The Archdiocesan Class of 2024 amassed a record-breaking $532,160,153 to further their educational journeys at colleges and universities across the country. Mr. Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools, recently unveiled this cumulative scholarship total in a video shared on social media. Click here to view Mr. DeFruscio’s announcement.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez also recently shared an end of year message for all school families, faculty, staff, and administrators with a special commendation for the Class of 2024. Click here to view the Archbishop’s message.

Msgr. McCormac highlights Archdiocesan Long-Range Plans for Parishes

Audrey Wilson discusses the Small Faith Sharing Groups

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate Mass and ordain five Permanent Deacons for service in our local Church at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

Those being ordained as Permanent Deacons are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Christopher DeMaio, a member of Saint Margaret Parish in Narberth (Montgomery County).
• John J. Ellis, Jr., a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Milmont Park (Delaware County).
• Michael R. Fohner, a member of Saint Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill (Delaware County).
• Jaime A. Gándara, a member of Saint Bridget Parish in Philadelphia.
• Robert J. Szipszky, a member of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Media (Delaware County).

Permanent Deacons serve as ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church. They may be single or married males. As ministers at the altar, permanent deacons assist the priest and bishop at the Liturgy. They proclaim God’s Word, preach and teach, baptize, may witness marriages, carry out funeral rites at the vigil and the grave, administer Holy Communion to the sick and dying, and perform other works of charity.

The Mass with Rite of Ordination will be streamed live at www.scs.edu, Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/ and www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/ beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to prayerfully participate in-person or via livestream.

Please click here for additional details.

An update on Stewardship Sunday and good news from the Seminary.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrates the great love of Christ for all mankind. This year, the Feast falls on Friday, June 7^th. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus begins nine days before the Feast and continues for nine consecutive days, that is May 29^th through June 6^th. You are invited to unite yourself with Christ, seeking an increase in grace and divine love through participation in the Novena.

Click here for the Sacred Heart Meditation.

Click here for the Novena Prayer Card.

Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist

Oxford Valley Regal Theater

June 4th, June 5th, and June 6th

Click here for more information or to get tickets.

Shortly before their ordination to the Sacred Priesthood, five deacons from the Diocese of Lincoln discuss their call to the priesthood. Our Deacon Jonah Brox is the first deacon introduced in the film.

We are pleased to provide photos from the Ordination Mass when our Deacon Jonah Brox became Father Jonah Brox!

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING  VATICAN DECREE ATTRIBUTING A SECOND MIRACLE  TO THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS 

My heart was filled with great joy to learn of Pope Francis’ recent decree recognizing another miracle attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis! This moment is one of celebration, most especially our young people who will soon witness the canonization of the first saint from the Millennial Generation. Given Blessed Carlo’s great passion for the Eucharist, and the current Year of Eucharistic Revival in the Church, this announcement takes on even deeper meaning.

Blessed Carlo is an inspirational role model for children and young adults to become Missionary Disciples for Christ. His example lights the path to encounter the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The transformative and pure love emanating from that encounter has the power to change the world in deeply positive ways. That power and inspiration will fuel the zealous hearts of our young people as they grow into leaders in their communities and our broader society with a burning desire to serve others as Jesus did.

Our local Church was blessed just last fall to host Blessed Carlo’s mother, Antonia Salvano Acutis, who spoke about her son’s love and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist at our Eucharistic Congress. Her words and reflections filled our hearts with wonder and awe. They still resonate with us as we strive to follow in the footsteps of her son!

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia