We wrap up our conversation on breastfeeding with Amy Wilt by talking about two potential problems that may affect moms during breastfeeding.
The House and Senate were both in session in Harrisburg this week. Here are some highlights.
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We recently visited Nazareth Academy High School in Northeast Philadelphia to talk with student leaders and the school leaders as well.
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The House and Senate were back in session this past week. Here are some of the highlights.
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We traveled to the Philly suburbs to meet the student leaders at Sacred Heart Academy of Bryn Mawr.
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We got the chance to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s beautiful new athletic facility.
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We got the chance to meet and talk with the student government leaders at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes Barre.
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Here are some highlights from the PA March for Life, held in Harrisburg on Monday, September 21st, 2026.
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I had the chance to meet with two mainstays at York Catholic High–Principal Kathy Hand and President Katie Doyle.
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I got the chance to visit Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes Barre and chat with Principal Colin Martinson.
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Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in North Philadelphia has a new principal this year. It’s Eric Stonesifer, who is no stranger to Catholic education in the Philadelphia area.
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We had the chance to visit Bishop McCort Catholic Academy in Johnstown and talk with Principal Tom Smith about the new school year.
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I visited this week with Jonathan Nagy, who begins his second school year as Principal of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg, PA. He’s been a part of B.C. for decades. Here are his comments as we posted on social media.
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The PA House has passed legislation that would replace the automatic life without parole sentence for second-degree murder with sentencing linked to an offender’s level of culpability. The vote went largely along party lines, with Democrats in support. Here are the postings made on the debate at the PA Capitol.
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It was a very busy week at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg with the House and Senate both in session. They debated several important issues, including school choice, end-of-life care and tax breaks. The state budget is due on Tuesday, June 30th. Here are some of the highlights as we posted on X.
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Highlights from this past week at the PA Capitol. The House and Senate were both in session May 4th through the 6th.
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The Senate was in session this past week in Harrisburg and passed Senate Bill 1293 on Wednesday by a bi-partisan vote of 30-17. The bill would prevent biological males from playing girls’ sports. All Republicans that voted were in support of the measure, as were four Democrats. Here are some highlights of the debate.
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The PA House Education Committee hosted a public hearing on the importance of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program on Tuesday. Several proponents of school choice spoke up in support of this very important program.
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Bishop McDevitt High School of Harrisburg is presenting the musical “Guys and Dolls” this weekend. I stopped by on Wednesday to talk with cast members and directors.
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A contentious meeting for the PA House Judiciary Committee highlighted this past week at the PA Capitol. Here are the postings we featured on social media.
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There was a lot going on this past week at the PA Capitol. Much of it centered on the governor’s budget address. Here are the highlights of the week.
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We invite you to a 90-minute webinar dedicated to the problem of human trafficking at major sporting events.
It was just the House in session this past week in Harrisburg, but it was an eventful two days of activity. Democratic leadership pulled a procedural move to bury a bill that would prevent biological males from playing female sports in PA. Plus, there was extensive debate–mostly from Republicans–on a bill to expand the time for women to have a legal abortion in the state.
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Democrats in the PA House are planning on running a full slate of abortion bills on the House floor on Tuesday. We have joined other pro-life groups in a campaign to call on residents to reach out to their PA state representative to tell them to oppose these measures. Here is a link to that campaign.
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The state House and Senate were both in session this week–Monday through Wednesday. Here are some of the highlights as we posted them on social media.
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It comes 4-1/2 months after the deadline, but on Wednesday lawmakers in PA approved a new state budget.
The final spending line is $50.1-billion.
The school code bill also passed and while it does NOT include vouchers it does include a $50 million increase in EDS (economically disadvantaged schools).
Here are some of the postings we made on budget debate in the House and Senate.
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At a PA House Health Committee meeting on Wednesday, Democrats passed a bill that would once again change committees for a bill to prevent transgenders from playing girls sports in Pennsylvania. The move serves to delay any vote that would put lawmakers on record for their stance against the bill.
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House Democrats in Harrisburg pushed several pro-abortion bills on Tuesday in the Judiciary Committee. Republicans on the committee spoke up in force about the measures. Republican Chair of the Committee is featured in the highlights here. He surmises that it’s being done in a campaign effort ahead of the November 4th PA Supreme Court retention elections for three pro-abortion candidates.
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Tuesday’s PA Senate session featured a lively debate over the current state budget impasse. Here are some of the highlights that we posted on social media.
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We recently visited St. Margaret Mary School in Penbrook to learn more about Classical Education and Theology of the Body. We feature sound bites here on both topics from St. Mag’s staff members Jen Grill, Johanna Pena and Emily Oliphant. This is such a great school.
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We recently traveled to Montgomery County to chat with the President of Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Montgomery Co., Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ.
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We recently met with the new Principal at Delone Catholic High School, Dave Staub.
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We recently visited Sacred Heart Academy of Bryn Mawr to talk with Robin Nolan, the Interim Head of School.
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We recently visited Archbishop John Carroll High School in Delaware County to talk with their president and principal.
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The PCC had a conversation with the leaders at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. Here are those comments as posted on X.
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Here are the comments from our recent interview with PA Democratic Rep. David Madsen of Dauphin County.
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We recently visited Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh to talk with their leaders and hear about the impressive story of the birth and growth.
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We visited the district office of PA House member Justin Fleming to chat with a lawmaker that we know very well and have worked with on a number of occasions.
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Marian Catholic High School students are very active in four student ministries. We traveled to the school in Tamaqua to meet with faculty and students involved in this impressive effort!
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Bishop McDevitt has a new president! He’s Jay Wrabel, who has a personal and family history with the school. We visited campus to talk with Jay. Here are comments from that interview.
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We stopped by Our Lady of Lourdes School in Shamokin to see what is gong on over the summer. We found plenty of folks working to get ready for the school year. Here is what we posted on social media.
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We recently visited PA Republican House member Marc Anderson of York County for a chat about what he’s up to. Here are the highlights of that conversation as we posted them on social media.
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A couple of weeks ago we visited Berks Catholic High School during an open house they had for prospective students and parents. We posted two feature pieces on social media about the trip but I wanted to put them on the website as well.
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We visited PA Rep. Joe D’Orsie in his Capitol office for a quick interview. Here are his comments.
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The PCC recently talked with Republican Rep. Wendy Fink in her Red Lion district office. Here are her comments from that interview.
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The House and Senate were both in session on Monday, June 30th. Here are some highlights.
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Here are some of the highlights from activity at the PA Capitol for Tuesday, June 24th.
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Some highlights from the PA Capitol from Monday, June 23rd as the House and Senate were in session.
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The House and Senate were both in session this past week in Harrisburg and we have the highlights.
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There was a lot going on at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg Monday through Wednesday with several key issues up for debate and vote. The Senate passed a bill that would keep biological males out of female sports and a Senate committee passed a bill that would create scholarships for private school students. The House meanwhile narrowly passed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. Here are many of the highlights.
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The students at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy are presenting the musical “Newsies.” We attended the dress rehearsal on Wednesday and featured these posts on Thursday ahead of Opening Night.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1917963330456604839?s=46
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We visited Bethlehem Catholic High School on Sunday for their presentation of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” We talked with cast members and the director.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1916557667348197529?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1916560613347566010?s=46
We went to sit in on the dress rehearsal for Greensburg Central Catholic’s presentation of “Tarzan” and talk with some of the principles.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1915776002807996545?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1915781535980020027?s=46
We traveled to St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights, just outside of Pittsburgh, to talk with some of the folks involved in their production of “Cinderella.”
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1915411244854431939?s=46
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, just outside of Shamokin, just put on their talent show. We were not able to make for the show, but we were there for the auditions. Here is what we posted about them on our social media channels.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1914683421550367057?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1914744664198144200?s=46
We visited Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia for their recent showing of “Footloose the Musical.” We met and talked with a handful of the folks involved.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1911457251769917513?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1911460316879204406?s=46
We went to Lansdale Catholic High School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for their recent showing of “Guys and Dolls” and talked with some of the folks involved in the production.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1911094366321459496?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1911100031718904303?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1911136176498528415?s=46
Here are some of the highlights from happenings at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg, as the House was in session Monday to Wednesday, April 7-9.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1909335811881152654?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1909617421645717930?s=46
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Here are a couple of highlights from Thursday night’s Spring concert at St. Margaret Mary School in Penbrook, just outside of Harrisburg. As always, we ask you to keep our Catholic schools in mind as you consider your charitable contributions.
I had the chance to attend the opening night on Thursday of “Shrek: The Musical” at Allentown Central Catholic High School. What an enjoyable performance!! I have some highlights and interviews here with Director Kateri Verenna, Charlie Strzelecki (Shrek) and Molly Gibson (Fiona).
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1908137786307162324?s=46
The PA Senate was in session this past week at the Capitol in Harrisburg. Here are some of the highlights.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1907103278673891504?s=46
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The PA Senate Education Committee this week passed a bill that would prevent biological males from playing girls’ sports in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the highlights of the debate preceding the final vote.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1904915783580369142?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1904917673764360254?s=46
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The PA House was in session this past week in Harrisburg. While activity on the floor was relatively light, there were a number of committee meetings. Here at the highlights as posted on X.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1901644290289213781?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1901668919443677439?s=46
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The Our Lady of Lourdes Lady Red Raiders beat Bethlehem Christian 65-23 in the second round of the PIAA 1-A girls basketball playoffs. They move on to play Delco Christian Saturday at noon. That game will also be at Hamburg High School.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899965400961384921?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899975470357090527?s=46
The Lansdale Catholic girls basketball team advanced Wednesday night in the PIAA 4-A playoffs with a 63-25 win over Forest Hills at East Pennsboro High School in Enola.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899926723673629140?s=46
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The Saints Neumann Goretti boys basketball team beat Pottsgrove Tuesday night in Norristown, 63-56, in the second round of the PIAA 5-A playoffs. Here are the highlights that we posted on social media.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899589867878617481?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899601697867280637?s=46
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The Cardinal O’Hara girls basketball team beat Dallastown Tuesday night in Coatesville to advance to the third round of the PIAA 6-A tournament. O’Hara is going for its fourth title in the last five years. Here are some of the highlights from the win over Dallastown.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899565071757361192?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1899570311936307292?s=46
The Roman Catholic boys basketball team beat Lower Merion 74-63 on Saturday to advance to the second round of the PIAA 6-A playoffs. It was an impressive win for Roman on Lower Merion’s home court. Here are some of the highlights.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1898433939473113272?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1898437134698123576?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1898453326326288510?s=46
Budget hearings concluded at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg last week. Here are some of the highlights of testimony before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1896613244179300397?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1896621141634289668?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1897677508511662446?s=46
I met with Deb Waters, the Head of School at Our Lady of the Cross Catholic School just north of the City of Lebanon. Waters has led a team of hard-workers that were connected to Lebanon Catholic School, which closed in the Spring of 2020. Here are the highlights of our meeting. The growth for Our Lady of the Cross Catholic School has been incredible in such a short time.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1897689870421655964?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1897703951417463102?s=46
The Red Raiders girls basketball team from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township beat Millville Thursday night 54-21 to win the District 4, Class A title. Here are some of the highlights from Montoursville High School.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895252213540495536?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895261171005170018?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895283480818524462?s=46
The boys basketball team from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, PA lost on Thursday night to Liberty High School 57-53 in the finals of the District 4, class A final at Montoursville High School. We were there and posted these highlights.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895277421634678963?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895281752031273313?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895285968053379474?s=46
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1895292889816801609?s=46
It was week 2 of budget hearings in Harrisburg before the state House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Here are some of the highlights as we posted them on X. Rep. Thomas Kutz is pictured in the headline.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1894043187586519485?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1894057505703047393?s=46
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York Catholic beats Linville Hill 48-46 to win the Boys District 3, class 2-A title!!
Here are some highlights from the game in Hershey Wednesday afternoon.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1894839495012298822?s=46
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1894842483038683623?s=46
Here are some highlights from Tuesday nights game in Lititz….where the Lions of Our Lady of the Cross in Lebanon but they fall to Veritas Academy 43-31 in the consolation round of the District 3 1-A girls hoops playoffs.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1894536793850061226?s=46
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Budget hearings began this past week at the PA Capitol. Here are some of the highlights.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1891882782307045834?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1891893792069890414?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1891959664088105317?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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Here are some highlights of a busy week at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg as Governor Shapiro presented his budget address and both the House and Senate were in session!
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1886440841998205314?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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We made the short trek to St. Margaret Mary School to sit down with their new Principal, JoAnn Cantos.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1881723487481700833?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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PA state lawmakers returned to the Capitol in Harrisburg for session on Tuesday. Here are some of the highlights.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1876677863660802301?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1876683299269284130?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1876698741559767226?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1876702189273424321?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We went to the Capitol in Harrisburg to talk with PA Senator-elect Dawn Keefer of York and Cumberland Counties.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1869739357801979924?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1869767463644393684?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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We took the two-block walk up to the Capitol to visit with our long-time friend, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill of York County.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1866136481774870631?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1866172363672297649?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1866207263305945407?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We visited PA Rep. Dave Zimmerman in his Lancaster County district office to see what he’s been doing ahead of the next session.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1867200867033620858?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1867306430451367942?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Bishop Guilfoyle beats Port Allegany 41-22 to win the 1-A state title.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864732148529319952?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864738843733180451?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864767649835557329?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Here are highlights from Thursday nights 40-14 win by Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast over Lampeter Strasburg.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864822693909995648?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864829071659553064?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864856233380847619?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864862300571591080?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Here are sound bites from our recent chat with PA Rep. Russ Diamond of Lebanon County.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864326049883914502?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864356919055364549?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1864406851002962170?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We visited Rep. Kate Klunk in her Capitol office to chat about what’s going on with her while the PA Legislature is getting ready for the next session to begin in January.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1861406010943934529?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1861446350849610088?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1861523451053240473?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Here are some highlights from this past week in Harrisburg as we featured them on X.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1856743513834090818?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1856485757059223822?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1856456412013965473?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1856395082146164833?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1856777420235211083?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Presidential Voter Guide
https://www.hbgdiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-PA-Presidential-Voter-Guide.pdf
Allentown Diocese
Harrisburg Diocese
https://www.hbgdiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-State-Voter-Guide-Harrisburg.pdf
Erie Diocese
https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/2024-PCC-Voter%20Guide.pdf
Altoona-Johnstown Diocese
https://www.dioceseaj.org/2024-pcc-voter-guide/
Scranton Diocese
https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PCC-Voter-Guide-Scranton.pdf
Pittsburgh Diocese
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:50d08636-546a-4ad1-8030-46a1fa4ed5e3
The PA House and Senate were both in session this past week at the PA Capitol. Here are the highlights as we posted them on Facebook.
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It was a very light week for activity inside the PA Capitol in Harrisburg.
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Here are some of our postings for Monday’s PA March for Life.
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The PA Senate returned to the Capitol for full sessions and committee meetings. The Bishop of Harrisburg, Timothy Senior gave the opening prayer on Tuesday. That is in the first of our Facebook posts offered here.
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In January Brian Lynch founded the South Central PA Chapter of the Young Catholic Professionals. We talked with Brian about the group.
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We talked with Jay DeFruscio, the Chief Operating Officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools, about the huge benefit provided by the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. Here are three of the postings we shared on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/o9mfCwioL8PfuHa8/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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There were actually a few things happening this past week at the PA Capitol, including a committee meeting. Here are the postings we featured on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/AzvyoRbqGz9T9eUb/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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We talked with Jim Lee of Susquehanna Polling & Research about his latest poll on the Presidential race. Here is how we shared the comments on Facebook.
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The new state budget includes a $75-million increase in money for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
In case you’re not familiar with the EITC, it has been a great help to Catholic schools and other private institutions. As the Pennsylvania Resources Council explains, eligible businesses and individuals can receive tax credits equal to 75% of their contribution, or 90% if they agree to do it for two years.
One of the biggest supporters of the EITC program is Bishop McCort Catholic High School Principal Tom Smith.
“The EITC component has been a game-changer for our school,” Smith told us. “Not just for Bishop McCort, but mainly for our families. It allows those families who might not be able to afford it, to actually come here. I can tell you firsthand that it has changed the lives of several of the kids that have come into this building over the last few years. I would say that it has impacted hundreds of kids. About 70% of our kids get EITC funding.”
Critics of the program, which include many Democratic lawmakers in Harrisburg, say the program is exploited by well-to-do families who really don’t need the money. Smith that is simply not true from his perspective.
“The concept that EITC dollars go to rich families so that they can send their kids here so they can more money at home…that is so false,” he said. “Our school resides in one of the poorest cities in Pennsylvania—in the greater Johnstown School District– and we have a lot of the kids from the city come to our school. I would say almost every one of them get EITC dollars.”
But not everyone that goes to McCort gets the financing.
“There’s a qualifier for EITC for what a family brings in in terms of income,” Smith said. “Not all of our families meet that standard. We will show you that it is not going to kids of better means. There are kids of poverty that struggle every single day, but their parents want them to be to have more opportunities in life and move forward in life and the EITC program has done that.”
Many schools reach out to members of the community to try to get them to participate in the EITC program. But it’s easy for anyone to initiate the process.
“We actually have a person here, within our school—that is their job, to do outreach for EITC,” Smith said. “She has a pamphlet that she sends out teaching people how they can become involved. It’s not that cumbersome. It’s just a one-page sheet. They fill that out, return it to us and then we send it to the state.”
It was a week of long days and late nights at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg. The House and Senate passed a $47.6-billiion budget Thursday night and the Governor quickly signed it. Here are some of the highlights from the week as we posted on Facebook.
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There was a lot going on this week at the PA Capitol and work continues to try to get a budget in place by the Sunday deadline. Here are some highlights from the week as posted on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1aqPW3tYtMySPUcY/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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(Facebook and X links to the story are at the bottom)
Sister Leonie Therese of the Sisters of Life says it was after college that she was drawn to the sisterhood after praying in her parish chapel.
“I had signed up for the middle of the night holy hour and that was where I could sense Jesus inviting me to consider religious life,” she told me on a recent visit to their North Philadelphia convent. “From there I was kind of asking the question, okay Jesus but where? I wasn’t really familiar with any of the religious communities.”
Shortly after that she was praying outside of the Planned Parenthood in St. Louis and she got the notion of being part of a pro-life religious community. She didn’t have to wait long for the next direction.
“A friend that very day mentioned the Sisters of Life to me. So that’s how I was drawn.”
She spent six years in New York before being sent this year to Philadelphia, where she will accompany and support pregnant women with whatever their needs are, over the phone or in person.
“Listen to what they’re carrying and connect them with resources or housing or material things or just providing emotional and spiritual support,” Sister Leonie said. “Sometimes they just need somebody to talk to—a sister. And most importantly we pay for them. We bring them Jesus.”
The Sisters of Life in this chapter are based in this facility in North Philadelphia, very close to the Temple University campus. But they are very mobile throughout the region.”
“We are out and about, driving quite a bit. We do go and speak throughout the Philadelphia area and share the message of life.”
Sister Leonie says she has been blessed with a huge support system from those closest to her.
“That’s a huge blessing. There’s a sacrifice in it. It can be hard but seeing the grace that God has for each person in it when a person is called to the vocation. He gives grace to the family as well.”
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(Facebook and X links are at the bottom of the story)
Sister Isabel Fiat was in her senior year in college in Boston when a friend invited her to a retreat in Connecticut. She agreed to go…just for a weekend away. It turned out to be much more than that.
“It was just what Jesus needed to pierce through my heart,” she said. “I was sitting in adoration one night in a silent retreat and through the ears of my heart I heard him say that ‘I love you. I love you more than anyone.’”
She felt the need to do something in response. She started to discern religious vocation. She eventually came to visit her current order, Sisters of Life.
“I didn’t know a lot about what we do. We serve pregnant women in crisis and we serve women who have suffered abortions,” she said. “And I didn’t know a lot about what we do but I knew that every time I visited I felt at home.”
Sister Isabel loves the work the sisters do to assist pregnant women. She loves the women they serve, who she says are some of the bravest women in the world.
“Our greatest joy is to share this truth—that the human person is beautiful and good—no matter what you’ve suffered. Whether you’re pregnant and 18 and have nowhere to turn or if you are 75 and had an abortion 50 years ago, the lord wants to say I love you and you’re good.”
Isabel says the Sisters have a mission specifically for what they call hope and healing.
“That’s women who suffered abortions and are experiencing the pain that is left in their heart. We have this approach of accompaniment so we walk with women and accompany them for as many years as they desire as much as they need.”
I asked Sister Isabel if she’s a big Philly sports fan. But I found out Boston is her hometown. She says they do follow sports, but some more than others.
“I did like the Patriots at one point…I’m not a good fan.. I’m a little bit wishy washy unfortunately but some of the sisters are diehard fans so it’s fun to watch when their teams are playing.”
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The DuBois Central Catholic softball team won the PIAA 1-A championship on Thursday with a 2-0 win over Carmichaels. Here are some highlights.
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Holy Ghost Prep won the PIAA 4-A baseball championship on Thursday with a 6-5 comeback win over Indiana at Penn State. Here are some highlights, including the game-winner.
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The LaSalle College High School baseball team lost to Hempfield 3-2 on Thursday night in the championship game of the PIAA baseball tournament at Penn State. Here are some of the highlights as shared on our Facebook pages.
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The PA House and Senate were both in session this week in Harrisburg. Here are a few highlights, as posted on our Facebook page.
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On Monday, June 10th, the Neumann-Goretti baseball team beat Trinity 11-1 in the semifinals of the PIAA class 3-A playoffs. Here are some highlights that we shared on Facebook.
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On Thursday, Trinity beat Mt. Carmel 7-1 in the quarterfinals of the PIAA 3-A baseball playoffs. Here are a few highlights that were posted on Facebook.
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On Thursday night, June 6th, Conwell-Egan lost to Danville 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the PIAA 4-A baseball playoffs. Here are a few highlights that we shared on Facebook.
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The PA House and Senate were both in session this past week at the PA Capitol in Harrisburg. Here are a few highlights that were posted on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/kpVrbTF41UPcBL54/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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On Monday, June 3rd, Archbishop Wood beat Trinity 8-1 in the first round of the PIAA Class 4-A softball playoffs. Here are a few highlights from our Facebook page.
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On Thursday, May 23rd, the Delone Catholic baseball team beat Kutztown 7-1 to win the District 3, 2-A Title.
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On Thursday, May 23rd, the Trinity High School softball team beat East Pennsboro 6-4. We have two highlights here: the go-ahead three-run home run and the final out.
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On Thursday, May 23rd, the Trinity High School girls lacrosse team was defeated by Twin Valley H.S. 18-5. Here are a few highlights as we posted them on Facebook.
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On Thursday, May 23rd, the Trinity High School baseball team beat Pequea Valley 12-1 in the District 3, 3-A playoffs. Here are some highlights as we posted them on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/diMGJTGig4hFBUfJ/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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The PA House and Senate both return to session on Monday, June 3rd. Both are off this week. The House was in session for a couple of days last week. Here are a few highlights from a relatively light week for lawmakers. The picture we featured here is Cumberland County Republican Barbara Gleim.
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On Tuesday, May 21st, the Trinity boys lacrosse team beat Wyomissing 16-2 in the District 3, 2-A playoffs. Here are some highlights that we posted on Facebook.
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On Monday, May 20th, the Bishop McDevitt baseball team lost to East Pennsboro 5-4 in the District 3, 4-A playoffs. Here are a few highlights that we posted on Facebook.
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There was a bunch of stuff going on in and around the PA Capitol this past week. Please check out our Facebook or X postings for what happened as we covered it.
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X—TWITTER
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1787883989253992783?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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Here are some of the highlights of what went on at the PA Capitol this past week as we shared them on Facebook and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zqmtpmGEvW89EA5g/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/gpCuMButZD2htnKH/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Nbtu1V2151YymqbM/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785694412988715395?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6r7KvpPYEmLDLCNy/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/g6pXzpdSoZLyVcTy/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785726784568217879?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785713386656838019?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785694412988715395?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785373946604306808?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785324692582064516?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1785319327777886582?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1784979061351051505?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1784976946729787736?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Two years ago we spent time talking about the issues facing mothers and children during our nine-month series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. Part of that focus was on the work done by doulas, particularly by Amy Wilt and her group at Dauphin County Doulas.
Since then, doulas have received a lot of attention across Pennsylvania, with lawmakers in Harrisburg taking the lead on working to increase the access to doulas and their coverage by insurance.
Doula services are now covered under Medical Assistance after changes by the Shapiro Administration. In order to be recognized by Medicaid, doulas must be certified through the Pennsylvania Certification Board. Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Department of Health Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen recently stressed the importance of doulas as part of care teams for historically underserved populations.
With this in mind, we talked once again with Amy Wilt to see what she though of the increased awareness.
“I’m so happy about that. That’s great movement,” she said. “Even two years ago when we first spoke, we weren’t recognized as a profession. Nobody talked about us. Nobody knew what we did….There’s a lot more who are learning about us, which is fabulous.
“I’ve seen this huge shift, with late-in-pregnancy moms–‘oh I just learned what a doula is and I really need you on board.’ We’re filled up until August and September is my first opening.”
But there is still progress to be made. Wilt says she is grateful for the increase in insurance coverage. But she would like to see the coverage give doulas more up-front coverage to ensure client commitment.
“I’m not allowed to charge you a deposit to hold your spot. I’m not allowed to charge you anything,” Wilt said, referring to the restrictions involved with the current form of insurance coverage. “That then causes a problem because I don’t know that you are going to call me for your birth. They need to take a look at that. ”
Wilt says she has found that moms without a financial commitment, like a deposit, are less likely to call for the birth.
“If they don’t call for the birth, then we lose a significant amount of money. We’re just getting paid for a pre-natal visit.” And they have difficulty knowing whether or not to reserve time for moms in the months ahead.
Wilt says it will end up hurting the doula industry if things don’t change.
You may have noticed a lot more political ads on TV over the last couple of weeks compared to years past for the Pennsylvania primary. I have. I think it’s because there seem to be more primaries than usual. There are some PA House seats being contested on the Republican side in the Harrisburg area. You have the Democratic race in Central PA to challenge Congressman Scott Perry in November. You also have the primary for State Auditor General and Attorney General in both parties.
The primary is April 23rd.
More attention will come later this year for the November election, with the Presidential race at the top of the ticket.
I interviewed local pollster Jim Lee of Susquehanna Polling & Research about the work he does and what he’s found so far on the Presidential election and with the PA U.S. Senate race. Lee says national polling shows Donald Trump in the lead in many states but Pennsylvania has a statistical tie.
“Our poll shows Biden with a small lead of 5 points. That could change. We’re still seven months away from election day,” Lee said. “I remember in 2016 at this time when Hillary Clinton was running against Donald Trump in PA, Clinton was leading Trump by 8 points. She went on to lose to Trump in Pennsylvania.”
Lee says the average lead in the state has Biden up by a couple tenths of a percent.
“Even though Biden’s approval rating in the state is very low in the state, only 39%, the next question is if the election were held today, who would you vote for? Biden goes to a 5-point lead over Trump. Democrats put their support behind Biden because they despise Donald Trump.”
Lee says the fact that many Biden voters are really just voting against Donald Trump while Trump voters actually strongly support him, may have a big impact on turnout in November.
“We know the Trump people are coming out,” Lee said. “But the Biden folks right now are going to need a match lit under them because they don’t have the fire belly to come out and vote right now. They’re only coming out to vote against Trump. They don’t have a nominee they can be proud of right now.”
Jim also talked about the latest poll in the PA senator’s race between Dave McCormick and Bob Casey. He says Casey has a slim lead but the poll presents a more encouraging outlook for McCormick.
“Our poll shows a 48% to 42% for Bob Casey over Dave McCormick right now,” Lee said. “If you’re the Casey people, even though you’re leading, you’re probably nervous. Bob Casey has been in the U.S. Senate since 2006. That’s a long time. He’s still not over 50%. He’s had 18 years to build up his resume and credibility…but he’s still under 50%. He’s been such a back-bencher. He hasn’t really developed a strong image. On the other hand, if you’re the McCormick folks, you’re probably happy with that because six points is a gap you can close in seven months.”
Pro-life advocates and lawmakers gather to announce the PA Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/YL56s6U58gGx8Jnk/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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The PA House and Senate were finally back in session this past week. Here are a few of the highlights as featured on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/K4gDB2S7bYZ3nmi5/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TxGHYxoVRztuozo5/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/GDPgLJL9H7et3KTB/?mibextid=WC7FNe
The PA House and Senate wrapped up budget hearings this week in the PA Capitol.
Here are some of the highlights that we posted on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/twe132p15UCfWdqT/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6XtQpbEYHbbBTXRm/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/3r3WAVaMPhgPD2Gd/?mibextid=WC7FNe
It was another busy week of budget hearings before the PA House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Here are some of the highlights as we shared them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/DUbQSh8s6YyqnWFW/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SpitQ354bHcb8pKx/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Mkv24YPL996VkVAW/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/BWzKyBjeE5x4jKut/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Budget hearings got underway this past week in the PA House and Senate in Harrisburg.
Here are some of those highlights as shared on Facebook.
On Tuesday Governor Josh Shapiro presented his budget plan for the next fiscal year. Democrats praised everything involved with the proposal, including its presentation in the Capitol Rotunda. Republicans said it calls for way too much spending that will lead to tax increases.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Mei8CmM1861244uW/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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The PCC joined Sen. Scott Martin and his staff for a tour of the John Paul II Special Learning Center as part of Catholic Schools Week.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FPsrNkp9dppJ783K/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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We got a chance to visit with PA Republican Rep. Thomas Kutz of Cumberland County to talk about some of the things he is working on. Here are the Facebook links to those sound bites.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hbXxy7z5mVbG9Wvr/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/kMLMBiAJesZne6B8/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hHwtZzNhNX1EKg2P/?mibextid=WC7FNe
We talked with former PA Republican House member Frank Ryan about the petition signing period for those looking to run in the April 23rd primary.
Facebook postings–
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/KcDJKAfD3DWdkUED/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FtqyqdeyEDr8wq5U/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Twitter postings–
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1750216368627085648?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1750169391960871423?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We chat with Sharon Sedlar, the Founder and CEO of PA Families for Education Choice, who is hosting an event to close out National School Choice Week on Saturday in Pittsburgh. There are Facebook and Twitter links to view our postings from this week.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1749833252066472287?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1749852197456687478?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1749898496851784001?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1749912535216595169?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://www.facebook.com/share/r/MyF29A2WeX5PhgJK/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/pbC8wDAgNmmUdeZM/?mibextid=WC7FNe
We talked with PA Senator Maria Collett about two bills to combat human trafficking. The PCC supports these measures.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Kt42YCggWSg8cSfu/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/81hHpExotYkCzhXr/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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The PA House and Senate returned to the Capitol for very brief sessions on Tuesday, January 2nd. The Senate re-elected Kim Ward as President Pro Tempore. Here are the postings we put on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/cReyaPcBbMWdpADG/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/neWkaVvyLDdLjCJY/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SBSj7TxfVDkY2vqY/?mibextid=WC7FNe
The House gaveled in with a very small number of folks in the chamber. Rep. Patty Kim was there in place of Speaker Joanna McClinton to announce the resignation of another Democratic member that will once again leave the House membership tied with 101 Democrats and 101 Republicans.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/fXP8SKph3KupcUMs/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Harrisburg Catholic Charities provides food to residents throughout the year, with a substantial amount of food provided by Central Penn Food Bank. We talked with Joe Arthur, the CEO at the food bank about all the work they do, which is especially important this time of the year.
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HRDnPNpXXTPkDRSE/?mibextid=WC7FNe
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/mJDoKw3WH8cWjbxc/?mibextid=WC7FNe
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/9EuV7qrkqhRoXtMc/?mibextid=WC7FNe
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/MsHxziWqar4TVAFT/?mibextid=WC7FNe
As part of the PCC’s efforts on human trafficking, we’re talking with advocates and lawmakers about what is being done to address the issue. Today I’m sharing a series of sound bites from an interview I did with Christine Commerce from the Alliance to End Human Trafficking.
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1736783868848492574?s=20
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1736796871337599054?s=20
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1736818153110307184?s=20
We talk with Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack about the efforts to fight human trafficking.
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1732753579746685324?s=20
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1732765713054470239?s=20
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https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1732775470393889221?s=20
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hieNMkimGABgrjaS/?mibextid=d6eG65
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/5pnu4uYDr4DXCvJc/?mibextid=d6eG65
? Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/qH2GGUt8zv8SKdX3/?mibextid=d6eG65
The Final PA budget was passed and signed last night, and included substantial increases for school choice and other programs.
EITC increase finally went through with a $150 million more going into the program.
Below is a more complete breakdown for EITC:
Administration fees capped at 10%
K-12 scholarship organizations increased by $62 million
Educational improvement organizations increased by $10 million
Pre-K scholarship organizations increased by $10 million
Opportunity scholarship organizations increased by $20 million
Economically Disadvantaged Schools increased by $48 million
The PA Senate on Wednesday afternoon passed a school code bill, HB 301, by a strong bipartisan vote of 45-5. $100 million for K-12 mental health programs for schools. Among the key components that we liked were an additional $150 million for education tax credits to provide scholarships to students through the existing Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.
Democratic leaders touted the bill’s passage and Republican leader Joe Pittman thanked Democrats for their cooperation but seemed to sense possible opposition in the Democratic controlled House. Sure enough, Democrats stripped out the EITC money and put that bill on the House floor.
Here is Democratic Leader Matt Bradford speaking on the House floor early Wednesday night.
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1724931081114206429?s=20
Republican Leader Bryan Cutler blasted Democrats for removing the EITC.
Republicans in the PA House yesterday spoke up against the issue of legalizing recreational cannabis in Pennsylvania. Here’s Rep. Paul Schemel offering his take at the start of the informational meeting held at the Capitol.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1720096622938673650?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://fb.watch/o3Iwpc9Jnx/?mibextid=cr9u03
The PA House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed HB 999, which would repeal the death penalty in Pennsylvania. The bill and the overall issue has prompted a deep reflection by a number of lawmakers who shared their thoughts before the vote,
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1719783869124051327?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://fb.watch/o3IAK1Hxx9/?mibextid=cr9u03
The PA House has approved funding for the four state-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln) after getting the necessary Republican votes for the two-thirds needed to pass. Republican Leader Bryan Cutler talked about the vote after today’s session.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1719433747521552636?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://fb.watch/o3IGty3Dp_/?mibextid=cr9u03
The PA House has passed a hate crime bill (HB 1027) that has been long in the making but still raises concerns among many Republicans, who believe that it goes too far in defining a hate crime and violates process rules. Here’s a quick wrap of this morning’s debate.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1719393250119647419?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We wrap up our series on seminarians across the state with a look at Tyler Niebauer, who is just beginning his studies at St. Mark Seminary in Erie.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1716520247488889021?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://fb.watch/nSx9mt89cy/?mibextid=cr9u03
PA lawmakers have been working for weeks on bills to change the date of next spring’s PA primary from the current date of April 23rd, for a couple of reasons, mostly because it falls on the Jewish holiday of Passover…and because moving it up would make it more relevant in terms of other primaries across the nation.
There have been two bills in play
One to move it to March 19th, the other to April 2nd. Debate came in late night sessions on the House floor and in amendments made close to midnight. Here’s Republican Russ Diamond.
The March 19th move—by the way was a Senate Bill that was approved by a vote of 45-2 on the Senate floor back on September 20th. The bill was entirely revamped by House Democrats in the ensuing days, voted down overwhelmingly on the House floor and then resurrected and passed this week. Senate Republican Leader Joe Pittman said it’s too late to do anything at this point, which may have been the goal of House Democrats all along because they really haven’t said much on the bill
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1715404291660267913?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
The PA House Health Committee today unanimously passed Senate Bill 500, which calls for Medicaid coverage of human donor milk. The milk is vitally important for many newborns suffering from health issues. The PCC supports this issue. It has already passed the Senate and just needs approval by the full House. Here are the Facebook and X links for the two stories we ran.
https://fb.watch/nLLsZciiLe/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://fb.watch/nLLsZciiLe/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1714669965268193289?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1714667221551587757?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Today we meet Michael Geary, a second-year pre-theology student at St. Mark Seminary in Erie. Michael talks about taking a wrong road to find the right road!
https://fb.watch/nF9LZI0hCx/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1712555083941155018?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
Today we chat with Noah Marangoni, a first-year pre-theologian at St. Mark Seminary in Erie. He talks of the journey through the discernment period.
https://fb.watch/nF7HwTR4DF/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1711789812422697428?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
We continue our series on seminarians in PA with a visit to St. Mark Seminary in Erie. Today’s chat is with the director of the seminary, Father Scott Jabo. It was a long drive to Erie, but meeting Father Jabo and the seminarians made it well worth it.
https://fb.watch/nF6uKfpc10/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1710301639221903420?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
The PA House has robust discussion on budget code bills and bills to move the state primary. X links are followed by Facebook links.
Here’s Democratic Leader Matt Bradford’s closing argument on the SB 224 election bill. He brings up a prior bill on abortion and gets challenged by Bryan Cutler.
https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1709962733263696234?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://x.com/pacatholic/status/1709753431496237120?s=46&t=BhvQl7L4iZmDeA-ftim4Og
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https://fb.watch/nF3RySWwjT/?mibextid=cr9u03
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https://fb.watch/nF3TvV2tzy/?mibextid=cr9u03
https://fb.watch/nF3UycH2uT/?mibextid=cr9u03
We sat down recently with seminarian Declan Cole of St. Charles Borromeo outside of Philly.
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1708895278047093140?s=20
The PCC sits down with seminarian Deacon Aaron Scheidel
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1706363589412483209?s=20
https://fb.watch/ntlMQBxjm0/?mibextid=cr9u03
Sarah Bowen of the Promise of Life Network crisis pregnancy center near Pittsburgh talked with me about the motivation behind the campaign by abortion advocates against the work these centers do, which is to provide women with support during an unplanned pregnancy.
https://x.com/PAcatholic/status/1703790777099235616?s=20
https://fb.watch/nccvJtmh6p/?mibextid=cr9u03
Staffers are the backbone of state government and ensure continuity through the natural turnover of elected officials. I talked with Joan Bradbury, the Executive Director for Sen. Michele Brooks and the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, about their many responsibilities.
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The PA Senate is debating the state budget bill. Here Republican Sen. Scott Martin talks about the impending passage in this chamber and the need for the House to come back and vote on it as well. Martin also talks about the funding that is being held up. pic.twitter.com/kECY93kkyG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 30, 2023
The PA Senate has just passed the fiscal code component of the state budget, generally along party lines. Republicans supported the measure and most Democrats opposed it. Here Democratic Sen. Lindsey Williams criticizes the funding allocated for childcare. pic.twitter.com/oUnHKVhIJW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 30, 2023
Time for an update on doulas, a topic we addressed last year in our 9-month long series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. Today we talk again with our doula expert Amy Wilt and check on legislation that has been proposed in Harrisburg to have insurance cover doula services. pic.twitter.com/Cbmwbnb9FG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 8, 2023
Time for some ‘inside baseball’ on the workings of the PA Catholic Conference…our Executive Director Eric Failing talks about the fact that it is very tough for a bill to make it to the finish line in Harrisburg. It’s not an easy road—on sheer numbers alone. pic.twitter.com/YPzKI2park
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 17, 2023
It is always nice to hear from Catholics across Pennsylvania on social media in response to postings that we make on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We offer several postings daily on a variety of topics, but especially on those dealing with the happenings in the state House and Senate. That’s our focus at the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference: we are the public relations arm of the bishops across the state.
One of the comments that I have gotten in years past is to the effect of ‘why do you talk with that lawmaker when they are in favor of abortion?’
Well…we make it a point to work with everyone. Or at least try to.
“We work with Republicans. We work with Democrats,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “Sometimes up at the Capitol I’ll get asked ‘are you Republican or a Democrat?’ I tell them that “I don’t like to say I’m an ‘R’ or a ‘D.’ I’m a ‘C.’ I’m Catholic.
“We work with people on all sides of the issue on both sides of the aisle. When I first interviewed for the position, I talked to the bishops about this and they said something that has never left me. They said when you think of all the senators and all the representatives and all their staff….we shouldn’t think of them as from this party or that party. We should think of them as souls.”
One of our biggest allies in Harrisburg has been Democratic Senator Judy Schwank of Berks Co. She is firmly pro-choice, but has worked with us on a number of bills– most recently on Senate Bill 262, the Maternal Mortality Review Act SB 262. It will require the PA Department of Health to annually publish severe maternal morbidity date using hospital discharge information. It’s part of a package of bills aimed at addressing maternal morbidity and improving maternal health outcomes. It was just signed into law by a Democratic governor.
It can be intimidating when you hear certain lawmakers speaking passionately on the House and Senate floor, or in the press. You think to yourself, ‘they couldn’t possibly want to even meet with me, much less agree on anything.’ While sometimes that is true, it more often is not. Most lawmakers realize they have to work with those on the other side of the aisle or the other side of an issue to get things done.
It brings to mind an interview I had back in 2019 with Democratic Rep. Jordan Harris of Philadelphia. We met in his district office and I have to admit I was a bit intimidated. He was a forceful speaker on the House floor and I was surprised that he had even agreed to an interview. But then he said something that has stuck with me ever since. He quoted the abolitionist and activist Frederick Douglass, who said “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”
Harris is pro-choice as well. And while the sanctity of life is at the top of our list of values and pursuits, we cannot afford to ignore those who disagree with us on one or two issues. We’d be left to fend for ourselves.
The meeting with Rep. Harris went very well. And obviously left an impression on me.
“It’s difficult to dislike or hate somebody—I would say it’s impossible—once you get to know them,” Failing said. “Because what I think we’re always going to find is that we have more in common with folks than we may know and that they have more in common with us than they may know. That’s how friendship starts. We may not agree with everybody on every issue, but we’re all God’s children.’
Democrats were pretty low-key on the House floor during debate on HB 300. Here is the entire closing speech of Democratic Leader Matt Bradford before the final vote. pic.twitter.com/SNlg0EYOLG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 2, 2023
Debate continues on the PA House floor on HB 300. Republican Rep. Paul Schemel talks about what many opponents of the measure expect will happen to healthcare providers if it passes. @PaulSchemel90 @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/GH6TPxf2gv
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 2, 2023
Republican Rep. Craig Williams—a former federal prosecutor—says that despite what sponsors of HB 300 might say, the bill -would- clear the way for biological males to play women’s sports in PA. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/shI5nD73gY
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 2, 2023
Yesterday the PA House passed HB 300 along party lines. It deals with “…discrimination…because of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.” Here’s an exchange between Democratic Reps. Dan Frankel & Malcolm Kenyatta to address concerns. pic.twitter.com/qWGG73eGmO
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 3, 2023
Several Republicans took to the PA House floor yesterday to debunk Democrat claims about what HB 300 will and will not do. Here’s Rep. Stephanie Borowicz. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/yZkXslSd1X
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 3, 2023
Yesterday we shared comments from two Republican PA House members, who are also attorneys, that Democrats are misrepresenting the scope of HB 300. Here’s another such speaker talking about the bill’s actual impact on religious liberties that are guaranteed in the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/ORKLRVt6Zr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 3, 2023
Debate now in PA House Judiciary Comm. on the Fairness Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. Republicans had questions on the language of the measure. Republican Paul Schemel questions bill sponsor Malcolm Kenyatta. pic.twitter.com/kmujkqLeeX
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 24, 2023
The Fairness Act just passed in committee on party lines. It prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. Dems all vote yes. Republicans vote no. Reps. Paul Schemel and Rob Kauffman explained why before the final vote was taken. pic.twitter.com/SUNGiSvGfW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 24, 2023
Rep. Jessica Benham is one of the sponsors of the Fairness Act. The Democrat had this to say before the vote was taken. The measure passed along party lines, with Democrats in support. pic.twitter.com/fWExXKvdYC
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 24, 2023
Brief debate today on PA House floor on the Fairness Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Republican Rep. Eric Nelson proposed an amendment and explains why many in his party have problems with some underlying parts of the bill. pic.twitter.com/SdT8IZTOSq
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 26, 2023
Democrats rallied today in support of the Fairness Act, which they say looks to prohibit discrimination against individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. But opponents of the bill are citing these remarks yesterday by Rep. Emily Kinkead as justification for caution on the measure. pic.twitter.com/WoMDywH1bZ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 26, 2023
It’s likely the case that no one who is dead set on getting an abortion will go to a crisis pregnancy center first, especially lately when there is so much vitriol directed their way. PA Sen. Judy Ward says these centers offer compassion and information. @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/JkFNMQv9Ty
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 17, 2023
Talking with PA Sen. Judy Ward about the important role that crisis pregnancy centers play in providing women with an actual choice, despite what abortion advocates claim. @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/Shu5NTytVD
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 17, 2023
Sen. David Argall is Chair of the Senate Education Committee. He asked PDE Acting Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin about how much more money is needed for repairs in PA schools, in light of the billions that have already been appropriated by the legislature. @SenatorArgall pic.twitter.com/POgrLFfzDd
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 29, 2023
Sen. David Argall pressed Acting PDE Sec. Dr. Khalid Mumin about some kind of direction from the Shapiro administration on school choice programs. @SenatorArgall pic.twitter.com/RO1Zhxzv1Z
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 29, 2023
PA Sen. Sharif Street asks Dept. of Education officials if some of the federal money that has come to the state in recent years can be used to pay for maintenance issues that have existed in schools across Pennsylvania. He is answered by the PDE’s Jessica Sites. @SenSharifStreet pic.twitter.com/Fm5jtKHZxd
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 29, 2023
During a budget hearing today with the PA Dept. of Education, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill talked about a recent audit showing a number of districts across the state with money sitting in tax reserves. She asked PDE officials about their views on such reserves. @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/ZqGW13OMLd
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 29, 2023
Budget hearings continued today in Harrisburg…PA Dept. of Aging went before House Appropriations Comm. Acting Sec. Jason Kavulich gets this question on services for seniors from Democratic Rep. Gina Curry, who went to Catholic school in Maryland and to St. Joe’s Univ. in Phila. pic.twitter.com/HOq6O1UhH8
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 27, 2023
The PA Dept. of State had its budget hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee today and many questions were about the election process. Here Democrat Sen. Steve Santarsiero asks Acting Sec. Al Schmidt about the restriction on the start of the count of mail-in ballots. pic.twitter.com/tmFxqEGrqO
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 27, 2023
The PA Dept. of Health has its budget hearing this morning before the House Appropriations Committee. Democratic Rep. Latasha Mayes asks department officials about maternal mortality in the black community. One official mentions doulas, whose work the PCC has frequently touted. pic.twitter.com/KJgGr6Ibdg
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 28, 2023
Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler asks Dept. of Health Acting Sec. Dr. Debra Bogen about postpartum depression during this morning’s budget hearing in Harrisburg. The PCC talked extensively about the issue last year in our series on maternal and early childhood issues. pic.twitter.com/mDzUmgCtTr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 28, 2023
Budget hearings begin in the PA House with Acting Secretary of Educ., Dr. Khalid Mumin, and his staff appearing before the Appropriations Comm. Here, Rep. Clint Owlett asks about Gov. Shapiro’s past comments favoring school choice. Mumin pumps the brakes on those comments. pic.twitter.com/ySZfGuY20X
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 20, 2023
Rep. Ryan Warner -tries- to get Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin to talk about his views on a possible expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. This school choice program has been around for a number of years. Budget hearings continue. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/lKLGoIgoxk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 20, 2023
PA House Education Committee Democratic Chair Peter Schweyer asks the Acting Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid Mumin, about the disparity in basic education funding (BEF) between many urban and suburban schools. Budget hearings began in the House today. pic.twitter.com/RwCVrVUCYt
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 20, 2023
Sen. Scott Martin says the Governor’s budget has expenses that exceed revenues, even at the most optimistic of projections for money coming into the Commonwealth. @SenatorMartinPA pic.twitter.com/4VLVmqd3QC
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 7, 2023
We checked in with Republican Rep. Russ Diamond about what is going on in the PA House, and about what has not been going on there for the last several weeks. @russdiamond pic.twitter.com/iqt6LADTmN
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 8, 2023
Republican Rep. Sheryl Delozier heard some things she likes in the Shapiro budget but is concerned about the level of spending. @RepDelozier pic.twitter.com/7wPaid8hot
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 7, 2023
We’re seeing many bills filed in Harrisburg by those in favor of abortion. It comes in the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision last year and with Democrats taking a razor-thin edge in the PA House. I pulled some of the most recent words from a very prominent force in this movement. pic.twitter.com/LMuLP70BnT
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 7, 2023
We have some reaction to the Governor’s budget address. Here’s Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and House Democratic Whip Jordan Harris. pic.twitter.com/MjEVqCeRc3
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 7, 2023
We hear from freshman Democratic House member Justin Fleming in what he likes in Governor Shapiro’s spending plan. @RepJFleming pic.twitter.com/jzyTTx3K7a
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 7, 2023
Right now at the Capitol…PA Sen. Rosemary Brown talks about Senate Bill 37, her legislation on hands-free cellphone use. She is flanked by lawmakers from both parties in both chambers. @SenatorRBrown pic.twitter.com/2wiWLsQsrN
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 28, 2023
Just underway at the PA Capitol in the North Office Building…a public hearing before the Senate Education Committee examining teacher shortages in Pennsylvania. Sen. David Argall presides. Also here, Sens. Doug Mastriano, Jarrett Coleman, Lindsey Williams and Tim Kearney. pic.twitter.com/Jz0jT68Auk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 28, 2023
Rep. Mark Rozzi steps down as Speaker of the House, less than two months after he took the position. pic.twitter.com/z9nG2L0tZV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 28, 2023
Testifying now before the PA Senate Education Committee is Dr. Andrew McLaughlin, Secretary for Elementary Education at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The hearing is looking at the shortage of teachers across PA. pic.twitter.com/E76lcT2OuI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 28, 2023
Democratic Rep. Joanna McClinton has been elected as the new PA Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/UhePjFkG1I
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 28, 2023
Dr. Andrew McLaughlin, Secretary for Elem. Education at the Archdiocese of Phila. tells PA Senate Education Comm. about the performance of Catholic schools through the pandemic. He also talked of how the ongoing teacher shortage has impacted his Catholic schools. @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/t28yZX4kyW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 1, 2023
I talked with Rep. Kate Klunk this morning about what is going on with the PA House. And about what should be going by this point, nearly two months into 2023.
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Rep. Kate Klunk has been pushing for reforms for ethics rules on sexual harassment for years. She was hoping for some movement during last week’s special session at the Capitol, but that did not happen.
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The future is looking much brighter for Kennedy Catholic High & Middle Schools along with Saint John Paul II Elementary School—all in Hermitage, PA. The community stepped forward last year to add a much needed financial and organizational boost.
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Here’s the first of a two-part look at one of the newest senators in the PA Senate, Republican Rosemary Brown. I visited the Senator in her district office on Thursday.
Here’s part 2 of our conversation with Sen. Rosemary Brown. She talks about two of the bills she is authoring in the current session, one on hands-free cellphone use and one on the prospect of countywide school boards.
Rep. Bryan Cutler talks about the chaos in the House and about the actions of Speaker Mark Rozzi, a Democrat who was nominated to be Speaker by Republican leadership. Most rank and file Republicans did not vote for Rozzi.
A question about House Republicans looking to Senate Republicans as means to stop legislation. Rep. Bryan Cutler responds and points out that there is still only a 102-101 majority.
PA House Republican leader Rep. Bryan Cutler talked to the press today and answered some questions about how things might look going forward when lawmakers return to Harrisburg. Here’s a question on the makeup of committees, which is a big part of getting bills passed.
PA Sen. Judy Schwank has worked very hard on the issue of maternal mortality. Here she talks about her bill to address the problem. The PCC supports this bill and thanks Sen. Schwank for her work on this and a number of other issues to help mothers and newborns.
Got the chance to sit down and chat with PA Democratic Sen. Judy Schwank of Berks Co. this morning about some of the bills she’s sponsoring this session. On the list is a bill about doulas and the important work they do. We support this measure as well.
We talk with PA Republican House member Barbara Gleim about the revival of her bill to prevent biological males from playing women’s sports in PA. The PCC supports this measure, which made it to the Governor’s desk last summer.
Former state Rep. Frank Ryan talked with us about a number of issues today, including the court ruling on how public schools are funded. He looks at it from the perspective of HB 13, his bill last session on comprehensive school property tax reform.
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We visited with PA Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill this afternoon in Harrisburg to get her take on what’s happening at the Capitol. We asked about all there is to unpack on the court ruling on school funding.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap talks about the results and impact of Tuesday’s PA House special elections plus there’s a big court ruling on school funding.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap reminds voters in western PA that today is Election Day. PA’s newest Congresswoman talks about police reform on Face the Nation. And we hear from Senator Doug Mastriano talking about one of his bills in the Senate floor.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap shares some important dates for the PA budget plus a look at a couple of bills we are looking at to support moms. And a PA House member once again looks to separate the PIAA playoffs into public and private schools.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap has more of a Catholic Schools Week theme and takes a look at some good news for Kennedy Catholic High School in the Erie Diocese. It shows how communities respond to help our PA Catholic schools.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap talks about special elections: the one yesterday in the PA Senate and the three next week in the PA House.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap features a piece of legislation that we are supporting in hopes of early consideration by the PA House and Senate. It deals with milk banks and how they can save lives across Pennsylvania.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap notes that Catholic Schools Week is underway. Also, PA House Republicans hold a public hearing on school funding. Nathan Benefield of the Commonwealth Foundation answers the contention that the Lifeline Scholarship Program would hurt public schools.
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Still no PA House or Senate session activity to report on…so today’s PCC Capitol Wrap looks at the latest bill we our focused on to fight human trafficking.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap updates the impeachment case against Philly DA Larry Krasner and reveals two more lawsuits against states who try to ban the use of abortion medication. Plus the annual report from a central PA pregnancy center, which continues to do great work.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap. A little bit of this and that. Total run time 1:18.
A bill is being reintroduced in the PA House that would prevent biological males from playing women’s sports. Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap looks at some of the debate on the measure last spring.
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Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap has some of the action from today’s rally to kick off National School Choice Week at the Capitol. You’ll hear from Sen. Judy Ward, Sen. John DiSanto and Sen. Scott Martin—all staunch advocates of school choice.
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A rally today at the PA Capitol to kick off National School Choice Week. I met Dr. Gina MacKenzie, Principal at St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls in Philly. We talked about what the school has to offer and how folks can help them with their mission.
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Had the chance to talk with Sister Marianne Lallone today at the National School Choice Week rally at the PA Capitol. She is the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Bishop Shanahan High School and told me what sets Shanahan apart.
Today’s PCC Capitol Wrap has in mind the controversial FDA ruling over prescribing abortion medication…by looking back to April of 2020 and the debate over a telemedicine bill that prohibited the coverage of abortions. Democrats opposed the bill while Republicans supported it.
Today’s PCC Capitol report talks of Planned Parenthood already scoring a sit-down with the new PA Governor. Inauguration was on Tuesday. And the latest on the PA House situation.
PCC Capitol Wrap for Wednesday, January 18th
We’re going to provide daily recaps of about a minute or so on what happened for the day at the PA Capitol and on issues outside of Harrisburg that we are focused on.
The PA Senate Education Committee has just passed Senate Bill 84, which the PCC supports. It would change PA law to allow teachers to wear religious clothing or symbols. We have comments from backers of the bill, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Sen. Judy Schwank.
The PA Senate Education Committee has just passed Senate Bill 84, which the PCC supports. It would change PA law to allow teachers to wear religious clothing or symbols. Sen. Judy Schwank is one of the backers of the the bill and addressed the committee today. @SenJudySchwank pic.twitter.com/IW6DCjr17V
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) January 10, 2023
The PA Senate Education Committee has just passed Senate Bill 84, which the PCC supports. It would change PA law to allow teachers to wear religious clothing or symbols. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill sponsored the bill and addressed the committee this morning. @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/ziFiFxpxDw
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) January 10, 2023
Here’s a wrap in what went down in the PA House on Tuesday with the election of the new Speaker. This is just what happened on the floor. There were a ton of negotiations and deals made behind the scenes. Still a lot unsettled, like who runs the committees.
Here are the latest comments from both sides in the dispute over who is in the majority in the PA House.
The PA House has just voted to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner by a vote of 107-85, which went generally along party lines. Republicans, like Rep. Bryan Cutler, left, were in support. Democrats, like Rep. Jason Dawkins, voted no. pic.twitter.com/4vxofpnpmu
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 16, 2022
We continue our conversation with Nate Benefield of the Commonwealth Foundation about the benefits of school choice. Here he talks of the high demand for school choice programs, like the EITC, and the money saved across the state by the use of these programs. pic.twitter.com/RH5ODmacbw
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 16, 2022
We continue our conversation with Dr. JulieLynn Derwart-Reh about how she helps women suffering from chronic pain to find solutions through nutritional changes instead of medication. pic.twitter.com/VbRjLmkriV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 16, 2022
PCC Podcast
Today’s PCC Podcast has a wrap on today’s committee meeting where articles of impeachment were approved against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Tweets on the story
The PA House Judiciary Committee today passed an impeachment resolution against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Democrats, like Rep. Jason Dawkins, opposed the measure. He says the D.A. needs discretion in his prosecutions because of issues with the system. pic.twitter.com/6jh0Fh4jBV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 15, 2022
Rep. Martina White of Philadelphia sponsored the impeachment resolution against Philly D.A. Larry Krasner. It passed the House Judiciary Comm. today along party lines—Republicans in support. White addressed Democrat complaints that the move contradicts the will of the voters. pic.twitter.com/xzAKbhgkCM
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 15, 2022
Maternal & Early Childhood Issues
Our focus on school choice continues with a visit to St. Aloysius Parish School in Pottstown. No matter how many times Father Joseph Maloney asks them the question, the kids here -always- feel great!!
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A couple of months back we looked at nutrition for our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. As a follow up, I talked with an expert on nutrition and lifestyle as they pertain to chronic pain with women.
A couple of months back we looked at nutrition for our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. As a follow up, I talked with an expert on nutrition and lifestyle as they pertain to chronic pain with women. pic.twitter.com/efCavvBBGI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) November 15, 2022
It's Red Ribbon Week! Geibel Catholic students were joined by 5th & 6th graders @ Conn-Area Catholic for a Road Radio USA assembly. Thanks to Jim & his entire crew for sharing a powerful message about making good choices, especially taking a stand against drugs. Celebrate Life! pic.twitter.com/Kb8uts056o
— Geibel Catholic (@GeibelCatholic) October 28, 2022
GAME DAY! Wood Girls Volleyball is taking on LC in the PCL Semifinal game tonight at 5:30 pm at Wood. Come out to see a great match and support our girls! Admission at the door is $5.00, cash only. Game will be live-streamed on Wood Athletics You Tube. ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/2sSjprfVt2
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 26, 2022
The Aquila Club had a very productive field trip to King of Prussia for the Jostens Yearbook Workshop last week! The students learned about the design software, received tips from an amazing speaker on how to design, edit and layout the pages, and more! pic.twitter.com/Y4P1yo8oXR
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 26, 2022
?? Seniors arrived EARLY to school last Friday to enjoy coffee, donuts and conversation during Senior Sunrise! This is just one of many senior events the Class of 2023 will enjoy together! #OC2023 pic.twitter.com/kitoxeWGbP
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 26, 2022
Students in Mrs. Cimorelli's Religion III class researched confirmation saints to help guide and inspire them on their faith journey.
After choosing a saint, they worked on drawing and coloring three important elements of an icon: the saint's face, halo, and symbols. pic.twitter.com/8pJ9vZA4PR
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 26, 2022
Thanks to all who attended the Lifting Your Voice event, a day to help women grow their confidence, resilience, & overall well-being which is at the heart of all we do here. Over $3k was raised for The Kellan Ford Foundation, a non-profit founded by Kristin Kane Ford '00. pic.twitter.com/mSWRpxk1jW
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 25, 2022
I was excited to welcome my @GMAHighSchool summer interns, President Denise Marbach and Jennifer Guarnaccia, Director of Leadership Initiatives, to Harrisburg. They toured the Capitol building and joined us for session before heading back for a field hockey game – they won! ? pic.twitter.com/uQBvPu2W3o
— Senator Maria Collett (@SenatorCollett) October 26, 2022
Congrats to our three All Section Players: Mia Lowry, Gabi Folino, and Nica Folino #wpialsoccer @pghsoccernow @TribLiveHSSN pic.twitter.com/YCieRBYmZ0
— Oakland Catholic Soccer (@OCEaglesSoccer) October 25, 2022
CRUSADERS WIN AND ARE YOUR BLACK HILLS CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/5i2Pjdo6L2
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) October 23, 2022
? GAME DAY! #Homecoming2022 ?? pic.twitter.com/H6k3bNkbq7
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 22, 2022
In October, the Catholic Church celebrates the "Month of the Holy Rosary"! Our #saintsandscholars are learning about this prayer and praying together as a school community as a meditation on the life of Christ and in veneration of Mary, Mother of God. #RosaryMonth pic.twitter.com/5ppwGcrE4E
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) October 26, 2022
On October 24th, PITT OHIO hosted the senior class of Nazareth Prep at the Cheswick terminal for a program about different career opportunities. Company management was available to give tours, answer questions and let students see the equipment up-close.
Thanks @PITTOHIO! ?? pic.twitter.com/0vklnFgHSi
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) October 27, 2022
Congrats to @Wood_Vikings freshman Gwen Hamilton as she won the District XII Girls' 2A Individual title today @BucksLocalSport @PhSportsDigest @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/JuKjSQoGMk
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 27, 2022
Aquinas students, at the initiative of senior Sarah White, had a bake sale this week to benefit the needs of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Venice, FL that were deeply affected by Hurricane Ian. #ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #Catholic #LivingTheFaith #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/N7aYrf8HCB
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 28, 2022
Congratulations to the top performers from October's Math League, the first one of the year. Math League is a six question contest where the questions are designed to get everyone thinking! Thank you to Ms. Dorn for organizing, and to all the new participants for giving it a try! pic.twitter.com/WtA0IYT6uY
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) October 28, 2022
In the spirit of our mission, our Gesu School community strives to be “people for others", donating $1,038.73 to @CCJacksonMS to help restore their water supply due to the recent flooding crisis. We hold the Jackson community in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/ch6a9fENYz
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) October 28, 2022
State quarterfinal match in Hershey this morning at 9:30 am!!! Good luck girls!!! pic.twitter.com/xfAw8Q0jCF
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) October 28, 2022
?? The Chargers are WPIAL Champions! ??
The Boys Cross Country team crossed the finish line first at today’s WPIAL Championship, and the girls finished in second!
Both teams advance to the PIAA Championship in Hershey next Saturday. Go Chargers!!! #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/d6rh0hYBFZ
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) October 27, 2022
MILESTONE NEWS: Congrats to @NDGP_FOOTBALL for capturing their 300th win in school history last Friday night over Jim Thorpe 57-40. It comes a couple weeks after Head Coach @philipstambaugh won his 100th game in the Crusaders win over @NSAthletics1. @ND_Crusaders @EPAFootball pic.twitter.com/irZhzyb8Hd
— D11Sports (@D11Sports) October 19, 2022
?It's Spirit Week at KCFS!! Middle and High School students can dress up each day according to the theme (dress code appropriate, please!). We are kicking the week off with Country vs. Country club! ??? #KCPride pic.twitter.com/MGZcPVQcFq
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 16, 2022
Congratulations to the #BSHS field hockey team who celebrated their Senior Night on October 13th. We wish you the best of luck, Lady Eagles! pic.twitter.com/9HYtQQQxCi
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 19, 2022
Congratulations to our seniors on the women's volleyball team! #ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #volleyball #SeniorNight pic.twitter.com/UTWsd8brAJ
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 18, 2022
Congratulations to our seniors on the field hockey team!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #FieldHockey #SeniorNight pic.twitter.com/g9VJHsPj1Q
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 19, 2022
Congrats to @LCCrusaders on repeating as D12 Girls' Tennis Champions and best of luck in the PIAA 2A Championship next week ! https://t.co/0kfA5tZbMz @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic @LansReporter pic.twitter.com/8jbvGft51r
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 20, 2022
Introducing our 4th Captain for Game 9, @BJVaughn8 #CHARGEFORWARD22 pic.twitter.com/cETgQOB5H0
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) October 21, 2022
Walking to success! Our school communities have been hosting successful Walk-a-thons that help build funds for the school and build community with local partners! We are grateful to all that support our #CatholicSchools. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/gtorQajgVg
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) October 17, 2022
Congrats to Speech & Debate members, Mary Meehan '23 & Ava Harvest '23, who each placed 3rd place in their events at the NYC Invitational for Speech & Debate held at Bronx Science High School; Mary in Dramatic Interpretation & Ava in Program Oral Interpretation. #Gwyneddproud pic.twitter.com/XMp8YSpTNS
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 18, 2022
Bishop #Shanahan High School's Fine Arts Department will be offering a special needs audience friendly performance of The Addams Family Musical on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00 PM. Learn more and register at https://t.co/JZEwl8PUNr! pic.twitter.com/3dvpEJ5jqG
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 21, 2022
Congrats to your @McDCruSoccer (17-1 regular season) who defeated Trinity 2-1 this evening to click the Mid Penn championship!!! BACK TO BACK!! Way to go girls!! So proud of you! On to the next one! pic.twitter.com/5480t1Scrh
— Lady Cru Soccer – Bishop McDevitt Girls Soccer (@McDCruSoccer) October 21, 2022
Prep closes out the regular season in boys soccer with a 10-1 win over Corry. Cam Dunbar and Pau Barea Solves each had 2 goals. Also scoring were Brandon Lin, Max Johnson, Jake Bamberger, Logan Sauers, Perkin Showalter and Drew Donikowski. The postseason is up next.
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers) October 21, 2022
Last week, seniors attended an HBCU College Fair at @PNCParkEvents hosted by the Western PA Alumni Association of HBCUs. Many were even given conditional acceptances based on their transcripts! ? pic.twitter.com/Yqt3dvZZrY
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) October 18, 2022
Congrats to our XC Seniors. Jack Evans, Brendan Hilinski , Ciaran Chambers, Kevin Steele, Jack Frain. Thanks for being part of our program. And a big thank you to the parents for trusting us to work with your sons. We appreciate your support. Stay Healthy. pic.twitter.com/BWQfKnbMjF
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) October 19, 2022
Mrs. Galbreath's 5th grade enjoyed Baptism lesson with Fr. Windle in Church! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @Angels_CYO @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @ArchPhilly @BLOCSPhilly @CatholicEdJrnl @CathEdToday pic.twitter.com/BvWGWtVK5U
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) October 19, 2022
This Friday night, come cheer on the #BSHS seniors of the football team and marching band as they celebrate Senior Night! The game starts at 7PM vs Coatesville. Let's go, #Shanahan Eagles! pic.twitter.com/9ejvVaIJtc
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 12, 2022
SENIOR NIGHT: Lady Crusaders (10-4) defeat Bishop Canevin 3-1.
Congratulations to Isabella & Palma for their outstanding leadership in building the program in just its 3rd year. They have been invaluable to its success, representing the school w class.@pghsoccernow #WPIALSoccer pic.twitter.com/uZs3AkV0r6
— Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh Women's Soccer (@AquinasSoccer_W) October 11, 2022
GMAHS proudly presents the Broadway Musical, Newsies! Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. Get your tickets now for showings November 10-13. https://t.co/LvkzDUYCO8 pic.twitter.com/mklKVXsIun
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 12, 2022
Panthers vs Cancer is tonight!!! JV starts at 5:30 with Varsity to follow at 6:45. Announcements and presentation will take place at 6:30. Please remember everyone must enter through the gym lobby doors and get a wrist band. Entrance is a donation if you choose! See you tonight! pic.twitter.com/jfzsTedAB5
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) October 11, 2022
On Friday, we recognized another great group of seniors – our cross country runners! Congratulations to Luc Normandy, Sarah Glaneman, and Orlando Watson.
We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish in your futures! ? pic.twitter.com/lcbgk17TkM
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) October 10, 2022
Wood Pink Day Fans here to support the girls! Go Vikings. ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/XzU4fsihwq
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 11, 2022
A reminder:
Kennedy Catholic HS class of 2022 was awarded $4,354,604 in scholarships with $1,697,592 accepted! We talk college from the start!Now that’s a return on investment! Visit https://t.co/46Cpt1eO0E or call Mrs. Perry (724) 342-2205 to learn more! #TheKennedyDifference
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 11, 2022
The day after a victory, the guys cleaned up very nice for homecoming!#BeUncommon ?? pic.twitter.com/JRuWQOVjHj
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) October 10, 2022
Join Bishop Kulik and Diocesan Priests for Prayer and Perfect Pairings on Nomember 10. Register for this Eucharistic Revival fundraiser at https://t.co/GfRMTwbPEN pic.twitter.com/4qNxDFixbJ
— Geibel Catholic (@GeibelCatholic) October 11, 2022
Don't forget to come cheer on the BSHS boys' soccer team and celebrate the Seniors as they take on Sun Valley tomorrow, October 11th. JV kicks off the evening at 5:30 PM, followed by the Senior Celebration at 6:25 PM. The Varsity match starts at 7 PM. pic.twitter.com/ucJLV41IdM
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 10, 2022
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) October 10, 2022
Girls Soccer final score: McD defeated Berks Catholic 4-1 on Senior Night! #McD ?? pic.twitter.com/Tz8xC2Pb4J
— McDAthletics (@HailToTheeMcD) October 11, 2022
We had a great time at the Annual Lettermen's Club Golf Outing, held at Edgewood Country Club! All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the young men of Central Catholic High School and their extracurricular activities.
Lettermen's Club President: Steve Massaro, '84 pic.twitter.com/xTfK9roNXs
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 12, 2022
A few more from tonight's Dig Pink games! Both JV and Varsity earned a victory over visiting Greensburg Central Catholic. Go Eagles! ?? pic.twitter.com/9sotwmhjz5
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) October 7, 2022
Congratulations to our seniors on the cross country team! #ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #CrossCountry #SeniorNight pic.twitter.com/Uk9XDVd0vx
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 5, 2022
Congratulations to our seniors on the men's soccer team! ??#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #Soccer #SeniorNight pic.twitter.com/GyKuFt5j7i
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 4, 2022
Congratulations! #OLSHChargers https://t.co/BZEvXufxje
— OLSH Chargers (@OLSH_Hoops) October 6, 2022
While we had everyone at the Induction Ceremony tonight, we got a group picture of the entire YC National Honor Society. Congratulations to all! pic.twitter.com/yY1LCV3qfE
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) October 5, 2022
Wishing a Happy World Teachers' Day to our exceptional faculty who share their talents, time, & Mercy spirit with our Gwynedd Girls. Pictured are simply a few of our dedicated faculty who educate, inspire, & empower our students. We are grateful. #WorldTeachersDay #Educate_Mercy pic.twitter.com/yUYU5CLIjY
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 5, 2022
@Bonner_Prendie Girls' Crew Program Honored By PA House of Representatives https://t.co/HmQv6tuqwg @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @PhSportsDigest @DelcoSports @MBAP_Athletics pic.twitter.com/GLoIulJ3d2
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 4, 2022
Come cheer on the #BSHS girls' field hockey team and celebrate the Seniors as they take on Great Valley on Thursday, October 13th. The Senior Celebration begins at 6:25 PM, followed by the Varsity game at 7:00 PM. Go, Lady Eagles! pic.twitter.com/0sp0XeywT8
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 5, 2022
Congratulations to @LCCrusaders golf team members who competed at the @AOPathletics PCL Championship today Jeffersonville GC, Brandon ‘23, Nora ‘24, Jake ‘25 (All Catholic), Sean ‘25 and Zack ‘25 @Mater_Dei_CS @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus @MMRSchool @MaryRedeemer @StJudeChalfont pic.twitter.com/J2KGUSZEBw
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 6, 2022
Congratulations on best of luck to our senior Soccer players: Ryan Kom, Jude De La Calzada, and James Holzschuh. Yesterday, they were honored during their Senior Night, by their school, team, coaches, and families. #ndproud #faithfulloyaltrue #crusaders2023 #weloveourseniors pic.twitter.com/yGJNRGi15h
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) October 4, 2022
Interested in Nazareth Prep or know anyone who might be? Join us on Saturday, October 22nd @ 11am for our Fall Open House!
To RSVP or if you have any questions, please email admissions@nazarethprep.org. pic.twitter.com/Y8aPDuFmq8
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) October 2, 2022
#OnThisDay in Bishop McDevitt history 1983…
A jubilee mass was celebrated in the school gym to honor the 25th anniversary of the opening of Bishop McDevitt. Cardinal John Krol visited Royal Avenue to bless the McDevitt community. @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/n70dgkf8Fi
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) October 7, 2022
? OC Alumna Alert: Bridget Deasy, OCHS’18 alumna and 2LT US Army, presented career opportunities to interested OC students. She enjoyed coming back to OC in her new uniform! pic.twitter.com/uHJst4VqQH
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 6, 2022
Congrats to the Volleyball team yesterday on raising over 2K for Breast Cancer Families at their dig pink game! #rollpats pic.twitter.com/Fu9iGbtVAL
— Carroll Athletics (@ACHSathletics) October 6, 2022
For October we will focus on families in PA getting proper nutrition as part of our nine-month series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. Today we look at how many communities in PA are below the poverty level—a big challenge in families getting the necessary nutrition.
Today’s PCC Podcast explains a campaign against the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and their efforts to impose new mandates about gender identity. At the 2:30 mark we also feature the Secretary of HHS, Xavier Becerra, evading questions last year about why he sued the Little Sisters of the Poor. The Sisters won that case, by the way. 
An update for our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues on the subject of breastfeeding. There was a press conference last week to reinforce support for a bill that would establish insurance coverage for donated breast milk for babies. Advocates say such milk can be a lifesaver.
Congratulations to OC Seniors Meghan Pohl, Elena Mazariegos Adela Holland, Mary Nagy, Olivia Jana, and Bridget Shaver recognized yesterday at the Schenley Oval. #OC2023 #WatchThemSoar pic.twitter.com/KfXeaaz7Ka
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 28, 2022
Almost Gameday pic.twitter.com/CGjv35GHGk
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) September 29, 2022
What does it mean to be a Lasallian Leader? Our Ministry & Service Team heard from three great examples today: Mr. Zanneo, Coach Bielecki, and Mr. Dougherty. Thanks for the inspiration! #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/ye3nNdkwtW
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) September 28, 2022
Yesterday afternoon, #Shanahan celebrated the Homecoming Pep Rally! Students cheered on the fall sports teams, cheerleaders, and lunchtime karaoke winners. The classes also competed in friendly competitions of tug-o'-war, scooter races, and musical chairs. Let's go, Eagles! pic.twitter.com/XACqYIqyRi
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 24, 2022
Homecoming was a great day with our families, friends, & alums. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces back on campus. Thanks to all our volunteers who made this day possible. #homecoming2022 #welcomehomealumshttps://t.co/SfZV3d0lLF
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) September 25, 2022
With a student population of 280, Bishop Guilfoyle lit up the night for Kayla Terrell, making a donation of $1,250. Not only did BG play and cheer for something bigger than themselves, the team got to hoist the “I Can Cup” after a 56-0 win over Johnstown. pic.twitter.com/eTwjP37nMh
— BG Marauder Football (@BGMarauderFball) September 24, 2022
#VikingProud Thank you for your dedication to ACCHS, Coach Corcoran! #VikingExcellence #ACCHSlegend #AlwaysFaithful ????5??0??0???https://t.co/qtbpg9MnUy
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) September 24, 2022
The 2021-2022 boys basketball team received their state championship rings at halftime of tonight’s football game! #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/Evpg3Jw3nK
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) September 24, 2022
Looking forward to seeing all of our YC Alumni at the Homecoming Alumni Social this Sat 10/1 from 6-9 PM at Central Market for ages 21+. Please RSVP to alumniassociation@yorkcatholic.org for our food planning. pic.twitter.com/ktXnYUP3wE
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) September 28, 2022
Let’s Go Girls! Let’s Get a Win on Senior Day! ?@NCGSoccer? ?@NorthCatholicAD? ?@NCTrojanHockey? ?@pghsoccernow? pic.twitter.com/BP5eRGBj0B
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) September 28, 2022
District Champs!! First one of the fall season for @ScrPrepSports and third in a row for our girls golf team!! Congratulations girls!! pic.twitter.com/dkERtLdYTu
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) September 28, 2022
Mrs. Venafra's PK4 class had a great time celebrating Johnny Appleseed Day! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @UpperMorelandPA @PAcatholic @RepGuenst pic.twitter.com/TfpOdGI7Hz
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) September 29, 2022
GMA 2:1 VMA. Winning is amazing, but the TEAM makes the experience worthwhile!????? #team #grit #justwinbaby pic.twitter.com/ZX2h2mEVsR
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) September 16, 2022
Checkmate! There was a great turnout for the first official chess club meeting of the year! The chess club meets semi-weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays after school in Room 113. pic.twitter.com/zdGZtHCG9f
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) September 13, 2022
The Philly skyline was the perfect backdrop for Prep Soccer's 4-0 win over Carroll last night. #PhillyIsOurCampus #GoPrep pic.twitter.com/REqmCGvmkW
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) September 14, 2022
@PJPHS Girls' Volleyball Captures Title At Bulldog Invitational https://t.co/IosNBeDWSv @PSPN_Official @PJP2volleyball @PaPrepLive @PottsmercSports @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/mB8Ewwh8pA
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) September 13, 2022
Uniform Reveal! #CHARGEFORWARD22 pic.twitter.com/VNm0vwDtNR
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) September 15, 2022
?? THIS SATURDAY, September 17th – 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls are invited to join Administration, Faculty, and Students for breakfast and conversation. ??
Tell your friends and register today! https://t.co/EblBVppo4W pic.twitter.com/sasiWD0O1Q
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 14, 2022
Thank you to @MakeAWishPHL for visiting with @LCCrusaders student government leaders yesterday and honoring our Class of 2022 Homecoming efforts last fall, raising $37,240.33 for children @Mater_Dei_CS @StJudeChalfont @TimJRadio @SteveSosnaNBC @LC_STEM pic.twitter.com/JKZqaph2Nk
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 15, 2022
Cornhole – the new official sport of Roman Catholic lunch periods. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/tof8gDSZQe
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) September 16, 2022
Congratulations to Victoria Taylor for winning her first two matches in the WPIAL Tennis Qualifiers, beating her opponents 10-1 and 11-9 to advance to the next round today at 2PM! ??#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #tennis #WPIALqualifiers #KeepGoing pic.twitter.com/8qYi5U6APt
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) September 15, 2022
We began this week with an enthusiastic turn out of families for our 1st HSA Meeting of the school year! #WeAreSJR, #SJRproud, #archphilly, @AOPS, #AOPS_schools pic.twitter.com/cmwbkj90TI
— SJR School (@SjrSchool) September 15, 2022
Working Lunch! Juniors took time from their lunch periods today to process their Urban Immersion experience from the summer. #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/2rXV5SKiDp
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) September 15, 2022
Our starting XI at Villa Maria today, 4 PM ????? #grit #beatvilla #mercyrulesthefield pic.twitter.com/bUXseRPIqo
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) September 15, 2022
You know what day it is… pic.twitter.com/rkTqlP1wst
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) September 15, 2022
Check out Mrs. Valerio's Pre-K Class learning the letter "A" and also working with sensory play today in class! ?
Great work, Boys and Girls! ??? pic.twitter.com/MO4NMaABFE
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) September 15, 2022
Today, on the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows, we celebrated our first weekly mass of the school year! Chaplain Fr. Jason Feigh and Fr. Mike DeMartinis concelebrated the mass. We are thankful for today and everyday! #Prep #Faith #Gratitude ? pic.twitter.com/a0Yj4sgj91
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers) September 15, 2022
Athletic Results Wednesday 9/14
Golf lost @ Mahanoy Area 345-470
BVS lost to Williams Valley 7-0
Boys XC went 2-1;
Albin Petschauer was the overall winner & Alex Porambo took 4th place
Girls XC went 3-0;
Emma Ashfield took 2nd place
Congratulations Colts & Fillies! pic.twitter.com/wrkiG06V63— Marian Catholic Athletics (@AthleticsMarian) September 15, 2022
Tonight vs Hopewell our NC Trojanettes are wearing “Ginny Strong” warm-ups for our friend on the Seneca Valley soccer team who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. #GinnyStrong pic.twitter.com/ImqfgWu4wq
— North Catholic Girls Soccer (@NCGSoccer) September 14, 2022
— South Hills Catholic Academy (@southcatholicpa) September 14, 2022
Bishop McDevitt donors help make the McDevitt experience possible. We are honored to have individuals and corporations that truly care about our students! Follow along as our students celebrate, and thank, those that made gifts during the 2021-2022 academic year. #McDThanksYou pic.twitter.com/ZfE5m2oOS5
— Bishop McDevitt (@BishopMcDevitt) September 14, 2022
? All 9th graders (CP and honors) participated in a celebration of reading! Mrs. D'Amico's, Ms. Schmidt's and Ms. Jeffries' had a post-it gallery reflecting on their favorite things about reading, and then acted out tableaux of 'Klara and the Sun.' pic.twitter.com/hVHfWwRXtq
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 9, 2022
Friday Night Lights – Football AWAY at Tamaqua HS, 7:00 PM.
Come out and cheer for our players, coaches, band and cheerleaders ????????? pic.twitter.com/Xh6y9uqey4— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) September 9, 2022
From the field to the classroom, our #saintsandscholars are making joyful music this year and learning about instruments, singing songs, and performing for their communities! #WiththeSpirit #CatholicSchoolProud pic.twitter.com/a51TDRHx20
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) September 9, 2022
Panthers vs Cancer will be held on 10/11/22. Make sure to buy your Panthers vs Cancer T-shirt. All proceeds go to the Bott Cancer Center at Holy Redeemer. Pre orders can be done at the link below. Pre order ends on 9/26 at noon.https://t.co/SA1ZWF56cm pic.twitter.com/T6dhUroa7b
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) September 9, 2022
Welcome back to the #BSHS Classes of 2025 and 2024! It was great to see the faces of our sophomores and juniors today. pic.twitter.com/L6Fmfu0gab
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 8, 2022
It’s a Lady Golden Eagles sweep! Girls volleyball, both JV & varsity beat region rival Farrell last night at EJ. Congrats girls!! ?? #KCPride
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) September 7, 2022
2/2 It was a beautiful and memorable Labor Day Weekend filled with current students, prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends @LCCrusaders is setting the standards high for the 2022-23 school year ahead! @AOPS_Schools @TimJRadio @SteveSosnaNBC pic.twitter.com/4pa55ZsR7S
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 6, 2022
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) September 5, 2022
— BG Marauder Football (@BGMarauderFball) September 4, 2022
It is a SWEEP x 2!!! Both girls and boys cross country teams start their season yesterday with 3 – 0 sweeps!! Great start to the season!! pic.twitter.com/UV9KOviWsu
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) September 9, 2022
Welcome Back!! https://t.co/MmGYSsKlv0. @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @Found4CathEdu
— BVMSchoolDarby (@BVMSchoolDarby) September 7, 2022
#OnThisDay in Bishop McDevitt history 1960…
The Royal Lancer football team won their 1st varsity game in school history. The Lancers defeated the Crusaders of Notre Dame Green Pond 19-14. #LFL @AOPathletics @NDGP_FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/LzVIpSL2SY
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) September 9, 2022
Step 3
?Franklin Field
? @EHallFB
? 7:30pm
? https://t.co/N8qxY3YUxU
? @flosports #GoPrep pic.twitter.com/H92sNgBdeL— St Joe’s Prep Football (@SJPrep_Football) September 9, 2022
Attention educators!
We are now hiring SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS for the 2022-2023 school year. Interested applicants should contact Kevin Sheridan, Assistant Principal of Faculty and Curriculum Development at ksheridan@centralcatholichs.com. pic.twitter.com/9NH8sw7MRG
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) September 9, 2022
Win money for yourself AND for your favorite OLSH sport or activity at Trivia Night on September 24th! Let us put your knowledge to the test – but hurry – tables are filling up fast! Learn more and register here: https://t.co/mcdmHxBy48#olshchargers pic.twitter.com/KJ5e72C4FL
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) September 9, 2022
A huge thank you to all of the TROJANS who participated in the Mission of Mercy service project held at the Convention Center! #ForeverTrue pic.twitter.com/zXklejUzhV
— NORTH CATHOLIC FOOTBALL (@NCtrojansFB) August 7, 2022
@OLSH_HighSchool football players volunteering their time for the Archangel Gabriel Festival Night One! Come out and see us this Friday and Saturday too! pic.twitter.com/J1jP43uaYk
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) August 5, 2022
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) August 4, 2022
Did you know 75% of #NotreDame faculty hold advanced degrees? ?
Click the link below to discover the rigorous #collegepreparatory environment at #ND that #inspires students to ask “what if” questions. ?https://t.co/xuZc3wsYAC#upperschool #middleschool #catholicschool pic.twitter.com/g2n3e2ZK1j
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) August 4, 2022
#TGIF Take some advice from the #saintsandscholars from @OurLadySchool – eating ice cream is a great way to stay cool this summer! Have a great weekend! pic.twitter.com/EPDSM1UAPi
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) August 5, 2022
Join us for the 2nd Annual @LCCrusaders Family Fest! Friday, August 26th, 6-9 pm in the LC parking lot! @Jennife77090497 @ph_jenny @annetempleton @AmyHerron @LC_STEM pic.twitter.com/zcNhXlTL8t
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) August 6, 2022
Financial aid is STILL AVAILABLE! Give us a call and see how we can make a private, Christian education affordable for you. Call Nikki Perry at (724) 342-2205 to schedule a no obligation tour and admission counseling. #TheKennedyDifference https://t.co/Pvpouff28v
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) July 31, 2022
Our Serra Catholic Music Department is hard at work for marching band season 2022! Congratulations to all our students leaders for this year. ? pic.twitter.com/9qdmkqfzYt
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) August 1, 2022
In just 30 Days, Saint Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School's Class of 2023 will embark on their 8th Grade Year! Let's hear it for our Leaders! We wish them all the best as they embark on the beginning of the end of their amazing journey as Saint Anthony of Padua Students! pic.twitter.com/pbV7i8h20k
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) August 8, 2022
Summer externs Emily Rossmeisl '24 and Eva Rodgers '24 are working with the Dolan Fund. Earlier this week they were hard at work helping the runners at the AARC Phil's Tavern 5K. Keep up the great work, Monarchs! #LEAD #GCLI #Empower_Mercy pic.twitter.com/0rRGGS3fGN
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) August 6, 2022
? #natedesmond #PAstatechamp pic.twitter.com/eRoRxh6q69
— Bethlehem Catholic Wrestling (@becawrestling) August 4, 2022
There is still time to register for Cathedral Prep Girls Basketball Camp! Camp starts next Monday, August 8, through Thursday, August 11, at HFEC. Feel free to call Coach Chuzie at (814) 490-3643 to register. Walk-ins are also welcome! #BasketballCamp? pic.twitter.com/qTYZ1450RE
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers) August 4, 2022
SOLD OUT FOR GOLFERS ?????
The LFA is still taking registrations for the after party. $60 per person includes music by Ron “DJ Chief Rocka” Ardron ‘86, open bar and dinner. This party is always is a great time.??
Thanks for supporting the 2nd Annual Big Doc Memorial Classic. pic.twitter.com/wA8ABRycwz
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) August 3, 2022
Young boys and girls worked on their basketball skills last week at @ACCHSVikings where current and alumni players helped with basketball camp for nearly 100 aspiring #scholarathletes. pic.twitter.com/HdHlLpjPHn
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) July 25, 2022
Congratulations to rising junior Jayden McBride on her Division 1 basketball scholarship offer from @upstateWBB in the Big South Conference! #Scholarships #Recruitment pic.twitter.com/B3oohVb0Ao
— Cathedral Prep Girls Baskeball (@prepbasketball_) July 27, 2022
? @Paris_Gilmore23 ?3???? #KCFamily https://t.co/uXwuA9VGOa
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) July 25, 2022
More than 1,100 Student-Athletes Named To AOP Spring Sports Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll https://t.co/2EKpOXPY5g @PAcatholic @johnknebels @PhSportsDigest @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @Wood_Vikings @NG_Saints @CEC_athletics @BucksLocalSport @PaPrepLive @CatholicPhilly @LCCrusaders pic.twitter.com/uv54nTNFZy
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) July 25, 2022
That’s a wrap on LHAC Media Day? Let’s play some football…? #CrusherPride pic.twitter.com/CHv6M0BjKC
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) July 27, 2022
Happening today…be sure to stop by!! pic.twitter.com/m5ZIdSMsC7
— OLSH Cheerleading (@OLSHCheer) July 24, 2022
Maggie (Brennan) Corado- CC '93 and daughter Sydney – '25 on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. pic.twitter.com/UbO1RG5CIc
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) July 26, 2022
Congratulations to former Lady Lancers Mary Greenberg '22, Saorla Meenagh '23, and Dylan Miller '23 for making the AOP Spring Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. ????cD?@Lancers4Life_ pic.twitter.com/gp2AgvXBdE
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) July 25, 2022
? The 1989 Sacred Heart State Championship Basketball team gathered for an evening of laughs and reflection. Time flies, but memories last a lifetime! ?? pic.twitter.com/ABTiquPFfw
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) July 26, 2022
.@HolyGhostPrep rising sophomore Jack Dobbins dreams of being a sports broadcaster one day. This week in Boston, he's working with broadcast professionals at the @playbyplaycamps, like Celtics reporter @tvabby, to make that dream a reality. #ThinkBig #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/Mg1UbkGaGH
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) July 29, 2022
We love this poem from Ms. Crowder (@gdcrowder), a campus minister/educator at @jesuitdallas. This quote stands out:
"Show me (God)
what (my magis) is
and then,
prepare my heart
so I can go
ALL IN."Tha's what we are called to do at Jesuit schools: Find your Magis & GO ALL IN! https://t.co/wXWo3DRXZg
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) July 28, 2022
Excited to be a part of this great event! Come support Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball on Saturday at 8:30 AM vs Reading on Ct 2 and at 10:30 AM vs Liberty on Ct 1 ! @A_TownThrowDown pic.twitter.com/plyD6U7M0I
— Lansdale Catholic Girl’s Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) July 28, 2022
In this year's AP Exams, students in Drawing, English Language, and English Literature had an average score of 4 or higher! #BSHS pic.twitter.com/8EPrgDEv0v
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) July 26, 2022
Alumni Return Home for Reunion Weekend! https://t.co/VfDCZIIpaP #Prep #Villa #ReunionWeekend2022 pic.twitter.com/2xIXlKp8zj
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers) July 26, 2022
Thank you to our students who have been leaders at #PrepU these past three weeks. They are always our best ambassadors and have proven that yet again this summer. Thanks for helping these rising 7th and 8th graders feel at home at 17th & Girard. https://t.co/84CmMME82e pic.twitter.com/XqS6OYuDrA
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) July 21, 2022
Entrance Exam Registrations are officially LIVE! ?
Register TODAY for an #entranceexam and schedule a campus tour to discover the #sisterhood of #notredame! ?
?https://t.co/W1Jx3LidVd#admissions #mainlinepa #villanova #middleschool #upperschool pic.twitter.com/LyxSNEp29u
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) July 21, 2022
Welcome to OLSH, Emma!! ?? #OLSHChargers #OLSHClassof2026 pic.twitter.com/BrMbwEW4Ee
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) July 21, 2022
? @Rawlin_Melendez #GoBigBlue https://t.co/9gjq6AcAIP
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) July 21, 2022
Welcome Carla Jantos MacMullen, Head of School! ??#SHAbrynmawr pic.twitter.com/zkNegqrTuF
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) July 18, 2022
Mrs. Powell has been appointed to Principal by @DioPitt!#BishopZubik announced the promotion of Mrs. Powell to the position of principal effective July 15. Mrs. Powell has served as assistant principal since 2016 and acting principal since August 2021.https://t.co/JVTvetar1K pic.twitter.com/Tp7KINsAq8
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) July 22, 2022
Party at the Pier is in 2 WEEKS! Order your tix today @ St Hubert Main Office from 8-3 Monday thru Friday or online here – https://t.co/3mZnirA8KN pic.twitter.com/bYlzrXxaMB
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) July 22, 2022
At Central Catholic, students are provided with the resources to prepare for college, and excel in their studies after graduation! ?
Click here to learn more about admissions and how to apply: https://t.co/xKDOalX3XE pic.twitter.com/DBXkfEUilp
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) July 18, 2022
Baseball Camp 2022
120+ campers!! pic.twitter.com/jNBGOS1ySz— JUDGE BASEBALL (@FJBaseball27) July 19, 2022
Fun day with our incoming freshmen at Lackawanna State Park last week! Thank you goes out to our volunteers! #Classof2026 ?? pic.twitter.com/HCE9gwEmrJ
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) July 18, 2022
#VikingProud ACCHS had a great week with more than 70 future Vikings and Vikettes at our Basketball clinic! Current and alumni Basketball players were on hand share their skills and techniques! #VikingNation #Vikes4Life ????? @ACCHS_Athletics pic.twitter.com/BF3ztcfQn3
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) July 21, 2022
Principals and administrators from the Diocese of Allentown are attending the Title I Assessment Conference at Penn State this week with other Catholic Schools from the state of PA. They are preparing to help our #saintsandscholars learn and grow in the year ahead! pic.twitter.com/IOiN5nqDUO
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) July 19, 2022
— St. John Neumann (@sjnra1) July 19, 2022
Crushers on the Road! Freshman Hannah Pfeil explored The Last Frontier this summer… Anchorage, Alaska. pic.twitter.com/KfrjdFAxh7
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) July 22, 2022
July 18th
We continue our look at Early Childhood Screenings by talking with Kris Bowman of Ramsey Educational and Development Institute, or REDI. They administer the PA Early Intervention Program in Montgomery County.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1549094658478903299?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
July 15th
As part of look at Early Childhood Screenings, we are looking to find out about screenings in PA for newborns suffering from their mothers’ drug addiction. We’d love to talk with the state task force created to help those children but haven’t had much help from the Wolf Admin.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1548004337758060544?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
July 14th
Continuing our series for July on Early Childhood Screenings with a quick look at the first big test for the newborn, the blood test.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1547690893766930437?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
July 13th
Continuing our series on Early Childhood Screenings… it was a crisis in Michigan that sparked lawmakers here in Pennsylvania to put an emphasis on testing children for the presence of lead.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1547429183864840192?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
July 12th
We wrap up the conversation with our friend Victoria about the tests, screenings and milestones designed for children after they come home from the hospital. It’s part of our July focus on Early Childhood Screenings.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1546897353843539968?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
July 11th
As part of our continuing look at Early Childhood Screenings for July, we talk with a young mother about all the tests that we went through.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1546491903083945984?s=20&t=bfxurJPODSGTJUaDird-pg
Where's #Shanahan this summer? One group of 29 students traveled to Costa Rica to participate in a service project: painting a medical center. The medical center is visited by a doctor one day a week where he or she helps families in need and refugees from Nicaragua. pic.twitter.com/enLv42IMsa
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) July 16, 2022
Great opportunity to support our young men and women! Click the link below to get your tickets now before they run out!https://t.co/ZEtS8VYE2v
Reserve your spot today!
We look forward to a great afternoon of OLSH fun! pic.twitter.com/QV0oohzXuO
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) July 15, 2022
Throwback to the class of 2012! #ThrowbackThursday #hchspride?? pic.twitter.com/YLYhUZw1A8
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) July 14, 2022
PCL Announces The Addition Of Nazareth Academy For 2023-24 School Year https://t.co/bTYH5HxLNX @ADRobinson3 @PhSportsDigest @jmverlin @richflanagan33 @DelcoSports @PaPrepLive @joemasonwrites @johnknebels @phillysport @InqPotosky @NETimesOfficial @PAcatholic @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/6wo8kkLt4s
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) July 18, 2022
Welcome Carla Jantos MacMullen, Head of School! ??#SHAbrynmawr pic.twitter.com/zkNegqrTuF
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) July 18, 2022
Fun day with our incoming freshmen at Lackawanna State Park last week! Thank you goes out to our volunteers! #Classof2026 ?? pic.twitter.com/HCE9gwEmrJ
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) July 18, 2022
Join the Gwynedd community for a fun, relaxing evening with friends. This event sells out every year, so be sure to buy your tickets!
Friday, August 5 at 6:30-8:30PM
Icona Avalon: 7849 Dune Drive Avalon, NJ 08202Tickets: $50https://t.co/i1X5eNI1De pic.twitter.com/3ozqxEPhRi
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) July 10, 2022
@LCCrusaders #PCL All Catholics @AOPathletics Spring Sports @lcgirlslacrosse @PhSportsDigest @MMRSchool @Mater_Dei_CS @CYOCorpus @corpuschristi_s @MaryRedeemer @StJudeChalfont @GSCelem @VisiSchool @ReporterSports pic.twitter.com/dTmms33chx
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) July 17, 2022
Lady Saints Soccer with the W against Tulpy selfie.
If you would like to share your summer adventures, please go to:https://t.co/xWIJrpPtj4 pic.twitter.com/gGLtryYPHO
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) July 18, 2022
SLS Alum and NFL player, Gino Gradkowski, '07, will be joining the Rebels football team for an Offensive Line camp for boys in grades 7-12 (in the fall). Get real NFL experience tomorrow, July 19th from 5pm-8pm! Click here to register or learn more: https://t.co/LyTVLBHMXq pic.twitter.com/V1hI2Um03B
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) July 18, 2022
Yes @MandyRoman24 ?????? Looking forward to a Fantastic senior season! https://t.co/Ugo2bQjV7P
— RocksGBB (@RocksGBB) July 18, 2022
Proud of you Kara! @WoodGirlsBball https://t.co/L9Fp301bg6
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) July 17, 2022
As the school year comes to a close, we ask you to consider making a gift to West Catholic. Your support makes a difference in our students’ education. Visit https://t.co/foTAZe6mmb or venmo us @WestCatholic Thank you in advance for your support to West? #investinwest pic.twitter.com/mVqHjSE4SA
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) June 28, 2022
Our 2022 Youth Football Camp is less than 2 weeks away! You can register up to the day of the camp but the best way to ensure a tshirt is to preregister using the link below. Looking forward to another camp of football, fundamentals, and fun!https://t.co/FNVuf1RC3i#GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/K3hQYSiUx7
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) June 29, 2022
Look at these football stars! They loved training with our team at camp this week! ?? #olshchargers #summeratolsh pic.twitter.com/sPHbiG7JMk
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) June 29, 2022
Congratulations to the members of the #BSHS Class of 2022 who received Second Honors as part of the Fourth Quarter Honor Roll! pic.twitter.com/PrY1WOGU7b
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 29, 2022
Thankful to have the Legendary Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Weaver lecture our campers about work ethic, adversity and intensity at our Champ Camp.? pic.twitter.com/HqIO2lj4lv
— Notre Dame-Green Pond Wrestling (@NDGPwrestle) June 29, 2022
Last night our AD, Dr Karen Hall, introduced our new Head Coach, Eddie Benton,Jr! Welcome to Oakland Catholic, Coach! Great to have you & your family join our community. ?? pic.twitter.com/11gXiHPKPY
— Oakland Catholic Basketball (@OC__Hoops) June 28, 2022
In only a few days, we’re at over half of our goal! Keep the great momentum going, Golden Eagles! No donation is too big or too small. https://t.co/ae8lvjknR3 pic.twitter.com/irqkBoO0IK
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 29, 2022
Gary Martin of @Wood_Vikings Repeats As Gatorade PA Boys’ Track & Field Player of the Yearhttps://t.co/h2xTlqthhz @PhSportsDigest @CatholicPhilly @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic @BucksLocalSport @RallyPhilly pic.twitter.com/2spnjw1hLj
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) June 30, 2022
Thank you to former NFL linebacker, Justin Kurpeikis, ’96 for addressing our young athletes at the start of our youth football camp! #TraditionNeverGraduates pic.twitter.com/heVDjXvpRc
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) June 27, 2022
Today is the last day of our Annual Appeal Campaign! Please consider supporting QOA today! We are so grateful for all those who have contributed to date!
Donate here: https://t.co/a84CckvBDB @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @ArchPhilly @TwpUpper pic.twitter.com/x6vfqnXEyQ— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) June 30, 2022
Prayer is such an important part of our program here @BishopMcDevitt We always Pray after Practices, Summer-league, Camps, & Games. Continuing to practice our faith! It’s Bigger then Basketball! #McD??????? pic.twitter.com/U9PA1oiLBU
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) June 29, 2022
FINAL DAYS! All high-school aged young men and women (14-18 years of age, including newly-graduated seniors) are invited to attend a retreat centered on Padre Pio’s reflection to “pray, hope, and don’t worry!” Register by June 29th!https://t.co/2QVkWsqG00 pic.twitter.com/hMXeWhIVVA
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 28, 2022
Save the Date for this year's La Salle Auction – An Evening with Gatsby!
Learn more about how you can volunteer and sponsorship opportunities at https://t.co/8SvnziHski. pic.twitter.com/F63OcaQxXM
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) June 29, 2022
Congratulations to 2024 Alexa Windish, who has received an offer from Kutztown Women’s Basketball! Thank you to Coach Malouf and Coach Hallman for recognizing Alexa’s talent and character! pic.twitter.com/XSJWrM6y60
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) June 29, 2022
Austin Golby continues the family tradition. Austin is holding his late grandmothers diploma (LeAnn Golby (Sloan) '52), his father's diploma (Daniel Golby '86) and his diploma (Austin Golby '22)! Thanks Golby family for believing in Catholic education! #crusherpride pic.twitter.com/Ai5kolzsXS
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) June 28, 2022
6-30-22
We finish up our stories on breastfeeding by talking again with Colette Acker of the Breastfeeding Resource Center about the culture that exists towards BF in the U.S.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1542502773232631808?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-29-22
As we’ve focused this month on issues involved in breastfeeding, we’ve talked with our advocates and moms about the challenges involved in doing so while going back to work full time. Colette Acker of the Breastfeeding Resource Center shares her views on what’s involved.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1542181083462221833?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-28-22
Colette Acker of the Breastfeeding Resource Center talks with us about why many new moms give up on breastfeeding within the first several weeks after the birth of their child.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1541812970275180546?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-27-22
We begin today a series of stories with Colette Acker of the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Montgomery County. They’ve been providing vital support for new moms for nearly 20 years.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1541447488065966082?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-24-22
6-23-22
We continue our June focus on breastfeeding by talking with doula Amy Wilt about the challenges involved in breastfeeding while returning to work.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1540060616722989056?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-22-22
We continue our chat with Amy Wilt about breastfeeding. Today’s focus is on relactation. A total education for many of us.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1539653795398836224?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-21-22
We continue the conversation with our doula consultant, Amy Wilt, about the influence and pressure that moms get from those closest to them when trying to decide whether or not to breastfeed their newborns.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1539255591914328065?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
6-20-22
We continue our series on breastfeeding by talking again with Amy Wilt of Dauphin County Doulas. She has provided a ton of information for us in our nine-month long focus on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. Today Amy talks about ”the latch.”
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1538962868414169094?s=20&t=y-vWAw8jWy_JOJQb9YkGAw
Last night our girls started putting in the work for this season. Getting ready to cheer on our @OLSH_HighSchool Chargers! ??? pic.twitter.com/4FQ3noAcJa
— OLSH Cheerleading (@OLSHCheer) June 23, 2022
Coach Sola & the Saints wrestling team @ AAU National Wrestling Tournament in Orlando, FL. pic.twitter.com/yrGIEhWw8R
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) June 24, 2022
Thanks so much to all of our sponsors for the T.I. Golf Tournament!! You made it a huge success! Please take a moment to look through the sponsors and support their businesses if possible. pic.twitter.com/bEVGtHWVuH
— Bethlehem Catholic Wrestling (@becawrestling) June 18, 2022
Trio Of AOP Grads Sign Pro Contracts Following 2022 NBA Draft https://t.co/jkB1F0KXdF @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @BigStarRawSport @PhSportsDigest @CatholicPhilly @Wood_Vikings @NG_Saints @AR_Athletics pic.twitter.com/36Q9ie5wZh
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) June 24, 2022
Day 2 of camp is Banana Day!!!! Go Bananas!!!?? pic.twitter.com/is7JLzEESi
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) June 21, 2022
?Great News?
2022 is in the books. So proud of this group for righting the ship. The Firebirds are back on track. The Firebirds are ranked among the best in the state of PA.Message to our 2023 Team:
Time To Rise https://t.co/ALR2XYs4dH— HGP Lacrosse (@HolyGhostLax) June 21, 2022
Really excited to see our JV guys try and finish off a great summer league run with championship tonight. It is a talented and selfless group, who loves to play together. The future is bright! @thecoachkay @WCU_Coach_Blair #PJPProud pic.twitter.com/cWb2PQu9v8
— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) June 23, 2022
If it looks this good on the outside, can’t wait to see the inside! ??? https://t.co/aMwH21FzZg
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) June 18, 2022
Last week, 16 CCHS students participated in the annual Viking Venture at Outdoor Odyssey! This experience allowed the young men to develop their leadership skills, and grow in faith. Viking Venture is made possible due to the financial support of the Class of 1982. pic.twitter.com/jqbI8In009
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) June 21, 2022
Help us strive to put Catholic education within every family’s reach with our new fundraising campaign.
?We are THRILLED to announce a donor is providing a $100,000 MATCH! For every dollar raised up to $100,000, KCFS will receive a matching donation! https://t.co/jwTYtBstUT
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 22, 2022
????Congratulations to the Legacy students, and thank you to their families for choosing Holy Cross to continue the tradition of a Catholic education! ???? #hchspride?? #classof2022 #legacyfamilies pic.twitter.com/lNtGk33cyA
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) June 21, 2022
This week #Shanahan excitedly hosted Camp Caritas, a faith formation summer camp for all 7th and 8th grade students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation pic.twitter.com/KomArI1KIE
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 24, 2022
Cathedral Prep AFJROTC cadets were requested to present the colors at the arrival of The Great Race. The Great Race, the world’s premiere old car rally, brought 120+ of the world’s finest antique automobiles to town. #Prep #AFJROTC ? pic.twitter.com/w39aKssec2
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers_) June 21, 2022
Continued the Crusader way in the classroom all the way til the end of the school year ? pic.twitter.com/L3XD5MNatb
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) June 24, 2022
Aloha to Summer from Camp Mercy! Today, campers enjoyed their first trip to Hatfield Aquatic Center for some fun at the pool. Everyone grabbed their towels, goggles, sunscreen, and was ready to swim! Can't wait to see what is planned for tomorrow! ? pic.twitter.com/cvKVz8a1bb
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) June 24, 2022
Yesterday, our campers learned about Bonner & Prendie's Augustinian roots during a retreat day at @villanova pic.twitter.com/UgMl3h81er
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) June 24, 2022
Prep & Villa Students Recognized for First and Second Honors in 4th Quarter https://t.co/Av1jljxJe2 #Prep #Villa #Honors pic.twitter.com/7DE35xWP6n
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers_) June 21, 2022
Twelve of La Salle's rising seniors headed to Memphis for a week of #lschssummerofservice last week.
Thanks to our host Christian Brothers University for a great week of Lasallian Service and Brotherhood! @FromCBU
See more at: https://t.co/oE2vSChDvE#LeavetoServe pic.twitter.com/l7F2nflyv2
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) June 20, 2022
Congratulations to our brothers @LancasterCatho1 on an incredible season! We are so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/v3QYenP3Kq
— LancCatholicFB (@LancCatholicFB) June 18, 2022
Congratulations to head coach Sandy Hart and the @CEC_athletics student-athletes as they finished as PIAA 2A Softball runner-up to a terrific @Nesh_Sports team https://t.co/yOqCxuE9hD @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @ConwellEgan @HSGameOn pic.twitter.com/CcAB7sADgW
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) June 17, 2022
1 championship of the year ?? just getting started @CoachMo711 @militzern @OLSHFOOTBALLHS pic.twitter.com/Bpqxm35B7p
— BJ Vaughn (@BJVaughn8) June 16, 2022
Congratulations to Breann Hill, Alisa Harris, & Coach Terri Mitchell! The 50 most influential female athletes from central Pa. over the last 50 years. #McD??? @LadyCruBBall pic.twitter.com/DMcgnN2cUG
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) June 15, 2022
Seton LaSalle is always in front when it comes to helping out! @SLS_Athletics @SetonLaSalle Thanks to our baseball players for helping out on a Sunday morning! https://t.co/pFVyN4O5Y0
— Seton LaSalle Baseball (@SLS_Baseball) June 13, 2022
We congratulate Division IV Pitcher of the Year Jake Sherdel '22 and Pitcher Tyler Hillson '22, as well as Brodie Collins '23 and Trent Giraffa '23 with honorable mentions on the YAIAA Coaches' All-Star baseball team. Well done to all the athletes and coaches who were selected! https://t.co/COj7P20V7I
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) June 14, 2022
Some clips from the state championship! https://t.co/djpLK6Cd1y https://t.co/ttpnmN34I6
— Devon Prep ??? (@DevonPrepBBall) June 14, 2022
Baseball: @NG_Baseball2022 trails Lancaster Catholic 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning in the PIAA 3A semifinals ???: @tmuir_ @johnknebels pic.twitter.com/JrLwcZmV3d
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) June 13, 2022
Our 2022 season concluded yesterday in the PA State Semifinal 2-1 (9 innings) – final record 20-5. Congratulations to our players on an amazing season. You are terrific ball players, and more importantly, outstanding people. Continue to do amazing things! Go Vikes! @Wood_Vikings pic.twitter.com/VmOa6UpcYF
— Jim DiGuiseppe Jr. (@WoodVikingsBSBL) June 14, 2022
On to Round 2 for PCL. ?@WoodVikingsBSBL? ?@FJBaseball27? ?@AOPathletics? ?@CarpenterCupBB? pic.twitter.com/GpYk7nrXx0
— Roman Baseball (@RomanBaseball1) June 15, 2022
It was a big week for the newest members of @LCCrusaders Family, as partner schools celebrated graduations, officially turning over the #Class2026 to our care! Last night incoming freshmen gathered for welcome picnic @Mater_Dei_CS @corpuschristi_s @StJudeChalfont @MMRSchool pic.twitter.com/q7vwMZpNsk
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) June 18, 2022
Let the summer fun begin! Today, we kicked off our youth basketball camp, and BAM! (Because Academics Matter), our summer enrichment program. pic.twitter.com/Z4ujKzQM2O
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) June 13, 2022
Congratulations to the 2022 Aquinas Academy Middle School Graduates! ?
?: Eighth grade class at the Spring Dance.#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #MiddleSchool #8thGradeGraduates #202122SchoolYear pic.twitter.com/qkadNt8FsS— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) June 13, 2022
Yesterday was graduation day for cadets in the Class of 2026 who participated in Prep AFJROTC's "Zero Week." After finishing the three-day camp, they now await the start of school this coming September to show off their promotions to Cadet Airman. Congratulations cadets! #AFJROTC pic.twitter.com/X8rwZ5RfDB
— Cathedral Prep (@CPRamblers_) June 16, 2022
All high-school aged young men and women (14-18 years of age, including newly-graduated seniors) are invited to attend a summer retreat centered on Padre Pio’s reflection to “pray, hope, and don’t worry!” Register at link below for $100 by today!https://t.co/2QVkWsIgRy pic.twitter.com/BBzOEy11mS
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 16, 2022
Did You Know? The YC Fund closes the $4,000 per student per year gap between the tuition charged and the actual cost of enrollment for each YC student. You can help today by donating by check or online at https://t.co/udUJ4QVXOE pic.twitter.com/HMz42Xf40u
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) June 14, 2022
24 members of the class of '23 attended a leadership seminar by Dr. Fitzgibbon of the Pacific Institute. They learned about different leadership styles, personality types, & more that will help them be better leaders during their senior year & in their future careers. #BeALeader pic.twitter.com/CrUVTKcjle
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) June 13, 2022
A week ago today, the #BSHS Class of 2022 celebrated their Baccalaureate Mass at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Chester Springs. Baccalaureate Mass is a time honored tradition remembered by Shanahan alumni for years to come. Congratulations and God bless you, Class of 2022! pic.twitter.com/xP4YggzQxL
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 15, 2022
Gesu families and friends! Enjoy our graduation photo gallery: https://t.co/s1s1BD4yFC Congratulations to the Class of 2022! We're #GesuProud of these confident, compassionate, and talented students. They bring us hope for the future! Photos by David DeBalko pic.twitter.com/QOE5N0vE6E
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) June 16, 2022
The MD Class of 2022 participated in a beautiful retreat and Mass before gathering on June 12th to celebrate Graduation. Mrs. Sally Lister was awarded the Mater Dei Medal for exemplifying the virtues of Mary and her dedication to the mission of Catholic education. #aopschools pic.twitter.com/Cs5Mn6sEbA
— Mater Dei CS (@Mater_Dei_CS) June 17, 2022
6-16-22
Interesting story here on one person’s belief that the COVID lockdowns are to blame for many moms turning away from breastfeeding and, in turn, contributing to the current shortage in baby formula. pic.twitter.com/1iU3XYFbZF
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2022
6-14-22
Sharing an article that came out Tuesday for our series on breastfeeding about trying to still do it while returning to work.
Sharing an article that came out Tuesday for our series on breastfeeding about trying to still do it while returning to work. pic.twitter.com/Fb43upYGpy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2022
6-13-22
Continuing our series on breastfeeding for June. Women of color are less likely to breastfeed than those of other races and that has made them more vulnerable to the baby formula shortage. We look at some of the societal factors involved.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1536404428735094788?s=20&t=K3d74k2cioFdzcdNNHbHTg
Congratulations to our Mountain Biking and Ultimate Frisbee teams which just completed its first seasons as Varsity sports! #GoPrep pic.twitter.com/5zDyawjMYO
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) June 10, 2022
The OC Ultimate Team placed 8th in the state tournament and was honored with the State Tournament Spirit Award for good sportsmanship. Proud of our OC Eagles! #OnlyHere #GoEagles #WatchHerSoar pic.twitter.com/s7Bx0iK2G0
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) June 7, 2022
Race Day!!!! @hgpathletics pic.twitter.com/TpeRiYwRxj
— HGP Rowing (@HGPRowing) June 9, 2022
Our summer workout gear is in!
I am thinking Crusher great Pete Duranko (Notre Dame alum) would like the McCort-Carroll football color scheme.#mccort-carrollfootball pic.twitter.com/LGr2Vjjgrh— McCort-Carroll Catholic Football (@CrusherFootball) June 8, 2022
The #DCHSBaseball team will play in a PIAA 2A quarterfinal against Schuylkill Haven on June 9 at 2 p.m. at Cedar Cliff High School.
Tickets cost $8 plus fees and can only be purchased online at https://t.co/5GHWS1xZNq. Select '2A' to access the correct game. @Squire_Nation pic.twitter.com/QkWgFELwiH— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) June 7, 2022
— Bethlehem Catholic Boys Basketball (@BecaBasketball) June 7, 2022
FINAL: Delone Catholic 9, Dock Mennonite 3
Squires advance to PIAA-2A quarterfinals.
— Ed Morlock (@emor09) June 6, 2022
Congratulations ladies on a great year! We are proud of you! https://t.co/WsFzB6CX8q
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) June 6, 2022
Softball Final: @ConwellEgan (@CEC_athletics) defeats Williams Valley 10-4 in the first round of the PIAA 2A state tournament ??:@mzimmaro pic.twitter.com/E8MCViGcOm
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) June 6, 2022
Congrats to @NG_Baseball2022 as it overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat @thsshamrocks 5-2 in today's 3A 1st Round contest @mzimmaro @AOPS_Schools @threejacker @PIAASports @PhSportsDigest pic.twitter.com/dMvYdOcptp
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) June 6, 2022
Congrats to the amazing Gary Martin for his selection to the 2022 Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association All-State Team for the 2022 outdoor track & field season. @ArchbishopWood https://t.co/aT7CjI0r9m
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) June 9, 2022
They are officially Alums!!!! Congratulations girls…continue to make us proud!!! #lions4life pic.twitter.com/DbBpH9D5SC
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) June 8, 2022
Today is the day we officially say goodbye to the Class of 2022. What else can we say besides thank you? Thank you for giving PJP Athletics all that you have over the years. Goodbye class 2022, be not afraid as you move onward and upward. @PJPHS pic.twitter.com/TzewP7a53x
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) June 8, 2022
#LaSalleBaseball takes on Liberty High School today for the state quarterfinal! Game is at 7 PM at Boyertown Stadium! #HailLaSalle
Graphic by #WEXPtv Christian Daikeler '22 pic.twitter.com/XbMnHPAToX
— La Salle Sports (@LaSalle_Sports) June 9, 2022
Congratulations to the Class of 2022! #WildcatNation #onceawildcatalwaysawildcat #Magis #classof2022 pic.twitter.com/wWtzCgeCzw
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) June 9, 2022
We are just one day away from graduation! The Class of 2022 is busy getting prepped for the ceremony at the Cathedral. Roman alums, do you remember your graduation? #RCHS pic.twitter.com/aSgmIB6Toc
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) June 9, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS to the #Classof2022 of @Becahi_Hawks as they graduate today! Leading the accomplishments of this successful class of 173 graduates is Valedictorian Isabella Bautista and Salutatorian Grace Hartman. We are so proud of our #saintsandscholars! pic.twitter.com/flUvecRINy
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 8, 2022
Congratulations to former Lancers Ryan Posey '22 and Henry Hurst '22 on their graduation from Lansdale Catholic on Tuesday. Good luck men! #LFL
We would also like to thank the students, faculty and administration at LC for making these Lancers feel at home for their senior year. pic.twitter.com/xm0Pm49Dd8
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) June 8, 2022
Yesterday, we closed the 2021-2022 school year with Mass. We are grateful for the strong partnership between our administration, teachers, staff and families! We wish everyone a very happy and safe summer! #QOaProud @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @BLOCSPhilly @ArchPhilly pic.twitter.com/ZvLvvbGf1j
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) June 10, 2022
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) June 10, 2022
Join us tomorrow, June 11th, for our free community food distribution from 10am to 1pm. Any questions, please contact Ms. Jasmine Mays (info on the flyer). pic.twitter.com/2WIM26fBJV
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) June 10, 2022
Congrats to Father John E. Donia! He has been appointed the school’s next president by Archbishop Nelson Pérez. Father Donia “has demonstrated his commitment to BSHS's academic excellence and global solidarity,” said archdiocesan officials in their letter to the school community. pic.twitter.com/Mh9cC7q2vJ
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 9, 2022
Hats off to the class of 2022! We are so proud of them for all their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. Welcome to the alumni club class of ‘22 we are happy to call you #Lions4Life pic.twitter.com/rLCb36zwy2
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) June 8, 2022
Our Senior Awards Night ceremony celebrated the many accomplishments of the Class of 2022 and recognized their achievements in the classroom, field, court, and the community. We are blessed for their time with us here #Classof2022 pic.twitter.com/6k9lh6AutG
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) June 8, 2022
Tomorrow they become 6th graders. pic.twitter.com/qF5JxsIom9
— St. Jude Fifth Grade (@mrsgreskosfifth) June 9, 2022
6-10-22
Our focus on breastfeeding continues with a look at the increase in public accommodations for breastfeeding moms.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1535283771251085313?s=20&t=d8Pb52gE3vOjcBIAujH0rQ
6-9-22
Our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues continues with a look back at the passage of the PA law to permit breastfeeding in public.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1534961334323904512?s=20&t=d8Pb52gE3vOjcBIAujH0rQ
Today’s PCC Podcast has highlights from this morning’s Senate committee meeting to vote on the Milk Bank measure that we support. Plus there is some good debate on a proposed adjustment to when SNAP benefits are paid out.
We continue our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues with more on the subject of breastfeeding. For the next several days we will look at the important work being done by the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank and how the PCC is looking to help them.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1532416678121857025?s=20&t=6XAnUbQUJooExYYWxkr1WQ
Through the month of June we will be looking at issues dealing with breastfeeding as part of our nine-month long focus on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues. This coincides with the baby formula shortage. There are warnings from several advocates that breastfeeding is not a solution to this crisis.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1532044753163980801?s=20&t=wRIec-Rp5RpFt7aPGSxKbg
Congrats to @cardinalohara @StHubertBambies @CEC_athletics & @Wood_Vikings on winning District XII Softball titles yesterday and best of luck in states! @PhSportsDigest @CatholicPhilly @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic @BucksLocalSport @ConwellEgan pic.twitter.com/11X6NzsLvv
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) June 2, 2022
These guys right here. Great young men on and off of the field. Congrats on a fantastic season! D10 1A baseball runners up ????#KCFamily pic.twitter.com/hgFDM6jObS
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 1, 2022
Congrats to Villa Maria – 2022 District 10 Softball AAAA Champions!
This is the 3rd D10 title for the Victors!
????
?: @ETNreisenweber pic.twitter.com/wWaTFrXMGa
— PIAA District 10 (@PIAADistrict10) May 30, 2022
Congratulations to Freshman Megan Kelley who was named to the AA Girls Lacrosse All-WPIAL 1st Team! @meganlax87 #RebelPride pic.twitter.com/mytaxFfCHl
— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) June 3, 2022
Recruiting Night is tonight (June 1) at 6:30pm at Marian. Coach Joe Bottiglieri will be our guest speaker. Coach Bottiglieri has a great perspective on both sides of the recruiting process for high school athletes and we are excited to have him speak tonight!#GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/wY8DDi1jFm
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) June 1, 2022
The Ramblers look for their first PIAA lacrosse tournament win today. They meet up with Quaker Valley in round one at 5pm at Mercyhurst University. Tickets can only be purchased online at:https://t.co/tbuiS1FFqe pic.twitter.com/dluobQmgQj
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 31, 2022
Congrats to Both @LCCrusaders & @Bishop_Shanahan On Winning District Lacrosse Titles https://t.co/yW32wJgLAL @PAcatholic @PhSportsDigest @phillylacrosse pic.twitter.com/xzRr8MTkuz
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 27, 2022
@Bonner_Prendie Girls' Varsity Lightweight Quad Wins National Title At SRAA Championship Regatta https://t.co/YTH4QxhHCi @AOPS_Schools @MBAP_Athletics @DelcoSports @TerryToohey @PAcatholic @PhSportsDigest pic.twitter.com/L3oNCh3d8l
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 31, 2022
#VikingProud ACCHS 2022 Spring Sports Awards — Congrats EPC Scholar Athletes: Jennifer Milisits, Andrew LaRock, Josslin Muto, Joseph Duffy, Bridey Lawler, Enzo Fantozzi, Ben Scandone. Julia Roth & Lavon Johnson, Athletes of the Year. Julia Roth, 16 Varsity Letter Award. ??? pic.twitter.com/mqfoBgXnxq
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) June 3, 2022
The OLM Class of 2022 enjoyed a sweet getaway to Hershey Park today. It was a day filled with roller coasters, lots of laughter, smiles and of course Chocolate! Thanks to the teachers and parent chaperones and of course to some great final memories for the Class of 2022! pic.twitter.com/qy3MIQP0vu
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) June 3, 2022
We celebrated our seniors and their accomplishments at Class Night last evening. Please honor the Class of 2022 by donating $22, $220 or even $2022 to our scholarship fund during today's #NEPAGives campaign. https://t.co/SCyCs4EAbP pic.twitter.com/M2aNMkV5Rs
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) June 3, 2022
Celebrating our Graduates! The 8th Grade #saintsandscholars at @OurLadySchool are heading to high school this Fall! We are proud of all the ways they have grown this year! #CatholicSchoolProud #8thGradeGraduates pic.twitter.com/DTegNI73I1
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 1, 2022
On Wednesday, May 25, the Senior Faith in Action Theology class participated in a legislative visit via Zoom with Senator Bob Casey to discuss the Farm Bill. Students discussed the effects of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. pic.twitter.com/od5qZanaJw
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 1, 2022
Special thank you to Attorneys Kaitlin Daly- (CC 2003) and James Mancuso (HN 2004) who took the time to speak to the Class of 2022 at the Annual Senior Assembly and offer words of wisdom and advice as our seniors prepare to leave our school. pic.twitter.com/PpjI3VU2tf
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) June 1, 2022
Love the new look! @AtownDioceseEDU @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/hRZfg9bub5
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) June 1, 2022
Today we honor and pray for those who have laid down their lives for our freedom. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/5lNf1KzO8A
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) May 30, 2022
Yesterday, Prep and Villa AFJROTC cadets aided the American Legion Post 571 Wesleyville in asking for donations that will help veterans programs. Those who donated received poppies constructed by disabled veterans. #Prep #Villa #AFJROTC #Service pic.twitter.com/PjerGglvbb
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 29, 2022
Today BSU and the local nonprofit, We R Better Together, played in a cornhole competition! Everyone had a great time playing the game as well as enjoying the delicious water ice and snacks! #Lions4Life pic.twitter.com/xAw6WsGMfw
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) June 2, 2022
??????????? pic.twitter.com/tkVaE1OuIp
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) May 26, 2022
Congratulations @LCCrusaders boys lacrosse back to back @PIAASports District 12AA Champions, now onto states @AOPathletics @MaryRedeemer @CYOCorpus @PhSportsDigest @mpcabrey @PAcatholic @partnersmission @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly pic.twitter.com/ZnPW8uY6zz
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 27, 2022
District 6-A Championship: Bishop McCort 7, Williamsburg 4. pic.twitter.com/W4dOWpwKHe
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) May 28, 2022
Congrats to our athletes on TWO championship titles today! Baseball took home the PCL title defeating Wood 4-2, and Pandas Crew won the Lightweight Quad at Nationals! pic.twitter.com/OAcXqTya2F
— Bonner & Prendie Athletics (@MBAP_Athletics) May 28, 2022
Congrats to our seniors ?! Thank you for everything that you have done for our team and this program! We are truly going to miss all of you. No matter what, you will forever be part of our family and a Lady Rebel! ?? #RebelPride #Family #AlwaysARebel pic.twitter.com/H46enyv6wQ
— Seton LaSalle Girls Basketball (@SLS_LadyRebels) May 27, 2022
Congrats to all of the student athletes for being recognized All League in the Ches Mont! #BSHS pic.twitter.com/7jFNO2CJ0w
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 23, 2022
Proud of you guys! Let’s bring home the Chip! ?@WoodVikingsBSBL? pic.twitter.com/lTeWigvROV
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) May 25, 2022
Congrats to our Wood players who were selected to the PCL All Catholic Softball Team:
(1) Dakota Fanelli – Pitcher of the Year and 1st Team AC;
(2) Maura Yoos – 1st Team AC;
(3) Abby Windish – 2nd Team AC; &
(4) Maggie Devlin – 2nd Team AC. @Wood_softball @ArchbishopWood https://t.co/ZmlZiITRmm— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) May 24, 2022
??OC Alumnae Mallory Dietrich, '06 and Brianne O'Rourke Kelly, '05 will be inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame on May 27, for swimming and basketball. Go Eagles!
Read more: https://t.co/JVTvetar1K pic.twitter.com/PiwKtGgT9J
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) May 23, 2022
Good luck to our young men and women @OLSH_HighSchool in their playoff games today. https://t.co/yVBpW6nta9
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) May 23, 2022
??????? ???
Congratulations to our Senior student-athletes that took part in in Signing Day this morning! Best of luck to all our seniors on the court, on the field and in the classroom next year at college. We can't wait to see what you accomplish next!#BecahiProud pic.twitter.com/6HPTf6xZ3f
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) May 25, 2022
#VikingProud Congratulations to Junior Lauren Nelson who broke the career goals record for ACCHS Girls Lacrosse on May 23! Lauren currently has 137 career goals, surpassing JV Coach Kate Musselman's 131 career goals! Great job, Lauren! #VikingExcellence ???? @ACCHS_Athletics pic.twitter.com/Woux3UsMVc
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 25, 2022
For the first time since 2008, Villa is your 2022 D-10 Softball Champions! 5-3 Villa!
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 30, 2022
Our seniors are just about ready for graduation to begin! pic.twitter.com/s155wdmKMN
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) May 25, 2022
Proud of our soon to be @LCCrusaders graduates $34.7+ scholarships/grants awarded to this class @Mater_Dei_CS @MMRSchool @MaryRedeemer #StrayerMS @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @LC_STEM @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @mccc @penn_state @arcadia1853 @UofSC pic.twitter.com/F3PTk5xYNC
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 25, 2022
Today is Saint Hubert's Day of Caring… the annual day dedicated to giving back and service. We are proud of our alumnae and all they do, especially Isabella Goschinski '16! Donate to support more women like Isabella https://t.co/qo85jLCRQN venmo @StHubertHS pic.twitter.com/pVG13xARXx
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) May 24, 2022
On Sat, May 21 the Berks Catholic Relay for Life Team attended the Daniel Boone Relay for Life. With the help of the BC community the team raised $2,301.36 for the American Cancer Society. The Saints were elated to watch Mrs. Dominguez, Math Dept Chair, walk in the survivor lap. pic.twitter.com/rqfVkhxMAz
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) May 26, 2022
Congratulations to the Class of 2022! On Tuesday, we held our annual Baccalaureate Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral. Thank you to Father Christopher Donley, '97 for joining us. Next on the schedule for our seniors: Commencement at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall! pic.twitter.com/DLkmmpcitS
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) May 25, 2022
PreK Dress the Alphabet Day! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @ArchPhilly @CatholicPhilly @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/Qk0ZErrXDg
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) May 26, 2022
Congratulations to former Royal Lancer, now Wood Viking, Gabriella Batista '23 on being named a 2023 Horatio Alger State Scholar. This prestigious honor comes with a $10,000 scholarship to be used towards her college education. Great work Gabby! ?? #LFL @HoratioAlgerUS pic.twitter.com/ncya7BtaPW
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) May 25, 2022
Gavin McGovern '22 and Oliver Aplin '24 spent a hot & muggy Saturday morning building a water feature at the Bowling Green Trails in Cherry Hill. #CareForOurCommonHome #SJPService pic.twitter.com/7OukQh9RKY
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) May 27, 2022
Scenes from SProm…what a great night of friendship, food and fun! #RecoverSucceedTransform #SaintsandScholars pic.twitter.com/7uq0PZ80b9
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) May 25, 2022
#VikingProud 2022 Academic Activities & Arts Awards – The ACCHS Day-Maurin Service Society recognizes students who go above and beyond their required annual service commitments — Seniors achieve 150+ hours through their four years. Great job, Vikes! #VikingSpirit ??? pic.twitter.com/g80gYaryL2
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 28, 2022
Good luck to Maggie Motter who is participating in the Distinguished Young Women of York County scholarship program where nearly $40,000 in scholarships will be awarded this weekend. pic.twitter.com/iaXFdGGaMJ
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) May 28, 2022
The class of 2022 Celebrated their Senior Prom on Friday Night! #BSHS pic.twitter.com/k4myatorVv
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 26, 2022
Yesterday, Prep and Villa AFJROTC cadets aided the American Legion Post 571 Wesleyville in asking for donations that will help veterans programs. Those who donated received poppies constructed by disabled veterans. #Prep #Villa #AFJROTC #Service pic.twitter.com/PjerGglvbb
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 29, 2022
The Class of 2023 celebrated their Ring Mass tonight at St. Timothy Church. Special thanks to Rev. John Fisher, OSFS ‘77 for being with our #SalesianGentlemen and blessing their rings. ?? pic.twitter.com/Qe7jfFwe4s
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) May 26, 2022
TWO STORIES
We continue our look at Postpartum Depression by checking on insurance coverage of doulas. We first check on Medicaid coverage for this important service.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1529225446734323713?s=20&t=eb1Doc0yvOetFWAIY4v7Cw
We continue our series on Postpartum Depression by looking at the existing insurance coverage available for doulas.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1529484896162533376?s=20&t=eb1Doc0yvOetFWAIY4v7Cw
Today’s PCC Podcast (Part 1) has a couple of important election updates along with a House committee vote on a wider application for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit.
There is a second PCC Podcast today!! We have a complete rundown of this morning’s Senate committee meeting to discuss the bill to prevent biological males from playing female sports in Pennsylvania. You will hear from Reps. Barbara Gleim, Stephanie Borowicz and Martina White, along with Sens. Jim Brewster, Lindsey Williams, Michele Brooks, Doug Mastriano and Scott Martin.
Continuing our look at Postpartum Depression during the month of May…there is a new drug being tested to treat PPD and major depressive disorder.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1528794382161305601?s=20&t=1Apqy-Bo1VMdjAUc8PzRXw
Maria scored 2x and our girls lax team played well against Blackhawk in quarterfinals, but couldn't overcome their top-seeded opponent. Congrats to the team on a great season! S/O to Maria, Lizzie & Emma who all scored over 100 career goals! #ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes ? pic.twitter.com/6BeI99EUpG
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 20, 2022
Congratulations @LCCrusaders girls lacrosse on 14-12 win tonight over Bonner Prendergast, they now play PCL semifinal tomorrow at ArchCarroll @PhSportsDigest @AOPathletics @MaryRedeemer @CYOCorpus @ReporterSports @VisiSchool @OLMRCS @Mater_Dei_CS @StJudeChalfont pic.twitter.com/nBwTYBs6cR
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 18, 2022
#LaSalleLacrosse takes on St. Joe's Prep today for the PCL Championship! Game is at 3:45 PM at Cardinal O'Hara High School! #HailLaSalle
Graphic by #WEXPtv Christian Daikeler '22 pic.twitter.com/dqre6FdHjL
— La Salle Sports (@LaSalle_Sports) May 20, 2022
DISTRICT CHAMPS!!!!! @DevonPrepTrack @DEVONPREP pic.twitter.com/9V0Dcv0jy4
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) May 19, 2022
Prep advances into the District 10 lacrosse championship with a 23-3 victory over Conneaut. The Ramblers will face Fairview or Meadville in the title tilt next Wednesday at 6pm at Dollinger Field.
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 19, 2022
Huuuge win for KC baseball over Sharon High! #NeverGiveUp #KCPride ??? https://t.co/GOXJCbXzFL
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) May 20, 2022
PCL Boys' Tennis All-Catholic Team Announced https://t.co/z0EZDJnWA3 @PaPrepLive @DelcoSports @ACHSathletics @athletics_devon @LaSalle_Sports @SJPrep_Sports @cardinalohara @PhSportsDigest @johnknebels pic.twitter.com/ZRwKoF0T6w
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 19, 2022
Shout-out to the lacrosse team for a great season. You played hard with grit and a collaborative spirit and we are proud of you! #mmathletics pic.twitter.com/aPCz0VpNg6
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) May 18, 2022
Congrats to the 1st and 2nd Team All Catholics from our Wood Girls Lacrosse Team: 1st team Megan Hickey, and 2nd Team Anna Waltrich and Maddy Woertz. ?@woodgirlslax? pic.twitter.com/VswIDSjyrF
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) May 19, 2022
#GoMonarchs! Tomorrow, Gwynedd Lacrosse will play in the first round of the Division 1 2A playoff tournament. The game will take place at Springfield-MontCo at 4PM. #GwyneddAthletics #MonarchsRule pic.twitter.com/B5yn4DZX6L
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) May 16, 2022
New Story: BC Softball Season Ends in First Round Loss to Mapletown https://t.co/4T1KK34zGn
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) May 18, 2022
?District Champions?
3200 Meter Relay
?Heading to States?
?Koons?Azzalina
?Sidoro?Bower@ND_Crusaders pic.twitter.com/D6KLZ6JDTA— NDGP Track and Field (@NDGP_TF) May 18, 2022
Last night, Girls With Guitars and Jazz Band played a collection of songs for the residents of Acts Retirement Life Communities. Gwynedd Girls love to share their skills, passions, and talents with the greater community! pic.twitter.com/0tCpw4ifGZ
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) May 18, 2022
Congrats @LCCrusaders seniors with Principal Ms McGovern, honored tonight @CathedralPhila for being in top 3% of #Classof2022 @AOPS_Schools Honors Convocation; Nick @corpuschristi_s Lauren @StJudeChalfont Ella @MMRSchool Maya @Holy_Rosary_PA Earl @StJudeChalfont @aoptech pic.twitter.com/iCmx1dfR5E
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 20, 2022
?? OC Class of 2022 huddled together and recited the VICTORY cheer one last time on the last day of classes. They will take memories of an exceptional education, shared experiences, and unending friendships with them as they head to college. pic.twitter.com/0ZVT8eFsa2
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) May 18, 2022
Celebrating our Graduates! The 8th grade #saintsandscholars at @ICAKnights are heading to high school this Fall! We are proud of all the ways they have grown this year! #CatholicSchoolProud #8thGradeGraduates pic.twitter.com/IvFRU7pFyk
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 19, 2022
#MarianPride Marian Catholic High School National Honor Society, Robert F. Kennedy Chapter is happy to announce the Officers for the 2022-2023 school year! We are grateful for the leadership of the graduating officers. Congrats to all! #MarianExcellence #BeMarian ?? pic.twitter.com/Mx9KXa1H9T
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) May 19, 2022
This Friday, May 20th, please join us at Grand March for Prom ‘22! Buhl Farm Park Casino! pic.twitter.com/hX8aLH61Ya
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) May 18, 2022
Join Student Council this Friday, May 20 at 3:30 pm on the Mansion Lawn for the Sisters4Sisters Event, which raises money for the philanthropic efforts of the Sisters of #NotreDame (@SistersNDUSA).
??Tickets are available for purchase during lunch periods! pic.twitter.com/bMDerqUGvS
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) May 18, 2022
Celebrating our Graduates! The kindergarten #saintsandscholars at Sacred Heart School of Reading are VERY excited to be heading to high school this Fall! We are proud of all the ways they have grown this year! #CatholicSchoolProud #KindergartenGraduates pic.twitter.com/lJd4ownJcg
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 18, 2022
Yesterday was Spirit Day! Our Pandas competed by grade level in team-building activities and cheered their classmates in the Golden Panda award ceremony. It is great that a favorite tradition is back! Today is Fun Day, and the Friars are here on the fields #SpiritWeek pic.twitter.com/vAMvBVeFKo
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) May 20, 2022
Congratulations to our TWO Best & Brightest winners, Lucas Puig and Isabela Wilson! They celebrated tonight at PennLive's Best & Brightest ceremony ????https://t.co/s3vZ0N0nwa pic.twitter.com/xSE7jfGywi
— Trinity High School (@thsrocks_us) May 20, 2022
Thankful to Mr. Peter Blume, Esq., for giving his annual talk to seniors on First Amendment rights and freedom of expression on college campuses. #BillOfRights #Constitution #AquinasTradition pic.twitter.com/xIFPFOLEaN
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 19, 2022
Mary Pat Conville's Honors Calculus (HC) class at @HolyGhostPrep built mini golf holes for their final project, and held the HC Senior Open this morning on the 10-hole course in the Firebird Fieldhouse. Talk about making math fun! #ThinkBirdies #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/TJObKXPyso
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) May 19, 2022
Celebrations continue for the Class of 2022 – tonight the Archdiocesan Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia #EnterToLearn #LSCHS2022 pic.twitter.com/xsTk9CtLnE
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) May 20, 2022
This month we have been addressing the issue of postpartum depression and the increasing availability of help. Today we talk with our friend Rep. Kate Klunk about the impact of a recent increase in Medicaid coverage for new moms.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1525147437496782849?s=20&t=r9_HlHQoKviIQVXKeczAGg
Aquinas won big last night, w/ all of the seniors except our goalie scoring at least once against their opponent for a fantastic #lacrosse #SeniorNight. ?Congrats to our seniors, to whom we don't have to say good-bye just yet as the team is headed to playoffs. Go, Crusaders! pic.twitter.com/x2gyVlK6JA
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 12, 2022
Thank you to all the parents. pic.twitter.com/hkMWFWay12
— JUDGE BASEBALL (@FJBaseball27) May 13, 2022
Congratulations to the many #BSHS spring student athletes, Class of 2022, who will be continuing their respective sports at the collegiate level.
