First Things recently published its October edition online. It features a commentary by Archbishop Chaput, “The Splendor of Truth in 2017.” The full text is available at this link https://www.firstthings.com/article/2017/10/the-splendor-of-truth-in-2017.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have returned to Harrisburg to continue debating the 2017-18 state budget. While this remains an uncertain time, it is also an important time to show support for an expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

It has been acclaimed as one of the best educational programs Pennsylvania offers to students in both public and private schools, and as is stands, the House has a chance to vote on an EITC increase.

We need your help to urge and remind all lawmakers to invest in success and support the expansion of the EITC program by voting YES on a state budget that includes an increase.

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/ir_toTDirnwp0-C4XYf-jQ

I write once again to ask your help in advocating for the Conscience Protection Act of 2017. Now is the time to raise our voices in defense of those health care professionals who choose not to participate in abortion. Even if you have sent a message to your members of Congress in the past, please take action again today. This has been a long effort, but we are closer than ever to reaching our goal of making the common-sense protections of the Weldon Amendment part of permanent law. We are grateful that you continue to stand with us as we strive to protect every life and freedom of conscience in federal law. Further information about the legislation is availablehere.
 

Today we renew our call to action to urge Congress to pass the CPA as part of must-pass appropriations legislation. The USCCB has joined with 32 other groups representing millions of Americans and tens of thousands of health care professionals with a profound concern about abortion, and particularly about the conscience rights of health care professionals and facilities who choose not to participate in the destruction of unborn lives. These national and community leaders have called on the Senate and theHouse of Representatives to enact the Conscience Protection Act of 2017 (CPA). Now is the time to add our voices to theirs.
Please tune in tonight to EWTN Pro-Life Weekly at 10 pmEastern (or Sunday at 10 am Eastern) to learn more about the need for this legislation and how we can make a difference. Greg Schleppenbach and I visit with host Catherine Szeltner about the Conscience Protection Act of 2017.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us in defense of life and liberty of conscience. Together we will be heard!

Earlier today, the Secondary School System of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Association of Catholic School Teachers, Local 1776 (ACT) reached a one-year agreement for a new contract for full-time, lay high school teachers in the seventeen Archdiocesan high schools.

The Office of Catholic Education (OCE) is pleased that the general membership of ACT ratified the contract today. It stands as a testimonial to academic excellence as well as the partnership of teachers, administrators, parents, and students it seeks to represent. It is the agreement we had hoped to obtain for the current and future benefit of everyone.

The attached statement was provided to the media a short time ago. It contains additional details. Please pray for our students, school families, teachers, and administrators as the 2017-2018 academic year gets underway. Thank you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Sullivan

Vicar for Clergy

Earlier today, Archbishop Chaput shared a link to a powerful video on YouTube that was produced by students at East Catholic High School in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Given recent natural disasters and violent unrest in our country, there has been much reason for prayer and to remember that prayer has power. I’m providing a link to the video for you here https://youtu.be/jFz4uUfPfN8.

It’s a wonderful witness by the young people in our Church and a moving reminder to us all as faithful sons and daughters of Christ that our prayers are never wasted or ignored by God.

Dear Lay Ministers,

As the Summer weeks wind down we thank God for His many graces and blessings. We especially are very grateful to you, our Lay Ministers, for your service to the Parish Community. We pray that you and your families had an enjoyable and refreshing summer.

It is time to plan for the next Lay Ministry Schedule, which covers the period ofSeptember 30 through January 2018. Please access the online Ministry Preference Form from the following link. You can also access the form from our Parish website.

We are pleased to attach a copy of the Preference Form, which can be completed and returned to the rectory.

We ask that you complete and submit the preference form no later than Monday, September 4.

If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact the rectory immediately at215-946-4040. Again, the Preference Form can be accessed by clicking this link.