FAQs

Use this directory of Catholic parishes in the five-county Philadelphia region.

See this listing of Masses celebrated in languages other than English.

The Office of Catholic Education offers information about Catholic elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults offers many initiatives to support children, youth, and young adults in their growth from encountering Christ to missionary discipleship in His name within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia serves as a lifeline to 300,000 people yearly—upholding dignity, offering hope, and delivering vital services to people of all faiths and backgrounds who face a variety of challenges. Learn how you can participate in these vital ministries.

The Catholic Church of Philadelphia is embarking on a concerted process of renewal over the next 20 years, inviting everyone to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Currently, 83% of baptized Catholics are not participating in the sacramental life of the Church. This initiative aims to support the growth of the Church of Philadelphia in a way that best meets the needs of the souls entrusted to its pastoral care. Learn more at TrustandHope.org.

Read the most current and archived statements by Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

There are many reasons why someone may have become disconnected from the Church.  No matter the reason, or the amount of time someone has been away, Jesus Christ deeply desires to welcome them back. The Church wants to compassionately open communication with baptized Catholics who no longer practice their faith. Share your story, and find resources from the Office for the New Evangelization.

The Office for Life and Family offers marriage preparation sessions in person at numerous locations throughout the year, along with links to online courses. The office also offers many helpful resources such as For Your Marriage.

View a directory of priests with full faculties currently assigned to ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Men seeking information on a possible calling to the priesthood can visit the Office for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood’s website at HeedtheCall.org. Men discerning a vocation to the permanent diaconate can explore resources here. Everyone can learn more about the formation of men for holy orders, and the formation of consecrated religious and lay Catholics for Church ministries, at the website of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

The Church desires to be close to all those struggling with addiction and to bring them the healing power of Jesus Christ’s love along with tangible recovery resources. Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction offers  information for ongoing support ministries and events.

Find a Catholic cemetery in the Greater Philadelphia region managed by an affiliate of Everstory Partners.

For divorced persons who seek to remarry in the Catholic Church, the Metropolitan Tribunal will consider the divorced marriage to see if someone entered the marriage with an understanding, ability or intention contrary to the Church’s teaching on marriage. The Church can examine the presumed valid marriage bond to see if the bond really existed. A Declaration of Nullity is declared by the Church if the marriage in question is judged to have been null and void from the very beginning, thus enabling the persons to marry in the Catholic Church. Through the annulment process, the Tribunal helps people participate more fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

Records concerning baptism, marriage, and other sacraments are retained by the parish where they were conferred. The parish should be contacted directly for records.  They are not retained in a centralized database. If the parish where the sacraments were conferred has closed or merged, records are retained by the nearest designated parish. Use our directory to locate a parish. All former parishes are listed there with an indication of the parish responsibility for the stewardship of their sacramental records.

Sacramental records are often helpful when researching  family history. These records can be obtained directly from the parish where the sacraments were conferred. Use our directory to locate a parish.

Anyone can report suspected child abuse to ChildLine, the 24-hour statewide system operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services toll free at 1-800-932-0313 or by calling their local police department.

Anyone can also report suspected sexual abuse or other misconduct by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese to the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations toll free at 1-888-930-9010 or by sending an email to Investigations@archphila.org.

The Office for Child and Youth Protection offers resources for building a culture of prevention, and providing victim assistance.

EthicsPoint provides a way for anyone to report anonymously and confidentially actual or possible violations of financial policies. A report may be filed here or by contacting EthicsPoint at 1-844-840-6662. All inquiries will be handled promptly and discreetly.

Working for the Catholic Church of Philadelphia means becoming part of a mission-driven organization rooted in faith and service. With a wide range of career paths and a shared sense of purpose, employees find meaningful work to help advance the mission of the Church, which is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. See all our opportunities here.

Submit your prayer request via the Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and your intentions will be offered to almighty God promptly.

Send an email message any time and you will receive a response in a timely manner.