Way to go, #Shanahan Eagles! (More photos at https://t.co/HcTGomE0UY) pic.twitter.com/S7t8lD7BkX
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 11, 2022
Fields Set For 2022 PCL Girls' Lacrosse & Softball Championships https://t.co/SlF9CWrEzy @PhSportsDigest @johnknebels @phillylacrosse @DelcoSports @Wood_Vikings @PaPrepLive @TerryToohey @joemasonwrites @toddrthorpe @CatholicPhilly @ACHSathletics @AR_Athletics @LCCrusaders pic.twitter.com/2VZHP2xYyL
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 11, 2022
It’s Senior Day! Come out and support Gianna and Abby ??? Big Game vs St. Hubert’s! #wintheweek pic.twitter.com/eJ0AUzKnrk
— Wood Softball (@Wood_softball) May 10, 2022
#SeniorNight @LCCrusaders BoysLax looking forward to PCL playoffs @AOPathletics @ArchPhilly @PhSportsDigest @ReporterSports @mpcabrey pic.twitter.com/9llawOHuDg
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 9, 2022
@LCCrusaders Softball Coach Paul Suder Earns Milestone Victory https://t.co/A2dGaII31U @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic @ReporterSports @mpcabrey @PhSportsDigest @johnknebels pic.twitter.com/Krc3egBonR
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 12, 2022
#VikingProud Congrats to our Class of 2022 Baseball players, recognized at their Senior Night! Good luck Andrew LaRock, Mason Abromitis, Chris Quezada, Rocco Lucci, Jake Barto, Hunter Schmidt! Vikes defeated ESS 7-0 on their special night! #Vikings4Life ?2??0??2??2?????? pic.twitter.com/oXBc2qUzin
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 11, 2022
Boys Volleyball Celebrates Senior Night with 3-0 Win Over South Fayette https://t.co/Vp4J1sztIX
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) May 10, 2022
??Senior Night??
Come out and support our Seniors in a rival game on Solly!? – Ryan
? – May 12
?- Ramp (FJ)
? – 4:00pm pic.twitter.com/jcDxeYxRTb— Father Judge Lacrosse (@JudgeLacrosse) May 12, 2022
Congrats to Junior Pat Liney for reaching the PCL Semifinals yesterday. Concludes a great season for the boys tennis program. #rollpats pic.twitter.com/18Vj0FWDog
— Carroll Athletics (@ACHSathletics) May 10, 2022
Camp is right around the corner!!! Email to save a spot for a fun week!! pic.twitter.com/pDfmmVMJEv
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) May 10, 2022
Today, we at Pope John Paul II High School celebrated our Lady through our annual Living Rosary devotion and May Crowning. Our school’s image of the Blessed Mother was crowned by members of our May Court, seniors who embody Christian values. pic.twitter.com/vYAFoD4s7i
— Pope John Paul II High School (@PJPHS) May 12, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS to the 8th Grade Recipients of the Bishop's Catholic Scholar Society Awards who will be attending @Marian_CathHS this Fall! We are so proud of our #saintsandscholars and look forward to their continued success in high school! pic.twitter.com/sGbvFK5mAb
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 10, 2022
Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Beauty and the Beast" on your three @GKAwards nominations! This is the first time the musical has been nominated for three awards in one year.
The awards will be Saturday, May 28, at the Benedum Center. pic.twitter.com/rUOBC76kd5
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) May 11, 2022
#MarianFamily Marian 100 Supporter Challenge! Help us unlock $1,000 when we reach 100 donors during our 2022 Marian Catholic Day of Caring! All funds raised benefit tuition assistance for our next generation of Colts and Fillies. DONATE at https://t.co/DkGBO7tmzE #BeMarian ?? pic.twitter.com/6Eg0kIbrOL
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) May 11, 2022
Three senior students at OC (Nora Brennan, Vivian Didomenico, and Caroline Sarneso) held a drive to support the children of recent immigrants served by Casa San José. Nearly 200 summer safety items were donated.
They were assisted by 10 OC junior's. #Onlyhere #femaleleaders pic.twitter.com/TKOEMX1QVK— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) May 10, 2022
The middle school had a wonderful trip to Tyler Arboretum! #SHAbrynmawrhttps://t.co/r6KbQAg3xc pic.twitter.com/Q78ZqosDuT
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) May 13, 2022
Congrats to our St David Parishioners who made their First Communion this weekend! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @USCCB pic.twitter.com/wQpO9TX55i
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) May 10, 2022
?Introducing your 2022-2023 Five Main! ?
Congratulations, Natalie (Treasurer), Grace (Secretary), Sadie (President), Annie (Vice President), and Jada (Athletics and Activities). We cannot wait to see what you have in store for the next year!#studentcouncil #ND #sisterhood pic.twitter.com/b1lTr8U2j2— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) May 9, 2022
Just 6 days until O'Hara's Day of Giving! Your gift on May 18th to the O'Hara Fund will help provide financial aid and give amazing students, just like these, the opportunity to be #Lions4Life to donate visit https://t.co/o9sFO1G6Yq Thank you for your support! pic.twitter.com/MiMNuBHh6T
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) May 12, 2022
Thank you to the Silver Sponsors of our Business Leaders Breakfast! pic.twitter.com/D3fgJcLV8v
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) May 12, 2022
Congratulations to Upper Darby and Lansdowne Rotary Student of the Year, Nina Cavaliere '22. Nina received a certificate and check for $1,500 from the Rotary Club at a luncheon yesterday. Way to go! #Classof2022 pic.twitter.com/1QXymLJJ2d
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) May 12, 2022
#VikingProud Key Club members spent the day helping at the Annual Kiwanis-LVCC Picnic at the Rose Gardens! Great job by Annette Lee, Autumn Germick, Mimi Norris, Ryan Norris, Nick Santos, Enzo Fantozzi, Joey Duffy, Ava Luchetti, and Kaitlyn Janny! #VikingSpirit ?? pic.twitter.com/zy3j567mRa
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 12, 2022
Continuing our series for May on Postpartum Depression. We talk again with Amanda Hunter, a therapist who works with those experiencing postpartum mood disorders. Hunter explains what she went through after a pregnancy.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1524447678243172352?s=20&t=BBD9A4QDilU8ascXMfXbSQ
Our look at Postpartum Depression continues with the first in a series of conversations with a Postpartum Therapist who focuses on perinatal and maternal mental health. It was a pleasure to meet and talk with Amanda Hunter, of Everlasting Wellness LLC
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1524078528119152640?s=20&t=BBD9A4QDilU8ascXMfXbSQ
Continuing our look at Postpartum Depression…we chat once again with Amy Wilt of Dauphin County Doulas. She knows her stuff and articulates it very well.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1522611797789970432?s=20&t=FmS6ycs-I8Zf12c4DpE7WQ
Celebrating our senior softball players at today's game. Congratulations
Arianna Hinton, Emily Ream, Kayleigh Horner and Kylie Kadas! #CrusherPride pic.twitter.com/07OX8IB0dL— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) May 5, 2022
College coaches make sure you stop at BG we have the Reigning 1A player of the year in Pennsylvania & 5 returning all state selections. For the last eight years we have sent at least one player D1. #Whosnext #CollegeFootballPipeline #YourHeadCoachWouldWantYouToStop
— BG Marauder Football (@BGMarauderFball) May 6, 2022
Congrats update @LCCrusaders girls flag football team wins two games today 48-6 and 35-0, they will now play in semifinals on Saturday @LFFStadium @Eagles @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @AOPathletics @ArchPhilly pic.twitter.com/A8qKoGyZqM
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 5, 2022
Congratulations to Ryanne Allen who was named a finalist for Miss PA Basketball and was also featured on the Nike SNKRS app after playing in the Jordan Brand Classic. You can vote for Ryanne in the final round to be Miss PA Basketball https://t.co/jvfFmoUL9V pic.twitter.com/J62HHSc2lZ
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) May 6, 2022
New Story: BC Softball Beats Rochester on Senior Day https://t.co/hzN4eoFSlT
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) May 6, 2022
?BREAKING:
PA Sports Writers Class 2A boys basketball all-state team:
?1st team-Elijah Harden, Sr.?2nd team-Malik Lampkins-Rudolph, Sr.
We’re extremely proud of these young men! Congrats to @baller_harden23 and @Malikkk_5 ?? #KCPride pic.twitter.com/43jvUnYfWo— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) May 4, 2022
The students served up a win in our faculty vs. students volleyball game! pic.twitter.com/FRgyelDLTG
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) May 4, 2022
Congratulations Jake, Dawson and @OLSHCoachRod!#OLSHChargers https://t.co/pQzuSe2e7r
— OLSH Chargers (@OLSH_Hoops) May 4, 2022
Congrats to our Softball team with the 10-0 victory vs LC yesterday. More importantly we celebrated the 5 Seniors who’ve made these past 4 years of softball some of the best in school history! Good luck in college and your future endevours! #rollpats pic.twitter.com/1TRDa5kPJz
— Carroll Athletics (@ACHSathletics) May 6, 2022
??Congratulatios to Ben Elsner '22 and Andrew Gervasi '22 who finished fourth in the YAIAA AA Boys' Tennis Doubles Tournament yesterday!@Squire_Nation #SquireNation #DCHSAthletics #DCHSTennis #SquireStrong #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife #AsDoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/Xf6IcE7WxG
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) May 4, 2022
Huge S/O to Owen Yake '18 on being named Offensive POY for the @LandmarkConf with 59 Goals on the season. Another great moment in a fantastic career. #OneHearthttps://t.co/x1LGNnQrYz pic.twitter.com/hlAJ2YQvdr
— HGP Lacrosse (@HolyGhostLax) May 4, 2022
#VikingProud Congrats to our Viking Tennis Team — back to back District XI 2A Champions! Way to go #VikingNation! ??? pic.twitter.com/xBD1IlqbvY
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 6, 2022
Congratulations to Amy Anderson ’23 for recording her 100th strikeout of the season in the Squirettes 11-4 victory over Biglerville May 5, 2022!@Squire_Nation
#SquireNation #DCHSAthletics #DCHSSoftball #SquireStrong #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife pic.twitter.com/ATcFwDRjVg— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) May 6, 2022
#LaSalleLacrosse takes on Roman Catholic today at La Salle! Game time is at 3:45 PM! #HailLaSalle
Graphic by #WEXPtv Christian Daikeler '22 pic.twitter.com/ZDSoqwm3yy
— La Salle Sports (@LaSalle_Sports) May 4, 2022
Vinnie's 1A All-State 1st team!
“Cugini, a junior guard, is one of the most prolific scorers in WPIAL history. He averaged 36.2 points a game this season and surpassed 2,000 career points late in early February, only his 55th career game.” ~ Mike White, https://t.co/07od1AuUDg— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 4, 2022
Thank you to @BLOCSPhilly For featuring our Orchestra this evening. #CatholicEducation #ArtAcademy #4YearsOfOrchestra #SteamSchool pic.twitter.com/rAZWcg3800
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) May 6, 2022
#MarianSpirit Seniors learned about Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement. They worked hard stacking firewood, cleaning out animal pens, and clearing brush/overgrowth from around fences. Fr. Miller celebrated Mass in the beautiful chapel on the farm grounds. #BeMarian ?? pic.twitter.com/0wzCuT0Zes
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) May 4, 2022
Our St. John Paul II Elementary service club put together chemo care bags for the Team Rich nonprofit. These bags will be given to the Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Farrell on May 6th in remembrance of Rich Atkinson who it is named after. ??? #ChristoServire #LitteEagles pic.twitter.com/fWRgKa2RMg
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) May 4, 2022
Today, our Kindergarten students hosted their Moms for a special Mother's Day Tea. The students presented special gifts and cards made with love. Everyone enjoyed wonderful refreshments and special "Mom-time"! Happy Mother's Day! pic.twitter.com/wuAS8UwXiJ
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) May 6, 2022
Many thanks to all of the Cahillites who volunteered to help make sure the 2022 Broad Street Run was a success! It’s always great to see Roman represented at one of Philadelphia’s beloved traditions. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/XP8LzfUsls
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) May 4, 2022
Do you know someone looking for a kindergarten? Lower school? Check this out!https://t.co/hcU89Fc2rv pic.twitter.com/XQAWhDaONT
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) May 3, 2022
This week our Catholic Schools will honor, thank, and celebrate our
?Catholic School Teachers?! We are grateful for their commitment and service to our schools! Say a prayer today for your teacher and may all the blessings they give be returned to them! #LiveYourVocation pic.twitter.com/9gmd8YyzMX— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 2, 2022
In preparation for next weekend’s #EagleScout project, CJ Hackett ‘23 @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus joined Fr Dave O’Brien in getting the @LCCrusaders chapel ready for the ship lap wall @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @PAcatholic @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/zMsBNb2PpG
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 2, 2022
Want to STRETCH your Give Local York donation tomorrow? Meet one of the prizes here to help YC secure a bonus gift! https://t.co/n4GGYP1kG7 pic.twitter.com/eytR7YeGqy
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) May 5, 2022
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 1st annual Lancer Gold & White Grants. These 8th grade students were selected based on their essays explaining the importance of Catholic education. Congratulations to our "Lancer Legacy students" and good luck in high school. ?? pic.twitter.com/RbJzfMdhrp
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) May 2, 2022
Check out this great event… pic.twitter.com/uhZuawCsCX
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) May 4, 2022
The students served up a win in our faculty vs. students volleyball game! pic.twitter.com/FRgyelDLTG
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) May 4, 2022
Last week, Mrs. Hohenstein's art students took a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Students explored the works of Impressionists, the Hudson River School painters, contemporary artists, and every art movement in between. #GwyneddArts #Educate pic.twitter.com/pFVpcToS7F
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) May 4, 2022
Thank you District Attorney Neugebauer for addressing the Crusher student body prior to this weekend's Prom! We appreciate and value your time and commitment to area youth. pic.twitter.com/cEcrQjXxfm
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) May 3, 2022
Prep and Villa's AFJROTC conducted their 29th Annual Awards Ceremony last week. the AFJROTC Headquarter Distinguished Cadet Badge went to Nicholas Cooper ’23. In total over, 150 awards were presented, including a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship to Colin Hudson ’22. #AFJROTC pic.twitter.com/SoVtTACHp0
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 2, 2022
In preparation for next weekend’s #EagleScout project, CJ Hackett ‘23 @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus joined Fr Dave O’Brien in getting the @LCCrusaders chapel ready for the ship lap wall @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @PAcatholic @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/zMsBNb2PpG
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) May 2, 2022
We continue our look at Postpartum Depression with a study showing how the lock downs made the problem even worse.
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1522292858849533954?s=20&t=D1-o9TluzF2qs4nbUQ_fxA
https://fb.watch/cPT1mIOmWY/
Continuing our look at postpartum depression…some state lawmakers have proposed legislation to help infants affected by PPD. (Twitter and Facebook links)
https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1521906764047953920?s=20&t=9lG87HAd5nEBMUC959HGAw
Congratulations to Ryanne Allen, named 4A State Player of the Year and 1st Team All State by PA Sportswriters. It is her 3rd All-State selection and 2nd 1st Team appearance. Ryanne was also named Jordan All-American and overall PA Player of Year by PABCA. Well deserved! pic.twitter.com/5zAcUQ5YOD
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) April 28, 2022
KC Lady Eagles Bball Program & KC Family are so excited & happy & would like to congratulate Sr. Bellah DiNardo selected 1st Team All-State & Frosh Layke Fields selected 2nd Team All-State. A much deserved & amazing accomplishment! KC Proud!????????? @BellahDinardo @LaykeF
— Justin Magestro (@JustinMagestro) April 28, 2022
?????? ???
Yesterday, we celebrated our Senior Girls Lacrosse Players! We're so proud of our Golden Hawks! pic.twitter.com/YD5VwtB8Ac
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) April 28, 2022
Senior Day for our Girls Lacrosse team — congrats girls! ?@ArchbishopWood? @woodgirlslax? pic.twitter.com/7MixJCP1iJ
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) April 28, 2022
Thank you to @woodgirlslax and Coach Erin Eckert for giving our Lady Lancer lacrosse players a home for their senior year. Senior Day for Mary, Anna and Julia #LFL was great, thank you @DonnaEckert29 and @Wood_Vikings pic.twitter.com/WZ5mu4Okmz
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) April 29, 2022
Lots of FJ blue and we LOVE it! ??? #FutureCrusaders #ClassOf2026 pic.twitter.com/MPu4iTmKIY
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) April 29, 2022
Please take a moment to welcome Coach Dovales @7Twice to the Central Catholic Football Coaching Staff as the Head Coach of Freshman Football #rollvikes #traditionnevergraduates @PCC_FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/SpgEel0JKm
— Central Catholic Football Boosters (@CentralFBBoost) April 29, 2022
Boys Volleyball Defeats BCCS https://t.co/jVcBHfV29F
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) April 29, 2022
Good morning from the Penn Relays. Hanging out/Warming up on 34st waiting to enter Franklin Field for event 326. pic.twitter.com/iv9vdzuigv
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) April 29, 2022
Congrats to Bianca Coleman '22, Sofia Coleman '22, and Hannah Griffin '23 on their selection to the 2022 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Girls' Basketball Team, 4A Third Team! #GwyneddAthletics #GwyneddBasketball #GoMonarchs pic.twitter.com/YHxE9E5TbJ
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) April 28, 2022
Congratulations to Gabby Casey on her selection to the 2021-2022 PA. Sportswriters’ All-State Girls Basketball Team- 4A First Team! Fantastic honor and truly deserved! pic.twitter.com/icRjtTvGMs
— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) April 28, 2022
Congratulations to Mallory Daly for being named to the Class 2A Third-Team All-State! @MalloryDaly10 @SLS_LadyRebels #RebelPridehttps://t.co/S1uISZtCwU
— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) April 28, 2022
Congratulations to Villa senior Carissa Dunham and sophomore Jayden McBride. They were both named to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers girls basketball All-State 2nd Team. pic.twitter.com/aFRlCgDeX5
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) April 28, 2022
HS Choir earned top marks of Excellent and Outstanding at Cavalcade of Choirs at @IUPedu! They were praised for their high level of musicality, their energetic performance and their attention to musical detail by a panel of professional choral conductors & music educators. ? pic.twitter.com/rn5oKbxrWw
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) April 28, 2022
It’s opening night! Be sure to come and see Serra Catholic’s production of Beauty and the Beast this weekend! Showtimes are tonight, April 29th at 7pm, tomorrow April 30th at 1pm and 7pm, and Sunday May 1st at 2pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. pic.twitter.com/c5fo1z3qLg
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) April 29, 2022
Madeleine Piersol, Valedictorian, and Joyce Chan, Salutatorian, were presented with flowers from Mr. Bill Hess, Head of School. @WeAreBC55 pic.twitter.com/IpV5PFhNkW
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) April 29, 2022
Head on over to our Facebook page to view the full photo album from the Class of 2023’s Ring Mass.
Special thanks to @smtoxfordcircle for hosting this celebratory evening for our Juniors at your beautiful church! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/GQPgct0swY
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) April 28, 2022
Last night, the Class of 2023 came together for the Junior Class Mass. We are so proud of the Class of '23 and all of their accomplishments thus far, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for their senior year! pic.twitter.com/K73sxawxoW
— Pope John Paul II High School (@PJPHS) April 28, 2022
The Environmental Club,under the tutelage of Mrs Whitesell, helped beautify the LC surroundings for Earth Day @LCCrusaders @AOPS_Schools @LCHS_Activities #saveEarth #EarthDay2022 pic.twitter.com/EjbJrzUyk2
— LC STEM Coordinator (@LC_STEM) April 26, 2022
If you are looking for somewhere to go this weekend, consider going to see our very own Mrs. Eisenman in Willy Wonka with the St. Francis Players. Information and tickets are available at https://t.co/fdJQEFAA2Z pic.twitter.com/c9KFRefiOZ
— Holy Cross School (@HCS_Crusaders) April 29, 2022
What a great visit to the Sight & Sound Theater with the Kolbe Family! #SaintsandScholars #RecoverSucceedTransform #recoveryhighschool pic.twitter.com/4tWDy7M2H5
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) April 28, 2022
Best Buddies had their annual Friendship Walk this past weekend. It’s the organization’s biggest fundraiser nationwide. Serra's chapter of Best Buddies, which works closely with the St. Anthony’s Program, was in the top 10 teams for money raised in Pittsburgh, raising $2,660! pic.twitter.com/W9toku4fsq
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) April 28, 2022
#MarianFaith On April 27, Sophomores and Juniors spent the day at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm. The students learned about the Catholic Worker movement from Dr. Carmina Chapp, worked on the farm, & attended Mass in the beautiful chapel. #ToJesusThroughMary #BeMarian ?? pic.twitter.com/h7wrPdYrg9
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) April 28, 2022
Today, during Mass at St. Paul Cathedral, we proudly inducted the Class of 2022 into the Oakland Catholic Alumnae Association. This is the first event of many to honor OC's Senior class! ????#OCForLife #OC2022 pic.twitter.com/CNsDa6497s
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) April 27, 2022
We CAN'T WAIT for the Spring Dance Performances on April 28 and 29 at 7 pm in Cuvilly Hall ??#ND #spring #dancecompany #upperschool #middleschool #allgirlsschool #catholicschool #performingarts pic.twitter.com/a5Nm2SkTq8
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) April 26, 2022
Gwynedd Girls have talent! Tonight's Arts Festival begins with Art and Engineering exhibit. Here's a sneak peek at some of the work you'll see in the red and gold corridors this evening. #GwyneddArts pic.twitter.com/V9HOuxNkck
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) April 26, 2022
PANTHERON 2022 WAS A SUCCESS!
The students danced the night away to raise over $40,000 for three local charities: CHOP, Archdiocesan Schools for Special Needs, and the Lenny Martelli Foundation.#PanthersHelpingKids #PJPProud #Panthers pic.twitter.com/brmog9RIgH
— Pope John Paul II High School (@PJPHS) April 25, 2022
WEEKEND WRAP-UP! A busy weekend for our #saintsandscholars included dancing, running, and receiving Sacraments! Blessings to our students for a week ahead! #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/oym41ucj23
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) April 25, 2022
This morning we were blessed to celebrate Holy Mass for the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist as a FAMILY with special guests, members of the CCHS Class 1978, who finally had a long awaited tree dedication in honor of deceased members of their class. #GodFamilyAcademicsFun pic.twitter.com/Hxs8o33khx
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) April 25, 2022
Congratulations to our 2022 York Catholic Prom Court! pic.twitter.com/qyTVWAr5mE
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) April 29, 2022
Enjoy the April 29th Edition of #WEXPtv featuring:
– Field Day Highlights
– Spring Musical Highlights
– Spring Band Concert Recap
– #LaSalleBaseball vs SJP Highlights
– Interview with New Student Council Executive Officershttps://t.co/mWaCXR8mzC pic.twitter.com/WLEQn2FCXj— La Salle College High School (@lschs) April 29, 2022
After four seasons as the leader of the Bishop Canevin Boys Basketball program, Coach Palmosina will be pursuing other opportunities.
Thank you, Coach, for bringing two WPIAL championships and a state title to your alma mater. pic.twitter.com/sStyaspGhz— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) April 21, 2022
Thank you to all the girls who came out to our first Easter Monday Clinic and to all the Wood players who helped teach today! Hope to see you at camp in August! pic.twitter.com/zgSD2Y2MGo
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) April 18, 2022
Congratulations to the following Prep Hockey players for being named to the @apachockey All Conference Team:
First team:
Jeffrey Hammond ‘23
Nick Storti ‘22Second team:
Rocco Bruno ‘23
#GoPREP #AMDG pic.twitter.com/e8WQUbSh4G— St. Joe's Prep Hockey (@SJPrep_Hockey) April 17, 2022
Prep earned their first volleyball win of the season, 3-1 at Farrell. Scores were 25-11, 25-15, 17-25 & 25-23. Ridgeway Case had 15 kills. Elijah Andrae had 7 kills, 6 aces. Hewson Morphy had 4 blocks. Jordan Haas had 13 assists while Anthony Frisina added 9.
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) April 20, 2022
#VikingProud Our Girls Softball team defeated East Stroudsburg North 11-1 at the home of the Vikettes in Patriots Park! Come join us on Thursday, April 21 for their next game versus Liberty High School at their home field. Awesome teamwork, ladies! ??? pic.twitter.com/3pCWilLBDo
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) April 20, 2022
Last night we had the opportunity to celebrate our successful 2021-2022 season as a Golden Hawk Boys Basketball family ?? A special shout-out to our Seniors for everything they’ve accomplished, and their commitment to our program ~ you will be missed! pic.twitter.com/7wWvHUIl0G
— Bethlehem Catholic Boys Basketball (@BecaBasketball) April 20, 2022
Congrats softball on the 8-3 win at Villa Joseph Marie Academy this afternoon!! Keep up the good work! #gobears pic.twitter.com/d5mXk44L9N
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) April 20, 2022
Back at it this Sunday! We look forward to seeing everyone!! Weather looks like it is shaping up to be much warmer than our first two attempts! pic.twitter.com/1MmXq1j6ku
— Lady Cru Soccer – Bishop McDevitt Girls Soccer (@McDCruSoccer) April 19, 2022
Boys Volleyball Final: @LCCrusaders take the fourth set 25-19, wins 3-1 vs. @SJPrep_Sports @SJPREP ??:@colleenclaggett pic.twitter.com/uyErhlvpSD
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) April 21, 2022
Congratulations to Nate Kinsey for being named a John Travers Award finalist! #McD @McD_Football_ @McDBaseball1 @NateKinsey34 https://t.co/6X3eEkRu49
— McDAthletics (@HailToTheeMcD) April 18, 2022
Congrats to the following Rebels for their selections to the Post-Gazette All Section Basketball Teams!
Jr. Connor Spratt @connorspratt3
Sr. JR Jones @jralex1330
So. Mallory Daly @MalloryDaly10
Sr. Ava Dursi @AvaDursi @SLS_LadyRebels @slshoops #RebelPride— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) April 18, 2022
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) April 18, 2022
PCL Boys: Spring has Sprung???? See PCL Spring Round-up by @johnknebels feat. @FJAthletics @FJBaseball27 @RomanAthletics @RomanCatholicHS @RomanBaseball1 @NG_Baseball2022 @LCCrusadersBASE @LCCrusaders https://t.co/Y1Qkjc4jtw ?:@mzimmaro @JimmmmWilllll
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) April 17, 2022
Saints in Biology II work as a team to dissect a starfish and analyze all of its components.#STEM pic.twitter.com/0kTj5k19BW
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) April 22, 2022
3rd grade Seder meal! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @ArchPhilly @NCEATALK @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/w7vOxRgqJ0
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) April 22, 2022
Come together with other alumni for food and fun and to celebrate all things Trinity! Our first Alumni Pop Up will be held on Sat., May 21, at Ever Grain Brewing from 6 to 8. Trinity will sponsor the first hour of food and drinks (two drink tickets) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. ?? pic.twitter.com/xJQy40uWQb
— Trinity High School (@thsrocks_us) April 21, 2022
Today is the day! ???We are so excited to celebrate our 2022 Legacy Gala! If you cannot join us tonight, consider supporting through our Online Auction that closes at 9pm! To register and receive your bidding number please visit, https://t.co/RYWgNpAiPJ #2022LegacyGala
— Nazareth Academy HS (@NAZ_Pandas) April 22, 2022
Pause. Pray. Reflect. Remember. #GoodFriday ??? pic.twitter.com/etYzAJ2ol5
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) April 15, 2022
Mrs. D'Alonzo's 5th Grade Class had a great time on their Class Trip to Fort Mifflin today! Looking good, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/YJVpKYAkFL
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) April 22, 2022
In Mr. Stone's Technology for the 21st Century course, students were tasked with building mousetrap cars! Using materials provided in the Tech Shop, the class calculated the velocity of their vehicles and tested how fast their cars can go within a certain distance. pic.twitter.com/QJWZZXFcsK
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) April 22, 2022
Faculty Appreciation Friday ??
Today’s theme, “How sweet it is to be taught by you.”
Thank you Howlett Family for the sweet candy treats! #ndgrateful #faithfulloyaltrue #crUSader #teacherappreciationfriday ?? pic.twitter.com/KLiWXqNNiZ
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) April 22, 2022
#VikingProud Our ACCHS Environthon Team finished in a respectable 5th Place this year! It was the first time in 10 years that ACCHS attended the competition between local schools on the topic of environmental science. Keep working hard, Vikes! #VikingScholars ?? pic.twitter.com/Ju60HVEt99
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) April 22, 2022
Before leaving for Easter break, our students "stalled" a number of classes by bringing in change that their teachers had to count by hand. Nearly $1,000 was collected for Dance 4 A Cause. Rumor has it that a few quizzes were even adjusted as well! #friarsandpandasgiveback pic.twitter.com/8T4tVlTXdb
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) April 18, 2022
Why you should attend the Auction for OLSH: Reason #3
The evening will feature appetizers from Big Burrito Restaurant group. We typically don't encourage food & drinks on the gym floor, but we'll allow it for this one night ?
Check out the menu here: https://t.co/8AU9z5YWN0 pic.twitter.com/L09Rt2o76q
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) April 18, 2022
The 4th grade students enjoyed the sun & their Science class today in honor of Earth Day! They designed insect hotels out of plastic bottles & materials collected from the environment! #SJRproud, #WeAreSJR, #SJRstrong, #archphilly, @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/e8b36lfAih
— SJR School (@SjrSchool) April 22, 2022
Yesterday, we celebrated our senior @SJPLacrosse players before the team's win over Archbishop Ryan.https://t.co/CSITYfjNWP pic.twitter.com/8lGvK7idzm
— St. Joe's Prep Sports (@SJPrep_Sports) April 7, 2022
Thank you to everyone that helped make this happen this year. Could not have done it without you guys! Just amazing!@BGMarauderFball @PaFootballNews https://t.co/dpCZuCZBHQ
— Karson Kiesewetter (@karsonkies14) December 28, 2021
AWEE BELLAH?? I’m so thankful I got to play with you. You have become such an amazing player, I am so proud of you! Love you forever!! ?? @BellahDinardo https://t.co/RHeRtRUK3b
— malia magestro (@maliamagestro) April 6, 2022
@Bishop_Shanahan Boys' Lacrosse Head Coach John Heisman Earns Milestone Victory https://t.co/AxSPhkXpCy @BSHSBoysLax @DLNSports @PaPrepLive @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/yGZVpDQynr
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) April 10, 2022
Gianna Grassifulli ‘22 and Charolette Pugh ‘22 were honored at the Willam H Markward Bastketball Club Dinner. ? Congratulations ladies and thank you to your coaches, Mr. Schafer and Mr. Anhalt pic.twitter.com/gOhxs4uJFI
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) April 3, 2022
Boys' Tennis results, April 9
?Delone Catholic over York Suburban, 4-1@Squire_Nation #SquireNation #DCHSAthletics #DCHSTennis #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife #AsDoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/RinF21mfK8— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) April 9, 2022
Congrats, Max and Ben! #RollCavs #PrepPride https://t.co/3ubasPGVWf
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) April 9, 2022
Congrats to our Wood Girls Flag Football Team for their win against Frankford HS today. Go Wood! ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/GHGl0JKDzV
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) April 9, 2022
Crusher Baseball pic.twitter.com/jooCXoIYGw
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) April 8, 2022
Congratulations to Senior Captain Ainsley Smith! Ainsley, a 4 year starter on the Girl’s Varsity Soccer team, where she had 131 career points has signed her Letter of Intent to play Soccer for the Chatham University Cougars, the Back-to-Back PAC Champs! @ChathamU_WSoc pic.twitter.com/42aBPnr3Ix
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) April 8, 2022
A little rain couldn’t keep the Rebels off the field today! pic.twitter.com/j8UEGJWOpk
— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) April 8, 2022
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) April 8, 2022
There's an exciting buzz on the campus of OLM after opening night as over 140 students transform into the beloved characters from the classic "Annie" for their 2nd performance. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show time is 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at the door for $12. pic.twitter.com/4bQ1kCqdUQ
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) April 8, 2022
We have extended the due date of the drive for Ukraine to MONDAY, April 11th! Any last-minute donations are gladly appreciated! Best, Emily and Jaime #shagoal3 pic.twitter.com/RmdUQl8ARd
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) April 7, 2022
TONIGHT! Closing night for "Our Town" presented by the Bishop Shanahan Fine Arts Department. Tickets are $10 (available at the door). Doors open at 6:30. See you there! #BSHS pic.twitter.com/7ZvTMR2CJ7
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) April 8, 2022
Congratulations to the @Becahi_Hawks Engineering Team who competed against 60 other teams in PA in the International 2022 TSA/TEAMS Engineering Competition. The team placed #1 overall in state and received a perfect score on their essay! Well done #saintandscholars! pic.twitter.com/CqjxSp6qVt
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) April 8, 2022
Thanks for joining us! @BLOCSPhilly https://t.co/DzrfMo84hi
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) April 8, 2022
Pro-Life T-Shirt Day! #AquinasTradition #ProLife #CelebrateLife #prolifetshirtday pic.twitter.com/h5h59Y7MUL
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) April 8, 2022
Our very own Golden Hawk Ella Trunzo as been honored as a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship recipient!
Congratulations Ella, we're so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/2y1xPfEwE2
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) April 8, 2022
Congratulations to our PAWS leaders for the month of March. Well deserved, and thank you for leading by example. #leadership #MAGIS pic.twitter.com/sAL0qzKawJ
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) April 8, 2022
Our Junior @LSCHS_Mission Retreats kicked off this afternoon – thanks to senior Sam Brown ‘22 for sharing his Lasallian Experience with the class pic.twitter.com/nB0Trs57t8
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) April 8, 2022
#OnThisDay in Bishop McDevitt history 1977…
The Marvelous Marchers of Bishop McDevitt took part in the Phillies opening day ceremonies at Veterans Stadium. Our Royal Lancers were entrusted with unfurling the largest American flag in the country at the time before the game. pic.twitter.com/tIxwkjspg1
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) April 10, 2022
This year, our Lenten Mission Drive raised over $21,000 to provide support to the Child Discovery Center in Nakuru, Kenya, and the Ukrainian Relief Fund – breaking a school record!
Congratulations to Mr. Campbell's homeroom, BRC 4, for raising over $3,000 for these charities! pic.twitter.com/tyVOQacTsZ
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) April 8, 2022
Thanks for joining us! @BLOCSPhilly https://t.co/DzrfMo84hi
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) April 8, 2022
Some Bunny was hiding eggs throughout the schoolhouse. Thanks to our MPowerment Club for an egg citing day of fun! #crushingit #witnessthedifference pic.twitter.com/aVOSmi22Mc
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) April 11, 2022
Sharing the news of the passing of one of @LCCrusaders former School Ministers, Rev. Raymond Tribuiani or as he was always known, Fr. Tribs, was part of the LC community from Sept1989-June 2003. Funeral Mass at St. Stanislaus Church on Wed, April 13 at 10AM. There is no viewing. pic.twitter.com/UTK8m4s3qs
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) April 8, 2022
There is an exciting new administrative opportunity at Erie Catholic Preparatory School!! Apply today to be the next Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Communications and join the ECPS family! Visit https://t.co/wlS75QwwgF to see full job description and apply today! #Family pic.twitter.com/RBuH6P0LEo
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) April 8, 2022
York Catholic’s Advanced Placement art students visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC today! pic.twitter.com/3k1uMrHMjE
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) April 8, 2022
commitment #THWND @SJUHawks_WBB pic.twitter.com/62G7HPjOMr
— Gabby Casey (@_gabbycasey) April 3, 2022
3 KC girls basketball players named All District 10 Small School All-Stars!?
?? Bellah DiNardo
?? Paris Gilmore
?? Layke Fields
Congrats girls! #KCPrideCheck out this article from The Erie Times-News:https://t.co/3q6MtPHmD4
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) April 1, 2022
Gianna Grassifulli ‘22 and Charolette Pugh ‘22 were honored at the Willam H Markward Bastketball Club Dinner. ? Congratulations ladies and thank you to your coaches, Mr. Schafer and Mr. Anhalt pic.twitter.com/gOhxs4uJFI
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) April 3, 2022
Sweet. Thanks @webbweekly01 pic.twitter.com/RNfEe2Zkkf
— SJNRAhoops (@AhoopsSjnr) March 29, 2022
Congratulations to Patrick Haigh on being names to the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference all-conference team pic.twitter.com/yJuFxtH3cJ
— BGHS Basketball (@BGHoops) April 4, 2022
Congrats to head coach Stan Dakosty who will be inducted into the @PIAADistrictXI Hall of Fame this afternoon!
Over 300 career wins
1 PIAA State Championship
7 District 11 Championships
4 Eastern Conference Championships
100s of student-athletes who went on to the next level pic.twitter.com/p2FofhWnTP— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) April 3, 2022
We’ve now hit a full week as state champs ? pic.twitter.com/0ohgd3oJs4
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) April 1, 2022
GO ND!! ????? pic.twitter.com/uUMRbX54ey
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) April 4, 2022
Congratulations to Carissa, Jayden and Daniela as they were named to the All-District 10 Team! Many hours in the gym and sacrifices made to achieve these honors. #VillaPride https://t.co/iFSwJhNwC6
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) April 2, 2022
Varsity Baseball: Bishop McCort 4, Westmont 0 https://t.co/zOy3iFYR8W
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) April 1, 2022
In track and field action from yesterday: boys defeated Weatherly 97-34 and girls defeated Weatherly 83-20.
— Nativity Athletics (@nbvmathletics) March 31, 2022
Congratulations to Senior Jaden Workman on being a nominee for Mr. PA Basketball. Use this link to vote him to the next round of voting! #PJPProud https://t.co/scHJ7zRdjZ
— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) April 2, 2022
The cast and crew of "Beauty and the Beast" are preparing for their stage debut at @ND_Crusaders next weekend. They highlighted cast members that are also athletes balancing the stage and field with each wearing their team jersey! Get your tickets here:https://t.co/xHW1Yt8chy pic.twitter.com/Ee2JxxDlLX
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) April 1, 2022
Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday night to support the Music Department and help make the Music in Our Schools Month Concert such a huge success! And a big thank you to FCSLALife for sponsoring the event! pic.twitter.com/9CZUHCffQm
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 29, 2022
Thank you @LCCrusaders Fr Dave for celebrating Community Mass for the 5th Sunday of Lent and to our Parents Association for providing the hospitality after Mass @ArchPhilly @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/GbopSRVgo8
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) April 3, 2022
This morning, our seventh grade students led us in the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross depict 14 events in the Passion of Jesus Christ, beginning with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with His body being laid in a tomb. #Lent #stationsofthecross pic.twitter.com/rbHDyy3Q8a
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) April 1, 2022
Today, the Class of 2023 reflected on their time at Central at the Junior Retreat at St. Paul's Cathedral. Throughout the day, students participated in small group discussions, and explored how to exercise leadership and service in their final year at Central Catholic. pic.twitter.com/Wa6wHfeJtV
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) March 31, 2022
Special Thanks to Mrs. Amorosi for sharing with Mrs. D'Alonzo's 5th Graders, this lovely display of Peace and Prayers for Ukraine! ??
Nice work, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/bYTIQUNtVh
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) March 31, 2022
According to their teacher, Miss Rachel Dillinger, “Most students went for the challenge and tried creating a cast. The students had so much fun creating their own and were all very successful!”#GSCScholarship #GSCisaSTREAMcometrue#GSCis4me #ComeGrowWithUsAtGSC pic.twitter.com/RBrPViuve3
— gscelem (@GSCelem) April 3, 2022
Have you registered your daughter for summer camp yet? Gwynedd has summer camp offerings in STEM, Visual and Performing Arts, Athletics, and more! Space is limited. Visit https://t.co/xwZVD6ydxT to learn more. pic.twitter.com/GRMSbzBI2s
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) April 2, 2022
The @HolyGhostPrep students on the Spiritan exchange program trip to @BlackrockColl in Ireland are seeing some beautiful sights (and yes, I might be a little jealous). Have fun, guys! #ThinkExperiences #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/UPaibwWN5A
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) April 1, 2022
HOW SWEET IT IS!! ??
THE CRUSADERS ARE YOUR 2022 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/GrxUPspBPQ
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) March 24, 2022
Wood Girls are PIAA 4A State Champions! Great job girls! Wood proud! ?@WoodGirlsBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/hGNPMLtX57
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 24, 2022
Congrats to @RomanAthletics on winning the PIAA 6A Basketball Championship and to @Wood_Vikings on a fantastic season! @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/d3Lw0I4Olu
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 27, 2022
CHARGERS ARE 2X STATE CHAMPIONS! ????? OLSH Boys Basketball finishes the season undefeated, defending their state title, and tying the state record with 68 straight wins! #OLSHChargers #ChargersAreChampions pic.twitter.com/c4GsHzylo9
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) March 25, 2022
State Runner-Up! It’s been an incredible ride-and we will look to get even further next season.
Student section,parents and families,teachers, administration…thank you for all your support and love. We tip our cap to @WoodGirlsBball Congratulations on your State Championship. pic.twitter.com/9huGqrtjF8— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) March 25, 2022
Just like that, our season is over. It’s certainly not the outcome we wanted but we’ve set a new standard for our program:
??Region 1 Champs
??D10 Champs
??Western Reg Champs
??State Runner up
Good luck to our seniors-Bellah, Soph & AJ! Underclassmen, talons up! ????#KCPride pic.twitter.com/0yhfzkjh85— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) March 25, 2022
Congratulations to PCL member @DevonPrepBBall on winning the PIAA Boys' Basketball 3A Championship over Aliquippa. Terrific season pic.twitter.com/2aCUhZzQgw
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 26, 2022
Wood Wackies Whiteout tonight! ?@WoodBoysBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/UrjtwyqS4v
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 26, 2022
Girls Basketball Final: With Mihjae Hayes @mhayes3_ scoring 32 pts, @neumanngoretti (@APetey2) hangs on to beat Freedom Area 55-47, winning the PIAA Class 3A state title!????:@johnknebels @DonnaEckert29 @PCLGirlsBBall pic.twitter.com/DTjrJUeqSL
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) March 26, 2022
Congrats to @NG_Saints on winning the PIAA Boys' Basketball 4A Championship with a 93-68 victory over Quaker Valley @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/kxJlx7b2Ut
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 25, 2022
Suffocating Defense Leads @OHaraGirlsBball To 2nd Consecutive PIAA Girls' Basketball Title https://t.co/A94UkNzaEa @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @CatholicPhilly @cardinalohara pic.twitter.com/HRoXGDnHok
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 25, 2022
It was an Honor to wear the KC UNIFORM #KCPRIDE #KCFAMILYFORLIFE https://t.co/Nrvr9xANYU
— Bellah DiNardo (Isabellah) (@BellahDinardo) March 24, 2022
Great pep rallies at @Wood_Vikings & @LCCrusaders today in advance of tomorrow's PIAA 4A Girls' Basketball Championship at 5pm in Hershey! @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @lcladycrusaders @WoodGirlsBball @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/xpoA4k5VgA
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 23, 2022
Not the ending they hoped for, but these 5 Seniors left their mark on the Wood Boys Basketball Program. We are so proud to call you Wood Vikings! ?@WoodBoysBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/EVjISa2ohb
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 27, 2022
7th Grade Visitation was a success! We welcomed over 100 students of the West Philadelphia Elementary Schools to see why West is best?Thank you to the awesome 7th graders for spending the day with us! We hope you had an amazing time! #futureburrs #visitationday #westisbest pic.twitter.com/QWoWelxunH
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) March 25, 2022
Thanks to @NorthamptonComm for a fun and educational electronics class. @Kolbe_Academy Ss had a great time! @AtownDioceseEDU @PAcatholic @bctesche #saintsandscholars #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/pwHsfV2Xf2
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) March 24, 2022
Spanish students participated in Locura de Marzo 2022. It’s a March Madness style tournament, but instead of college basketball teams, it’s songs in Spanish! pic.twitter.com/T3KqskhzKt
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) March 27, 2022
"Everyone deserves another chance." Take some time to view junior Nolan Mehler's reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32). #LiveLent #LasallianLent pic.twitter.com/6ykvVyNqlc
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) March 24, 2022
Thank you to all of the future Cahillites who sat for our 7th Grade Practice test yesterday! This was an important first step toward your future in high school, and we hope that the preparation serves you well. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/S6rcQCal44
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) March 28, 2022
Berks Catholic provides students with an indiv college/career plan and 97% of students attend college. To learn more about how Berks Catholic prepares students to be college & life ready contact Nicky Smith at nsmith@berkscatholic.org or 610.374.8361 X244 https://t.co/FISHk3Go8K
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) March 28, 2022
Some our students from the prolife club at the prolife March in Philadelphia with President of Students for Life of America, Kristin Hawkins. #Lions4Life pic.twitter.com/C4n2OzrvdM
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 26, 2022
Thank you to Bishop Mark Eckman, '77, for celebrating Mass and offering prayers of consecration for Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for walking along the path as a faithful witness for all members of our community. You're always welcome home at 1000 McNeilly Road! pic.twitter.com/L8ClKsPPuL
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) March 25, 2022
Lovelorn Billy Crocker must hide and disguise himself as he works out how to capture the heart of the girl of his dreams in "Anything Goes"
March 25, 26 and April 1, 2 at 7:30PM and March 27at 2:00PM
Call the school to order tickets -814-371-3060 pic.twitter.com/bxuI3g5ndf— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) March 25, 2022
Such a fun night supporting our big sisters @viking_cheerleading with their purse BINGO event!! #clapslap?? pic.twitter.com/49Kw9ucUG3
— Allentown Central Catholic Mini Vikes (@ACCMiniVikes) March 28, 2022
Only 4 days left in the H&SAnnual Appeal March Challenge!Donate today, help our students&get in line for some great prizes! QOA has raised over $30,000 to date thanks to the generosity of parishioners, school families and friends! https://t.co/dbV4USCAk0 #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/ZE9UhBoB4t
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) March 27, 2022
This week, Spiritual Life Director Kate Phenicie invites you to pray a visio divina with Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son. https://t.co/iNscKdN2e9#SquiresStudyScripture #SquireStudyArt #SquireStrong #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife #AsDoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/kwulVRfSAS
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) March 27, 2022
Isabelle & Lucas, 8th graders, initiated "Stand Up for Ukraine!" Each person stood in a square for almost 2 hrs, recognizing the struggles of those fleeing and confined to tight spaces, and raising money to help the orphans of Ukraine.#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #LivingTheFaith pic.twitter.com/BFRbc0pMU1
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 23, 2022
Every Wednesday our morning “SJR Today” broadcast features a segment titled “Worship Wednesday”. Today’s song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle is a reminder that God is our biggest fan, our cheerleader. He believes in us and what we can accomplish if we follow his path. #WeAreSJR pic.twitter.com/EQwryXUz6l
— SJR School (@SjrSchool) March 23, 2022
Our Model UN Team competed at the De La Salle Model UN Conference at LaSalle College High School. Special congrats to Christopher Sharametew '23 who won the 1st Place Supreme Delegate Award in his committee on the Concert of Europe! ???? pic.twitter.com/jU977pP5yp
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) March 28, 2022
WE LOVE CHOCOLATE!!
THE CRUSADERS ARE HEADED TO HERSHEY!! ??#PIAABasketball | @crusaderathdept pic.twitter.com/ILgAqJmuQd
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) March 19, 2022
Wood Girls are going to Hershey after 57-44 win over Jim Thorpe. Great job girls! @WoodGirlsBball pic.twitter.com/9fFNk19uXS
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 19, 2022
Kennedy Catholic is heading to Hershey to compete for a state title after defeating Portage 51-45 during the PIAA 1A state semifinal at Armstrong Junior Senior High School in Kittanning. pic.twitter.com/uE2EidLEVC
— Tanner Mondok (@tmondokphoto) March 19, 2022
Wood Boys stick together and get the win over Fox Chapel on the road to Hershey. ?@WoodBoysBball? pic.twitter.com/ACweV8XJOC
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 19, 2022
Congratulations @lcladycrusaders WINNING 56-50 today over Villa Maria #WeAreGoingToHershey @AOPathletics @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @PhSportsDigest @mpcabrey @ReporterSports pic.twitter.com/oIDkEUs5ds
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) March 19, 2022
?IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD…WE ARE GOING TO HERSHEY!!! Huge win by our Lady Golden Eagles over Portage, 51-45! We have a game Thursday in the “Sweetest Place on Earth”! ????
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) March 19, 2022
Seven AOP Teams Earn Berths In PIAA Basketball State Finals https://t.co/EcjMPxTYrG @PAcatholic @CatholicPhilly @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly pic.twitter.com/kqoJRBCmau
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 19, 2022
Unfortunately the #Trojanettes season comes to an end tonight. Good luck to Freedom representing the #WPIAL in the 3A championship. Many thanks to seniors Anastasia and Carys for everything you’ve meant to this team.
— North Catholic Girls Basketball (@NCHSGirlsBB) March 19, 2022
Our wild ride comes to an end against @QVBasketball (27-0) by a score of 60-67.
In the midst of the pain, we’re blessed for the last 2 weeks spent together as a Family.
Thank you to our student athletes, parents, & @ArchCarrollHS staff for your support in the journey.#FAMILY
— Archbishop Carroll Basketball (@carroll_hoops) March 19, 2022
Western Final. #VillaPride pic.twitter.com/PKor0vKgG3
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) March 17, 2022
Awesome job ladies! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on in the 5A state championship! https://t.co/NPCAUaAm2h
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 19, 2022
Wood advances to the semifinals with a 50-27 win over Gwynedd Mercy. Up next is Jim Thorpe on Saturday. Time and location TBD! #Runitbacktohershey pic.twitter.com/DQwpgYRHPZ
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) March 17, 2022
Congratulations to @RomanBasketball for their 75-62 victory over Cheltenham HS tonight to advance to the @PIAASports 6A Basketball Semifinals this Saturday! Time and Location TBA. Go Roman! @RomanCatholicHS @AOPathletics #RCHS pic.twitter.com/Ytjj70F8zN
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) March 17, 2022
Final from Armstrong H.S.- S.Allegheny 53- BGHS 41. BG finished the season as the regular season LHAC Champs,advanced to the Elite 8 in the PIAA 3A playoffs, & with a 22-7 record. Thank you to seniors Jayce Hettinger & Caio Machado for demonstrating what being a Marauder is about
— BGHS Basketball (@BGHoops) March 17, 2022
Congratulations to our @OLSH_Hoops and @OLSHCoachRod on advancing to the State Championship next Friday in Hershey! #CHARGEFORWARD22 #PurpleFamily pic.twitter.com/21ldo5KbMS
— OLSH High School Football (@OLSHFOOTBALLHS) March 19, 2022
FINAL: @DevonPrepBBall 60, @BurrsBasketball 53. @DEVONPREP advances to the state semifinals for the first time in program history. IV Pettit had 20 points, six rebounds & six assists while Jacen Holloway added 22 points for the Tide. Zion Stanford led WC with 14 points pic.twitter.com/7bSKbaD4hg
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) March 16, 2022
Final score @DevonPrepBBall 73 @HRHSAthletics 72 @PAcatholic @CoachWeaver3 pic.twitter.com/NK0C0Afy71
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) March 19, 2022
Opening night for The Masque's spring musical "Me and My Girl" is one week away! Purchase your ticket at the door, or preorder your tickets online: https://t.co/vSVqWhkeId pic.twitter.com/CobB7Ba2jN
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) March 18, 2022
Earlier this week, a group of Serra students traveled to St. Therese School in Munhall and taught Junior Achievement to grades K-8. Here are some highlights from that fun filled day! Thank you so much to St. Therese for having us! pic.twitter.com/HsGAHvRomP
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 17, 2022
This Thursday is 7th Grade Visitation Day, and we hope to see you at Broad & Vine!
To register your son for this exciting preview day at Roman, please visit our school website or reach out to Mr. T directly at admissions@romancatholichs.com. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/fLGeBIXPuI
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) March 21, 2022
As Catholic Sisters Week draws to a close, we recognize the @ssjphila, founders of the Mount. We wouldn’t be here without their vision. We honor the legacy of the SSJs & share gratitude for the sisters working at the Academy & on the Board. Thank you, Sisters of St. Joseph! pic.twitter.com/BWvNwzT5T5
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) March 15, 2022
Thank you to all of the students of the #BSHS Liturgical Choir and all those who came out to the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade this past weekend as we honored Sister Maureen! pic.twitter.com/QdqJazFWcs
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) March 15, 2022
Ms. Castelli's 2nd Graders had a fantastic time at Saint Patrick's Day Bingo this morning! ???? pic.twitter.com/YMZrCPzw1d
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) March 17, 2022
? #WomensHistoryMonth at Notre Dame ? pic.twitter.com/P5aiNoavMu
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) March 17, 2022
We are proud to announce the lease and development of our parking lot to benefit the mission of West Catholic Prep and serve students in West and Southwest Philadelphia for generations to come. Click to learn more! https://t.co/G1egVW8KCz
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) March 17, 2022
#VikingFamily Our ACCHS Track and Field Team will be holding a special Mass in memory of Ryan Carbone on Tuesday, March 22, 7:30am in the Chapel. Everyone welcome to attend. #VikingForever ??? pic.twitter.com/E6hpuFepbG
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) March 20, 2022
This past weekend several of our schools and programs participated in the Allentown St. Patrick's Day Parade in Allentown with @ACCHSVikings earning 2nd prize in the school category! Thanks to all who participated and shared the Irish community spirit! pic.twitter.com/JGsPLtoXKB
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) March 21, 2022
Resource Spotlight: The OASIS Community Center provides education, support, comfort, and healing to people who have experienced a substance-related loss, as well as families and friends impacted by active substance use. https://t.co/buFTROyTeS pic.twitter.com/SfpcpjEsYG
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) March 16, 2022
This weekend, the Prep hosted the Travis Manion Foundation Northeast Regional Summit. We were proud to welcome 45 military veterans, Gold Star family members, & educators from Rhode Island to Florida to the Prep to share best practices in youth mentorship & community engagement. pic.twitter.com/zuu1TCxRol
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) March 14, 2022
Congratulations @LCCrusaders @lcladycrusaders on winning 49-41 over Allentown Central Catholic and junior Gabby Casey scoring 1,000 points, they now play Delone Catholic on Wednesday TBD in quarter finals 4A @PIAASports @AOPathletics @PhSportsDigest @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/GLt72iM1vy
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) March 13, 2022
What a performance today by our team and @BellahDinardo! The effort defensively was outstanding!#Elite8 #BigGoals #KCFamily https://t.co/vZfqVFzX97
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) March 13, 2022
Congratulations Riley! #McD @riley_robell https://t.co/zicrIPEOTp
— McDAthletics (@HailToTheeMcD) March 13, 2022
Final from Richland High School- Bishop Guilfoyle 62- Chestnut Ridge 48. The Marauders improve to 22-6 on the season and advance the Elite 8 in the AAA in the PIAA playoffs.
— BGHS Basketball (@BGHoops) March 12, 2022
Congrats to NDGP 2022 Team State Champions.
3x State Champions??????
Congrats to the State Champions and State Medalists.
?Brandan Chletsos 132lbs
?Holden Garcia 160lbs
?Ayden Smith 106lbs
?Evan Maag 5th 145lbs
?Garrett Tettemer 7th 172lbs pic.twitter.com/rGgWgvpD24— Notre Dame-Green Pond Wrestling (@NDGPwrestle) March 12, 2022
Moving on! @Toppers_bball defeats @LCDSsports 58-32 and will now play Mount Calvary Christian on Tuesday at a site and time to be determined @JWalkLNP pic.twitter.com/IVpvbZjrY0
— Nativity Athletics (@nbvmathletics) March 12, 2022
Great game Burrs!?? https://t.co/swiNHjZA2V
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) March 13, 2022
Congratulations to @RomanBasketball for their 59-26 victory over Central Dauphin to advance to the @PIAASports 6A Quarterfinals this Wednesday against Cheltenham HS! Site and Time TBA! Go Roman! @RomanCatholicHS @AOPathletics #RCHS pic.twitter.com/hAy2MedxOs
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) March 13, 2022
Wood girls win 44-21. Great day for Wood’s Basketball Programs with back-to-back wins. On to the 3rd Round of PIAA States. ?@WoodBoysBball? ?@WoodGirlsBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/zfsExRhNIf
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 13, 2022
Final score @HRHSAthletics 66 @EEACSBasketball 49 @D11Sports @CoachWeaver3 @PAcatholic @SteveLloydWNEP pic.twitter.com/vb3fjAPXrH
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) March 13, 2022
Wood boys defeat Reading 64-58. Vikings clutch foul shooting is the difference in the 4Q. Congrats boys! ?@WoodBoysBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/gvqrXt01YA
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 13, 2022
Varsity Hockey Senior Night: Bishop McCort 9, Somerset 1 https://t.co/BxmB8WyXgX
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) March 11, 2022
Trib HSSN Girls Team of the Week??
?link in Bio?#OnlyUs pic.twitter.com/K4hGdMcTaz— Bishop Canevin Girls Basketball (@Canevingbb) March 10, 2022
Saturday. #VillaPride pic.twitter.com/0LD5s1irLN
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) March 10, 2022
Liz Russell scored a layup to send Aquinas to OT in the closing seconds of the #PIAA state playoff game. Unfortunately, their opponent won by 1 pt in this exciting game. The girls played great all year and should be proud of all they accomplished!??
?: https://t.co/lCncPRA3pq— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 10, 2022
The Monarchs are headed to Round 2 of the PIAA State 4A Championship! GO MONARCHS!
Saturday, March 12 at 4:30PM
Gwynedd Mercy vs Bermudian Springs
Location: Schuylkill Valley High School, Leesport, PATickets may be purchased at https://t.co/CyzfQPEpgN
Tickets Passcode: GM… pic.twitter.com/BZYV8782Ta— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) March 11, 2022
Great season Carroll! https://t.co/HV4SARsb4k
— PCL Girls Basketball Fans (@PCLGirlsBBall) March 12, 2022
Our Lady Hawks fall 46-42 to Greencastle-Antrim. The Lady Hawks end their season at 19-8. Thank you to our seniors, players, coaches, staff, parents, families and all our great fans for a season filled with wonderful memories. #ABC #WeAreBC ??
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) March 10, 2022
SHoops State Game!
Friday, 3/11 vs. South Williamsport @ 7:00 @ Lehighton Elementary Center @ 3 Indian Lane, Lehighton, PA. GO SHoops! @DelcoSports
—— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) March 10, 2022
Last night our Season came to an end, What a phenomenal run we had this season! #McD??? pic.twitter.com/D6fkYUuE9k
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) March 10, 2022
??OCHS Varsity Basketball had an exciting victory last night in their first state playoff game vs Warren High School. The Eagles SLAYED the Warren dragons 58-36. The girls will face McKeesport in the next round on Saturday. Great job girls! pic.twitter.com/bLwiDfjJda
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) March 10, 2022
Congrats to the girls basketball team who won their 5A state tournament opener last night at Bishop Shanahan 52-32. They now play Saturday afternoon vs. Greencastle Antrim High School at West York Area High School. Game time is 3:00 pm.
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 10, 2022
Congrats to the boys basketball team who won their 4A state tournament opener on Tuesday night at Wilson Area High School 54-46. They now play tomorrow night (Friday) vs. Dallas High School at Easton Area Middle School. Game time is 7:30 pm.
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 10, 2022
Didn’t get the outcome we wanted last night, but beyond proud of how this team has worked and overcome adversity all season long.
Thank you seniors, Kaleigh, Katie, Sy’Rai, Emily, Kennedy, Delaney, Becca, Harmony, and Kiya, for your leadership this year. pic.twitter.com/gFdiSTn2Yr
— olsh gbb (@olshgirlsbball) March 9, 2022
Four Ramblers hit the mats today starting at 4pm as the PIAA individual tournament begins in Hershey. pic.twitter.com/saslwoDl58
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) March 10, 2022
Students, faculty, and staff: check your email to view HERstory Club's Trailblazers and Changemakers newsletter highlighting women in STEM! #Empower_Mercy pic.twitter.com/T3PZAvbZcV
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) March 14, 2022
During this Catholic Sisters Week, we celebrate our very own Sister Margaret Pellerite. Thank you for inspiring us every day. We love you! ????? #KCFamily pic.twitter.com/oiJgr67hwi
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) March 11, 2022
Registration is now open for the Purple and Gold Invitational Speech & Debate Competition, which will be held in-person at Roman on Saturday, April 9th. We hope to see you there! #RCHS
To sign up your team: https://t.co/m7TZB2hFpb pic.twitter.com/zQ4KiUCOUH
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) March 14, 2022
Today we honor our beloved Mrs. Moult on her favorite day of the year. 3.14- Pi Day.
We begin our day by celebrating Holy Mass with the Moult family followed by a video tribute. pic.twitter.com/9SHA4Xnia8— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) March 14, 2022
Join the Serra Cheerleaders on Sunday March 20th for their Music Bingo and Basket Fundraiser!https://t.co/TRVNhMs5lw
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 14, 2022
Here are some more pictures from today’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Thank you to all the alumni who joined us today. We are hoping this becomes an annual tradition for the Royal Lancers. See you next year! #LFL ??cD???? pic.twitter.com/wUGDUsZo0r
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) March 14, 2022
On 3/27 at 5 pm we launch our new strategic plan, "Boundless Mercy, Infinite Possibilities," kicking off with the Mercy in Action Speaker Series, led by Christina Mallon ‘06, and her company “Design for Good.” Register at: https://t.co/9QNlLmolma#BoundlessMercy #MercyinAction pic.twitter.com/Fwv1Svkr9k
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) March 13, 2022
TONIGHT’S 7 PM SHOW IS ON @LCCrusaders Dance Company Showcase featuring dances created and performed by students in celebration of the company’s founding in 1992. LC students get in FREE with school ID, Tickets are available online: https://t.co/KuE4GWb6SD pic.twitter.com/rY1OeV1y9q
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) March 12, 2022
BSHS students recently competed in the Chester County Science Research Competition (CCSRC). The CCSRC is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and developing scientific inquiry and discovery through individual and team science projects. Way to go, Eagles! pic.twitter.com/unKSYXmgzT
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) March 12, 2022
?George Has Been Unlocked!
You did it!
You unlocked $5,000 by securing fifty $100 gifts to honor George.And there's more!
We just received another challenge of $5,000 that will be unlocked with an additional fifty $100 gifts to honor George…help us do it! pic.twitter.com/VkhAR9h2d2
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) March 10, 2022
Faculty Appreciation Friday!! Today’s theme, “We do ‘knot’ know what we would do without teachers like you!” Thank you Heater Family for the delicious pretzels ?!! #ndgrateful #faithfulloyaltrue #teacherappreciation ?? pic.twitter.com/ikbupdZHUU
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) March 11, 2022
#BSHS recently hosted the Battle of the Bands Show Case. The show was hosted by Student Council President, Jack Boncek, and Senior Class Officer, Ella McGrory. The show consisted of ten acts, with all proceeds going to Shanahan's tuition assistance fund. pic.twitter.com/wh0Ht2b6SP
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) March 11, 2022
It's 3/14! In commemoration of the number that just goes on and on, our Algebra II students wish you a Happy Pi Day! pic.twitter.com/RYzK0SttrD
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) March 14, 2022
Save the date! Our Triple Crown Gala will be on Friday, May 6th, 6:00 pm, at the Valleybrook Country Club. Please join us for raffles, silent auctions, great food, drinks, prizes, and more! Follow us and check back here for more information. pic.twitter.com/vxkepGOZVL
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) March 11, 2022
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) March 11, 2022
Congratulations to the following students who place in the top 3 in each of their events at the FBLA Regional Competition:
Ben Chirdon – 2nd Place Agribusiness
Dana Weber, Victoria Tom, and Edrea Burgwin – 2nd Place International Business pic.twitter.com/5HAlLi0Efe— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 11, 2022
#TeacherSpotlight We are highlighting some AMAZING teachers in the Diocese of Allentown! Today we are recognizing Sarah Boyle of @ndbethlehem who always wanted to be a teacher but found her vocation in teaching #saintsandscholars in a Catholic school! #LiveyourVocation pic.twitter.com/nXGo6ZP0fE
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) March 11, 2022
Thank you – for participating already or making a gift now in the final 30 minutes of OC Give Day 2022.
Thank you – for committing your time, treasure, and talent to Oakland Catholic by supporting, connecting with fellow alumnae, and living the mission that binds us all. pic.twitter.com/aOorpRM7Gz
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) March 11, 2022
Yesterday, our Mothers' Club gathered for Mass and service as well as planning the upcoming Fashion Show. #MothersForOthers pic.twitter.com/4Zt1iiLuFH
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) March 10, 2022
Bacterial Transformation Lab in AP bio @LCCrusaders @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/6GuRkCbi7S
— LC STEM Coordinator (@LC_STEM) March 10, 2022
Today’s PCC Podcast has more of the spirited give-and-take from this week’s state House budget hearing in Harrisburg with the PA Department of Education.
Today’s PCC Podcast has some good action from Monday’s state House budget hearings with the PA Dept. of Education, which is peppered with questions about funding for our Catholic schools!!
Our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues continues today with a look at the extensive work being done by the Community Based Services segment of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
https://fb.watch/bHhrh-1oe7/
Our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues continues today with a look at the Heart of Tioga Pregnancy Center in Tioga County, PA and the support it gets from parishioners at Holy Child Catholic Church in the Diocese of Scranton.
Our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues continues today with a look the work being done by Morning Star Pregnancy Services in Harrisburg to help kids build a foundation for strong relationships and avoid problems down the road.
We’ve all had our fair share of relationships that have not gone well over the years, whether they were romantic or just friendly in nature. Wouldn’t it be nice to have gotten some advice before sailing on those waters and crashing into the rocks?
The folks at Morning Star Pregnancy Services in Harrisburg are offering just such advice to teenagers and also actually to moms and dads through a program called Unfiltered Truth. Leslie Moyer is the Director of Educational Programs at Morning Star. She works with Ann Deegan from an established curriculum called “Real Essentials” to present different lessons to try to teach kids to build a foundation for strong relationships.
Leslie Moyer : “So what are people expecting and what are your boundaries and do you have boundaries and how do you make sure the person knows?”
The program is –not- lecture based. Moyer says that would never work. They have discussions so the kids will take ownership of the concepts they are presented and make them their own. They are getting a lot of positive feedback.
Moyer : “I believe it was woman, she said I wish I’d had this when I was younger. I needed to know about those relationship red flags, the break up skills, which is two lessons that we do. I needed that two years ago when I was in a really bad relationship.”
One of the lessons is on living together, which is something that many young people see as the go-to route for couples in love.
Ann Deegan : “So many people are living together and so we talk about what are the benefits and what it really looks like and what are some of the myths surrounding living together and why it isn’t a good thing to do.
Most of the classes have been with high school students. Moyer says they’re hoping to get more time with middle school kids to help them build their skills by the time they get to high school. There are also classes for adults.
Deegan : “The focus isn’t just on mothering skills, like taking care of a baby. The focus is on what do your relationships look like? And what do you want to pass on to your children? What is the legacy? What do you want to pass on to your children and have your children receive from you?”
There is also the goal of having kids take a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to having sex. It may prevent many problems down the road, not the least of which being an unwanted pregnancy. Moyer shares a recurring sentiment that she hears from returning clients.
Moyer : “Over and over again I will hear ‘I would not change the fact that I had my child. But I wish I had waited. I wish I had waited just a little bit longer. I wish I was married. I can’t tell you how many times I hear that.”
We continue our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues with a look at Morning Star Pregnancy Services. They do an outstanding job working with women facing unplanned pregnancies.
The Harrisburg location for Morning Star Pregnancy Services at 2509 Front Street is relatively new, but the service itself is celebrating its 50th year in existence in 2022. The mission remains the same—helping women with unplanned pregnancies and with their sexual health. It offers a number of free health services, including pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams, along with education and support after the pregnancy. Morningstar does not provide or refer for abortion services but they help you to consider all options, including abortion, parenting and adoption. Bottom line, they are there for support.
“We know that all mothers would like to feel loved and supported in their pregnancy and beyond. We are also able to reach out to the fathers of their children and offer them support and education as well,” said Morningstar Executive Director Linda Plummer. She says they see a range of women and men who have just had a positive pregnancy test and just can’t see beyond the immediate challenge.
“The majority of women don’t want an abortion. They just feel like they don’t have another solution.”
Morningstar will schedule regular visits for clients and will monitor the changing circumstances as the weeks progress. As the circumstances change, so do the perspectives.
6:12 “the first time they come to Morningstar and feel that they have no alternative but abortion, they change on their second visit when we invite them back in a decision-making process on a weekly basis. They may come the second time and say, well now my boyfriend says maybe we can have this baby or now my parents are saying they will support me.”
Plummer also points out that 25 to 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Morningstar will help to determine the viability of the fetus through ultrasound testing.
“Because a lot of those pregnancies end in miscarriage, what we see here is that women grieve that loss of the baby so in the process, they recognize the idea that if I had gone through with an abortion, I would have been carrying this burden and I would have been mourning the loss of that child.”
