Click Here to watch Lincoln’s Thanksgiving address to the nation from American Family Studio.

The Sunday readings are full of inspiring and practical lessons for our lives, but often these lessons are not always easy for us to see. In Encountering the Word, Jeff Cavins shares his insights into the Sunday readings. Through this free weekly series, you will learn the meanings of the Sunday Scriptures as well as tips for putting what you have learned into practice.

The first video will cover the readings for the first Sunday of Advent!

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Earlier this afternoon, Archbishop Chaput released a statement to the media regarding Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit.

These programs enable thousands of needy children to benefit from Catholic and private education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and their future is in jeopardy.

Please read the full text of the Archbishop’s statement (below and attached) and contact Governor Wolf’s office via the link provided to ask for his support. You are encouraged to share this information broadly with others. Thank you.

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP CHARLES J. CHAPUT, O.F.M. CAP.

REGARDING EDUCATION TAX CREDITS

Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) are vital programs that assist many thousands of needy children.  They do it by enabling Pennsylvania businesses to donate to qualified scholarship organizations.  Donor companies then receive a tax credit, within specified limits, against their Pennsylvania tax liability. The resulting scholarships benefit children whose families meet certain low income criteria.

Unfortunately, the Department of Community and Economic Development is currently unwilling to issue authorizations to firms ready to make contributions to qualified scholarship organizations.

The real world result that flows from the refusal to issue contribution authorizations is to prevent companies from gaining the approvals they urgently need in order to make contributions and secure the resulting tax credits required for the current calendar year. This creates a very serious problem.  If these contributions are not made, then scholarships will not be available for thousands of students who attend Catholic and many other private schools. In the case of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, this immediately builds pressure for school closures as early as next year, because the EITC and OSTC scholarships are vital to parents’ ability to afford their children’s education. 

This situation is time sensitive, because the end of the year rapidly approaches.  The administrative details of the programs require authorizations for companies and actual contributions to the scholarship organizations before year end.

I ask Catholics and all persons who support good educational options for the poor to contact Governor Wolf today via this website – https://governor.pa.gov/contact/ — and to ask for his support in issuing these authorizations. 

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

In advance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy that begins on December 8^th, Archbishop Chaput has written an article that was recently published by First Things.
A link to the full text is provided here for your convenience. 

Below are pictures from last nights Youth Group meeting!  Thank you to all the children who came and  participated!

Archbishop Chaput has released a statement regarding the tragic events that recently took place in France. The full text is can be viewed here.

God is the source of love and life.  People who kill in his name are not martyrs or saints, but murderers.  Pilgrims from Paris and across France traveled thousands of miles in September to take part in the joy of World of Meeting Families.  Their presence graced us all.  We join with the Church in France in this moment of national suffering.  I ask the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray in a special way in the coming days for the families of all those killed in Paris.

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

1) Stop the so-called “Fairness Act” – HB 1510 / SB 974

Summary: Proposal would create a special status for “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” into law; which in other states is being used to force business owners to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies, even if it violates their faith or conscience, and schools to open women’s restrooms/locker rooms to biologically male students. Also, this proposal would force Christian schools and ministries to hire faculty and staff who do not follow their statement of faith and conduct.

Status: HB 1510 & SB 974 are still in the House and Senate State Government committee – no vote has taken place. Real potential exists for this dangerous proposal to be added as an amendment to other bills, so it’s critical your State Senator and State Representative will vote “No” on any such action.

Action: This continues to be the top priority for special interest groups who worked to redefine marriage and now want to attack religious freedom. Please email, call and/or visit your State Representative and State Senator about this controversial legislation.

Also, for resources on why we should oppose the so-called “Fairness Act,” visit our website at www.pafamily.org/unfairness. And share the action alert: tinyurl.com/standfortruefairness

2) Shift money away from Planned Parenthood – HB 1623

Summary: The Whole Women’s Health Funding Priorities Act – introduced by Representatives Paul Schemel and Judy Ward – would maximize available health-care funding by prioritizing it for the most comprehensive options and away fromthe very limited services of abortion giant Planned Parenthood.

Status: Introduced to the State House Health committee.

Action: Be in touch with your State Representative in support of HB 1623.

3) No Tax on Poverty: Stop online gambling in Pennsylvania – HB 649

Summary: Some PA lawmakers are considering an expansion of gambling beyond casinos and into online outlets to allow access by every household throughout the state. Online gambling provides an easy gateway to reach children and minors, targets the poor, would fuel gambling addiction and is riddled with false revenue predictions.

Status: Remains a potential bargaining chip in passing a state budget. HB 649 is currently in the House Gaming Oversight committee.

Action: Email your State Senator and State Representative and tell them this would be a bad idea.

Archdiocese Publishes Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014

The Archdiocese has worked diligently over the past several years to provide transparency about the financial health of our local Church and worked diligently to improve its condition.

Today, the Archdiocese is releasing its financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2015. It shows additional progress including an operational deficit that has shrunk to approximately $700,000. This figure compares very favorably to the operational deficit of $17.6 million associated with the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2012.

Here is a news release that is being distributed to the media by the Office for Communications this afternoon. It will also be posted to the Archdiocesan website. It is intended to explain the main elements of our financial statements in a concise fashion. I encourage you to read this material and share it broadly in your parish communities in the manner you deem most appropriate.

A copy of the full audited financial statements, along with an accompanying narrative, is available at www.CatholicPhilly.com. Thank you for all of your continued support and know of my gratitude for your ongoing work on behalf of those entrusted to your pastoral care.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Sullivan

Vicar for Clergy

The Papal Choir performed in concert at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday evening, October 19th.  

We are so proud that Saint Frances Cabrini was well represented in the Papal Choir by current parishioners Victor Sorace, Manilyn Lalo, MaryBeth Haberstick, Leslie Miller, Matthew Eater, and Patrick McQuire, as well as Charlene Angelini, a former parishioner and Principal Cantor for the Papal Masses.