The following statement was released on behalf of Archbishop Perez:

Over the last several weeks, the potential spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has dramatically impacted our lives and our communities. As the number of cases grow exponentially each day, government and health officials are diligently working to contain the virus.

During this pandemic, we are reminded that life is truly precious and that we all are one family under God. As Christians, we should respond to this pandemic with great faith and prudence.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have developed guidelines to help slow the spread the coronavirus. We should incorporate their strategies into our daily lives in an effort to protect ourselves as well as others, especially those most vulnerable, including the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems.

God is always by our side, he never abandons us. I invite you to join me in prayerful solidarity during this uncertain time. I remind you to keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ the crucified and Christ the merciful and to encounter others with charity and understanding.

Let us pray for the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials. With God’s grace and blessing, we will navigate the difficult waters of this challenge as a united human family, for after all is said and done, we are people of Hope!

+Nelson J. Pérez

Archbishop of Philadelphia

We come to you again to ask for your support in a very crucial pro-life issue. The PA Senate will be reconvening on Monday and we have heard they may be running a Telemedicine bill in a form that allows telemedicine to be used to perform abortions!!

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR AND ASK THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY REJECT THIS VERSION OF THE BILL AND ONLY SUPPORT THE “PRO-LIFE” TELEMEDICINE BILL (SB 857) AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference continues to communicate with members of the state Senate to make sure that the pending Telemedicine bill (SB 857) is passed in its pro-life form. This version prohibits the use of Telemedicine for abortion.
SB 857 is a Telemedicine bill that allows for remote treatment of patients by doctors. While we support this, abortion proponents want to misuse telemedicine to perform chemical abortions. We were successful in the House in adding language to prevent abortion doctors from misusing telemedicine. Right now, a third of all abortions in the state are done chemically. If our pro-life prohibitions are stripped out of the Telemedicine bill, the number of abortions in Pennsylvania will increase dramatically. Using Telemedicine for abortions is a stated goal for Planned Parenthood because they can do more chemical abortions with fewer doctors and less overhead costs.

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/J1O2gMzntmejKPJwvWS0uA

This afternoon all school and parish religious education program families and staff are receiving a joint letter from administrators of the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education and Office for Catechetical Formation.   For the full text of the letter, CLICK HERE.

Archbishop Pérez has released a statement regarding the death of Swat Corporal James O’Connor.   Please see the full text below, and join in praying for Corporal O’Connor’s family and friends as well Commissioner Outlaw and law enforcement.

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING
THE DEATH OF SWAT CORPORAL JAMES O’CONNOR

I was deeply saddened this morning to learn that SWAT Corporal James O’Connor of the Philadelphia Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty.  In the name of the people of the Archdiocese, I extend my condolences to Corporal O’Connor’s family and friends as they mourn this tragic loss. My heartfelt sympathy also goes out to Commissioner Outlaw and the faithful men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department as they cope with the death of a brother in blue. Each day, the members of our law enforcement community put their lives on the line to protect and serve all of us. We owe them a debt of gratitude. 

This moment is one of deep mourning for the entire City of Philadelphia and the broader metropolitan region. I have asked the priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese to join me praying for the soul of Corporal O’Connor, for the consolation and peace of his family, and for all those are suffering as a result of his death. May the Lord pour His mercy upon them and hold them in His loving embrace.    

+Nelson J. Pérez

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Effective immediately, and until further notice, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, I have dispensed the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.

Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.

+Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Bob Kelly from Fox 29 News visited Holy Family this week!  Watch at https://www.fox29.com/video/662990

40 DAYS FOR LIFE! 40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. YOU CAN HELP TO PUT AN END TO THE INJUSTICE OF ABORTION! Visit the website to find a location near you at 40daysforlife.com