The Archdiocese of Philadelphia responds to a recent study regarding financial policies in Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States.

The loss of even one penny of parishioners' or donors' funds is unacceptable, which is why the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has stringent financial procedures and controls in place at ever level and continually works to improve them.

Many of the recommendations made by the study are in fact already in place in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each of the 270 parishes in the Archdiocese completes an internal audit each year, and completes a detailed financial report signed by all members of the parish finance council. Every five years, each parish receives a week-long external audit by the Archdiocesan auditing office. Audits are reviewed quarterly by an independent Archdiocesan Audit Committee consisting of professionals with the requisite financial expertise and experience. Financial professionals also serve a wider function to ensure stringent financial controls by serving on the Archdiocesan Finance Council. Their names are published each year in the Archdiocese's Catholic Directory, as are the names of parish finance council members published in most parish bulletins. All Archdiocesan parishes and institutions use a uniform budgeting process and accounting software supported by the Archdiocese.

Most of the financial policies prescribed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are already practiced in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and in some cases exceed USCCB recommendations. Such policies are communicated through a quarterly newsletter to parish business managers. These include, for example, setting a maximum of 24 hours to deposit parish contributions to a bank; establishing rotating teams of people to make deposits each week; asking separate teams to count contributions; and assigning a separate person to record them.

By utilizing experienced professionals and procedural safeguards, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia seeks to ensure the highest level of stewardship over Church resources.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Reverend Monsignor Francis W. Beach, Pastor of Saint Martin of Tours Parish,will be the main celebrant for the Memorial Mass in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the death of Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca, I.H.M. Sister Lorraine McGrew, Superior General of Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Provincial Counsel will attend the Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is celebrating National Vocation Awareness Week, January 6-14, 2007, with several prayerful events and an advertising campaign to increase vocations to the priesthood. A new web site has also been launched to promote vocations to diocesan priesthood: www.heedthecall.org. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a special Mass to encourage young people to consider a life as an Archdiocesan priest or religious sister or brother.

Local events during the week include:

Novena
A novena to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood will take place from Saturday, January 6 through Sunday, January 14. Catholics throughout the Archdiocese are encouraged to participate in this prayer.

Youth and Young Adult Event
Eucharistic Adoration, confession and showing of "Fishers of Men," a vocational film commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be held Friday, January 12 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood.

Closing Mass for Vocation Awareness Week celebrated by Cardinal Rigali
All are invited - a special invitation is extended to young people who are considering the priesthood or religious life - to attend the closing Mass for the Archdiocese's Vocation Awareness Week on Sunday, January 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali will be the principal celebrant.

In addition to these events, an advertising campaign featuring outdoor ads and radio messages will coincide with the week to raise awareness of the need for more priestly vocations.

For more information, contact the Archdiocese's Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood at 610-667-5778 or visit www.heedthecall.org.

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

I was saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Lettieri. I know this is a very difficult time for his family and for his co-workers and listeners. Mr. Lettieri contributed to the work of the Church through his radio ministry and worked diligently to spread the Good News through radio evangelization. He and his family made many sacrifices in order to proclaim the Gospel on the air, contributing all they had to create the network. In establishing In His Sign Network, Mr. Lettieri stated that his mission was to "evangelize, educate and build community through radio communications" and he did that faithfully for decades.

I offer my condolences to the family of Mr. Lettieri, in particular his wife Joan, and his children Angela, Mary, Tom, Kevin, Brian and Tim as well as all of his grandchildren. I pray that they may find comfort in our Lord Jesus, the Savior whose birth we so recently celebrated. May Jesus watch over them and inspire others to continue the work of Mr. Lettieri and In His Sign Network.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia today joined a new multi-year initiative lead by Catholic Charities USA to cut poverty in half by 2020. The campaign will urge Congress and the Administration to give a much higher priority to the needs of the poor in budget and policy decisions on issues such as health care, housing, nutrition, and economic security.

"In Philadelphia County, nearly 1 in 4 persons (24.5% of the population) is living in poverty," said Msgr. Joseph Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Human Services. "This dubious preeminence for the City underscores more than ever the need for a commitment to act boldly in fighting poverty in our neighborhoods. Poverty is not a far-away concern, something 'out there' -- it is a serious problem in our own backyard."

The goal of Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America is to cut the poverty rate in the United States in half by 2020. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is involved in the broad effort by Catholic Charities USA that will involve partners in social service agencies, the faith community, and other groups in a sustained effort to convince government officials of the importance of making systemic changes in government programs to help the poor and most vulnerable in our society.

"The Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America is about who we are as a nation," Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "We must no longer ignore the injustice of poverty and the extreme inequality in America and instead must seize this opportunity to advocate for changes that promote human dignity and the common good."

With more than 275 years of experience in serving those living in poverty, Catholic Charities agencies have a unique understanding of this growing problem and its devastating impact on families and the nation.

"Catholic Charities agencies provide help and offer hope to more than 7.4 million people each year, and in communities across the country, specifically helping 147,000 in the five-county Southeastern region of Pennsylvania," said Msgr. Tracy. "Our agency sites have been coping with a steady increase in demand for emergency assistance, primarily among working families, like many agencies across the nation. Each day, we serve families who work hard but still do not earn enough to provide for their basic needs."

"We know that as local agencies continue to help the working poor families meet their daily needs, we must also advocate for policy changes that will help lift them out of poverty," Snyder said. "Our Catholic tradition teaches that society, acting through government, has a special obligation to consider first the needs of the poor."

"Through the Catholic Charities USA's Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America, we will encourage our members of Congress and elected state government representatives to improve programs and policies in four key issue areas: health care, affordable housing, nutrition assistance, and economic security for the poor and vulnerable," said Tracy.

Specific policy areas of focus for Congressional action as part of the Campaign to Reduce Poverty include the following:

HEALTH CARE
" Provide adequate funding for health care for our nation's most vulnerable citizens.
" Maintain the integrity and strength of the Medicaid program.
" Remove new restrictions to Medicaid that create barriers for low-income families.
" Provide adequate funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to expand coverage for all eligible children.
" Reform SCHIP to make it easier for eligible children to apply.
" Support policies that provide integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment.

HOUSING
" Provide adequate funding for federally subsidized housing programs.
" Support and strengthen programs aimed at increasing homeownership.
" Establish a National Housing Trust Fund.
" Support comprehensive reform of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program.

HUNGER AND NUTRITION
" Strengthening the Food Stamp Program to better assist the working poor and the elderly
" Protect funding for critical food programs that serve low-income families, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Community Food and Nutrition Program.
" Ensure that federal nutrition programs meet the unique needs of rural families.

FAMILY ECONOMIC SECURITY
" Increase the minimum wage and ensure that it is automatically increased to keep pace with inflation.
" Improve the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to benefit more families.
" Promote policies that support and strengthen families, including low-income fathers.
" Expand employment and training opportunities for low-income workers.
" Improve the protection and care of abused, neglected, and abandoned children and youth.
" Provide adequate funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
" Ensure access to quality early education for all children.
" Improve the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to be more inclusive for more workers.
" Preserve funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG).
" Support comprehensive immigration reform that protects vulnerable families.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead the 24th annual Archdiocesan interfaith prayer service to reflect and pray about Dr. King's vision of a just, nonviolent society. The service is the oldest of its kind in Philadelphia, bringing together people of all faiths.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has simplified access to financial support for counseling expenses for adult survivors as well as child victims and their families who have experienced sexual abuse by clergy or employees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This is a significant change in procedure for the Archdiocese. In the past the Archdiocese required a release of information signed by the victim allowing the Archdiocese to contact their therapist and to consult their mental health treatment plans and client progress reports, in addition to the use of private insurance. In making this change, the Archdiocese listened to victims' concerns and examined the procedures of the state Crime Victims Compensation program in order to see how a secular organization structures financial support for counseling services. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, said, "We want victims to know they were heard. We are truly sorry for any pain our previous process may have caused."

This new revision provides quick access to assistance in finding appropriate outpatient counseling and financial support including direct payment to the therapist, reimbursement for reasonable transportation and child care expenses and no requirement to utilize private insurance. To access the assistance, victims need only call the Victim Assistance Program (1-888-800-8780) and file a formal report of sexual abuse.

At the time of the filing of the formal report, the Victim Assistance Coordinator has the authority to authorize payment for counseling over the next twelve months. Financial support for counseling is provided for twelve months with visits to a licensed therapist. After the initial twelve month time frame financial support for counseling will be re-authorized for an additional twelve months upon completion of a brief certification from a licensed therapist that the counselling is being provided related to the sexual assault.

Cardinal Rigali said, "This reflects our understanding of the need to be victim-sensitive in structuring access to services. It is our sincere hope that this new process will be more satisfactory for those seeking assistance from the Archdiocese."

This builds upon additional changes the Archdiocese had already made to its Victim Assistance Program. The Archdiocese has also:

- Hired Mary Achilles, who served as the first Victim Advocate for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to advise Cardinal Rigali on issues related to appropriate response and prevention of sexual assault within the Church.
- Hired a full-time Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The new Director is Ms. Karen Becker. Ms. Becker's primary focus is making victim assistance services comprehensive, accessible and as user-friendly as possible.
- Increased staffing of the Office of Child and Youth Protection;
- Empowered Victim Assistance Coordinators with authority to approve financial expenditures for emergency situations;
- Launched Public Outreach Campaign consisting of print ads in The Philadelphia Inquirer and ads on KYW NewsRadio featuring Cardinal Rigali speaking directly to adult survivors of child sexual abuse within the Archdiocese and offering his assistance;
- Changed reporting requirements. Victims are no longer required to report abuse to a priest about another priest. Now to make a formal report of sexual abuse, victims only need to call the Victim Assistance Program (1-888-800-8780). The Victim Assistance Coordinator takes the formal complaint, over the phone or at a location of comfort for the victim, providing sensitive support and assistance in that process.
- Developed an automated case management system to increase service delivery.


Services provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Victim Assistance Program

- Making a Formal Report: Victim Assistance Coordinators provide confidential assistance to victims making a report of sexual abuse to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
- Counseling and Other Therapeutic Interventions: Victim Assistance Coordinators provide assistance in locating, accessing and financially supporting counseling and other emotional support services. This assistance includes financial reimbursement for child care during counselling sessions and transportation expenses.
- Pastoral Support and Counseling Victim Assistance: Coordinators will provide assistance to victims and families who are seeking spiritual guidance. Coordinators also facilitate pastoral meetings with Cardinal Rigali and other clergy as requested.
- Social Services Victim Assistance Coordinators will assist with social services, including addressing financial, vocational, housing and other needs through case management and referral.

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

Parishioners of Visitation B.V.M. Parish in Kensington will gather on the street in front of the church to pray for an end to violence in the city.

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Reverend Peter Burkauskas, Pastor of Saint Casimir Parish, and Reverend Roland Slobogin, Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, announced at Masses this past weekend that recommendations to close each of these parishes schools have been accepted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. The pastors informed faculty members on Friday, January 12, 2007 and school families were also informed this weekend. Both schools will close at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. The recommendation to close Saint Casimir School was made by the Pastor, in consultation with the Parish Council and Finance Committee. The recommendation to close Saint Charles Borromeo School was made by the Saint Charles Borromeo School Study Group, made up of the Pastor, principal and representatives of parish and school committees with consultation and support of the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee.

Saint Casimir Parish School, 324 Wharton Street, South Philadelphia
Saint Casimir Parish School has an enrollment of 99 students, grades kindergarten through eighth. The school, founded 100 years ago to serve the educational needs of Lithuanian immigrants, has been struggling for a number of years because of low enrollment and financial difficulties. Because of the small number of students, the third and fourth grades are combined in one classroom. There are only five children in the kindergarten class and only the eighth grade has more than 15 students. In recent years, financial difficulties have reached a critical state. Saint Casimir Parish has been forced to not only spend down all of its parish assets but also to begin borrowing against the future sale of its convent building. The school was blessed with a benefactor who contributed over $200,000 to the school operating account to assist the school in reaching its 100th anniversary. At present, Saint Casimir School's budget has a projected $300,000 deficit at the close of the current school year.

For the past two years, the parish has been continually making parishioners and school families aware of the dire financial situation of the school. On December 4, 2006, the pastor met with the Parish Council and Finance Committee to apprise them of the current situation. After much discussion, the decision was made that the parish could no longer afford to operate a school and that Cardinal Rigali should be asked for permission to close the school at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish School, 3400 Dennison Avenue, Drexel Hill, Delaware County
Saint Charles Borromeo School has seen a dramatic decline in enrollment and increase in costs. Enrollment in the school has decreased from 414 students in 2000-2001 to 144 students in 2006-2007. Demographic data suggest enrollment would drop even more in the future. Baptisms in the parish have decreased from 123 in 1995 to 49 in 2005. Kindergarten was discontinued this year because of the low number of students who registered. The cost to operate the school is putting the parish stability at risk with the parish facing a projected deficit of $470,000 by the end of the current school year. If Saint Charles Borromeo School were to be open for another year, the parish projected a deficit of more than $800,000.

A tuition assistance endowment fund, established in 1998, will continue to assist the families of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish students who enroll in other parish elementary schools.

In February 2004, Saint Charles Borromeo Parish held a meeting with school families to inform them of the declining enrollment and many challenges to the financial stability of the parish school. Between that time and March 2006, strains continued on the parish finances and enrollment dropped dramatically. Committees were established in March 2006 and members worked hard to increase enrollment, which at the time was 207 students. When school opened in September 2006, however, enrollment had dropped by another 58 students. Projected enrollment for 2007-2008 was only 120 students. In a letter to parents on December 4, 2006, Father Slobogin wrote, "Prayer, dialogue and reflection have assisted us in arriving at a painful yet necessary recommendation to Cardinal Rigali. The School Study Group of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish will recommend to the Archbishop that our school close in June 2007."

