Archbishop Chaput: Easter and its Implications, Here and Now

In his weekly blog, Archbishop Charles Chaput offers some thoughts on the new Pope, Francis, and his recent actions.

New Pope Francis Elected: Catholics in Lansdale Area React

The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church. Locals across the community responded.

In speaking with Catholics in the Lansdale area, there was a consensus among many: Pope Francis was a welcome surprise. "It wasn't one of the big names you heard floating around, as early as this morning," said Daniel McCarthy, theology department chair and interim assistant principal of student affairs at Lansdale Catholic High School. McCarthy said Pope Francis seems like somebody who's willing to turn over a new leaf for the Catholic Church. "He seems like a grandfatherly figure. There's a certain gentleness about him. I really did not know him before he stepped out on that balcony," he said. Lansdale Catholic 10th-grader Sam Noti, of Hatfield, said no one has an idea of what Francis I has done in the past. "I want to see, over the next…

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Local Priests Respond to Pope Benedict XVI Resignation

Priests from St. Stanislaus in Lansdale and Corpus Christi Church in Upper Gwynedd were 'surprised' at the news, and called Pope Benedict XVI's resignation an 'act of humility'

With the announcement Monday of Pope Benedict XVI resigning at the end of February due to failing health — something that has not occurred in more than 600 years — local priests of Catholic churches in the Montgomeryville-Lansdale area were first and foremost surprised at the news. "I was surprised to hear the announcement this morning, but I don't think it's a coincidence he announced it today, The World Day of the Sick on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes," said Father Philip Forlano, parochial vicar at St. Stanislaus Church in Lansdale. Forlano said Monday, Feb. 11 is the day where Catholics pray for the sick and recognize the face of Christ in the sick and suffering. He said these moments, as in the initial apparation of Our Lady of …

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St. Stans, Corpus Christi Churches Lose Vicars

Reverend John Wackerman, vicar at Corpus Christi, and Reverend John Weber, vicar at St. Stanislaus Parish, have been reappointed by the Archbishop of Philadelphia

On July 2, 2012, Reverend John Weber and Reverend John Wackerman will no longer be serving as parochial vicars at their respective parishes. Both vicars were part of the announced clerical appointments by Archbishop of Philadelphia Reverend Charles Chaput on Tuesday. Weber is parochial vicar at St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale. He will be reappointed as parochial vicar at Saint Pius X Parish in Broomall. Wackerman is vicar at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Upper Gwynedd. He has been named parochial vicar at St. Andrew Parish in Drexel Hill. Corpus Christi Parish won't be without a replacement for Wackerman. Per Chaput, Reverend Albert J. Santorsola will be the new parochial vicar at Corpus Christi, leaving Saint Pius X Parish in …

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Lansdale Catholic Graduates 180 Seniors Tuesday

The school held its 60th commencement ceremony at Our Lady of Czestochowa in New Britian Township

With blessings bestowed and college careers in the future, it was hats off for 180 seniors from Lansdale Catholic during the 60th commencement ceremony at Our Lady of Czestochowa in New Britain Township. The valedictorian was Jane Bedrossian, 18, of Harleysville, according to The Reporter. In the article, Bedrossian compared her peers' lives with writing a book:  “Every day we have the opportunity to truly follow in (Jesus’) divine footsteps ... Continue writing a story you can be proud of.” Salutatorian Lauren Sirianni said students were prepared for life by their teachers, who reinforced values instilled by their parents, according to the article. “Believe in yourselves. Dream and try and do good.” President James Casey and Principal …

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St. Stans May Procession in the Name of Mary

The parish school in Lansdale held a procession to honor Blessed Mother Mary on Wednesday

Students in grades kindergarten to eighth honored the Blessed Mother Mary Wednesday at St. Stanislaus Parish School with a special May Procession at 2 p.m. The procession began from the front school entrance and ended at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. There, a prayer service occurred and a crowing of Mary. Students who received Sacraments this year wore robes, and graduating eighth-graders wore their graduation gowns. Check out the video and the photos from the event.

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DA: 'This Is Not A Criminal Investigation'

District Attorney Risa Ferman addresses rumors surrounding the county coroner's investigation into the passing of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua.

Amidst a backdrop of widespread rumors and speculation, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman held an impromptu press conference on Friday morning to explain why the Montgomery County Coroner is looking into the passing of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua. "Ordinarily, when we are involved in investigative matters, we don't comment on them," said Ferman. "The reasons for that are quite obvious. We also don't want to ever target someone, smear someone, accuse someone or an institution's reputation without evidence of a crime." "I've chosen to speak about this because I actually think the opposite is true here," Ferman continued.  "If I were to remain silent on what's going on right now, I think it would actually generate speculation, …

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Fire Ravages Grace Lutheran Church

Nine fire companies respond to a fire that broke out at the Hatfield Borough chuch shortly after 1 a.m.

[We've since updated our overnight coverage of the fire. Click here to read.] Grace Lutheran Church has been heavily damaged by a fire early New Year's Eve in Hatfield Borough. At around 1:23 a.m., two units from Hatfield Vol. Fire Co. arrived on the scene of the fire at 25 E. Broad St, according to Montgomery County Dispatch records. They were assisted in minutes by Towamencin Vol. Fire Co. and Preseverance Vol. Fire Co. of Souderton. At 2:02 a.m., Breaking News Network reported the fire department on scene, with heavy smoke showing from the roof of the church. A half-hour later, BNN released a report that Hatfield Fire is reporting heavy fire through the roof. Crews were conducting exterior operations. PhillyFireNews.com reports that …

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