They’ve been around for 50 years and must be doing something right for folks to keep coming back. The commitment to providing care and support without judgement has translated into a very impressive statistic.
“80% of the time that women who come here who are at risk for an abortion will decide to have their child.”
Plummer says many of the 20% who choose otherwise later return in a subsequent pregnancy.
Today we have part 2 of our look at Genesis Pregnancy Services under the direction of Wendy Burpee. It’s the third installment in our series on maternal and early childhood issues.
The real boots on the ground work in the pro-life effort come from pregnancy centers like Genesis Women’s Clinic. There are efforts underway in legislatures, courts and in the media, but one could make the case that pregnancy centers are truly where the battle against abortion will be won and lost, one person at a time. Wendy Burpee is Executive Director of the Genesis clinics in Phoenixville and Pottstown in southeastern PA. Their presence continues to grow.
“Now we have some 700 clients every year, probably 3 to 7 ultra sounds every week, or about 250 saved unborn children since we launched in 2019,” Burpee said.
When you go to the Genesis website, the first phrase you see is “providing care for women, no matter what.” No matter what you choose. And no matter how long you need that help.
“We start at the ultra sound. We follow the client right through the pregnancy. We make sure they have everything they need for the baby.”
They provide health screenings and counseling, along with all the materials that a mother needs in the first few months and years of raising a child.
“Because I want to be able to say to them: we’re not just here for you today,” Burpee said. “We’re going to stay with you. We’re going to keep helping you.”
And Burpee can help with those who are contemplating taking the other path. She went that route and had three abortions in a prior relationship. She also suffered abuse at the hands of her boyfriend during that time. Tough experiences, but ones that make her equipped to dealing with the women she meets at Genesis and the –counselors- who meet with women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy under difficult circumstances.
“Having also come from severe domestic abuse in my background, I’ve been able to work with the girls and tell them how to counsel their women and tell them how to walk away from those toxic relationships.”
Burpee says the Genesis counselors are more than just counselors.
“They’re sisters, showing support for these women, giving good advice, being objective about their situation, offering all the referrals that we have available to them.”
Defending the title!! Congrats to @Canevin_BB on capturing second straight #WPIAL title from #WTAE https://t.co/jAbYy4ZnfJ
— Andrew Stockey (@astockeyWTAE) March 3, 2022
Congratulations to our District Champions! pic.twitter.com/Y4AQitMSYo
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) March 4, 2022
Congrats to the 4A District 12 Champs! ?@WoodGirlsBball? pic.twitter.com/ho3H2Zf1sg
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 2, 2022
The high school boys fencing team defeated Seton LaSalle & Pine Richland on #SeniorNight and secured a spot in playoffs! ? They face off tonight @ 6:30 PM in the 1st round of the PIFA playoffs vs Fox Chapel at Taylor Allderdice Gymnasium.#AquinasAthletes #fencing #Playoffs pic.twitter.com/4s5NSSYn1W
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 4, 2022
PJW Jr High State Wrestling Championship: Friday night
Eli Herring TF 21-5 2:00
Austin Carfley TF 17-2 2:13 on
Melvin Miller TF 17-2 2:25
Bo Bassett TF 17-2 1:30
CJ Pensiero TF 16-1 2:00
CJ Pensiero F 2:24
Sam Herring TF 29-13 3:56
Jackson (1/2)
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) March 5, 2022
All love! ???? https://t.co/DxU9DMSts7
— Bethlehem Catholic Boys Basketball (@BecaBasketball) March 5, 2022
DISTRICT 10 CHAMPIONS!!! 12 BACK TO BACK!!! #KCPRIDE #LEADDONTFOLLOW #SENIOR SO PROUD OF OUR TEAM.. ROAD TO STATES!!!! pic.twitter.com/0j1V0gOOal
— Bellah DiNardo (Isabellah) (@BellahDinardo) March 5, 2022
A special moment shared in the dressing room after today’s playoff game. It’s our program’s 28th D10 championship & our 12th in a row! We honor those that have come before us and the Little Eagles to come after. We’re proud to represent Kennedy Catholic into the next round. ??? pic.twitter.com/7OCW0xSvLy
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) March 6, 2022
2/2 Today was a historical day, @LCCrusaders debuted our firstever girls' flag football team with @Eagles Girls Flag Football Kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field. They took home a 13-0 victory over Science Leadership Academy at Beeber @AOPathletics @Mater_Dei_CS @StJudeChalfont pic.twitter.com/8ji1DcqOBD
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) March 6, 2022
Congrats to NDGP SE Regional AA Team Champs.
11 wrestlers advance to States.
?Schweitzer?Chletsos?Garcia
?Smith?Maag?Tettemer
?Vaughn
Blobe 4th
LaPenna 5th Ramsay 5th
Feltman 6th
Ludlow 7th pic.twitter.com/yTzlv4JyAr— Notre Dame-Green Pond Wrestling (@NDGPwrestle) March 6, 2022
St. Hubert thanks the @Eagles @EaglesComms for an incredible start to the Girls Flag Football League! The Bambies had a blast kicking off their first season at the Lincoln Financial Field ????? @AOPathletics @AOPS_Schools @PhSportsDigest @joeymason70 @BobKellyFOX29 pic.twitter.com/f5CyT7Vkw6
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) March 6, 2022
FRAN THE MAN!@ND_Crusaders Francesco D’Avella sets 2A record in 100 breaststroke, laying down a swift 58.88 seconds to win second title at this year’s @PIAADistrictXI championships. He won 200 IM on Friday. ??@mcall @lvvarsity pic.twitter.com/nOfM98c3aa
— Michael Blouse (@MichaelBlouse) March 5, 2022
Bethlehem Catholic captures District XI 4A Championship over Wilson Area @BecaBasketball @WASDAthletics1 @D11Sports pic.twitter.com/MjL78ynWHH
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) March 5, 2022
The Lady Chargers finish as WPIAL Runners-Up! Congrats on a great game, girls! Now, onto States ? The team will play in the first round of PIAA playoffs on Tuesday at the AAC. Let’s go, Chargers! ??? pic.twitter.com/ZakYxnBx6y
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) March 5, 2022
Final: Marian 44 Nativity 20. Girls basketball will play Lourdes Regional next Wednesday at Lourdes in the first round of the state playoffs. @ScottDudinskie
— Nativity Athletics (@nbvmathletics) March 5, 2022
Marian Catholic receiving their District XI Championship trophy @Marian_CathHS @PIAADistrictXI pic.twitter.com/vvE0Shkcx0
— Skook News (@SkookNews) March 5, 2022
Huge Upset Win!! Survive & Advance!! #McD??? @LadyCruBBall pic.twitter.com/e6c3gEAAxJ
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) March 5, 2022
CHAMPIONS!!!!!@NCHSGirlsBB are you @wpial7 3A Girls Basketball Champions for the 21st time! pic.twitter.com/ycUXAiJac6
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) March 4, 2022
Congratulations Fellas. Go Hawks! ?? https://t.co/ZwVYlPLho5
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) March 2, 2022
Congrats to @Carroll_GBball on their 6A District 12 Championship. First round of states next week! Stay posted for details #rollpats pic.twitter.com/iH0NpzFWZx
— Carroll Athletics (@ACHSathletics) March 3, 2022
2021-22 PCL Wrestling All-Catholic honorees announced https://t.co/ZQPL8c94jF @PhSportsDigest @BucksLocalSport @PaPrepLive pic.twitter.com/HQoYmBtqvE
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 2, 2022
FINAL – Trinity 83 Littlestown 62. District Third Place. ??? #begreatnotgood pic.twitter.com/cvK927Pf3Y
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) March 3, 2022
Varsity Girls played tough and we’re ahead most of the game before taking the loss in today’s CAL Championship. It was a great season with dedicated players, coaches and fan base! https://t.co/3SjrK0kOH3
— Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary (@GMAelem) March 3, 2022
The Crusaders end their season with a 14-10 record with a 69-61 loss to Boiling Springs. Congrats on going on a 7 game winning streak after starting the year at 5-6. We have two fantastic seniors moving on Noah Guyer and Gabe Vellios!
— Bishop McDevitt Boys Basketball (@McDBoysBball) March 3, 2022
OC has launched a new leadership initiative called E3: Engaged, Empowered, Empowering. Last week, the inaugural cohort met for some team building activities. ?#femaleleadership #watchthemsoar pic.twitter.com/gFzBVQLsZN
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) March 7, 2022
Catholic schools are just different, man. It’s an investment in education and faith. Great article talking about our special students and their faith as the Lenten season begins. #Catholic #KCPride ??? https://t.co/fzAXzk9DzP
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) March 3, 2022
Our team had so much fun handing out the pit awards!#omgrobotics @LCCrusaders pic.twitter.com/JIOI5t6B1P
— FRC 272 Cyber Crusaders (@CyberCrusaders) March 6, 2022
Congrats to all 9 Monarchs ( One is missing from the pic)that competed today at the PCFL finals. 5 of these students will be traveling to Washington DC to compete at the NCFL National Tournament! #gma4n6 #gofightwin #bebold #team #foreverteam. pic.twitter.com/5XSlpSfJuq
— GMA Speech and Debate (@gma4n6) March 6, 2022
Crusader shout-out to our Parents Association for organizing last night’s Mother-Son Dance! Great to see traditions return like the Seniors presenting roses to their moms. ???????#MomProm pic.twitter.com/txkylnIyNy
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) March 6, 2022
Recently our Rebels went on a ski trip to Seven Springs! Thank you to Mrs. KR and Mrs. Bentley for putting the trip together for our students. #BeAdventurous #BeARebel #SevenSprings pic.twitter.com/vNNZPCgwRY
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) March 7, 2022
Our #YCFutures are having a great time at “Crafts with the Cast of The Wizard of Oz!” Catch the show tonight at 7PM or tomorrow at 2 PM. pic.twitter.com/POkq7etIkN
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) March 5, 2022
Starting out our @Kolbe_Academy Student Retreat with #Adoration. #RealPresence #saintsandscholars @AllentownDioces @AtownDioceseEDU @BishopSchlert @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/LdSyA6ykR3
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) March 4, 2022
3/4 Kindly note, the All Catholic Chorus & Jazz Band Concert is scheduled for this Sunday, March 6th, at @Bonner_Prendie and the All Catholic Orchestra Concert will be held on Sunday, March 20th, at @LCCrusaders. pic.twitter.com/5okZlKptCY
— Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools (@AOPS_Schools) March 4, 2022
Congratulations to the Winter Guard who placed third at the Penn Trafford Show this past weekend! Great job ladies! pic.twitter.com/F4tD7jnLZs
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 4, 2022
Faculty Appreciation Friday!
Today’s theme: "Hands down the best staff around" accompany by Bath & Body Hand soaps. Thank you Baldo family ??#ndgrateful #facultyappreciationfriday #faithfulloyaltrue pic.twitter.com/PxIZgkVHEC— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) March 4, 2022
Congratulations and welcome to Paulina and Andrew, newly accepted #Shanahan Eagles of the Class of 2026! We are so excited for you and can't wait to see you this fall. (Send your #BSHS2026 photos to social@shanahan.org) pic.twitter.com/gdzslpQJfl
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) March 4, 2022
Students assembled a gift containing sacramentals blessed by Bishop William J. Waltersheid. The gift was sent home to Aquinas families on Ash Wednesday to enourage spiritual growth and protection of families during this season of #Lent.
#Catholic #sacramentals #LivingTheFaith pic.twitter.com/N6iSpHI5SO— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 4, 2022
The 4th installment of our series on Maternal and Early Childhood Issues looks at the role the Wolf Administration has played in curtailing Catholic adoption efforts in Pennsylvania.
A woman we’ll call Kelly talked with me about her adoption a number of years ago through Catholic charities. She learned details of what happened as she got older. Kelly says it could have worked out any better.
Kelly’s story was a familiar one for decades, but one that is happening less and less in many states across the country, as officials have placed restrictions on adoption agencies that contradict their long-held beliefs.
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf several years ago joined Democratic governors in other states to require adoption agencies to place children with same-sex parents in order to get funding. That requirement by Governor Wolf would be in direct contrast with the long-standing Catholic belief that a marriage is between a man and a woman. It is that parental combination, Catholics believe, that is the best way to raise a child.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference appealed to the Wolf Administration for a religious exemption. It was denied in 2018, basically causing most adoption efforts by Catholic organizations in PA to grind to a halt. Similar regulations have been shutting down Catholic adoption agencies across the U.S. ever since Boston Catholic Charities did so in 2006.
The efforts by the PCC to remove this burden continued on both the state and federal level. We sent an appeal to the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington to grant us a religious exemption. We worked closely with U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly on getting federal relief. A number of state senators sent a letter to President Trump asking him to provide relief for our efforts.
We’re hoping that a recent Supreme Court ruling involving foster care services by Catholic Charities in Philadelphia. Fulton vs. the City of Philadelphia started when the city said it would no longer contract with Catholic Social Services because CSS would not certify same-sex couples to be foster parents In response, two foster mothers—Sharonell Fulton and Toni Simms-Busch—and the CSS sued the city, arguing that severing the contract violated their religious freedom. Fulton and Simms-Busch, the mothers who are plaintiffs, claim it was their Catholic faith that inspired them to be foster mothers.After losing in two lower courts, they petitioned the Supreme Court, which first agreed to hear the case in February 2020.
Over a year later the Court ruled that the city’s refusal due to the agency’s same-sex couple policy violated the Free Exercise Clause. Great news and a big win for religious liberty.
The PCC is hoping the principal will carry over into adoptions, but the damage may have already been done.
In 2019 the Diocese of Greensburg closed its adoption and foster care program after 65 years because of the decision by the Wolf Administration. Adoptions were halted by Catholic agencies in other parts of the state. Will the adoption work done by these organizations ever return to what it once was? We can only hope and pray.
Today’s PCC Podcast looks at the possibility of Catholics helping refugees from Ukraine, something the PCC was involved with in 1975 after the fall of Saigon. Also we have the exchange between President Biden and a reporter who questions his stance on abortion. And a few more entertaining exchanges during this week’s state budget hearings in Harrisburg.
Our series on maternal and early childhood issues continues today with a two-part story on Genesis Women’s Clinics, focusing on the work of Wendy Burpee. She is the Executive Director of two of the clinics in southeastern PA. Hers is an amazing story of transformation.
There are those who find their calling in life very early on…there are many others who find the road to that calling takes a bit longer and can be much more difficult. Such was the case for Wendy Burpee. She is now the Executive Director for Genesis Women’s Clinics of Phoenixville and Pottstown, PA. But after her first year in college, that seemed like a very distant possibility.
“Went off and decided to do my own thing and ended up getting in some situations that I regretted and involved with a guy that I didn’t have to get involved with, Wendy said.”
She ended up having three abortions, including one that almost turned fatal.
“Within two days or so I ended up hemorrhaging and was rushed to a hospital where I had emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, which saved by life.”
But she says she could pull herself out of that relationship until she ran into an old friend showed up with a moving van to her apartment and started taking stuff out of the apartment. It helped Wendy turn things around. She got married and had three kids, but her new path was not yet charted.
“We raised our kids for 25 years and then I just felt this pull,” Wendy said. “Like there was something I was supposed to be doing, something that God wants from me and I had no idea.”
But then a friend told her about an opening with Genesis Women’s Clinic, which is dedicated to providing confidential advocacy to women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. She got the job and started using her talents to help raise funds but soon found a more hands-on role with Genesis in dealing with their clients.
“Finally I started getting in a room with these women and I couldn’t not tell them my story. I had to tell them so they wouldn’t abort their own child. It was a must.”
We’ll have more on what Genesis has to offer coming up tomorrow.
Today we begin our 9-month campaign to highlight maternal and early childhood issues. March will focus on pregnancy centers and adoption. But to start out we wanted to share this story about a young woman from central PA and her unplanned path to motherhood.
26-year old Victoria has shared countless pictures of her young son, Rowan, on social media. It’s hard to tell who is having more fun—mom or son.
“He’s a blast,” she said. “He’s got a lot of personality.”
But the mood was much different back in January of 2020 when Victoria found out that she was pregnant.
“My nurse helped me set up an appointment with Planned Parenthood. That was the first thought that went through my head. Oh my God, how am I going to do this? I can’t do this.”
The fateful encounter was a casual one and Victoria was not in a relationship with the father. Her first healthcare visit led her to believe that she was only a couple of months pregnant. Subsequent tests revealed she was actually 17 weeks along. The proposed meeting with Planned Parenthood never took place.
“My views changed when I was told 17 weeks. There was absolutely no way I would ever do that. My first thought when I thought I was not as far along was that I was going to go with the abortion but then once I had time to think about it, I don’t think could have gone through with it anyways.”
Victoria says she had a good support system with her family, along with the father and his family. But they she was told that a test revealed there was a 46% chance that her baby would have Down syndrome. Further tests were inconclusive and Victoria was facing a ton of uncertainty.
“I actually decided not to get an amnio. I didn’t want to risk a miscarriage. I figured it’s going to be what it’s going to be. They treated me as a false positive and then he was diagnosed at birth.”
But before Victoria learned of that diagnosis and has she was groggily chatting with a nurse following delivery, she heard something that struck her deeply.
“I was like, oh the doctor said he was going to have Down syndrome and went into the whole story and she said—I remember this specifically—would you love him any differently if he did have Down syndrome? And I said no.”
Victoria says Rowan went through some health issues and had to have surgery to correct a gastrointestinal issue. She says that ever since he had that he’s rarely ever in a bad mood. And Victoria has heard from people all over the world who have found out about her situation and have reached out to her through Instagram for advice.
“Trying to tell people—It’s definitely scary at first, but once you get into your own routine and swing of things the positive moments outweigh the scary moments and the hard moments.”
Today’s PCC Podcast acknowledges the shadow that events in Ukraine cast on all political developments in the U.S. Still, we recap yesterday’s Senate vote in Washington on the radical abortion bill and we have a short excerpt from today’s budget hearings before the PA Senate with Josh Shapiro.
Best Student Section Ever! #AquinasStudentSection #Basketball #OnToSemiFinals pic.twitter.com/wK6R94OPtI
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) February 25, 2022
Good luck this weekend @LCCrusaders @Lcswimteam1 @lc_swim_ as they compete in PCL and Districts @LaSalleUniv @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @LC_STEM @Mater_Dei_CS @corpuschristi_s @MMRSchool @StJudeChalfont @AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/Ai4DE4WvJP
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) February 25, 2022
Off to West Greene for Round2????#OnlyUs pic.twitter.com/4fq1OOgGv0
— Bishop Canevin Girls Basketball (@Canevingbb) February 24, 2022
BB//?GAMEDAY
?? | District Playoffs
?| United
?| United HS
?| 7:00 PM#CrusherPride pic.twitter.com/SdwLK2mxO0— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) February 23, 2022
The Vikings take on the Butler Golden Tornados this Friday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Central Catholic. Tickets will be sold online.
Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for general admission.
Purchase here:https://t.co/uUIB7LA0oF…@PCC_Hoops #RollVikes ? pic.twitter.com/ym1XF0aOzv
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) February 23, 2022
? Lady Rebels get the win against Greensburg Central Catholic 46-30! Seton was led by —
? Mallory Daly with 34
Moving on to the SEMIFINALS!! Let’s go!!!!! #PathToThePete #RebelPride @SLS_Athletics
— Seton LaSalle Girls Basketball (@SLS_LadyRebels) February 25, 2022
Senior Night ?
Thankful for my team & family. Amazing school support & career high. #38points #mariancolts pic.twitter.com/e1dDUY6FVD— Brendan Lonergan (@lonergan_23) February 20, 2022
Congratulations and best of luck to the #BSHS Swim Team as they head to Districts this Friday and/or Saturday in York, PA! Full details at https://t.co/Uq7C98IoVt! pic.twitter.com/NhDq9j7ImN
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 24, 2022
Go, Crusaders! ? https://t.co/H29wpq9w26
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) February 25, 2022
#VillaPride https://t.co/u0VmZjk901
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) February 24, 2022
Prep placed first as a team in the AAA individual wrestling tournament Thursday. D-10 champions included: Keagan Oler (106), Cyrus Hurd (120), Jake VanDee (126), Sam Staab (132), Steffan Lynch (145) and Kaemen Smith (152). Regionals are next weekend in Altoona. pic.twitter.com/13WOKykPuy
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) February 25, 2022
Good luck to our Wood Swim Team as they compete in the PCL Swim Championship today at La Salle University. Go Vikings! ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/IKpASeM5A9
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) February 25, 2022
The final seconds from last night’s win at West Greene! @Canevingbb battled back from 10 down to earn a spot in the @wpial7 semifinals on Monday night at North Hills at 8pm vs Union!!!@BishopStudent pic.twitter.com/aXwRakGlNc
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) February 25, 2022
Congratulations to #RomanBowling who beat Conwell-Egan today to advance to the PCL Championship this Saturday at 11:00 AM at Bristol Pike Lanes against @FJAthletics! @RomanCatholicHS @AOPathletics #RCHS pic.twitter.com/dbXDAt6p1D
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) February 24, 2022
Your Crusader Bowling team advances to the CHIP with a narrow victory over LaSalle. Championship will take place on Saturday, 11am at Bristol Pike Lanes. @FatherJudgeHS
— Father Judge Athletics (@FJAthletics) February 24, 2022
Carroll and O’Hara will meet in the PCL Championship for the first time since 2008, when O’Hara won 48-45 according to https://t.co/LCn4S6NBmC. Here is a look back at the championship games since 2008.
Full list of girls PCL Champions can be found here:https://t.co/Jbjfg9JxCp pic.twitter.com/q8VBmLWkDP— PCL Girls Basketball Fans (@PCLGirlsBBall) February 25, 2022
775! With the win last night in the first round of District Playoffs, Coach Larry Kostelac, Jr secured career win #775! Congratulations! Here’s to many more! ??? pic.twitter.com/X20yK8COmc
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) February 25, 2022
In PCL semifinal action, @ARyanbasketball defeats @BurrsBasketball 59-55 to face @NGSaintsHoops in the championship on Monday at the Palestra. @AR_Athletics @hooplove215 @jmverlin @PhSportsDigest pic.twitter.com/snKumCPVBs
— Dan Hilferty (@ShotbyDH) February 24, 2022
#Trojanettes with the 61-33 victory over Laurel tonight to advance to the #WPIAL semi-finals on Saturday! Dacia Lewandowski (20 points) and Alayna Rocco (24 points) paced the #Trojanettes.
— North Catholic Girls Basketball (@NCHSGirlsBB) February 23, 2022
Squire wrestlers, J. Emeigh '22, D. Giraffa '24, A.Reichart '22, and S. Scovitch '22 will compete in the District 3 Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. at Central Dauphin East H.S.
For more info see https://t.co/IRDZs8h1YQ….@Squire_Nation#SquireNation #DCHSAthletics pic.twitter.com/qa7pv3FXLF— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) February 23, 2022
Big time Congrats to Senior Maggie Doogan on her 1000 point last night!!!! Hard work pays off!!! Keep it going!!?????? pic.twitter.com/R4iOT0247w
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) February 23, 2022
Congrats to the #BSHS girls' basketball team who defeated Harriton HS yesterday evening at home! The team will play in the next round of District Playoffs this Friday night at 7 PM at Springfield High School in Delaware County. More info will be added as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/INDdbsVg42
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 23, 2022
And I can’t forget – our very own senior, Sarah Kelly sang the National Anthem to open up the weekend! #COHSswim pic.twitter.com/5w5jrmMjqi
— Cardinal O’Hara Swimming (@Ohara_swimming) February 25, 2022
Spirit week is right around the corner! This year, we are expanding the celebration to all who love Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Every gift has an impact on our students—current and future. Make your gift today: https://t.co/QWEq6f8tx3 pic.twitter.com/HIEm7G2Fiy
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) February 24, 2022
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed, kindle in the hearts of all men the true love of peace, and guide with Your pure and peaceable wisdom those who make decisions for the nations of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. #PrayForPeace ??? pic.twitter.com/fRrXGjiozY
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) February 24, 2022
On #Twosday, we honored the Great Prep Class of 2022 with pretzels on the McClory Terrace. Can't wait to celebrate #SJP2022 this spring as they move towards graduation in June. pic.twitter.com/iUGLSFaDJv
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) February 24, 2022
Using technology to disconnect! Mrs. Anselmo (and YouTube) taught students how to turn a simple sheet of paper into a bird, as a fun stress reliever.#OCcollaborativecommunity pic.twitter.com/KF3tIEQDLx
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 23, 2022
Enjoy the musical talents of YC students at “The Wizard of Oz” Friday 3/4 at 7 PM; Saturday 3/5 at 7 PM; and Sunday 3/6 at 2 PM. Adults $10; Students (age 5-18) $8. All seats are General Admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the show. #YCHeart pic.twitter.com/7ooHb1aqwv
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) February 23, 2022
Preparing for the future! The #saintsandscholars in College and Career Planning course at @ND_Crusaders students interviewed each other with some typical questions for job or college interviews – helping these students be ready the future! #futureleaders #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/qhntjmnVry
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) February 25, 2022
TOMORROW is our McAuley's Pub Night event! All members of the Gwynedd community are invited to join in on the fun. Purchase tickets to win $1,861 through our Pot of Gold Raffle. Visit https://t.co/oW3HvsOtIr to purchase tickets and bid on auction items. pic.twitter.com/fBwc91lHOf
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) February 25, 2022
Good Morning! We are super excited as today begins PRETZEL POWER FRIDAYS! ?
Each Friday, fresh, warm, and delicious Pretzels will be sold at Recess for $1.00! We are already hungry and ready to indulge in some yummy pretzel goodness! ?
Let's make today a fantastic Friday! ? pic.twitter.com/EK5Vy0yXEA
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) February 25, 2022
"When it comes to prayer, there is strength in numbers."https://t.co/P7iWeqFZKZ@SquireWire #SquireStrong #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife #AsDoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/s0k8c6VmTH
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) February 25, 2022
The girls in the OLSH STEM Club attended BotIQ Girls in Engineering Day today to discuss experiments and explore careers in the engineering field! #olshchargers #STEM pic.twitter.com/BkxGCs9adZ
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) February 24, 2022
B&P Student Council is hosting a Blood Drive on Tuesday, March 1 from 8AM-2PM through the American Red Cross.
Students can register in Student Affairs. Alumni, Parents, Faculty and Staff can sign sign up today by filling out this form:
https://t.co/4PKi6MIJRT pic.twitter.com/d0z5DA5h1l— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) February 24, 2022
For Valentine's Day, Mrs. Westine's third graders created "St. Valentine Scripture Heart Wreaths." Each student included verses about love from the bible on individual hearts, connecting them to an image of the Holy Family-the ultimate expression of love! Aren't they beautiful? pic.twitter.com/DlfEUHEXeF
— South Hills Catholic Academy (@southcatholicpa) February 23, 2022
The Ethical Leader Award was presented for the months of December and January. Hannah Hughes '23, nominated by Mrs. Katrina Koffel, was presented with December's award. Eleanor Jones '23, nominated by Mrs. Trish Giangiulio, was presented with January's award. pic.twitter.com/U4vCfbXTLd
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) February 20, 2022
Our staff and students celebrated “Twos” day with student created hats, pairs of scarves, belts, ties, and bows. Each student also received a pair of Oreo cookies as a treat. @AllentownDioces @AtownDioceseEDU @NCEATALK @CathSchoolNews pic.twitter.com/TafPExz35K
— SJW School (@stjwschool) February 22, 2022
Today in Forensics @ArchbishopWood @Wood_Vikings we are performing simulated blood typing on four suspects and trying to match one of them to the crime scene evidence. pic.twitter.com/KH0U91E2DO
— Sharon Hartranft (@iteachvikings) February 23, 2022
Father, You encourage unity. You taught us to follow Him and to make peace wherever we can. Lord, teach us to be peacemakers and to walk in a manner that reflects the wondrous peace that is given through Your Spirit in Christ, our Lord. Amen. #PrayForPeace ??? pic.twitter.com/cz31AWwuQo
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) February 24, 2022
???seniors together since freshman year…love these guys and will miss them ??? pic.twitter.com/f2CiLYnsts
— Mercyhurst Prep (@mpslakers) February 16, 2022
Congratulations to Coach Hahn on earning his 400th win as head coach of the Lady Crushers!
? https://t.co/kJmHP1hrOo pic.twitter.com/wx28ggdJ5G
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) February 18, 2022
Lancaster Catholic girls win their 16th L-L League title with a 58-43 win over Ephrata Thursday night at Manheim Twp. HS @LancasterSports @LancasterOnline @JeffReinhart77 @LadyMountsBball @LCHS_GBBall @CrusaderCrazy #PaGirlsHoops More Pics ? https://t.co/RO9H6MkSzO pic.twitter.com/jvtQwL1f9t
— Chris Knight (@phojoknight) February 18, 2022
The @HGPBasketball team begins PIAA District 1 playoff action tonight at 7 p.m. at @svbbball17. We need our terrific student section, so grab your seat on the @HolyGhostPrep fan bus. #ThinkBrotherhood #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/6TpEQ6e3Zj
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) February 18, 2022
Congratulations to all my girls & especially the seniors —y’all have earned every win! KiKi, Cydney, Steph, & Kourtney!! ???? #goals #GoHawks https://t.co/olx57w5B9a
— Melanie Wilson (@AlwaysMsMel) February 18, 2022
Congratulations Mike! He’s a winner! @MichaelPMcD https://t.co/M42u6yQvV9
— Kevin Lynch (@klhoops) February 18, 2022
It was a week of SENIOR celebrations for our basketball teams!! Please help us congratulate a great group of young women and men! Thank you for your dedication to Prep and the game you love! We are truly blessed you shared your talents with us over the past four years! ?? pic.twitter.com/rbu6DFPNtu
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) February 16, 2022
Our cheerleaders do a great job with energizing the crowd at our sporting events, and our seniors had a chance to ring the Prendie bell, a newer tradition for teams on our campus, at Sunday's boys basketball game #mbapchs pic.twitter.com/b597cDzthD
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) February 16, 2022
Congratulations to the JV team on finishing their season UNDEFEATED…18-0!!! #VillaPride pic.twitter.com/QSntHTFAKf
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) February 18, 2022
???????
Congrats to our Senior Cheerleaders on an outstanding campaign! A @PIAADistrictXI crown then Nationals. So proud of our Golden Hawks!?????? ?????
????? ???????
???? ?????
???????? ?????
?????? ?????? pic.twitter.com/1zy1qFPz4k— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) February 16, 2022
Shout-out to senior swimmer Quinn Buck who broke the pool record in the 50m Freestyle at today’s meet vs Father Judge with a time of :21.41, breaking the old pool record of :21.44 set back in 2017. Congrats Quinn! pic.twitter.com/lrZAPKWR1g
— La Salle Sports (@LaSalle_Sports) February 15, 2022
Came up short tonight but proud of the way our guys battled. Appreciate the effort they showed and the support of @PjpSection and our fans. #PJPProud
Congrats to @MHS_BoysBBall on a terrific season and a strong performance tonight. https://t.co/pfxtFieyJb
— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) February 16, 2022
Congratulations to the Pandas Track and Field team who won the PCL Title last Sunday! See full results below:https://t.co/boxmMqLcjP#PrendiePride
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) February 15, 2022
2021-22 PCL Boys' Basketball All-Catholic Team Announced https://t.co/60MCYynheM @InqPotosky @richflanagan33 @BucksLocalSport @PaPrepLive @ADRobinson3 @PhSportsDigest @johnknebels @DelcoSports @jmverlin @boblongsports @HuckPalmer @DelgrecoWilson pic.twitter.com/EylnJY1FJW
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) February 15, 2022
FINAL! Trinity 53 Big Spring 45 ?????? ONTO MID PENN CHAMPIONSHIPS! @ Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School https://t.co/4cPsD1bHNX
— RocksGBB (@RocksGBB) February 16, 2022
Girls basketball wraps up their regular season with a 31-11 victory over Northwest.
— Nativity Athletics (@nbvmathletics) February 16, 2022
Celebrating our Bowling Seniors! pic.twitter.com/JTgjkB3YMB
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) February 15, 2022
As part of Valentine's Day at Bishop Canevin members of the WPIAL Champion Crusader Football team greeted all female classmates and faculty members with a flower and a treat! We appreciate these gentlemen setting a great example on how to show appreciation to others! pic.twitter.com/tD9g9Z9qAT
— Bishop Canevin (@bishopcanevin) February 15, 2022
Inter-Ac Co-Champs! pic.twitter.com/Ov7yZOlimv
— Malvern Prep Friars (@MPFriars) February 16, 2022
Congratulations to Justin Moore '22 on being named 1st team All-Catholic for the 2022 ?season. Good luck in the PCL and PIAA state playoffs Justin! #LFL @AOPathletics @McDBoysHoops pic.twitter.com/VyBLmpWliE
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) February 15, 2022
?D10 Region 1 Girls Basketball:
Kennedy 63?
Mercer 17
Another big win for the Lady Golden Eagles!
P Gilmore 11
B DiNardo 10
Layke Fields 9
I Bianco 9
M Vincent 8
H Keith 8
A Jones 4
A Suhar 4
18-2 (12-0)
On to Thursday. #Balance #BigGoals ??@BobGreenburg @professorbriggs— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) February 15, 2022
Get ready! The varsity basketball team made the District One Tournament. Round? this Friday @ The Mount. Time TBD later this week! pic.twitter.com/eIp0FYpLbo
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) February 14, 2022
Mrs. Roach's Junior Religion classes are working hard in the OC Innovation Lab! Each student is working on an individual project from advent calendars to rosary bead holders. #InnovationLab??? pic.twitter.com/Ix5SAEagug
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 18, 2022
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) February 17, 2022
Kindergarten celebrated their 100th Day of School this week!#AquinasTradition #100thDayOfSchool #CatholicSchool pic.twitter.com/c4zB3xVM3E
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) February 18, 2022
Brother Eric's Chemistry 2 course was held outside this afternoon to study freezing point depression. By shaking together a sealed bag of milk, rock salt, and ice, students were able to create and enjoy their own homemade ice cream. pic.twitter.com/batombVg8H
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) February 16, 2022
CSC Packing Bags to send to our Troops. We’ll make over 100 bags thanks to our Catholic Schools Week collection! #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/fA2LpQgyd1
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) February 14, 2022
GSC Student Council members and their moderator’s (Mrs. Alexis Wilson’s) sixth-grade students fulfilled and delivered Valentine’s Day candy gram orders this (Monday) afternoon that were placed by and for students. It was a sweet treat for all involved in giving and receiving. pic.twitter.com/h3XbbJFoAg
— gscelem (@GSCelem) February 14, 2022
Thank you CSC for helping to organize classmates to write notes and decorate Valentine's Day cards to deliver to Surrey Services. #SHAgoal3 #service pic.twitter.com/ioOih837G1
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) February 15, 2022
SHARING KINDNESS! Yesterday was "Random Acts of Kindness" day and our #saintsandscholars imitated Christ's kindness to their classmates and teachers through small acts of service and love. We are so proud of our students! #faithserviceexcellence pic.twitter.com/KfGzdHn5CG
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) February 18, 2022
On Wednesday after school, members of @LCCrusaders #EFA learned about fashion, entertainment, the arts, and food and ended it with some soul food @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @aoptech pic.twitter.com/7YvpMBpm0h
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) February 18, 2022
Over the coming days, we will be sharing the Second Quarter Honor Roll Report! Congratulations to all of these studious young men and women for their commitment to academic rigor and excellence at #BSHS. Today we congratulate the Seniors who have received First Honors! pic.twitter.com/YxHXu7sWBi
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 18, 2022
Third Grade students shared cards and expressed their gratitude to others in celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day. @AllentownDioces @AtownDioceseEDU @CathSchoolNews @NCEATALK pic.twitter.com/V8GpgBuSiE
— SJW School (@stjwschool) February 18, 2022
Thank you to our friends at John Paul II Center for catering our lunch for Random Act of Kindness Day. pic.twitter.com/q41JwBZyzL
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) February 18, 2022
During Catholic Schools Week, Delone Catholic and 2 partner schools created canned food statues with donated canned goods. All donations went to Roots For Boots and the Hanover Council of Churches! Vote for your favorite at https://t.co/WlrJxadRjN.#DoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/D06PzxkvNw
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) February 18, 2022
Our Middle School mathletes competed in the virtual regional MathCounts Lincoln Chapter Competition today. #YCMind pic.twitter.com/rAJRL84DjR
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) February 17, 2022
During Catholic Schools Week, Ms. Novak asked her third grade students to express why they like South Hills Catholic Academy. All of the responses are so thoughtful and positive.
— South Hills Catholic Academy (@southcatholicpa) February 17, 2022
A tradition unlike any other. The annual Talent Show at Malvern Prep. pic.twitter.com/ts5036ew1U
— Patrick Sillup (@psillup) February 17, 2022
Gwynedd's Performing Arts Department recently started a string quartet! Members Tori Starynski '23, Jessica Crocker '24, Molly Meehan '23, and Charlotte Ormond '23 are being led by Ms. Karen Banos, violin faculty member. We look forward to hearing them play this spring! pic.twitter.com/4wNIoMDrcO
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) February 17, 2022
Join us Thursday, March 3rd for Serra Catholic’s Open House. Discover our academics, clubs, sports, & music program. Parents will be able to attend workshops on financial aid, college in high school, school counseling, & other topics. We hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/V4Z0Yg3ejw
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) February 17, 2022
Good Morning, Saint Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School Family and Happy National Random Acts of Kindness Day! ???? pic.twitter.com/B7MB3ltBsT
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) February 17, 2022
Congratulations BCBC DECA Quiz Bowl team! They are State Champions and Bound for the International Conference and Competition… Atlanta here we come!@BCHSTheologyIV pic.twitter.com/kcwSVPUWtE
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) February 17, 2022
Mr. Palmer passionately spoke to students about #HearingHealth and #HeadphoneTechnology. The discussion included facts about hearing, differet types of headphones, and steps to take to protect your hearing long-term. ??#OCcollaborativecommunity pic.twitter.com/EwOxPXqrNv
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 16, 2022
Canned good collected during Catholic Schools Week were donated to the Chester County Food Bank! Theresa Tomasicchio '22, Melissa Eaglehouse '23, and Grace Breslin '25 transported the 547 pounds of food! pic.twitter.com/htoVYGoPMS
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 16, 2022
Today’s PCC Podcast explains why we report on so many different issues and happenings at the PA Capitol.
Today’s PCC Podcast has highlights from a contentious first session of budget hearings before the PA State House Appropriations Committee. The Dept. of Revenue/Lottery gets grilled by a number of lawmakers. Featured here are Reps. Ryan Warner, Patty Kim, Jesse Topper, Greg Rothman, Gary Day and Stan Saylor.
???Lady Lakers take the win over Girard…thank you to all that came out to support a good cause …Laker Pride Shooting for a Cure??? pic.twitter.com/0qcAbNfZN4
— Mercyhurst Prep (@mpslakers) February 10, 2022
We love our SHoops seniors! A big crowd was on hand last night to honor Kathryn, Bella, Ainsley, Jacky, Kyra and Abby on Senior Night. Thank you ladies for your years of dedication to SHA Basketball!??? #SHAthletics #SHAbrynmawr pic.twitter.com/mNyHK3c4CD
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) February 9, 2022
all a team effort!! let’s keep it goin?? https://t.co/PuaozWqKYj
— Ryanne Allen (@RyRyBuckets) February 9, 2022
Congrats Seniors!! ???? pic.twitter.com/FO8KuwQi9i
— Trinity High School Athletics (@thsshamrocks) February 8, 2022
Congratulations to the Lady Crusader Basketball Team & Staff (15-6) for capturing a share of the Mid Penn Capital Division Title along side Trinity. The team w/ the higher power rating as of Saturday will determine the Mid Penn Playoff berth. @LadyCruBBall ????? pic.twitter.com/rh5z2ap6Qh
— Joel Falcone (@CoachFalcone) February 8, 2022
Congratulations to the Boys Swimming Team (6-0, 6-1) – 2021-22 Mid Penn Keystone Division Champions! Congratulations to the Girls Team as well on a great dual meet season (5-1, 5-2)! #McD @mcdswimdive pic.twitter.com/t4mKfZI5nu
— McDAthletics (@HailToTheeMcD) February 8, 2022
Tonight our cheer team performed for Friends and Family prior to Nationals. Best of luck at Nationals girls- we are so proud of you! Awesome job, girls and coaches! pic.twitter.com/SwqQwCFDuy
— Nazareth Athletics (@NAZ_Athletics) February 8, 2022
Our Lady Hawks battled but came up short 43-32 tonight. Keep chopping. Proud of our JH & JV teams in picking up W’s tonight vs Nazareth #ABC ?
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) February 8, 2022
Brooke Mcfadden ('24) was named the Conwell-Egan Catholic Girls Basketball Player of the Game. Brooke McFadden had 15 pts on 7/14 shooting plus 5 rebounds in our matchup with Neumann-Gorettihttps://t.co/Exrj54sXXK via @MaxPreps
— CEC Girls Basketball (@CECGB) February 8, 2022
The boys basketball team said farewell to seniors Michael, Antonio, Theo, & Nick in style last night, as they beat Propel-Andrew Street 63-41 to earn a 2nd trip to the WPIAL playoffs! ?#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #Basketball #playoffbound? pic.twitter.com/3ufcwS5s0i
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) February 10, 2022
Elijah Harden is on ? and the KC students love it! pic.twitter.com/3Orq8HNG2Y
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) February 10, 2022
Senior Night. Join us in celebrating our Senior Players and Managers on Friday night v O’Hara. We will be also contributing to Coaches v Cancer on Friday night. Pink Shirts for our students and $200 half court progressive pot. Pack the fox!! pic.twitter.com/TZRXKRwSQF
— fjhoops (@fjhoops) February 10, 2022
THE END OF AN ERA: Best of luck to @ACCHSVikings Girls Basketball Coach Mike Kopp who is set to retire. A long career spanning four decades- with more than 1000 wins. Good luck in the postseason and enjoy all those great memories of being on the sidelines. ? @ACCHS_Athletics ? https://t.co/czR0nyIKTf pic.twitter.com/d5Pef2PICU
— D11Sports (@D11Sports) February 10, 2022
Can’t believe it is our last PCL regular season!! Quick trip to West Catholic tonight at 6:30!! Go Lions!!!???? pic.twitter.com/r6h3CwVa98
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) February 10, 2022
History in the making today! Our Berks Catholic High School Girls Wrestling Team will compete for the first time ever today at Wyomissing HS. Go get em girls! @WeAreBC55 @BerksCatholic @MrStahlerBC @RE_sports @SpotlightBerks @PaulRobertsCuse @MDrago59 @Wyospartans @WyoAreaSD pic.twitter.com/PUCMNpYeT4
— Jake Latchum (@latchum1) February 9, 2022
These 16 #womeninSTEM are taking the F=ma national physics exam this morning. This is the first round of “auditions” for the U.S. Physics Team. Best of luck to all! pic.twitter.com/KJckZ17Djk
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) February 9, 2022
On Tuesday, February 8th we hosted a Meet and Greet for our Board of Directors. We were especially thankful to our friends at John Paul II Special Learning Center for catering this FUN event.#God #Family #Academics #Fun pic.twitter.com/yGUK1FSBKM
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) February 9, 2022
Congratulations @LCCrusaders honor roll students 2nd qtr ???@AOPS_Schools @AOPathletics @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @PAcatholic @NCEATALK @Lancers4Life_ pic.twitter.com/jm3K3d7oIN
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) February 9, 2022
Make an impact on young women of our region! #OCGiveDay is just one month away! For more information on challenges and how you can participate, visit https://t.co/XR0bUIv6uq! pic.twitter.com/y4un1NqjEj
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 10, 2022
This week, students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades harvested the green star lettuce that they started from seeds in mid-January. With the use of the indoor, vertical hydroponic fork farm, lettuce was ready to harvest in less than 30 days! Next crop is basil! pic.twitter.com/kKqco9qPod
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) February 10, 2022
It’s #MalvernDonorLoveWeek and our students are on the phone to thank our many donors for their support.
There's still time to receive a call from one of our students – show your support for Malvern today!https://t.co/CvUQkBL2On pic.twitter.com/JXfeSppbGE
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) February 10, 2022
The Nutritional Development Services van will be here to pick up the much needed soup in the morning so we will need all donations by 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Thank you so much for your generosity! pic.twitter.com/TXRdsYGQC3
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) February 10, 2022
The Prep's Speak Up Student Leadership Team held a virtual conversation between over 60 students and parents on January 27, and recently came together with the Student Leadership Team at Sacred Heart in Bryn Mawr to discuss the outcomes of this event. pic.twitter.com/9myFpjSEf5
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) February 10, 2022
Congratulations to Elwin Serrao '23 who is our Student of the Month for December & January. Elwin is an alumnus of Blessed Virgin Mary School in Darby and is an active member of bowling, CSC, mock trial, stage crew, and student council #mbapchs pic.twitter.com/Itu82wyHYe
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) February 10, 2022
Congrats to Melanie Jackson and Kimberly Marti for being named semi-finalist of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship! They are among 411 semi-finalist chosen from over 5,300 applications from all over the country! #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/2AQwSKgVCw
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) February 10, 2022
It’s “Wordle Wednesday” in Mrs. Wetter’s classes today! #wordle #wordlewednesday #hchspride?? https://t.co/3XONd9lTKv
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) February 10, 2022
Todays PCC Podcast comes in 2 parts! Part 1 focuses here on yesterday’s PA Senate committee hearing on the prospect of legalizing adult-use cannabis.
Part 2 of today’s PCC Podcast has a quick wrap and lawmaker reaction to the Governor’s budget address.
Congratulations and best wishes to our Senior basketball players and families as they celebrated senior night, last night vs Pen Argyl.
We are #ndproud of you, Lucas Altmire, Brendan Boyle, Jayden Becker, Sean Howlett and Leo McMenimen. ??? pic.twitter.com/YFM5m96eyo— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) February 3, 2022
Wood Girls Basketball Senior Night! ?@WoodGirlsBball? pic.twitter.com/G0kYl5OJBX
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) February 3, 2022
KC girls stay at #2 in the newest Trib HSSN 1A Girls Basketball State Rankings for Feb. 1, 2022 https://t.co/ivXAxRlI63
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) February 2, 2022
What a win for SHoops! Down by 13 at the half vs MaST Charter but made quite a comeback to win it with a buzzer-beater by freshman Grace Brown 31-30! #SHAthletics #shabrynmawr pic.twitter.com/LXmKZ0xTBN
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) February 4, 2022
Girls basketball defeats Shenandoah 42-40. Kami Abdo scored the game winning basket with 25 seconds left.
— Nativity Athletics (@nbvmathletics) February 4, 2022
?New Career High?
Moses Hipps (2024 6’4” SG)
35 points (8/11 from 3) @ Nuemann-Goretti. Mo is averaging 17.7ppg, but also has improved his defensive toughness w/ 4.1rpg.
??? Offers:
?La Salle
?Temple
?Fordham
?VCUBig Spring Ahead w/ @TeamFinalEYBL pic.twitter.com/HASE2LYGip
— Archbishop Carroll Basketball (@carroll_hoops) February 4, 2022
? ??????? pic.twitter.com/7nRCnJlDcn
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) February 3, 2022
8 Cathedral Prep Athletes Sign NLI on Winter Signing Day https://t.co/SNGtR0AIlF #RollRamblers #NationalSigningDay #StudentAthlete pic.twitter.com/01oJuXLKHw
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) February 4, 2022
Participating in sports provides a way to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, but also provides benefits to your emotional well-being by building self-esteem, confidence, and closer connections with classmates and the community.
? OC offers 16 different @wpial7 teams. ? pic.twitter.com/N0SjlMRC9s
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 2, 2022
??GAMEDAY??
Game 17: Senior Day
? Record: 8-8 (2-7)
? Father Judge
? 7:00 pm
? Father Judge#GoPrep #AMDG pic.twitter.com/JMbSV3KskH— St. Joe’s Prep Basketball (@SJP_BB) February 4, 2022
That winning feeling never gets old! @athletics_devon pic.twitter.com/qZgsYQCvX6
— Devon Prep Wrestling (@DPTide_Wrestle) February 4, 2022
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 68, Somerset 37 https://t.co/JmahXdsJUH
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) February 4, 2022
Congratulations to #LaSalleWrestling for capturing the District 12 AAA championship by defeating Northeast High School 64-9! PIAA team states will start on February 10th at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. More details to come! #HailLaSalle pic.twitter.com/3UBL8nweCg
— La Salle Sports (@LaSalle_Sports) February 4, 2022
Nazareth BBall wins tonight 62-61 vs ANC. Abby Rock led all scores with 27 points! Reese Powers 17 points, Rileigh Donohoe with 8 and Nicole Burke with 7. Nice win girls! Congrats!
— Nazareth Athletics (@NAZ_Athletics) February 4, 2022
Mallory Daly, '24 has been named Post Gazette's Athlete of the Week! To read Post-Gazette's article about Mallory's success, click here: https://t.co/XkjT49dwLw#BeAChampion #BeARebel #LetsGoRebels pic.twitter.com/g3zCyM8YD5
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) February 3, 2022
? Crusaders vs. Berlin Brothersvalley // 2.2.2022 pic.twitter.com/ihrtK4yHaY
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) February 3, 2022
What a perfect way to celebrate our Seniors with a huge win ? Such a fun night with our amazing team and family/friends??? We have a special group and are so thankful! #gocarroll #family https://t.co/KXVQBlQsAd
— ACHS Girls Bball (@Carroll_GBball) February 3, 2022
— North Catholic Girls Basketball (@NCHSGirlsBB) February 4, 2022
2021-22 @LadyCruBBall ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/FEOyeLiqiz
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) February 3, 2022
Final.
PJP 48
Pottsgrove 36Golden Panthers punch their ticket back to the PAC Playoffs.
— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) February 4, 2022
Highlights from Boys Basketball Senior Night 2/2/22 #GoWolfPackhttps://t.co/Q0mwTFjtur
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) February 4, 2022
Great night celebrating great kids!! Seniors score 53 points to lead our team to victory!!! pic.twitter.com/bB900zmNuT
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) February 4, 2022
??GAMEDAY?? vs Summit Academy 7:30PM at Summit Academy! #RebelPride @SLS_Athletics
— Seton LaSalle Boys Baskstball? (@slshoops) February 4, 2022
Our school community prayed the rosary for missionaries around the world. @AllentownDioces @CathSchoolNews @AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/6IrAOl23js
— SJW School (@stjwschool) February 4, 2022
Mr. Brandon's 6th Graders enjoyed a great day in their Pajamas with Mr. Cappelli! It has been a wonderful Thursday! ?? pic.twitter.com/HzSzBzNv2j
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) February 3, 2022
Great day for our program spent at our Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club. It was a great practice and Q & A with club members talking motivation, education and ways to lead in life. #ABC ?? pic.twitter.com/ghmXKEYU7V
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) February 4, 2022
Thank you Lindsay Derda, OCHS'08 for speaking at the 2022 #OCCareerSymposium! Lindsay is a strategic marketing leader with a decade of experience at fast-paced, high growth robotics and tech companies. #WatchHerSoar
Learn more about Lindsay: https://t.co/lb9Mtp1w4k pic.twitter.com/B4K2Vgdy1L
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 4, 2022
The ShanaFUNd Day Big Reveal: It's Mrs. Nancy Giunta Riccardo, Class of 1963! See the ShanaFUNd Day results and learn more at https://t.co/RDoeQuKUUL! pic.twitter.com/Sprf7sltNu
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 4, 2022
#CSW22 Teachers are the backbone of Catholic schools. On this day, our schools honor our teachers, as well as administrators and staff who support teachers in their important work, and thank the all those that provide volunteer service. #FaithServiceExcellence pic.twitter.com/fn0FLVoKmL
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) February 4, 2022
The theme for this year's #CatholicSchoolsWeek is faith, excellence & service. Special thnx to our Tech Team for their service to our school! The Tech Team assists Mr. Fonville, our IT Manager, with projects like software installs & Chromebook repairs.??? #ServiceOnSolly pic.twitter.com/8XL4Nrl9Jc
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) February 4, 2022
Today is Student Appreciation Day, and our students bring so much life to Bonner & Prendie each day through their spirit and involvement in campus activities. #B&Pbecause pic.twitter.com/UXvR94kEps
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) February 4, 2022
Thank you to Saints Peter & Paul for hosting our JA students for a day earlier this week! Through the Junior Achievement program, OLSH students get the opportunity to teach elementary school students about economics, business, and generally how the world works. #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/iFSSDy5lVL
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) February 3, 2022
Celebrating Mass together during Catholic Schools Week! #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/xsUyt8kdq9
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) February 4, 2022
NPSS staff members from ?@ColonialIU20? celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week at Notre Dame Elementary in Bethlehem by wearing mixed-matched clothing. Way to be good sports, Jackie and Kate. ?@irishjav? ?@henahan712? pic.twitter.com/AZGFIdsA2T
— Todd VanNortwick, Ed.D. (@IU20NonPubSuper) February 2, 2022
All in for @Kolbe_Academy color day! #AmazingStaff #CSW2022 @AtownDioceseEDU #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/uechrUou4W
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) February 3, 2022
It was a fun dress-down day at the Academy as each grade participated in some fun games. Our boys showed displays of good sportsmanship and, as Mr. Cooney says, "if you had fun, you won!" #CSW22 #sportsmanship #catholiceducation #CatholicSchoolsWeek pic.twitter.com/XeRGf8sJtP
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) February 3, 2022
OLM students in all grades enjoy virtual Spanish classes with Ms. Jimenez each week. When you ask them about Spanish, they reply, " Nos encanta la clase de espanol!" (We love Spanish class!) pic.twitter.com/z55lZlZSWe
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) February 3, 2022
As part of GSC Teacher Appreciation Day, the dedicated, generous and supportive Good Shepherd Home and School Association provided a delicious lunch for faculty and staff. Parents also showed up to monitor the classrooms so the teachers could relax and enjoy this treat together. pic.twitter.com/E6cgNEl8bc
— gscelem (@GSCelem) February 3, 2022
Today we Celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. #southcatholic #saintsalive #classicalcurriculum #catholicschools #pittsburghcatholicschools #lightingtheway #catholicschoolsweek pic.twitter.com/UMJ6MtudjD
— South Hills Catholic Academy (@southcatholicpa) February 2, 2022
#MarianFaith Marian Catholic celebrated Mass to kick off our 2022 Catholic Schools Week celebration! We inducted our newly established Evangelization Team. All theology classes spent time in Eucharistic Adoration. #FaithExcellenceService #CSW2022 #MarianSpirit #BeMarian ?? pic.twitter.com/xBs4evK4Oe
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) February 1, 2022
A fun day is lined up for #CSW22 Today, following the @LCCrusaders Talent Show and final bell, students will be playing basketball against seminarians from @StCharlesSem Our very own Fr Dave O'Brien will be joining the seminarian team for the game @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton pic.twitter.com/XfmbiUzytN
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) February 3, 2022
Thank you to the Recycling Club/Green Team! The Green Team reminds us to do our part for the planet.#God #Family #Academics #Fun#recycle pic.twitter.com/tnJB9mMzOS
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) February 2, 2022
Happy #LunarNewYear! We wish everyone luck and prosperity in the Year of the Tiger! ?????#YearOfTheTiger #ND #independentschool #sisterhood #mandarinclass #upperschool #lowerschool #mainlinepa #villanova pic.twitter.com/8O9PxoWOG4
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) February 1, 2022
Thanks to @bbsketch for lending his artwork to display on our 2nd Floor Art Case as part of our Black History Month celebrations.
Brian Bowens, also known as @bbsketch is the father of @lschsalumni Kaelin Hatcher '21. More artists and special events to come this month. pic.twitter.com/Q0gL9CR6Q1
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) February 1, 2022
Junior Achievement's 18 Under Eighteen presented by NexTier Bank celebrates eighteen extraordinary students that are defining their generation through their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and service to their communities!
Congratulations Morgan McCray, OCHS'25! ? pic.twitter.com/O5Gb0jyhMh
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 1, 2022
Today’s PCC Podcast talks about how much money Catholic schools save taxpayers….and we look at the progress of a human trafficking bill that is making its way through the Senate. The measure was part of a package of bills introduced last spring. Three of those bills have been signed into law.
Sixth graders from Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School visit the state Capitol in Harrisburg.
A few stats from our win at WM:
? Paris Gilmore- 21 points in 20 mins + a perfect 4/4 FTs
? Layke Fields with another impressive performance- 14 points,10 rebs, 3 assists & 6 blocks! ???
? 9 blocks as a team & every girl who played had at least 1 assist.
?@tmondokphoto pic.twitter.com/mzXwG26Fs0— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) January 25, 2022
Congratulations to @ND_Crusaders Brendan Boyle for surpassing the late Jeff Dailey’s scoring record of 1,742. Brendan is now Notre Dame’s all time leading scorer ? Catch this postgame interview with @b20boyle @D11Sports pic.twitter.com/a1QsjDSugz
— Keiran Lencheski – Reporting (@KeiranL_D11) January 26, 2022
.@PJPII_Hoops’s Trey Rogers, left, and Kevin Green helped the Golden Panthers to a big PAC Frontier win over rival Phoenixville on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/oRvnhyAHvI
— Owen McCue (@Owen_McCue) January 26, 2022
Wood Cheer Team performing at States in Hershey. Great job girls! ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/C0r7nBm4rf
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) January 28, 2022
The road to the AAAA Championship begins in here! ?How strong can you get in the next seven months…starts now! ?? pic.twitter.com/Xeo5GEu4Yz
— NORTH CATHOLIC FOOTBALL (@NCtrojansFB) January 25, 2022
Team win tonight (63-41) with contributions from the entire roster. Brooke McFadden with a team high 22 points including 6 from beyond. #ringdabell Back to work tomorrow!!! pic.twitter.com/jiQLscliks
— CEC Girls Basketball (@CECGB) January 26, 2022
Girls Basketball Final: @lcladycrusaders defeat @StHubertBambies 63-24?@PCLGirlsBBall ??: by @LCCrusaders Jr. Reporter @PDelpo pic.twitter.com/RpNHffpUW2
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) January 26, 2022
Basketball results, Jan. 25@Squire_Nation#SquireNation #dchsathletics#SquireStrong #PreparedtoLead #PreparedtoServe #PreparedforLife pic.twitter.com/oml9wdzPnP
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) January 26, 2022
Wood vs. O’Hara in a Prime Time PCL Matchup. Wood JV wins the first game. Go Vikings! ?@WoodGirlsBball? ?@ArchbishopWood? pic.twitter.com/J7g4pcZ16u
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) January 25, 2022
Tonight our 3 Senior Captains will represent the @LadyCruBBall TEAM!! FB Live interview with @Linglestown Gazette! #McD??? pic.twitter.com/t5Kl7d1juE
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) January 26, 2022
Big win over Villa today! Go Golden Bears Basketball! https://t.co/D5W1Atw4lb
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) January 26, 2022
A fun night of celebrations?
?49-16 Victory over Little Flower and official Congrats to @_grace_oneill on 1000 pts?
It’s a Great Day to be a Carroll Patriot?? @ Archbishop John Carroll High School https://t.co/QPOdfejfgN— ACHS Girls Bball (@Carroll_GBball) January 26, 2022
The Prep JV’s won at Erie 44-34. Spencer Kanne had 18 points while Max Wallace had 10 points.
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) January 26, 2022
CRUSADERS WIN!!
RECAP ?? https://t.co/qJ503Ss0nr pic.twitter.com/bGzwXh4i7Z
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) January 26, 2022
#VikingProud ACCHS Youth and Senior Night! Congratulations to wrestler Dohyen Kim and student trainer Mya Recinos! #Vikings4Life #FutureVikings #VikingNation ???? pic.twitter.com/l1p99CrABk
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) January 28, 2022
BOYS BASKETBALL: @MPFriars (@mpfriarhoops) Lead the Pack, But @wpcsports (@PCquakersBBall) & @SCHBlueDevils (@SCHBoysBB) Remain Key Contenders – See Round-Up by @richflanagan33 ?: @ShotbyDH @colleenclaggett @mlnphilapa https://t.co/YbgosHXH5o
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) January 25, 2022
Rebels Boys & Girls Basketball leading the way!
So. Mallory Daly- Avg. 24.5 ppg is the #3 leading scorer in the WPIAL!
Jr. Connor Spratt- Avg. 24.8 ppg is the #13 leading scorer in the WPIAL!#RebelPride @mallory_daly @connorspratt3 @slshoops @SLS_LadyRebels https://t.co/FBYWLJ4JMs— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) January 27, 2022
Cheer on the Rebels at their upcoming Senior Nights! For more information on winter sports, scores, and schedules, go to: https://t.co/2JE5oLVXvv pic.twitter.com/MIVImqIbqk
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) January 25, 2022
These Bishop McCort forensics students placed in the third round of forensics competition! Ella Leitenberger, Ashley Koontz,Justine Haschak, Charlize Amper, Angelina Kutsick, Jordan Butler, Ian Coyle, Aaron Rodgers. #crusherpride #somethingtobelievein #100yearsofexcellence pic.twitter.com/yC3CZCx2gF
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) January 27, 2022
Our favorite week of the year is fast approaching! Catholic Schools Week kicks off this Sunday and we have an amazing week planned for both schools. Please see the schedules below! #CSW2022 #CatholicSchoolsWeek #TheKennedyDifference pic.twitter.com/8Z1GSYgv8l
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) January 27, 2022
Enjoy some photos of our students attending the 49th March for Life last Friday ?? #westcatholicprep #marchforlife #westisbest pic.twitter.com/nMb0T0nbOq
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) January 26, 2022
LAB LEARNING! From experiments to building models, our schools engage our #saintsandscholars in hands-on science programs. Students remember the material better, feel a sense of accomplishment, and can apply knowledge to other situations. #safepresentgrowing #futurescientists pic.twitter.com/doJ1v8Co8b
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) January 27, 2022
Yo Adrian, they did it! Congratulations to the Hi-Q team who concluded a fantastic season today. They made a last-minute comeback at their competition today to come in 2nd place, beating an unnamed rival. pic.twitter.com/bIQtdaUgA2
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) January 27, 2022
Great article about Catholic Schools Week in the AD times! https://t.co/Hy0zStM1A8
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) January 27, 2022
Recently, Mrs. Fox’s Spanish 3 class wrote books about an event in the past, using the two past tenses in Spanish. Then, Spanish 2 read the books by the Spanish 3 students and identified the use of one of the past tenses, the preterite tense. pic.twitter.com/sLccy5AJvu
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) January 27, 2022
Mark your calendars for Kolbe Academy's Day of Giving! #ShareYourHeart #RecoverSucceedTransform #SaintsandScholars pic.twitter.com/Ln9IWzawLH
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) January 27, 2022
We are getting ready for Catholic Schools Week! To celebrate this special week, we have a number of activities for our students and staff! Check out our schedule of events! #CatholicSchoolsWeek2022 pic.twitter.com/sZXwULc3N0
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) January 26, 2022
Rachel Dzombak is a design strategist, researcher, educator, and panelist at the 2022 #OCCareerSymposium. Rachel currently leads digital transformation at Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute. #WatchHerSoar
Read more about Rachel: https://t.co/lb9Mtp1w4k pic.twitter.com/wvlNwpjBQ3
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) January 26, 2022
Prep & Villa AFJROTC Holds Change of Command Ceremony https://t.co/IDv4eSOBhp #Prep #Villa #AFJROTC pic.twitter.com/OPrTNgAvk3
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) January 26, 2022
#VikingProud Allentown Central Catholic, with a partnership of Parkland High School, raised $3,300 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Lehigh Valley! #CureCancer #StrongerTogether #VikingSpirit ??? pic.twitter.com/EovGciCYnH
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) January 26, 2022
The National Honor Society at Bishop McCort held their annual Blood Drive with the American Red Cross yesterday. We are Crusher Proud that 46 pints of blood was collected which saving 138 lives. Great job Crushers! #crusherscare #100yearsofexcellence #SomethingToBelieveIn pic.twitter.com/ehrwiezOAI
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) January 25, 2022
YC students and staff spend time today in Eucharistic Adoration in the new Chapel of Our Lady Rosa Mystica. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/ep9SUMgOOj
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) January 27, 2022
Today's #MentalHealthMatters tweet features a quote from @BC2M club member Lorna Petrizzo #ND '23. pic.twitter.com/mLV9aFISV8
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) January 28, 2022
Great WIN!! https://t.co/gXRxDGz4Ci
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) January 21, 2022
Week of work. pic.twitter.com/PRCMhlm6wN
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) January 21, 2022
Our Lady Hawks pick up a 68-33 win over visiting Stroudsburg on YOUTH NIGHT. Thank you to all parents, families and youth that came out & rocked the house!#ABC #OneMore #Together #Puzzle pic.twitter.com/gntwOfDb7f
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) January 22, 2022
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 71, Chestnut Ridge 53 (Lexi Martin 1005 points) https://t.co/f3kwfMQuer
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) January 22, 2022
Ice Hockey Senior Night! https://t.co/x13WKwtGwI
— Malvern Prep Friars (@MPFriars) January 20, 2022
More Than 1,200 Student-Athletes Named To AOP Fall Sports Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll https://t.co/88S3mdtzmZ @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @Wood_Vikings @PhSportsDigest @InqPotosky @CatholicPhilly @FJAthletics @NETimesOfficial @PLC4Character @NCEATALK @RomanAthletics pic.twitter.com/d3Zftgtrhb
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) January 19, 2022
The Rebels defeat Avonworth 65-60! That is their 5th straight win and the boys move to 5-0 in the section! @slshoops #RebelPride pic.twitter.com/2e4eMv5tiD
— Seton LaSalle Athletics (@SLS_Athletics) January 19, 2022
Congratulations, Pharoh! https://t.co/L7vxPsvU55
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) January 19, 2022
So proud of Gabby Casey! https://t.co/K7eajiG8sB
— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) January 21, 2022
Mid-Penn girls basketball leaders: Scoring, 3-pointers, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks through Jan. 16 https://t.co/v9o2gdFENS pic.twitter.com/fL6AQMd6eI
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) January 18, 2022
Girls Basketball Final: @OHaraGirlsBball (@cardinalohara) defeats @CECGB 63-27??:@mlnphilapa pic.twitter.com/Zol6WmynGA
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) January 19, 2022
#MarianAthletcs Congratulations to Fatikha Tikhtova, Blue Ridge Player of the Week! #MarianExcellence #BeMarian ???? pic.twitter.com/UFzFlS9B38
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) January 19, 2022
#Trojanettes recently completed a shoe drive fundraiser that resulted in over 2700 pairs of shoes collected which will go to small business owners or micro-businesses in 25 different developing countries. Program is thru @funds2orgs. Just look at all those shoes! pic.twitter.com/cK3gT9S6Pm
— North Catholic Girls Basketball (@NCHSGirlsBB) January 19, 2022
Our #saintsandscholars are on their way to the @March_for_Life in Washington! First stop at the @bmorebasilica for Mass with @BishopSchlert Thanks to the #VikingsontheRoad from @ACCHSVikings for sharing your journey with us today! #studentsforlife pic.twitter.com/qdvgwFeICA
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) January 21, 2022
Safe travels to our Oakland Catholic and Central Catholic students traveling to Washington, D.C. for the #MarchforLife. ?
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) January 21, 2022
Today the #BSHS Respect Life Club will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual March for Life. Later this morning the school community will gather together for a special Mass and blessing as the club members prepare for the trip. pic.twitter.com/aIKoMZ7WPb
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) January 21, 2022
We are #ndproud of our students, faculty, and staff members who Marched 4 Life today in Washington, D. C. A beautiful day to celebrate life! ?????? pic.twitter.com/WExdb0bSAt
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) January 22, 2022
????? ??? ????
We are so incredibly proud of our students and faculty who traveled to Washington, DC today to attend the March For Life. You were honorable representatives for the entire Bethlehem Catholic Community. Every step is one step closer.#MarchForLife pic.twitter.com/OCjQxpjA4O— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) January 22, 2022
Safe travels to our students and faculty traveling to Washington, DC today for the March for Life! #marchforlife #respectlife #fromconceptiontillnaturaldeath #southcatholic #saintsalive #classicalcurriculum #catholicschools #pittsburghcatholicschools #lightingtheway pic.twitter.com/EdhFU3KHpI
— South Hills Catholic Academy (@southcatholicpa) January 21, 2022
Thanks to all of our Rising Stars HW Club volunteers for another great session! #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/ZAoyldzJA1
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) January 19, 2022
York Catholic students lend their voice for the voiceless at the March for Life in Washington DC today. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/xXa27Flni5
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) January 21, 2022
Today a group of our faculty and students attended the March for Life in Washington D.C. the world’s largest annual pro-life gathering. #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/A8eDoUhxrX
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) January 21, 2022
#VikingFaith March for Life 2022 #WhyWeMarch #SemperFidelis #StrongerTogether #OurVikingNation ???? pic.twitter.com/qwvIrmPzBH
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) January 21, 2022
Yesterday, a group of Bonner & Prendie students and staff traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the 49th annual March for Life. pic.twitter.com/MmwiEzjMMY
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) January 22, 2022
Wishing @LCCrusaders @CyberCrusaders the best as they begin #buildseason @FIRSTMidAtl @LC_STEM @Jennife77090497 @ph_jenny @annetempleton @corpuschristi_s @Mater_Dei_CS @VisiSchool @StJudeChalfont @mrsgreskosfifth @AOPS_Schools @OLMRCS @SFlourtown @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/xK0XNocbev
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) January 24, 2022
“Lots of failures make it hard to make progress,” said Senior Andrew Massari. But the failures led to success for the students in Mr. Corso’s Applied Engineering class. They worked throughout the semester to build catapults and apply the kinematic equation to projectile motion. pic.twitter.com/IDRBoH5aLN
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) January 20, 2022
??Bellah joins the 1000 point club!! pic.twitter.com/WFFvbrmPLk
— Bob Greenburg (@BobGreenburg) January 14, 2022
New Story: Price Hits 1,000 Point Plateau in BC Boys Hoops Win over Geibel https://t.co/s7gHNITmDG
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) January 12, 2022
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 73, Forest Hills 66 https://t.co/bwXZANUp0o
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) January 11, 2022
Sania “Nai” Moore!! Will fill the entire stat sheet after the game! 57 Rebounds, 22 Steals, 7 Blocks so far this season, Nai ranks in multiple categories in the entire Mid-Penn!! @LadyCruBBall ??? pic.twitter.com/Dmt83JksRf
— Bishop McDevitt Girls Basketball (@LadyCruBBall) January 11, 2022
The Lady Chargers had a BIG section win last night with all 5 starters on the leaderboard! pic.twitter.com/VsAcPkF0Ju
— olsh gbb (@olshgirlsbball) January 11, 2022
Senior Spotlight – See what being a member of @NcSwimDive and @NCTrojanHockey has meant to these two student athletes. #forevertrue https://t.co/syKl1rzHzV
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) January 11, 2022
We are back in action TODAY 01/11 against Archbishop Carroll (Away) at 6:00pm! ? pic.twitter.com/Pl0vbcCwgT
— West Catholic GBB (@LadyBurrs) January 11, 2022
Serra Catholic Cheer is holding a Community Cheer Clinic next Saturday, January 22, 2022. Students from Kindergarten to 8th Grade are invited to attend. See the attached document for more detailed information. We hope to see you there! https://t.co/HcohKKiTiK
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) January 14, 2022
Lansdale Catholic 68
West Catholic 34Gabby Casey sets a new career high with 36 points.
LC moves to 7-2 in the season and 2-0 in the Philadelphia Catholic League. pic.twitter.com/i7CORUtIWT
— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) January 14, 2022
#VikingProud Tyson Thomas ‘put the battery in their back’ in leading ACCHS to a come-from-behind win over Allen! Great game, Vikes! #VikingExcellence ?????https://t.co/P4pRHlF59d
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) January 14, 2022
That's a Crusaders W ??@K3V_32's 34 points on a milestone night led the charge for BC, with Evans (19 pts), Sledge (13 pts), and Spears (11 pts) all hitting double digits
?? @ Avella on Friday pic.twitter.com/SwgwqGCwxQ
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) January 12, 2022
Join us as we honor Donovan Jack tonight during the boys basketball game! https://t.co/kwAKbwcyqK
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) January 14, 2022
Lady Eagles had a solid team win tonight against an always tough @HGB_Boosters team 51-40. Alexa Bojko lead the way tonight with 13 #workstiiltodo #keepinproving #fly? @DLNSports @PaPrepLive @Bishop_Shanahan
— Bishop Shanahan Girls Basketball (@BSHS_GirlsBball) January 14, 2022
Congrats to our @mpxctrack Indoor T&F team! Great performances at Track and Field Coach's Association meet at Lehigh University on 1/8. Resuls here: https://t.co/ZWQZjUOept pic.twitter.com/RMLTtXWgai
— Malvern Prep Friars (@MPFriars) January 13, 2022
Please pray for our Aquinas Academy High School students as they begin their #midterms today! ?
Aquinas HS students, have questions while studying? Come to the Midterms Study Open House tomorrow and/or ask a question on the new Aquinas Academic Help Server. #Midterms2022 pic.twitter.com/1JHN9ZXbFx— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) January 14, 2022
Please join us tomorrow, Friday, January 14 for the 2022 Musical Revue: A Night on Broadway. Show begins at 7, admission will be a free will offering at the door to support the Berks Catholic Performing Arts Program.#BCPerformingArts pic.twitter.com/4oWMyr1KHi
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) January 13, 2022
B-I-N-G-O! Some #saintsandscholars at Saint Elizabeth Regional School enjoyed the fun reward of Book Bingo after logging reading time in the month of December with new books to read as the prize! #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/kFT7fnhhyH
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) January 13, 2022
Class of 2021 graduates Will Warnken and Miya Jankowski visited ND to answer students' questions during an AFROTC recruitment event. pic.twitter.com/PTTHiUPKA2
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) January 13, 2022
#CollegeStartsHere, Eamon Coffey: "I chose Boston College for the comprehensive liberal arts curriculum, the proximity to the city of Boston, and the atmosphere that is highly reminiscent of the Prep." #SJP2022 pic.twitter.com/HXdtMjczkU
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) January 13, 2022
Join us in welcoming these #EarlyDecisionCrusaders to the #JudgeBrotherhood! ?? #ClassOf2026 pic.twitter.com/JrPbtNMWB1
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) January 13, 2022
The latest edition of "The Empire" magazine featuring the 2020-2021 Annual Report is now available to read by visiting Roman’s website. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/4EjyjseGsC
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) January 13, 2022
Check out the second issue of the Wildcat Gazette, written entirely by our middle school students. Read all about it at https://t.co/HJ6rSmemgD #Newspaper #paperboy pic.twitter.com/lgVvchKHTn
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) January 14, 2022
@LCCrusaders quiz bowl team competed in the first virtual match of this year against Pottsgrove, Springford and PJP, we look forward to a great quiz bowl season @Mater_Dei_CS @corpuschristi_s @MMRSchool @VisiSchool @OLMRCS @OLsacredheart @AOPS_Schools @aoptech pic.twitter.com/1hfPhYtk3c
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) January 13, 2022
Coming to B&P this Spring… GODSPELL! Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew.
Auditions will be held the evening of Monday, January 24th beginning at 6:30 PM! pic.twitter.com/84EAUuFG9B
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) January 12, 2022
Congratulations to 8th grader, John Mullen, our 2022 Middle School Geography Bee winner! #YCMind pic.twitter.com/xFh3sGWJo7
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) January 14, 2022
The St. Augustine Center for Social Impact provides a state-of-the-art location and programming for students to solve problems affecting humanity now and in the future. Aside from its astonishing exterior beauty, there are some incredible developments occurring inside. pic.twitter.com/xz6xb5Ui6X
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) January 14, 2022
Check out Mrs. Rinaldi's 1st Grade Class enjoying a movie in Mrs. Coley's Library Class today! Nice job, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/hSBCcJc8uR
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) January 14, 2022
Great work by #LSCHS2022 with plenty more to come! https://t.co/OCmxsXmGvq
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) January 12, 2022
Congratulations to our December 2021 Students of the Month! Elisabeth Maleski, '25, Sarah Demel, '24, Jamie Durstein, '23, Faith Whitley, '22. Learn more: https://t.co/AI87axDRjE pic.twitter.com/p0iHvtnpvU
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) January 12, 2022
“Learn continually-there’s always ‘one more thing’ to learn!” -Steve Jobs ?? pic.twitter.com/9wWPo5aBKM
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) January 7, 2022
Baron's record night pushes Pope John Paul II past Upper Merion – https://t.co/HqaHNT4G2F pic.twitter.com/daykrdpq1h
— PA Prep Live (@PaPrepLive) January 7, 2022
Taking a trip down 79 for a Friday night section game to close out the week!
? Mapletown
? Mapletown HS
? 7:00 p.m.
? https://t.co/u9TLLfRdtE@crusaderathdept pic.twitter.com/7AHi7FQx3c— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) January 7, 2022
Great job Saints! https://t.co/OQyuBcJp84
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) January 7, 2022
Wrestling final score: McD defeated Trinity 42-15. #McD pic.twitter.com/aTsJoPRH22
— McDAthletics (@HailToTheeMcD) January 7, 2022
Lady Rebels get the win against California 63-37! Seton was led by Mallory Daly with 28 and Ava Dursi with 21 ?
Everyone have a safe drive home and we will see you on Monday!
— Seton LaSalle Girls Basketball (@SLS_LadyRebels) January 7, 2022
Wood wins over Egan 71-50 to open PCL play. Our next game is Sunday 3:00 vs McDonough HS (MD) in the Blue Star HS showcase at Riverwinds, NJ. @PhSportsDigest @hooplove215 @PaPrepLive @ADRobinson3 @mpcabrey @MJSouder @PCLGirlsBBall @MontMediaSports @johnknebels
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) January 7, 2022
?FINALLY!! pic.twitter.com/kQOjTzOnIk
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) January 6, 2022
It’s time for Catholic League Play??
?We open up tonight @ St. Huberts
?JV 5:30
??V 7:00#PaGirlsHoops pic.twitter.com/Duu2czNAhq— ACHS Girls Bball (@Carroll_GBball) January 6, 2022
In OLSH's win over South Side on Tuesday, Chargers senior guard Jake DiMichele eclipsed 2,000 career points. https://t.co/lgzJuNSj5W
— Timesonline.com (@bctimes) January 5, 2022
Boys Basketball Score Update: (Upset Alert)
Varsity Final: 50 Williamsburg 59 SJCA
Junior Varsity Final: 53 Williamsburg 50 SJCA (OT)
Next-Up: 1/7 vs. Philipsburg-Osceola #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/DlGgpoQtAY— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) January 6, 2022
https://t.co/6edegCiTqE pic.twitter.com/zFxQLHLgLH
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) January 7, 2022
GAME DAY!! At Bishop McDevitt. JV 6 pm. Varsity 7:30 pm. You can also watch those live on ABC 27.3 or online https://t.co/mYyupLP3uN. ??? #begreatnotgood @HSSLiveTV pic.twitter.com/PQSGWtM2uB
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) January 7, 2022
Congrats to @HolyGhostPrep teacher/coach @CoachJackCrouse on picking up his 100th JV @HGPBasketball win last night. Thanks for all you do for the young men at Ghost!! #ThinkBrotherhood #ThinkGhost https://t.co/Us3P7WkbqR
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) January 7, 2022
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 49, Richland 34 https://t.co/61p2rFcPNP
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) January 6, 2022
Check out Conwell-Egan Catholic vs Nazareth Academy Game Highlights – Jan. 4, 2022 by Conwell-Egan Catholic High School – Girls' Varsity Basketball on @hudl https://t.co/AbMt2ijMzk #hudl
— CEC Girls Basketball (@CECGB) January 5, 2022
It was another exciting night at Alumni Hall as both the JV and Varsity basketball teams were victorious over Penn Trafford! #RollVikes pic.twitter.com/UiNnEds94H
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) January 5, 2022
Physics, biology, and chemistry! Our #saintsandscholars are testing out their hypothesis in science labs in our schools! #handsonlearning #safepresentgrowing @nativitybvm55 @Marian_CathHS pic.twitter.com/oYrkZKyiOx
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) January 6, 2022
This week students in Health class put their knowledge to use practicing life saving CPR techniques. pic.twitter.com/PIsZdoQsLP
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) January 7, 2022
Students in Mr. Kennedy’s Honors II Biology classes dissected the anatomical parts of a frog to examine how parts worked to allow the frog’s circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, excretory, digestive, and muscular cells, organs, and tissues to serve the frog’s development.#STEM pic.twitter.com/nByCvmQViZ
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) January 7, 2022
Father Mike Darcy blessed the front entrance of our school this morning by writing the Traditional Epiphany Blessing on the doorway with chalk. The blessing will serve as a reminder of God's protection to all who enter Central Catholic. pic.twitter.com/Rxeesr6nEu
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) January 6, 2022
The CSC Souper Bowl for Caring collection has begun, and we are invited to join in the fight to tackle hunger. CSC is collecting CAMPBELL'S CHUNKY and PROGRESSO HEARTY soups. Donations can be brought to school and directed to Mr. McShane. Thank you for your generous support! pic.twitter.com/c82N9BrMOs
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) January 5, 2022
Roman family and friends – Romauction is back live and in person in 2022! So please save the date, April 23. And make sure you’ve got those summer clothes at the ready, because we’re feeling good FOR SHORE! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/hWob9jFxBh
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) January 6, 2022
We hold our neighbors in our hearts. Our Gesu School community offers our prayers and deepest condolences to all those affected by yesterday’s tragic fire. May God bless them and bring them healing and strength. pic.twitter.com/EOubpDSzUr
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) January 6, 2022
.@HolyGhostPrep's new Spiritan Immersion program took students to two of Philadelphia's most interesting attractions yesterday, @the_barnes and @easternstate. #ThinkExperientialLearning #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/66YQqCGYQ5
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) January 7, 2022
Join us this weekend for our Winter Dance Showcase! Performances take place on Friday (1/7) at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday (1/8) at 4:00 p.m. in Cathedral Prep's H. David Bowes Auditorium. Cost is $10 for adults and $3 for children. We hope to see you there! #Prep #Villa #Dance pic.twitter.com/WpqVoPDiaN
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) January 6, 2022
Presented for your enjoyment, Saint Helena School's Christmas Show on YouTube! Watch each class or grade sing and dance to Christmas music. https://t.co/1qb5aMIrzF via @YouTube
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) January 6, 2022
Cousins Cole Welsh '22 & John Clark '23 created a memorial garden at the @PhillyPolice Academy. Congrats to Cole & John on their #EagleScout project & for continuing their family's #JudgeLegacy (dads are PPD members Greg Welsh '85 & Steve Clark '92) ??https://t.co/vGntyrN5Wm
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) January 6, 2022
The La Salle Community joins in prayer to remember those affected by Wednesday’s devastating fire in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/PTuljYSt3P
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) January 6, 2022
Sparkle Season Spectacular Virtual Speech and Debate Tournament results:
?Mary Kate Monroe, '23 – 6th in Lincoln-Douglass
?Briella Lucadamo, '23 – 3rd in Lincoln-Douglass & PHSSL bid
? Ella Maier, '22 – 3rd in Impromptu
?Madeline Sclichter, '23 – 4th in Prose pic.twitter.com/GMCxvesI1e— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) January 6, 2022
Graphing ordered pairs in Algebra 2 class. Prepping for our exams. @bctesche @Kolbe_Academy @AtownDioceseEDU @PADrugAlcohol @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/CKeFya7IOd
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) January 5, 2022
Pre-K is working on their fine motor skills putting stickers onto the letter of the week S! pic.twitter.com/IaKNNly546
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) January 4, 2022
Congrats to the MS team who wrapped up the day with their first victory of the season! pic.twitter.com/v4weNB8WRx
— Devon Prep ??? (@DevonPrepBBall) December 30, 2021
PA State Rankings as of 12/30. 4x800mR 1st J Smith’22, J Evans’23, P Danquah’24, J Corbett’22. Mile 1st J Corbett. DMR 3rd Corbett, M Jean-Brian’24, Danquah, Smith. 4x400mR 17th J Frain’23, Jean-Brian, Danquah, Corbett. Stay Healthy. pic.twitter.com/Pua07MCk5b
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) December 30, 2021
WE ESCAPED!
Prep wins: 67-66#GoPrep pic.twitter.com/BiRp3yT7vQ— St. Joe’s Prep Basketball (@SJP_BB) December 30, 2021
McDevitt 41-30 over Cedar Crest in the Championship of the Lebanon JV tournament. pic.twitter.com/ntLF5a71bO
— Bishop McDevitt Boys Basketball (@McDBoysBball) December 30, 2021
Congratulations, Christian-'22, Trace- '22 and JJ- '23 on being named to the PA Football News Coaches select All-State Team!#itsagreatdaytoBeASaint pic.twitter.com/5csTc0pOns
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) December 31, 2021
NYE BASKETBALL TODAY??
? Malvern Prep
?Pope John Paul II High School
? 11am/12:30pm tip offs
? https://t.co/yTK5BVYro4#ShootItOrMoveIt #HeartOverHeight
— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) December 31, 2021
Thank you Mr. Gower for your years of service and dedication to our #PrepFamily and athletic program. @KCGiants are lucky to have a professional like you onboard. We wish you continued success and the best of luck! #RollKCGiants https://t.co/12ChnHO8VE
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) December 31, 2021
We’re back in action pic.twitter.com/bvWeb1TIcz
— HGP Basketball (@HGPBasketball) December 31, 2021
FINAL: @friarshoops 54, @SalesianumHoops 40.
Shakur Smith (?) with 21 points to lead Bonner, which improves to 3-2. pic.twitter.com/7LadbdrZuM
— Josh Verlin (@jmverlin) December 30, 2021
Final from Greensburg Salem High School- Greensburg Central Catholic 61- BGHS 49. The Marauders are now 3-1 on the season.
— BGHS Basketball (@BGHoops) December 30, 2021
#MarianPride Congrats Ashlyn Klitsch, Volleyball Player of the Year! #MarianExcellence ???https://t.co/HHsIE1zO4X pic.twitter.com/L5uPpO3BEZ
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) December 30, 2021
NDGP places 3rd at the Powerade Tournament with 5 place winners. Smith 2nd, Schweitzer 6th, Chletsos 7th, Maag 4th, Garcia 5th.
Junior Varsity had place winners in the Junior Powerade. Morici 3rd, Ludlow 4th, Giuressi 4th, N.Berkenstock 3rd, T. Berkenstock 4th. pic.twitter.com/1831kFbEra
— Notre Dame-Green Pond Wrestling (@NDGPwrestle) December 30, 2021
Great team win today @ hoop for a cure at Butler High School.
North Catholic – 77
Franklin – 60Gregor – 22
Hurray – 16
Maddalon -13
Rottmann – 13And 12 Booooooooms!!!!
Up next Erie Cathedral Prep: 1-3-2021 @NCForeverTrue
— northcatholicbasketball (@northcathhoops) December 30, 2021
Congratulations to the Bishop McDevitt boys Swimming & Diving team for claiming the Big Spring Bulldog Bash team title. The girls team finished 5th in the 15 team field! pic.twitter.com/s3gUDDL2IT
— Bishop McDevitt Swimming & Diving, Harrisburg, PA (@mcdswimdive) December 30, 2021
FINAL from Warwick holiday tournament third-place game … Bishop McDevitt tops Garden Spot 41-32. McD never trailed; Sparty Nation was down 5 with 3 minutes to go, never got over the hump.#PaGirlsHoops #LLsports @GSSpartanSports @LadyCruBBall @HailToTheeMcD
— Jeff Reinhart LNP (@JeffReinhart77) December 31, 2021
Happy 16th Birthday to sophomore Dianna Cook! pic.twitter.com/kzRATEuRyr
— Villa Maria Basketball (@VMAHoops) December 31, 2021
For December @LCCrusaders students collected for others:
?229 toys @ToysForTots_USA
?3153 pairs of socks #CodeBlue
?100+blankets @ChickfilA
?44 pints @RedCrossPhilly
Please consider your donation for end of year giving here https://t.co/VQ2oVBTKKV pic.twitter.com/yPdNt1Zduf— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) December 29, 2021
Our Lady Hawks had a wonderful time playing and enjoying the beautiful sights & stops in Happy Valley. Thank you @StateCollegeHS for hosting our girls. Our squad enjoyed visiting the @PennStateWBB campus. #WeARE #ABC pic.twitter.com/U2OxcWN5En
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) December 30, 2021
DCC Kindergarten Prep Class with their Just My Size Snowman decoration they made as Christmas gifts to their parents. pic.twitter.com/ogQOtjbBTa
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) December 30, 2021
All smiles from these #EarlyDecisionCrusaders! ??? #ClassOf2026 #SmilingForSolly pic.twitter.com/hUUYsOE5lV
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) December 30, 2021
Brotherhood is not a buzzword at Malvern. The bonds forged among these halls are incomparable, special, and forever. pic.twitter.com/LNCDiqvXcb
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) December 29, 2021
A new club has been brought to Notre Dame and its main priority is to end the stigma around mental health – the Bring Change to Mind Club.
? https://t.co/wda86HhP6k@BC2M #mentalhealth #endthestigma #mainlinepa #villanova #sisterhood #indpendentschool pic.twitter.com/vO1L6s56K5— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) December 28, 2021
“The first thing he asked when he heard about Holy Spirit closing was, ‘Mommy, where are we going to go to learn about Jesus?’
“I said, ‘Don’t worry, Mommy’s got it covered. You’re going to John Paul. You’re going to be able to learn about Him every day.’ https://t.co/3JSllQZjn0
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) December 28, 2021
#BSHS students recently volunteered at the Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce! Students assisted with the tree lighting, at the truck station, and with cookie decorating! pic.twitter.com/hnui6Sfkzv
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) December 28, 2021
Varsity Hockey: Bishop McCort 5, Richland 2; Coach John Bradley earns 400th win https://t.co/HXbj75O1ka
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) December 24, 2021
Congratulations to @RomanBasketball for their 65-50 victory over Salesianum tonight in the Wilmington Play-by-Play Showcase! Dan Skillings led the way with 30 points and was named MVP! @RomanCatholicHS #RCHS pic.twitter.com/sTOFB5xFOD
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) December 24, 2021
What a great win tonight in a huge rivalry match. Ryan beats Judge 42-34 Congrats to the boys on a great win!!! @ARHS @AR_Athletics
— ArchbishopRyanWrestling (@John21048368) December 24, 2021
Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference announces fall all-league selections. Congratulations to @karsonkies14 @CooperRother @PJPollock99 and Colin Butler.
https://t.co/GDLJ6fXpa2 |— BG Marauder Football (@BGMarauderFball) December 24, 2021
#VikingProud Congrats Julia! ??????? https://t.co/rjBTj1AKZL
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) December 24, 2021
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 69, Bishop Carroll 50 https://t.co/ue0tELVxdp
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) December 23, 2021
New Story: BC Girls JV Basketball Even Record with Win Over South Allegheny https://t.co/CNKTn4v38g
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) December 23, 2021
Prep won in Region wrestling tonight, 57-12 at Erie. It's the second win in as many nights for the Ramblers, after their victory Tuesday over Reynolds. pic.twitter.com/WKoPckGP7a
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) December 23, 2021
Girls basketball: Kennedy Catholic 41, Mercyhurst Prep 35
Paris Gilmore and Hayden Keith 9 points apiece— Tom Reisenweber (@ETNreisenweber) December 23, 2021
3??-0?? ?? https://t.co/zGBNsWPUxR
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) December 23, 2021
Last practice before Christmas…Bridget, Cassidy and Gabby serenaded us with “Jingle Bells”…Alana, Liv and Coach re-enacted a scene from “The Grinch” and everyone got to shoot for Christmas gifts!
Merry Christmas! ?? ? pic.twitter.com/DMZTw0cQxE
— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) December 23, 2021
It looks like the story of a Grinch invaded a classroom at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School this season! Well done students! Grateful for our students to be learning, creating, and enjoying the fun of the season together! #AdventAnticipation pic.twitter.com/zat4KwGb8o
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) December 23, 2021
The band serenaded our halls today with festive Christmas tunes! #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/8MphWBLnSO
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) December 22, 2021
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) December 23, 2021
Now is the time to apply for the 2022-23 school year! The Placement Test for 8th grade prospective students will be on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 9:00 am.
To register for the test, complete the Application for Admission: https://t.co/ydFczs34FW. pic.twitter.com/cfoYKGwA1c
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) December 23, 2021
Congratulations to our @LCCrusaders #Christmas Homeroom door decorating contest winners; 1st Place Mr Stout’s HR5A; 2nd Place Mrs Templeton’s HR3A; 3rd Place Ms Regan’s 5C @_LCSGA @Lancers4Life_ @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @PAcatholic @partnersmission @NCEATALK @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/v1PzXdLoM7
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) December 24, 2021
We continue to be blessed by the generosity of our alumni. Read how a group of anonymous #JudgeGuys set out to raise $30k to pay the tuition for students whose families are in dire need?https://t.co/Io7hsU2mZr. SPOILER ALERT: They actually raised $60k!
????? #BeAPowerForGood pic.twitter.com/t3oOd40riy— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) December 24, 2021
This week some of our #saintsandscholars went on the road to visit other schools in the Diocese! ?Great to see our students spreading Christmas cheer this season!?#AdventAnticipation #Christmas @ACCHSVikings @ND_Crusaders @hgaschool @JP2Center @MercySchoolofSL pic.twitter.com/9QsDFLrl7w
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) December 22, 2021
Forget the Philly Pops at the Kimmel Center! The RCHS Band rang in the sounds of the season with a spectacular Christmas concert at the Howard Center. The boys were lead by Teaching Artist and Play on Philly Site Assistant Ian Taylor #RCHS pic.twitter.com/2DMk1A72Wu
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) December 22, 2021
On our last day of school before break, students wore ugly Christmas sweaters in order to spread some holiday cheer! A vote then took place to decide who wore the ugliest sweater. To no one's surprise, Parker Drexler, '23, (also known as Santa Claus) took home the grand prize! pic.twitter.com/K04HaW8tTN
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) December 22, 2021
We are happy to announce that the nativity figurines from Bishop McDevitt have found a new home on Vernon Road at Saint Raymonds.
Thank you Fr. Chris for rescuing them! We are blessed to have this part of McDevitt live on. ??? pic.twitter.com/3b5HK1k3sr
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) December 21, 2021
The CE Latin class diligently constructed a Trojan horse in the innovation lab, after reading a passage about the horse in Vergil’s Aeneid. pic.twitter.com/2LLX4qelSv
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) December 20, 2021
Crusaders Win ??
A second half push by Chartiers Valley wasn't enough as Gales snags 28 pts & 8 boards and @AmariEvans0 drops 21 to give Canevin the 8?7?-7?4? victory. pic.twitter.com/zyxzKLtlGx
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) December 17, 2021
Another big night for Kennedy Catholic hockey players! Great game, guys and thanks for repping the Maroon and Gold! #KCFamily ??? pic.twitter.com/SPN1cFRFHw
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) December 17, 2021
An incredible basketball atmosphere! Thank you for hosting. @CCHSHoops_ @CCHSKnights1865 #family #forevertrue
NC -86
WCC -59Hurray 19
Maddalon 19
Rottman 11
Tomer 9 and 8 boards12 booooooms!
Next up: @ Burrell HS@NCForeverTrue pic.twitter.com/Gl8OvD3W7u
— northcatholicbasketball (@northcathhoops) December 16, 2021
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 78, Central Cambria 35 https://t.co/5VKxwzxSj7
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) December 16, 2021
#VikingProud Congratulations to Our EPC Boys Soccer Scholar Athlete winner Ben Scandone! Ben was celebrated at a luncheon today at the Stroudsmoor Inn along with the other EPC Fall sports winners! #VikingScholar ?? @ACCHS_Athletics pic.twitter.com/6APuO5WISs
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) December 16, 2021
Where Brotherhood remains undefeated.
Help make the Central Catholic experience possible for a hard-working young man.
Every Viking. Any Amount. Every Year: https://t.co/S97NlxfCod
*100% of your contribution stays at Central to support tuition & student programming. pic.twitter.com/K9S6m89qbY
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) December 16, 2021
Wood’s Wrestling Lineup pic.twitter.com/ycKWGKtNG6
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) December 15, 2021
Congratulations Coach Madison and Staff. Many more to come. Keep grinding?????? https://t.co/XxPjYuxQrk
— Justin Magestro (@JustinMagestro) December 16, 2021
Congrats to the freshman team on their win today over Friends central. Team moved to 3-0 on the season! pic.twitter.com/Olj9rjvz2O
— Devon Prep ??? (@DevonPrepBBall) December 15, 2021
Great game last night against a tough @SalesianumHoops team, back at it this weekend @WoodBoysBball for the ‘Diane Mosco Foundation Shootout’ against Downingtown West at 12pm w/ @boblongsports on the call. pic.twitter.com/OWwsMDZIa1
— Neumann-Goretti Basketball (@NGSaintsHoops) December 16, 2021
Boys basketball:
Kennedy 81
Reynolds 29
FINALCongrats to Coach Ken Madison on his FIRST win!??@BobGreenburg @professorbriggs
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) December 16, 2021
Game 2 takes the Lady Eagles on the road to @pjpgirlsbball tonight 6:15. Streaming on @NFHSNetwork pic.twitter.com/6URVDvMjuU
— CEC Girls Basketball (@CECGB) December 16, 2021
Oakland Catholic and Central Catholic choirs usher in the Christmas season with joyous song! ? pic.twitter.com/00ODPGbDhW
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) December 15, 2021
Cara Lamina '23 and Trinity Meehan '23 led 20 third and fourth graders at Ancillae-Assumpta Academy through a six week @GirlsWhoCode program. Cara and Trinity volunteered their time to plan and teach students big computer science ideas, all while having fun! #GirlsWhoCode pic.twitter.com/8IVWXOLLP2
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) December 17, 2021
What do Darth Vader and Buddy the Elf have in common? Both of them are bringing Christmas cheer to Mr. Raible’s room! pic.twitter.com/4v8vEQ4p6u
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) December 16, 2021
@LCCrusaders 9 #daysbeforeChristmas @_LCSGA @Jennife77090497 @ph_jenny @annetempleton @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly pic.twitter.com/yDNQ9ZuTdU
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) December 16, 2021
Does anyone have photos to share from Homecoming 2021? Please send to webmaster@nazarethprep.org. pic.twitter.com/73sXsn0nbq
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) November 20, 2021
Congratulations to the ND Varsity Mathletes Team for a 1st place finish in the Dec. contest! All team members exerted wonderful efforts in preparing for this contest. Special congrats to the top scoring ND students in the Dec. contest: Ellie '23, Lindsay '23, and Rebecca '23. pic.twitter.com/uVdYQRGKlf
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) December 15, 2021
Santa’s helpers from @Kolbe_Academy dropped off toys to Oasis Community Center this week for their toy distribution. #SaintsandScholars @AtownDioceseEDU @PAcatholic @PADrugAlcohol @bctesche @BHSBioTeach @AllentownDioces #SmallButMighty #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/Mbn3xXL2Fc
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) December 17, 2021
Today, we’re getting into the holiday spirit at Broad & Vine with Christmas tie/bow tie day! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/glMen4Ly3f
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) December 16, 2021
Thank you, St David Parish for welcoming our 4th-8th grade students to hear the inspiring story of love, faith and forgiveness from @Ilibagiza! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @NCEATALK @CatholicPhilly @PAcatholic @sistersofihm pic.twitter.com/xrQJQsHPL0
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) December 17, 2021
Check out Ms. Castelli's Second Graders practicing their Basketball Drills in Mrs. DeStefano's Gym Class! Nice work, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/YD8HQrynmF
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) December 16, 2021
Our Mission and Ministry Leadership Board held their Christmas Party yesterday…there is no party like a Mission and Ministry Party! #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/fdsweSW1Gb
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) December 16, 2021
Congrats to our three Freshmen – Joseph King '25, Jacob Ruggiero '25 and Daniel Alper '25 – whose PSAT scores were in the highest national percentiles. We can't wait to see what else these young Crusaders accomplish during their time on Solly Ave! ?? pic.twitter.com/UpQNjqyS49
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) December 16, 2021
Great example of the hands-on learning opportunities available to our Explorers in the Innovation and Design Department!
Learn more at https://t.co/8P6mszHOSz. #EnterToLearn https://t.co/YC4F9UMHKv
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) December 15, 2021
Thank you to Patrick Weldon, ‘25, who collected over 7,000 cards to give to local senior citizens in hospitals and religious communities. Patrick has now been working on his Christmas card collection. To participate, you can create a card and mail it to the school. #RebelFamily pic.twitter.com/hwsNGbIM9R
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) December 17, 2021
The Community Service Club was hard at work yesterday wrapping presents that were purchased with funds from our annual Operation Santa Clause drive! #Christmas2021 pic.twitter.com/wSg4fAhSac
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) December 16, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC podcast. We don’t have a position on this but here is the latest on committee activity this week in Harrisburg involving the redrawing of voting districts in PA.
Here is part 1 of today’s PCC Podcast, which features a House Health Committee hearing yesterday on treatment options for Covid.
Our final results are in! West raised a grand total of $55,937 from 135 donors!? Exceeding our goal! We are truly grateful to everyone for their overwhelming support in West Catholic and the mission of the school. Congrats to the class of 1963 for being this year’s champions! pic.twitter.com/IXh3qE9YOa
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) December 1, 2021
#GivingTuesday don’t forget to show your support of our @LCCrusaders students today at this link https://t.co/JFRsfieq2y ALL donations stay at LC, we are grateful for your continued generosity @CYOCorpus @corpuschristi_s @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/h686cUUfbJ
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) November 30, 2021
The Holy Father sends a message of service. Our school motto is Christo Servire…Serve Christ. ??? #KCPride #PopeFrancis https://t.co/GjIHP02hCx
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) November 29, 2021
On this Day of Giving or with an end-of-year gift, support young women with a world-class education at Oakland Catholic. https://t.co/1d7zEhOmao pic.twitter.com/7FkAFTpxvs
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 30, 2021
It’s Giving Tuesday! This year Pope John Paul II High School is participating in Giving Tuesday through #iGiveCatholic. Please click the link to visit our page today and make a gift to support the John Paul Fund. https://t.co/nlfMoYUfLj pic.twitter.com/WPMFaDotDi
— Pope John Paul II High School (@PJPHS) November 30, 2021
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Through the generosity of our Days of Giving benefactors, we far exceeded our 100% match goals. Thank you for helping Aquinas to continue to do our part to provide our very best for our students. May God bless you. #DaysOfGiving2021 #Grateful pic.twitter.com/rKThHGoMIQ— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) December 1, 2021
? The tradition continues! Yesterday seniors “decked the halls” bringing some Christmas cheer to the school building. Check out our Facebook page for more photos!? #hchspride?? https://t.co/dnMChCyOys
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) December 3, 2021
Thanks to Matt Dyer ‘22 for sharing his talents this morning during our student led Advent prayer service. #MenofFaithandCompassion pic.twitter.com/WLhiqFTlAT
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) December 3, 2021
SCHOOL UPDATE! In a letter to the Diocesan School community yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Fromuth affirmed commitment to mitigation strategies that are keeping students safe, present, and learning.
Full text of letter:https://t.co/DaKec8uu7F pic.twitter.com/ubf3vA8rnv
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) December 3, 2021
OLM raised over $5,000 yesterday during #OLMGivingTuesday! The generosity of so many during this global celebration was incredibly appreciated! Thank you!
Still need to make your gift? Visit https://t.co/5zkH7ZaIMk pic.twitter.com/w69Iri5tqw
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) December 1, 2021
Kerry Dolan '22 recently organized a 5K Walk to benefit the NICU at Chester County Hospital with the help of Villanova University’s SNAP organization of nursing students. She was able to deliver $1250 in Wawa gift cards to help the parents of premature babies. pic.twitter.com/NDFlfbJ3au
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) December 1, 2021
Thank you to everyone in the Central Catholic community who participated in the 2021 Alumni & Friends Virtual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk!
View the full list of results on our website: https://t.co/ri2PwxFhqT pic.twitter.com/QwD9tX9FFB
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) December 1, 2021
We surpassed our Giving Tuesday goal and raised over $30,000!
The Roman community is truly overwhelmed by the generosity displayed by our donors on Giving Tuesday. On behalf of all the students of RCHS, we relay a heart-felt THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/D7fbN7RH5p
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) December 1, 2021
#MandMMonday 1st week of #Advent reflection from Thomas Dierkes '25: "The Gospel message that stands out to me is one of continually focusing our minds on Jesus Who is to come. God sends His son not to intimidate us but to move joy within ourselves by the promise of salvation." pic.twitter.com/e7KCjABRO4
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) November 29, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast. It looks at the issue of education funding in PA and at the importance of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit in helping our Catholic schools.
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast, which brings in a bit of nostalgia and shows the hard road that bills must follow at the PA legislature.
The PIAA football playoffs are down to the final 4 in each classification. There is at least one Catholic school in each bracket, except for 5-A. Here are the teams that will be in action this coming weekend, followed by Twitter highlights from games played this past weekend.
1-A: Bishop Canevin and Bishop Guilfoyle
2-A: Serra Catholic
3-A: Neumann-Goretti
4-A: Bishop McDevitt and Bishop Shanahan
6-A: St. Joe Prep
Serra Catholic beats Beaver Falls with dominating defensive performance @SerraCatholic @SerraCatholicFB @KAR120C6 https://t.co/8UTBHcjntN
— Pa Football News (@PaFootballNews) November 27, 2021
What a game! @BGMarauderFball is your D6 class 1A champion. Final 24-21 pic.twitter.com/cqkiy6RExC
— Pa Football News (@PaFootballNews) November 27, 2021
Open that Trophy Case!!!!!!!!!! @CrusadersFball 2021 WPIAL Class A Champions!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/OAwxv7pcTr
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) November 26, 2021
Bishop Shanahan’s late fourth quarter rally stuns Valley View 35-25 @BSHS_Eagles_FB https://t.co/nL83yPx33i
— Pa Football News (@PaFootballNews) November 27, 2021
Final score: 35-12! For the first time since 2007, the Serra Eagles are WPIAL Champions!!! Congratulations to the entire team and the coaching staff on a job well done!!! ??? pic.twitter.com/pQRJIS64C9
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) November 27, 2021
@IronmenFball onside kick to start 2nd half, @NGsaintsFB recovers at one 48, 2 plays later, Saints Kyreese Bradley takes it 44 yards to the endzone, 2pt run converted put Saints up 22 to 0 … 11 to ho in 3rd. No Video @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/dGnPCFrAJ7
— PFNDan570FB (@PFNDan570FB) November 27, 2021
Congratulations on an outstanding season! #OLSHChargers https://t.co/zLSPkEoJXo
— OLSH Chargers (@OLSH_Hoops) November 26, 2021
@BSHS_Eagles_FB & @NGSaintFootball Advance To PIAA Football Semifinals on Dec. 3 https://t.co/g9e2TpLcPu @PhSportsDigest @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @PhillyTrib @Bishop_Shanahan pic.twitter.com/kEHbXYmvX3
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) November 28, 2021
Bishop McDevitt Captures the District 3 4A Championship over Lampeter-Strasburg https://t.co/6ExVccJwGg
— Pa Football News (@PaFootballNews) November 27, 2021
Not the way we wanted to end the season…thank you to our Seniors for leading us to an incredible season! Best wishes to ALL of you in your futures! And thank you to ALL who made this season, OUR program a huge success and for keeping it #ForeverTrue
— NORTH CATHOLIC FOOTBALL (@NCtrojansFB) November 28, 2021
???? ????? ?? ???????? ??????-?? ??…
Congrats on a great season! ??#WPIAL | ?? pic.twitter.com/eWigxNk22w
— WPIAL (@wpial7) November 27, 2021
Underway in the PIAA quarters. pic.twitter.com/i48w1e0VST
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 27, 2021
This week, Mrs. Koroly hosted a Thanksgiving Cereal Party with her Pottery classes. This annual event is a chance for students to share a meal with friends, eating cereal out of their own homemade ceramic bowls! ?
Happy Thanksgiving! ? pic.twitter.com/TlOcaRCYoS
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 25, 2021
The Community Service Club organized a food drive and collected food over the past few weeks so families in need can enjoy Thanksgiving together. We and the community are so grateful for their leadership #thanksgivingfooddrive pic.twitter.com/JS8s2BaGAo
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) November 25, 2021
Our #saintsandscholars at @OurLadySchool decorated their own balloons this week for school parades to celebrate the holiday! We hope everyone is enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday! #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/tx2z5VifJR
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) November 25, 2021
#HappyThanksgiving2021 to our @LCCrusaders community we are blessed to have you @LC_STEM @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @ArchbishopPerez @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/9fEhTfwFNx
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) November 25, 2021
Honored to partner with @sharefoodphilly this Thanksgiving to help combat hunger. #EveryCanCounts #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/CvJnAkL6IH
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) November 24, 2021
This morning at our Thanksgiving Mass, Father Zaleski and Mrs. Rooney, challenged us to reflect on what we are truly thankful for. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate the Eucharist as a school. May you and your families have a blessed Thanksgiving! #Thanksgiving2021 pic.twitter.com/LNFd0W3V3o
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) November 24, 2021
COHS congratulates our mathletes who took 2nd place this month in the Western Division with a team score of 34. We are so proud of these students for their hard work and thank moderators Ms. Keller and Mr. Stinger for helping make this possible. #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/bsCxxmguXQ
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) November 24, 2021
DCC's No Shave November Fundraiser for Cancer – A Success
Thanks to donations from the Central Family and to these bearded young men, cancer research will receive funds to support ongoing progress in achieving a cure. pic.twitter.com/F0HEW6RTbS— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) November 24, 2021
Yesterday our Leadership Council held their annual Turkey Bowl, raised $500 & donated over 300 gifts to the Delaware Valley Children’s Charity Holiday Program. The DVCC sends out Christmas gifts to kids in need so they can have to happy Christmas. #Magis #service #thanksgiving pic.twitter.com/gfk80Mmu6b
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) November 24, 2021
@LCCrusaders was well represented at the Stand-Up for Life Dinner on Sunday, as members of the Respect Life Club listened to a presentation on the sanctity of human life and show their support for life at every moment.
Thank you Fr Dave O'Brien and Mr. Finnochio @ArchbishopPerez pic.twitter.com/N4E8zP1eme— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) November 24, 2021
#VikingNation Our choir members will be performing with the youth choir in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving — watch them on TV at 10:45am! Good luck to Natalie Woytek, Lauren Weaver, Olivia Reidy, Jackie McDonald and Hailey Horn. #HappyThanksgiving #VikingProud ????? pic.twitter.com/VPWBBu1fD3
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) November 24, 2021
OC juniors Allie Price and Korina Mikhonin both speak fluent Russian and hosted a CCW session on their Russian Heritage. They shared stories and assited their peers with a traditional Russian craft.#OCcollaborativecommunity pic.twitter.com/8270GbVSqp
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 24, 2021
Kolbe Academy student, Trent, shares what he is thankful for this Thanksgiving. #RecoverSucceedTransform #SaintsandScholars pic.twitter.com/D4q138xtHm
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) November 25, 2021
Today, we give thanks for our many blessings, including these smiles and so many more at Mater Dei Catholic School. Happy Thanksgiving! @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @ConnellyFdn pic.twitter.com/zkXGe8SiYg
— Mater Dei CS (@Mater_Dei_CS) November 25, 2021
Congratulations to #ND soccer on a fantastic season! We could not be more proud of your accomplishments this year. #PAISAA #soccer #upperschool #independentschool #mainlinepa pic.twitter.com/3vhTXl9SPT
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) November 18, 2021
One. More. Sleep. Rest up, Lady Golden Eagles! Tomorrow, we start our journey. #KCPride #BigDreams ???? pic.twitter.com/qGQRiAo7og
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) November 19, 2021
We are one day away!! pic.twitter.com/0USsjcHtBO
— Seton LaSalle Girls Basketball (@SLS_LadyRebels) November 18, 2021
Our student-athletes gathered with more than 400 other student-athletes from around the region to discuss their roles in creating a stronger leadership environment through sportsmanship both on and off the field at the 12th Annual WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit. pic.twitter.com/4puBYEYrQz
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) November 18, 2021
Naz Prep's Juan Manuel López presented Steeler Devin Bush with a painting he created – Annual Courage House Luncheon, @heinzfield 11/16
Mr. Bush is the 2021 Ed Block Courage Award Recipient. Coach Tomlin and Sister Linda were in attendance. pic.twitter.com/UdTl23lWEz— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) November 18, 2021
First up, congrats to our 13 All-Academic Team members!!
? Henry Barbisch
? Noah Blom
? Wyatt Bomberger
? Andrew Jones
? Lesae Lacks
? Justin Lashley
? Jayden Lindsey
? Donovan Mitchell
? Kole Olszewski
? Michael Pastirik
? Doug Sudor
? Zeke Swift
? Brady Travis pic.twitter.com/CfUEVcOBun— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) November 17, 2021
? 30 Days pic.twitter.com/0t14Q3FIxf
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) November 15, 2021
Faith Christian, Wood boys soccer and GMA field hockey prepare for state finals – https://t.co/g8wJyWcEVR pic.twitter.com/Oao2tvWhqP
— PA Prep Live (@PaPrepLive) November 19, 2021
#VikingProud of our Scholar Athlete, Julia! Go get the gold, girls! ?? https://t.co/fs4ueJOlGT
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) November 19, 2021
A VIKING FOR THE DAY
Friday itinerary for @mcall/@lvvarsity
11 a.m.
?? @ACCHSVikings vs. Avonwood in @PIAASports Class 2A girls soccer final at Hersheypark Stadium
7 p.m.
? @ACCHS_Athletics vs. Jersey Shore in PIAA 4A football first round at Allentown’s JBC Stadium
?????? pic.twitter.com/f31i1l6dQb— Michael Blouse (@MichaelBlouse) November 19, 2021
#VikingFamily The ROCKNE ROWDIE fan bus is on its way to Hershey with the rest of Viking Nation also heading west to cheer on the Vikettes! #VikingSpirit #VikingRumble #ViketteTough ???? YOU GOT THIS! #LehighValleyPride pic.twitter.com/JImAHQtzAi
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) November 19, 2021
Congrats to @HGPAlumni Tom Carlin, the head coach of @NovaMSoccer. His Wildcats registered the school's first-ever NCAA tourney soccer win, 1-0 over Vermont and will now face No. 4 seed Notre Dame in the next round of the Big Dance on Sunday. #ThinkNovemberMadness #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/i3CX3b3350
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) November 19, 2021
Trojans vs Antelopes – LIVE on NCSN! WPIAL 3A Football Semifinals from Fox Chapel High School. Our coverage starts at 6:50pm with kickoff at 7:00pm. https://t.co/XwNbwTHAq9
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) November 19, 2021
Game Day. The Ramblers look to extend their season with an opening round win this evening vs. East Stroudsburg South. Kickoff is set for 7pm at Bald Eagle Area HS. You can only purchase tickets to the game in advance at:https://t.co/tbuiS1FFqe pic.twitter.com/RkKeg1wIOa
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 19, 2021
Basketball season starts tomorrow. We’re ready….are you? ??? pic.twitter.com/v3lBjNT1NX
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) November 18, 2021
Congratulations #LaSalleFootball on an outstanding season and thank you @LaSalle_Sports for the kind wishes. We hope to represent the PCL well. https://t.co/5wrRVnCPlc
— St. Joe's Prep Sports (@SJPrep_Sports) November 18, 2021
Cheer on the Varsity Hockey Team Monday, Nov. 22 at 7:20pm at the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmarville.
Get 25% off your Pre-Game pies at Gino Brothers Pizzeria with your CCHS or OC student ID.
Join us in the parking lot for coffee, hot chocolate and corn hole prior to puck drop. pic.twitter.com/K8twscS5VO
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) November 18, 2021
Throw back Thursday to when the Varsity Football Team clinched the Inter-Ac Championship! Go Friars! #MalvernProud https://t.co/4p2eiG57O3 pic.twitter.com/jdibfO4C04
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) November 18, 2021
At the lowest point of the season, a deep conversation through a group text message helped OLSH get on the same page, resulting in an unexpected run to the WPIAL semifinals.https://t.co/7XPh5Blw9h
— The Times Sports (@timesscores) November 18, 2021
Tough one! Our boys battled! Final, 3-1 Malvern https://t.co/feZZETuURm pic.twitter.com/Sv9SlbjO1X
— @HGPathletics (@hgpathletics) November 18, 2021
FULL TRYOUT SCHEDULE ??
Freshman Tryouts: Grade 9
Friday 2:30-4pm
Saturday 10am-12pm
Sunday 3-4:30pmJV/Varsity Tryouts: Grades 10-12
Friday 11/19- 4-6pm
Saturday 11/20- 12-2:30pm#WereBack pic.twitter.com/lah9Uv8vpy— PJP Boys Basketball (@PJPII_Hoops) November 18, 2021
Congratulations to @LCCrusaders @AOPathletics PCL All Catholic team honors, we will be posting all teams this week #FieldHockey @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus @MMRSchool @MaryRedeemer @MMRChurch @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @mpcabrey @PhSportsDigest pic.twitter.com/EEAKBDYbRA
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) November 18, 2021
BOYS #SOCCER: @abwboyssoccer scores early, hangs on to beat Bishop Shanahan in PIAA-3A semifinals (By @khunter10) https://t.co/Pn7kg5SNRf @Wood_Vikings
— The Reporter Sports (@ReporterSports) November 17, 2021
@BishopStudent @bishopcanevin @CrusadersFball pic.twitter.com/RizcpUNMsi
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) November 19, 2021
The Friends Fur Life & Mounties Minds Matter clubs teamed up to bring Bauer the therapy dog to the Mount this week. He'll be back once a month…catch him again on December 2! pic.twitter.com/cX56nhNkml
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) November 19, 2021
19 OC seniors and juniors visited the Fort Pitt Capital Group, an independent investment management firm that provides investment advice to individuals and institutions.
Read more: https://t.co/rzTQo9HYjh pic.twitter.com/tfpdyDkyeH
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 19, 2021
#ChristoServire – Serving Christ! #KCPride ??? https://t.co/5Q5SMn6kBb
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) November 18, 2021
It’s time to show that the Catholic community is full of generosity! Help us celebrate #iGiveCatholic!
Please support Bonner & Prendie at https://t.co/B3kgR1tlfV pic.twitter.com/KeSbBfcqFg
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) November 19, 2021
??? ??????: Recently, students, teachers, and staff stopped by OLPH to talk to their students about the amazing opportunities at Becahi!
??? ??????????? ?? ????????? ????????, ?????? ????? ?? ?????://??????.??? pic.twitter.com/p0ItPJx59T— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) November 19, 2021
Did you know that The Mercy Magnet, the student-run newspaper, is online? Visit https://t.co/GRmPmueNM2 to stay up-to-date on all things Gwynedd! #Educate_Mercy pic.twitter.com/m59BWiG4p4
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) November 19, 2021
Our second graders are getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday by creating some robotic turkeys. @LEGO_Education @firstlegoleague @LEGO_Group #legorobotics #Turkey #Thanksgiving2021 ? pic.twitter.com/qyQEJYHDTM
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) November 18, 2021
Support the Middle School Cast & Crew of "The Twilight Cone" tonight at 7 PM in the YC auditorium! pic.twitter.com/f5TEvwq5ZJ
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) November 19, 2021
With 175 colleges visiting #LSCHS2022 on campus & over $41 million in scholarships last year for #LSCHS2021, @LSCHScollege's personalized application process is helping our young men choose the best path for them after their time at La Salle.
Learn more: https://t.co/kFny7ziMPE pic.twitter.com/YOpRJqngnb
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) November 19, 2021
Yesterday for the Great American Smoke-Out, Roman’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter held a health fair in the lobby during lunch to promote healthy living and quitting smoking/vaping. Well done! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/G0dmNn6Bus
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) November 19, 2021
Members of Aquinas' Speech & Debate team had a great day competing at the Moon Speech and Debate Tournament. Three of the students earned enough points to become members of the National Speech and Debate Association!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #AquinasScholars #Speech #forensics pic.twitter.com/IbGhqusbIM
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) November 19, 2021
Today's beautiful Eucharistic Procession!#Catholic #RealPresence #Eucharist #Procession pic.twitter.com/rkGSzCpPra
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) November 18, 2021
The members of @HGPSGA had lunch with @presgjg today and the student leaders offered feedback/suggestions for @HolyGhostPrep leadership to consider. #ThinkBrotherhood #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/nyzkWqprNY
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) November 19, 2021
The freshman class is certainly grateful for the delicious Thanksgiving dinner that the cafeteria staff prepared for us all today! #hchspride?? #thanksgiving #grateful https://t.co/LaNxgE0mpL
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) November 19, 2021
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 celebrating Ring Day! ?? #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/vu0Ad1eShY
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) November 19, 2021
Opening Night Magic ? Congratulations to the cast and crew of Pippin! #ACTS @ Archbishop John Carroll High School https://t.co/7We1Bmtwcj
— Archbishop Carroll (@ArchCarrollHS) November 19, 2021
DuBois Central Catholic is participating in the Diocese of Erie I Give Catholic campaign. You can donate online at https://t.co/Lg7ow8KlEb From now until November 30, 2021 pic.twitter.com/XDAWhisWhw
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) November 19, 2021
Thank you to all who attended our Mother’s Club Bingo this past weekend! It was a great success with more than 200 visitors to Roman and we hope to see you all again this spring when we do it again! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/MYSSxMw8g4
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) November 18, 2021
Congratulations to Mrs. Lori Heberling, who was honored as an Educator of the Year at the Hanover Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Awards Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 15.
Read more about her contributions to Delone Catholic at https://t.co/Q9yZdK9y71.#DoersoftheWord pic.twitter.com/hyStvNEyH9
— Delone Catholic HS (@Delone_Catholic) November 18, 2021
Gesu 3rd graders collaborated on a STEM experiment creating boats from foil. Students enjoyed friendly competition to see whose boat design could hold the most pennies! Thanks to Science Coordinator Pat Leaf & 3rd Grade Teacher Ryan Hewitt @ACESJUinPhilly for their ingenuity! pic.twitter.com/Cs37ULDdf6
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) November 18, 2021
It's another #ThrowbackThursday! SHS Class of 2003, Mrs. McMahon graciously shared this photo of her class, 4M. See anyone you know? Tag them or share this post with them! pic.twitter.com/9Eox60Rr21
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) November 18, 2021
It’s one week until Turkey Day and we have some great news to share about GSC’s first Family Turkey Trot last Sunday. More than 100 school, parish and community members showed up to walk and talk in the Queen of Peace Church parking lot.#GSCCommunity #GSCService
(1 of 4) pic.twitter.com/qdHd2lok91
— gscelem (@GSCelem) November 18, 2021
One of the best things about Serra Catholic is its teachers, so we wanted to give the Serra Community a chance to get to know them better. Once a month, we will be posting a “Teacher Feature” spotlighting one of Serra’s teachers. Our first Teacher Feature is Mrs. Katie Siniawski! pic.twitter.com/DzvGkcp67p
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) November 18, 2021
???????: The Scholastic Scrimmage Team defeats Northampton! They advance to the Semi-Finals on December 3 against Moravian Academy! #WeAreBC pic.twitter.com/YvxDsFw4dL
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) November 18, 2021
From Friars & Pandas to Explorers…La Salle University President Tim O’Shaughnessy visited Bonner & Prendie today to hand deliver acceptances to several of our students. We are so proud of their accomplishments and love hearing exciting news like this! #neverlost #BPproud pic.twitter.com/aHiZIqCw7M
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) November 18, 2021
?Tonight, Oakland Catholic will induct 75 seniors and juniors into the National Honor Society. pic.twitter.com/HgBPWfTv8h
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 18, 2021
Our Catholic School administrators are engaged in professional development today with @thomascmurray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, who is sharing activities to broaden perspective, build connection, and foster teamwork. #liveyourvocation pic.twitter.com/rbGVSLbmDI
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) November 18, 2021
It was the perfect fall day for Mr. Monticchio to conduct Choir class outside on the front lawn! pic.twitter.com/Vbze1ibi4d
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) November 18, 2021
YC’s 8th Grade students were on retreat today with Harrisburg visits to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Diocesan Center, and to pray the rosary outside of the Capitol for the representatives and senators who serve our communities. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/XAsldIJ6gJ
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) November 18, 2021
For the second straight week, I was unable to file my Podcast yesterday on Facebook. Tried twice. I’m assuming it was because I touted a story about certain mandates—ones that rhyme with “Maxine.” You see where I’m going here? It was a fair and balanced story but…I’m going to try to send it by sections. Here is the first part—a committee meeting to debate and vote on a bill to further what was voted on last spring in a constitutional amendment to limit the Governor’s power.
Part 2 of the latest PCC Podcast: debate on Rep. Russ Diamond’s medical freedom bill.
Part 3 of the latest PCC Podcast: debate on a bill to expand victims’ rights in PA.
Today’s PCC Podcast explains a new bill by Sen. Judy Ward designed to prevent taxpayer funding of elective abortions. And we were there for a committee meeting that was boycotted by one party. Their chairman explains why and then walks out as well.
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) November 11, 2021
Friars Football thanks all who have served our country. Especially our Bonner & Prendie alums. We proudly stand behind you. #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/71YkPAD2GA
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) November 12, 2021
The #OCcheer team placed 4th at the Bethel Park High School Competition, beating a handful of local public schools. The team narrowly missed third place and is ready for the UCA Regional competition this Sunday, November 14.#SoarEagles ? pic.twitter.com/HzWGpXfhO4
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) November 12, 2021
Great night at the Kennedy Catholic girls soccer banquet! Good luck and may God bless our seniors. ??? #KCPride #KCFamily pic.twitter.com/f2rV7AsIkL
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) November 11, 2021
Our Panda Field Hockey alumnae, Reagan Dolan '21, Abbie Hoyle '21, Kaitlyn Martin '18, Allison Martin '18, Daly Ewing '20, and Carly Brosious '18, each had amazing seasons at their respective schools. Congratulations, Pandas! #mbapchs pic.twitter.com/LJCG95Fncm
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) November 12, 2021
Wood wins 1st Round of States. Congrats girls! ?@woodgsoccer? pic.twitter.com/6HcBAIVBAY
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) November 10, 2021
Tomorrow is the BIG day…the Region 17 Champs will be participating in the AOP City Tournament for the first time in school history. The game is at 5pm at Cardinal O’Hara vs. St. Hilary! @athletics_devon #rolltide pic.twitter.com/rPEd84jiJZ
— Devon Prep Soccer (@DPTideSoccer) November 12, 2021
Father Judge Varsity Hockey hosts Perkiomen Valley HS tonight in a non-conference ICSHL matchup.
-Northeast Skatezone- 6:30p #gojudge
(photo by Gil McGlynn) pic.twitter.com/GYdFQdTWXy— Father Judge Hockey (@FJHockey) November 12, 2021
NCVB plays in the PIAA Quarterfinals this Saturday, 11/13.
? Hempfield Area High School
? 12:00 PM
? BedfordTickets sold online ONLY.
? https://t.co/ECZObZdav9We’ll see you there??@NCForeverTrue @NCTrojanArmy #ForeverTrue
— North Catholic Girls Volleyball (@NCGirlsVB) November 12, 2021
BENNY AND THE VIKINGS
Senior captain Ben Scandone leads @ACCHSVikings boys into Saturday’s @PIAASports soccer quarterfinals.@ACCHS_Athletics is one of 8 @PIAADistrictXI teams still alive for state?.
PREVIEW@nwlehighboyssoc @NazGirlsSoccer @ND_Crusaders https://t.co/49GyP72ZBC— Michael Blouse (@MichaelBlouse) November 12, 2021
Allentown Central Catholic football’s Patridge is literally all over the field https://t.co/MJQtJWqUnl @ACCHSVikings @ACCHS_Athletics @acchs_football @PatridgeGriffin
— Josh Folck (@JoshFolck) November 12, 2021
Archbishop Wood's Allen, Bowen sign National Letters of Intent – https://t.co/qSJbLJlbeN pic.twitter.com/1ZdsOWgXyd
— PA Prep Live (@PaPrepLive) November 11, 2021
Congratulations to the entire @LCCrusaders Tennis Team for being names All-Catholic!?? https://t.co/XLyzHTZHCo
— Anne Templeton (@annetempleton) November 11, 2021
Varsity Hockey: Bishop McCort 12, Forest Hills 1 https://t.co/5PZH9EjQhw
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) November 12, 2021
This playoff game will also be livestreamed via the link:https://t.co/sMCuu3MkbK
Viewers simply have to like the group and the video will pop up at 6:50pm. New members will be accepted throughout the night. pic.twitter.com/PV3dIMxoJf— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 12, 2021
My fullback @joey_walko #38 part of that @MarianColtsFB team >1k rushing season! #GoBigBlue @EPAFootball @PaFootballNews @circlewsports pic.twitter.com/Roaqpe30Rk
— Matthew Martin mcmartin@ptd.net (@MattMartin2023) November 11, 2021
New Story: Girls Volleyball State Playoff Capsule https://t.co/oU58HbV72n
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) November 9, 2021
Today is “National Signing Day" and we commend all ten senior athletes who have committed to continue their athletic careers in college.#mmathletics #gogoldenbears pic.twitter.com/E35fYoED09
— Merion Mercy Academy (@MerionMercy) November 11, 2021
Congratulations Brynn!! We are so proud of your hard work ?#classof2019 https://t.co/itgiwH625R
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) November 11, 2021
Bishop Canevin senior’s amazing journey #Teen #@AGACollegePrep #APExams [Video] https://t.co/LBk6kqDkct
— AGradeAbove High School Scoop (@HiSchoolScoop) November 11, 2021
Step 2
?Franklin Field
? Lasalle
? Sat 2:00 p.m
? https://t.co/N8qxY3YUxU#GoPrep pic.twitter.com/5ucXH7JlDX— St Joe’s Prep Football (@SJPrep_Football) November 12, 2021
SMALL, BUT MIGHTY
That's the story of the senior class on this year's @ACCHSVikings
football team. There are just 7 of them, 6 healthy. But they have made a big impact in getting the Vikes to a third straight @PIAADistrictXI 4A championship game.https://t.co/mcA3MmvtNg— Keith Groller (@KeithGroller) November 11, 2021
Winners! @woodgsoccer pic.twitter.com/HWqHDOhFoB
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) November 10, 2021
PCC Podcast for 11-11-21, including debate over bill to prohibit vaccine mandates.
Our students honored our Veterans this morning with a prayer service including readings, petitions, prayers, the singing of the National Anthem, & the raising of the flag. Thank you to all who serve and have served. We’re honored by & thankful for your service. ??? #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/Eg3vz1Fwvy
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) November 11, 2021
This morning, the Viking Marching Band participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Pittsburgh! pic.twitter.com/pEzmLUr6hb
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) November 11, 2021
On this, and every other day, we honor our veterans. Thank you to our MMR veterans for their sacrifice #WeAreMMR #MMRproud #VeteransDay @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/fvdNEXnDK7
— M M Redeemer School (@MMRSchool) November 11, 2021
Day 50 Thank you Bishop Gainer of the @HBGDiocese for celebrating our 30th anniversary mass today! pic.twitter.com/jn4imRkFwD
— Mrs. Buller's Class (@Grade4RCS) November 11, 2021
#VeteransDay Great day celebrating our veterans! We are so grateful to veterans who are now serving as faculty, staff, and parents who provide a model of service and leadership to all of our #saintsandscholars! pic.twitter.com/vQxazIsa62
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) November 11, 2021
Don't forget that the Malvern Entrance Exam will take place tomorrow! Good luck to both Middle School and Upper School test-takers. Register now, or secure your son's spot for the next exam on December 5th, by clicking here ? https://t.co/IEJvKZR85p pic.twitter.com/ziOrbipVZE
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) November 12, 2021
Some of our students visited Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary today with our Diocesan Director of Vocations Father Jon Sawicki. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/pu7TvLgXTO
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) November 12, 2021
This drizzle-filled Friday seems like the perfect time to remind @HolyGhostPrep students to join us next week for "Singin' in the Rain" auditions! Open to all HGP students and all area high school girls. #ThinkUniqueGifts #ThinkGhost @HGPTheater pic.twitter.com/AHg32PnOkY
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) November 12, 2021
We began filling the truck! #GreatIgnatianChallenge pic.twitter.com/5pt494Mac6
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) November 12, 2021
Mrs. Moscatelli's Kindergarten Class is spending the morning working to figure out God's gift of our five senses! Nice work, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/Lt45OQ71oc
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) November 12, 2021
#VeteransDay2021 #GodBlessOurVeterans ??? pic.twitter.com/5fLqMnHFUt
— Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (@OLsacredheart) November 11, 2021
Another great @Kolbe_Academy field trip to the National Center for #PadrePio. It was an incredibly inspirational and holy experience! @AtownDioceseEDU @AllentownDioces @BishopSchlert @bctesche @BHSBioTeach @PAcatholic @NCEATALK #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/2R2Cux5uXY
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) November 11, 2021
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) November 12, 2021
Attention all Class of 2021 Graduates!
Stop by campus and pick up your yearbook Wednesday, November 24th, from 2-3:30 in the Auditorium.
Let us know your stopping by registering here: https://t.co/z3L3x9NjZT pic.twitter.com/OziQzAw9Hy
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) November 12, 2021
Students collected canned goods and turkeys to help supply the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry for their Thanksgiving families. #YCHeart pic.twitter.com/MGlCZYcn4b
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) November 12, 2021
Just posted a photo @ Archbishop John Carroll High School https://t.co/BBJoGF18J2
— Archbishop Carroll (@ArchCarrollHS) November 11, 2021
These 3 Aquinas alumni are Ranger School graduates! So proud of P. Adams, '16; M. Tappe, '15; and A. Schirra, '12!
Thank you to all who serve or have served our United States of America.#VeteransDay #ProudOfOurAquinasAcademyAlumni #AquinasAcademyAlumni #military ?? pic.twitter.com/kXtcopNlH1— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) November 11, 2021
#SaintoftheDay . . . St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of cavalry, soldiers, innkeepers, horses and riders, beggars, and those in need. His feast day is November 11th. Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us! pic.twitter.com/rjo3kKNbgf
— Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (@OLsacredheart) November 11, 2021
#VikingProud Lord, today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country. We respect them, thank them, pray for them, and we are proud of them. #VeteransDay #SemperFidelis #ForGodAndCountry ???? pic.twitter.com/vKyE7T0UuK
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) November 11, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast! The effort continues to stop Governor Wolf from closing two state centers for long-term care. And PA House members debate a voting bill along party lines.
New Story: BC Volleyball Sweeps Leechburg to Reach 11th Straight WPIAL Championship Match https://t.co/Emcq0XK5K8
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) November 3, 2021
If you missed out on Senior Night because of the weather, you have one more chance to see our 2021 Colts in action!
Thursday Night Football 7pm the Marian Colts v. CMVT Rams. Come out as we try to send out our seniors on a four-game winning streak to end the season! #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/4nfNa3XAsk
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) November 3, 2021
Give our football Coach John Reay a follow. He’s proven his commitment to KCHS and most importantly, his love for his team. #KCFamily ?? https://t.co/iJjMZIq7nv
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) November 3, 2021
Prep won their 33rd District 10 soccer championship last night and their 8th in a row. The Ramblers will open PIAA play next Tuesday vs. the third seed from District 7. pic.twitter.com/qchE9g6STn
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 3, 2021
Tickets remain on sale as the Ramblers face Brashear Friday in a subregional starting at 7pm at Dollinger Field. Tickets are only online and can be purchased at:https://t.co/dUjqUMqyyy pic.twitter.com/yZppgDXfxZ
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 4, 2021
PCL Field Hockey All-Catholic Team Announced https://t.co/xA2g7HvOCE @cardinalohara @ACHSathletics @LCCrusaders @DelcoSports @PaPrepLive @johnknebels @PhSportsDigest @NETimesOfficial @BucksLocalSport @toddrthorpe @Wood_Vikings @MBAP_Athletics @TerryToohey pic.twitter.com/QejTXu6pLj
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) November 3, 2021
Congratulations, Alexis (Lexi)Leddy- Saint Class of 2016 on being named Girls Volleyball Coach of the year in her first season of coaching!#GoSaintshttps://t.co/AVGPXToomX pic.twitter.com/MBHkNMaNfl
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) November 3, 2021
Best tradition in sports! ?? https://t.co/8WMfbDmzi5
— Bill Hess (@WeAreBC55) November 3, 2021
Philadelphia Catholic League Champs! ? ?? Way to go, ladies! #PatriotNation https://t.co/IXsldVsYH5
— Archbishop Carroll (@ArchCarrollHS) November 3, 2021
YESSS? @_grace_oneill https://t.co/IOmsCeHsvE
— ACHS Girls Bball (@Carroll_GBball) November 3, 2021
Since the PCL joined the PIAA in 2008-2009, Archbishop Wood Girls have played in the state tournament every year – advancing to 9 State Championships, winning 6. In that time frame, Wood girls have played in 12 of 13 PCL Championships, winning 3. What will 2022 bring? #17DaysAway pic.twitter.com/4akhxUJj6o
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) November 3, 2021
Volleyball won their 7th District One AAA Championship. This was their third is a row. The team will take on the runner up from District 12 on Tuesday! #begolden #benotafraid #pope @PjpSection @PJPHS pic.twitter.com/wKvxExlvfJ
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) November 3, 2021
Our #saintsandscholars are
? ATHLETIC! ?Sports like Volleyball and Cross Country to Soccer & Football (and so much more!) help our students stay healthy, learn the value of teamwork, & develop friendships & memories that last a lifetime! #safepresentgrowing #myschoolmyteam pic.twitter.com/cwZhlMmB25
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) November 4, 2021
Represent, boys! @HGPTrackXC #states! https://t.co/0LZwoj2TAy
— @HGPathletics (@hgpathletics) November 2, 2021
Varsity Hockey: Bishop McCort 10, Richland 1 https://t.co/BYH0aakHWZ
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) November 3, 2021
At the half: LaSalle JV leads Wood JV 13-0 ?@WoodFootball? pic.twitter.com/LOzHqUgBZ5
— Sue O'Neill (@SueD_ONeill) November 1, 2021
Catholic school education is a PreK-12 family experience for all of our #saintsandscholars! Students in our elementary schools are visited by their partner high schools for building relationships over games, activities, and prayer! #myschoolmyfamily #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/Q9dgmdUqWv
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) November 3, 2021
Last few hours to take a bid on @LCCrusaders #Virtual bag bingo raffle here https://t.co/LZWrUDXLzf @PAcatholic @Jennife77090497 @ph_jenny @annetempleton @mrsgreskosfifth pic.twitter.com/LJ6Pm6LKC5
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) November 4, 2021
Congratulations to 3 of our soccer seniors for being installed as Extraordinary Ministers today at mass! #11hearts1soul1goal pic.twitter.com/N7Y4cCZnkY
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) November 2, 2021
??????? ??? ??? ????? ????????!
The 2022 – 2023 Apps for Becahi are now open. Go to https://t.co/tGSU6GZA15 to apply today! Discounted enrollment fee of $50 if enrolled by 12-1-21.
