Entries for August 2018

From The Pastor's Desk “It’s like déjà vu all over again!”: This line is attributed to the late, great Yogi Berra; & it comes to mind upon the recent release of the grand jury report that investigated clergy sexual abuse & its consequent cover-ups within 6 dioceses in the state of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia & Altoona-Johnstown had prior investigations & so are not involved in this current report). Berra’s quip is humorous, but there is nothing akin to humor & only horror to be found in the scathing, almost 900 pages of documents that were released. For me personally, it re...

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All Catholics of the greater Philadelphia area are invited to an evening of prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to ask for His mercy upon His Church in this moment of profound crisis. We come to make reparation for our own sins and those of our bishops and priests. We come also in confident hope that from Christ’s superabounding mercy will come the purification, healing and restoration of holiness for which we long.  For more information:  http://archphila.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Have-Mercy-flyer.pdf

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STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA REGARDING THE RELEASE OF THE REPORT OF THE 40TH STATEWIDE GRAND JURY The Attorney General’s investigation and subsequent grand jury report involving six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania has been broad and the content has been difficult to read. The material is painful for everyone, most especially survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones. We deeply regret their pain and remain focused on a path toward healing. It is important to note that the Archdiocese was not subject to the grand jury investigation and is not part of this report. However, that fact in no way...

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Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection Issues Joint Statement with PA Office of Victim Advocate and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape Regarding Statewide Grand Jury Report 222 North Seventeenth Street ● Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1299 Telephone (215) 587-3747 ● commof@archphila.org ● www.archphila.org   For Immediate Release August 14, 2018 STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA REGARDING THE RELEASE OF THE REPORT OF THE 40TH STATEWIDE GRAND JURY The Attorney General’s investigation and subsequent grand jury report involving six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania h...

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Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Help-Line:  Do you need help accessing services and supports for someone with an intellectual disability or Autism? A collaboration of Catholic Social Services-Developmental Programs, The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Schools of Special Education of the Archdiocese is offering this convenient help-line to assist families connect to disabilities services provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. To reach the Help-Line call: 484-472-5041 or email: IDDhelp@chs-adphila.org. 

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Our Lady of Confidence Christian Retreat for Persons with Disabilities:   A three day retreat at Malvern Retreat House has been scheduled for October 9, 10, & 11, 2018 for adults with disabilities.  The retreat is geared for adults with intellectual, physical or emotional disabilities.The retreat directors are Fr. Jim DeGrassa and Fr. Mike Speziale.   If you or someone you know would enjoy a three day retreat that includes having your faith in God refreshed and strengthened please share this brochure and registration form.  For information email:  OLCRetreat@gmail.com o...

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Dear Friends, You've heard of ChristLife, Evangelical Catholic, Christ Renews His Parish, Catholics Reaching Out - all wonderful and effective evangelization ministries.  I am pleased to introduce you to yet another way to launch an evangelization movement in your parish: Catholic Christian Outreach, or CCO.   CCO is Canada's version of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and after tremendous success on college campuses they have moved into parishes to help them foster conversion to Christ through their powerful Discovery series.   If your pari...

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