philadelphia charter schools officially announced the signing of the Great Schools Compact in December 2011. The Compact represents a commitment by the organizations to work together to transform education through accountability, expansion of high-quality schools, and improvement of underperforming schools. It aims to replace or transform poor-performing schools that currently serve nearly 50,000 students so that all of those students are in better quality schools by 2016-17.

The formation of the Compact coincided with an announcement by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that it was providing a $100,000 grant to support the implementation of the Compact. Philadelphia is one of 15 cities in the nation that have signed a District-Charter Collaboration Compact, which makes it eligible to compete for a share of more than $40 million in Gates Foundation funding and program-related investments.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Parishioners from Saint John Vianney Church in Gladwyne, Montgomery County, will host an inaugural induction ceremony for their 2012 Saint John Vianney Scholars. Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese, will preside.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will celebrate Mass for couples who have been married 1, 25, 50, or more years at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The annual Anniversary Mass is a celebration and tribute to family and the Sacrament of Marriage. This year, the Masses will be celebrated on two days, Saturday and Sunday, and will include for the first time couples who have been married 1-5 years.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees the Office for Youth and Young Adults (OYYA), will be the celebrant and homilist for a Mass honoring approximately 157 Catholics who have provided outstanding service and leadership in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Fitzgerald will present awards after Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that the work of a special team investigating the 26 priests publicly placed on leave by Cardinal Rigali last year is now largely done. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has made final decisions in eight of the cases of the priests who were put on administrative leave following the February 2011 Grand Jury Report, which urged the Archdiocese to review cases of past allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy and some cases involving violations of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries.

"The process of reviewing these cases was designed to ensure that the decisions announced today reflect our commitment to protect children, assist victims, restore the integrity of the priesthood and provide evidence to the broader community that they can have confidence in these outcomes," said Archbishop Chaput.

Through a rigorous investigative process, involving over 20 experts in child abuse, three of the priests have been found suitable for ministry and five have been found not suitable for ministry due to a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or substantiated violation of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. One priest on leave died before the investigation was complete so no finding could be determined. The priests found unsuitable for ministry will have no public ministry in the Archdiocese. They do have the right to appeal the decision with the Holy See. Depending upon the substantiated allegation, if they do not appeal, or if their appeal is unsuccessful, they could be laicized (removed from the clerical state), live under some supervision, or live a life of prayer and penance.

To lead these investigations the Archdiocese hired veteran child abuse prosecutor Gina Maisto Smith, who assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts. All cases of the priests on leave were referred to the appropriate local district attorney prior to investigation by the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team, which reports to Smith, is composed of seven local and national authorities in the area of child sexual abuse, including a forensic psychiatrist, a psychologist who specializes in evaluating and treating sexual offenders, a pediatrician who leads the Child Protection Program at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, two former Philadelphia detectives from the Special Victims Unit, and two former Philadelphia assistant district attorneys.

To date, the multidisciplinary team has located, gathered and reviewed more than 400,000 pages of relevant documents, identified, located and interviewed 227 witnesses, across the United States and in several foreign countries, and conducted countless site visits to parishes and schools where incidents were alleged to have occurred. Many cases involved a search for additional evidence including yearbooks, parish records, photographs and public documents. Some cases dated as far back in time as 40 years, which posed significant investigative challenges.

Mrs. Smith said, "We took care to develop a process that is thorough, impartial and fair. We recognize that allegations of child sexual abuse can be incendiary in nature. The stakes are high for both the accused and the accuser. Moreover, most child sexual abuse cases turn on credibility-the evaluation of word against word. Accordingly, the process must be painstakingly detailed. Its integrity is demonstrated by an exhaustive search for corroboration - a synthesis of witness interviews, documents and any additional available evidence, all of which must be analyzed in light of the expertise of the multidisciplinary team."

When the multidisciplinary team forwarded its completed investigations to the Archbishop, he asked the Archdiocesan Review Board to also review the cases and to provide him with a recommendation. In the past year the Review Board added nine new members, some of whom were appointed by Archbishop Chaput and some by Cardinal Justin Rigali. New Review Board members include a professor of forensic psychiatry, a former chief in the child abuse unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney's office and a member of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board.