Questions: Josh Tehonica at ?????????@??????.???. pic.twitter.com/ycu13CFCL4— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) November 3, 2021
Mr. Raible’s Level 3 and Level 5 Junior history classes took a trip through the past and created Family Trees. The students researched the origins of their last names and provided a short biography of one of their family members. pic.twitter.com/CjQMhVCI2K
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) November 3, 2021
Ms. Herbertson’s sophomore English course participated in a Shakespeare Escape Room. Students had to use literary clues to solve 5 puzzles to learn about The Bard. Congratulations to the students who escaped! pic.twitter.com/qvnVBzbTfw
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) November 3, 2021
Tickets On Sale Now!!!! pic.twitter.com/Iy8nU2H04V
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) November 3, 2021
Fall Musical Tickets on Sale Now! All tickets are being sold online at https://t.co/4RD2bMOxZr. Social distancing is being built in via seating, and all who attend will be asked to wear a mask. Don't miss the special performance for a special needs audience on 11/17! pic.twitter.com/YfVkncItzq
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) November 3, 2021
Mrs Perrico’s Future Nurses of America Club was awarded a grant from the Buhl Regional Health Foundation! Funds will be used to support the club and help create scholarships for KCFS future nurses. ???? pic.twitter.com/KY9yZrFNDD
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 29, 2021
The OLSH Prom committee is selling poinsettias from Janoski's Greenhouse for the holidays!
Download the order form for more information on how to get your fresh Christmas greenery: https://t.co/vP7mpE45WS pic.twitter.com/4qZqJMrcl9— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) November 2, 2021
Today is your last chance to register for our Scholarship Entrance Exam this Sunday, Nov. 7! Please visit the Admissions page of our website to sign up.
We have one more test scheduled later this month on Nov. 27th. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/vLoXzlIMQi
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) November 3, 2021
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) November 3, 2021
Final Day to Register!
Current 8th grade students from area schools are invited to spend a Shadow Day @ Aquinas Academy High School to experience being a “Crusader for a Day!”
Register online through Nov. 3:https://t.co/pSpLVQmfzM#Catholic #HighSchool #PrivateSchool #Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/62x7eWkYIk— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) November 3, 2021
Our #Pruppy Iggy hanging with students. pic.twitter.com/iqAT61CuA2
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) November 3, 2021
Cathedral Prep's Entrance Exam for 8th grade boys AND girls is this Saturday, November 6th, at 8:00 a.m. There's no need to pre-register. Visit https://t.co/aYGySgVRcH for details! #Prep #EntranceExam pic.twitter.com/9p2l4MNaF6
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) November 3, 2021
Today’s PCC PODCAST looks at two bills that we are supporting and have a good chance to be passed by the PA Senate next week.
Today’s PCC Podcast takes a look at a day in the life of the PA Speaker of the House, Rep. Bryan Cutler, and how it can sometimes be a tall task to keep things moving smoothly.
Advancing to our 3rd straight PIAA D1 AAA quarterfinals with a 2:0 win over Lower Moreland. Goals by K.Cassidy & C.Drakeley. H.Griffin with an assist. E. Verrill in goal with 6 saves for her 6th shutout of the season. #swarm #grit ?????@GMAAthletics @ReporterSports pic.twitter.com/kHrosPDGtd
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) October 27, 2021
Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer Move on in WPIAL Playoffs https://t.co/zy8xpjoXjQ
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) October 27, 2021
Wood Field Hockey wins 4-2 and advanced to the Semi-finals pic.twitter.com/d6Zf39fyk7
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 27, 2021
Thank YOU Kole Tarary for your dedication to KC & football! You have left quite a mark on a team that just started back again. You've gained so much respect from the KC community for hard work & leadership. All we can say is good luck & thank you! #OnceAGoldenEagle #KCFamily pic.twitter.com/t4EUuA9P9I
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 27, 2021
Congratulations to Kyla Cohagan '23, Megan Lyons '22, and Paige Kuisis '23 on making All WPIAL! We are so excited to see their success, and are rooting for the girls soccer team in the WPIAL playoffs! Catch their WPIAL Quarterfinals game today vs. Springdale at 8:00 pm. pic.twitter.com/nMFHRdxxhh
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) October 27, 2021
The #BSHS boys rugby team recently attended the 1874 Cup, watching two top college program face off: Army vs Navy. Afterwards, they had the opportunity to see world class level rugby as New Zealand took on USA Rugby. pic.twitter.com/3Tgb7GQCE8
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 27, 2021
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) October 28, 2021
Oh yea!!! Winners!! https://t.co/ZXf0HLJgnJ
— Serra Catholic Volleyball (@SerraCatholicVB) October 28, 2021
Boys Soccer Final: @LaSalle_Sports defeats @RomanAthletics (@RCHS_Soccer2017) 2-1 in a hard fought OT battle. Goal by Tim Madden. The Explorers will play @FJAthletics on Saturday at 7pm in the PCL Championship????:@DonnaEckert29 pic.twitter.com/Vr9k1XpkYY
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) October 28, 2021
New Story: BC Girls Soccer Season Ends in Quarterfinal Loss to Freedom https://t.co/3lSri7qTxw
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 28, 2021
@CEC_athletics sophomore Constance Wojton captures the District XII 1A Girls' XC title @PhSportsDigest @BucksLocalSport @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/2wLypchiU4
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 28, 2021
@AOPS_Schools Flourish At District XII Cross Country Championships. Recap and results here >>>> https://t.co/emKlPWD2P6 @PhSportsDigest @PAcatholic @DelcoSports @NETimesOfficial @LCCrusaders @PaPrepLive @johnknebels pic.twitter.com/I2vr3AO0A0
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 28, 2021
(1/2) Extra Time with Seniors, Captains Joe Lodise and Matt Bellew and Ayden Dougherty. Lodise and Bellew talking about tonight’s #PCLSoccer Semi Final OT loss. pic.twitter.com/3wO3AUkzOH
— RCHS Soccer 2021 (@RCHS_Soccer2017) October 28, 2021
Good luck tonight @LCCrusaders @lcgs413 PCL semifinal at 5:30pm at Ramp Playground vs Wood $5 ticket #GOCRUSADERS @CYOCorpus @MaryRedeemer @PhSportsDigest @mpcabrey @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @StJudeChalfont @LC_STEM @MMRSchool @Mater_Dei_CS @VisiSchool @OLMRCS pic.twitter.com/eXu07L7LbT
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 28, 2021
Good luck to the cross country team today in the District 12 championship! pic.twitter.com/Tf4U4IzbdD
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) October 28, 2021
Maiden voyage of the Class of ‘82- gift of Andy Young FJ ‘82 pic.twitter.com/vNddzHNDzx
— judge crew (@CrewProche) October 27, 2021
@LCCrusaders Seniors from Mrs U'Selis' Intro to Engineering, listen to speaker, Mr. Edward Howard, Esq, this afternoon. Mr. Howard is an intellectual property lawyer. Tyler @Mater_Dei_CS Colin @StJudeChalfont and Matt @MMRSchool spoke on the project for Gov STEM competition. pic.twitter.com/J5sJ5CjlOT
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 28, 2021
Recently, students in Mrs. Fox's Introduction to Psychology class presented projects on a variety of topics. Project formats included written works, a rap, a video, wood burning, an interactive soccer game, and various art projects. pic.twitter.com/EaWs3IyOgt
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) October 27, 2021
Today is Give Back Thursday, #BSHS's 24-hour matched gift challenge! Give now at: https://t.co/elGFSva3oU or Venmo Bishop_Shanahan. Generous donors have combined to offer $55K in matching gifts, meaning any gift you make today has DOUBLE THE IMPACT. pic.twitter.com/9lAfOgpXMa
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 28, 2021
Mrs. Venafra's PreK 4 class had a great time carving pumpkins! While they were having their lesson, a little friend flew in to join them!!! #QOAProud @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @ArchPhilly @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/YZdzkYtlT6
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) October 28, 2021
Our students had a blast at our homecoming dance on our newly rededicated Class of '69 Alumni Field on Saturday! The evening featured dancing, lawn games, food, and a cupcake truck! #homecoming2021 #mbapchs pic.twitter.com/nvn3dzU6KN
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) October 27, 2021
Bryce Matway, '22, shares with us his experience as Vice President of the Student Council, as well as preparing for life after Central.
Learn more about Bryce: https://t.co/QiYBB3P4nZ pic.twitter.com/ojQVkyssAn
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 27, 2021
Shadow Visits give your son a first-hand look at the Malvern experience. He will follow a Malvern student to classes, tour our beautiful campus, and learn what the average day at Malvern is like. If interested in scheduling a Shadow Visit, click here ? https://t.co/BlbSd5G0IB pic.twitter.com/25YctuELdC
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) October 27, 2021
It's another bumper crop of ghoulish and gorgeous gourds at GSC for the Home and School Association's Pumpkin Decorating Contest! The proceeds from voting will benefit the retired IHM Sisters at Camilla Hall in Malvern.#GSCCommunity #GSCService #GSCis4me #GSCisIHMstrong pic.twitter.com/RZCIGgCZLY
— gscelem (@GSCelem) October 27, 2021
Congratulations to our young men who were recently recognized at our annual Academic Honors Convocation!
View the full list at https://t.co/nx5S2ZQ89c #EnterToLearn #YourPathLSCHS pic.twitter.com/ggA5le9kmb
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) October 27, 2021
Thank you to @SJPREP for coming and speaking to our 7th and 8th grade boys. We were excited to have James McDermott ('21) come back to SHS to speak about his experiences at the Prep. pic.twitter.com/Bxip0ScdXu
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) October 27, 2021
Father Bongard and a couple of our smiling students pose with a check for over $300 benefitting Schools for Special Education, which was the proceeds from our recent @philadelphiaeagles Dress Down Day. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/oixwOdmp7a
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) October 27, 2021
The Ministry and Service Team took advantage of community time today to start planning the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. #LeaveToServe #EveryCanCounts pic.twitter.com/fWdeT9aQWN
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) October 27, 2021
#HappyHalloween from the Addams (MMR) Family to yours #AddamsFamily #WeAreMMR #MMRproud @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/Fn9ybBpMe2
— M M Redeemer School (@MMRSchool) October 27, 2021
Our sOCktober fundraiser for the Rainy Day Fund ends tomorrow, October 28th. Support your fellow classmates with a $10 donation, earn socks, and get entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Even our friends at Central are supporting us! ? pic.twitter.com/96t8RYi3LZ
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 27, 2021
Thanks to all who joined this past Sunday at our Fall Open House! To register and for any admissions questions, please contact admissions@olmrcs.com. pic.twitter.com/kuw98Dl2t7
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) October 27, 2021
Mrs. Koval’s Personal Financial Management classes participated in mock job interviews. The students took on the roles of interviewer or interviewee. Michael Aland and Francesca Aland interviewed Vincent Brown and Lindsay Saccamango interviewed Isabella Pomocki. pic.twitter.com/nocWcmfhCz
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) October 27, 2021
Today’s PCC PODCAST features debate on two issues, one before the House involving the taking of private land by non-governmental organizations and one before the Senate involving efforts to stop Governor Wolf from closing two state centers.
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast. It has coverage of Monday’s school choice rally along with some highlights of the committee meetings at the Capitol.
UNDEFEATED SECTION CHAMPS!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZpcAHHB2Sg
— Serra Catholic Volleyball (@SerraCatholicVB) October 22, 2021
To our seniors… Thank you for leaving your mark on LCHS GSOC?? We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future? #11hearts1soul1goal pic.twitter.com/jxnpjw4ccd
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) October 21, 2021
Girls Volleyball won 3-0 against Ringgold and celebrated their Senior night on Tuesday! Congratulations to the senior girls who have had an amazing season so far! #LetsGoRebels #LadyRebelsVolleyball #Classof22 pic.twitter.com/OdtbwCBQyc
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) October 21, 2021
Congratulations to @LCCrusaders on winning the District XII Girls' Tennis 2A Championship today https://t.co/Uxm4Q45IFN @PaPrepLive @ReporterSports @PAcatholic @PhSportsDigest @johnknebels @AOPS_Schools @LCHS_Activities pic.twitter.com/d0n5i2CiOF
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 22, 2021
Volleyball Senior Day! Congrats to our Seniors! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication! pic.twitter.com/TtqjHCUtmF
— Nazareth Athletics (@NAZ_Athletics) October 21, 2021
Girls Cross Country at LHAC Championships https://t.co/rdLYeaEzTJ
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 21, 2021
Boys Cross Country at LHAC Championships https://t.co/PUwbbg9NtT
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 21, 2021
We are Proud!!!! pic.twitter.com/gyGbvemsz3
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 21, 2021
Villa banks another D-10 tennis trophy with a 5-0 victory vs. Grove City. pic.twitter.com/vr4la5rb89
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 21, 2021
Girls Soccer: @LCCrusaders (@lcgs413) & @OHara_Lions (@cardinalohara) are heading into OT after ending 0-0 in regulation in the first round of the PCL playoffs?? pic.twitter.com/v1X2m2zbqF
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) October 21, 2021
Girls Soccer: After 2ot’s @ArchCarrollHS (@ArchCarrollHS) & @StHubertBambies tied 1-1??Captains meeting before PK’s.?:@DonnaEckert29 pic.twitter.com/7teoiChLl2
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) October 21, 2021
Congrats to our seniors Ronnie Greipp, Joey Smith, & James Corbett. Thanks for your positive attitude, great work ethic, & tremendous leadership. We appreciate all that you have done for the XC program & HGP. But you are not finished yet!! Stay Healthy. pic.twitter.com/def1xhCeNp
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) October 21, 2021
New Story: Tonight we Celebrate our Seniors!!!! https://t.co/f5ZhAaRqsH
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 21, 2021
PCL Quarters: @LCCrusaders girls win in PK’s (4-3) over O’Hara ?????? pic.twitter.com/oVeJn1h5Zq
— khunter10 (@khunter10) October 21, 2021
Congratulations @LCCrusaders girls tennis ? now 17-0?PCL CHAMPS?@PIAASports District 12AA CHAMPS ? next up STATES first round vs Lower Moreland @Legacy_YTE on Tue Oct 26 @AOPathletics @MaryRedeemer @CYOCorpus @OLMRCS @Mater_Dei_CS @StJudeChalfont @PhSportsDigest @mpcabrey pic.twitter.com/Yn9lQFFG5Y
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 21, 2021
It’s a beautiful night for the Berks Catholic High School Powderpuff Football game. Have fun juniors and seniors! And HEY! I KNOW THOSE REFS! @WeAreBC55 pic.twitter.com/Z7nD8Ap3Bh
— Jake Latchum (@latchum1) October 21, 2021
Junior High Football: Bishop McCort 22, Central 0 https://t.co/xSmHmrC8HR
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 22, 2021
Varsity Hockey: Bishop McCort 7, Johnstown 0 https://t.co/28u0jCjYP8
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 22, 2021
SH Soccer won against Carroll today in the PCL Quarterfinal! ?? Tied 1-1 with Double OT – Shoot out 3-0 Huberts! ?
Semifinals Tues at Ramp playground vs Ryan. @joemasonwrites @AOPathletics @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @FOX29philly #Champs pic.twitter.com/y4TukffYe3— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) October 22, 2021
Girls Volleyball: Bishop Guilfoyle 3, Bishop McCort 2 https://t.co/mYdG9tUMyE
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 22, 2021
Volleyball Update: SJCA traveled to take on the Mountaineers of S. Williamsport. The Pack battled all night. When the dust settled & the fireworks ended, the teams split. JV Score 0-2 (23-25; 17-25) Varsity Score 3-2 (23-25; 25-23; 25-21; 20-25; 15-9). #StrongFinish #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/poHeZDlQup
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) October 22, 2021
New Story: BC Varsity Volleyball Sweeps QV on Senior Night; Finishes Regular Season 21-1 https://t.co/YzVSmjdKnk
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 22, 2021
Congratulations to Meghan McCoy '22 and Alexa Taylor '24, who each won All-Section awards for the season! Cheer them on this Saturday as they look for a win in Round 1 of WPIAL playoffs! ??? #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/OKbPYShy5h
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) October 21, 2021
Congratulations to these lady crusaders on being named All-Section! ?#ProudOfourAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #soccer #AllSection ?? pic.twitter.com/ylTmyh9Q4D
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 22, 2021
Good luck! Let's go #OLSHChargers! https://t.co/JzeXUXjAcL
— OLSH Chargers (@OLSH_Hoops) October 21, 2021
New Story: Second Half Comeback Preserves Unbeaten Regular Season for BC Girls Soccer https://t.co/QUsTSrinxC
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 21, 2021
Field Hockey #SeniorNight was a grand farewell to the 6 seniors w/ a 4-1 victory over Ellis! Alexa netted a hat-trick & Lizzie added the other. Aquinas finished as 2nd place in section. Next up's playoffs!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL ? #GoCrusaders pic.twitter.com/gKNwmLUaNA
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 21, 2021
Our students were happy to welcome our new counseling staff member, Colt! Colt recently started his new role as therapy dog for students in need of emotional support.
Thank you to the Humphreys family for sharing Colt with us! pic.twitter.com/k6DmHa4Wm0
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 21, 2021
Our fifth grade has been studying the sacraments in religion class, and yesterday they performed a play acting out the Sacrament of Baptism. #catholiceducation #sacraments #baptism pic.twitter.com/xG7PF59jOK
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) October 21, 2021
Mr. Bhatti's Emerging Technologies classes have been working with Python, a computer programming language used throughout the world for the development of A.I. technologies, websites and data science. Tyler Hulick '25 is shown here with his project. #Prep #EmergingTech pic.twitter.com/ceBjvf0C3K
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 21, 2021
Donut hole demo was sweet! Thank you Chef Maria. @brockcoinc pic.twitter.com/FjyOZHafcS
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) October 21, 2021
There are few certainties in life, but @ChickfilA sandwich fundraisers, hosted by @HGPSGA, always draw a crowd. #ThinkPoultry #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/U8HjPlTkqe
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) October 21, 2021
Check out Mrs. Valerio's Pre-K Class doing a Halloween Dance in Gym Class today with Mrs. DeStefano! Great moves, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/PbLeZAichh
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) October 21, 2021
It's #NationalSchoolBusSafety Week and here are pictures from the last week of Camp GSC when traffic safety and community health educators from the @HHSMontcoPA talked to our campers – including Shane, Elanah and Cristiano – about how to be safe in and around school buses. pic.twitter.com/H4ieCjejCc
— gscelem (@GSCelem) October 21, 2021
The YC Marching Band visited their favorite fans at the elementary partner schools today! Thank you for the support Holy Trinity, St. John, St. Joseph, and St. Rose! #YCFutures #YCFamily pic.twitter.com/WntywJRwPz
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) October 21, 2021
Notre Dame Theatre presents CHICAGO High School edition. Head over to our FB to see a sneak peek of the show. Buy your tickets today because they are selling out FAST!?
? https://t.co/Luq3djowr0#theatre #chicago #upperschool #independentschool pic.twitter.com/LGORzL2wOy
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) October 21, 2021
Last night, over 60 families attended our college fair to meet with college admissions representatives to learn about the college admissions process. The evening was a great opportunity for students to think about the next adventure after life at Bonner & Prendie #collegesearch pic.twitter.com/FUYbknaQwZ
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) October 21, 2021
Chess Club started today with Freshman David Trinh making a Scholar Mate against partner, that’s Check Mate in 4 moves. #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/Zf1NHKoMNz
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) October 20, 2021
Some photos from the morning session of our Junior class retreat! pic.twitter.com/RTX7a8RxD7
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 20, 2021
Congratulations to all the Royal Lancers who were inducted tonight into the Joseph A. Shields Chapter of the National Honor Society at Archbishop Wood High School. #NHS #LFL ?@AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/fdj3ElKWKp
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) October 20, 2021
12th Grade Retreat in Malvern to bond with classmates, spend time in prayer, and “retreat” from school and the daily stresses of life. #YCFaith #YCFamily pic.twitter.com/x5n7gDBFqH
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) October 18, 2021
Had a great meeting @AmRevMuseum for @AOPS_Schools @aoptech with @LCCrusaders President Mr Casey and faculty members Ms DiGiuseppe and Ms Gryscavage ‘14 @ArchPhilly @NCEATALK @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/lMix1jCZ1d
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 18, 2021
This fall, the Central Catholic baseball team volunteered at the Miracle League of Western PA in Murrysville. The organization serves children and young adults with special needs, and provides them the opportunity to play the sports that they love. pic.twitter.com/4PVtJ7EYJ8
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 18, 2021
Today’s PCC Podcast looks at the debate over HB 118 by Rep. Frank Ryan to provide for the final disposition of fetal remains. We look at the attacks by opponents and the response by supporters of the bill on the PA House floor back in June of this year.
Today’s PCC Podcast features a Senate committee taking up an education bill that prompted heavy criticism from Democrats in the House.
MPS 6, Girard 0
All 5 seniors with goals on senior night!
Rebecka Habursky (2)
Erin Matlock
Sam Ferrick
Catie Abbate
Luca Spracklen
??
Assists: Habursky (3), Molly Taylor, Naomi Warshaw
Shutout Keeper: Abbate, Alona Campbell, Bridgid Ochalek pic.twitter.com/fhNgu3bNaI— Mercyhurst Prep Girls Soccer (@MercyhurstS) October 15, 2021
Big shout out to both KC and WM girls soccer as they played their #BreastCancerAwareness game in honor of all survivors and those in memory. #MoreThanAGame #Pinkout @BobGreenburg @ETNreisenweber pic.twitter.com/FNn6V2HviO
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) October 13, 2021
Villa earned a Region cross country championship today with a victory over Erie. pic.twitter.com/6qMvTLC3OF
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 12, 2021
WPIAL Golf Champions! Trojans claim the AA Boys Team Championship. https://t.co/dbF5cs8jo0
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) October 14, 2021
Congrats to our Senior Soccer guys!! #YahooBlue #FutureJudgeGuys pic.twitter.com/SQzNz48qKF
— Father Judge Athletics (@FJAthletics) October 12, 2021
#ACCHSlegacy #88 — In 2012, our Homecoming Pep Rally saw the debut of our now legendary Mance Team performance! Now in it's 10th year, our 2021 Mance Team will perform tomorrow in Rockne Hall. Let's honor the trailblazers! #VikingProud #95thAnniversary #OurVikingNation ?? pic.twitter.com/OKeKAzU8Jh
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) October 14, 2021
@LCCrusaders Claims PCL Girls' Tennis Championship In Thriller Over @cardinalohara Results and recap here >>> https://t.co/W5PEn5iWvh @PaPrepLive @ReporterSports @AOPS_Schools @PAcatholic @DelcoSports @CatholicPhilly @LCHS_Activities pic.twitter.com/YLDsTENagA
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) October 14, 2021
Volleyball Update: SJCA hosted the Lady Foxes of The Grier School. The Foxes put up a good fight but the Pack got the sweep. JV Score (No Game) Varsity Score 3-0 (25-21; 25-13; 25-19). #TeamWork #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/yvjKZJuceX
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) October 14, 2021
Back to back. Villa’s Annie Prichard and Abby Consiglio won their second straight D-10 doubles championship. They won their final match 7-5, 6-4. pic.twitter.com/bJWHecWO0g
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 15, 2021
Look at this receiving line! Thanks Wood Boys Soccer. ?@ArchbishopWood? ?@woodgsoccer? ?@Woodsoccer1? ?@abwboyssoccer? pic.twitter.com/Z4uT6XRCGf
— Sue O'Neill (@SueD_ONeill) October 14, 2021
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 14, 2021
Junior High Football: Bishop McCort 12, Central Cambria 8 https://t.co/bquy7OnEaL
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 14, 2021
“Living in the moment is a gift. That’s why they call it the present” – @TedLasso #believe #beatradnor ??? pic.twitter.com/IYu6HG5PJD
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) October 15, 2021
Pregame Meeting before @RCHS_Soccer2017 vs @AR_Athletics
Thanks for “Athletes Helping Athletes” for coming out to support! @RomanCatholicHS @AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/7YQsUrbUZN— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) October 12, 2021
@cardinalohara AGAIN!!!!!!! Well done, Lady Lions ????? pic.twitter.com/tNpgpzPeHd
— Eileen Vice (@eviceCOHS) October 12, 2021
Boys Soccer Final: @LCCrusaders wins 3-0 on their senior day vs @DPTideSoccer (@athletics_devon) congrats to LC senior Eric Fernandez with the hat trick! ?by LC Jr. Reporter @pdelpo pic.twitter.com/wjrT8dSXYo
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) October 12, 2021
Congratulations to Ben Ortwein who finished?in the District XI Golf Championship AND for the third year, qualified for the State Championship!!
We are #ndproud of you, Ben! ???? pic.twitter.com/QffFFeZyu0
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) October 12, 2021
@RCHS_Soccer2017 @RomanCatholicHS https://t.co/AiAcpWHyYo
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) October 13, 2021
New Story: BC Girls Soccer beats Sewickley Academy; Clinch Share of Section Title https://t.co/pFHnMAmNWQ
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 13, 2021
The Devon Prep Tide middle school team comes up with their 4th straight victory over St. Elizabeth’s 4-2 @athletics_devon pic.twitter.com/02WIJ1CO1j
— Devon Prep Soccer (@DPTideSoccer) October 12, 2021
The LC Robotics Team can’t wait to go to Ramp Riot at Wissahickon on October 30th! WE ARE LC!!!???? #omgrobotics pic.twitter.com/aapBkrUJC9
— FRC 272 Cyber Crusaders (@CyberCrusaders) October 12, 2021
During a CCW session, Mrs. Blackmond and Mr. Graner lead students in making wooden fidget spinners in the Innovation Lab to reduce stress.
Visit Ms. Dean in the Innovation Lab for a hands on experience! pic.twitter.com/bMcwhGxyNu
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 13, 2021
Special thanks to our senior greeters from Extravaganza 2021! pic.twitter.com/UdT3rd6rbV
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) October 13, 2021
Students took advantage of today's Columbus Day day off of school to attend a prep course for this week's PSAT 8/9 test. Special thanks to Mrs. Mullican and Mr. Volkwein for conducting the course for them! #ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #AquinasScholars #PSAT #AquinasTeachersRock pic.twitter.com/orXIrBpyyp
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 12, 2021
Some of our proud St. Louise and Archangel Gabriel alums invite all Trojans and Knights in grades 5-8 to Bishop Canevin's Open House on Sunday October 17. pic.twitter.com/GRD8ENnKco
— Bishop Canevin (@bishopcanevin) October 14, 2021
The Junior class had a beautiful mass this evening, celebrating the blessing of their class rings for the annual Ring Night tradition at Holy Cross. ? #hchspride?? #ringnight? #classof2023 https://t.co/KhaoLviGL9
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) October 14, 2021
Another fun #science lab at @Kolbe_Academy with @BHSBioTeach learning about metric system measures. @AtownDioceseEDU @bctesche @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/H7pt7w4xK1
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) October 14, 2021
The 5th graders loved showing the Pre-K students how to use our school iPads for learning. It was exciting for them to share what they know. @StJudeChalfont pic.twitter.com/87snVo0vtL
— St. Jude Fifth Grade (@mrsgreskosfifth) October 14, 2021
With the Critical Concern of "Earth" in mind, the Environmental Club recently spent their community period cleaning up trash around the school. During their walk, they caught sight of a Monarch butterfly in the Monarch Meadow. Thank you for keeping Gwynedd beautiful! pic.twitter.com/BL6JdUxeTN
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 13, 2021
First grade was sitting silent and still meditating during Religion class today. pic.twitter.com/3xu2XusddH
— St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School (@SSRCStrong) October 13, 2021
These YC students are combining their lunch break with Bible study. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/L7nBOofKqt
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) October 13, 2021
Seventh grade completed study of Native American Culture Regions in North America with foldables. Each student completed his/her own region, and then the group foldable was assembled. Explorers are next in our study. pic.twitter.com/GTjgOr1g03
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) October 13, 2021
For both prospective middle school and ninth-grade applicants, Shadow Days provide you with the opportunity to spend a day with us experiencing life as a Malvern Prep Friar! Schedule your Shadow Visit today here ? https://t.co/BlbSd5G0IB pic.twitter.com/1THrnYHiLH
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) October 13, 2021
Time for the PCC Podcast. An update on the reapportionment hearings on the Congressional seat that PA is going to lose. Plus PASSHE asks lawmakers in Harrisburg for a bigger part of the state budget.
Today’s PCC Podcast ( 10-12-21) looks at Governor Wolf’s touting the drop in the prison population. We talk about our efforts on criminal justice reform. And the PCC works behind the scenes on Telemedicine.
Proud of our @LCCrusaders girls tennis team now 13-0 @corpuschristi_s @StJudeChalfont @mrsgreskosfifth @Mater_Dei_CS @OLMRCS @MaryRedeemer @CYOCorpus @PhSportsDigest @AOPS_Schools @AOPathletics @PAcatholic @VisiSchool pic.twitter.com/FPJZg5aiKU
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 5, 2021
#OCXC successfully defended their section championship at Northmoreland Park. The Eagles were a perfect 8-0 in their competitions!?
SHOUTOUTS?
?Bridget Shaver, Ellie Maentz, Mia Crofford, Mary Nagy & Katie Smith! pic.twitter.com/vov6mNkwSc— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 7, 2021
Villa clinched the Region with a 3-2 win over the Trojans. Anna Poranski and Annie Prichard won in singles. And the doubles tandem of Abby Consiglio/Margaret Prichard also won, moving the Victors to 17-0 on the season. pic.twitter.com/NBUAPLJ0DP
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 7, 2021
Girls Cross Country at Central Cambria https://t.co/zeFZKuJLkH
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) October 7, 2021
— THE CRU (@BishopStudent) October 7, 2021
The Devon Prep Tide middle school team defeats St. Aloysius 4-1 @athletics_devon pic.twitter.com/IgFpCW2ICE
— Devon Prep Soccer (@DPTideSoccer) October 4, 2021
Great win for @SJPrep_Soccer yesterday! #GoPrep https://t.co/JhKD5AAWVv
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) October 4, 2021
Lots of gratitude and love for our Crusader football coaches on National Coaches Day. pic.twitter.com/0REmSeA074
— LancCatholicFB (@LancCatholicFB) October 6, 2021
Homecoming is underway! Awesome shot from @HailToTheeMcD ?? https://t.co/jIMCHi0Pad
— Bishop McDevitt (@BishopMcDevitt) October 8, 2021
It’s a Final from Youthtowne. Crusaders move to 10-0-1. pic.twitter.com/82NWCvGHrS
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) October 8, 2021
3-0 WIN over Beaver Area on a special day honoring Moe Rosensteel??
Goals by:
Angelina Berkey
Lauren “Peedy” Mealie
Lauren MacDonald@TribLiveHSSN @pghsoccernow @edrosensteel @PGSportsNow #WPIALSoccer pic.twitter.com/XaQSuwLsfu— North Catholic Girls Soccer (@NCGSoccer) October 6, 2021
Volleyball defeats Boyertown 3-1. pic.twitter.com/Ovym45yNBu
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) October 8, 2021
We are #ndgrateful for everyone who came out to support our volleyball team tonight. Thank you to all the parents, players, coaches and partner school families for making our Dig Pink/CYO youth night a great success. Tough loss against Freedom, but we are #ndproud of you all! pic.twitter.com/gKuYb4ZIHv
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) October 8, 2021
One Word… Leadership ?? pic.twitter.com/hLAhRq5BUA
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) October 8, 2021
Congrats to the xc team who had 4 personal bests, 2 season personal records with two athletes breaking 18 minutes in the 5k today! What a great day for the @Devon_Prep_XC team! pic.twitter.com/zJBPUt2VSn
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) October 6, 2021
Wood Golf Team at PCL Champs pic.twitter.com/JE3TqnvTsn
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 6, 2021
Great win girls! @woodgsoccer https://t.co/eS8VLtXrLu
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) October 7, 2021
Congratulations to our Aquinas students who were recognized by the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #AquinasScholars #NationalMerit pic.twitter.com/75pA2PW0fF
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 8, 2021
Extravaganza family and donor night. Special thanks to our senior greeters. pic.twitter.com/BS6K1ANkpG
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) October 7, 2021
Over the past month, many colleges from across the country have visited Central Catholic to give presentations to prospective students. Juniors and Seniors: if you are interested in signing up for a session and learning more about a college, please register in the SCOIR. pic.twitter.com/Zfzw282wDF
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) October 6, 2021
Check out Mrs. Smith-Papp's 8th Graders working hard in the Library with Mrs. Coley! Good work, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/Xt65CM0cfo
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) October 7, 2021
Congratulations to #BSHS's newly inducted members of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Italian Honor Society, and National French Honor Society! We are so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/Yv3YNhJkzm
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) October 8, 2021
@LCCrusaders thrilled to meet the 7th and 8th graders @SHSBlueBell this week! Student reps joined Ms. Callen and Father O’Brien to share why they love LC, and they invited the future Crusaders to shadow a freshman and to our Fall Open House on November 4th! ?? pic.twitter.com/B9SsphcH1d
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) October 7, 2021
Fun in Geometry! @Kolbe_Academy students learned how construction workers use geometry. Students had to make a blueprint and build a structure that shows perpendicular, intersecting, and skew lines. #Math @AtownDioceseEDU @bctesche @BHSBioTeach @PAcatholic @PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/gIfCq2zSvO
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) October 8, 2021
Mrs. Drabant's Junior U.S. History students have been studying Censorship in class. The students have spent the past two days reading and annotating summaries of Supreme Court decisions and using them as examples to decide a fictional case created for class. #Prep #History pic.twitter.com/uhan41q83C
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) October 6, 2021
Today we held the Installation Liturgy for Head of School, Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss. Thank you to all who attended and organized the ceremony. Thank you to Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of @VillanovaU and Anne Schoemaker Vazquez '99, Chair of the Board of Trustees. pic.twitter.com/D8Nc0B3OCc
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) October 6, 2021
Today's CCWs focused on mental health. Students engaged in sessions including puppies and poetry, #Inktober, Chimes for Joy, and some created posters to fit the theme. pic.twitter.com/n6191P0hxJ
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) October 6, 2021
Congratulations to the new YC inductees into the National Honor Society! #YCMind #YCHeart pic.twitter.com/obM1xgypxq
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) October 7, 2021
Using teamwork to problem solve! Gesu School students in Ms. Klein’s advanced math classes organize rational and irrational numbers from least to greatest. #GesuWorks pic.twitter.com/bhGHCWebY5
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) October 7, 2021
It's #FutureCrusader szn! Started it off with a #WalkthroughWednesday last night featuring our activities/athletics, academic offerings, strategic initiatives & new construction on campus as well as our new $1M Brisson Cntr for Academic Excellence & state-of-the-art Welding Lab. pic.twitter.com/L39FF4OSbq
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) October 7, 2021
A great week in 5th grade! The Pilgrim statue of the Blessed Mother was with the class this week :-) While studying matter in Science, they looked for signs that a chemical reaction took place. #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @ArchPhilly @NCEATALK @CatholicTchrMag pic.twitter.com/GJSotdkQv4
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) October 7, 2021
October is a month dedicated to the Rosary! Our #Saintsandscholars like this one at St. John Neumann Regional School learn about the prayers said around a counted string of beads. Prayer taught in school is such a blessing! #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/sJIug29zv2
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) October 6, 2021
This afternoon, the classes of 2022 and 2025 got together for a country-themed Senior-Freshmen Social. Big and Little Sisters got the opportunity to meet, have snacks, and play yard games. The seniors even sang a Gwynedd-inspired song to the tune of … #GwyneddGirls #MercySpirit pic.twitter.com/rDA3tmAEF7
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 6, 2021
As part of our Mission & Heritage Week activities, we collected donations of diapers and wipes for Choices Pregnancy Center! Students, faculty, and staff were also invited bring cash donations for Our Lady’s Pantry. #olshchargers #feliciancorevalues pic.twitter.com/g0WvvVAGgV
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) October 6, 2021
Time for Thursday’s PCC Podcast. It deals with education. PA House Democrats blast an education bill that sponsors say is merely meant to bring transparency. We also talk about the importance of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program for Catholic schools.
Please check out Tuesday’s PCC Podcast, which includes a partisan discussion on natural gas pipelines and a second attempt to get the PA Department of State before a Senate committee.
Our student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were commissioned during our Marian Mass this morning. #YCFaith pic.twitter.com/chrAOj8iFj
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) September 30, 2021
#VikingProud Our 2021-22 EPC Student Athlete Character Council’s first in-person meeting was today at Easton High School. This year’s members are Senior Julia Roth, Junior Madi Szoke, Junior Griffin Patridge, and Senior Liam Joyce. Great job, Vikes! ?? pic.twitter.com/Qsj7U2bH5f
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) September 30, 2021
Central Catholic is pleased to announce the Commended Students in the 2022 National Scholarship Program.
View the full list of students on our website: https://t.co/4cBvAIPhwL pic.twitter.com/iOrpC4uAkH
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) September 29, 2021
The kick off to the start of the school year has been filled with student and teacher enthusiasm. The excitement will continue as friendships grow and students learn more than they can imagine throughout the year! #sjrproud, #sjrstrong, #AOPS_schools, #ExploreAOPS, #AOPTech, pic.twitter.com/s9PYNf6IJx
— SJR School (@SjrSchool) September 29, 2021
Our Lady of Mercy in Maple Glen sustained significant damage from the storm earlier this month. Ministry and Service hosted a service trip this afternoon to help cleanup OLM’s property. Great work, Monarchs! #MercySpirit #Inspire_Mercy pic.twitter.com/TaeUCMy7Vi
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) October 1, 2021
Faculty Appreciation Friday!
Today's theme: "You're an out of this world teacher, thanks for all you do" accompanied by some Milky Way, Starbursts and an Earth stress ball! ?????#ndgrateful #facultyappreciationfriday #faithfulloyaltrue pic.twitter.com/or9f6cLDUV
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) October 1, 2021
Showing some Love today for Mrs. Smith-Papp's 8th Graders….our Saint Anthony of Padua Regional Catholic School Class of 2022! ????????? pic.twitter.com/O2gEDtdfxn
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) September 30, 2021
Rolling up to #DenimDay like pic.twitter.com/sJdl0fu7yk
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) October 1, 2021
Today at Aquinas, it's Crusader Rush in the morning and afternooon, with Mass in the middle at 11:30 AM. Following Mass, parents are invited to gather in the chapel to pray a rosary for members of the Aquinas community. #AquinasTradition #CrusaderRush #FirstFriday #Mass #Rosary pic.twitter.com/TaWywmisYZ
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) October 1, 2021
Congratulations are in order for senior Valarie Rubinstein, who achieved a perfect score on the ACT! Way to go, Valarie! pic.twitter.com/oAmjRewYE4
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) September 30, 2021
Welcome October! This month we celebrate the Rosary and several special Feast days along with fall activities, sports, and school fundraisers and events! We are so grateful for our vibrant school communities! #newmonth #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/cogKv4V10m
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) October 1, 2021
Plotting out chess moves in Gesu School's Extra Mile after-school program! Gesu Chaplain Fr. Ray Donaldson, SJ teaches middle school students life skills–critical thinking, weighing consequences, and building patience–while having fun with gameplay. pic.twitter.com/PCvxjmmfXA
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) September 30, 2021
#sunset #prayer @LCCrusaders tonight thanks @Jennife77090497 for the beautiful photos @ArchPhilly @ArchbishopPerez @AOPS_Schools @FrMattGuckin @StJudeChalfont @SHSBlueBell @VisiSchool @corpuschristi_s @Mater_Dei_CS @OLMRCS @PAcatholic @annetempleton @kpmears78 pic.twitter.com/JJVMCnxUOQ
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 30, 2021
Did you know that we offer over 30 clubs and organizations at Bonner & Prendie? Students had the opportunity to sign up and join new clubs at our lunchtime Activities Fair. We hope our Friars & Pandas learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun! pic.twitter.com/vlEsgnUiu3
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) September 30, 2021
In a development that shocked no one, today's @ChickFilA sandwich fundraiser, run by @HGPSGA, was a huge success. (Teenage boys love Chick-Fil-A). #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/KZ1g905fXN
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) September 30, 2021
— Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy (@saint_joes) September 30, 2021
Come out to support @fjfootball27 tomorrow night and help us raise awareness for ALS! ??? @FJAthletics #BeatPennCharter #BeatALS pic.twitter.com/zKxIOGpfer
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) September 30, 2021
Thank you @UrsinusCollege for stopping by and talking to our students today! #collegevisits #yourfutureisourfocus pic.twitter.com/ShlOraNgHx
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) September 30, 2021
Thank you Dr. Reed (#SJP1992) for all of your work for your alma mater and your presence here last week to install Mr. Marinacci! #AMDG https://t.co/MqfB1OKEBH
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) September 30, 2021
Malvern's Upper School Counseling focuses on the development of students throughout each of their four years. Counselors meet with students once every cycle to determine appropriate avenues for selecting universities or potential career paths. Read here ? https://t.co/TORvkJFsX3 pic.twitter.com/tPo1gmOylh
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) September 29, 2021
Photos from Friday's mixer are now available.https://t.co/uxnkF7R5yZ pic.twitter.com/YEiAecdjH2
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) September 29, 2021
#VikingProud On Monday, our Central City Project Food Pantry distributed over 40 bags of groceries to residents of the Jordan Heights neighborhood including eggplant and hot peppers from the Amy Sullivan Memorial Garden. #FaithTraditionExcellence #VikingFaith ?? pic.twitter.com/Q0cV41iSqG
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) September 29, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast. The Governor signs one of the bills that we supported while lawmakers hear from the PA Liquor Control Board about supply issues.
Here’s the latest PCC Podcast!! It provides a wrap on two very debate-filled committee hearings at the state Capitol over the last two days: the House State Government and Education Committees.
Day four of Spirit Week at KCMS/HS brings a free dress down day, the annual KCHS Powder Puff football game and a visit from Rita’s Italian Ice! ??? pic.twitter.com/5f9rjS2lvI
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) September 23, 2021
We had such a fun night at the @fandmWSOC game! #11hearts1soul1goal pic.twitter.com/L556sHdIjX
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) September 23, 2021
Following its 3-1 win over @HaverfordSchool, the @HGPSoccer team is 7-2-1 on the season against a rough schedule and has moved up to No. 4 in the PIAA District Class 3A rankings. #ThinkGoalOriented #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/QCrjEzc4lE
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) September 23, 2021
Jayden Sharpless and Kyle Tipinski are our first Senior Spotlights of the year! ???
Learn more about them below! ?@NCtrojansFB https://t.co/agwhHkASBM
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) September 23, 2021
David Zaharko, John Bence, Sajan Sharma, and Francis Serrao at yesterday's boys' WPIAL Golf Qualifier! Best of luck to Liz Russell at today's girls' qualifier!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #WPIAL #Golf #Qualifier ?? pic.twitter.com/EHYYwLITWC
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) September 23, 2021
FOOTBALL: Start to Finish, @MalvernPrepFB (@MPFriars) Defeats @WoodFootball. See story & video highlights by @johnknebels & photos by @lou_rabito here: https://t.co/WaPXil8Ryo Featuring: @CoachGueriera @02Iwright @capaldi_jack @hayden_pegg
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) September 23, 2021
Varsity Tennis match VS Penn Hills was derailed by thunder and a tornado watch over Pittsburgh. Matches were near finished when the rains came ??
SHOUTOUTS?
Isabella Liu Lopez
Caroline O'Connor & Yolanda Yang
Gia Scaglione & Fran DiVito— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 23, 2021
Photos from Friday night's Rugby game vs. Gonzaga (at halftime of the football game) are now available at https://t.co/NJspqVbeRp.
(courtesy of Gil McGlynn '81) pic.twitter.com/eQmQnPQtqY
— St. Joe's Prep Sports (@SJPrep_Sports) September 23, 2021
Congratulations Coach Hoban!!! https://t.co/fp0T0aQs6X
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) September 23, 2021
FJXC improved its record to 8-2 this season after narrowly finishing 2nd. (LaSalle 28, Judge 40) All Catholic finishes were again recorded by Gavin Kelly '22, Mike McGerry '22 and Joey Walker '24. The team will be racing this weekend at the 28th Carlisle Invite @FJAthletics pic.twitter.com/h00FZWascQ
— FatherJudge Track/XC (@FJTRACKXC) September 23, 2021
Preview of Thursday's @RE_sports. @BrianRippey on Berks Catholic's Julia Bressler scoring 100 career goals. @nittanyrich talks to Doug Myer on taking over as girls hoops coach at Twin Valley. Also on Wilson golfer Kayla Maletto being out for season and on PSU's Derrick Tangelo. pic.twitter.com/Jk9L7RzNBC
— Brian Smith (@brismitty) September 23, 2021
#MarianAlumni Thank you to our alumni who came out to "Jam in the Stands" with us Friday night! We had a blast and the music was awesome! We can't wait to jam with you again at the next home football game on Saturday, October 9 – Homecoming 2021! #MarianFamily #BeMarian ???? pic.twitter.com/f1I36Gfwen
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) September 22, 2021
Field Hockey: @Wood_Vikings defeat @LCCrusaders 4-1??:@DonnaEckert29 pic.twitter.com/0PKKX2Rbhw
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) September 22, 2021
Please read about Bishop Canevin student Eli Wilson's inspirational story. Come support Eli and the rest of his teammates at this Saturday's Homecoming Game when the undefeated Crusaders take on GCC.https://t.co/2L9V5PjlIk
— Bishop Canevin (@bishopcanevin) September 22, 2021
Stronger every day. ??? #Team38 pic.twitter.com/Io1z7HGVXl
— Trinity Boys Hoops (@RocksBoysBball) September 22, 2021
Homecoming Spirit Week: It’s Western Wednesday! Students are playing toss the Jolly Rancher into the cowboy boot. #YCHomecoming2021 pic.twitter.com/93rQLwCjc4
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) September 22, 2021
Welcome to the “First Day of Autumn”! Mrs. Buckleman’s Pre-K class was busy racking leaves bursting with color, painting apple cores, and adding beautiful fall leaves to their trees! #sjrproud, #sjrstrong, #archphilly, #AOPS, #equippingsaints, #exploreAOPS, #AOPtech, @AOPtech, pic.twitter.com/t896RjUByn
— SJR School (@SjrSchool) September 22, 2021
.@HolyGhostPrep's @presgjg and students Nathan Frey and Brian Butler had a blast talking to the students at @OLMC_Strong about all of the exciting things happening at Ghost. #ThinkBrotherhood #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/kQjD1gsSD7
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) September 23, 2021
Congratulations to St. Ignatius School @sischool for their National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award! @HolyGhostPrep @hgpfathers @GuildHgp #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/tbMl16cOuY
— greg geruson (@presgjg) September 23, 2021
We are proud to announce that 8 #BSHS students were named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Please join us in congratulating John Boncek, Grace DellaPorta, Bridget Gauntner, Mary Grant, Marisa London, Emma McHugh, Gabriel Nichols, & Jessica Ward! pic.twitter.com/kAJ5jQCKz8
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 23, 2021
“It’s a good investment, and students get Catholic values at a place where people really care about them. Everybody’s from here but me—but I really love this place.”
Read More in Main Line Today's article on Catholic Schools adapting to changing times!https://t.co/i8Oa5xN8Do
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) September 23, 2021
It is officially the Fall season and the #saintsandscholars at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning are learning about types of leaves, their life cycle, and creating their own beautiful trees of their own! #safepresentgrowing @SJCpottsville pic.twitter.com/wEXzOAhDIM
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) September 23, 2021
Thanks to the Center for Humanistic Change for a great morning presentation on battling addiction. #MarcMero @AtownDioceseEDU @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/1hpHnE7wAn
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) September 23, 2021
Congratulations to Malvern's five seniors recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. https://t.co/gzlERRig23 pic.twitter.com/zgh6LoebBO
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) September 22, 2021
What’s better than one Ministry and Service Team meeting? Four! The Ministry and Service Team met in small groups today during all lunch periods to discuss upcoming plans. #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/ZqvY342QkF
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) September 22, 2021
Our schools are blessed with the #RealPresence of Jesus at Mass and leadership from our priests! The #saintsandscholars at St. John Vianney Regional School were blessed to have Mass with Father Rich as part of their day today! #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/RGZe0kVLxl
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) September 22, 2021
Thank you to our local priest who helped us celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation today. #Lions4Life pic.twitter.com/6TFxknpLZe
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) September 21, 2021
Mrs Bailey’s room was hard at work today practicing writing their spelling words using their best printing! Great job! #printing #spell pic.twitter.com/omeKYsTM8y
— St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School (@SSRCStrong) September 22, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast. We preview an important pro-life vote in Washington tomorrow and also recap the latest PA Senate hearing on the mask mandate for Pennsylvania schools.
Here is text of the speech given in tribute of Sister Clare:
We gather this evening to honor the 39 years of service that Sister Clare Christi Schiefer has given to PCC through the PCHA. Since 1982, Sister Clare Christi has worked to give voice to the Church in a variety of health care legislation and public policy issues. She has led the organization in lobbying for or against legislation and regulations that have an impact on Catholic healthcare ministries.
Sister Clare began working in healthcare as a sophomore in high school and pursued a career in nursing. While working as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.
Sister Clare was integral in passage of the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, advanced health care directives legislation to protect Catholic moral principles for end-of-life issues, creation of the adult Basic Coverage program and channeling tobacco settlement funds to health care initiatives.
We thank you for your service not only to the PCHA and the PCC but to the Catholic Faithful. And we thank you for reminding us always that Jesus came to teach, to preach and to heal. Without the healing ministry, the Church’s mission would not be complete.
5-0 victory!! pic.twitter.com/fEuytT4jWa
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) September 15, 2021
So proud of our Golden Eagles football team! They never, ever give up. They almost pull off an incredible comeback but fall short in the final seconds, 14-12 Iroquois. ??#KCPride #NeverGiveUp
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) September 17, 2021
Great example ladies. Loving having our future practicing on our fields.@CyaaAthletics @CrusaderCrazy https://t.co/QM55dh2qWn
— LCHS Athletics (@LCHS1022) September 17, 2021
Varsity tennis defeated Quaker Valley 3-2.
?Special SHOUTOUT?
Yolanda Yang & Annelies Palombi who were the final team and scored the win that put us over the top.?SHOUTOUTS?
Caroline O'Connor
Gia Scaglione & Fran DiVitoIt was a beautiful day on the clay courts. https://t.co/p78QdfBlS7
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 17, 2021
Philadelphia Catholic League Players of the Week Week of September 13th, 2021 https://t.co/FzqlvJAcfb @Jpergine1 @AidanClancy11 @woodfootball @ArchbishopWood @wood_vikings @mattwalp @ar_athletics @archryanfball @arhs #PAHSFB @hsfbamerica @TheRokfin @HuckPalmer
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) September 16, 2021
Girls Soccer Final: @Wood_Vikings (@woodgsoccer) defeat @COHSGirlssoccer (@cardinalohara) 5-0???:@DonnaEckert29 pic.twitter.com/v3fvSvcOFi
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) September 16, 2021
Girls Soccer: @LCCrusaders (@lcgs413) tie it up 1-1 vs. @ABCGirlsSoccer (@ACHSathletics)???:@knlpix pic.twitter.com/M2WCYorgTA
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) September 16, 2021
Congrats to the frosh. Nice win over O’Hara 24-0. #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/rh5ZWB6xzz
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) September 16, 2021
Great Fans came out for the Girls Soccer Game! pic.twitter.com/tGJS1mYumq
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) September 16, 2021
Back on the ice for the 2021-2022 season. ? ? pic.twitter.com/pd6ujTuwzJ
— HGP Ice Hockey (@HGPIceHockey) September 16, 2021
Soccer Update: The Pack battled the Mountaineers of Philipsburg-Osceola. Both offenses displayed their skills scoring a total of 9 goals. Unfortunately, SJCA came up on the short end. Final: 4-5. Goals Scored by Luke S.(2) & Spencer G.(2). Next Up: 9/17 @ NCS #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/kpbwFZLmLx
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) September 16, 2021
Let’s gooooo! https://t.co/YCzQwUtxs8
— MSJA Sports (@MSJA_sports) September 16, 2021
Some of our racers yesterday. pic.twitter.com/vRz9iDfwAu
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) September 16, 2021
Girls Junior High Soccer: Bishop McCort 3, Westmont 1 https://t.co/4UzKt4ZWT1
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) September 17, 2021
Congratulations to the @RomanCatholicHS Golf Team for their win over Archbishop Ryan today to improve to 5-0! Julian Ciurlino and Jeremiah Brown led the way with +3 38's at Bensalem Country Club. The team travels to Bonner-Prendie Sunday and hosts Archbishop Wood Monday! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/BdAe81t5wA
— Roman Athletics (@RomanAthletics) September 16, 2021
STATE RANKINGS
The Lehigh Valley-area has two No. 5s, a No. 4 and a No. 10 in the latest high school state football rankings. @PHSTrojansFB @ZephyrsFootball @ACCHSVikings @NDGP_FOOTBALL https://t.co/Sj8c3j6w90
— Keith Groller (@KeithGroller) September 14, 2021
.@ACCHS_Athletics boys soccer blanks Whitehall on Wednesday. Highlights:https://t.co/VoVHNsWDpk
— WFMZ-TV 69 Sports (@69Sports) September 16, 2021
@FJAthletics FJXC took 2nd its first PCL Meet in 2 years(LS -19, JUDGE -47, OH -113, AW – 126, DP – 133, LC – 136, CEC – 168) capturing 5 of 15 All Catholic Nominations. Led by Gavin Kelly '22, Joey Walker '24, Mike Carolan '24, Mike McGerry '24 and Tim McCloskey '23.#BeSelfess pic.twitter.com/1RrlauaIEf
— FatherJudge Track/XC (@FJTRACKXC) September 16, 2021
Go Monarchs! Gwynedd Field Hockey won their game against the Mount with a score of 8-0. pic.twitter.com/lUx8EkKGQV
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) September 15, 2021
Girls Tennis: Westmont 4, Bishop McCort 0 https://t.co/vHvyRUToZg
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) September 15, 2021
— panthers sports pride network (@PSPN_Official) September 15, 2021
Mrs. Bradley's Honors Biotechnology class doing Pipette Art. The students develop micropipette skills by creating art with colored water. It is a fun way to make a basic skill builder lab interactive. #witnessthedifference #theplacetobe #backinthelab pic.twitter.com/PsdqntDDt3
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) September 16, 2021
The Prep & Villa Freshmen took part in their retreat yesterday at HFEC. They participated in team-building activities, celebrated mass, and came up with several candidates for their Class Saint! It was a great way to kickstart their high school experience! #Classof2025 pic.twitter.com/5FG2cyTWSb
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) September 16, 2021
Opening Mass and Student Council Installation! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @ArchPhilly @CatholicNewsSvc @UpperMorelandPA @PAcatholic @NCEATALK @CatholicTchrMag https://t.co/Kz2DhIJloH
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) September 16, 2021
Thank you, Clint Malarchuk! What a compelling and inspirational message you gave to us at @Kolbe_Academy. @AtownDioceseEDU @ARS_recovery @BuffaloSabres @NHL @PAcatholic #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/nX56nQmVkZ
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) September 10, 2021
Due to the selfless dedication of many people, OLM WILL open for the 2021-2022 Academic Year on Monday, September 20, 2021, for all grades PreK to Grade 8. OLM is stronger than any tornado – and we can't wait until Monday to see all our awesome students!https://t.co/Rf48W2sqYP
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) September 15, 2021
Freshmen Parent/Guardian Orientation begins at 6pm tonight in the St. Robert Bellarmine Theatre. Hope to see you there! #Orientation pic.twitter.com/2BGRgxiBxK
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) September 15, 2021
— Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy (@saint_joes) September 16, 2021
Thank you to the families that attended Mornings At La Salle and to our outstanding students that joined us for the Student Panel! Go to the link below to sign up for an upcoming Morning at La Salle ? https://t.co/Nl9ljZt9u9 pic.twitter.com/vaGU8hJVE7
— LSCHS_Admissions (@LschsAdmissions) September 15, 2021
Gesu is in the news! Read this piece in @ScoopusaM on our partnerships with our #Jesuit neighbors at @SJPrep: "Gesu School and St. Joseph’s Prep are doing their part to give back to their community" https://t.co/qXny25GTFc via @ScoopUSANews
Thanks to Scoop for the coverage! pic.twitter.com/La9kO7kBqA— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) September 15, 2021
Beautiful day for the Ministry and Service Team to meet outside to plan our upcoming school supply drive. #LeaveToServe pic.twitter.com/tEFUTrXJVT
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) September 15, 2021
@LCCrusaders were thrilled to welcome 34 new students this year in the Classes of '22, '23 and '24, including @Lancers4Life_ @HallahanCGHS @stbasilacademy LC is committed to making a warm and inviting second home for all @PAcatholic @kpmears78 @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK pic.twitter.com/WSZsX0vNis
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 15, 2021
Good luck to former @McDevittHS Lady Lancers Christine, Kate and Shannon as they begin their junior year at @GMAHighSchool. Have a great year ladies! #LFL #Classof2023 ? pic.twitter.com/NIdhWOvKH2
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) September 14, 2021
GREAT JOB! Bonner & Prendie represented at the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heros Run that was held this past weekend. Nice work Leila George '23, Sarah Oxenberg '25, Maeve Sullivan '22, Ainsley George '22, Declan Behl '24, Liv DiBona '23. @TMFoundation pic.twitter.com/VFVXMXXYd2
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) September 14, 2021
Congratulations Fr. Rizzo, @SJPREP ‘99, on your installation! #AMDG https://t.co/1ndBfPceeq
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) September 13, 2021
There is always something exciting happening at O’Hara and future Lions these important dates are for you! We hope to see you come out to our upcoming events to learn more about how you can become a part of the O’Hara family and be a #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/xV8R2nWW4i
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) September 13, 2021
Welcome, Class of 2025! We had a great time celebrating your first day of school today, and we hope you had a good day too. God bless and see you tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/FG6v91ChUm
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 13, 2021
Our 9th grade Friars & Pandas had an amazing first day of high school! They made new friends, met their teachers, and learned how to unlock their lockers. Thank you to our Student Council seniors who guided them in the hallway throughout the day! #firstdayofschool #mbapchs pic.twitter.com/uH7CoBGVou
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) September 13, 2021
Thank you to the Class of 1996 for joining us for their 25th reunion on Friday! #TraditionNeverGraduates pic.twitter.com/F2snbxiDEp
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) September 13, 2021
Check out Mercy Peek & Ponder by Mr. McGrath (via https://t.co/aLEhy8wEV4) https://t.co/jN3IvlNKad
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) September 12, 2021
Last night we held a Back to School Dance to support DHDM/Lions philanthropy. It was a night full of fun for everyone. There was dancing, Kona Ice, and time to catch up with friends as we kick off the start of school. We look forward to starting our first full week tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/IOjsPhUfzi
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) September 12, 2021
Remembering #911Anniversary #911NeverForget @LCCrusaders Noell Maerz ‘90 and all who perished in the attacks #GodBlessAmerica #PraytheRosary for peace in our world @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @Mater_Dei_CS @kpmears78 @PAcatholic @NCEATALK pic.twitter.com/HXoZjFPbng
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 11, 2021
Nazareth Prep initiated the 2021 Mentorship year with a day of orientation. Thanks to our new mentors, who will help prepare our students for their future occupational endeavors. pic.twitter.com/0mDn2XKCU7
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) September 11, 2021
Today we welcomed back the sophomores! We can’t wait to have the whole school here next week??#westisbest #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/9yVDUOkWgB
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) September 10, 2021
Today students from our 7th & 8th grades spoke to our middle school asking for their votes to be the new members of the Executive Board of our Leadership Council. Looking forward to you leading the Academy this year. #magis #leadership #Leaders #studentcouncil pic.twitter.com/HeTBeGRNNO
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) September 15, 2021
This morning, we were grateful to celebrate the Opening School Mass outside in our schoolyard. Celebrating the gift of the Eucharist for the first time in almost a year and a half made for a wonderful and prayerful morning. @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @ConnellyFdn @Healey_EF pic.twitter.com/akZRuuYBaG
— Mater Dei CS (@Mater_Dei_CS) September 15, 2021
When #makerspace and #ArtClass happen on #InternationalDotDay what else do you do but create with dots and circles! #TheDot pic.twitter.com/ycvZ1uBXWb
— St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School (@SSRCStrong) September 15, 2021
Here is our latest PCC Podcast. It includes a wrap of Wednesday’s contentious Senate committee meeting on the approval of subpoenas to get voter information. There’s also bonus coverage—as they say—of yesterday’s hearing on new nursing home regulations.
Looking at certain moments in today’s Senate meeting where the Intergovernmental Operations Committee authorized subpoenas for personal information on every registered voter in PA. Here’s Sen. Dave Argall. @PASenateGOP @SenatorArgall pic.twitter.com/zeR4wZIT7D
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) September 15, 2021
Looking at certain moments in today’s Senate meeting where the Intergovernmental Operations Committee authorized subpoenas for personal information on every registered voter in PA. Here’s Sen. Judy Ward. @PASenateGOP @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/mxTxSkwt0y
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) September 15, 2021
Looking at certain moments in today’s Senate meeting where the Intergovernmental Operations Committee authorized subpoenas for personal information on every registered voter in PA. Here’s an exchange between Sen Steve Santarsiero and Sen. Cris Dush. @PaSenateDems @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/DiB8Jhp2bg
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) September 15, 2021
Looking at certain moments in today’s Senate meeting where the Intergovernmental Operations Committee authorized subpoenas for personal information on every registered voter in Pennsylvania. Here’s Sen. Anthony Williams. Democrats opposed the measure. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/P74vLpdSkf
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) September 15, 2021
Looking at certain moments in today’s Senate meeting where the Intergovernmental Operations Committee authorized subpoenas for personal information on every registered voter in Pennsylvania. Here’s President Pro Temp Jake Corman. @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/hQxWyN9rBk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) September 15, 2021
Please check out our latest PCC Podcast, which has a wrap of Monday’s House Committee meeting on the mask mandate for PA schools.
Schools are back in session. Kids are busy in the classroom, on the playing fields and in the community!
We couldn't have asked for a prettier day yesterday as we welcomed our lower school students to the new school year! ??#firstdayofschool2021 #WeLoveOurStudents #WeMissedYou pic.twitter.com/KPzaqoBeCx
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) September 8, 2021
Students from Immaculata University visited the Academy today for field observation as they continue their path on becoming elementary school teachers. We're lucky to have them working with our students for the next couple of weeks. @ImmaculataU @Ihmimmaculata #teacher #education pic.twitter.com/FcMyzzpvh1
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) September 9, 2021
It was a beautiful night for baseball. Central Catholic Baseball kicked off the season volunteering with the Miracle League! @centralvikings @MLSouthHills pic.twitter.com/CJ1s1yBNgT
— Central Baseball (@baseball_vikes) September 9, 2021
Congratulations to the Girls Volleyball team. They beat Mercer tonight in 3 sets for their 1st game of the season. Next game is Thursday @ KC?? #KCFamily pic.twitter.com/E8syNXv6QZ
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) September 8, 2021
The Class of 2022 started the year with a nod to the 70s for their traditional Senior Tailgate celebration! From peace-sign sunglasses and tie-dye headbands to colorful wigs and groovy cars, the girls brought back the good vibes spirit of the far-out decade. pic.twitter.com/09vmkefQom
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) September 8, 2021
Game Day. Warren at Prep kicks off at 7pm at Dollinger Field this evening. We will honor the victims and the heroes of 9/11 in the pregame. pic.twitter.com/FDJ5BANL5C
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) September 10, 2021
Congrats to OLSH Cross Country on impressive finishes at the California University Invitational today! Girls: 3rd in the combined A/AA division (1st A team); Boys: 10th overall in the combined division (2nd A team). Read more: https://t.co/X5A1V6Hs3W #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/hz5zclOjqx
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) September 4, 2021
Back to School Week continues! Today our Juniors returned and gathered as #SalesianGentlemen for a Prayer Service. ?? #ClassOf2023 #StudentsBackOnSolly pic.twitter.com/al6QsWKWg0
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) September 9, 2021
Today was the first day of school for the #BSHS Class of 2023! It was great to see everyone again, and we can't wait for an amazing school year with you, Juniors! pic.twitter.com/4leDHecZT6
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 9, 2021
Today we are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2023 back to Broad & Vine for their first day! #RCHS pic.twitter.com/csbuqAP6u0
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) September 9, 2021
What a wonderful first day for our 1st through 4th graders! We are so excited to welcome back our students and to start the new school year. pic.twitter.com/7RHKzdqzYD
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) September 8, 2021
@LCCrusaders @lcxctf 1st big invitational at Northampton! Anthony Gargani ‘22 placed 3rd in 16:03, Bella Greco ‘23 placed 6th in 19:24, Matt Sweeney ‘22 placed 69th in 17:57! Great season opener! @MMRSchool @MaryRedeemer @Mater_Dei_CS @AOPathletics @PhSportsDigest pic.twitter.com/ctMAbivY9F
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) September 8, 2021
It's the last "first day of high school" for the Class of 2022! Seniors were welcomed back this morning by our administration and are becoming acquainted with their rosters and teachers. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to school! #schooldays #backtoschool #classof2022 pic.twitter.com/szqOUdXD72
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) September 8, 2021
We would like to welcome Mrs. Theresa Liddle as our new DCC
Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Liddle will be working directly with our principal Mrs. Karrie Miller and will be assisting on both ends of the building.
We are very blessed to have her joining our family. pic.twitter.com/bDlIxEIYBO— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) September 7, 2021
Stage Crew is a co-ed activity that plays an integral role in preparing and building sets for the MP Theatre Society. Learning lessons in teamwork, design, and planning, the MTS Stage Crew coordinates set changes, effects, and more to create a cohesive technical performance. pic.twitter.com/XrDEA9n52B
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) September 6, 2021
The 4th and final part of our series on human trafficking explains what lawmakers and the PCC have been doing to help solve the problem.
Please check out today’s Podcast. We look at some more Catholic school pics and then have the highlights from a contentious PA Senate hearing on the election process.
Here’s our third of four parts on the issue of human trafficking in PA. Today we look at what’s being done to fight it and how you can report something you suspect might be human trafficking. https://fb.watch/7TiWqvPBoH/
Mrs. King's Honors Literature class used bee epigraphs to connect to their text, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Their cooperative learning activity helped analyze the text relationship and included a mini lesson on MLA format. #msja #mountacademics #honors #literature pic.twitter.com/OrW7mhaitG
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) September 2, 2021
We hope all of our Chargers and Future Chargers are having a positive back to school experience! ?? #OLSHChargers #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/Vxe0LQdVnj
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) September 2, 2021
We're grateful for the beautiful weather, our dad's working the grill, & our Parent Association for putting together a fun Back To School picnic for the students, faculty & staff. We're off to a great start to a fantastic school year! #BackToSchool #picnic #thankyouparents pic.twitter.com/WwyfQSSp67
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) September 2, 2021
Our faculty & staff gathered yesterday and today for professional development days in preparation for the new school year. We can’t wait to welcome our students back next week!
View all the photos on our Facebook page. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/fZuNB3PbZR
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) September 2, 2021
Learning, building, and creating! Our #saintsandscholars are busy thinking and working today in class! So much going on in our schools each day – come join us! We are still enrolling for the Fall! #BacktoSchool #safepresentgrowing pic.twitter.com/Uuyo7BQrip
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) September 2, 2021
Congrats to Hailey Morris ‘21 and Ella Koschineg ‘24 on being named @ECNLgirls North Atlantic All-Conference in their respective age groups!! ????? https://t.co/iRP3BUPSaa #gmasoccer #grit @crusa_fcb @gmahsathletics @gmahighschool pic.twitter.com/bOwb1v5F53
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) September 2, 2021
Getting our 20 minutes of exercise done in honor of Coach Robinette @MercyhurstPolo. We miss and appreciate the time we were able to spend together. pic.twitter.com/xTmZG30yfn
— Mercyhurst Wrestling (@LakersWrestling) September 2, 2021
Big team win today ? against Fairview! Way to play, ladies!! pic.twitter.com/DfJ34rO6HW
— Mercyhurst Prep (@mpslakers) September 3, 2021
One. More. Sleep#BeUncommon ?? pic.twitter.com/xUoy56d92e
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) September 3, 2021
The soccer season starts today for the Ramblers. Defending state champion Mars HS invades Dollinger Field. JV's at 5pm, varsity at 6:30. Tickets will be on sale at the gate. pic.twitter.com/Glb1TNCx42
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) September 3, 2021
Yesterday at #BSHS we welcomed back all faculty members for a Professional Development Day! It was great to see everyone and to collaborate on important topics in preparation of a great school year ahead! pic.twitter.com/S4iIvH5XBC
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 2, 2021
It's a beautiful day for a walk in The Quad ? pic.twitter.com/JIXiHmk3qE
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) September 2, 2021
Malvern's music technology studio not only gives students a place to hone their musical talents, but also to learn the fundamentals of the recording process. Students are guided through crafting their own songs from concept to creation. Learn more here ? https://t.co/modth9qulK pic.twitter.com/zFWr6IRqFa
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) September 2, 2021
Grateful for a great first day for middle and high school yesterday!
?: First Aquinas Academy High School assembly of the year.
