
Local News
2026 Catholic Charities Appeal Sets $10 Million Goal, Kicks Off Feb. 21–22
The 2026 Catholic Charities Appeal will launch with an in-pew commitment weekend on Feb. 21–22, inviting parishioners to support more than 100 ministries providing food, shelter, and care to those in need under the theme “Giving Hope to All.”

Profile
Lauren Joyce Brings ‘Startup Energy’ to Missionary Hub in Phoenixville
The Chester County native leads the Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, where she sees the good work the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. She loves to build bold new ventures, evangelize those seeking connection, and build the flame of a relationship with Jesus.
Setting the World on Fire for Christ, at least in NE Philly, is Jeffrey Shields’ Goal
The Missionary Hub director at St. Matthew Parish in the city’s Mayfair section brings a creative missionary spirit and a lifetime of evangelization and ministry experience to his new role.
Archbishop Pérez
Archbishop Celebrates 175th Anniversary Mass at St. Matthew Parish
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated Mass Feb. 8 at St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken as the community marked the beginning of its milestone anniversary year.
Archbishop Pérez Congratulates Archbishop Hicks, Thanks Cardinal Dolan
On Feb. 6, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez congratulated Archbishop Ronald Hicks on his installation as Archbishop of New York and thanked Cardinal Dolan for his years of leadership in the Archdiocese of New York.

Photo features
Christ in the City Missionaries and Archbishop Pérez Gather for Mass and Community Dinner
Archbishop Pérez visited Christ in the City staff and missionaries Feb 9. at St. John Cantius Parish, their home during a year of service walking with those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. See our photo gallery.
Faithful Gather at Cathedral to Celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life
The Feb. 1 Mass brought together members of religious communities and the faithful to celebrate lifelong vocations to God.
Spirituality
In Ways Simple and Profound, We Share Our ‘Salt’ and ‘Light’
Msgr. Joseph Prior tells the story of a couple who opened their home to a man in need. Their love and compassion flowed from within, echoing the teaching of Jesus in this Sunday's Gospel.
Commentaries
Forming and Supporting Priests is Important for All Catholics
As the Church of Philadelphia undertakes a planning study, one emphasis is on the care of priests and parish life directors, and formation of seminarians, for the future.
Pregnant Women Find They’ve Got Sisters on Their Journey of Life
From the Sisters of Life convent in North Philadelphia comes a witness to the transforming power of vulnerability and accompaniment, and the gifts of life and love, as writer Matthew Gambino discovered on a recent visit.
Is it Prudent to Trek to Mass in a Snowstorm?
With snow on the ground and possibly more on the way, Father Patrick Brady shows how to balance the obligation to attend Sunday Mass with deciding whether to drive, ride or walk to church – or stay home.
Vatican News
This Week: Trafficking a ‘Crime Against Humanity;’ Papal Letter on Sports; Sistine Clean Up
CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of Feb. 1, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Sports
BLOCS to Sponsor 2026 PCL Basketball Championships
BLOCS will present the 2026 Philadelphia Catholic League girls’ and boys’ basketball championships, with first-round games starting Feb. 11 and finals at the Palestra on Feb. 22.
Senior’s Resilience Pays Off as Father Judge’s All-Time Scoring Leader
Derrick “Mir” Morton-Rivera dropped in 19 points in a Jan. 30 Crusaders’ win over Conwell-Egan, pushing his career total to 1,261 points. He broke the record after recovering from a major injury last fall.

Calendar of Events
St. Carlo Acutis Exhibit to Open Feb. 13 at Miraculous Medal Shrine
An exhibit featuring Church-approved Eucharistic miracles from around the world, honoring the saint canonized last year, comes to the Miraculous Medal Shrine Feb. 13–18, offering a reflective start to Lent.
March Trainings to Equip Parishes for Disability-Inclusive Ministry
The Office for Persons with Disabilities will host free two‑day trainings in English and Spanish to equip parish leaders and volunteers with tools for welcoming parishioners of all abilities.

USCCB