Not all of the administrative leave cases were announced today. Of those 26 men removed from active ministry last year six of the 26 cases are being held by law enforcement for further review. In addition, two more of the 26 cases were recently released by law enforcement and are currently under investigation by the multidisciplinary team.

Of the remaining nine cases, all investigations are complete and are pending examination by the Review Board or a final decision by Archbishop Chaput. Due to the ongoing process there is no indication as to when the resolutions of the remaining cases will be made, however the Archdiocese hopes to announce them as soon as possible.

"I've been in Philadelphia for less than a year, and I've tried as quickly as possible to understand all of the many issues facing our local Church," said Archbishop Chaput. "During that time, dealing with sexual abuse and protecting children has been-and will remain-a top priority for me and for this Archdiocese. Our actions, including these outcomes and the steps we have taken to improve our policies and procedures, show that we have learned from the past. No lesson from the sexual abuse scandal is more important than the understanding that the people who suffer most are the victims."

Last year, the Archdiocese separated the investigative function from its victim assistance program and created a distinct Office for Investigations. Al Toczydlowski, former Philadelphia Deputy District Attorney, was appointed as the head of the newly developed office to ensure immediate referral to law enforcement, cooperation with county district attorney's offices and thorough investigations as part of the canonical process. The clear division between victim assistance and investigation allows Archdiocesan victim assistance efforts to focus exclusively on the needs of victims. The Archdiocese also appointed Leslie Davila, who has more than 15 years of experience in working with victims of crime most recently with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, to lead this effort as the Director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection. The Archdiocese is also finalizing new policies and procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, which will reflect lessons learned from the investigative process used to determine the cases announced today.

With the announcements of the resolution of these first cases, the Archdiocese will now begin a program that will provide support and assistance to parishioners as they and the Church come to terms with the past, seek to understand sexual violence, and create an environment that is safe and welcoming to those who have been victimized. This initiative, entitled Honesty, Healing and Hope in Christ: Confronting Sexual Violence in Our Archdiocese, identifies three primary stakeholders: the victims of the allegation or violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behaviors and Boundaries, the parishioners who include school and Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) families, and the priests on administrative leave.

The plan, which consists of four phases over six months, is designed to address the feelings and responses experienced when final resolutions are announced and going forward.

Through the implementation of this initiative, the Archdiocese begins a journey of honesty, healing and hope toward the restoration of trust.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Good afternoon. Thank you for being here.

I'm pleased to share with you today that the work of the special team investigating the 26 priests publicly placed on leave by Cardinal Rigali last year is now largely done. Eight of the 26 cases are being announced today. Most of the remainder will be announced in a matter of weeks.

You'll recall that the 2011 grand jury report challenged the Archdiocese to review certain cases of past allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy as well as some cases involving violations of the Archdiocese's Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries.

The Archdiocese has reviewed these 26 cases with the intensive examination of a veteran Philadelphia child abuse prosecutor, Mrs. Gina Maisto (MY-east-toe) Smith, and a multi-disciplinary team of recognized experts in the field of child protection. Moreover, the multi-disciplinary team's findings were then studied by the reinvigorated Archdiocesan Review Board. These two groups included doctors, police officers, former prosecutors, victims' advocates and other people with experience in the broad societal problem of sexual abuse of minors.

The process of reviewing these cases was designed to ensure that the decisions announced today reflect our commitment to protect children, assist victims, restore the integrity of the Priesthood and provide evidence to the broader community that it can have confidence in these outcomes.
I've been in Philadelphia for eight months, and I've tried as quickly as possible to understand all of the many issues facing our local Church. During that time, preventing sexual abuse and protecting children has been-and will remain-a priority for me and for this Archdiocese.

No lesson from the abuse scandal is more important than the understanding that the people who suffer most are the victims. Over the years, as part of my ministry as a bishop, I have met personally with many victims and this humbling experience has taught me that no words can sufficiently describe the hurt a victim feels. I have in the past and again today share my deep sadness and again offer a heartfelt apology on behalf of the Archdiocese to all victims of clergy sexual abuse.

I noted at the outset that today we are announcing eight decisions in these 26 cases. Three priests have been found suitable for ministry. Five priests will not return to ministry although they retain the right to appeal this decision to the Holy See. A ninth priest is now deceased, and his case cannot be concluded.