View more photos on https://t.co/RFzwPmVLS6#WeLoveOurStudents #WelcomeBack #firstdayofschool2021 pic.twitter.com/1taIpCzU7I— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) September 1, 2021
Earlier this week, #BSHS welcomed the Class of 2025 at Freshman Welcome Night! Students had the opportunity to meet their fellow classmates and future teachers, to enjoy team games in the gym, and to tour their class roster. pic.twitter.com/qqBTS5ka2f
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) September 1, 2021
Welcome back, Gesu School 1st – 8th graders and families! We’re so excited for this new year ahead and we’re so glad you’re part of our Gesu community! pic.twitter.com/AJxBPJ92Z4
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) September 1, 2021
Back to School 2021!!! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @CatholicPhilly @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/UG9K4sEABv
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) September 1, 2021
Freshman Chris Warner sinks his first, and Saint Joe's first, in-competition hole-in-one! pic.twitter.com/gO61oq3Hdk
— Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy (@saint_joes) September 1, 2021
Junior and Seniors arrived for their first day bright and early on Tuesday! Lots of smiles and hugs as well as a few morning beverages helped to boost the start of the school year! pic.twitter.com/CetiVqkn6I
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) September 1, 2021
At last night's Ring Mass, the Student Council Executive Board was installed: (l-r) Eamon Coffey '22, Secretary; Rohan Roy '22, VP; Andrew Flanagan '22, President; John Campisi '22, VP; Rick Cassidy '22, Treasurer. Congratulations!
#SJP2022 #IgnatianLeaders pic.twitter.com/T0NxHiHnkH
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) September 1, 2021
It has been a busy week here at #ND leading up to #orientation tomorrow. Faculty and staff have participated in countless workshops, including one focused on DEI work presented by the Sage Wellness Group, and parents were busy decorating the senior lounge. pic.twitter.com/Uc807aEAXM
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) September 1, 2021
Despite heavy rainfall, the #OCXC squad completed their first unofficial competition at Mingo Creek Park.
?SHOUTOUTS?
Bridget Shaver
Ellie Maentz
Mia CroffordNext race this Saturday 9/4 at McDowell. pic.twitter.com/7ZupkmH2ON
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) September 1, 2021
?????? ???? #????????????#BecahiProud #BethlehemCatholic pic.twitter.com/lCuna0zWjj
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) August 31, 2021
#MarianPride Today we welcomed our freshmen, the Marian Catholic Class of 2025! The students learned the Alma Mater, had their first lunch together and participated in activities! Welcome Colts and Fillies! #MarianFamily #ToJesusThroughMary #BeMarian ?? @AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/vsCYenhN3P
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) August 30, 2021
Happy 1st day of school to all of the Crusaders attending our sister schools!? pic.twitter.com/tArKbscs4q
— LancCatholicFB (@LancCatholicFB) August 30, 2021
We had a great first day of school! pic.twitter.com/nkQd4AiPa9
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) August 31, 2021
— Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy (@saint_joes) August 31, 2021
The PCC takes a look at the problem of human trafficking over the next several days. We interviewed a panel of four people involved in the fight against it for our series. Here we look at what human trafficking is and who can be a victim.
Freshman orientation was a success? We can’t wait to see you grow throughout your years here?? #welcomefreshmen #westisbest pic.twitter.com/BuwK8LKMks
— West Catholic Prep (@WCPrep) August 26, 2021
Today #ND's Education Council, comprised of directors, department chairs, grade level coordinators, and other administrators, took part in a day-long retreat focusing on mission, building community and growing leadership skills. Only 6 days until #orientation! pic.twitter.com/FFrZr3gChk
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) August 26, 2021
The Golden Hawk Marching Band's Annual Clothing Drive is happening NOW! [Men's, Women's, and Kids' Clothing, Shoes (Bag Separately, Label "Shoes"), Linens, Stuffed Animals]
?????????: ????????????????@???.??? // ???-???-???? pic.twitter.com/eFP87d7rLU— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) August 26, 2021
?Class of 2025, welcome to OC! ? pic.twitter.com/ZeVXjjyGFx
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) August 25, 2021
WELCOME BACK TEACHERS! The team at Holy Family School is back in the classroom and preparing for the new school year! Blessings to each of you! #newyear #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/0t2LFcZLZK
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) August 25, 2021
We are so excited to welcome our 9th grade students to campus who are picking up their rosters and Chromebooks! Welcome to Bonner & Prendie, and your journey as Friars and Pandas has begun! #onebodyourhome #welcomeback pic.twitter.com/F408sPWBI6
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) August 25, 2021
This week we welcomed 8th grade students and held a prep class to help prepare them for what to expect on the scholarship test. To register your student for the O’Hara scholarship test visit this link https://t.co/K8yEXrm7zL
The access code is Z3 to enter the registration page! pic.twitter.com/JHkqwJuG2R— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) August 25, 2021
Meet the newest faculty and staff members at OLSH! Read more: https://t.co/x9nnlx3Nuy pic.twitter.com/fuVE2lGWiZ
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) August 26, 2021
Wood Cheer Camp Trip @wood_cheer https://t.co/FvBcSUYemi
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) August 26, 2021
Today is the first official day of school for the class of 2025! As per tradition, the freshmen took their class photo in the courtyard this morning, and will take another one senior year before they graduate! ?? #olshchargers #backtoschool #classof2025 pic.twitter.com/eaC0VccvLJ
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) August 26, 2021
Just add water and rinse! Our Foam Party on this Water Wednesday was a smashing success at Summer Vibes Camp and we aren't sure who loved it more, our campers or our counselors. @Mater_Dei_CS @NCEATALK @Healey_EF pic.twitter.com/PYSjkjPqCC
— Mater Dei CS (@Mater_Dei_CS) August 26, 2021
A beautiful sight: @HolyGhostPrep's Class of 2025 gathered in the Chapel on their first day of school. #ThinkBrotherhood #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/4iLmVOBnTh
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) August 26, 2021
Players of the day! Senior Armon Mapp and Sophomore Chris Graziani. #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/ur4yPKcK3f
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) August 26, 2021
Today, we welcomed 183 Freshmen to Central with their traditional First Day of Class photo. pic.twitter.com/wPifDwY8fW
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) August 24, 2021
Great excitement is growing in the red and gold corridors of Gwynedd Mercy! This week has been filled with the arrival of the Class of '25 and our New Monarchs as they get to know each other and the school. We welcome all of our new students and families to the Circle of Mercy!? pic.twitter.com/SBvHrZ57Tx
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) August 24, 2021
The 2021 season is about… to… get… real. Pre-season scrimmage at #uppermerionsoccer with tap at 7pm. Welcome back to the pitch…. ?? pic.twitter.com/PcIxRUl5jc
— RCHS Soccer 2019 (@RCHS_Soccer2017) August 24, 2021
Boys Golf: Bishop McCort 211, Northern Cambria 217, Forest Hills 220 https://t.co/ux11EhWD06
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) August 25, 2021
The full @SJPREP faculty and staff reported today for the first of three in-service days. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to campus next week! #PrepForever pic.twitter.com/ewMjjnEcz8
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) August 24, 2021
?? Who's ready for some Crusaders football on Saturday night?!#BeUncommon ?? pic.twitter.com/aGAnLZ5Lw1
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) August 25, 2021
Today, our Middle School faculty got together to plan for the start of the new school year. We have a lot in store for the leaders of the Academy. #BacktoSchool2021 #WelcomeBack #teachersrock #CatholicEducation pic.twitter.com/RsGrJ7cUq1
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) August 24, 2021
Kaminski and Ubinger Named to All State Team https://t.co/NVzKvxfypC @NCTrojanArmy
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) August 24, 2021
Day 1 of Freshman Orientation was a success! Today, the Class of 2025 participated in icebreaker activities, team building games, and assemblies. Students even walked in the Quad for the first time after they finished lunch. pic.twitter.com/O0P9I7j22k
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) August 23, 2021
Today’s PCC Podcast has the latest from the Governor on masks in schools. Plus we preview a special series on human trafficking and review lawmaker discussions on the election audit. And lawmakers from both parties are blasting a move by the Governor to hire a firm for senior services.
Today’s PCC PODCAST has a lot of pics from the first day of classes at a handful of Catholic schools across PA. We also hear from lawmakers who are against a proposed move by the Wolf Administration to enlist a private firm to handle certain services for seniors.
Congrats to our Aquinas 8th graders who competed in the Pennyslvania PJAS Competition after placing 1st at regionals! 1st place at States: Eliana BouSamra, Gigi Vangura, Nick Urban, & JJ Ortiz. 2nd place: Mary Osburg & Laura Greppi.#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #202021SchoolYear pic.twitter.com/fCTLcvCpOY
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) August 18, 2021
Students of our '21-'22 L.E.A.D program recently gathered for a meet & greet to kick off the new school year. As inspiration, program director Jenn Cervone Guarnaccia '93 shared the Greta Thunberg quote: "You are never too small to make a difference." #GMAHS #sheisthefuture #gcli pic.twitter.com/LN6m1SiR7s
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) August 19, 2021
We are so excited for this upcoming school year! We are grateful to have gained 130 new students to our school family! 130!! ? 1??3??0?? #Growing #KCFamily #NewestEaglesIntheNest
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) August 19, 2021
Saint Joseph's finishes 2nd at the Happy Valley Invitational.
"Tim Peters put in a lot of work this summer and that showed today, coming in 2nd in a field of 80+ competitors." -Chad Walsh, Golf Coach pic.twitter.com/s8B8xjZyGr
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) August 20, 2021
On Tuesday, our new teachers had the opportunity to work together and build community at Escape Room Pittsburgh before the start of the upcoming school year. Thank you to Joe Deasy, ’09 and the Escape Room Pittsburgh team for hosting our new faculty! pic.twitter.com/UWP3nWOFhV
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) August 20, 2021
Villa Cross Country wrapped up their preseason camp at Camp Notre Dame yesterday. A highlight of their camp was team Eucharistic Adoration Holy Hour celebrated by Fr. Jason Feigh, Prep Campus Minister, on Tuesday night. As you can see from the picture, it was really special. pic.twitter.com/Uumi1X2Xv4
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) August 19, 2021
#RollCavs https://t.co/fOnHYD83dY
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) August 19, 2021
This great group of students spent the afternoon painting signs to decorate the school! ?? #olshchargers #schoolspirit pic.twitter.com/Sngk4eh7HM
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) August 18, 2021
Best part of the job is seeing our kids getting better!!! pic.twitter.com/cEoobRKbyE
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) August 19, 2021
What's new? New Student Orientation at Nazareth Prep. pic.twitter.com/uS2U3O87Un
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) August 19, 2021
We hope our newest Explorers are settling into their new home. Today was our annual Induction Prayer Service and Retreat. pic.twitter.com/Hq8WRDJRp9
— LSCHS Mission & Ministry (@LSCHS_Mission) August 18, 2021
Gesu is gearing up to welcome our students back to school! We can’t wait to see them in the hallways and classrooms! Our maintenance team, front office, teachers, and administrators are working hard to prepare a safe, fun learning environment for all. pic.twitter.com/iJCZ8Ngzw1
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) August 19, 2021
#VikingAlumni ACCHS invites any of our Viking Band Alumni to jam in the stands with our 2021-2022 Marching Band. Email calbert@acchs.info if you know you can participate. We are excited to have you join us! No marching required. #Vikings4Life #ValleysBestDrumline ??? pic.twitter.com/2vdFFrTCyT
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) August 20, 2021
The boys are BACK @MalvernPrepFB pic.twitter.com/riEOCPw0l6
— Malvern Prep Friars (@MPFriars) August 19, 2021
We're looking forward to it! ?????? https://t.co/6NEvS2lBfA
— Mercyhurst Wrestling (@LakersWrestling) August 19, 2021
It’s like Pre-season Christmas ? #11hearts1soul1goal pic.twitter.com/vW2HcYHwWt
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) August 20, 2021
Major shoutout to our parents. We weren’t the only ones busy during camp. Great surprise for our guys to come home to. They did an amazing job!!! pic.twitter.com/SylZ0owPR3
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) August 20, 2021
We are excited to welcome Mr. Dave Fischer to our team! Mr. Fischer’s extensive engineering background will be a tremendous asset to our STEM program. Welcome, Mr. Fischer!#Collegeandlifeready pic.twitter.com/cPyvQNHunX
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) August 20, 2021
Good luck to our Golf team this season!! ????????? pic.twitter.com/xu1EBDlBOF
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) August 20, 2021
??Recently accepted into the Student Symposium at the 48th Telluride Film Festival, Molly Scotti, OCHS'19 is one of 50 students worldwide attending this September in Telluride, Colorado.
Molly is currently a Film and Italian major at Wesleyan University in CT. #WatchHerSoar? pic.twitter.com/JwAPVgAA9o
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) August 19, 2021
Players of the day. Seniors Scott Bernhard-Kyle & Myles Reynolds. #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/U48OvthNgv
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) August 19, 2021
Representing our soccer teams at Lackawanna Soccer Media Day are seniors Will, JJ, Jillian and Lily! We wish our soccer teams the best of luck this year. #RollClassics #RollCavs pic.twitter.com/ZSxqpaeoCt
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) August 19, 2021
The latest PCC Podcast talks about masks in schools—policies are still being determined—plus we recap two very entertaining committee meetings at the Capitol on pipelines and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Check out today’s PCC Podcast. About 4 minutes long. We have some pics of our Catholic school athletes returning to the practice field and one bishop celebrating Mass on Sunday. Plus an update on what’s going on with the Hyde Amendment.
Thank you to Coach Dave and Coach @RossiSoccer for a fantastic week at team camp. Now it’s on to pre-season ?#11hearts1soul1goal pic.twitter.com/WmIbukuU5Y
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) August 13, 2021
Senior leaders gathered on campus today for our annual Senior Leadership Workshop. We are looking forward to a great year! pic.twitter.com/wHGG1NEH7d
— LSCHS Student Council (@LSCHS_Students) August 13, 2021
STAYING COOL this summer! #Saintsandscholars from Holy Family School are cooling off around the pool! We can't wait to see you back in the classroom in two weeks! #summerfun pic.twitter.com/mrWCTJUQ3l
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) August 12, 2021
Wrapped up a great turn out for 4 Days of voluntary FitCamp with Coach Rory @RorMcD with a little fun! 5 days until the season starts!! ?????#gmasoccer #grit @GMAHighSchool @GMAAthletics pic.twitter.com/5ZrImcjtFi
— GMASoccer (@soccer_gma) August 12, 2021
DuBois Central Catholic School is still Accepting Applications for the Preschool Program. DCC has many programs to fit the needs of young students and their parents. Click here for a list of our Preschool Programs. https://t.co/ZsZxzgB0ju pic.twitter.com/8bdj9m6Fve
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) August 13, 2021
Henley Thursday: Never Trust a Head-Crosswind at Henley Royal Regatta – Henley Royal Regatta coverage | https://t.co/RXjDBbDbKs: https://t.co/sDNk8sisxz
— Prep Crew (@SJPrepCrew) August 13, 2021
Thanks to Cam Johnson for stopping by @OLSH_Hoops open gym tonight! pic.twitter.com/RMQoZLupJQ
— OLSH Athletics (@olshsports) August 13, 2021
#brickbybrick we welcome coach @coachab50 back to lead our defense. Year ?? loading……. pic.twitter.com/oyJYvxpXuR
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) August 12, 2021
The Prep is featured in @suburbanfamily's Fall Sports Preview issue. Athletics and Co-Curriculars are not extra to a Prep education…they are a major part of it. #MindBodySpirit #AMDG #GoPrep https://t.co/vYkrS57NWS pic.twitter.com/keKQ4r5jJk
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) August 12, 2021
Cate Van Stone '21 is competing on the USRowing's Under 19 National Women's Team at the 2021 World Rowing Junior Championship in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, & you can watch her race online! The final is Sunday, August 14 @ 6:10 am Eastern time.
Watch here: https://t.co/E0oaMeVbWC pic.twitter.com/HYRASVX8NY— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) August 12, 2021
Trinity High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Jordan Hill (@J_HILL_47) as Director of Advancement!
Read more here: https://t.co/gByM0EiTMg pic.twitter.com/N90u3DfG0a
— Trinity High School (@thsrocks_us) August 12, 2021
Golden Apple Winner Robert Childs, Serra Catholic High School associate principal, is rooted in his Catholic faith and allows it to guide everything he does at school. A colleague described him as: “a reminder to everyone that we are loved by God.”https://t.co/Rl7jUj13tL
— Diocese of Pgh (@DioPitt) August 12, 2021
We would like to congratulate Mrs. Sue O’Neil on being named as the new Athletic Director at @ArchbishopWood! #WOODHOOPS pic.twitter.com/CK8z4AyEBG
— Archbishop Wood Boys Basketball (@WoodBoysBball) August 12, 2021
Photos from Thursday's @SJPrepCrew race vs. Shiplake at @HenleyRegatta are now available. #GoPrep #Henley2021
Album: https://t.co/wvrhxyraB3 pic.twitter.com/dIhbsrIkQO
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) August 12, 2021
Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy AFJROTC leadership cadets planned out the new school year yesterday for the 120+ cadets in the corps. They met off-site at the American Legion in Wesleyville, PA. #Prep #Villa #AFJROTC pic.twitter.com/eNVOMuUIAA
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) August 12, 2021
LABOR DAY WEEKEND FOOTBALL GAME IN WILDWOOD pic.twitter.com/No7Gq4G7OK
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) August 12, 2021
73 York Catholic students took AP exams & achieved an 81% pass rate of 3 or higher. Congratulations to AP Scholars with Distinction – Gavin Bonner, Emilio Gurany, Bernadette Schintz, and AP Scholars – Gina Bolli, Natalie Javitt, Mairin Landis, Timothy Ventura. #YCMind pic.twitter.com/95J0b2vD4l
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) August 12, 2021
#BSHS looks forward to presenting "Disney's High School Musical" this fall! Auditions are soon on August 19th and 26th at 6:30 PM. Visit https://t.co/4RD2bN69o1 for more information. pic.twitter.com/Sn7MEWfU0g
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) August 12, 2021
We ?@Andrew_Maddalon great job putting in the work this spring and summer. Let’s go! https://t.co/ZIsAP927Rt
— NORTH CATHOLIC BOYS BASKETBALL (@northcathbball) August 12, 2021
@LCCrusaders student-athletes don’t forget tonight at 6:30pm in the gym, Fr O’Brien celebrates Fall Sports Mass, immediately followed by individual coaches meetings. Please send physicals online to @myFamilyID here https://t.co/FHFjiTC3pm pic.twitter.com/bWqWdtneW9
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) August 12, 2021
Summer Programs continue! #Saintsandscholars hosted by Marian Catholic High School enjoyed learning new skills at soccer camp! #summerwork #faithfellowshipfun @Marian_CathHS pic.twitter.com/3LntIhOiib
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) August 11, 2021
.@HolyGhostPrep student leaders are getting ready for next month's senior retreat with a bit of training on location with Mr. Whartenby, Fr. Dan, Mr. Croskey, and Mr. Hoban. #ThinkSpiritan #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/Sj0jrIG9R4
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) August 11, 2021
Making great progress! Please pray for continued good weather. ?#AquinasNewStory #AquinasSummer2021 #Construction #NewLSMSBuilding pic.twitter.com/WwiePxBRUR
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) August 11, 2021
Football started with the Stations of the Cross Workout this morning. @sportsleaderusa developed this workout to help athletes grow closer to Christ by experiencing the fatigue, sweat, and effort that our Lord suffered for us in his Passion and Death. https://t.co/bVutF5Bs8n pic.twitter.com/puLio9X0Zj
— YC Athletics (@YorkCathAthlet) August 11, 2021
Welcome to our new Athletic Director, Eric Kindler '10!
Read more: https://t.co/ldtoNp8Xx5 pic.twitter.com/1RCmNRdiKx
— Trinity High School (@thsrocks_us) August 11, 2021
Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the success of our students & the Erie community on Erie Gives Day! Thank you for partnering with the @TheECF1935 in brightening the futures of our students. We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity. #ErieGives2021 pic.twitter.com/jVxHJ5XmE8
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) August 11, 2021
Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the success of our students & the Erie community on Erie Gives Day! Thank you for partnering with the @TheECF1935 in brightening the futures of our students. We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity. #ErieGives2021 pic.twitter.com/jVxHJ5XmE8
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) August 11, 2021
Please check out today’s PCC Podcast, which explains some of the bills we have worked on and where they stand.
Our latest PCC Podcast is a recap of Friday’s PA Senate hearing on the return to school amid the continued threat of the COVID virus. Very entertaining and informative hearing.
Big THANK YOU to @ndwbb Olivia Miles for stopping into camp to share wisdom with our campers! We will be rooting for you this year! pic.twitter.com/CJbHYXfFQm
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) August 5, 2021
Excited to share that Larry Berran '89 & Mike Sicilia '89 have joined the Faulkner Auto Group in a multi-million dollar commitment. Read more??https://t.co/nP0J7vg3Mr. We're humbled & blessed by the investment that Larry & Mike have made in our school's future. ?? #JudgeGuys pic.twitter.com/sFkxztN0dM
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) August 4, 2021
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) August 5, 2021
— Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy (@saint_joes) August 5, 2021
Check out our @DEVONPREP Fall Varsity schedules! (Any changes/updates to these can be found on our website: https://t.co/5p923sdp0P ) @DPTideSoccer @DevonPrepGolf @Devon_Prep_XC @DevonPrepCrew pic.twitter.com/CroQJwFLB2
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) August 6, 2021
The newest members of our Hall of Athletics will be inducted Homecoming Weekend September 10 – Register at https://t.co/C7w3PifDRT @lschsalumni https://t.co/yr2aWoCEDU
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) August 5, 2021
Ben Kuty and Patrick Roondog – shining examples of “Friar Brotherhood” made Delco Times! #friarbroyjerhoodforeverinourhearts! pic.twitter.com/jkAFrilizo
— Malvern Prep Water Polo (@mpfriarh2opolo) August 5, 2021
21 more days until game day! #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/qEClaDga8z
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) August 5, 2021
At this year's annual Viking Venture, 35 CCHS students had the opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership, while forming close bonds with one another. Viking Venture is made possible due to the financial support of the Central Catholic class of 1982.https://t.co/n6egL8wXMx
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) August 5, 2021
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) August 5, 2021
The Crushers of Bishop McCort are excited to join with the Huskies of Bishop Carroll for this year's football season!! United on the field and united in faith. #crusherpride #unitedinfaith pic.twitter.com/mNQFQ24bi5
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) August 4, 2021
It’s time to celebrate YC! Join us Sat 9/11, from 6-10 PM at York Catholic Middle & High School for hors d’oeuvres, silent & live auctions, and fun! We’re excited to show you the new renovations! Click here to make your reservation now! https://t.co/nztEsEfbkQ pic.twitter.com/eS9rNFeJ8u
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) August 4, 2021
We are officially 1 month away till the start of the regular season where we begin our journey with the Lopes Cup pic.twitter.com/GI6YIbSIPS
— Bishop Canevin Boys Soccer (@Canevin_Soccer) August 4, 2021
Summer campers from Gesu School enjoyed a day outdoors at the Jersey Shore earlier this summer! pic.twitter.com/r6bbQEfRsD
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) August 4, 2021
Students, Faculty & Alumni Return to Kentucky for Mission Trip https://t.co/0WQ1mC9g7R #Prep #Villa #KentuckyMissionTrip #Service pic.twitter.com/O1ixvCfNk8
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) August 4, 2021
An Arts #throwback with #ND students and Choral Music Department Chair, Mrs. Lindsay Miller. We cannot wait to have students back on stage this school year! #NDArts #mainlinepa #independentschool #choir #sisterhood #TBT pic.twitter.com/sEg2rXiqjQ
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) August 4, 2021
Final Day of Team Camp ?? 12 days until the beginning of the season! pic.twitter.com/IvqTqdJ2lf
— Mercyhurst Prep Girls Soccer (@MercyhurstS) August 4, 2021
We’re excited to share our new Spike Prime kits that our middle school students will be using this year in robotics class. @sr_sarah_ellen has been busy getting the kits ready. We can’t wait to see what they design & code this year! @LEGO_Education @firstlegoleague #spikeprime ? pic.twitter.com/ahZG890Bbd
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) August 4, 2021
The Farrell brothers, Liam Farrell' 20 and TJ Farrell, a member of @HolyGhostPrep's incoming freshman class of 2025, sported their #HGPColors when they recently competed in the Pier to Pier Challenge Ocean Swim in Wildwood, N.J. Liam took first place in his division. #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/cxP1SnPsC6
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) August 4, 2021
Some of our “neighbors” visiting @LCCrusaders Algeo Prayer Garden this morning @ArchbishopPerez @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @nceakpmears @PAcatholic @annetempleton @Jennife77090497 @ph_jenny @LC_STEM @LCHS_Activities @mrsgreskosfifth @Mater_Dei_CS @OLMRCS @OLsacredheart pic.twitter.com/3u0gvTqWfR
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) August 4, 2021
Themes coming soon! https://t.co/OMIEsCKOwQ
— North Catholic Trojan Army (@NCTrojanArmy) August 3, 2021
“I love the feeling of this place – it’s like stepping into another world. I’m not sure if it’s like that anywhere else, but OLSH is just a great place to be.”
Read more about OLSH Business Manager Cathy Neubert: https://t.co/U7RuWFOWi3 pic.twitter.com/hq5Znlvwcw— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) August 3, 2021
"7 Western PA Students Win National Garden Club Contests, Receive Prizes, College Scholarship"
Congratulations!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #AquinasScholars #Pollinators https://t.co/X6ObtL1R5Q— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) August 3, 2021
Are you or a teen you love struggling with addiction? Come see how Kolbe Academy may be the right place to support your/their recovery. Can't wait, call today to schedule a tour 610.419.3333 ext. 1102 #RecoverSucceedTransform pic.twitter.com/RG5kV7sTDE
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) August 2, 2021
It’s "all hands on deck" Saturday 8/14 from 8 AM-12 PM to help prep the athletic fields, grounds and structures for the fall season. Please bring your paint brushes, tool boxes, work gloves, and a willingness to help. Click here to sign-up. https://t.co/FlceZoTxp1 pic.twitter.com/CsnE6mJ7DF
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) August 3, 2021
Great to see the Drexel Hill Raiders back at it! #FriarsDoItBetter #UsAgainstTheWorld pic.twitter.com/8oNki3twS0
— Friars Football (@MBAP_Football) August 3, 2021
#OCalumna A.J. Ross is back in the 'burgh! With a love of sports as her passion, it was an automatic "yes" when A.J. was presented with the opportunity to work with KDKA-TV on coverage of @steelers’ training camp and preseason! #WatchHerSoar https://t.co/k7H5l6HqLZ
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) August 3, 2021
Join the EITC Program Today!
Learn how to redirect your tax dollars to benefit the students of Saint Agnes School and receive a 90% Tax Credit!Informational Webinars:
August 10, 2021 @ 7:00 PM
Email cmcaneney@foundationFCE.org#foundationforcatholiceducation #stagnesstags pic.twitter.com/WG9ZEimkgo— St. Agnes School (@StAgnesStags) August 3, 2021
Today’s PCC Podcast features a review of yesterday’s PA House Committee meeting on the bill to prevent biological males from participating as females in sports across our state. We also have the first two installments of “Capitol Insight. “
https://fb.watch/7b_n1kgQBS/
The PA Catholic Conference is doing a number of stories in the community this summer that go with our legislative efforts during the year. Here we feature comments from Dauphin Co. Coroner Graham Hetrick about the ongoing opioid crisis.
We talked with Dauphin Co. Coroner Graham Hetrick about the ongoing opioid epidemic. He shared his views on several aspects, including firsthand knowledge of the reliance by many people on medication. pic.twitter.com/aaSbYPamot
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 4, 2021
Dauphin Co. Coroner Graham Hetrick talked with us about the increased use of fentanyl, which he says is much more dangerous than heroin. pic.twitter.com/nfXZOvZUy1
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 4, 2021
One of the most dangerous aspects of fentanyl, says Dauphin Coroner Graham Hetrick, is that it can be put into so many other substances. A drug user may have ingested fentanyl without even knowing it. And that may be on top of other prescription opioids they may be taking. pic.twitter.com/cLsfemB60O
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 4, 2021
In our final comment from Graham Hetrick, he talks about the presence of Dopamine in our bodies. It’s a neurotransmitter used to send messages between nerve cells. Hetrick says that when there are voids in our lives, the presence of Dopamine can lead us to turn to substances. pic.twitter.com/h5wcKmeIZk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) August 4, 2021
Today’s PCC Podcast talks about the latest on the bill in the PA House involving transgender athletes and what lies ahead with the Hyde Amendment after it was voted down by House Democrats.
Congrats to our JV squad @A_TownThrowDown on their opening night win over Emmaus. #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/U9Kn4bSDk7
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) July 29, 2021
Camper Counselor Partner Throwdown! Thunderstorms won’t stop Learn to Row camp we just head to the Thunderdome ??#ThinkGhost #ThinkRowing @hgpathletics pic.twitter.com/kF7K8TDFyd
— HGP Rowing (@HGPRowing) July 29, 2021
Tonight we welcomed the Class of 2020 back into the building to reminisce and spend time together. It was so great to see them again!! They will always be a special class who rose above every challenge they faced!! (1 of 2) #quarantinedclass #BC2020 pic.twitter.com/E7K9mwzE94
— Berks Catholic (@BerksCatholic) July 30, 2021
We finally got to see the banner! What better way to display it than with the up and coming youth! The Gatorade POY, Kaitlyn Orihel, will be back for camp next week and will share her journey from a young camper to a Villanova basketball player! pic.twitter.com/qPoWrV6MzV
— Archbishop Wood Girls Basketball (@WoodGirlsBball) July 30, 2021
What an exciting opportunity for our undefeated, state champion boys basketball team – recognition on the field at last night's Pirates game! ?? Go Chargers! #OLSHChargers pic.twitter.com/seBJuxbExe
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) July 29, 2021
Today we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the #Jesuits, a few days early. Fr. Ray Donaldson, SJ, from the Gesu School, was concelebrant and encouraged us to act “for the greater glory of God.” #AMDG pic.twitter.com/FOIAWuK93v
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) July 29, 2021
Summer cleaning continues at our schools! Thanks to the student helpers at St. Anne School Bethlehem for assisting with the cleaning of chairs in preparation for the school to come! #newyear #backtoschool @StAnneBethlehem pic.twitter.com/ONu8VIzFuD
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) July 29, 2021
Please join us in welcoming our new Principal to Bonner & Prendie, Ms. Patricia Rooney. Prayerful wishes and best of luck to both Ms Rooney as she starts her tenure at our school beginning August 9. pic.twitter.com/xKMZ7d3ba8
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) July 29, 2021
Thanks to @JamieMansellPhD , Director of @TempleATP for helping with the physicals for our football team tonight. Dr. Mansell is a Marian grad and former trainer for the football team. We appreciate your help tonight getting our team ready for the season.#MarianFamily pic.twitter.com/CQRJXESJD8
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) July 29, 2021
Where's #Shanahan this summer!? Amanda Wallace '22 went out west to Rocky Mountain National Park for 14 days through a leadership organization, Overland. Send photos of your family's fun summer at-home activities, vacations, and/or travels to social@shanahan.org pic.twitter.com/oKpSsuKH8u
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) July 29, 2021
All skill levels are welcome at the York Catholic Golf Tournament on Monday, September 20, at the Out Door Country Club. Check-in starts at 7:30 AM with a Shotgun Start at 8 AM. Click here to register by September 10. https://t.co/nRm4PjfubY pic.twitter.com/69mdGf69bV
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) July 28, 2021
216 AP exams were taken this past year and we are proud of our students and faculty for their achievements! #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/EaNt3eJAw6
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) July 28, 2021
Our "Camp Inspire" continues to be a huge success! Each week, a new group of middle school girls explores a different #STEAM field while helping to build their confidence, self-worth, and leadership skill…#InspireMercy #EmpowerMercy #EducateMercy #youngengineer #sheisthefuture pic.twitter.com/ACVE1qWF89
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) July 28, 2021
Along with work being done on the West 10th Street side of the building, work has now begun on the old Cathedral Prep pool! This area is being repurposed for a new dance studio/fitness center that will be ready for use by the 2022-2023 school year. #Prep #Villa pic.twitter.com/uYfGfCUc0C
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) July 28, 2021
The 49th Annual Art Show & Sale is just 6 months away! The Preview Party is on January 28 with the opening to the public on January 29. Follow @ndartshow on @instagram and visit https://t.co/QM0M26arn9 for more updates. #NDArtShowSale #NDArts pic.twitter.com/scK4YeE0yV
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) July 28, 2021
Our new Marching Band members are learning the steps for the upcoming season! First performance is 4 weeks away! #GoIRISH! pic.twitter.com/qODHOjuoKV
— York Catholic Middle & High School (@YorkCatholicHS) July 28, 2021
Roman welcomed a group of over 30 students today at transfer orientation. We are excited to have them join our Roman Family. #RCHS pic.twitter.com/4kJqDL5siY
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) July 28, 2021
Day three of Camp and these young ladies are working and playing hard!!@bishopcanevin pic.twitter.com/pJOBfNnq78
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) July 28, 2021
?JOIN US FOR OUR CELEBRATION GALA!?
The OC Gala will be held on September 10 at The Pittsburgh Field Club. Gather with us for a great night!Register today: https://t.co/Ah1rzPhsfd pic.twitter.com/JH4qGKaA3k
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) July 28, 2021
On a mission with some lofty goals to surpass these numbers. https://t.co/HiCNq87LOR
— Tom Smith (@TASmith42) July 28, 2021
Congratulations to rising senior Abbie Sutton on your commitment to DII Chowan University in NC. Can’t wait to ? on the field next Spring! ? l pic.twitter.com/EaCmCskSiq
— North Catholic Softball (@TrojanetteSB) July 27, 2021
Together as one, and through all things, we find Christ. At Malvern, you will regularly find Augustinian Friars leading a team prayer or conducting a service on campus. ?? pic.twitter.com/xIqQRQWHbO
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) July 28, 2021
St. Hubert is having a historic year! Check out this opportunity to join a growing team in a thriving school of #leadersoftomorrow #bambiesgettingitdone #exciting #opportunity #hiring @AOPS_Schools @SHalumnae pic.twitter.com/4abudPrl6I
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) July 27, 2021
Join the EITC Program Today!
Learn how to redirect your tax dollars to benefit the students of Saint Agnes School and receive a 90% Tax Credit!Informational Webinars:
July 29, 2021 @ 4:00 PM
Email cmcaneney@foundationFCE.org#foundationforcatholiceducation #stagnesstags pic.twitter.com/vyUQCo8k5a— St. Agnes School (@StAgnesStags) July 27, 2021
It’s a camp tradition. The campers vs coaches challenge. Coach lost! pic.twitter.com/0vF37246L9
— Lansdale Catholic Girls Basketball (@lcladycrusaders) July 15, 2021
We are now over 70?????? https://t.co/oXjHI5rj7g
— Tom Smith (@TASmith42) July 14, 2021
56 pounds of plastic bags and bottle caps to recycle! ?? @eco_plastics #SHAlowerschool #recycle #ecoplastics pic.twitter.com/wsgPSw6UvE
— Sacred Heart Academy (@SHAbrynmawr) July 15, 2021
Breaking News: The Administration of OLM is proud to announce the promotion of Mr. Paul A. Larrea to Assistant Principal, Student Life & Activities and Mrs. Alison Dudenbostel to Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Assessment. pic.twitter.com/EIO1v2xTp9
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) July 15, 2021
Join @OLSH_Hoops at PNC Park as the @Pirates recognize your PIAA State Champs on the field before the Bucs take on the Brewers!
Click here for discounted tickets: https://t.co/DV7XDlLo6o pic.twitter.com/W3jy0wEUZ4
— OLSH Athletics (@olshsports) July 15, 2021
Thanks to @HollidaysburgF for the invite to get some great work in. @HollidaysburgF @Bison__Football and @BGMarauderFball Pretty great group of teams helping each other get better. pic.twitter.com/i9PuKBoeVe
— BG Marauder Football (@BGMarauderFball) July 15, 2021
Great night of football, thanks to Coach Lon Hazlet and the @NW_Rangers for hosting us! #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/xRtYdDEmld
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) July 16, 2021
Spartan Leaders helping at the Class house of 2025 boys’ social. pic.twitter.com/yLJGJs1Zz7
— Saint Joseph HS (@SaintJosephHS) July 16, 2021
Basketball Camp is Back at Saint Joe's! Today, legendary Coach Bruce Parkhill stopped by to talk with the campers. Thank You Coach Parkhill! #WolfPackBasketball #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/h8rRJvWdrs
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) July 15, 2021
Malvern Prep is unique in the fact that our curriculum, campus, and student life are designed to resemble the independent nature of college. That said, our 17:1 student to teacher ratio enables tailored learning experiences that could never be reached in traditional schooling. pic.twitter.com/631PDg5B6P
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) July 15, 2021
This summer, nearly 1,200 students, including 5 of our Pandas, from across Pennsylvania are learning about the business world, teamwork, and goal planning through interactive activities at @PFEW_ORG in Williamsport. Mr. Rogers is with them as a volunteer advisor. #Summer2021 pic.twitter.com/91ycG4t9Uj
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) July 15, 2021
Having some fun with “Hedbanz” games and practicing spelling in Ms. Wilson’s summer camp reading class at Gesu School! pic.twitter.com/lpfh0PIKL5
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) July 15, 2021
Thank you to all of our student-athletes, coaches, parents, and the NC community for their tireless efforts in making North Catholic Athletics successful!? #forevertrue https://t.co/ikgbZlZoE1
— North Catholic High School (@NCForeverTrue) July 14, 2021
@RomanCatholicHS has announced the hiring of Brian Haas as the school's new Director of Athletics https://t.co/K4tUpWheQx @RomanAthletics @PhillyTrib @PhSportsDigest @jmverlin @PAcatholic @InqPotosky @sjnard pic.twitter.com/eWn563fO3A
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) July 15, 2021
Summer Programs are underway! Our #saintsandscholars are on the fields at Vikings soccer camp with coaches and players from Allentown Central Catholic High School! #summerwork #faithfellowshipfun @ACCHSVikings pic.twitter.com/VTK0WkdbtB
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) July 15, 2021
Big shoutout to @210ths for preparing us for our season!! We’ve seen major strides in our program. We can’t thank you enough for the confidence you have given our players. pic.twitter.com/PfG5PM3D8M
— Bishop Canevin Football (@CrusadersFball) July 15, 2021
Attention Golfers! ?
Visit: https://t.co/2iyrnvaHxN for registration form.
Thank you for your support to the Christopher Meddaugh Memorial Golf Outing. pic.twitter.com/OjbVjYt6cT
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) July 15, 2021
? Positive Athlete recognizes Student Athletes representing 30 different high school sports, coaches, and schools in the Western PA area who excel in positivity!
? Congratulations to all OC athletes on the Most Positive School award! ? pic.twitter.com/lxVNxdYP69
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) July 15, 2021
Thankful to @NexTier for supporting education through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program! Aquinas' EITC scholarship fund enables us to award qualified students Financial Aid Scholarships each school year.
Learn more: https://t.co/5Mkr50gECY pic.twitter.com/a6ABi0laK9— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) July 15, 2021
Last week, some alumni of Holy Cross helped serve at the Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea at the annual Church Picnic. We’re always proud to see our alumni carry on the duty of service! #hchspride?? #hcalumni https://t.co/Jx2EGh1rDj
— Holy Cross HS (@hchspa) July 15, 2021
Class of 2025 girls’ social! pic.twitter.com/6rGu8AoLHi
— Saint Joseph HS (@SaintJosephHS) July 15, 2021
Check out our 2021 Summer ? Camp Highlight Videos. Ranked #1 in the LV!
BABY BIRDS Camp 2021https://t.co/rjTr1JkOgP
Lady Hawks Camp 2021https://t.co/qRetYLfVUk pic.twitter.com/A9bZnnZ3RW
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) July 14, 2021
We create a student-centered learning environment where inquiry, exploration, & curiosity are valued. Our students engage in hands-on learning experiences through our intellectually challenging & creative curriculum, which cultivates a life-long love of learning. #JoyOfHolyChild pic.twitter.com/46rExsk293
— Holy Child School at Rosemont (@HCRosemont) July 13, 2021
Congrats to the #BSHS girls and boys lacrosse teams whose members were recently named to the Daily Local News All-Areas. A big congrats also to girls lax coach Kacy Small who was named Coach of the Year! Learn more at https://t.co/kBY3FvwpRi! pic.twitter.com/LkpFaqPdcm
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) July 14, 2021
Great day yesterday for our @DevonPrepGolf golfers. We had a group on the course in morning as part of our @DEVONPREP Enrichment Program and then the team had their first open workout at night! Season is right around the corner! pic.twitter.com/T3E66Q0PP7
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) July 14, 2021
On a very recent trip to the University of Notre Dame, I looked into what lies behind Indiana’s Fetal Remains Law. A similar measure passed the PA House last month after some heated debate between pro-life and pro-abortion lawmakers. We’re hoping the Senate takes up the bill when they return in September.
Future stars! Camp Glee wrapped with an amazing performance by the campers, who got to showcase their talents for family, friends, and Mount faculty & staff. Thanks to camp directors Ms. Ochs and Ms. Molan, who coached the campers for the last 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/JSmXN55hq0
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) July 2, 2021
Something special is happening on Osborne Street as Bishop McCort has welcomed 70 transfer students as Crushers since September! Bishop McCort truly is the place to be! Catch the Spirit today! #catchthespirit #theplacetobe #crusher4life pic.twitter.com/rWtwk1h384
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) June 30, 2021
Join us on Tuesday, July 27, from 6-7:30 PM for our Open House! Families not already registered can speak with our dedicated faculty and administration to learn about all YC has to offer! Pre-registration is required at https://t.co/l32OLl7CEr pic.twitter.com/RLkW6WrIUn
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) July 2, 2021
Awesome group of kids at our BAM clinic yesterday! Can’t wait to see you all back at camp in August!??? pic.twitter.com/jJal8na2a8
— Oakland Catholic Basketball (@OC__Hoops) July 2, 2021
? Happy Founders' Day, Eagles! ? pic.twitter.com/WKeL35AEu6
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) July 1, 2021
Youth Camp? Big group of hard working girls ?? #thefuture pic.twitter.com/AQ76UhKh2D
— Lancaster Catholic Girls Soccer (@LCHSGSOC) July 2, 2021
We had another special guest at @FJ_Soccer Camp! Striker for CD Leganés (Spain) Marcelo Ibarra '18 stopped by to see our campers today. Thanks for the visit, Marcelo! ??? #JudgeGuy #FromSollyToSpain @FJAthletics pic.twitter.com/abTGNyogeR
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) July 1, 2021
Summer Rowing Spotlight: Junior coxswain Matt Huot finished rowing camp at the Naval Academy! Looking forward to seeing his new skills in action on the water this fall! #ThinkGhost #ThinkRowing @hgpathletics @navycrew @NavalAcademy pic.twitter.com/hmiSPa7W5G
— HGP Rowing (@HGPRowing) July 1, 2021
There's that Dr. Cooke again! Found some Class of 2021 Friars or did they find him….getting some breakfast. What was on the menu?
Pandas, where are you? Find Dr. Cooke! We heard he is treating to breakfast. pic.twitter.com/jo5VNpu9GO
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) July 1, 2021
More Than 1,100 AOP Spring Sports Student-Athletes Earn Honor Roll Distinction https://t.co/l2kwxeKZnz @PAcatholic @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools @Wood_Vikings @PhillyTrib @joemasonwrites @PhSportsDigest @InqPotosky @BucksLocalSport @DLNSports @CatholicPhilly @Bishop_Shanahan pic.twitter.com/3cZS9rs693
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) July 1, 2021
The DEADLINE is July 10th to Register for the Alumni Dinner on July 17th- Mass at 5, dinner at 6:30, and tours of school in between. Contact Mrs. Auman at 814-372-3882 or gauman@duboiscatholic.com to register. pic.twitter.com/a6rlyNxMhE
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) July 1, 2021
The class of 2025 ice cream social! pic.twitter.com/yvqEBu5Mm1
— Saint Joseph HS (@SaintJosephHS) July 1, 2021
Central Catholic is pleased to announce the hiring of a familiar face, Mr. James, Donahue, ’03, as Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Central Catholic.
Read more: https://t.co/EXrIbYFlaV pic.twitter.com/aXDNNDtxvO
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) July 1, 2021
Please join us in extending prayerful gratitude to Mr. Michael McArdle, BSHS principal '15-'21, for his dedication & service to #BSHS and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools! We also congratulate Father John Donia who officially assumes his role as Principal starting today! pic.twitter.com/3YS0pl64cm
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) July 1, 2021
The Shanahan Fund has raised $397,991 so far! The fiscal year ends at midnight and if you haven't donated, we ask you to do so! Can we hurdle one more obstacle and reach the destination of $400,000? Donate by 11:59 PM at: https://t.co/elGFSvrENu. pic.twitter.com/IHvK41tgtQ
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 30, 2021
THANK YOU! | Catholic Foundation of Northwest PA awards a $15,000 grant to the Shenango Valley Catholic School System to support the purchase of new iPads for Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade students at Saint John Paul II Elementary ??#CatholicSchools https://t.co/YhitjJa3vP
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 30, 2021
Thanks to all of the grade schoolers who joined us this week for our Summer Camp! Great group of athletes! #ChargerPride pic.twitter.com/hs7qg34YID
— OLSH Baseball (@OLSH_Baseball) June 30, 2021
CHECK OUT this incredible commercial for @Kolbe_Academy #WeDoRecover @AtownDioceseEDU @PAcatholic @NCEATALK @nceakpmears @MaryDonoghue1 @drtimuhl @MJBoyle3 @PADrugAlcohol @NorthamptonExec @ARS_recovery @69News @mcall @BASDSUPT @RepSamuelson @AshleySRusso @RyanForRecovery https://t.co/06KPXEmM3v
— Dr. Brooke C. Tesche (@bctesche) June 30, 2021
Want to Learn to Row?! Due to popular demand HGP Rowing has added an additional week of camp! Sign up with the link below!https://t.co/EaCakYWPEK @hgpathletics pic.twitter.com/XS6tyForkz
— HGP Rowing (@HGPRowing) June 29, 2021
Congratulations to the 2021 Aquinas Academy Outstanding Athletes of the Year, John Bence and Laura Richthammer!#ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #AquinasAthletes #202021SchoolYear pic.twitter.com/GC6NMDrecm
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) June 30, 2021
June 30th marks the conclusion of our 2020-2021 fiscal year! Still need to make your year-end gift? Support #LasallianEducation with a contribution today!
Online: https://t.co/JSTrZ1LRft
Venmo: https://t.co/mCTT87eCOP pic.twitter.com/lLAwotpZQo— La Salle College High School (@lschs) June 30, 2021
North Catholic freshman with 3 wins @LRU_Mbball to come home with the championship. Stay focused fellows! @NCForeverTrue #forevertrue pic.twitter.com/3yDUtxabBn
— NORTH CATHOLIC BOYS BASKETBALL (@northcathbball) June 30, 2021
Fun times at the shore this morning! Dr. John Cooke, President, enjoyed breakfast with some fine members of the Class of 2021.
Tag your favorite photos at the shore with your favorite BP family and friends. pic.twitter.com/kYC6NXm7qe
— Bonner & Prendie (@Bonner_Prendie) June 30, 2021
Campers in our STEM Camp are learning about chemical reactions with mini rockets made from film canisters! #olshchargers #STEM #summeratOLSH pic.twitter.com/wNmd7AptbL
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) June 30, 2021
Summer Programs are underway! John Paul II Center for Special Learning checked on their garden project with both plants and participants growing this summer! #summerwork #faithfellowshipfun @JP2Center pic.twitter.com/Sc3Cv9x4Z5
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 30, 2021
Congress is trying to force Americans to pay for abortion.The Hyde Amendment & similar laws have long protected taxpayers from funding abortion. Now, some lawmakers want to remove these laws & use tax dollars to fund abortion.
Please, sign the petition….
https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/PACC/Campaigns/86609/Respond?
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference commended PA Senate members for today’s passage of three bills designed to fight human trafficking. The PCC supports these measures in its on-going efforts to tackle the problem.
“Human trafficking is a scourge that not only still exists, but thrives all around us,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “These bills combine to form a strong package of penalties, treatment and youth protection that we believe will help to stop human traffickers and their recruiters.”
The three bills that passed today will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature. They are:
“Human trafficking is a growing problem, but legislation like this will certainly help in many aspects of the problem,” Failing said. “It was encouraging to see near-unanimous support for these bills in both the House and Senate.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of PA’s Catholic bishops.
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today praised the PA Senate for passing HB 184 by Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-Cumberland, York). The bill increases criminal penalties for those convicted of aiding or encouraging a minor or someone with an intellectual disability to commit suicide.
The measure has already passed the House and will head to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
“This has been a growing problem throughout all of society, due in large part to the popularity of social media,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “There are people who will prey upon those who are thinking of taking their own lives by trying to actually convince them to do it. These victims should be getting professional help instead of listening to hateful people on-line who only want to harm others. We must send a message to them that this will not be tolerated.”
Failing noted the hard work and leadership of Rep. Keefer in pushing the bill through both chambers. Keefer called the bill “Shawn’s Law” in honor of Shawn Shatto, a young woman in her district who took her own life after she was given a step-by-step guide on how to poison herself by a suicide website.
Failing also praised the courage and determination of Shawn’s mother, Jacqueline Bieber, who has advocated for the bill, even in the face of attacks from those who defend the kind of guidance that was given to her daughter.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
School is out for the summer, but our schools are already preparing for students in the Fall! St. John Vianney Regional School in Allentown is receiving some of the latest tools for classroom enrichment! #NewYear #Summerwork pic.twitter.com/2rr3n1dl3U
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 25, 2021
Congrats Bobby! https://t.co/6Wm3Db6m0f
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) June 25, 2021
Congratulations to @LCCrusaders alumni Jackie Campbell ‘17 @MMRSchool @MMRChurch @MaryRedeemer and Joe Duffy ‘18 @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus for being @ChickfilA Leadership Scholarship recipients @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @nceakpmears @PAcatholic @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton pic.twitter.com/SqFUysUAol
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) June 25, 2021
Berks Catholic High School is seeking enthusiastic teachers to join our BC family:
Full-Time English – Grades 9-12
Full-Time Science – Grades 9-12
Full-Time Spanish – Grades 9-12
Please see our website for more information: https://t.co/DbeFwm2fz5— Bill Hess (@WeAreBC55) June 24, 2021
We’re $20k away from ONE MILLION DOLLARS in the Crusader Campaign for the FIRST TIME EVER! Venmo FriendsOfFJ or go to https://t.co/m7rTIqZyLb to make a gift. YOU could be the one that gets us to $1M and makes Huck’s dream come true! ?? #GiveHuckABuckhttps://t.co/YvnBnA90bi
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) June 24, 2021
The Notre Dame HS community mourns the passing of long time Spanish teacher, Sr. Joseph Maureen Curran – affectionately known as Hermana Jose. Our prayers are with her family, and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Descanse en paz, Hermana. ????
— Notre Dame Green Pond HS (@ND_Crusaders) June 25, 2021
Well done @SJPrep_Football! #SJPService https://t.co/YskzZdaXal
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) June 25, 2021
?Kennedy Catholic is pleased to announce that Kenneth Madison has been named the new Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach of the 10x PIAA State Champion Kennedy Catholic Program. Welcome to the #KCFamily Coach! ??
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 25, 2021
First week of @LCCrusaders summer camp, check out the offerings at this link to register for additional camps https://t.co/nKqKRVPqG4 @LC_STEM @lcladycrusaders @CyberCrusaders @LCHS_Activities @lcgs413 @LCMensHoops @Mater_Dei_CS @VisiSchool @corpuschristi_s @StJudeChalfont pic.twitter.com/AycrxoFLV7
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) June 24, 2021
Thank you to all our players, staff and coaches for making our 2021 Lady Hawks Basketball Camp straight ?
Purpose.Passion.Pride.Position.?? pic.twitter.com/TH9waIUoq0— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) June 24, 2021
Congrats to our tennis camp doubles finalists (Luke Raghu and Tyler Fey) and champions (Frankie DeLucia and Ryan Fox). pic.twitter.com/dboPN43hPk
— HGP Tennis (@HGPTennis) June 24, 2021
Congratulations ?@lauren_trumpy? who adds ?@Bucknell_WBB? to her list of Division 1 scholarship offers! ?????? pic.twitter.com/0wY2g5LpaJ
— RocksGBB (@RocksGBB) June 24, 2021
Did you know that Kolbe Academy grad, Trent '20, completed job shadows this year that included: HVAC, automotive, electrician, surveying, & facility management? Will you congratulate him on his success & continued recovery? Give in Trent's honor now at https://t.co/wH9KaRXpCV! pic.twitter.com/UNV2Z6uylN
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) June 24, 2021
Congratulations to the students named to the revised 4th quarter honor roll. https://t.co/pSBt4tPAXr
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) June 24, 2021
We are grateful to all who supported us yesterday, as well as the 2020-2021 school year. If you'd like to make a donation before 6/30, you can make it at https://t.co/YACh4e3lc7, by mail or Venmo (StAloysius-Academy). Thank you for your support! pic.twitter.com/LRk339uSWS
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) June 24, 2021
The 2021 Crusher Open will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Windber Country Club. Proceeds from this event benefit Bishop McCort Football and Golf. To register a foursome, click on the link below. https://t.co/DNB3D2YutD pic.twitter.com/lmvDPqazZv
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) June 24, 2021
Had a great visit with freshman PA Rep. Tracy Pennycuick of the 147th district. She is a former Army chopper pilot and former small business owner. Here Tracy talks about succeeding Rep. Marcy Toepel. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/MQwsQpaHm0
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 25, 2021
Rep. Tracy Pennycuick is frustrated by the cost of higher education and is hoping to get something done to help take some of the burden off parents in Pennsylvania. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/Khi5Z9Pzn5
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 25, 2021
Many pro-life lawmakers in PA were angered after reports surfaced that researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are illegally using fetal tissue for human-rat grafting experiments. Rep. Tracy Pennycuick explains how that has factored into this week’s budget talks. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/UOYFZIhi6O
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 25, 2021
Rep. Tracy Pennycuick shared her thoughts on why she supports HB 118 by Rep. Frank Ryan, which would ensure that parents would be able to provide for the final disposition of their baby if he or she died prior to birth. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/oPf600EOev
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 25, 2021
The PA Senate has concurred on the amendments made yesterday in the House to SB 618, which would prohibit the use of vaccine passports by a government entity in PA. The bill now goes to the Governor. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill spoke on her measure. @SenatorKristin @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/fBLJrh6jOa
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 24, 2021
PA Senate has passed Rep. Clint Owlett’s HB 156, which would allow hearsay statements made by victims 16 yrs old and younger, concerning violent or sexual offenses. Current law puts the age at 12. It’s meant to spare them the trauma of testifying. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/SQf8QIA7dn
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 24, 2021
The PA Senate Appropriations Committee passes HB 1300–the election reform bill—along party lines. Republicans support it. Democrats oppose it. Only one committee member spoke on the issue, Dem. Sen. Vincent Hughes. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/zvOehQtwqo
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 24, 2021
PA Senate Appropriations Committee passes HB 1147 by Rep. Valerie Gaydos. It’s one of the package of bills designed to fight human trafficking. The PCC supports these bills. HB 1147 deals with sex offender treatment, as explained by Sen. Pat Browne today. @RepGaydos @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/YtzlE4VAfB
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 24, 2021
The PA House has just passed SB 618, the bill on vaccine passports. It has amendments and will return to the Senate for concurrence. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/kEyKmtQ5yJ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Debate continues in the PA Senate on SB 735, calling for a constitutional amendment on voter ID. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/RL2Xc0ZV0D
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
The PA House is having another lively debate today, this time on SB 618 by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, which would prohibit vaccine passports in PA. Republicans support the bill. Democrats are against it. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/Y8QJ8MQcTI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Senate Republicans vote down all amendments from Democrats to Senate Bill 735, which calls for a constitutional amendment on voter ID in PA. It would have pass two sessions and go to a statewide election. The Governor has no say in this process. @PaSenateDems @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/3sqjEe6QpI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
PA Senate State Government Committee passes HB 1300 along party lines. Republicans vote yes, Dems vote no. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/EVDoRovqHe
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Senate Democrats are taking turns questioning Rep. Seth Grove about his election bill, HB 1300, which passed House yesterday. There’s been much focus on the signature of the voter. Here is the exchange between Grove and Sen. Maria Collett. @PaSenateDems @RepGrove @SenatorCollett pic.twitter.com/pDuZO60WVy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Sen. Sharif Street shares his reasons for not supporting HB 1300, the Voting Rights Protection Act. The Senate State Government Committee is considering the bill now. Street gave specifics for his stance, focusing on the provision for voter ID. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/OTTtJgmpnR
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
The PA Senate State Government Committee takes up HB 1300, which passed the House along party lines early last night. Bill sponsor Rep. Seth Grove spoke on his bill. @PAHouseGOP @RepGrove pic.twitter.com/g85liGXAoo
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Senate Appropriations Comm. passes Rep. Clint Owlett’s HB 156, which would allow hearsay statements made by victims 16 yrs old and younger, concerning violent or sexual offenses. Current law puts the age at 12. It’s meant to spare them the trauma of testifying. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/xaYG6fkS82
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Rep. Jim Cox asks officials from the PA Dept. of Labor & Industry about the continued problem of callers still getting busy signals with the UC system. An L&I official says it comes down to staffing. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/GH7nYZHkdi
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Rep. Gerald Mullery, Democratic Chair of PA House Labor & Industry Committee, listens to testimony from Sec. Jennifer Berrier of PA Dept. of L&I about rollout of the new unemployment comp. system. Last month Mullery introduced HB 549 to make changes to the process. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/20XyzzMNRW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
Rep. Jim Cox opens up this hearing before the PA House Labor & Industry Committee. They’re hearing from the PA Department of Labor & Industry about the recent rollout of their new unemployment compensation system. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/rH0dCVfIr2
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 23, 2021
PA House passes HB 1300 after extensive and contentious debate. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/zaoUCrSNBB
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
The PA House is taking up HB 1300 for debate and final vote. Rep. Seth Grove is the sponsor of theVoting Rights Protection Act and addressed the chamber about his bill. @PAHouseGOP @RepGrove pic.twitter.com/FbYlyZND8W
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
Rep. Margo Davidson speaks out against HB 1300. Democrats have opposed the measure. A final House vote is expected today. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/PJbF0rtViu
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
PA Senate Appropriations Comm. passes Rep. Dawn Keefer’s HB 184, aka “Shawn’s Law.” It increases penalties for those who encourage certain others to take their own lives. PCC supports this bill. Committee Chair Sen. Pat Browne talks about the measure. @dwkeefer @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/WrSKbeWUQG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
Several Senate Democrats vote against Rep. Dawn Keefer’s HB 184, which increases penalties for those who encourage young people and those with disabilities to take their own lives. Here’s Sen. Tim Kearney explaining his objections. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/aR7hsWD8Ci
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
The PA Senate unanimously passes SB 305 by Sen. Michele Brooks which calls for the addition of urgent care centers to the list of “safe haven” facilities where parents can surrender their newborn babies. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/U1UN0a23Ek
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
Rep. Gary Day & Rep. Steve Samuelson chair this hearing before House Aging & Adult Services Committee to learn more about the LIFE program in PA (Living Independence For the Elderly). The program is designed to meet health and personal needs of clients. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/RtKqIASc6R
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
PA House Education Comm. passes HB 1533 by Rep. Jesse Topper, which deals with federal money coming to school districts to be used for accelerated learning following the pandemic. Topper responds to claims from some lawmakers that the bill restricts school districts. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/ilB6OyPiaQ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
The Senate Judiciary Comm. has just passed three bills designed to combat human trafficking (HB 843, HB 1147 and HB 246). The PCC supports these measures. Rep. Valerie Gaydos sponsors HB 1147 and talked about it on the Senate floor before the vote. @PAHouseGOP @RepGaydos pic.twitter.com/muDqQ1Znzj
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
The PA House is debating SB 618 by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, which would prohibit the requirement of vaccine passports in PA. Democrats are proposing a number of amendments, which have so far been voted down. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/9hsAovHYCR
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 22, 2021
The PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed HB 1500, the Down Syndrome Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Kate Klunk. Here is Sen. Amanda Cappelletti speaking against the measure. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/w0EUxFiCdP
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
The PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed HB 1500, the Down Syndrome Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Kate Klunk. Here is Sen. Amanda Cappelletti speaking against the measure. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/w0EUxFiCdP
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
Republican Sen. Michele Brooks responds to comments from the other side of the aisle during debate today on HB 1500, the Down Syndrome Protection Act. The Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed the bill this morning. @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/T8ilYZWpqG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
Sen. Judy Ward spoke in support of HB 1500 by Rep. Kate Klunk. It would prohibit an abortion based solely on the diagnosis of possible Down syndrome. The bill passed the Senate Health & Human Services Committee this morning. @PASenateGOP @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/0JWTD0ozfK
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
Debate has begun on HB 1300, by Rep. Seth Grove. It’s the Voting Rights Protection Act. House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton is not in favor of it. She proposed an amendment to the bill and wants it to be tabled. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/uP8ux6LJkr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
Rep. Seth Grove sponsors HB 1300, the Voting Rights Protection Act. He responded to Rep. McClinton’s comments against the bill. @PAHouseGOP @RepGrove pic.twitter.com/xfyfZRLZtT
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 21, 2021
Today #BSHS celebrated two end-of-year ceremonies for the freshman and sophomore classes, and the junior class. More info at https://t.co/kBY3FveOZK. Congrats to everyone, & thank you for your support and Shanahan Eagle Spirit this year! God bless you and have an amazing summer! pic.twitter.com/GmWZ1z0c5l
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 16, 2021
Rising senior members of the JOA Society of Scholars had their summer seminar on June 7. They reflected on what they learned in the past year and set goals for the coming one. pic.twitter.com/eweMgcH2ws
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) June 16, 2021
100 YEARS! Happy Anniversary to @SJRS1921 in Tamaqua on their 100th Anniversary! The long tradition of academic excellence and Catholic values continues in this PreK-8th grade school. https://t.co/pm4JIBYvDx
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 16, 2021
Our ?’s are getting it done inside the nest #BABYBIRDS2021 ? pic.twitter.com/O3Oh7FqnWj
— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) June 15, 2021
Sixteen Aquinas students joined w/ a number of St. Catherine of Sweden parishioners to paint the dining hall and improve the trails down to the fire pit & river at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Camp!
Album: https://t.co/QCiy9fqsEQ#ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #Service #LivingTheFaith pic.twitter.com/v8Qpbiyum2— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) June 18, 2021
#VikingProud Thank you to VP Tony Cioffi of @adamsoutdoor for congratulating our Vikings for their Boys Lacrosse State Championship gold with these celebratory billboards all over the Lehigh Valley! We are blessed for the amazing support of our community! #VikingSpirit ?? pic.twitter.com/cvFtkezvdn
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) June 18, 2021
Seton LaSalle's new Archery Club was started by student leaders Casey Barton, '22 and Keira Sipe, '22. Thank you to Mr. Mike McCormack, who made a generous donation and is providing skilled instruction. Click here for more information: https://t.co/moBcJ8tWlA pic.twitter.com/xZWU9JuwPv
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) June 18, 2021
THANK YOU. pic.twitter.com/ePFDAHuXk4
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) June 18, 2021
Our first Day of Gratitude message comes from Dan Dailey ‘23.
