Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Prosecution Expected To Rest Today In Priest Sex Abuse Case

The prosecution is expected to rest today and the defense will begin in the trial of a priest and former lay teacher charged with sexually assaulting the same boy back in 1999 and 2000.

2013/01/22

(Gov. Corbett, at lectern, speaks to invited guests at St. Martin of Tours School in Northeast Philadelphia. Credit: Steve Tawa)

Gov. Corbett Visits a Philadelphia Catholic School, Touting Financial Makeover

Independence Mission Schools (“IMS”) is the umbrella organization for 16 parish elementary schools, all of which charge tuition but, controversially, use both public and private funds for financial aid.

2013/01/18

Admitted Pedophile Recants in Philadelphia Priest Sex Abuse Case

Defrocked priest Edward Avery pleaded guilty last year to sexually assaulting the same boy who has also accused the defendants now on trial: Father Charles Engelhardt and Bernard Shero.

2013/01/17

Jury in Philadelphia Clergy Sex Abuse Trial Is Told of Defendant’s Suicide Attempt

There was testimony today that defendant Bernard Shero tried to commit suicide in 2011, on the morning he was supposed to surrender to face charges he sexually assaulted the boy, then 11.

2013/01/17

Accuser in Philadelphia Priest Sex Abuse Case Is Grilled By Defense Attorneys

Another former priest accused by the same man has since pleaded guilty.

2013/01/16

Money Is Motivating Phila. Priest Sex-Abuse Claims, Says Defense Attorney

It was attack and counterattack in a Philadelphia courtroom, as another case of alleged clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia begins.

2013/01/14

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua (credit: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

2012 Year In Review: Death Of Philadelphia Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua

Retired Philadelphia Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, who figured prominently in two grand jury reports exposing clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, died at the end of January.

2012/12/30

(West Catholic High School. Photo provided)

2012 Year in Review: Reconfiguration in Local Catholic School System

There were closures, consolidations, and reprieves for area Catholic schools this year.

2012/12/28

(Msgr. William Lynn was convicted of child endangerment. Edward Avery pleaded guilty to molesting a boy. Photos from Phila. PD)

2012 Year in Review: The Philadelphia Clergy Child Sex Abuse Case

The trial evidence — a lot of it from the church’s own secret files — exposed sins committed over a period of decades by supposed men of God.

2012/12/27

(The archbishop of Philadelphia's former residence on City Avenue. Photo provided by whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com.)

2012 Year in Review: Retrenchment in the Philadelphia Archdiocese

It was a rough year for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which had to sell off several valuable properties including the archbishop’s residence and a seashore villa, lay off employees, and fold the “Catholic Standard and Times” newspaper.

2012/12/26

Eagles DBs Spread Holiday Cheer At Church Christmas Benefit For Children

Santa showed up with his helpers – much of the defensive backfield for the Eagles – to distribute toys at the annual Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children.

2012/12/19

(Mayor Nutter, at lectern, is surrounded by city and regional officials as he announces that city government will be shut down for a second day on Tuesday. Credit: Steve Tawa)

Philadelphia Public Schools, City Government Closed Again Tuesday

SEPTA will remain out of service on Tuesday morning. Officials say it will take eight hours after the storm passes to make sure things aren’t damaged.

2012/10/29

(New "Faith in the Future" foundation CEO Casey Carter observes a calculus student during a morning tour of Neumann-Goretti High School, in South Philadelphia. Credit: Mike DeNardo)

Foundation Running Philadelphia Catholic High Schools Gets a CEO

Casey Carter, standing, is a national education consultant who has studied Catholic, charter, and public schools.

2012/10/08

(Plaintiff Michael McDonnell, far left, and attorney Dan Monahan listen as attorney Marci Hamilton gestures toward plaintiff Andrew Druding, far right. Credit: Pat Loeb)

More Civil Suits Alleging Priest Sex Abuse Filed Against Phila. Archdiocese

Nine more people have filed suit against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, alleging sexual abuse by priests and a coverup by the archdiocese.

2012/09/18

(Villa St. Joseph, in Ventnor, NJ. Photo provided)

Seashore Mansion of Philadelphia Archdiocese Goes To Auction on Saturday

“No one really knows what it’s worth,” says an official of the auction company, “but by putting it up for auction, exposing it to the market, we let the buyers tell us.”

2012/09/14