In accepting the recommendation to close these two schools. Cardinal Rigali said, "I know that this is a very painful time for these school communities. Each school has a long and proud tradition of providing Catholic education to our families and has formed thousands of children in the faith. I also recognize the great difficulties faced by both schools in recent years and I express my gratitude to Father Slobogin and Father Burkauskas, the principals, Sister Irene Loretta, I.H.M. and Mrs. Angelina Clair, and faculty, as well as the many lay people who have worked so hard to keep these schools open as long as possible.

The following months will be difficult and I have asked the Office of Catholic Education to do everything possible to assist our teachers, school families and students during the transition. I pray that the Lord Jesus will comfort all of those who are experiencing the sadness of knowing their school will close. It is my hope that the special spirit that infused these schools will be carried with the students of Saint Casimir School and Saint Charles Borromeo School as they join the communities of other Catholic schools."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead more than four thousand people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 22, 2007. This date marks the 34th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. Joining Cardinal Rigali will be seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, college and high school students and parishioners. More than 100 buses will transport Archdiocesan participants to the event.

The group traveling from Philadelphia will meet at 12:00 noon on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street before marching to the U.S. Supreme Court. The march will be preceded by a Rally for Life and Youth Mass at Constitution Hall, with Cardinal Rigali as principal celebrant.

As the Chairman of the Pro-Life Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Rigali will celebrate several Masses in Washington to pray for the sanctity of human life:

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Catholic Health Care Services announced it started construction of its newest facility, St. John Neumann Place, in South Philadelphia (2600 Moore Street). Property demolition began December 2006, with anticipated completion by early 2008. A limited partnership between Catholic Health Care Services, Beneficial Savings Bank and PNC Bank is funding the project.

This development marks the first time the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has utilized Section 42 tax credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for the adaptable reuse of vacant church property. In addition to the tax credit award of $12 million, funding is provided by the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia, the Housing Trust Fund administered by the city, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

St. John Neumann Place will provide safe and affordable housing for seniors 62 and older. This initiative has been a collaborative effort between Catholic Health Care Services and the Archdiocesan Office for Community Development.

The renovations at the site of the former St. John Neumann High School include the demolition of the school gym, auditorium and priory. The remaining classroom area will be converted into the senior residence with 75 one-bedroom apartments. The building will be completed with community rooms, off-street parking and green space. The adjacent McNichol Field will remain as playing and practice fields for Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School teams. The General Contractor is Domus, Inc.

Once construction nears completion, there will be a public announcement and seniors will have an opportunity to submit lease applications. Criteria to live at St. John Neumann Place include age, income and the ability to live independently.

The creation of St. John Neumann Place will benefit the larger community, offering an affordable housing option to seniors in an area where real estate values are rising. Operations will not be subsidized, but rather will be funded by the rental income. This development will ensure that affordable, quality housing remains part of a larger, mixed-housing strategy for many years to come. Local residents have expressed great support for the development and appreciation that the church continues to be a presence in their neighborhood.

###

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with Catholic schools throughout the nation, will celebrate Catholic Schools Week, January 28 through February 3, 2007. Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the important role that Catholic elementary, secondary and special education schools across the country play in providing a values-centered education. This year's national theme is "Catholic Schools: the Good News in Education." Catholic schools are proud of the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social values that are emphasized in their schools.

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia there are:
- 187 Parish or Regional Elementary Schools
- 20 Archdiocesan High Schools
- 5 Schools of Special Education
- Parish elementary school enrollment is 62,559
- High school enrollment is 20,749
- Schools of Special Education enrollment is 246

Please join Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2007 at St. Matthew Parish School, 3000 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, 19149, for the launch of a major initiative highlighting the value of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. (Click here for streaming video of announcement)

Celebrating Good News: During Catholic Schools Week, students, parents and teachers throughout the five-county Archdiocese will celebrate with a variety of special religious, social and recreational activities. Following is a list of some of the activities planned:

Sunday, January 28, 2007
Holy Trinity Parish - Osborne and Stockham Avenues, Morrisville - 215-295-6900 (p) Bucks County
9:30 a.m. - Mass celebrating Catholic Schools Week followed by an Open House with an Academic Wellness Fair and Book Fair with each child in grades 1st - 8th participating.
Our Lady of Charity Parish - 231 Upland Road, Brookhaven - 610-874-0410 (p) Delaware County
11:30 a.m. - Catholic Schools Week Mass will include the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
St. Matthew Parish- Cottman Ave. and Battersby Street, Philadelphia - 610-948-5915 (parish p)
12:30 p.m. - Bishop Joseph McFadden will be the celebrant and homilist at the opening Mass of Catholic Schools Week.

Monday, January 29, 2007
Saint Anastasia School - 3309 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square - 610-356-6225 x 100 (p) Delaware County
10:00 a.m. - A concert for senior citizens presented by the music department featuring hand bells, other musical ensembles and the Show Choir.
St. David School - Easton Road and Summit Avenue, Willow Grove - 215-659-4251 (p) Montgomery County
10:00 a.m. - St. David School will hold their First Annual Grandparent Day, beginning with a prayer service and a special activity.
Saints Simon and Jude School - 6 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester - 610-696-5249 (p) Chester County
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Students will hold their First Annual Grandparent Day and will share the good news of Saints Simon and Jude with their grandparents.
St. Athanasius-Immaculate Conception School - Limekiln Pike and Middleton Street, Philadelphia - 215-424-5045 (p)
1:30 p.m. - Bishop Joseph McFadden will bless the school's new science lab.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta School - 1126 South Street, Pottstown - 610-323-6730 (p)
2:00 p.m. - During School Spirit Day there will be a pep rally and a collection for the homeless of the Pottstown area.
Cardinal O'Hara High School - 1701 S. Sproul Road, Springfield - 610-544-3800 (p) Delaware County
5:00 p.m. - Bishop Joseph Cistone will attend Forty Hours devotion at the school.
Archbishop John Carroll High School- 211 Matson Ford Road, Radnor - 610-688-7610 (p) Delaware County
7:00 p.m. - The Archdiocesan Bicentennial Secondary Chorus will hold rehearsal in preparation for a special concert on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Kimmel Center. The concert will feature the Archdiocesan Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007
St. Madeline-St. Rose School - 500 Tome Street, Ridley Park - 610-583-3662 (p) Delaware County
8:30 a.m. - A prayer service offered by the school's student council will be followed by a fashion show in the school gym.
Nativity BVM School - 2541 E. Madison Street, Philadelphia - 215-739-8761 (p)
9:00 a.m. - Students will participate in a Support the Military Day by wearing yellow ribbons and writing cards to soldiers.
St. Martin of Tours Parish - Roosevelt Boulevard and Sanger Street, Philadelphia - 215-533-3050 (p)
10:00 a.m. - Bishop Joseph McFadden will participate in a prayer service and dedicate a library in memory of Sister Paul Mercedes, IHM (who was killed in a hit-and-run last year).
Kennedy-Kenrick High School - 250 E. Johnson Highway, Norristown - 610-2752846 (p) Montgomery County
10:20 a.m. - Bishop Daniel Thomas will be the celebrant and homilist at a Liturgy for students.
Holy Trinity School - Osborne and Stocham Avenues, Morrisville - 215-295-6900 (p) - Bucks County
1:30 p.m. - The school will collect warm hats, scarves and gloves for Iraqi children as well as writing cards of cheer to elderly patients.
Bishop McDevitt High School - 125 Royal Avenue, Wyncote - 215-887-5575 (p)
3:30 p.m. - Bishop Robert Maginnis will be the celebrant and homilist at a Liturgy for the students.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul - 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 10:00 a.m. - Bishop Joseph McFadden will be the celebrant and homilist of a Mass for over 1400 Archdiocesan student athletes. The Cardinal O'Hara High School choir will provide music.
St. Joseph the Worker School - 9160 New Falls Road, Fallsington - 215-949-4312 (p) Bucks County
12:45 p.m. - As part of Student Appreciation Day there will be a performance of the Holy Ghost Prep Jazz Band.
Stella Maris School - 814 Bigler Street, Philadelphia - 215-467-6262 (p)
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - A player from The Phantoms hockey team will read to 3rd and 4th grade students.
Saint Adalbert School - Thompson and Madison Streets, Philadelphia - 610-326-8990 (p)
1:00 p.m. - During Senior Citizen Appreciation Day there will be a "Senior Prom" where seniors and students will dance to music provided by a live band, share letters and enjoy refreshments.
St. Hilary of Poitiers School - 920 Susquehanna Road, Rydal - 215-887-4520 (p) - Montgomery County
1:30 p.m. - Students will walk and pray for peace in our country and world and also participate in Patriotic Dress Down Day wearing red, white and blue in support of our troops.
Immaculate Conception School - 3810 Oxford Valley Road, Levittown - 215-949-4664 (p) Bucks County
1:30 p.m. - Students will participate in a Dance-a-thon in the school's Social Hall.

Thursday, February 1, 2007
St. Bernadette of Lourdes School - 1035 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill - 610-449-6126 (p) Delaware County
9:15 a.m. - The Philadelphia Flyers and Phantoms will hold a school assembly on good character traits.
St. Anselm School - 12650 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia - 215-632-1133 (p)
10:30 a.m. - To celebrate vocations, each classroom will have a guest speaker on religious life.
Saint John of the Cross School - 2801 Woodland Road, Roslyn - 215-659-1365 (p) Montgomery County
1:00 p.m. - Students in grades 1-8 will attend a presentation of "Born in the USA" presented by the Philadelphia Zoo. The students will have the opportunity to see some of the most fascinating animals found in the United States.
Our Lady of Grace School - 300 Hulmeville Avenue, Penndel - 215-757-5287 (p) Bucks County
2:00 p.m. - Students in 4th through 8th grade will compete in a jeopardy tournament. A pep rally for Catholic education will follow the tournament.
St. Gabriel School - Cleveland Avenue between Chester Pike and Mohawk Avenue, Norwood - 610-586-1225 (p) Delaware County
3:15 p.m. - Faculty and Priests vs. Students kickball game will be held.

Friday, February 2, 2007
Saint George School - 2700 E. Venango Street, Philadelphia - 215-634-8803 (p)
8:30 a.m. - A closing of Catholic Schools Week liturgy will be held followed by a teacher/faculty "identity" game. Students will be tested on how well they know their teachers and faculty.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul - 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
10:00 a.m. - Cardinal Justin Rigali will be the main celebrant of a Mass for over 1,000 Archdiocesan teachers. Bishop Joseph McFadden will concelebrate the Mass. The Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic School choir will provide music.
St. Rose of Lima School - 425 Pennsylvania Avenue, North Wales - 215-699-8831 (p) Montgomery County
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. - Faculty Appreciation Day will include a game of Family Feud based on responses from faculty and students.
Lincoln High School - Roland and Ryan Avenues, Philadelphia
7:00 p.m. - Bishop Daniel Thomas will attend the swim meet between Little Flower and St. Hubert High Schools for Girls.

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

Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist of a Catholic Schools Week Mass recognizing the contributions of over 1400 Senior Student Athletes. Student athletes from Archdiocesan and private high schools will participate in the Mass. Cardinal O'Hara High School choir will provide the music.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass for over 1,000 teachers during Catholic Schools Week. Bishop Joseph McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will concelebrate the Mass. Teachers representing the 20 Archdiocesan high schools will participate in the Mass. Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic School Choir will provide the music.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will lead a prayer service in gratitude for Catholic education and for the new school library at St. Martin of Tours Parish School. The entire school community and special invited guests will be attending the dedication of the library to be named Sister Paul Mercedes, I.H.M. Library in memory of Alice Mullen.

A procession from the church to the new Sister Paul Mercedes, I.H.M. Library in memory of Alice Mullen will include Bishop McFadden, Monsignor Frances Beach and priests from St. Martin of Tours Parish, Sister Lorraine McGrew, Superior General of Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Provincial Counsel, members of Sister Paul Mercedes' and Ms. Alice Mullen's families, altar servers, student council members, and other guests will take place on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia today announced the launch of a new comprehensive marketing communications campaign created to build awareness of the benefits of a Catholic education among parents and students in the greater Philadelphia region. Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education, unveiled the campaign on the first school day of Catholic Schools Week at Saint Matthew Parish Elementary School in the Mayfair section of the city. This is the first time the Archdiocese has conducted a major marketing initiative for Catholic schools.

To plan for the campaign, the Archdiocese commissioned a three-phase market research project in 2006 that studied current public perceptions about Catholic education in the region. The market research also sought to identify motivators for selecting Catholic education, as well as reasons for choosing other educational options.

The campaign communicates the value of a Catholic education to parents and students, using "I'm worth a Catholic education" as a unifying message in each advertisement. The phrase will be echoed through print, radio and out-of-home advertising, and emphasized in a comprehensive public relations program. Each advertisement focuses upon the Gospel Values taught in Archdiocesan schools such as "Hope," "Truth" and "Service."

As part of the campaign, the Office of Catholic Education also debuted a new logo and accompanying tagline: "Keeping faith in mind." Interested families can visit www.KeepingFaithInMind.org, a new web site designed to provide convenient, in-depth information about Catholic schools in the region.

"For more than a century, the Archdiocese has sharply focused on providing an unparalleled education experience rooted in Gospel Values such as respect, justice and service," said McFadden. "This campaign will proudly communicate why a Catholic education is a unique and worthwhile investment."

Streaming video coverage of the campaign kick-off event will be available on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia website, www.archdiocese-phl.org under "Catholic News."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events. Father Stephen D. Thorne, Director, Office for Black Catholics and Pastor, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Church, will be the celebrant for the Opening Mass for Black History Month for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Drexel Neumann Academy will open its doors in September 2007 to students currently enrolled at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish School as well as other students from the city of Chester who are looking for a quality Catholic education. This new venture will allow Saint Katharine Drexel Parish Grade School to transition into Drexel Neumann Academy.