The remaining 17 cases cannot be announced today, and people will obviously want to know why. When Cardinal Rigali began this process more than a year ago, he pledged to do an exhaustive review of all these cases. The task of investigating past allegations of sexual misconduct is complex and time-consuming. It cannot be hurried or abbreviated without violating the whole purpose of the review. I should also mention that we've been very limited in what we can say about these cases because of current legal proceedings and the gag order put in place to protect those proceedings.

We cooperate fully with law enforcement and refer all our cases to the local district attorney. Six of the 26 cases have not yet been cleared by law enforcement, so our own internal investigation has not begun. In two more of the 26 cases, we've just recently received clearance from law enforcement, and our internal investigation is now proceeding. But in the final nine cases, all our investigations are complete, and the cases are awaiting either examination by the Archdiocesan Review Board or a decision by me. As a result, these will be announced very soon.

Information about the cases announced today is on our website and will be available in all parishes this weekend.

I realize that you'd like me to provide considerable detail about these cases. That I cannot do. And I need to balance the need for transparency with the pain already felt by victims-pain which we acknowledge and do not wish to compound. It's important for the victims themselves to control to whom, when, and how extensively they disclose their accounts, and we support whatever that decision may be.

I do think it's important to share with you more information about the process we used to arrive at these final decisions. In every decision I relied on the counsel of more than 20 experts in two separate bodies. The first is a special multi-disciplinary team, led by Mrs. Smith. The other is our Archdiocesan Review Board. Members of both groups are with us here today, and I'd like to thank them for their valuable work. They come from various professional disciplines and have dedicated their lives to child protection-to the investigation of sexual offenders and support for victims of sexual violence. On our website you can find more details about their background and credentials. I thank each one of these men and women for undertaking this serious task. I reviewed each case personally and made the final decision regarding every one of them. I met personally this week with each of the eight priests whose cases have been completed and delivered the outcomes that are now being shared with you.

In resolving these cases, we've also made significant changes in our process for investigating sexual abuse allegations and violations of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. Last year, the Archdiocese removed the investigative function from our victim assistance program. We created a separate Office for Investigations and appointed Mr. Al Toczydlowski, former Philadelphia Deputy District Attorney, as its head to ensure immediate referral to law enforcement, to ensure cooperation with county district attorney's offices and thorough investigation so that thorough investigations can be part of the canonical process. This office uses a trained forensic interviewer to take victim statements in an effort to reduce any potential re-victimization.

The clear division between victim assistance and investigation allows our victim assistance efforts to focus exclusively on the needs of victims. Last summer, the Archdiocese appointed Ms. Leslie Davila to head those efforts. She comes to us from the Philadelphia District Attorney's office; and she has more than 15 years of experience in working with victims of crime, including victims of sexual assault. Ms. Davila's office and these new practices are also now a permanent part of the Archdiocese.
The investigative work of Mrs. Smith's multi-disciplinary team will conclude with the resolution of the administrative leave cases. Future allegations of sexual abuse of minors will continue to be examined by the Archdiocesan Review Board. With the guidance of Mrs. Smith, Mr. Toczydlowski, and Ms. Davila, I have added new members to the Review Board. I am confident that this board is one of the best in the country.

We've taken many steps in the past year to reform and improve the way the Archdiocese lives up to its duty to protect children. There are enhanced policies and procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse of a minor which are under final review. Going forward they will reflect the lessons learned from this process. For example, we take all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy to the Archdiocesan Review Board; but we do the same now for all complaints involving violations of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries.

We will now begin our parish restoration initiative-a program titled Honesty, Healing, and Hope in Christ, which is led by our Victim Services Consultant, Ms. Mary Achilles. Mary will discuss it in greater detail shortly. This is a program about dealing with sexual violence. It's about providing support to parishioners as they and the wider Church seek to build an environment that is safe for all families and welcoming to those who have been victimized.

Before I turn the podium over to Mrs. Smith, who will briefly discuss the multi-disciplinary team and the process, let me leave you with one more thought. Catholics have struggled with confusion and anger. When a child is harmed, the Church has failed. When trust is lost, the Church has failed. When the whole community suffers as a result, the Church has failed. We can't change the past. But I pray-and I do believe-that the lessons of the last year have made our Church humbler, wiser, and a more vigilant guardian of our people's safety. That is our commitment today, tomorrow, and permanently.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Later this month, on May 19, I'll ordain new priests for our local Church. This is a special moment of joy for me, since these new brothers will be the first I welcome into the priesthood as Archbishop of Philadelphia. But every new priest is a source of joy and hope for all our people. In the wake of so many difficulties for our Church over the past 15 months, we need to pause and reflect.

