Statement of Archbishop Pérez Regarding the Terrorist Attack on Israel and Armed Conflict in the Holy Land

Posted October 10, 2023

This weekend, I watched with deep sorrow as Israel was attacked suddenly by Hamas and armed conflict intensified with great ferocity. Peace in the Holy Land, which is sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims, has once again been violently shattered by terrorists.

Over the past few days, news reports have detailed unspeakable atrocities and great loss of life with little to no regard for the welfare of civilians. The seeds of war being sown, the harvest will be a bitter one of continued destruction and persecution.

At yet another grave moment in the recent history of our world, I urge all people of goodwill to answer the urgent plea of Pope Francis by calling for an immediate end to this conflict and in praying for all those trapped by the maelstrom of war. As the Holy Father said, “Terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.”

Many people in our region, notably the large Jewish community with whom we share close ties, have family and friends who are caught in this torrent of violence. We pray for them. We pray for those suffering. We pray for a swift and just end to this conflict.

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

Monsignor provides the annual financial report.

Monsignor McCormac shares a special message.

The room is ready and we are excited for the journey to begin!

We’ll see all those who registered for the Wednesday Sessions tonight. Please plan on arriving 10 to 15 minutes early so you can find your seat. We hope to begin promptly at 7:00 PM.

Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, announced last week that Mr. James Amato, MSW, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, will retire on December 31, 2023.

In making this announcement, Bishop McIntyre said, “For the past four decades, Jim has faithfully served Catholic Human Services’ (CHS) in a variety of roles and has taken on ever-increasing levels of responsibility to ensure the vibrancy of our mission to help those in need.  His hard work has tremendously impacted hundreds of thousands of lives in deeply positive ways and his dedication to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters deserves our highest commendations. I ask that you join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jim and his work and in wishing him happiness, health, and fulfillment in retirement.”

Mr. Amato began his career as a supervisor in various parish-based social service centers then to assistant director at St. Joseph House for Boys before becoming Assistant Director of Professional Services. In that role, he oversaw Homeless Services and Family Service Center programs for the Archdiocese.  He later went on to become the Director of Children Services managing Foster Care, Group Homes, and In-Home Services involving contracts with the city and state. He was appointed Deputy Secretary for Catholic Social Services in 2000, and Secretary for Catholic Human Services in 2016.

Mr. Amato said, “I am deeply grateful to many priests, religious, and laity who have helped shape my career which has been a unique, gratifying, and a faith-building experience. I look forward to spending more time with my wife and grandchildren, reading, walking, and enjoying leisure time.”

A special committee has been formed to identify Mr. Amato’s successor as Secretary for Catholic Human Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Angie McManimon speaks about Legacy of Life

Saturday, September 23, 2023, was Cassock Day at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Congratulations, prayers and best wishes to Brendan Tufo and the other young men who received their cassocks.

Today is Priesthood Sunday, a day set aside annually to reaffirm the priesthood of Jesus Christ and its central place in the life of the Church and to honor priests, without whom the Holy Sacraments could not be conferred.

To mark this annual event, the Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood commissioned a film featuring Jim Wahlberg, keynote speaker from this year’s Man Up Philly conference. The brother of Mark Wahlberg, Jim is a film producer and writer who was profoundly influenced by the priestly ministry of a prison chaplain and an encounter with Mother Teresa. During this film, Jim shares his extreme gratitude for the gift of the priesthood in his life.

Click here to hear the incredible story of Jim’s journey of faith and the way that God moved in his life.

On this Priesthood Sunday, we encourage and invite you to thank the many priests in your life who have been a part of your faith journey.