Neumann College, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are co-sponsoring the Drexel Neumann Academy. It will be an independent Catholic school for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grades. The witness and lives of St. Katharine Drexel and St. John Neumann are the inspirations for Drexel Neumann Academy.

Drexel Neumann Academy students will receive:
- Extended day schedule, start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
- Extended academic year from September through July
- Exposure to Franciscan spirituality ~ "Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary" ~ St. Francis of Assisi
- Small class size and homework club for each student
- Multiple intelligences instruction ~ teaching to the different learning styles of each child
- Enhanced technology programs

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced on the feast day of Saint Katharine Drexel on March 3, 2006, that the school would remain open for the 2006-2007 school year. Saint Katharine Drexel Parish School had been conducting a self-study as a result of declining enrollment and increasing costs. Cardinal Rigali said, "While we recognize those realities, we must also remember and model Saint Katharine Drexel's love for the poor and for children." Following that announcement, the collaboration of the co-sponsors created this opportunity to continue the tradition of Catholic education in the city of Chester with this new model, the Drexel Neumann Academy.

In addition, schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have raised over $10,000 to date to purchase new uniforms for Drexel Neumann Academy students. Students at Archdiocesan schools are offering their contributions as a way to welcome every student who will attend Drexel Neumann Academy.

For more information about Drexel Neumann Academy, please contact Sister Maggie Gannon, OSF at 610-212-1379.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding beginning April 2007 through April 2008.

One of the highlights will be a concert at the Kimmel Center on October 10, 2007. The concert will be performed by the Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra, made up of more than 350 elementary and secondary students from parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This select group of students auditioned and was chosen to represent the Archdiocese during the Bicentennial celebration.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for the annual Mass to honor altar servers from Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia North Vicariates. More than 1,200 altar servers and their families representing 63 parishes are expected to attend, with 48 priests concelebrating the Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at Mass while Archbishop Pietro Sambi will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

In the Catholic Church, an Apostolic Nuncio is the personal representative of the Holy Father to the Church in a particular nation; at the same time he is the Ambassador of the Holy See to that country or to an international organization. Archbishop Sambi is only the second Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, the office having been elevated to enjoy full ambassadorial rank and privileges in 1998. Archbishop Sambi will visit Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary on

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

7th grade students at Saint Martin de Porres Parish School in North Philadelphia will showcase their ballroom dancing skills in an exhibition. Under the direction of Mrs. Samantha Belloma, the students have taken 12 weeks of dance classes and will be judged in a competitive format on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass and distribute ashes on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding beginning April 2007 through April 2008.

One of the highlights will be a concert at the Kimmel Center on October 10, 2007. The concert will be performed by the Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra, made up of more than 400 elementary and secondary students from Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This select group of students auditioned and was chosen to represent the Archdiocese in this concert at the Kimmel Center during the Bicentennial celebration.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at three celebrations of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This is an important step for 970 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. All of the celebrations will be at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will make a pastoral visit to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia to celebrate Mass, visit with children and greet administrators and staff. The Cardinal is visiting St. Christopher's Hospital for Children at the invitation of Dr. Daniel Schidlow, M.D., Physician-In-Chief. While on vacation in Rome, Dr. Schidlow and his wife met the Cardinal. Dr. Schidlow told Cardinal Rigali of the work of St. Christopher's Hospital and the very special young patients in its care. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children has a 132-year history of caring for children in the Philadelphia region.

During Mass, Cardinal Rigali will receive a presentation by Ms. Bernadette Mangan, CEO of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. He will also be presented with a bouquet from Tommy and Samantha Geromichalos. Tommy, a patient of Dr. Schidlow's at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, is also a student at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish Elementary School in East Lansdowne, Delaware County. Tommy's story of how he brought a community together to support his school attracted national media attention last year.

Following Mass, there will be a photo opportunity. After a presentation by Ms. Mangan, the Cardinal will visit with patients and their families.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for the Migration Mass, which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Catholics in the Philadelphia region.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will offer opening remarks to students attending the 30th Annual Youth Symposium on the Holocaust. This annual seminar provides high school students with a unique opportunity to learn about the Holocaust. The program will include an introductory session featuring a topical film, small group dialogues with Holocaust survivors and a special workshop for teachers.

Co-sponsors of the annual gathering include: the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, the Office of Catholic Education, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, St. Joseph's University's Jewish-Catholic Institute, and the Anti-Defamation League and LaSalle University.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults will hold the 14th Annual Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. The banquet raises funds for the programs of the Office for Youth and Young Adults. In addition, the banquet honors adults who reflect the virtues and values of the CYO and the Catholic Church.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at the Saint Patrick's Day Observance Mass. Concelebrants of the Mass include Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, Reverend Daniel E. Mackle, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, and Reverend Kevin C. Trautner, Chaplin, Saint Patrick's Day Observance Association of Philadelphia.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

St. Raymond of Penafort Parish, in partnership with Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, will host an evening of praise featuring the renowned 40-member Morehouse College Glee Club. In addition to their performance the young men of Morehouse -- the only all-male historically black college in the U.S. -- will also offer an introduction of themselves and stand as an example of what young African-American men can aspire to be. St. Raymond and Enon Tabernacle are co-sponsoring the event to promote peace and offer a positive image of young black men in the West Oak Lane community.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will share his reflections on the Holy Eucharist on the national radio network Relevant Radio. Cardinal Rigali's reflections will be available to listen to live on-line at www.relevantradio.com.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the request of James M. Iannarella, a priest, to be removed from the clerical state was granted.

Because of known sexual misconduct involving a minor, James Iannarella was removed from active ministry in 1999. Subsequently, he sought removal from the clerical state. James Iannarella functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from May 1996 to October 1999 during which time he served at Saint Joseph, Aston. He also served as Ordinary Confessor, Assisi House, for the Sisters of Saint Francis.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law James Iannarella is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.



The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the request of Michael F. Conroy, a permanent deacon, to be removed from the clerical state was granted.

Because of known sexual misconduct involving a minor, Michael Conroy was removed from active ministry in 2002. Subsequently, he sought removal from the clerical state. Michael F. Conroy functioned as a deacon of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from June 1994 to October 2002 during which time he served at Sacred Heart, Royersford.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law Michael Conroy is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and he is unable to function as a deacon anywhere.

This public notice may be painful to those who have experienced sexual abuse within the Church. If you are the victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and need assistance please call 1-888-800-8780.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will participate in a track clinic hosted by the men and women of the nationally recognized Villanova University track and field team. The young men of Don Guanella will be taught several new track skills such as hurdling, relay racing, sprinting and the long jump. The preparation and practice at the track clinic will assist them when they compete at the Special Olympics in May.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will dedicate and bless the new church for Saint Peter Parish in West Brandywine, Chester County. Father Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Pastor of Saint Peter Parish, will concelebrate the Mass.

Cardinal Rigali will lead the entire congregation into the Church for the first time and bless the structure with holy oil and holy water prior to the celebration of Mass.

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

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION MASS - April 1st - 10:45 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
In celebration of the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem, Cardinal Justin Rigali will bless the palms to be distributed to the faithful, participate in the procession, and be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. (mult-box feed)

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - April 5th - 9:40 a.m. Procession / 10:00 a.m. Mass
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the main celebrant and homilist at the Holy Thursday Mass of Chrism, which commemorates the day on which the priesthood was established. During the Mass, Cardinal Rigali will bless the three oils used in Sacraments: the Oil of Catechumens, used in Baptism; the Oil of the Sick, used in anointing of the sick; and Holy Chrism, used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. (mult-box feed)

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - April 5th - 5:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the main celebrant and homilist. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. After the homily, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper, the Cardinal will wash the feet of twelve seminarians from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. (mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY - April 6th - 12:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Father David E. Diamond, Academic Dean, College Division at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, will preside during choral meditations, readings and homilies on the Passion of Jesus. (no mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY - April 6th - 3:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist at the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, commemorating the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The traditional veneration of the cross, led by Cardinal Rigali, will take place during the liturgy. (mult-box feed)

GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS - April 6th - 7:30 p.m.
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, Montgomery County
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant for a Good Friday candlelight procession and devotions of the Way of the Cross on the grounds of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood. Clergy, religious and parishioners in the Archdiocese as well as those of other Christian faiths are invited to join Cardinal Rigali for this public witness. The Stations of the Cross will take place rain or shine. Parking will be available at Saint Joseph's University with shuttle buses to bring participants to the Seminary. (no mult-box feed)

HOLY SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL - April 7th - 8:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist at the Easter Vigil Mass celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. There are four parts: Light Service (Blessing of the Fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle), Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism and the Eucharist. After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and Candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Cathedral and parishes throughout the Archdiocese. In 2007, 970 new Catholics will be welcomed into the Church. (no mult-box feed)

EASTER SUNDAY MASS - April 8th - 11:00 a.m.
Other Masses at the Cathedral on Easter Sunday are: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cardinal Justin Rigali is the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Cardinal Rigali will read a proclamation opening the year long observance of the 200th anniversary of the Church of Philadelphia. The theme of the Bicentennial celebration is Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always. Some special events during the Bicentennial year include a pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Washington, a concert at the Kimmel Center and the publication of a history of the Archdiocese. (mult-box feed)

Editor's Note: There will be a mult-box feed provided on Palm Sunday, both Masses on Holy Thursday, Good Friday Service, and Easter Sunday. For those Masses only, television cameras will not be permitted in the Cathedral. Reporters and still photographers will be permitted in the Cathedral but are asked to remain in the designated area for the media.

All cameras are permitted inside the Cathedral for all other Holy Week Masses, however, media are kindly requested to contact the Cathedral Rectory at 215-561-1313 if you plan to cover.

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at the 15th Annual Teacher's Jubilee Mass honoring teachers and administrators who have served in Catholic education for twenty-five and fifty years. Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and pastors from the schools of the honorees will concelebrate the Mass.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) will host its annual fundraising gala to benefit Catholic school students. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead the gala and Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will deliver the invocation.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a noontime Mass marking the second anniversary of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a noontime Mass marking the second anniversary of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that three elementary schools have been recognized with the Catholic Schools for Tomorrow Innovations in Education award. Today's Catholic Teacher magazine presents this award annually to 12 Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country that exemplify use groundbreaking educational tools to enhance the teaching of their students. The winners are published in the March Issue of Today's Catholic Teacher. The awards will be presented during a banquet at the National Catholic Educational Convention in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday, April 12, 2007.

Saint Anastasia Parish Elementary School, Newtown Square, Delaware County
Topic: Innovative Project Facilitated by Technology ~ Internet Radio
Principal: Mrs. Carol Cary
Seventh and eighth grade students at Saint Anastasia's have created an online radio station, SASR. The students have recorded a 30-minute radio show reading and discussing the Gospel message for each Sunday's Mass. They recently broadcasted to troops in Iraq.

Immaculate Conception Parish Elementary School, Jenkintown, Montgomery County
Topic: Innovative Project in Promoting Catholic Identity ~ Art Workshop
Principal: Mrs. Diane Greco
A group of young student artists gather to study fine arts using a variety of mediums. These students showcase their work twice during the school year and work together on a group project that is displayed in the school for all to see.

Immaculate Conception Parish Elementary School, Levittown, Bucks County
Topic: Innovative Project in Promoting Catholic Identity ~ Discovering Neighborhoods
Principal: Sister Maryanne Winterberg, I.H.M.
Students reach out to their neighbors by writing letters to parishioners who are homebound. The students also partner with special education students from Archangels' Academy for activities and events.

For more information regarding Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools, please visit www.keepingfaithinmind.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will speak on the topic of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as part of a session at Saint Joseph's University titled "Have Faith in Catholic Schools: A Conversation with Cardinal Justin Rigali. This is a follow up to previous sessions of the Conference on Catholic Contributions to Civic Life.

Cardinal Rigali will be "interviewed" on stage by Dr. John J. DiIuilio, Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion and Civic Society at the University of Pennsylvania, in front of an audience made up of principals and presidents who administer to Catholic schools within the city of Philadelphia.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali announced at a news conference today that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will begin a year-long Bicentennial celebration on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. At the morning news conference held in the Archdiocesan Office Center in Philadelphia, Cardinal Rigali said, "It is my hope that clergy, religious and lay persons will participate in the many and varied celebrations of this bicentennial year leading up to the actual anniversary on April 8, 2008. Through the intercession of Saints John Neumann and Katharine Drexel I pray that we may grow together and become more faithful in our service of God and neighbor."

Joining Cardinal Rigali at the news conference were the Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia, including Most Reverend Robert Maginnis, Episcopal Liaison for the Bicentennial; Most Reverend Joseph Cistone, Most Reverend Joseph McFadden and Most Reverend Daniel Thomas. Also helping to unveil the plans for the Bicentennial was Reverend Joseph McLoone, Chairman of the Bicentennial and Pastor of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester, Delaware County. The Cardinal thanked all of those who are planning for the Bicentennial and highlighted a super-priority for the Jubilee Year, "There are many people working to make this year successful, celebratory and fruitful in good works. During this year I am asking everyone to pray in particular for an increase of priestly vocations for the benefit of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, so that the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament may be ours now and always!"

In front of a backdrop of banners featuring the Bicentennial logo, Cardinal Rigali signed the official Proclamation opening the Bicentennial Year. The Proclamation, which can be found on the Archdiocesan web site along with other Bicentennial resources, will be read by the Cardinal in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. It will also be read in all 270 parishes within the five-counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Bicentennial logo was created by Mr. Dan Cellucci as part of a contest to find the most fitting representation of the 200-year Eucharistic history and commitment to the future of the Church of Philadelphia (to receive an electronic file of the Bicentennial logo please e-mail the Office for Communications at [email protected]).