Every genuine love story is a great love story; and every great love story creates new life. Real love is always fruitful. The love of husbands and wives bears fruit most obviously in the lives of their children, but also in many forms of Christian service . . . and also in the witness which their love provides to other people.

So it is with the priesthood. Priests are called to be fruitful, but in a different and profoundly important way. They nourish the Church with their lives. They create a witness of radical service, and a legacy of spiritual children and apostolic works.

The point is this: The community of faith is not so different from the individuals who live and love within it. The Church is the bride of Christ -- and that love needs to bear fruit. The new life which the Church brings into the world is salvation in Jesus Christ, through preaching and teaching the Gospel, and offering the sacraments. This is why, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit . . ."

Jesus was talking to us -- to all of us; but in a special way, to his priests. If a priest does not actively share his love of Jesus Christ with others, then it diminishes in his own heart. Priests who fail to witness that love with purity and integrity, lose it. And no priest can be happy without it. That's what St. Paul meant when he wrote, "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel." It's not that God punishes those who do not preach God's word; instead, they steal joy from themselves, because the joy of Christ's presence can only be had by sharing Christ with others. The priest, like any parent or anyone truly in love, "gets" by giving away. So if Baptism indelibly marks every Christian as a missionary, Orders takes that vocation even further, intimately and permanently configuring a man to Jesus himself, the greatest Love of them all.

Take a look around. The world needs Jesus Christ as never before. As a Church in the early years of a new millennium, we find ourselves in the midst of a powerful, skeptical and sharply divided society - a culture fueled by both pride and anxiety. In today's America, we live in mission territory. This is the new Areopagus. Philadelphia is no exception. The legacy of Catholic achievement in our Archdiocese is extraordinary. But it can easily blind us to the new work that God now calls us to do.

Each of us should reflect long and deeply on the meaning of the "new evangelization." Those words have weight; they're not just a slogan. A new missionary spirit needs to be born in each of our hearts, both lay and clergy; and if it is, then God will use it to win the soul of the world around us to Jesus Christ.

In a special way, we should focus on forming and supporting our priests as effectively as we can. The reason is simple. There's no Gospel witness without the Church; there's no Church without the Eucharist; and there's no Eucharist without the priest. We need more priests -- good men who are well formed; men of courage, zeal and genuine humility; men who love Jesus Christ and his people, and prove it with their lives. This is the first and most urgent step in renewing our Church.

Of course, if it stops there -- no matter how many good seminarians we attract -- we fail. Ultimately, while there's no Church without the Eucharist, and no Eucharist without the priest, it's also true that there are no priests without families on fire for Jesus Christ. Families who help their sons to hear God's call; who affirm and support and encourage the priests who already serve them; who live their lives in a way which proves to our priests that their own sacrifices make a difference.

What I pray God builds through us in our Archdiocese over the next decade, is not just an old way of seminary formation with a new vocabulary, more numbers and an updated marketing strategy, but something true to what the "new evangelization" really is -- a communion and mission of the whole Church, ordained, religious and lay, each respecting the other, each serving the other, all serving the Lord by bringing the Good News to the world, and the world to the Good News.

That's the equality of the faithful: each vocation unique and invaluable in dignity; each complementing and completing the other in the Lord; altogether in service; and on fire with the love of God. May 19 is an invitation to grace; but so is every ordination, every marriage, every baptism. I hope that in the years ahead we can look back on 2012 and say, this is where our hearts changed. This is where God began something new. And if we can, then like Simeon, we can go home to him in gratitude and peace.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will ordain six men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All have completed their priestly formation and studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Montgomery County. The Rite of Ordination will take place during Mass following Archbishop Chaput's homily. The Mass will be streamed live at www.archphila.org.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Daniel J. Dwyer, son of the late Mr. Francis Dwyer and Mrs. Catherine Dwyer, will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Anthony R. Hangholt, 29, son of Mrs. Catherine R. Hangholt and Mr. Robert Hangholt, will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap. on

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747