Archbishop Pérez Releases Statement on Reinstating Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass
July 15, 2021 by ·
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding Reinstating the Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass
“We have all felt the impact of COVID-19 in as individuals and families. It has been a time of acute hardship and struggle, of separation and isolation. It has also had an impact on our lives of faith. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has been with us throughout this challenging period and is most especially near to us when we encounter him in the Eucharist. The Eucharist offers us His healing and peace, His mercy and reconciliation. It is now time for everyone to return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy.
Take Action on House Appropriations bill
July 15, 2021 by ·
This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will mark up the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill, which currently excludes the 46-year-old Hyde Amendment and other longstanding, bipartisan provisions including the Weldon Amendment. Eliminating these provisions would force taxpayers to pay for elective abortions and force health care providers and professionals to perform and refer for abortion against their deeply-held beliefs, as well as force employers and insurers to cover and pay for abortion. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement expressing deep concerns. Click here to read the statement.
Archbishop Pérez Statement Regarding the Protests in Cuba
July 15, 2021 by ·
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez combined his voice with Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, Bishop of Saint Augustine; Bishop Manuel Cruz, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark; and Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop Brooklyn, to issue a joint statement regarding the protests in Cuba.
To read the full text of that statement, click here.
Archbishop Pérez Statement on Surfside, FL Building Collapse
July 2, 2021 by ·
Statement of Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez Regarding Condominium Collapse in Surfside, Florida
“Following the condominium building collapse in Surfside, Florida last week, tremendous anxiety and tension remain for those in mourning and those hoping search and rescue teams will find their loved ones alive.
Like people around the country, I have been monitoring news reports with deep sadness. Recently, I spoke with Father Juan J. Sosa, Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, which is located near the building. His faith community is suffering deeply right now with many parishioners missing and others waiting anxiously for news of loved ones who were living in the building.
In the name of the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I ask that we stand in prayerful solidarity with all those in pain as a result of this tragedy and with the City of Miami.
At the same time, let us give deep thanks to all of the first responders as well as the search and rescue teams seeking to preserve the lives of those in danger. May God watch over and protect them as they endanger themselves for the good of others. May our witness bring some solace to and consolation to those in need of hope in the wake of this tragedy.”
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Weekly Message by Jean Madden
July 1, 2021 by ·
Jean Madden provides the Weekly Message. Check it out!
Weekly Message from Monsignor McCormac
June 30, 2021 by ·
Take a tour of our St. Joseph Chapel with Monsignor!
House Appropriators repealing policies preventing taxpayer funding of abortion
June 29, 2021 by ·
This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will mark-up the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) and State, Foreign Operations (SFOPs) appropriations bills which currently exclude longstanding bipartisan policies that prevent taxpayer dollars from being spent on elective abortions. Three decades-old provisions which were eliminated from these appropriations bills prevent taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions in the District of Columbia, through foreign assistance, and for federal employee health plans that cover abortions.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Bishop David J. Malloy, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a statement expressing deep concerns, saying:
“The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations should not eliminate the long-standing, bipartisan provisions that prevent taxpayer funding of abortions… I call on the Appropriations Committee and all members of Congress to protect taxpayers from having to pay for the evil of abortion, and to instead use our tax dollars for the common good and welfare of all.”
The full statement can be read here.
Over the next few weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will be voting on several other appropriations bills, including the Labor/Health and Human Services bill that is expected to eliminate the Hyde Amendment. Without the Hyde Amendment and Hyde-related policies, billions of taxpayer dollars could be used to pay for abortion in the United States and throughout the world.
Congress needs to hear from you: tell Congress to keep the Hyde Amendment and Hyde-related policies in the appropriations bills, and to oppose any bill that expands taxpayer funding of abortion.
USCCB Releases Statement on Recent Vote on Eucharistic Document
June 23, 2021 by ·
Last week, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez along with the Catholic bishops of the United States met for their Spring General Assembly (June 16-18) in a virtual format.
During the meeting, the full body of bishops voted to task the Committee on Doctrine to draft a formal statement on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church.
On June 21, 2021, Most Reverend José H. Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop of Los Angeles, issued a statement in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ vote.
Click here to find a copy of Archbishop Gomez’s statement as well as an accompanying Q and A document with further information as presented by the USCCB.