Some of the many events which will take place during the year-long celebration include: a Pilgrimage from Philadelphia to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on April 28, 2007. The music for the pilgrimage will be provided by elementary school members of the Bicentennial Chorus, some of whom performed for those gathered at the news conference. The Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra are made up of several hundred elementary and high school students representing the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese. In October 2007 the students will perform a concert in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Some other special events include a Gala to observe the 175th anniversary of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary this coming May and a youth event in the fall called the "Amazing Race for Grace" which will be a scavenger hunt at Catholic historical sites followed by a Youth Mass at the Seminary. There will be a closing Mass focused on families at the Villanova University Pavilion on April 13, 2008.

Cardinal Rigali also announced that the Archdiocese would recommit itself in service, "As the Archdiocese is among the largest providers of social services in Southeastern Pennsylvania, it is fitting that we use this year to re-dedicate ourselves to the service to all God's people. Doing so highlights the theme of our Bicentennial: Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always. Every parish, school and institution is asked to join together in some act or program of service during the time between the Feast of Saint John Neumann in January 2008 and the Feast of Saint Katharine Drexel in March of 2008," Cardinal Rigali said.

The Diocese of Philadelphia was established on April 8, 1808 by Pope Pius VII. Prior to this date the wider Philadelphia area had been part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. At the same time that the Diocese of Philadelphia was established, Pope Pius created the Dioceses (now Archdioceses) of Boston, Louisville (formerly Bardstown) and New York. In Philadelphia, Cardinal Rigali announced that a special commemorative book will be published in the fall titled "Our Faith-Filled Heritage." The Cardinal said, "The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is blessed with a rich history. It is the story of immigrants and of the establishment of the Catholic school system. It is the story of Eucharistic devotion and of parishioners who sacrificed to build churches for worship. It is the work of Bishops and priests who brought the word of God to those hungry for spiritual nourishment. It is the work of Religious who performed an enormous work. It is the work of so many dedicated lay faithful."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord. Cardinal Rigali will read a Proclamation opening the year long observance of the 200th anniversary of the Church of Philadelphia. The Proclamation will be read following Communion.

The Bicentennial Proclamation will also be read at Easter Sunday Masses at all 270 parishes within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The theme of the Bicentennial celebration is Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always.

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

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the featured guest in a full length, one-hour interview. Out of the Ordinary-A Special Conversation with Cardinal Justin Rigali will air on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that Reverend Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D., will serve as the Director of Clinical Services for Saint John Vianney Center, which is operated by Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Father McGlone begins the new position in early June 2007. "I am delighted, humbled and honored to be selected for this unique position," said Father McGlone. "Officials at the Saint John Vianney Center were seeking a psychologist who is a priest because they value the integration of psychological and spiritual issues. That kind of approach can have a very positive influence on the future direction of the Catholic Church."

Father McGlone, a native Philadelphian, is a priest of the Society of Jesus and is currently a member of the Saint Joseph's University Jesuit Community. His academic credentials include a doctoral degree in clinical psychology as well as four master's degrees in theology and psychology. His dissertation topic focused on Roman Catholic clerical sexual offenders and his past research at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has been on non-clerical sexual offenders. Father McGlone's career has included pastoral assignments, teaching (high school, college and graduate levels) as well as clinical counseling and psychotherapy within a variety of settings. His recently published book Creating Safe and Sacred Places, on prevention of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, has been widely used in over 25 major U.S. dioceses. In announcing this appointment, Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, said, "Father McGlone brings a unique blend of expertise, spirituality and talent as priest, educator, therapist and author. I anticipate that Father McGlone's service at Saint John Vianney Center will have significant positive consequences for the wider Church in our time."

Saint John Vianney Center (www.sjvcenter.org) is a treatment and education center which has been serving church ministers since 1946 at its Downingtown, Chester County location. The center's mission is to provide psychiatric/psychological assistance and psycho-educational services to priests, brothers and sisters, and consultation to bishops and religious leaders regarding behavioral health. In his role at Saint John Vianney Center, Father McGlone will coordinate clinical aspects of treatment in all of the center's programs, including treatment services for the priests in the Prayer and Penance program. Father McGlone said, "The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Saint John Vianney Center have crafted this position of the Director of Clinical Services in such a way that it utilizes my skills and my long history of working with patients in many settings," he says. "It provides me with a unique venue, a national one which will be of service to the Church, treating priests and other members of religious orders from all over the country."

Editor's Note: To receive a copy of Father McGlone's biography please email [email protected]. To receive his curriculum vitae, please contact Kate Pipkin, Director of Communications, Maryland Province Jesuits at [email protected].

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

The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the request of Thomas J. Smith to be removed from the clerical state was granted. In December, 2004, he voluntarily left the active ministry while the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was investigating an allegation against him of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The allegation was subsequently found credible, and he sought removal from the clerical state.

Thomas J. Smith functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from June 1973 to December, 2004, during which time he served in the following parishes: Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia; Saint Francis deSales, Lenni; Annunication B.V.M., Havertown; Saint Andrew, Drexel Hill; Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia; and Good Shepherd, Philadelphia. He also served as Regional Vicar, Delaware County Vicariate, with residence at Saint Francis of Assisi, Springfield; Chaplain, Boy Scouts of America; Associate Director, Conference of Christian Doctrine (Delaware County); Chaplain, Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill; and Associate Director, Regional CYO.

Removal from the clerical state means that in accord with canon law Thomas J. Smith is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.

This public notice may be painful to those who have experienced sexual abuse within the Church. If you are the victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and need assistance please call 1-888-800-8780.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will dedicate the new Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School, which is the Archdiocese's first new regional school building, not the re-use of an existing parish school.

Prior to the dedication, Cardinal Rigali will be the celebrant and homilist at Mass at Saint Peter Parish, 2835 Manor Road, adjacent to the new Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School. Cardinal Rigali dedicated Saint Peter Church in March.

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

I was distressed and deeply saddened to learn of the deadly shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University. My prayers are with the families of those who died and with all who were injured and traumatized in this senseless tragedy. I pray that God will grant them comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead. The faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia express their prayerful solidarity.

Violence leaves its wake of death and injury on the entire community. All human life is a gift and young people are especially precious to the Lord. May the Holy Spirit console everyone involved at this time of sadness and pain.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director, Office for Communications
215-587-3747

An all-faith prayer service will be held this evening to remember the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech University. Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and other faith leaders from various religious traditions in the City of Philadelphia, will join together in prayerful support for all those impacted by this senseless event. The clergy members will walk from the Newman Catholic Community Center, at the University of Pennsylvania (Newman Hall, 3720 Chestnut Street) to the church.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

150 junior high school students from over 20 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will participate in fun, faith-filled activities at JrFest 2007. The event is designed to invite students in grades 6 through 8 into the wider Catholic Church Community. Catholic high school students will lead various activities throughout the day. Father David Engo, O.F.M., CAP, School Minister at West Catholic Philadelphia Catholic High School, will lead Adoration at 1:15 p.m. and will be the main celebrant at the 5:00 p.m. JrFest Mass.

The Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults is sponsoring JrFest, titled KEEP ON:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has asked that parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia observe the statewide day of mourning called for by Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell on Friday, April 20, 2007. Cardinal Rigali asks that everyone in the Archdiocese join together in prayer for the victims, families and all of those affected in any way by the tragedy at Virginia Tech University.

* Cardinal Rigali has requested that all 270 parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia toll their church bells at twelve noon and

* Cardinal Rigali has also asked that students in the Archdiocesan high schools and parish elementary schools stop for a moment of prayer at 12:00 p.m.

On the day of the shootings, Cardinal Rigali issued the following statement:

"I was distressed and deeply saddened to learn of the deadly shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University. My prayers are with the families of those who died and with all who were injured and traumatized in this senseless tragedy. I pray that God will grant them comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead. The faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia express their prayerful solidarity.

Violence leaves its wake of death and injury on the entire community. All human life is a gift and young people are especially precious to the Lord. May the Holy Spirit console everyone involved at this time of sadness and pain."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the main celebrant and homilist for the annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities. This year's theme is that of the Archdiocesan Bicentennial Celebration: Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always. The Mass is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Department of Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities, which together with parishes and affiliated church organizations, is committed in the effort to raise awareness and create access for people with all abilities to the life of the Church.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Parishioners at Ascension of Our Lord Parish in the Kensington section of Philadelphia will come together for Mass tonight to pray for a fellow parishioner who has been missing for more than a week. 80 year old Asuncion Quilao left her house on Friday, April 13th and never returned. She is well-known in the community and the parish and normally walks her grandchildren to Ascension of Our Lord School every day.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will read to 55 students in Pre-K and Kindergarten at Holy Child Catholic School in Manayunk.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will make a Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Buses will be departing from parishes across the 5 counties in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Buses will also be departing from in front of the Archdiocesan Office Center. These buses will carry more than 90 members of the Elementary Bicentennial Chorus, their parents and chaperones.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Student representatives from Archdiocesan high schools and parish elementary schools will present funds collected by their schools for the 2007 Catholic Charities Appeal.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will join Hands Across Lehigh walkathon. The walkathon evolved from discussions among North Philadelphia Catholic Coalition (NPCC) members and local schools to respond to the violence in North Philadelphia, and in particular along Lehigh Avenue, which has seen a spike in violent crime rates in recent months. The purpose of Hands Across Lehigh walkathon is to raise collective voices against violence.

Hands Across Lehigh will move westward across Lehigh Avenue from the steps of Saint Anne Church, over to Lehigh and Ridge Avenues, and into Fairmount Park to the Robin Hood Dell East.

The event is a broad based community march that welcomes all community members, churches and organizations that feel strongly about the unacceptable levels of violence that have negatively affected Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Thomas O'Reilly, a 10-year volunteer with the Bucks County Family Service Center of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was named a finalist for the 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Award by Catholic Charities USA. He was one of only 14 national volunteers given the honor. O'Reilly was named a finalist due to his volunteer work with the Bucks County Family Service Center, which includes delivering baked goods donated by vendors twice a week to Mary's Food Cupboard.

O'Reilly's work also includes academic assistance to Liberian children in need of tutoring. For over two and a half years he has been tutoring a young high school student who had the education level of an elementary school student before working with O'Reilly. Today, not only is the student a high school graduate, but she has also gained employment. The success of the student is a testament to O'Reilly's long-term commitment and devotion to volunteering with Catholic Social Services.

Catholic Charities USA offers the National Volunteer of the Year Award annually as recognition to all the volunteers that dedicate themselves to the Catholic Charities network. Throughout the year, local Catholic Charities agencies across the country rely on over 263,000 volunteers to assist approximately 7.4 million people of all faiths and with a wide variety of needs. The 2007 award recipient was announced during National Volunteer Week, April 15 through April 21, 2007. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is among the largest providers of social services in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Research and Planning was awarded the 2007 Lumen Gentium Award by the National Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development (CPPCD). The award was presented at the national meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. The Lumen Gentium Award acknowledges a person or group that has implemented the vision of the Second Vatican Council.

The award recognized the Office for Research and Planning's leadership initiative and creativity in responding to planning for changing parish and diocesan needs. The award also highlights the Office for Research and Planning website (www.archdiocese-phl.org/pastplan/index.htm), which is a valuable tool used by other Dioceses throughout the country.

Robert J. Miller, Ed.D, Director of the Office for Research and Planning, said, "The recognition of the Office for the Lumen Gentium Award is particularly satisfying since it recognizes all those who have worked in our office since 1990 and the many priests and parishioners who have worked so hard to make pastoral planning and wide consultation with the laity a reality in parishes throughout the Archdiocese." Dr. Miller is a member of Saint James Parish in Elkins Park, Montgomery County.

Past recipients of this award include Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

George Haggerty, Managing Director of the Conference for Pastoral Planning, said, "As the Catholic population grows and changes demographically, Bob and his staff are right on the curve to ensure that the diocese and parishes understand the people they serve, and help make their ideas and plans the best to serve Philadelphia Catholics."

The CPPCD promotes and advocates consultative processes that foster effective planning for the pastoral life of the Church.

For information about the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, please visit www.cppcd.org or to obtain photographs of the award ceremony, please visit www.imageevent.com/mcieslak/cppcd2007.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is encouraging the faithful of the Archdiocese to support The Catholic Charities Appeal, which begins in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 6th. The Catholic Charities Appeal raises the dollars necessary to fund the human services programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The goal of the 2007 Catholic Charities Appeal is to raise $10.5 million.

Facts about the 2007 Catholic Charities Appeal.

- 100 percent of funds raised by Catholic Charities Appeal stay within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, serving those in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties

- Ninety-five cents of every dollar donated to the Catholic Charities Appeal goes directly to the social service agencies, programs and schools for which they are intended

- 13 Family Service Centers provide emergency assistance, counseling pregnancy services and an array of after school and family support programs

- Approximately 6,500 meals are served monthly to vulnerable adults and children

- 280 children with special needs attend 5 Archdiocesan schools of special education with the help of the Catholic Charities Appeal

For more information about The Catholic Charities Appeal please call, 215-587-3651 or visit www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

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

Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties will be attending the morning Mass. Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties, as well as couples celebrating 25 or more years of marriage from all counties are invited to attend the afternoon Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

300 students representing the nine Beacon Schools Programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join supporters in forming a chain around City Hall in Philadelphia. The children will hold hands for 45 seconds to symbolize the 45,000 children without access to an afterschool program.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Reverend Robert J. Conner, Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, died of Cerebrovascular accident on Sunday, May 6, 2007, at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby.

Father Conner as born on December 20, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Paul V. Conner and the late Mary Acker. Father Conner attended Saint Bartholomew Parochial School, Philadelphia, and Northeast Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Conner was ordained on May 26, 1949, by Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Father Conner served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Patrick Parish, Pottsville; Saint Joseph Parish, Collingdale; Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Chester; Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill; Saint John the Baptist Parish, Philadelphia; and Saint Christopher Parish, Philadelphia. In January 1975, Father Conner was appointed Pastor, Saint John Fisher Parish, Boothwyn, were he served for 9 years. In June1984, he was appointed Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and served there for thirteen years until he was appointed Pastor Emeritus in 1999.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, on Friday, May 11, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Vito J. Carbone, Reverend William B. Dooner, Reverend Michael J. Gerlach, Reverend Charles E. Gormley, Reverend Robert A. Roncase, and Reverend William J. Teverzczuk. Father Gormley will be the homilist.

Father Conner is survived by his sisters, Mary Smyth and Patricia McMahon. Interment will be at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Reverend Henry G. Birkhead, Pastor Emeritus, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia, died of Heart Failure at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby, on Sunday, April 8, 2007.

Father Birkhead was born on February 5, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Henry George Birkhead, Sr., and the late Cecilia Agnes Jordan. Father Birkhead attended Saint John the Baptist Parochial School, and Saint John the Baptist High School, Manayunk, Pennsylvania, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Birkhead was ordained on May 10, 1956, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Germantown, by Most Reverend John F. O'Hara, C.S.C. Father Birkhead served as Parochial Vicar at Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Shenandoah; and Saint Mary Parish, Hamburg. Father Birkhead served on the faculty of Saint James High School, Chester, from 1957 to 1963; and on the faculty of Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, from 1963 to 1984. Father Birkhead was appointed Parochial Administrator, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia, in 1984. In 1987, he was appointed Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia, and Pastor Emeritus there in June 2000.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Christ the King Church, Philadelphia, on Thursday, April 12, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor Francis Barrett (Diocese of Allentown), Reverend James A. Callahan, Reverend Michael F. Hennelly, and Reverend Monsignor James P. McBride. Monsignor McBride will be the homilist.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.


FUNERAL DIRECTOR:
Fitzpatrick Funeral Home
215-483-1702

CONTACT:
Bonnie Olinger
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Reverend Kevin C. Trautner, Pastor, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Norristown, died of Aertiosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease at Phoenixville Hospital, on Tuesday, March 13, 2007.

Father Trautner was born on January 2, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Christopher R. Trautner and the late Eileen M. O'Donnell. Father Trautner attended Saint Ambrose Parochial School, Saint Cecilia Parochial School, and Cardinal Dougherty High School, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Trautner was ordained on May 18, 1974, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol. Father Trautner served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Louis Parish, Yeadon; Saint Joseph Parish, Collingdale; Holy Spirit Parish, Sharon Hill; Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Chester Heights; and Holy Trinity Parish, Morrisville. Father Trautner also served as Parochial Vicar and Parochial Administrator, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Norristown, and was appointed Pastor in 2002.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Norristown, on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Joseph M. Arnholt, Reverend Joseph L. Logrip, Reverend Robert H. Mulligan, Reverend Monsignor Arthur E. Rodgers, and Reverend Monsignor Timothy C. Senior. Father Arnholt will be the homilist.

Father Trautner is survived by his brother, Eugene K. (Judith) Trautner. Interment will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.


FUNERAL DIRECTOR:
Givinish Funeral Home
610-277-7000

CONTACT:
Bonnie Olinger
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Ronald W. Check, 27, son of Kenneth and Teresa Leister, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Keith J. Chylinksi, 35, son of Edmund Chylinski and the late Kelly Donovan, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. John E. Donia, 27, son of John and Deborah Donia, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Jaehwa J. Lee, 39, son of John Lee and the late Regina Lee, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Michael V. Marrone, 32, son of Carmen and Rosemarie Marrone, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. William J. Monahan, 36, son of George and Anne Monahan, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Rev. Mr. Stephen H. Paolino, 26, son of John and Susan Tassoni, and the late Stephen Paolino, will be ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Justin Rigali on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will ordain seven men to the priesthood on

Contact
Dan Skalski
Communication - Programs Coordinator
610-785-6219

The twenty high schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are proud to be graduating 5100 men and women in the Class of 2007. Below is a list of the graduations ceremonies:

Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Bishop Shanahan High School Baccalaureate Mass - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Saints Simon and Jude Parish, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, Chester County
Presiding: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Thursday, May 31, 2007
Archbishop Ryan High School Baccalaureate Mass - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Presiding: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Friday, June 1, 2007
Bishop Shanahan High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bishop Shanahan High School Auditorium, 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, Chester County
Presiding: Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Monday, June 4, 2007
Archbishop Ryan High School Graduation - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Villanova Pavilion, Villanova, Delaware County
Presiding: Dr. Thomas F. O'Brien, Superintendent of Schools

John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School Graduation and Mass - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Presiding: Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Archbishop Wood High School Graduation - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Villanova Pavilion, Villanova, Delaware County
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Cardinal Dougherty High School Graduation and Mass - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Presiding: Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Graduation - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave. at Rt. 129, Trenton, New Jersey.
Presiding: Reverend Monsignor, James D. Beisel, Vicar for Bucks County

Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Kennedy-Kenrick High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Gwynedd-Mercy College, 1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, Montgomery County
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Father Judge High School for Boys Graduation - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Liacouras Center, Temple University, Philadelphia
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Cardinal O'Hara High School Graduation - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Villanova Pavilion, Villanova, Delaware County
Presiding: Reverend Monsignor John E. Breslin, Vicar for Delaware County

Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls Graduation- 3:30 p.m.
Location: Liacouras Center, Temple University, Philadelphia
Presiding: Reverend Monsignor Francis W. Beach, Vicar for Philadelphia - North

Thursday, June 7, 2007
Archbishop Prendergast High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Villanova Pavilion, Villanova, Delaware County
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Northeast Catholic High School for Boys Graduation - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Holy Family University, 9701 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
Presiding: Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Saint Pius X High School Graduation and Mass - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Eleanor Church, Locust Street, Collegeville, Montgomery County
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Friday, June 8, 2007
Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School Graduation - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Liacouras Center, Temple University, Philadelphia
Presiding: Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Lansdale Catholic High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Ferry Road, Doylestown, Bucks County
Presiding: Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Bishop McDevitt High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Arcadia University, 2316 Fairhill Avenue, Glenside, Montgomery County
Presiding: Reverend Monsignor Arthur E. Rodgers, Vicar for Montgomery County

Monsignor Bonner High School Graduation - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Villanova Pavilion, Villanova, Delaware County
Presiding: Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Archbishop John Carroll High School Graduation - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Cabrini College, 610 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, Delaware County
Presiding: Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls Graduation - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Holy Family University, 9701 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
Presiding: Dr. Richard V. McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education

Roman Catholic High School for Boys Graduation and Mass - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Presiding: Reverend Monsignor Daniel E. Sullivan, Vicar for Philadelphia - South

Saturday, June 9, 2007
West Philadelphia Catholic High School Graduation and Mass - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Presiding: Dr. Richard V. McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless a life-sized bronze statue of Pope John Paul II on the front lawn of the rectory at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. The statue commemorates the visit of then Cardinal Wojtyla to the Parish Church in 1976 during the International Eucharistic Congress. Cardinal Wojtyla prayed at the Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes in the Grotto Chapel.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will participate in the South Marple Little League 157th anniversary game and party to be held on the school grounds. The young men of Don Guanella will participate along with three other teams made up of men from the Cardinal Krol Center and women from Divine Providence. This unique league is one of the first of its kind in the country.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is informing all Archdiocesan employees who come into contact with young people of the changes to the Child Protective Services Law in Pennsylvania which took effect on May 28, 2007. These changes expand the definition of who must report child abuse. The Law requires a report to be made based upon a reasonable cause to suspect abuse even without first-hand observation of the abused child. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, affirms, "Protecting our young people is of paramount importance. I am pleased that these changes strengthen protection for all our children."

This new law states that anyone who, in the course of his or her employment or professional practice, comes into contact with children and has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse must report it immediately. Mandated reporters include but are not limited to clergy, parish and school personnel, coaches, classroom aides, foster care workers, child care workers, school nurses, youth or music ministers and social service workers, paid or volunteer staff. Child abuse includes inflicting or creating an imminent risk of physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse/exploitation or harmful physical neglect.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to educate employees and volunteers through a variety of methods including brochures and information booklets, the Archdiocesan web site and a series of safe environment training. Cardinal Rigali noted, I am committed to communicate these new reporting changes throughout the Archdiocese. These actions will hold those in administrative positions within Archdiocesan institutions, and other institutions, accountable for reporting and will result in more knowledgeable staff dedicated to do what is right for the protection of children.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is working to make sure that children in the five-county area don't go hungry when school is closed this summer. As a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program, NDS ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer by providing free nutritious meals. Over 550 sites and 24,000 children receive lunch each summer from NDS. Eligible programs are located at approved sites that are either in low-income areas or serve a group of children, most of whom are low-income. Most neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the suburbs qualify.

Participating sites can offer children lunch and a choice of breakfast or snack. NDS has meals available from June 18 to August 31, 2007. To sign up for the Summer Food Service Program, contact Nutritional Development Services at 215-895-3470.

"NDS is very community oriented, helping to address the nutritional needs of organizations servicing youth," says Rochelle Lewis of the Christian Street YMCA Summer Camp.

NDS joins the efforts of the Archdiocese to promote peace in our community. Taking "Peace" as its summer theme, NDS will sponsor a "Blessing of the Summer" event on June 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at Camp Overbrook, on the grounds of Saint Charles Seminary, Wynnewood.

Also planned is a "Peace Day" event in mid-July as well as other peace activities.

The Summer Food Service Program for Children is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the PA Department of Education.

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will open its third Family Service Center in Chester County. The newest site is in Coatesville; the existing sites are located in West Chester and West Grove.

Reverend Monsignor Joseph A. Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Social Services, will bless the new Coatesville site on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce that Angelyn Ballard, an employee of Mercy Hospice in Philadelphia, will be recognized with the Making A Difference Award by the Mayor's Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission. She will be honored on June 6, 2007 at the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia. Mercy Hospice located in Philadelphia, is a CSS program that provides recovery housing and comprehensive services to homeless women and their children.

"Miss Angie," as she is called by the residents of Mercy Hospice has been the Mercy Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator for the past two and 1/2 years. She is responsible for the recruitment and orientation of volunteers who come to Mercy Hospice on an ongoing basis, as well as the coordination of activities for volunteers who wish to do special projects at Mercy Hospice. In addition, Miss Angie has assumed the responsibility for the alumnae program which was created two years ago. This program inspires the current residents to continue their journey in recovery. This is the second time an employee of Mercy Hospice has been recognized by the Mayor's Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission with the Making A Difference Award.

In her nominating petition, Marilyn Mock, Program Director of Mercy Hospice, said, "Angie perceives her role at Mercy not just as a job, but as a mission and a ministry dedicated to women with whom she feels strong kinship. Angie has a tremendous awareness of the struggles and challenges women in recovery face in their relationships with their children, their families and significant others. Angie leads by example reinforcing with Mercy women her strong belief that each woman is infinitely worthy of a life that brings her joy, happiness, and success and personal and spiritual fulfillment despite whatever the resident believes about her own worthiness."

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

For more information about Catholic Social Services, please visit www.css-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that two employees of Immaculate Mary Home in Northeast Philadelphia will be awarded Distinguished Service Awards by the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging (PANPHA). Awards will be conferred at a state-wide PANPHA conference in Hershey, PA at the end of June.

Reverend Monsignor Joseph A. Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Health Care Services (under whose auspice Immaculate Heart of Mary operates), said, "These two employees go beyond the requirements of their daily work, touching the lives of Immaculate Mary Home's residents in positive ways. The awards recognize the dedication of both. They also honor the staff and volunteers of all our care facilities and programs, who bring the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to residents and clients in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

The award winners are:

Debbie Plant-Felder (Educator/Staff Development) in the "Caregiver of the Year: Non-Nursing" category: Criteria for this award included steadfast commitment above and beyond the call of duty to the elderly; specific acts to enhance and enrich the lives of aging persons; exceptional service to the nursing facility, its residents and/or the elderly and outstanding treatment of the whole person.

Falisha Tyson (Certified Nursing Assistant) in the "Caregiver of the Year: Nursing" category: Criteria for this award included dedication and skill above and beyond the performance of nursing duties related to the care of the elderly; interacting with care recipients in a manner that fosters human development; exceptional service to the nursing home, its residents, and/or the elderly and mentoring in a nursing capacity to help others build on and maximize care giving skills.

PANPHA represents more than 320 nonprofit providers of long-term care and housing services for 65,000 elderly residents in Pennsylvania. The association is committed to helping its members provide quality care efficiently and effectively for the individuals and families they serve.

Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) provides short- and long-term nursing care at six skilled nursing homes, an independent living facility and three assisted living facilities in Philadelphia and suburban counties. CHCS also operates various community benefit programs, manages a priest retirement community and oversees a treatment center for Catholic priests and those in religious vows.

For more information about Catholic Health Care Services, please visit www.catholichealthcareservices.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

I ask all people of good will to join me in rejecting the divisive and erroneous label that Philadelphia City Council has forced upon the citizens of Philadelphia today. I reject the resolution because so many heroic efforts are made continually to safeguard unborn children from the evil of abortion, to protect vulnerable children and families and to defend all women and men in crisis. In a city where so many people vigorously defend life at every stage, proclaiming Philadelphia "pro-choice" is inconsistent with reality. It unfairly saddles those who support life at all stages with this shameful label.

Philadelphia is experiencing homicide at a record rate; now is not the time to affirm the false choice of procured abortion. Rather, all residents should rally around the common cause of eliminating the hopelessness that generates violence.

Everyone deserves to be born and live in a society that builds conditions conducive to life, not despair and death. The dialogue between individuals and groups working to build a just society is ill-served by City Council's unproductive resolution. I commend those members who opposed this resolution. Council members who voted for it should apologize to the thousands of Philadelphians they have offended today, and turn their energies toward improving the quality of life and the safeguarding of all residents.

