Holy Week Greetings from Monsignor McCormac!

MOST REVEREND NELSON J. PÉREZ APPOINTS
REVEREND PHILIP G. BOCHANSKI
AS VICAR GENERAL AND MODERATOR OF THE CURIA
FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA EFFECTIVE JUNE 19TH

During the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul today, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announced that Reverend Philip G. Bochanski has been appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective June 19. He will succeed Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Kutys, who has served in that role since July 2012.

In sharing this news Archbishop Pérez said, “Caring for the spiritual and temporal needs of more than 1.5 million Catholics in Archdiocese of Philadelphia is a tremendous responsibility and no one can do that alone. I’m blessed to have the support and assistance of the auxiliary bishops and my senior staff in that work.

Over the last eleven years, Monsignor Kutys, has quietly, ably, and humbly served as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. He generously shared his talents in service to God’s people as a key figure in the governance and administration of the Archdiocese during that time. He did so with grace and calm during some of the most challenging periods in the history of our local Church and we all owe him our deep thanks.

As we thank Monsignor and wish him well, I ask you to join me welcoming his successor. The new Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia is with us here today and it is Father Philip Bochanski. He will take over in June. Father Bochanski has served our Church at the local and national levels for nearly 25 years as a parish priest, high school religion teacher, a spiritual director, a chaplain to the Philadelphia chapter of Courage, and as the Executive Director of Courage International. He is also a nationally known author who has published six books.

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Archbishop Pérez’s Letter to the Jewish Community at Passover 

Dear Friends in the Jewish Faith Community,

Together with the people of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, I send warm greetings as you celebrate the holy days of Passover!

This great feast commemorates the miracle of divine intervention in an hour of darkness. It reminds us that the God will liberate us just as he liberated the Jews from Pharaoh’s enslavement, and that the pathway to true freedom is guided by the divine.

Borrowing the words of Pope Francis, “May the Almighty bless and accompany the journey of the beloved Jewish People. May the Most High allow us to grow ever more in friendship and to be witnesses of peace and harmony.”

Please know of my prayers that these Holy Days will bring you renewed hope, peace of heart, and many blessings.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

A Message from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

Theresa discusses Holy Week and Easter in this week’s message.

Please place your Rice Bowl donations in the basket located in the vestibule of the church.

STATEMENT OF MOST REVEREND NELSON J. PÉREZ FOLLOWING HOSPITALIZATION OF POPE FRANCIS

“I was saddened to see the information released by the Vatican a short time ago that Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection and is expected to remain in treatment for several days. 

I ask the bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Church of Philadelphia to join their hearts and voices in prayer for the intention of the Holy Father’s good health. The Universal Church is deeply blessed by his ministry. He is a man of deep compassion, humility, and strength. The Philadelphia region will always share a special bond with Pope Francis in gratitude for his visit to our city in 2015. 

May the hand of God guide those who are caring for our Holy Father and Mary, Help of the Sick, bring him every comfort on the road to recovery.”  

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

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Letter from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez to the Our Mother of Consolation Parish Community

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

My heart dropped with deep sorrow when I learned of the fire that tore through the Our Mother of Consolation School building on Tuesday afternoon. This moment is challenging in many ways and I know it comes with a great deal of pain and anxiety for all of you.

We join our voices in Thanksgiving to God that no one from the school or parish was injured and for the swift response of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Because of their timeliness and professionalism, the blaze did not spread to the church or other nearby buildings. Our first responders put themselves at great risk to serve us each day and we owe them a collective debt of gratitude.

While this is a difficult time, it is not one of despair. Much work has already been done to provide for the educational needs of school families and to ensure safety on the grounds of the parish.

I spoke to your pastor, Father John Fisher, on Tuesday. I ended that conversation knowing that you are blessed to have his leadership and understanding that the OMC community is a resilient and tight knit one. I know that you will continue working with one another toward recovery and that God will give you strength. You are also not alone. In just the past few days there has been an outpouring of support in so many ways from Archdiocesan offices, neighboring parishes and Catholic schools, local colleges, and civic officials.

The assistance being offered to you now and that you will continue to receive in the days ahead is a reflection of God’s love. That love is a powerful gift that can and will overcome the challenges you face. I am praying intensely for all of you. May God bless you and may Our Mother of Consolation bring you peace.

Sincerely in Christ,

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