Editor's Note: A video version of this statement will be available on the Archdiocesan web site under Catholic News or www.youtube.com Search term "Cardinal Rigali"

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

I applaud the members of Philadelphia City Council who worked to rescind last week's troubling resolution. The members who supported today's resolution are to be commended for reflecting carefully upon this issue and showing the courage to revisit it. I appreciate that Council has considered seriously the sensitivities of all Philadelphians and has rightly voted to take these sensitivities into account. It is my hope that this occasion will lead to a more productive dialogue and ultimately to greater reverence for the sanctity of all human life.

Editor's Note: A video version of this statement will be available on the Archdiocesan web site at www.archdiocese-phl.org under Catholic News or on www.youtube.com Search term "Cardinal Rigali"

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Neumann on June 19, 2007. A special video message is available on the Archdiocesan website www.archdiocese-phl.org under Catholic News or on www.youtube.com (search term Neumann/Cardinal Rigali.) Cardinal Rigali was present at the Vatican in 1977 for the canonization of Philadelphia's beloved fourth Bishop.

In the video message, Cardinal Rigali calls Saint John Neumann, "an example for all of us, especially me, his successor in the Church of Philadelphia. Saint John Neumann's work among immigrants and the founding of Catholic schools reached perfection in his devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist."

Saint John Neumann's body lies beneath the altar at the shrine which bears his name at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia. For more information about the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann, please visit www.stjohnneumann.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will host a lacrosse clinic led by John Christmas, a Philadelphia Barrage lacrosse star player, and a former team member of the Philadelphia Wings.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

It was a great pleasure to learn that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named Archbishop John P. Foley as Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Archbishop Foley has served faithfully in Rome for many years as President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. In this role he has worked zealously to communicate globally the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI has now entrusted him with another important mission in the Church. He is called to direct and guide the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in its service to the Church of Jerusalem. This involves working for the well-being and stability of the Christian community throughout the Holy Land.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud of Archbishop Foley and his dedicated service to the Apostolic See and the universal Church. We assure him of our prayerful support at this time when the Holy Father renews his trust in Archbishop Foley's faithful and effective collaboration.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Over 60 Black Catholic Clergy, Religious and Laity from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are preparing to travel to Buffalo, New York to join over 2000 delegates to the Tenth National Black Catholic Congress, scheduled for July 12- 15, 2007. This event, held every five years focuses on issues that are important to the Black Catholic community. This year's theme is "Christ is with us: Celebrating the Gifts of the Sacraments." Among the many national speakers will be Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta and the former President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Philadelphia delegation is being led by the Black Catholic priests of the Archdiocese: Reverend Monsignor David Benz, Pastor, Saint Philomena Church in Lansdowne; Reverend Monsignor Federico Britto, Pastor, Saint Cyprian Church in West Philadelphia; Reverend Rayford Emmons, Parochial Vicar, Saint Cyril Church in East Lansdowne and Reverend Stephen Thorne, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics and Pastor of Saint Therese Church in Mt. Airy.

A Holy Hour of Prayer in Preparation for the Congress will be held on

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Sovereign Bank has donated $80,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Jack Killen, senior vice president of Sovereign Bank and president of the Sovereign Bank Foundation, recently presented each principal of the Archdiocesan Schools for Special Education with a $10,000 check for scholarship tuition assistance. The schools are: Archangels' Academy, Levittown; Archbishop Ryan School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Norwood; St. Katherine Day School, Wynnewood; St. Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments, Philadelphia and Our Lady of Confidence Day School, Willow Grove.

Killen advised the principals that Sovereign Bank would make a $25,000 contribution through the Catholic Charities Appeal, resulting in each school receiving an additional $5,000 to use for operation needs. Killen is also the chairperson of the newly formed Special Education Advisory Board in the Office of Catholic Education.

Sovereign Bank has supported BLOCS through the EITC program since its inception in 2001. BLOCS, under the direction of Deacon John K. Hunter, is committed to raising financial assistance for families that wish to provide their children with a value-based Catholic education, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

For information about Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools, please visit www.blocs.org. To obtain photographs of the check presentations, please contact 215-587-3747.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

I offer my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Archbishop Edwin O'Brien on his appointment as the fifteenth Archbishop of Baltimore. Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has shown his confidence in Archbishop O'Brien as a prayerful shepherd of the faithful, one who will lead the people of Baltimore with faith and trust in Jesus. I am certain that the people of the first diocese in America will welcome him warmly.
I also offer my best wishes to Cardinal William Keeler upon the Holy Father's acceptance of his resignation. Cardinal Keeler has lived the Gospel and has been a true servant of the Lord. His pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Baltimore has been marked by his love and concern for the lives of the faithful of the Archdiocese, whom he has guided in the model of the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ.

###

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

More than 300 members of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra will gather for a special weeklong Bicentennial Concert Music Camp on Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20, 2007. This select group of students is made up elementary and secondary students representing schools throughout the Archdiocese. In one of the highlights of the anniversary year, the Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra will perform a concert at the Kimmel Center on October 10, 2007.

The weeklong camp begins daily at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. The day is divided into two sessions with the morning concentrating on specialised music lessons and the afternoon they rehearse as a group. Each day will focus on a different part of the Chorus and Orchestra (for example: Tuesday - strings; Wednesday - vocals; and Thursday - chamber orchestra including Elena Lukens, a student from Bishop Shanahan High School, the winner of the 2007 Bicentennial Concert Piano Concerto).

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

It is with pleasure that I offer congratulations and a warm welcome back to Pennsylvania to Most Reverend David A. Zubik on his appointment as the twelfth Bishop of Pittsburgh. Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has demonstrated his confidence that Bishop Zubik will faithfully shepherd the people of Pittsburgh in the coming years.

With this appointment Bishop Zubik returns to his home Diocese and I am sure the people of Pittsburgh will welcome him back with affection and pride. Bishop Zubik has shown himself to be a dedicated and loyal servant of Jesus Christ and the people of God in Green Bay and I am certain that he will be a compassionate and wise shepherd to the Catholic faithful in Pittsburgh.

As Bishop Zubik prepares to assume his new position in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, my prayers and those of the priests, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are with him.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be greeted by members of the Igbo (ee-boh) Catholic Community who will honor him with a brief ceremony for his visit to Onitsha, Nigeria. Cardinal Rigali was in Onitsha ordaining 10 priests in the Onitsha Archdiocese.

Led by Father Peter Ekwenze the group will express appreciation to Cardinal Rigali for his goodwill in visiting their homeland. They will welcome the Cardinal home with a banner from their native Nigeria.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will speak to a group of young adults at Theology on Tap about John Paul II and Benedict XVI: My memories of the Popes of the New Millennium.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

As a local sponsor of the Summer Food Program, Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia makes free meals available to children when school is not in session. The program is a hit with parents whose children enjoy the nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack foods. Christie Ritter's two young children visit the program at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in West Philadelphia. "My 4- and 6-year-olds love the meals," she said. "They like everything, but the carrots with ranch dressing are their favorites."

In response to violence in our city and region, NDS is using peace as the theme for the summer program. The agency, which provides food and nutritional services to people from every walk of life, is encouraging each of the 603 groups participating in the program throughout the five-county area to include peace-building activities at their sites this summer.

NDS announces two special peace-themed celebrations on Thursday, July 26, 2007 for children participating in local food programs:

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Two Catholic parishes in Northwest Philadelphia are joining other Christian churches to pray in a public witness for peace and an end to violence in Philadelphia. "Fire on the Fourth Friday" includes Catholic parishes in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia:

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747

Two administrators from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education have returned from a trip to China. Stephen Pawlowski, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Staff Relations and Theresa Ryan-Szott, Director of Secondary School Personnel, joined 800 educators from the United States on a trip to China from Sunday, June 24, 2007 to Tuesday, July 3, 2007, in an effort to build and expand Chinese language programs throughout Archdiocesan high schools.

In only its second year, the Chinese Bridge Delegation aims to expose school decision makers to the rich history and culture of China. Pawlowski and Ryan-Szott were among educators - including teachers, administrators and language coordinators - who began their tour in Beijing and then traveled to Yichang City and Wuhan in the Hubei Province where they met with local educators and students. Ryan-Szott said of the experience, "I am looking for ways to expand training options at the secondary level to address the scarcity of teachers fluent in this critical, less commonly taught foreign language of Mandarin Chinese." Many of the 20 Archdiocesan high schools gave gifts to Pawlowski and Ryan-Szott to present to schoolchildren in China. "The students and teachers in the schools that we visited were open and very impressive. The visit emphasized the need for continuing exchange and the sharing of ideas and values that would contribute to the development of a truly world community," Pawlowski said of the recent trip.

Chinese is the national language of more than 1.3 billion inhabitants of China and millions more ethnic Chinese around the world. While more than 200 million Chinese schoolchildren are studying English, experts estimate that no more than 50,000 American children are studying Chinese.

For the 2006-2007 school year, Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Delaware County, began by teaching Mandarin Chinese. Roman Catholic High School for Boys in Philadelphia will begin a Chinese language program in September 2007. The Office of Catholic Education oversees 20 high schools throughout the five counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For more information about the Office of Catholic Education, please visit www.keepingfaithinmind.org.

The Chinese Bridge Delegation is sponsored by Hanban, China's Office of Chinese Language Council International, in partnership with the College Board. Hanban is China's official agency authorized to promote Chinese language and culture internationally. They will be sending the Office of Catholic Education over 100 types of educational material designed to promote the implementation of programs within the 20 Archdiocesan high schools.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Drexel Neumann Academy is a Catholic school located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Drexel Neumann Academy is co-sponsored by Neumann College, Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia.

Drexel Neumann Academy is an independent school with a Franciscan charism. In the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, we see Christ in each other and seek to be witnesses of the Gospel message.

The uniqueness of the school lies in the small class size, a multiple intelligences approach to instruction which recognizes the giftedness of each child, and a curriculum which will prepare the students for future academic endeavors. We will provide our students with an extended school day and extended school year.

We will welcome approximately 225 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth on September 5, 2007.

The opening liturgy will be celebrated at Saint Katharine Drexel Church on September 9, 2007. The day will begin with a concert by the Saint James Alumni Choir at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Joseph McFadden beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will be an open house of the school following Mass.

For more information about Drexel Neumann Academy please contact Sr. Maggie Gannon at 610-872-7370 or [email protected].

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-5873747

In September of 2005 the Archdiocese of Philadelphia removed Reverend Robert L. Brennan from his assignment instructing him to refrain from any public exercise of his priestly ministry. In spring 2006, after Father Brennan's removal from ministry, the Archdiocese received an allegation that Father Brennan had sexually abused a minor in the late 1960's/early 1970's. Consistent with Archdiocesan policy, the allegation was immediately reported to the civil authorities.

As called for in The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People which was approved by the U.S. Bishops in 2002, Cardinal Rigali sought the consultation of the Archdiocesan Review Board and a preliminary investigation of this allegation was conducted. At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, Cardinal Rigali accepted the Review Board's determination that there was sufficient information to substantiate an allegation of sexual abuse as defined by the Charter.

Restrictions have been placed upon Father Brennan's ministry in accord with Canon Law. During this time, Father Brennan is not able to function as a priest anywhere. He cannot celebrate Mass publicly or administer the Sacraments. He may not wear clerical clothes or present himself publicly as a priest. Cardinal Rigali must now inform the Holy See and request authorization to begin a formal process under Canon Law. Father Brennan has denied the allegation, however the restrictions upon his ministry will remain in place pending further action.

Father Robert L. Brennan was ordained in 1964. Since that time he has served in the following parishes/ministries: Saint Pius X, Broomall; Our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia; Stella Maris, Philadelphia; Saint George, Glenolden; Saint Helena, Philadelphia; Saint Ignatius, Yardley; Saint Eleanor, Collegeville; Saint Mary, Schwenksville; Resurrection of Our Lord, Philadelphia; Camilla Hall, Immaculata; CYO Region 13 Mid-Delaware County and Archbishop Prendergast High School, Drexel Hill.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that this announcement may be painful to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse in their life. If someone needs assistance or wishes to talk please contact the Victim Assistance Program for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780.

###

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will speak at the 2nd annual Summer Peace Festival on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Holy See has notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that the request of Michael J. Donofrio to be removed from the clerical state was granted. In 2003, he was serving in the Diocese of Abancay, Peru, when the Archdiocese of Philadelphia became aware for the first time of an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor and restricted his ministry. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia investigated the allegation, which was subsequently substantiated, and he sought removal from the clerical state.

Michael Donofrio functioned as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from May 1976 to June 1990, during which time he served in the following parishes and schools: Queen of the Universe, Levittown; Saint Thomas Aquinas, Philadelphia; and Saint Henry, Philadelphia. He also served as Chaplain, Bishop Conwell High School; Associate Director, Regional CYO; Chaplain, Saint Maria Goretti High School, Philadelphia; and Chaplain, Little Flower High School, Philadelphia. In June 1990 he requested and was released to service with the Society of Saint James in Peru and subsequently with the Diocese of Abancay in Peru until 2003 when the allegation was received.

Removal from the clerical state means that, in accord with canon law, Michael J. Donofrio is no longer incardinated in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he is unable to function as a priest anywhere.

This public notice may be painful to those who have experienced sexual abuse within the Church. If you are the victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and need assistance please call 1-888-800-8780.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

PHILADELPHIA, PA- To conclude the Leadership Camp at the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center the campers have worked together to create a garden memorial honoring murder victims from the area. They have designed a pathway over the past two weeks as a physical symbol of the students reaching out in their community to create peace. This "pathway to peace" has been designed by The Leadership Camp as a reminder to bring peace to the neighborhood of Kensington.

This year, the Leadership Camp has focused on developing their leadership skills in school, at work, and in the neighborhood. These youth leaders are creating a greater awareness of their own self-potential and work together to develop good decision making skills. Together they have improved their abilities to work in teams and promote citizenship and civic engagement. As well, the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center welcomes the Leadership Campers for the third year in their endeavor to continue acting as mentors to the CBCC Summer Camp providing direct service and role models to children and youth.

Please accompany us at the unveiling ceremony this Friday August 17, 2007 at 2:30 pm.

The Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center, which opened in November 2003, provides social, cultural, educational, and enrichment services and programs consistent with human dignity and family life. The Center welcomes all community members without regard to religion, gender, race, creed, or national origin. The CBCC is located in the Kensington neighborhood of North Philadelphia and is accessible by public transportation.

For more information on programs or volunteer opportunities contact: Estela Bugg, 215.426.9422, ext. 34201

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was founded in 1808 and began educating children in 1894. Since that time Archdiocesan schools have educated and formed in faith more than 15 million students. The tradition continues as the Archdiocese, with schools in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Chester counties, welcomes almost 90,000 students back to school on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Many Archdiocesan schools will celebrate special anniversaries of their own this year.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will open the 2007-2008 school year with 184 parish elementary schools, 20 Archdiocesan high schools and 5 Archdiocesan schools of special education.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Mass celebrating ministry to African American Catholics will take place at the Saint Peter Claver Center for Evangelization. The Mass commemorates the ministry of Saint Peter Claver, a 17th century missionary who dedicated his life to serving African Americans.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for Religious Jubilarians on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the principal celebrant and Monsignor Joseph McGeown, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, will concelebrate a Blue Mass for Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate Mass for approximately 4,000 people on the front lawn of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is in the midst of a yearlong celebration of its 200th anniversary. The Mass follows a festival on the Seminary grounds with music, food, and activities. The four Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia will be present at the festival beginning at 4:00 p.m. to greet attendees. The bells at the Seminary will ring at 5:45 p.m. when the Procession will begin.

Media are welcome to cover the Mass and the Festival.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless the new Athletic Fields at
Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast High School.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

More than 350 elementary and secondary students from Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will perform at the Bicentennial Concert in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. This select group of students auditioned and were chosen to represent their school and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for this Bicentennial Concert. The Archdiocese is in the midst of a yearlong Bicentennial celebration.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at a Mass at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Levittown. Concelebrants are Reverend Michael DiIorio, Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel, Reverend Brian Izzo and Deacon Harry Simpson. Cardinal Rigali will bless the new Saint Michael the Archangel statue.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at a Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bishop Shanahan High School in Chester County. Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will concelebrate the Mass.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at a Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Bucks County.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, celebrated Mass for several thousand people on the front lawn of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania on Saturday, September 29, 2007 for the closing celebration of the Amazing Race for Grace, the major Bicentennial event for youth and young adults in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. (View video)

As the sun was setting, Cardinal Rigali said in his homily, "Today has indeed been an amazing day of grace in which we have celebrated the gift of our holy Catholic Faith. And now, dear friends, we come to this moment; this moment of God's special grace as we celebrate this holy Mass, which is the gift and mystery of God's love for us. It is here that we hear God's word proclaimed to us, and it is here that we enter into contact with Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word of God made flesh for our salvation."

The Amazing Race for Grace, which was sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults, began earlier in the day with a Holy Hour at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in center city Philadelphia and a Catholic Quest, which took participants to historic Catholic sites throughout the City of Philadelphia. Each team in the scavenger hunt visited four sites, with each site highlighting a different way the Church in Philadelphia is serving the people of God through: Catholic Education, Evangelization, Catholic Social Service, and Christian Community.

The Amazing Race for Grace then continued with a festival on the grounds of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary with food, games and music. Thousands of young people and their families representing parishes, schools, teams, and service organizations enjoyed the festivities and the atmosphere of Catholic fellowship. At 5:45 p.m., the bells of the Seminary tolled and the Processional began for Mass.

Cardinal Rigali encouraged those attending Mass to remember who we are: "As members of the Church, we are the same; we are children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. We are not simply a band of common believers, we are more. We are not a club, an organization or just a gathering of like-minded people, we are more. As members of the Church, we are also members of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we bear His name, we have life in Him and apart from Him we have no life at all."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Bill Latoff, chief executive officer of Downingtown National Bank, will present a check for $65,000 to Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Richard V. McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education; Deacon John K. Hunter, Director of Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS); and Regina DiGuilio, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Office of Catholic Education. Downingtown National Bank's donation is made through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at a Mass celebrating the 80th anniversary of Holy Child Academy in Delaware County.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

EVENT: Annual Open House

DATE: Sunday, October 28, 2007

TIME: 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
100 East Wynnewood Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096

_______________________________________________________________________

Once again, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will open its doors to the public on Sunday October 28, 2007 for our Annual Open House. There will be two tours available beginning at 12 p.m. with the last tours leaving at 4:00 p.m. Let our seminarians be your tour guides, as they take you through a "day-in-the-life" on the Seminarian Life Tour. Or learn about the Seminary's collection of historic religious artwork on the Sacred Arts Tour. Following the tours the public is invited to join the Seminary Community for Evening Prayer and Benediction at Saint Martin of Tours Chapel at 5:00 p.m.

For more information contact Daniel Skalski at Saint Charles Seminary's Development Office at (610) 785-6219 or e-mail [email protected].

Contact
Daniel A. Skalski
Communications Coordinatior - St. Charles Seminary
610-785-6219

Mass celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ordination of the first African-American Catholic Deacons:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Pope Benedict XVI has announced the names of 23 prelates who will be created cardinals in a consistory to be held on November 24, the eve of the Feast of Christ the King. The consistory will be the second of his pontificate. Archbishop John P. Foley, a native of Sharon Hill, Delaware County, will be elevated to Cardinal in the consistory. Cardinal Rigali offered this statement following the Holy Father's announcement regarding Archbishop Foley:

I extend warm congratulations to Archbishop John Foley on being named to the College of Cardinals. From the place where he first learned the Catholic faith, heard the call to priesthood and entered its fullness as bishop, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia rejoice in their native son. The honor he will receive in the upcoming consistory at the Vatican unites the people of this Archdiocese more closely with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

I have held Archbishop Foley in great esteem over the many years that we have both served the Church. I am confident that, as a Cardinal, he will remain a model of deep faith and dedication.

I ask all the Catholic faithful to join me in prayer on this joyous occasion. May the many gifts of Cardinal-Elect Foley continue to give glory to God through service to the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Pope Benedict XVI has announced the names of 23 prelates who will be created cardinals in a consistory to be held on November 24, the eve of the Feast of Christ the King. Archbishop John Patrick Foley will be elevated to Cardinal in the consistory. Archbishop Foley is the fifth alumnus of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary to receive this high honor. Reverend Monsignor Joseph G. Prior, rector of the Seminary, offered this statement following the Holy Father's announcement regarding Archbishop Foley:

'On behalf of the entire Seminary community, I express sincere congratulations to Archbishop John Foley on being named to the College of Cardinals. We are especially delighted to celebrate this occasion for Archbishop Foley shares a close connection to the Seminary. Even though his appointments have taken him to the Vatican, Archbishop Foley still calls the Seminary home.

"I am grateful to Archbishop Foley for the priestly example he has set for me, our faculty and seminarians over the years. And I am confident that, as a Cardinal, he will continue to exemplify the rich tradition of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary for our seminarians, our future priests.

"The entire Seminary community joins in prayer, as we celebrate Cardinal-Elect Foley's appointment.'

Quick Facts on Archbishop Foley:
Archbishop John Patrick Foley entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, Philadelphia and received a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy there in 1958.
He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1962, by Archbishop (later Cardinal) John J. Krol in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.
In 1967, he was named Professor of Philosophy here at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and remained here until 1984.
When he returns to the United States, he has called the Seminary home. For 40 years (and counting) Archbishop Foley has held residence here - longer than anyone else.

Contact
Daniel A. Skalski
Communications Coordinator
610-785-6231

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is urging the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to see the powerful new film "Bella" which opens in select local theaters on Friday, October 26, 2007. Cardinal Rigali said, "This film has a message that is so connected to life: to the problems of life, the challenges of life, the value of life. This film, I believe, is destined to have an extraordinary impact on people's lives."

Bella is a film with wide audience appeal. It was the 2006 winner of the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, an honor received by former Academy Award winners including "American Beauty" and "Life is Beautiful" among others. "Bella" is the story of a young woman who becomes pregnant and loses her job and a man who is unable to recover from a tragic accident in his past. The two befriend one another one day, and their friendship ends up changing their lives and bringing new hope to both.

Cardinal Rigali, in his office as Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, wrote to his fellow Bishops encouraging them to host advanced screenings of "Bella" with the hope of spreading the positive message of this film. In early October, Cardinal Rigali and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted a private screening of "Bella" at Villanova University's Connelly Center for approximately 200 people, many of whom are pro-life leaders.

"Bella" features actors Eduardo Verastegui, Manual Perez, Angelica Aragon, Jaime Terelli and Ali Landry. Alejandro Monteverde directed and co-wrote the film which was produced by Sean Wolfington, Leo Severino, Alejandro Monteverde and Denise Pinckley with executive producers J. Eustace Wolfington, Marcy Wolfington, Ana Wolfington and Steve McEveety. The Wolfingtons are from the Philadelphia area.

Editor's Note: If you are interested in hosting a screening, please contact Ms. Lutrelle Gordon at Regal Corporate Offices at 1-800-792-8244 ext. 8611. To locate a theater near you showing the film "Bella" please visit www.bellathemovie.com. If you need further assistance, please contact Mrs. Martie Gillin at [email protected].

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for the Hispanic Heritage Mass. The Mass will reflect this year's theme, which is Celebrating what unites us: our language and our faith. A procession in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul of banners representing saints of every Hispanic culture will take place prior to Mass.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 29, 2007) - Auxiliary Bishop Joseph P. McFadden today revealed the six Catholic school alumni who will be honored at the Office of Catholic Education's annual Distinguished Graduate Awards on January 28, 2008 at the Crystal Tea Room. Also known as the Archdiocesan Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Graduate Awards have a grand tradition of honoring Catholic school alumni who have not only achieved professional success in their chosen field but also have demonstrated a commitment to living their lives by the Gospel Values that guide and define Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

As an important event within the Bicentennial year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to announce the 2008 inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame:

Cardinal-Elect John P. Foley
Born in Darby, Cardinal-Elect Foley began his Catholic education at Holy Spirit Elementary School. From there, he proceeded onto Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in North Philadelphia and went on to achieve many prestigious degrees: Bachelor of Arts (Saint Joseph's University, 1957), Bachelor of Arts (St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1958), Ph.L. (Pontifical University of St. Thomas, 1964), Master of Arts (Columbia School of Journalism, 1966) and Ph.D. (Pontifical University of St. Thomas, 1965).

Ordained to the priesthood by the late John Cardinal Krol on May 19, 1962, Cardinal-Elect Foley
utilized his journalism background by serving as Rome correspondent, assistant editor, and later editor for the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard & Times. He maintained the position of editor for the publication until 1984 when he was appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and Titular Archbishop of Neapolis in Proconsulari by the late Pope John Paul II.

Foley's devotion to the church led to additional appointments. On June 27, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named Foley as Pro-Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Prior to this appointment, Foley was the longest-serving head of a Curial dicastery. On October 17, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI announced his plan to make Archbishop Foley a Cardinal. Foley's elevation to the College of Cardinals will take place in the consistory at St. Peter's Basilica on November 24, 2007.

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, Recipient of the United States Army Medal of Honor (Posthumously)
A 1966 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, Corporal Crescenz was a standout academic, varsity baseball player and student leader during his high school years. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam in September 1968. Less than two months after his deployment, Corporal Crescenz made the ultimate sacrifice when his company engaged the North Vietnamese Army in dangerous gun battle. With two of his company's men already gunned down, Corporal Crescenz charged into the field, killing six Vietnamese soldiers and providing his comrades with the time necessary to position themselves to defeat the enemy. However, just five meters from the safety of a bunker, Corporal Crescenz was tragically shot and killed.

His heroism in this battle saved the lives of many Americans. His actions not only won Corporal Crescenz the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, but on April 7, 1970, he was awarded our nation's highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. He is the only Philadelphian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam.

Captain Christopher J. Ferguson, NASA Astronaut
Becoming a NASA astronaut is something that many adolescents dream of but few rarely accomplish. Captain Christopher Ferguson is one of those few. A 1979 graduate of Archbishop
Ryan High School, Captain Ferguson often credits his Catholic education for his success, saying that he received "not only an education, but an owner's manual for life."

With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and a M.S. in Aeronautical
Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Captain Ferguson devoted his efforts to the Navy, winning the Navy Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

n August 1998, Captain Ferguson reported to the Johnson Space Center to begin his NASA career. In September 2006, he served as pilot of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on a special construction mission to the International Space Station. Upon his return, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding mission performance. He has also been chosen to lead a crew of seven on the Space Shuttle Endeavour for a 15-day supply mission to the International Space Station in September 2008.

Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D., Director of the Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute
As a student at Bishop Conwell High School, Dr. Kearney-Cooke had great enthusiasm about the journey of self-discovery. An active student leader, she distinguished herself in student council, World Affairs Council and perhaps, most importantly, Conwell's Peer Influence Program. Upon graduation in 1974, Dr. Kearney-Cooke pursued her education at California State College. From there, she earned a M.A in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami.

Since entering her professional career, Dr. Kearney-Cooke has focused upon self-esteem, body image, and eating disorders in teenagers and women. She has authored numerous books (Change your Mind, Change your Body, Feeling Good About Your Body) and is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and USA Today. Further, she was awarded the Distinguished Scholar Award at The Partnership for Gender Specific Medicine at Columbia University and in 1996 was honored as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association

Dr. Kearney-Cooke currently serves as the Director of the Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute and an adjunct professor of psychology at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University of Ohio.

Robert H. Palestini, Ed.D., Dean Emeritus & Associate Professor of Education at Saint Joseph's University
Dr. Robert H. Palestini is a prime example of the value Catholic schools place on education. A graduate of Our Lady of Peace Elementary School, Saint James High School and Saint Joseph's University, Dr. Palestini has committed more than 40 years of his life to teaching others in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Palestini's career has been filled with wide-ranging accomplishments in the Archdiocese, including as a biology teacher and basketball coach at Cardinal O'Hara High School, Co-Chairman of the Papal Visit Committee in 1979 and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

In 1990, Dr. Palestini returned to his alma mater, Saint Joseph's University, where he developed the curriculum for several new Masters' Degrees as well as the only doctoral program in the university's history. During his career, he has also found time to author six books on educational administration and leadership.
However, his faith, which has been so integral to his career, has also been integral to his personal life. An active and involved member of Old St. Joseph's Church, Dr. Palestini sees to the maintenance and preservation of Old St. Joseph's Church and rectory, and also works to educate the community on the history of the parish and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Christine Rouse, Founder & Executive Director, Acting Without Boundaries
From her beginnings at St. John Neumann Elementary to her high school experience at Villa Maria Academy to her college days at St. Joseph's University, Christine Rouse has been shaped by her Catholic education. Just two years after her college graduation, Ms. Rouse began Acting Without Boundaries, an organization that provides opportunities for young actors with disabilities to take to the stage and make their dreams come true.

Her dedication and commitment to Acting Without Boundaries has been boundless. The year-round program provides an open forum for the creative and artistic expression of physically-disabled actors from ages 11 to 30. It affords them the opportunity to pursue their love of theater while simultaneously building their belief in themselves and their abilities. The program has been such a success that, in November 2006, Rouse founded Acting Without Boundaries, Jr., a similar program for children ages 4 to 11 with disabilities.

Rouse has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1994 Presidential Award from the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, presented by Governor Ed Rendell for her steadfast dedication to educating children about disabilities. She is also the recipient of a grant from the New York-based "Do Something Organization" to fund her "Kids are Kids" workbook.

For more information about the 2008 Distinguished Graduate Awards and the gala event in January 2008, please e-mail: [email protected].

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director for Communications
215-587-3747

Students from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, Bucks County, will be celebrating the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

I was so sorry to learn of the death of Officer Cassidy. I extend my condolences to his family upon the death of their beloved husband, son and father. I join with the entire community in a feeling of closeness to the Cassidy family during this tragedy and offer my sympathy and prayerful solidarity. Praying with the Cassidy family on the day of the shooting it was clear that the support of so many police officers, family, friends and even strangers meant a great deal to them at this time of unimaginable pain.

I wish as well to extend my sympathy to the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department who are also experiencing deep loss. Every day these officers go to work they put their lives at risk to keep all of us safe. I hope and pray for an end to the senseless violence plaguing the city of Philadelphia. The lack of regard for human life plays out tragically on city streets each day. I urge all people of good will to join me in working for an end to violence.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

Philadelphia, Pa. October 31, 2007-- Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) named the following to its Board of Directors for 2007-2008:
- Michael G. O'Neill - BLOCS Chairman; CEO and Founder, Preferred Unlimited
- Bart J. Colli - Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, ARAMARK
- Robert D. Kane, Jr. - Senior Vice President, PNC Bank
- Robert Melchionni - Past President, Herman Miller/Spectrum
- Brian McElwee - President, Valley Forge Investment Corporation
- Daniel K. Fitzpatrick - President, Bank of America - Pennsylvania
- Dean J. Cimino, CFP - Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley
- Francis J. Van Kirk, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles
- Frank Seidman - President, Capital Solutions, Inc.
- Gerard P. Cuddy - President and Chief Executive Officer, Beneficial Bank
- Harold A. & Ann R. Sorgenti
- James Broussard - Retired CEO- Evans, Conger, Broussard & McCrea, Inc.
- James Martin - President, Friends of St. Malachy School
- John Eisele - Financial Services Consultant
- John F. Mazza - President & CEO, 1789 LLC
- Lawrence A. Doyle, Jr. - Executive Vice President, Preferred Unlimited
- Matthew A. Taylor - Partner, Duane Morris LLP
- Michael Young - President, Classic Management
- Pat Ciarrocchi - News Anchor, CBS3
- Richard Raquet - President, TRC Market Research
- Susie Maguire
- William R. Sasso - Chairman, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
- Steven R. Wall - Partner, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP
- Bishop Joseph McFadden, D.D., V.G. - Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Deacon John K. Hunter - Executive Director for BLOCS and Office of Development, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Alvin A. Clay, III - Boston Private Wealth Management

BLOCS
Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) is a dynamic group of area business leaders who care deeply about the state of education in our region. BLOCS believes that access to a high-quality education for children - especially those most in need - is crucial to the continued growth and success of our region. BLOCS' main focus is providing tuition scholarships to low income children. These scholarships provide the next generation of leaders with the tools to break the cycle of poverty - an excellent education, a sense of strong values and a belief that they can be successful in life.

BLOCS was founded in 1980 by Bill Fishman and a group of leading Philadelphia businessmen who, like their contemporaries, were moved to action by the deteriorating state of education in the city. Noting the positive impact a Catholic education had on their employees in the workplace, at home and in the community, these leaders rallied their peers to generate the largest contribution ever to inner city education.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-5875-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) Office, will hold its annual F.C. Haab Science Scholarship award ceremony. Through the generosity of F.C. Haab Company Inc., 20 Archdiocesan high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence in science will each be awarded a $1,450 scholarship. The ceremony and reception will be held:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish Campus in Schwenksville, Montgomery County. Father Paul C. Brandt, Pastor of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish, will also participate in the ceremony, as well as officials from the state, Montgomery County and Limerick Township.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, established Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Limerick Township in July 2006 through the consolidation of St. Clare Parish in Linfield and St. Peter Parish in Pottstown.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

A group of approximately 100 Priests and Parishioners from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be traveling to Rome to witness the Elevation of Archbishop John P. Foley, a native of Delaware County, to Cardinal. All depart from Philadelphia International Airport's International Terminal on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, invites families and individuals throughout the Archdiocese to a unique Advent Prayer Service - Bless the Baby Jesus. This third annual event is sponsored by the Family Life Office and Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Everyone is encouraged to bring an image or figurine of the Baby Jesus, perhaps from their family Nativity Crèche to be blessed by Cardinal Rigali during the service. The children's choir and handbell choir from Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Philadelphia will provide music.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Don Guanella School will host the top ten girls' high school basketball team from Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware. The team will conduct drills in dribbling, shooting and passing for the boys with special needs. Among the team members is the number one female player in the country, Elena Delle Donne.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747

Christmas Eve: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is the celebrant and homilist of all Masses
- 5:00 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass
- 7:30 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass Please note that the Archdiocesan Boy Choir will be singing carols at 7:00 p.m.

Midnight Mass
- Please note that beginning at 10:45 p.m. there will be a festival of Christmas Carols, prelude music and other sacred choral works performed by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and the Cathedral Basilica Brass Quartet and Timpani.
- 12:00 a.m.- Music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and the Cathedral Basilica Brass Quartet.

For those unable to attend Christmas Eve or Midnight Mass they will be streamed live on the Archdiocesan website www.archphila.org.

Editor's Note: Television cameras will not be permitted in the Cathedral. An audio and video mult-box feed will be provided in the parking lot of the Cathedral. Please enter on 17th Street, between Race and Vine Streets. Crews will need a bnc connector and a recording deck or a live truck. Reporters and still photographers will be permitted in the Cathedral. Television Crews please contact Father Daniel Kearns with any technical questions, 215-888-0305 cell.

Christmas Day
- Christmas Day in the Cathedral: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. There will not be a mult-box feed.
Masses will be celebrated by the priests of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Media planning to cover any Masses at the Cathedral are asked to call the Cathedral Rectory at 215-561-1313 and leave a message.

Cardinal Rigali will be the celebrant and homilist for Christmas Mass at 10:45 a.m Saint Francis de Sales, 47th Street and Springfield Avenue, Southwest Philadelphia. If there are any questions, please contact Saint Francis de Sales directly at 215-222-5819.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the recent elevation of Archbishop John P. Foley to Cardinal. Cardinal Foley, Pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, will be the celebrant and Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the homilist. Pope Benedict XVI elevated Cardinal Foley in a Consistory at Saint Peter's Basilica on November 24, 2007.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

For the 40th year in a row, teens from across the Archdiocese will be gathering for two straight weeks to collect, sort, wrap and tag toys that will be delivered to over 700 families in need. The students are members of either the Community Service Corps in their Catholic high school or a member of their parish youth ministry. The "elves" will be working on:

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 52nd annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 children of different races, ages and religions. All of the children who attend the party received services from community or residential agencies of Catholic Social Services this year. The party begins with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will visit the men and women of Bucks County Correctional Facility to celebrate Mass for approximately 80 inmates. Cardinal Rigali has visited several prisons throughout Pennsylvania but this is his first visit to the Bucks County Prison System.

Father Charles Hagan, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Doylestown, and Father Gerard Hoffman, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Doylestown, will concelebrate. Inmates will participate in the liturgy as readers and altar servers.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

The presentment against Reverend Charles Newman, a Franciscan Friar, issued on December 20, 2007, is the culmination of two independent investigative processes conducted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. The investigations began in late 2003 when the Archdiocese suspected that funds were being misappropriated at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia. The fraudulent use of funds was a betrayal of trust within the Archbishop Ryan Community; however, the greater tragedy was the sexual abuse of a minor which was discovered by the Archdiocese during the financial audits.

Knowing that child sexual abuse can affect all areas of victims' lives, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers to assist victims of sexual abuse by clergy with their present and future needs. The Archdiocese also recognizes that reports like this can cause a reoccurrence of trauma for other victims of sexual assault. If you are the victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and need assistance, please call the Victim Assistance coordinators at 1-888-800-8780. In light of this situation, we are particularly concerned at this time for our former students from Archbishop Ryan High School and invite them to contact us if they need assistance.

The following information is provided to outline Archdiocesan actions in this case:
- On November 18, 2003, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received information about possible theft of funds from Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia. This information identified former President of Archbishop Ryan High School, Father Charles Newman, O.F.M., as one of the alleged perpetrators of the fraud.
- Upon receipt of this information the Archdiocese immediately scheduled an internal audit and notified Archbishop Ryan High School on November 19, 2003, of this decision but did not indicate the reason.
- On November 20, 2003, representatives of the Archdiocese met with Father Charles Newman, O.F.M., and informed him that he was terminated from his position and that he was not to return to the school. Simultaneously, other representatives of the Archdiocese were sent to Archbishop Ryan High School to change the locks on the doors, cabinets and other items containing financial records and documents.
- On November 21, 2003, Archdiocesan representatives returned to Archbishop Ryan High School to remove the name of Father Charles Newman from all bank accounts and to begin a more detailed investigation.
- On November 24, 2003, the Archdiocesan external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC, were notified of the suspected fraud and asked to perform a forensic audit.
- By early December 2003, PricewaterhouseCoopers had begun a forensic audit, a specialty practice of accounting which addresses fraud or other criminal investigations.
- During this initial phase of the forensic audit, the Archdiocese learned of possible sexual abuse of a minor that was connected to the misappropriation of funds.
- On December 12, 2003, the Archdiocese promptly reported to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office regarding the suspected fraud and the possible sexual abuse of a minor.
- On April 29, 2004, the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance staff took an in-person report by the victim of the allegation of sexual abuse by Father Newman.
- On May 5, 2004, the Archdiocese once again reported this information to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

Father Charles Newman is a member of a Religious Order, not a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia through an agreement with the Franciscan Friars Assumption BVM Province to staff Archbishop Ryan High School. When an allegation of sexual abuse is received by the Archdiocese against a member of a Religious Order working within the Archdiocese, the allegation is reported to civil authorities as well as to the Provincial of the Order.

If the allegation of abuse involves a member of clergy from a Religious Order, the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Office will assess the victim's immediate need for assistance and services. If the Religious Order is unable to assist the victim through the crisis situation, an Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator offers immediate aid and support. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will facilitate arrangements with the Religious Order for long-term assistance as well.

Based upon a thorough financial review by independent, outside auditors, accounting procedures have been strengthened in all of our twenty high schools. Some of the key changes include establishing an Advisory Board with a Finance Committee at each school, hiring two senior accountants to supervise school personnel, replacing school bookkeepers with accountants and strengthening policies on disbursement of funds. The Archdiocese also entered into an agreement with the Franciscan Friars for the restoration of the funds that were missing from Archbishop Ryan High School as well as the cost of the audit.

For more information on the Victim Assistance Program provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and for information on the Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People please visit www.archphila.org and click on Victim Assistance.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747

160 teams consisting of four teenagers per team will spend Christmas Eve delivering toys to families in need throughout the Philadelphia area. The teen volunteers from Archdiocesan youth programs will dress as Santa and his elves and meet at St. Joseph's Preparatory School before delivering the toys.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia will hold an interfaith prayer service in honor of Mayor-elect Michael Nutter. The service will be led by Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Imam Anwar Muhaimin, International Muslim Brotherhood, Inc., and Rabbi David Straus, immediate past President VAAD: Board of Rabbis.

The prayer service will include sacred scripture readings from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. Mayor-elect Nutter will recite the pledge written by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia titled A Call from People of Faith to Stop Violence.

The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia was formed in 2006 to unite religious leaders, to build relationships of mutual support, to offer a moral and spiritual voice, and to take action on issues of critical concern in our region. The council has identified the issue of violence as its first priority. It will be disseminating a non-violence pledge as part of the Interfaith Inaugural Service, and is wholly committed to joining hands with the Mayor and leaders of this region to walk the ways of peace.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747

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