Dan is from St. Katherine of Siena parish in Northeast Philadelphia and is very involved in both activities and athletics at Broad & Vine. He is grateful for these opportunities. #RCHS #CAHILLITESGIVETHANKS pic.twitter.com/e0rWwjoNM8
— RomanCatholicHS (@RomanCatholicHS) June 18, 2021
This summer we'll be highlighting local Archdiocesan grade schools, #BSHS Partner Schools! Be sure to check them out and spread the word about Catholic Education in Chester County! Today we feature @PJPIISchoolWB! Schedule your personal tour today at https://t.co/sa2A7IPAlw! pic.twitter.com/ci7FCwSNgD
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 18, 2021
We welcome Ms. Stacy Malachowski to the OLM Community! Ms. Malachowski will be joining the OLM Faculty as Music Teacher for the 2021-2022 School Year! pic.twitter.com/uc00tFLa6k
— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) June 18, 2021
https://t.co/Kl8y1RDeQb… register now for @LCCrusaders @LCHS_Activities #summercamps @mrsgreskosfifth @StJudeChalfont @MaryRedeemer @MMRSchool @Mater_Dei_CS @corpuschristi_s @CYOCorpus @OLsacredheart @VisiSchool @Jennife77090497 @annetempleton @AmyHerron @OLMRCS @CyberCrusaders pic.twitter.com/vVrpoZ8QcT
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) June 18, 2021
2/2 See a full listing of names and more information via the @AOPathletics website: https://t.co/0YJH6zb0Pv
**Kindly note: If you see an error or omission from the listing, please contact your school's Athletic Director.
— Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools (@AOPS_Schools) June 17, 2021
The Colts had a great day full of football at the Wilson 7×7 Day. We were one of 18 teams and our last scrimmage of the day was against Conrad Weiser, who’s QB Logan Klitsch is the son of Marian grad Tom Klitsch, class of 1982, and cousin of sophomore Brandon Klitsch. #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/mnBHmovQba
— Marian Colts Football (@MarianColtsFB) June 17, 2021
We were very fortunate to have such a great coach and even better man on Royal Avenue for the last 4 seasons. Good luck @Coach_Chavis. @AOPathletics @DrexelMBB https://t.co/bmTWWx3KMc
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) June 17, 2021
Mrs. Rinaldi had a super special surprise visit from one of her awesome 1st Graders! ? Thank You, Jose, for making Mrs. Rinaldi's day! ? pic.twitter.com/hPwtlD9TfU
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) June 17, 2021
We want to thank all of the priests who gave their time and wisdom to our students this year. It was a tough one, but we know there are brighter days ahead. We look forward to seeing you much more often! #catholicschools #thursdaymorning pic.twitter.com/B6OR5j4Jqc
— Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools (@KennedyCatholi2) June 17, 2021
Going through all those lego pieces in the robotics room, Sr. Sarah needs a little boost of energy! @ellen_sister @LEGO_Group @LEGO_Education #legoeducation #legorobotics https://t.co/6bZAUrPL2B
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) June 17, 2021
Day 4 of celebrating Bishop McDevitt High School’s amazing Class of 2021. Good luck Lancers!! #LFL ???@AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/j6oJx9TZBe
— Friends of Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) June 17, 2021
"I came with no hope and now I have hope for the future," said Kolbe Academy Grad & Trailblazer, Joe. Joe's future plans may include a work internship or college! Will you congratulate Joe today & make a gift in his honor at https://t.co/gWeajEkBTD? #Classof2021 @jpetrokolbe pic.twitter.com/V6Aj4tDlnG
— Kolbe Academy (@Kolbe_Academy) June 16, 2021
Speech and Debate Update from Coach Cory Shay Clark: Day 2 of the National Speech and Debate Tournament of Champions. We have had breaks and will update at the end, but GMAHS continues competing tomorrow. Wish our Monarchs luck! #gma4n6 #gofightwin #bebold #team@speechanddebate pic.twitter.com/VowcmkYwc1
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) June 17, 2021
LET'S GO PREP! WE GOT THIS!! We're less than 10 donations away from unlocking $5000. Click here to help us get there. https://t.co/1VGEfUuDIX pic.twitter.com/4cFSkZKryF
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) June 17, 2021
KG celebrated the life of Eric Carle. They made their own hungry caterpillars! #classof2029shs pic.twitter.com/yMsiOB5NFm
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) June 16, 2021
Neither the House nor the Senate are in session today at the PA Capitol, but the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees from both chambers are hosting this public hearing on Pennsylvania's veterans home care and COVID-19 mitigation protocols. pic.twitter.com/7FKGBV1tMW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 17, 2021
House and Senate members from both parties question PA state veterans officials on the outbreak of COVID-19 at veterans’ nursing homes. Here’s Sen. Katie Muth, who last year called for removal of managers at the home in her district. @PaSenateDems @SenatorMuth pic.twitter.com/VklR2h7Vtc
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 17, 2021
Rep. Frank Ryan questions the panel of state veterans officials over the legal action involving the handling of the veterans’ nursing homes across the state. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/1msI32qi18
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 17, 2021
Rep. Tracy Pennycuick served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 2010. She shares her feelings about what happened to veterans in one PA vets nursing home during the COVID -19 outbreak. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/zVGoh3x18D
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 17, 2021
PA House Education Comm. passes SB 381 by Sen. Scott Martin to renew the law that allows student teachers w/60 credits to serve as substitute teachers. Republicans defeat an amendment by Democrats to limit its length to 3 years. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems @SenatorMartinPA pic.twitter.com/GcAWUmhlEL
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
PA lawmakers from both parties today honored Seersucker Day at the Capitol. The Seersucker Caucus sports these type of threads every June 16th. Former Rep. Bill DeWeese offered a surprisingly brief address!! @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems @PASenateGOP @MeganMartin815 pic.twitter.com/05KDvf4XEL
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
The PA Senate is now discussing HB 1154, which would allow bars and restaurants to continue to sell mixed drinks to go (RTD’s) as they had been permitted during the shutdown. Democrats are against a proposal to expand its scope. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/2Ia5e9nuRk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
The Senate has narrowly passed HB 1154, which would allow the continued sale of ready to drink cocktails. It was amended to include wholesale and retail outlets. Most Republicans voted yes, while Democrats voted no. Vote went 26-24. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/QAh4ZXmfXI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
On HB 1154…Sen. Pat Browne says the amended bill meets consumer demand. Sen. Lisa Boscola says the expanded scope will actually hurt bars and restaurants. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/LCxAiNNwj5
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
PA House votes 201 to 1 to approve HB 1082 by Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso. The measure calls for the Dept. of Health to establish an education program for primary care providers on early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. @PAHouseGOP @RepCarrie pic.twitter.com/CI3NkSMFM6
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 16, 2021
We had a chance to chat virtually with Rep. Perry Stambaugh, a first-term lawmaker from central PA. Gave him the standard question of what prompted you to run for state office. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/GrXdUB3S27
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
Rep. Perry Stambaugh supports the pro-life measures that are working their way through the PA legislature. HB 118 and HB 1500 both passed the House last week with Stambaugh’s support. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/5zp5BUmaRN
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
Rep. Perry Stambaugh is from Perry Co., a very rural area in central PA. He comes to Harrisburg committed to improving access to high-speed internet across the state. We chatted with Stambaugh virtually about this and other priorities of his first term in office. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/Asznr4Sc9y
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
PA House State Government Committee meeting just getting underway to consider four bills, including Rep. Seth Grove’s HB 1300 on comprehensive voting reforms. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/YSO2IMf2wb
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
PA Rep. Seth Grove talks about his bill, HB 1300, the Voting Rights Protection Act. @PAHouseGOP @RepGrove pic.twitter.com/UMEKMPQ3Lx
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie says HB 1300 brings about uniformity and increased access to voting. @RepMackenzie @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/CyYYZkR5HF
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta explains his issues with HB 1300. He says it’s voter suppression. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/NYruVOErSE
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
Democratic Rep. Margo Davidson has a lengthy list of criticisms on HB 1300. The bill will be voted on this morning by the PA House State Government Committee. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/xbLhQrQAky
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
Rep. Frank Ryan is a firm supporter of HB 1300. So far all Republicans are in support of the bill. All Democrats are against it. So far. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/fpL9evy3mr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
Rep. Paul Schemel talks about issue of Voter I.D. He says HB 1300 expands the list of acceptable forms of I.D. He says voter I.D. is a good component that gives people confidence in the election and actually speeds up the process on Election Day. @PAHouseGOP @PaulSchemel90 pic.twitter.com/LyThYLD1ho
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
House Bill 1300 passes along party lines— 15 to 10. All Republicans vote yes. All Democrats vote no. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/73yDI2MIbZ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
PA Senate Judiciary Committee has just unanimously passed HB 156 by Rep. Clint Owlett, which would permit hearsay statements in court for children 16 years of age or younger, concerning violent or sexual offenses. Owlett addressed the committee virtually. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/9g4CWPAQhG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
The Senate Judiciary Committee passes Sen. Kristin Phillips~Hill’s SB 726, a bill to make the possession, use, sale or the threat to use ransomware a crime. @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/AoC1vpBvpt
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
PA Senate Aging & Youth Comm. has just unanimously passed HB 253 by Rep. Clint Owlett. It calls for a task force to be established to examine impact of opioid epidemic on children. PCC supports the measure. Here is committee Chair Sen. Judy Ward. @PAHouseGOP @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/7HPZWN5P9v
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 15, 2021
The PA Senate Finance Committee passes a handful of bills today, including SB 447 by Sen. Michele Brooks to reduce the Corporate Net Income tax rate. Republicans vote yes on the bill. Democrats vote no. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/yFK9KS6htS
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
It’s a packed room with the PA Senate Economic and Recreational Development Committee for this hearing on so-called “Games of Skill” and whether lawmakers should legalize certain gambling machines. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/kNHqnBUnx8
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
PA House is in session!! Rep. Torren Ecker offers the opening prayer in honor of Flag Day. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/hB2DPjMjzJ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
PA House Health Committee begins its meeting to consider SB 618, by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, which prevents vaccine passports in PA. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/00Md7UuBWc
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill addresses the PA House Health Committee to explain her SB 618, which prevents vaccine passports in PA. @PASenateGOP @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/9tp9ojLC5l
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
Rep. Dan Frankel speaks to House Health Committee members in support of one of the amendments proposed for SB 618. The bill itself would prevent vaccine passports. Republicans have been supporting the measure while Dems have opposed. @PaHouseDems @RepDanFrankel pic.twitter.com/yTgFb3B4Ou
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
PA House Health Committee passes SB 618 strictly along party lines. Republicans support the measure while Democrats oppose. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/HESH41Sf7G
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 14, 2021
The torrents cleared minutes before graduation, and it was a grand evening for the Nazareth Prep Class of 2021. pic.twitter.com/3luKVHE1iJ
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) June 11, 2021
KINDERGARTEN! We are beaming with pride for our kindergarten #saintsandscholars! They have learned and grown so much this year – hats off to each of you! First grade awaits! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/SRq1KwTkZx
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 11, 2021
Thank you, @KonaIceKOP for helping us surprise our students today! Everyone enjoyed a cool treat on this beautiful day! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @UpperMorelandPA @NCEATALK @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/egxxg7bbZD
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) June 11, 2021
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! A galaxy of possibilities are in your future. We are proud of all of you! @bctesche @nceakpmears @CathSchoolNews @PAcatholic @AtownDioceseEDU @AllentownDioces pic.twitter.com/nhaNQBrV1Z
— SJW School (@stjwschool) June 10, 2021
Congratulations to the #BSHS Class of 2021 who celebrated the beautiful Baccalaureate Mass yesterday evening at St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown. God bless you, soon-to-be graduates! (More pictures at https://t.co/rHLtliiuoi) pic.twitter.com/2THlRFhxxA
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) June 10, 2021
Just like that they are Graduates! Hats off to the class of 2021! We are proud to call you Lions for Life and look forward to see what your future holds. pic.twitter.com/50NYhvbOVW
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) June 9, 2021
Class of 2021 current mood ??? pic.twitter.com/5BOB6W7Vax
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) June 10, 2021
?@SJCpottsville? Graduation was a blessing to celebrate our Ss accomplishments and the joy of learning for individuals with all abilities! ?@AtownDioceseEDU? ?@TonyBalistrere? ?@MercySSLearning? ?@Huskerdad85? ?@lisbeth0626? pic.twitter.com/rhshZ86X12
— Dr. Brooke C. Tesche (@bctesche) June 9, 2021
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! PJP wishes you the best and we can't wait to see what you accomplish!#Congratulations #classof2021 #PJPProud pic.twitter.com/vFacns2Ojp
— Pope John Paul II High School (@PJPHS) June 9, 2021
In the past few days, the Guild helped say goodbye to the Class of 2021 with a graduation reception and said welcome back with @HGPAlumni to the Class of 2020 with their long awaited Yearbook Party! Wishing all of our classes a safe and wonderful summer ????! pic.twitter.com/S7T77tH2dN
— HGPMothersGuild (@GuildHgp) June 9, 2021
The joy of our ?@LCCrusaders? seniors #classof2021 at today’s graduation ?@AOPS_Schools? ?@ArchPhilly? ?@nceakpmears? ?@PAcatholic? ?@partnersmission? pic.twitter.com/6ASqpsz7Xp
— Lansdale Catholic (@LCCrusaders) June 9, 2021
Our #SaintsandScholars are graduating this month! Congratulations to the 8th grade graduates of St. Jane Frances de Chantal School We are so proud of each of you and look forward to watching you achieve God's potential for your lives! pic.twitter.com/bmGWYLtgH3
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 8, 2021
I had the pleasure of watching this group receive their diplomas tonight. Best night of the the year for a coach/teacher. Nativity is a special place. I'm fortunate to be part of it! Congratulations @VaupelMarcus @Keegan_Brennan2 @jakemhoff @JoshJ416 @TJWagner9 @JacobKuperavage pic.twitter.com/9ODhjLuGEg
— Coach Mason (@coachmason4) June 9, 2021
What an amazing night @Kolbe_Academy last evening! Celebrating the #Classof2021! @AllentownDioces @AtownDioceseEDU @bctesche @BHSBioTeach @TonyBalistrere @CathSchoolNews @PAcatholic @PADrugAlcohol #PrincipalExcitement pic.twitter.com/4xZcTgAETN
— John Petruzzelli (@jpetrokolbe) June 8, 2021
Cathedral Preparatory School Celebrates Class of 2021 at 97th Annual Commencement Ceremony https://t.co/vcmPbSYAYl #Prep #RollRamblers #Classof2021 #Brotherhood pic.twitter.com/uRneUUquLs
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) June 7, 2021
Congratulations on your graduation, Class of 2021! We are so proud of you! #QOAProud #Classof2021 @AOPS_Schools @UpperMorelandPA @CatholicPhilly @PAcatholic @NCEATALK pic.twitter.com/Zq7qVY29VX
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) June 7, 2021
Congrats Class of 2021!! ??? pic.twitter.com/yy1uEcto1p
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) June 6, 2021
Graduation ceremonies are underway for the great Prep Class of 2021 are underway. #SJP2021 pic.twitter.com/4Nm4aKzzw6
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) June 6, 2021
House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff gives the closing comments for Republicans on the debate over HR 106. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/M3yPgjuP37
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
Rep. Jordan Harris gives the closing comments for Democrats on the debate over HR 106. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/xOgUZJ8di7
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
House passes HR 106 by a vote of 121-81. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/4OwoCgPxCn
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
PA House Democratic Rep. Kevin Boyle was one of a handful of Dems to vote ‘yes’ on HR 106. He took to the podium here to explain his reasons just before the final vote. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/fC1gpSpGMI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
Rep. Jesse Topper reacts to a quip that the Republicans are just doing ‘political theater’ with House Resolution 106. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/8pyeMqEsJr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
The PA House is now taking up House Resolution 106 on concurrence from the Senate. Democratic Rep. Matt Bradford has risen to oppose it. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/0gi7yYrxq8
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
PA Senate passes HR 106 by a vote of 30-20. It now goes over to the House for concurrence. The House is in session today as well. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/pHm74g8ena
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
After some members of the Senate voice their frustrations with HR 106, Sen. John Gordner offers a reminder of why lawmakers are there and how they should treat each other. @PASenateGOP @SenatorGORDNER pic.twitter.com/xf7JfrNAk3
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
PA Senate Democrats speak out against House Resolution 106, which deals with terminating the Governor’s disaster declaration. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/I2KZUFaZhX
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
The PA Senate is debating the resolution to terminate the current disaster declaration. Sen. Mario Scavello weighed in on the discussion. @PASenateGOP @senatorscavello pic.twitter.com/LKwmQye4K2
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
The PA Senate is now calling up House Resolution 106, the bill to end the Governor’s Emergency Declaration. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/COs8txDMzf
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
I had the pleasure of visiting freshman Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso of the 33rd District in PA. She ousted incumbent Minority Leader Frank Dermody in November’s election. I asked her to take me through that whole experience. @PAHouseGOP @RepCarrie pic.twitter.com/JnUuziZBRi
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso brings some strong priorities to Harrisburg along with a ton of energy to see them through. One of the things she is firmly committed to is ‘equitable education.’ @RepCarrie @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/H15G5k0Es4
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
The PA House Health Committee on Wednesday passed HB 1082 by Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso. It deals with the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and is just part of DelRosso’s focus on cost-effective health care. @PAHouseGOP @RepCarrie pic.twitter.com/SA1ZDI4utk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso is very concerned about jobs in her district—keeping existing ones there as well as adding new ones. @PAHouseGOP @RepCarrie pic.twitter.com/b24CIaBdqU
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 10, 2021
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today praised the state House for Wednesday’s passage of HB 118, the Unborn Child Dignity Act, sponsored by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon). The PCC is also urging the Senate to take up the measure as soon as possible.
“This legislation is desperately needed for parents,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “It will give them the option of either taking the remains of their child or leaving them with the health care facility for cremation or burial. It would be entirely their choice.”
Failing also had high praise for Rep. Ryan for his work on the bill and for holding steady in the face of constant criticism from opponents. Ryan consistently pointed out the mischaracterizations of HB 118 and was able to maintain solid bi-partisan support.
“The catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the resurrection,” Failing said. “House Bill 118 would achieve this, and help provide closure for countless parents.”
PA House passes HB 118, the Unborn Child Dignity Act, with bipartisan support after lengthy debate. PCC thanks those who voted for it and gives special thanks to sponsor Rep. Frank Ryan for his work on the bill. Here is part of Ryan’s closing comments. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/gPj8FBRkti
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
The PA Senate passes SB 618 by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, which will prohibit the requirement of vaccine passports in PA. Vote goes along party lines. Republicans vote yes. Democrats vote no. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/QFRDtEMPSz
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
Rep. Kathy Rapp speaks in support of HB 118 and stresses the fact that claiming the remains of an unborn baby is optional under the bill. The parents are under no obligation to do so. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/5TZ8ikc7w5
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
During the debate on HB 118, Majority Leader Benninghoff objects when Rep. Brian Sims brings up the racial makeup and gender of House Republicans. pic.twitter.com/uG3zAiAltm
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
A number of House Democrats are once again speaking out against HB 118, the Unborn Child Dignity Act by Rep. Frank Ryan. A final vote will come after what looks to be extensive debate. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/hsSR8UM76C
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
The PA House has just begun final debate on HB 118 by Rep. Frank Ryan. It’s the Unborn Child Dignity Act. It give parents the -option- of claiming the remains of a baby who dies before birth. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/waC7ep2SUm
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 9, 2021
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today praised members of the state House who voted in favor of Rep. Kate Klunk’s House Bill 1500, also known as the Down Syndrome Protection Act. It would prohibit an abortion based solely on the diagnosis of a possible Down syndrome.
The vote went 120-83, with most Republicans and a handful of pro-life Democrats voting in support.
“This critical legislation seeks to protect children from being killed simply because they have been diagnosed with Down syndrome,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “Pennsylvania cannot claim to be a champion for the rights of the disabled if our laws allow them to be killed solely because of their disability.”
Failing offered strong praise as well for the hard work put in by Klunk on this measure.
“Rep. Klunk is the essence of what the PA Pro-Life Caucus is all about,” he said. “She was the driving force behind this legislation in the last session and picked up right where she left off after Governor Wolf vetoed that bill. We can’t control what the governor does, but he’s not going to be in office forever. We have to keep working to preserve life.”
Debate on PA House floor now on Rep. Frank Ryan’s HB 118, the Unborn Child Dignity Act. It would enable parents whose unborn children are lost before birth to claim the remains for cremation or burial at their own expense. PCC supports this bill. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/B8uOWJQv7i
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 8, 2021
Democrats are bringing forth a string of amendments for Rep. Frank Ryan’s Unborn Child Dignity Act. So far they have all been defeated. Ryan continues to correct what he says are mischaracterizations of the bill. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/lQGxYtkEHa
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 8, 2021
All Democrat amendments to Rep. Frank Ryan’s HB 118 are either voted down or withdrawn. This was second reading today. The bill heads to a final vote, possibly as early as tomorrow. @PAHouseGOP @FrankRyanCPA pic.twitter.com/V6efneuwDr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 8, 2021
Had a chance to sit in on this meeting of the Senate Local Government Committee. They pass two bills—SB 673 by Sen. Cris Dush, who chairs the committee, and SB 675 by Sen. Judy Schwank. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/2Xns9jNIcf
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 8, 2021
Committee meetings start off the day at the PA Capitol. Here Rep. Rosemary Brown presides over hearing before House Urban Affairs Committee, which is hearing from the PA Housing Finance Agency. They offer critical programs for affordable housing. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/SEoHcrZosq
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 8, 2021
Rep. Russ Diamond talks about what led him to introduce House Bill 1532, which would call for a ban on the teaching of Critical Race Theory in PA schools. Diamond joins Rep. Barbara Gleim in sponsoring the measure, saying CRT is divisive in nature. @PAHouseGOP @russdiamond pic.twitter.com/HmocdZ4z0b
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 7, 2021
PA Rep. Russ Diamond explains his House Bill 262, or the Right to Refuse Act. It deals with the requirement by employers in Pennsylvania that their workers get the COVID-19 vaccine. @PAHouseGOP @russdiamond pic.twitter.com/OUvoF2IYQg
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 7, 2021
The PA House and Senate are back in Harrisburg on Monday after a week away from full sessions. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference will be watching a number of bills that we have been supporting, including three pro-life issues that will be up for second reading in the House. (There are three readings for each bill, with the final vote being taken on the third)
They include the Down Syndrome Protection Act—HB 1500 by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York)—which would prohibit an abortion based solely on the diagnosis of possible Down syndrome. The bill passed both chambers in the prior session but was vetoed by Governor Wolf.
The second bill to be considered is the Unborn Child Dignity Act—HB 118 by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon)—which would allow parents to make the final decision on the handling of the remains of their child, even if it is lost prior to birth.
The bills passed the House Health Committee last month along with the “Heartbeat Bill” – HB 904 by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton), which would prohibit an abortion once a heartbeat is detected in the unborn baby. The passage sparked the usual outrage among pro-choice advocates. They actually held an immediate press conference and rally to reaffirm their commitment to “reproductive rights” for women.
Governor Wolf promised to veto any such measures that come to his desk. He also used his favorite word to label those who disagree with him—‘cowardly.’
“This legislation is a cowardly attempt to undermine reproductive health care and the right of Pennsylvanians to make their own family planning decisions,” he said at the pro-choice rally just mentioned. “While members of the legislature continue to play politics around health care choices, I will not let the commonwealth go backwards on reproductive rights or access to health care.”
It is a shame that during this time of division that a government leader, especially the Governor, would continue to use hateful rhetoric against people he disagrees with and call pro-life lawmakers ‘cowardly’ for acting on their beliefs.
Ryan’s bill was also singled out by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), Minority Chairman of the state House Health Committee, who said it requires burial and a death certificate after ending pregnancy loss or termination.
Except that it doesn’t.
The Pennsylvania Family Institute pointed out that “even Snopes, the fact checking site, said these claims by the abortion lobby are false. ‘Pennsylvania law does not require patients themselves to register fetal deaths, or file, obtain or pay for a fetal death certificate. The bill would not introduce such legal requirements.’”
Ryan has consistently refuted erroneous claims made by abortion advocates. He did so again Friday.
“When leaders mischaracterize efforts to bring comfort to those in pain, all I can offer is that we pray for that person who may be indirectly, and perhaps unknowingly, contributing to the pain of another,” Ryan said. “It is sad that a public figure, let alone a physician, would mischaracterize my bill in this manner and mislead the public about its purpose.”
Ryan reiterated that House Bill 118 would simply give grieving parents a choice and that it does not require action that would further traumatize them.
House and Senate not in session this past week. But there were committee meetings. Both chambers are back in session Monday.
Sen. Wayne Langerholc & Sen. Tim Kearney preside over public hearing on transportation reforms and investments in Pennsylvania. It will discuss the DRIVE SMART Act, which Langerholc introduced as an alternative to bridge toll plan offered by Gov. Wolf. @PASenateGOP @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/CJufT5J45l
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 4, 2021
Rep. Rosemary Brown wraps up the hearing on blight before the PA House Urban Affairs Committee with these closing comments. She talks about what lawmakers can do to help revive communities but that it ultimately comes down to the residents and businesses. @PAHouseGOP @RepBrownPA pic.twitter.com/9ZvtkVjoHk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 3, 2021
Today’s public hearing on blight by PA House Urban Affairs Committee was held in district of freshman Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso, who unseated House Minority Leader Frank Dermody in last Nov.’s election. DelRosso shared many ideas during the discussions. @RepCarrie @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/TQkT5yI7eB
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 3, 2021
Great news for fans of PA House Committee meetings….the seating apparently has returned to normal. Yay. pic.twitter.com/9ASJai0hwU
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 3, 2021
Rep. Rosemary Brown opens hearing before PA House Urban Affairs Comm. to discuss the problem of blight, or parts of a city that are falling apart. It’s being held in Allegheny Co. and will look at how the region is utilizing blight remediation laws. @PAHouseGOP @RepBrownPA pic.twitter.com/AD9UEq4UZB
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 3, 2021
Sen. Judy Ward today talked about her Senate Bill 327, which will require that county coroners be notified of any death thought to be caused by an infectious disease. The bill passed both House and Senate last session but was vetoed by the governor. @PASenateGOP @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/RUdgjgSzCe
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
Sen. Katie Muth is presiding over this hearing before PA Senate Democratic Policy Committee to discuss the nursing home inspection process and what changes should be made. Been a busy week already for this committee. Full senate will be back in session next week. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/E6wOa37p28
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
Rep. Kate Klunk opens public hearing before PA House Labor & Industry Subcommittee on Employment & Unemployment. They’re discussing state’s Workforce Development System. This is non-session week for House & Senate but there are a few committee mtgs. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/F6V2VNisJn
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
The PA Senate Policy Committee is hosting this live and virtual hearing on the Mon Fayette Expressway. That’s in the southwestern part of the state. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/ZUsVsQYFuK
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 1, 2021
Neither the House nor the Senate are in session this week in Harrisburg but a few committees are meeting. Rep. Sara Innamorato and House Democratic Policy Committee are hosting a discussion on alternative housing models in the wake of challenges from the pandemic. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/IaMK83YyGS
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 1, 2021
#MarianPride Starting a tradition! Our Marian Catholic 2021 graduates and their alumni family members posed for the first-ever Marian Catholic Legacy Photo! A true testament to the generations of excellence in our #MarianFamily! #ToJesusThroughMary #MarianLegacy ????? pic.twitter.com/z2IIUQ5E9m
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) June 3, 2021
All hail the PIAA District 12 Softball Champions 2021 ? @AOPathletics @PhSportsDigest @joemasonwrites @AOPS_Schools @ArchPhilly @CathSchoolNews @FOX29philly @CBSPhilly @6abc @NBCPhiladelphia @PhillyDailyNews @PHLSchoolNews @CatholicPhilly pic.twitter.com/el7Ljskcwy
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) June 3, 2021
Cathedral Prep Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, June 2nd, at the Hagerty Family Events Center. Each senior was accompanied by an alumnus, while friends and family filled the Joann Mullen Gymnasium. pic.twitter.com/vcRtnwbIBH
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) June 3, 2021
Congratulations #SLSGrads2021! We are so proud of our Rebels!#RebelsforLife #RebelPride pic.twitter.com/scqvnXXTrc
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) June 3, 2021
Congrats to our Track & Field Seniors: Abby Aiello, Maddie Fiedler, Mara Fryer, Emma Kenneweg, Sasha Planinsic, Marissa Trocchio, Sophia Wegrzynowicz, Autumn Wheeler, Ella Wrabley, Daniel Farrell, Jason Hoppe, Christopher Pendel, Mark Polar, Finn Sweeney, & Manus Tonery! ?? pic.twitter.com/dSM0VS4UtA
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) June 3, 2021
Here’s your history making 2021 District 10 1A baseball champions! Great job student athletes and coaches! #KCPride ????
? courtesy of @PIAADistrict10 pic.twitter.com/FrFIPQcSZR— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) June 2, 2021
Great story in yesterday's @WmsptSunGazette by @docmasse on our boys' baseball team capturing the @piaad4sports Class A title on Monday!https://t.co/j2vc7UiqFC#NeumannPride#NeumannFamily
— St. John Neumann (@sjnra1) June 2, 2021
After a long year of restrictions, the Show Choir was able to venture on their annual trip to Western Ohio for the Music in the Parks Music Festival this year on May 29, 2021! They competed against choirs from across Ohio and Michigan this year. pic.twitter.com/sew7qO5Eyi
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) June 2, 2021
In just a few hours, the Class of 2021 will transition from students to alumni as they walk across the stage at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Tune in to the live stream starting at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement: https://t.co/bhwlMyuo54 pic.twitter.com/FMib1P6CDj
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) June 2, 2021
– @mcorsi17 had to wait a year because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, but great to see him win his first game this year as Head Coach of @BecahiBaseball and now to win a @PIAADistrictXI championship. Best of luck to you and your team in the @PIAASports tournament. @Becahi_Hawks https://t.co/H6qVud6jwB
— D11Sports (@D11Sports) June 2, 2021
#SJP2021 at rehearsal for their graduation ceremony on Sunday. We can’t wait to celebrate this great Prep class! pic.twitter.com/zPM3p3u9mF
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) June 3, 2021
School’s Out! Have a safe and happy summer. #YCFamily pic.twitter.com/04fpXmAgB4
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) June 3, 2021
Scenes from our student art show ? #msjaarts pic.twitter.com/K7SLFdBbyB
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) June 3, 2021
Here they come! #Graduation2021 #Classof2021 ?? pic.twitter.com/TRGCp6usdO
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) June 2, 2021
Last day for the Class of 2021!!! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @NBCPhiladelphia @6abc @BobKellyFOX29 pic.twitter.com/UtMzQ6xX08
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) June 4, 2021
CHANCELLOR on the move! Praying for our 2021 graduates from @ND_Crusaders during their Baccalaureate Mass ? #LiveYourFaith #SaintsandScholars @AllentownDioces @AtownDioceseEDU @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @CathSchoolNews pic.twitter.com/Nclna1vwlB
— Dr. Brooke C. Tesche (@bctesche) June 4, 2021
There is nothing quite like a Mass with our students!
The #saintsandscholars at Saint Margaret School celebrate a final Mass with their 8th Grade graduates at St. Margaret's Church, Reading. Our students are blessed to begin and end the year with Mass (with many in between!) pic.twitter.com/UU3vNzKIFE
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) June 4, 2021
The Class of 2021 and their families joined together this evening for their Baccalaureate liturgy. pic.twitter.com/opu33W0Ss6
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) June 4, 2021
These #SalesianGentlemen will be graduating in ONE WEEK! ?? #ClassOf2021 #JudgeGuys pic.twitter.com/BRWph3xET5
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) June 2, 2021
Season comes to an end losing to Allentown Central Catholic in the 1st rd of the PIAA 2A State Playoffs. Thank you to our seniors for all they have done, you have made your mark….Let the off-season hard work begin to return to this stage. @athletics_devon @DEVONPREP pic.twitter.com/t7kV88eubu
— DP/DC Boys Lacrosse (@DevonPrepLax) June 1, 2021
The PA House has just unanimously passed HB 996 by Rep. Eric Davanzo. It would allow for access by members of the clergy to long-term care facilities during an emergency declaration. The PCC supports this measure. Rep. Davanzo spoke on the floor before the vote. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/unS38Eys3k
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
PA House is scheduled to vote today on HB 996 by Rep. Eric Davanzo. It would allow for access by members of the clergy to long-term care facilities during an emergency declaration. That’s something that was prevented last year. The PCC supports this measure. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/vCwD7t83Fy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
PA Rep. Eric Davanzo was happy to see the “heartbeat bill” gain passage in the House Health Committee on Tuesday. He is a co-sponsor on the bill. Davanzo talked about his commitment to pro-life legislation. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/UjYk1OFuwb
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
Second Amendment rights are very important to the residents of PA Rep. Eric Davanzo’s district in western Pennsylvania. Davanzo talks of the legislation he’s introduced in that regard. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/cHKDyQWLLv
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
We had the chance to talk with PA Rep. Joe Kerwin, a Republican serving Dauphin and Schuylkill Cos. He’s an attorney who is early in his first term in Harrisburg. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/imchWHwJUZ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
PA Rep. Joe Kerwin is a life-long Catholic and puts a strong emphasis on being pro-life. He’s been very active in the pro-life legislation that is making its way through the House. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/VByZXi7oLO
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
The 2nd amendment is very important to Rep. Joe Kerwin’s constituents and to him as well. He backs any legislation that looks to preserve those rights. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/m1rl7XK0GL
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
Rep. Joe Kerwin has served in the PA National Guard and is an infantry officer with the 56th Stryker Brigade. He’s had extensive training in that regard. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/23QCSuxL3H
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) June 2, 2021
Had the chance to visit with freshman PA Rep. Mike Armanini of Elk and Clearfield Cos. He’s been very closely involved with Catholic education just about his entire life! @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/eH4XobD65s
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
PA Rep. Mike Armanini talks about his very high regard for Catholic education and how that led to his children starting at DuBois Central Catholic. They will both be graduating from the school this weekend. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/jcnKm7Ofvi
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
Rep. Mike Armanini was very glad to see three pro-life bills pass through the PA House Health Committee this week. He also shared his thoughts on Governor Wolf’s comments following that passage. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/5HqV7BjYLM
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
It’s interesting to see the varied backgrounds of those coming to serve as lawmakers in Harrisburg. Rep. Mike Armanini was primarily a businessman but also served as Headmaster at DuBois Central Catholic School. I asked him what prompted him to run for public office. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/M0WgDCL31e
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
Had the chance to visit and talk with Rep. Rob Mercuri of Allegheny Co. this week in his Capitol office. The freshman lawmaker serves in the legislature after spending a number of years serving the country! @RepRobMercuri @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/qGkmBmreJL
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Rob Mercuri follows House Speaker Mike Turzai in serving the 28th district of Pennsylvania. Mercuri is staunchly pro-life and is firmly behind the package of pro-life bills that passed out of committee this morning. @RepRobMercuri @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/c4AGGz4hc3
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Rob Mercuri puts a high priority on family values. That includes giving parents the option and ability to send their children to the school that fits them best. @RepRobMercuri @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/FhIXoKNkxK
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Great to see members of the Bishop Guilfoyle girls basketball team at the Capitol today!! State champions, by the way. Great job ladies!! ??? @BishopGuilfoyle @BG_LadyHoops pic.twitter.com/tiNaHM4go3
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
? Congratulations on your graduation from OC and best wishes for your next adventure! #OC2021 ?#WatchThemSoar ? pic.twitter.com/FhmybP3ap6
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) May 27, 2021
Congratulations to the 66 new members of OLSH National Honor Society who were inducted last night! ?? #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/xCnwoWDpr6
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) May 27, 2021
Congratulations to our Baseball Seniors that we recognized last week! #BecahiProud #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/lr5v0KhU6B
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) May 27, 2021
Today's the last day for lower school and for our Aquinas Academy seniors! We proudly present the Class of 2021! The students were accepted at all of these great schools and have enrolled at the schools in bold font. #ProudOfOurAquinasStudents #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/ZY8zJly73A
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 28, 2021
Congrats to our Class of 2021! They earned over $4 million in offered scholarships! #Classof2021 #TheKennedyDifference ??? pic.twitter.com/H7apzBBXV9
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) May 28, 2021
Reminder to all of Crusader nation that tomorrow is the PIAA AA TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS! The meet is on PCN tomorrow and our girls co-op team with Carlynton runs at 10:20am! Best of luck ladies and may the wind be at your backs!!!!@bishopcanevin pic.twitter.com/L6eP3m51Sv
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) May 27, 2021
Gwynedd Softball played against Villa Joseph Marie in the District 1 4A Championship game. Although they lost with a score of 5-2, they came out with the title of “Runner Up” and took huge steps in Gwynedd Softball history! We are #MercyProud of the 2021 softball team! pic.twitter.com/wF9UrHEHMi
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) May 27, 2021
#VikingProud Great year to be a Viking! ????2??0??2??1??? https://t.co/d8zw8NNpYu
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 27, 2021
Attending @BishopMcDevitt 2021 Graduation. Congratulations Graduates! Lt. Col John Cherry @USMC Keynote Speaker. @HBGDiocese @DauphinCounty pic.twitter.com/1xUTqyWNah
— Senator John DiSanto (@SenatorDiSanto) May 27, 2021
Hayden Zaffino clubs two home runs to lead Mercyhurst Prep to a 3-1 win over rival Fairview in the D-10 baseball semifinals. @MPSLakerTrain @mpslakers https://t.co/lLVqk91ClT
— Tom Reisenweber (@ETNreisenweber) May 27, 2021
Perfect day for Maroon and Gold Day! pic.twitter.com/UXdfbiYtdO
— St. Jude Fifth Grade (@mrsgreskosfifth) May 27, 2021
Congrats to the #BSHS girls lax team who claimed victory in the District Finals tonight! They will play in the 1st round of States this upcoming Tuesday, location/time TBD. Congrats also to the boys lax team who placed second in Districts & will play in the 1st round of States! pic.twitter.com/tHoI48TXTV
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 28, 2021
Congrats to our senior scholar-athletes who have committed to play a sport in college! @MSJA_sports pic.twitter.com/kFIa0u0qzp
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) May 27, 2021
Congratulations to the OLM Class of 2017 on graduating from high school!! We are so proud of you all! ?
Picture:
Top- Last Day at OLM
Bottom- Last Day at @MountStJoseph pic.twitter.com/Jm6Q2ajLqK— Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School (@OLMRCS) May 27, 2021
Fr. Peter Donohue, President of Villanova visited with our seniors heading to VU in the fall – go Wildcats! pic.twitter.com/yZeIXbtXtH
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) May 27, 2021
Check out Mrs. DelConte's Pre-K Students working out in Gym Class with Mrs. DiStefano! ???
Great work, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/tD8xklRmYM
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) May 27, 2021
Today, we continue to celebrate our members of the Class of 2022 who renewed the promises that were made at their Baptism and became adults in the Catholic Church through Confirmation! pic.twitter.com/zLWId0edte
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 26, 2021
— Devon Prep Athletics (@athletics_devon) May 26, 2021
Congratulations to Amari Andrews and Amir Ortega-Andrews who signed today to play collegiate football at Geneva College and Seton Hill respectively! We are Crusher Proud of our students taking their athletic and academic careers to the next level. #crusherpride #crusher4life pic.twitter.com/2s6mlChomj
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) May 26, 2021
Congrats to our award winners from the HG Athletic Awards Night. J Horgan – Kevin Leyh Memorial; A Camacho – XC Sportsmanship; N Braun – IndoorT&F Sportsmanship; E Puckett – Proven Memorial & OutdoorT&F Sportsmanship. Well done gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/WZsuWF3hBU
— HGPTrack&Field/XC (@HGPTrackXC) May 26, 2021
Jake won a day with Mrs. Cahir and Ms. Goode at Escape West Chester from our GALA this year. They set a new record by escaping The Stranger Case in 41:43. Very impressive! Great job solving the case! #escaperoom #SAAMoonlightMemories #GALA https://t.co/qDvdYRRz8E pic.twitter.com/QSdFU30wzF
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) May 26, 2021
Both the House and Senate were in session this week in Harrisburg. The PA Catholic Conference saw a number of bills passed that we support. That included–in the House– a package of 8 bills to combat human trafficking and a bill to assure that clergy members would not be prevented from visiting long-term care facilities during any future government emergencies. There were also 3 pro-life bills that passed the House Health Committee.
Here are the postings that we made this week as these events occurred.
Lawmakers are back at the Capitol today! Just underway…this joint public hearing by the Education and Human Services Committees on mental health services provided to PA’s secondary students in the wake of the pandemic and resulting shutdown. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/sypuExY2TR
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
Rep. Curt Sonney and Rep. Stephen Kinsey ask Sherri Smith of the PA Dept. of Education about the issue of ‘chronic absenteeism’ over the past year or so. Smith says some students thrived on remote learning while others had problems with it. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/5ol4gjyxgT
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
Many lawmakers and just as many interested/frustrated residents attend this public hearing on issues facing unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania. Lawmakers have also been sharing their frustrations with the system for several months. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/tW8QCHHGFf
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
The PA House Transportation Committee unanimously passes SB 445 by Sen. Bob Mensch that will provide for contributions to breast cancer research during vehicle registration. The vote was welcomed by members of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/yIFS7myHYj
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
It’s not often you get total consensus with PA lawmakers and residents on any issue. Maybe ever. But that’s the case with the answering of unemployment claims over the past several months. The House Labor & Industry Comm. is hearing from state officials. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/ccFU47ALbC
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
PA House Transportation Comm. debates, then passes Senate Bill 114 by Sen. Lisa Boscola. It would require drivers to make reasonable efforts to clear snow and ice from their cars & trucks before driving. The bill had passed the senate last session. @SenLisaBoscola @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/SzeH1hrm9B
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
Today in PA House: the second reading for eight bills designed to combat human trafficking. While no vote was taken, it paves the way for a final vote as early as tomorrow. The PCC supports these bills in our continued efforts to fight human trafficking. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/QoeA29Jswm
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 24, 2021
Just underway at the PA Capitol….House Health Committee is discussing and and then voting on three pro-life bills. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/tPw8QNFari
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Kate Klunk is giving comments on her HB 1500–the Down Syndrome Protection Act. It would protect an unborn child from being aborted solely on the basis of a diagnosis of Down syndrome. House Health Comm. will vote on it after member comments. @RepKateKlunk @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/3TXpMa9YFy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
HB 1500 passes along party lines. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/1fFsvhFhdu
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Frank Ryan’s addresses the PA House Health Committee on his HB 118, which would give parents the option of burial or cremation after the death of their unborn baby. @FrankRyanCPA @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/fZbUluEd02
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Stephanie Borowicz talks about her HB 904, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, which would prohibit an abortion once a heartbeat is detected in the unborn baby. A vote is pending in the PA House Health Committee. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/8mwEcZtz32
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
PA House Health Committee passes HB 118. On party lines. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/ZHBSIfY7FJ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
PA House Judiciary Comm. has passed HB 1095. It calls for a life sentence for anyone convicted of 3rd-degree murder of an unborn child who has been convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter, murder of an unborn child or voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/IJquQHkI2g
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
PA House Judiciary Comm. debates HB 659, which removes requirement for law-abiding individuals to obtain a concealed handgun permit before being allowed to carry concealed for self-defense. Sponsor Rep. Aaron Bernstine answers questions about the bill. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/iBkQ8A4qlI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
PA House Judiciary Comm. debates HB 659, which removes requirement for law-abiding individuals to obtain a concealed handgun permit before being allowed to carry concealed for self-defense. Sponsor Rep. Aaron Bernstine answers questions about the bill. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/iBkQ8A4qlI
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
BEST PART OF THE WEEK HERE!!
Great to see members of the Bishop Guilfoyle girls basketball team at the Capitol today!! State champions, by the way. Great job ladies!! ??? @BishopGuilfoyle @BG_LadyHoops pic.twitter.com/tiNaHM4go3
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
The PA House Judiciary Comm. passes HB 1095. It would add the murder of someone’s unborn child to the offenses that are considered in order for a convicted defendant to be sentenced to life imprisonment. Rep. Rob Kauffman answered a question about his bill. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/2BxP71pRCB
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Extensive debate this afternoon on the PA House floor on HB 1144, which would create separate regulations for the conventional oil and gas industry and the unconventional type, aka fracking. Rep. Kathy Rapp speaks in support by answering some of the criticism. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/KrJ2xm7lQ1
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
The PA House is now passing a package of bills designed to fight human trafficking. The PCC supports these measures. They include HB 246, which prohibits evidence based on the victim’s past sexual history. Rep. Natalie Mihalek spoke on her bill. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/I9B7dwALpr
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
The PA House also passes HB 1130 by Rep. Craig Williams, which would require convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders. Rep. Williams talked about his bill @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/gYotE5myKH
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
The PA House has completed the passage of bills designed to combat human trafficking. They will now move onto the House for consideration. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/F9sEcTwHbj
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
The PA House Finance Committee just gave its unanimous approval to Sen. Scott Martin’s SB 74, which establishes a pediatric cancer research tax credit. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems @SenatorMartinPA @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/0X5W3PFRJA
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
Sen. Scott Martin talks about his bill, SB 74, which establishes a pediatric cancer research tax credit. Sen. Martin was joined by two young friends dealing with cancer along with their very grateful family members. @SenatorMartinPA @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/KBrzISOvSF
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
The PA House Education Committee passes Sen. Jake Corman’s SB 664, which provides for extended special education enrollment due to the COVID-19 shutdown. Vote is near unanimous. One no. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/7ZgKkMch40
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
Some PA House Democrats expressed concerns today with Sen. Jake Corman’s SB 664, which provides for extended special education enrollment due to COVID-19 shutdown. Here, Rep. Mark Longietti talks of students being held back. Rep. Jesse Topper responds. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/gR1WReNBBW
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
The PA House has just unanimously passed HB 996 by Rep. Eric Davanzo. It would allow for access by members of the clergy to long-term care facilities during an emergency declaration. The PCC supports this measure. Rep. Davanzo spoke on the floor before the vote. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/unS38Eys3k
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 26, 2021
PA House Labor & Industry Dept. hosts state officials, business owners and industry leaders to discuss the Uniform Construction Code. Lawmakers hear concerns from the officials and share some of their stories from constituents. Here’s Rep. Pam Snyder. @PaHouseDems @PamSnyderPA50 pic.twitter.com/XO0rXDtpxp
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
Rep. David Rowe shares a story from a frustrated constituent who wanted to open up a salon but got tied up with red tape. Rowe and other members of the PA House Labor & Industry were discussing the Uniform Construction Code. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/RMUFmBPEgt
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 27, 2021
5-26-2021
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today applauded PA House members for Tuesday’s overwhelming passage of a package of bills designed to fight human trafficking and also called for leaders in the Senate to move these bills as quickly as possible.
“The more we hear about human trafficking, the more we learn how prevalent it actually is,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “The fact that there was such an overwhelming number of lawmakers that approved the legislation in the House shows how seriously they are treating this growing problem.”
The PCC has actively supported efforts to address human trafficking over the years. Failing once again thanked the eight House members who sponsored the legislation that was approved yesterday: Rep. Valerie Gaydos, Rep. Barry Jozwiak, Rep. Rob Kauffman, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Rep. Marci Mustello, Rep. David Rowe, Rep. Meghan Schroeder and Rep. Craig Williams.
“Their bills provide for a strong package of recourses that we believe will help to deter human traffickers and their recruiters,” said Failing. “We must take a stand and end this practice today so that all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of PA’s Catholic bishops.
The PA House Health Committee passed three pro-life bills Tuesday morning in votes that went strictly along party lines. All Republicans on the committee voted yes and all Democrats voted no. The PA Catholic Conference supports these measures.
Here are the postings we made this morning as the sponsors spoke on their bills.
Rep. Frank Ryan’s addresses the PA House Health Committee on his HB 118, which would give parents the option of burial or cremation after the death of their unborn baby. @FrankRyanCPA @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/fZbUluEd02
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Kate Klunk is giving comments on her HB 1500–the Down Syndrome Protection Act. It would protect an unborn child from being aborted solely on the basis of a diagnosis of Down syndrome. House Health Comm. will vote on it after member comments. @RepKateKlunk @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/3TXpMa9YFy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Rep. Stephanie Borowicz talks about her HB 904, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, which would prohibit an abortion once a heartbeat is detected in the unborn baby. A vote is pending in the PA House Health Committee. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/8mwEcZtz32
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 25, 2021
Sen. Judy Ward asks long-term care officials today about the threat of lawsuits that may be arising from the pandemic against the industry. Zach Shamberg of PA Health Care Assoc. says they are hoping legislation can prevent opportunistic lawsuits. @PASenateGOP @SenatorJWard pic.twitter.com/XFUeBDLThG
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 20, 2021
PA Sen. Maria Collett discusses with long-term care industry officials the need to increase daily-care-at-the-bedside hours at healthcare facilities and the need to increase wages for those healthcare professionals. @SenatorCollett @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/Mz3EVfPecY
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 20, 2021
Sen. Katie Muth and PA Senate Democratic Caucus Policy Committee hold virtual hearing on Senate Bill 310 and OSHA protections for public employees. SB 310 by Sen. Tina Tartaglione would extend federal workplace safety programs to PA state and municipal workers. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/cxcRhRVHCJ
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 20, 2021
Neither the PA House nor the PA Senate are in session this week, but going on now in Johnstown, the House Republican Policy Committee is hosting a public hearing on rebounding from COVID-19. Members are hearing from the Cambria County Association for the Blind. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/EYAEiAIGy7
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 20, 2021
Here’s a look back at some of the activitity last summer at the PA Capitol that led to the two ballot questions to curtail the Governor’s emergency declaration power. Voters approved all four questions on the ballot. @PASenateGOP pic.twitter.com/kmYRDL4Mg2
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 19, 2021
PA Sen. Lindsey Williams wraps up today’s hearing with the PA State System of Higher Education by sharing her concerns with the reorganization plan for state schools. She says the plan doesn’t address the issue of heavy student debt. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/PDpgYzkF2S
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 17, 2021
PA Democratic Senators ask PASSHE officials about delaying the proposed consolidation plan for state schools, possibly by two years. PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein says the financial losses will continue. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/Z4iqoR55VM
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 17, 2021
PA Senate Democratic Caucus is hosting a virtual hearing on reorganization plan for the PA State System of Higher Education. Sen. Katie Muth presides as senators hear from officials connected with schools involved. Many testifiers have concerns with the plan. @PaSenateDems pic.twitter.com/dSAEN1iRez
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 17, 2021
On Tuesday morning the PA House Health Committee will meet to vote on these three pro-life bills.
Thank you for being #KellanStrong! https://t.co/b9N06wWnUb
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) May 21, 2021
? talk @Trev_Paschall https://t.co/2xApg9fnqI
— North Catholic Trojan Army (@NCTrojanArmy) May 19, 2021
The beginning of this week kicked off the the end of year events for the Class of 2021! They had their Senior Breakfasts and Senior Retreats! The Villa Seniors took a trip to Panama Rocks, while the Prep Seniors took a trip to Peek'n Peak! pic.twitter.com/ApdOk3dOfn
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 20, 2021
Congratulations to the York Catholic Class of 2021 college scholarship recipients! Over $10.3 million earned! https://t.co/kj3jDrwouN pic.twitter.com/qtpeHRfwua
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) May 19, 2021
Congratulations to seniors Margaret Kuffner, Cayla Higginson, Gina Princivalle, and Olivia Millevoi, who were honored last night at the Annual Archdiocesan Academic Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Congratulations to our honorees! pic.twitter.com/Ps1XdgFkB1
— Mount St. Joseph Academy (@MountStJoseph) May 19, 2021
#VikingProud Celebrating our Class of 2021 Principal's Scholars! Representing the top 10 percent of their Senior class – congratulations! #ACCHSexcellence #VikingScholars #Vikings4Life ???2??0??2??1????@AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/pTeFjNkDbi
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 19, 2021
In her final game as a Classic, senior Christina DeNaples reached the 100 goal career milestone. Congratulations, Christina! #rollclassics pic.twitter.com/tTYxzgQSAa
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) May 19, 2021
Congrats to our Senior student-athletes who signed their letters of intent to play collegiate athletics. Keep making us proud, gentlemen! ?? #NonExcidet #OnwardToVictory @FJAthletics pic.twitter.com/QVTN2T68Xb
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) May 20, 2021
Our Golden Hawks had a great time at our 2021 Becahi Boardwalk Senior Prom. Hosted in the courtyard with great music, food trucks and lots of memories. #BecahiMemories #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/YleY5T0UJ0
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) May 19, 2021
As the end of a crazy year approaches, we celebrated St. Felix’s birthday today with puppies! ? Students had the opportunity to visit with these furry friends during all lunch periods today. Thanks to our Mission Leader, Mr. Jeff Hulbert for making this possible! #olshchargers pic.twitter.com/uDQ3bSqqfs
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) May 19, 2021
LAX Playoff Win!!!
Congratulations to our high school girls lacrosse team for winning their first playoff game tonight 13-9 over South Fayette.
Next game: Thurs. 6PM @ Hampton against Mars.
Go, Crusaders! #ProudOfOurAquinasStudentAthletes #WPIAL #lacrosse #playoffs #KeepGoing pic.twitter.com/EOEGyLxPxb— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) May 19, 2021
Celebrating the 2020/2021 basketball team, especially our seniors! Way to go, Eagles. ?? pic.twitter.com/Dm7hW9GxsI
— Oakland Catholic Basketball (@OC__Hoops) May 18, 2021
The Class of 2021 had a spectacular evening at their senior prom on Friday, May 14! Seniors were able to enjoy dancing, dinner from one of three food trucks and carnival and casino games outside of Alumni Hall. pic.twitter.com/ivYieSRY33
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) May 17, 2021
The #BSHS Wind Ensemble recently performed at the Coatesville VA Medical Center's 90th Commemoration Event! The group was honored to play the National Anthem and America the Beautiful. Great job, #Shanahan Eagles! pic.twitter.com/FlPz5AA14d
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 17, 2021
Students and mentors celebrated accomplishment at Awards Day. Visit our @nazarethprep Instagram page for more pics. pic.twitter.com/McaOAqp2Qh
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) May 16, 2021
Congratulations to Lady Lancer Track & Field on a great performance in the PCL championship. Despite only having 5 athletes competing, they finished in 4th place overall and every Lady Lancer was named All-Catholic. Good luck in Districts and States. @AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/Q1hQbY7pXG
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) May 16, 2021
2021 PCL Baseball All-Catholic Team Announced https://t.co/leCc9Iwavf @DelcoSports @PhSportsDigest @BucksLocalSport @PaPrepLive @Wood_Vikings @MBAP_Athletics @LaSalle_Sports @FJAthletics @SJPrep_Sports @athletics_devon @ACHSathletics @NG_Baseball2021 @InqPotosky @joemasonwrites pic.twitter.com/ImWSN99Cbj
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) May 20, 2021
SEN. KRISTIN PHILLIPS-HILL HOLDS HEARING ON DEPT. OF HEALTH DATE BREACH ISSUE. DEPT. BACKS OUT
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill had originally gotten a commitment from the PA Dept. of Health to testify before the Senate Communications & Technology Committee on the data breach with the state’s contact tracing vendor. But then things changed. @PASenateGOP @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/ZCmeF3XUsa
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 11, 2021
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill talked this morning of how the PA Dept. of Health has given a variety of answers about when they discovered the data breach with the state’s contact tracing vendor. She would like the PA Attorney General to look into it. @PASenateGOP @SenatorKristin pic.twitter.com/d8bHacaKID
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 11, 2021
HUNGER GARDEN 11TH ANNUAL OPENING ON TUESDAY
Lawmakers from both parties this morning opened the Capitol Hunger Garden for the 11th year. Rep. Jake Wheatley spoke of the legislators who got it started and their motivation behind it. @RepWheatley @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/pmgkWccRb0
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 11, 2021
SEN. KIM WARD REVEALS THAT SHE IS DEALING WITH BREAST CANCER; RECEIVES OUTPOURING OF LOVE AND SUPPORT FROM COLLEAGUES
A special moment at the PA Capitol today. Sen. Anthony Williams shared some heartfelt thoughts on the Senate floor in support of his colleague, Sen. Kim Ward, who is fighting breast cancer. @PaSenateDems @PASenateGOP @SenatorKimWard @SenTonyWilliams pic.twitter.com/ap58pp6b7X
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 12, 2021
Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the National Honor Society. pic.twitter.com/T2hfrlnvTc
— Notre Dame Schools (@NDSpartans) May 13, 2021
The last banquet in Royal Lancer history was held Wednesday night. As we close out the history of Lancer athletics, we would like to thank all of the players, coaches and fans who competed in and supported our athletic program over the last 60 years. #LFL ??@AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/QXtJpmgvdj
— McDevitt Athletics (@McDevittLancers) May 13, 2021
Congrats to these young ladies and coaches for starting a softball legacy! This team never gave up and supported each other throughout! Lizzie ended the season in style, with a blast! #WolfPackSoftball #ProudofYou #BuildingAFoundation #HitHardRunFastTurnLeft #GoWolfPack! pic.twitter.com/kjG0p7lddu
— SJCA WolfPack (@goSJCAsports) May 13, 2021
There are less than nine hours to make a Holy Ghost Day gift. Please make a gift to @HolyGhostPrep today. #1heart1mind1dayhttps://t.co/UZQCuXhhs9 https://t.co/vNlPx7P00b
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) May 12, 2021
Some fifth graders had a great day bowling with Ms. Devenney & Sr. Margaret at Sproul Lanes. Then they were treated to ice cream at Dairy Queen. This was a silent auction item from last year's GALA. Can't wait to see who won this year! #Bowling ? #IceCream ? pic.twitter.com/QJsXQ0UF62
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) May 12, 2021
The OC DataJam team presented in the virtual DataJam Finale on Thursday, May 6. The team of Olivia Marangoni, OCHS'21, Angela McKinzie, OCHS'21, Roisin Tsang, OCHS'24, and Yolanda Yang, OCHS'22, presented their poster earning a third place trophy. https://t.co/rzTQo9HYjh pic.twitter.com/zT8V8ZCfgc
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) May 12, 2021
Honored to recognize the @BishopMcDevitt High School Boys Swim Team at the Capitol today for their 2021 PIAA AA State Title. Congratulations Crusaders! #15thProud pic.twitter.com/1MSq7aotXp
— Senator John DiSanto (@SenatorDiSanto) May 12, 2021
@Kolbe_Academy this is what recovery looks likes ??? @ResilientLV @RepSamuelson @jpetrokolbe @YngPplRecover @ARS_recovery @HCCCelebrateRec @PADrugAlcohol @RyanForRecovery @CaronTreatment @DeSales @ArchwayAcademy @WakeMonarch @BridgeWayPhilly @ArtsQuest @AshleySRusso @asr_media pic.twitter.com/u7cPYGMD7k
— Dr. Brooke C. Tesche (@bctesche) May 13, 2021
Mass outside to celebrate the Feast of the #Ascension2021. #AMDG pic.twitter.com/7rx8XGP4nh
— St. Joe's Prep (@SJPREP) May 13, 2021
Villa Maria Academy AFJROTC cadets finished their lesson on Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) yesterday. They were able to partake in tasting various meals! #Villa #AFJROTC pic.twitter.com/QnaQyhULk6
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) May 13, 2021
#VikingScholars Our Honors Chemistry class took their academic studies outside to learn about molecular modeling using beach balls and balloons! #VikingExcellence ????? pic.twitter.com/CY4XrcB1Jv
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) May 13, 2021
Our #SaintsandScholars are graduating this June! Congratulations to the graduating 8th grade class from Saint Elizabeth Regional School. We are so proud of each of you and look forward to watching you achieve God's potential for your lives! pic.twitter.com/TXq5wqXOzT
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 13, 2021
Patrick & Brady, along with some of their classmates, won an afternoon of pizza, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart with Mr. Jeffries & Mr. Palmasani. Pretty cool GALA 2021 auction item. #SAAMoonlightMemories #videogames #mariokart #SuperSmashBros pic.twitter.com/S9ETFupRDk
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) May 13, 2021
After their 8-1 win over Villa Maria today, the 2021 Softball team captured the AACA league title for the first time in Gwynedd Mercy history! pic.twitter.com/WQgBfx4wLH
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) May 14, 2021
Congratulations to our SJN Baseball team that captured the Mid-Penn Championship yesterday with a win over Northwest! We are proud of you, Neumann Knights! ????@SJNBaseball#NeumannPride#NeumannFamily pic.twitter.com/hJ7VumdDI6
— St. John Neumann (@sjnra1) May 13, 2021
Congrats to our @OLSHvolleyball seniors and on their 3-0 sweep of Bishop Canevin tonight! pic.twitter.com/JVcn8LvYUq
— OLSH Athletics (@olshsports) May 14, 2021
Congratulations to Armaan Makwana and Anthony Barczynski for placing second in the District XI Tennis doubles tournament this week. A special congratulations to Armaan for winning his 28 match this season, an all time Bethlehem Catholic Boys tennis record! #BecahiProud pic.twitter.com/ft9bGOBnhz
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) May 14, 2021
Congratulations to Kyle McCord '21 on being named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Football Player of the Year. He is the first Prep football player to win this prestigious award and second Prep student-athlete to win (Steve Vasturia '13, Basketball). https://t.co/ybcxczVkWo pic.twitter.com/QVrio5QEV5
— St. Joe's Prep Sports (@SJPrep_Sports) May 13, 2021
When old friends visit, we know it's going to be a great day! Check out Mr. C hanging out with our 5th and 6th Graders this morning! Looking good, Boys and Girls! ?? pic.twitter.com/Nh03F3tUS2
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) May 13, 2021
The OLSH Softball program waited 21 years to say this again: Section Champions! Congratulations Chargers Softball on clinching the 2nd section title in school history! pic.twitter.com/d0sRecvanw
— OLSH Athletics (@olshsports) May 13, 2021
Today we honored & celebrated the #BSHS Class of 2021 at Senior Day! Seniors enjoyed the Senior Sports Award Ceremony with guest speaker Brett Manney, Senior Superlatives awards, outdoor games & activities, pretzels, water ice, & a food truck! More at: https://t.co/kBY3FveOZK. pic.twitter.com/9hMYmoPStj
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 12, 2021
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The PA Catholic Conference (PCC) today called on the University of Pittsburgh to stop all experiments with aborted babies and for Pennsylvania lawmakers to open a full investigation into the extent of this practice.
“We are horrified by reports that researchers at the school used scalps from aborted babies to create so-called ‘humanized mice’ for research,” said PCC Executive Director Eric Failing. “This information was disclosed in a study published by the school and in testimony this week before the PA House Health Committee. And this is all done with the backing of Pennsylvania taxpayers.”
“We are heartbroken that this has been happening and will do all we can to shed light on this practice that flies in the faith of what we and many other pro-life Christians believe,” said Failing.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of PA’s Catholic bishops.
Our student body gathered this morning for our May Devotions with a beautiful prayer service celebrating our Mother, Mary. Our school community was reminded of our school seal that says, "Following Her, you will not go astray". pic.twitter.com/dgvBzeqiEo
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) May 5, 2021
Another “last” in McDevitt history is happening this weekend. The Royal Masque will be performing “Our Time” on Friday May 7th and Saturday May 8th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Link to purchase tickets here —>>>.https://t.co/KCOEU6p7QC pic.twitter.com/uWnGbULqvg
— Fight for Bishop McDevitt (@Lancers4Life_) May 6, 2021
Shoutout to our #rowers who began the championship season by winning the Philadlephia City Champs! Read more at this link: https://t.co/4GeJ9co44n @MalvernPrep pic.twitter.com/xYqsl0ErbJ
— Malvern Prep Friars (@MPFriars) May 6, 2021
#TeacherAppreciationWeek celebrates our WONDERFUL, dedicated teachers! We are grateful for the teachers at St. John Neumann Regional School with campuses in Slatington and Palmerton. Thank you for all you do for our students and families each day! #LiveyourVocation pic.twitter.com/XtGgxc8tL5
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 6, 2021
Thank you to the Frassati-Molla Scholars who went to Mary’s Place to lend helping hands to the staff and the residents! Learn more about the Frassati-Molla Scholars: https://t.co/KTJ7gZ3iQg
Donate to Mary’s Place: https://t.co/0gRKXNqAo6 pic.twitter.com/oyRNF7SfNA
— Seton LaSalle (@SetonLaSalle) May 6, 2021
SHS Faculty chose to add a pop of red to their wardrobe to show Kellan and the Ford family that we're always thinking of him and that we are choosing happiness. #kellanstrong
If you'd like to make a monetary donation to Kellan and his family, go to:https://t.co/LRhSDQrZSG pic.twitter.com/myBsfrY2Co
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) May 6, 2021
As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week,
No matter the mode of operation, our faculty came through to support our young men in and outside of the classroom.
Enjoy our latest video production – Welcome to A Stronger La Sallehttps://t.co/qtm3RbpUUE
— La Salle College High School (@lschs) May 6, 2021
Today at #BSHS the Green Team honored Mary, Our Holy Mother, during this month of May through a special May Procession and liturgy! Be sure to see more photos at https://t.co/kBY3FvwpRi! pic.twitter.com/I1pI84Aj8j
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) May 6, 2021
#TeacherAppreciationWeek celebrates our WONDERFUL, dedicated teachers! We are grateful for the teachers at St. Peter School, Reading PA. Thank you for all you do for our students and families each day! #LiveyourVocation pic.twitter.com/uAeS8JpwIy
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 6, 2021
Congrats to our @JudgeLacrosse seniors! The leadership and dedication this year has been outstanding! #PCLPlayoffBound @FatherJudgeHS pic.twitter.com/wB5RjMXaU9
— Father Judge Athletics (@FJAthletics) May 6, 2021
Congratulations to these Golden Hawk Seniors who we celebrated last week! #BecahiProud #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/uj4VHo8icZ
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) May 7, 2021
Aloha, Hawaii Day yesterday for Spirit Week! ?@OLMRCS #SpiritWeek #MiddleSchool pic.twitter.com/BkbA3cWTp7
— Ms. DiIorio? (@Ms_Diiorio) May 7, 2021
#TeacherAppreciationWeek celebrates our WONDERFUL, dedicated teachers! We are grateful for the teachers at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Northampton. Thank you for all you do for our students and families each day! #LiveyourVocation pic.twitter.com/pkbShGHQOl
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) May 5, 2021
It's National Teacher Appreciation Week! We recognize McCort faculty members for making sure every Crusher ends the year with the same exceptional education as always! This morning we acknowledge our Math Department! THANK YOU!! #catchthespirit #crusherpride pic.twitter.com/Lgv6CTAvHw
— Bishop McCort HS (@bishopmccort) May 5, 2021
Senior Recognition Night was rescheduled for tomorrow’s game against Knoch at JC Stone Field in North Park, 3:45pm pic.twitter.com/vIwebo7VGM
— North Catholic Girls Lacrosse Boosters (@NCGirlsLacrosse) May 5, 2021
On this Teacher Appreciation Day we are extra grateful for our amazing faculty after all they have done this past year. We are so incredibly lucky to have them to teach, love and guide our students. #TeacherAppreciationDay #catholicschool pic.twitter.com/YcVcRUCv92
— Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools (@KennedyCatholi2) May 4, 2021
If there's ever been a time to celebrate our educators, it's this year! In honor of #NationalTeacherAppreciationDay thank that special faculty/staff member or coach by donating in their honor to The Notre Dame Fund. Help us achieve our goal of 75 gifts in honor of 75 teachers! pic.twitter.com/wyw4kw5GtC
— Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (@NDVillanova) May 4, 2021
Congratulations to all of our Third Quarter Honor Roll Students! pic.twitter.com/6497UnGFBT
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) May 3, 2021
We wrapped up our GALA weekend by celebrating Mass this morning. We also celebrated Fr. McLaughlin, SAA Class of 1957, with a special presentation for his loyalty and dedication to our Academy. Thanks to everyone for supporting our Moonlight Memories! #SAAMoonlightMemories pic.twitter.com/toxp0h7uB6
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) May 2, 2021
The PCC was there as the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee unanimously approved HB 996 by Rep. Eric Davanzo. We support the bill as an issue of religious freedom. Here are the social media postings we shared through the meeting.
Congrats to Rep. Eric Davanzo on passage of his HB 996 by PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Comm. It would ensure that residents of long-term care facilities can get visits from clergy during disaster emergency. PCC supports this as an issue of religious freedom. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/TfouOhby3k
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
PA Rep. Gary Day speaks in support of HB 996, which would ensure that residents of long-term care facilities can get visits from clergy during disaster emergencies. Day chairs PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, which passed the bill today. @RepGaryDay @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/suBq5v30uX
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
Rep. Frank Ryan speaks on importance of HB 996, which would ensure that residents of long-term care facilities can get visits from clergy during disaster emergencies. Bill passed committee unanimously. PCC supports it as an issue of religious freedom. @FrankRyanCPA @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/AHVkcPXrcV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
The PCC applauds Tuesday’s passage of House Bill 253 by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Bradford, Tioga) by the PA House Children & Youth Committee. We were there for the proceedings and shared these postings on social media.
Congrats to Rep. Clint Owlett for today’s unanimous PA House Children & Youth Comm. approval of his measure, House Bill 253. It calls for formation of task force to study the impact of opioid epidemic on children. PCC supports this. Owlett spoke before the vote. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/IlFUkCBjPc
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
The PCC talked to Rep. Clint Owlett right this morning after the PA House Children & Youth Comm. approved his bill calling for a task force to study the impact of opioid epidemic on children. The vote was unanimous with many lawmakers speaking in support. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/kaloNMIptT
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
PA Rep. Pam DeLissio speaks in support of Clint Owlett’s bill calling for a task force to study the impact of opioid epidemic on children. DeLissio had offered an amendment to the bill, which was welcomed by Owlett and approved by the committee. @PaHouseDems @RepDeLissio pic.twitter.com/uUaGqojthD
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
PA Rep. Tarah Toohil offers strong support for Rep. Clint Owlett’s HB 253 to create a task force to study the impact of opioid epidemic on children. She talked about the ways the move could help obtain funding and assist families down the road. @RepToohil @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/PGiqGRNmij
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
House Bill 253 now moves to the full House for consideration after this morning’s unanimous committee approval. Rep. Clint Owlett’s bill would call for a task force to study the impact of opioid epidemic on children. Here’s Rep. Jim Struzzi, a co-sponsor of the bill. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/TxbbK6F6Uy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) May 4, 2021
The PA House Health Committee Wednesday morning held its second hearing in abortion. They heard from advocates on both sides of the issue. We were there at the Capitol and shared these updates on social media.
Just underway at the PA Capitol…
the second public hearing before the House Health Committee on the abortion issue. This morning we are hearing from a provider and a pregnancy center. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/GuVv4mG8i0— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
The first testifier this morning is Amy Scheuring of the Women’s Choice Network, a pregnancy care center in western PA. Here she tells the PA House Health Committee about the effectiveness of an abortion-reversal pill. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/uGDg0NPrZg
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
PA House Health Committee Co-Chair Dan Frankel asks Amy Scheuring of the Women’s Choice Network about whether they provide birth control for clients. The network is a pregnancy care center in western PA. @PaHouseDems @RepDanFrankel pic.twitter.com/RTrx8qHHyF
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Rep. Morgan Cephas asks Amy Scheuring of the Women’s Choice Network this question about the care that her pregnancy center provides. @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/lp0QT8lRdh
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Amy Scheuring of the Women’s Choice Network tells the the PA House Health Committee that 80% of their clients that undergo an ultrasound choose life. She says the center likes to know that they are impacting lives. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/I2wwawLRhP
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Testifying now before the PA House Health Committee is Melissa Reed, the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone. @PaHouseDems @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/mEZnL2Qnuk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
I think Melissa Reed, the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, just called today’s hearing a waste of taxpayer time and money. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/iYuocpapcN
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
PA House Health Committee Co-Chair Kathy Rapp explains her difference of opinion with Melissa Reed, the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, about the claim that today’s hearing is a waste of taxpayer time and money. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/VOrjbsl41A
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Two part tweet here as Rep. Clint Owlett asks Melissa Reed, the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, about their use of abortions through telemedicine and whether that is legal. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/tYSXAcJAKV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Second part of this line of questioning as Rep. Clint Owlett asks Melissa Reed, the President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, about their use of abortions through telemedicine and whether that is legal. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/IltzfFqdz5
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Rep. Aaron Bernstine questions an abortion providing doctor about the process involved in carrying out an actual abortion. @PAHouseGOP @AaronBernstine pic.twitter.com/ANcwBmM9rc
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Rep. Paul Schemel questions Dr. Sarah Gutman about the abortion procedures that she performs and about when she considers life to begin. @PAHouseGOP @PaulSchemel90 pic.twitter.com/RTfyYrXtbV
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Rep. Andrew Lewis questions Dr. Sarah Gutman about the occasions when she performs abortions on underage girls and what is done to protect them. @PAHouseGOP @AndrewLewisPA pic.twitter.com/93nITR4pIq
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
Rep. Paul Schemel talks about the effect of Planned Parenthood on minority communities with Genevieve Plaster of the pro-life group, the Charlotte Lozier Institute. @PAHouseGOP @PaulSchemel90 pic.twitter.com/qUARMuSlUs
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 21, 2021
The PA House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed 8 bills designed to combat human trafficking. Here are highlights as we shared them on Twitter. The PCC has long supported such legislation.
PA House Judiciary Committee this morning passed 8 bills with strong bipartisan support that are designed to fight the crime of human trafficking. The PCC has long supported such measures. We talked with committee Chair Rep. Rob Kauffman after the vote. @PAHouseGOP @PaHouseDems pic.twitter.com/FF7POQKYL4
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
A package of 8 bills was passed this morning by the PA House Judiciary Committee to combat human trafficking in PA. The package included HB 246 by Rep. Natalie Mihalek. She talked about the bill prior to the vote. @PAHouseGOP @RepMihalek pic.twitter.com/VYPJc2NSpR
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
Rep. Meghan Schroeder explains her bill on human trafficking, HB 580, to the PA House Judiciary Committee. The bill passed this morning and we hope it will soon be considered by the full House. The PCC supports these human trafficking bills. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/SRD61DojSF
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
Rep. Craig Williams is the prime sponsor of HB 1130, a measure designed to fight human trafficking that passed the PA House Judiciary Committee this morning. Williams talked about his bill and about his background. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/3T3xPPG1CX
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
PCC has long supported legislation to fight human trafficking. That has carried over into the package of bills that was passed today out of committee dealing with that crime. Here, Rep. Marci Mustello, sponsor of HB 231, addresses House Judiciary Comm. @PAHouseGOP @Marci4PA11 pic.twitter.com/7tbM8o6Iwy
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
Rep. Barry Jozwiak addresses the PA House Judiciary Committee prior to the vote on his human trafficking bill, HB 753. The bill was passed along with 7 other bills designed to combat human trafficking. The PCC has long supported such legislation. @PAHouseGOP pic.twitter.com/AWJWRL8Vmk
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) April 20, 2021
Congratulations to @LadyBurrs senior Destiney McPhaul on her prestigious honor from @MaxPreps https://t.co/lzH9k5wm64 @PAcatholic @CatholicPhilly @PhSportsDigest @VaTechWbball @pasports @PhillyTrib @InqPotosky pic.twitter.com/DKHur5fkMh
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) April 6, 2021
#VikingProud #AllentownLegacy ???? https://t.co/nRWLDSx9h6
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) April 6, 2021
During a discussion on prosthetics and bioengineering, #BSHS #STEM students asked how prosthetics can function. In this activity, students used muscle signals to control a TENS device (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator). pic.twitter.com/D9q1NAGW9L
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) April 6, 2021
It's been 673 days since the Ramblers last played a baseball game. Today, they return to the diamond vs. Fort LeBoeuf. Varsity at 4pm, JV's at 6:30 at UPMC Park. Fans are encouraged to attend. pic.twitter.com/YPHhrML26T
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) April 6, 2021
Look at these adorable bunnies our Kindergarten students made in art class with Mrs. Schmauk! #QOAProud @AOPS_Schools @NCEATALK @PAcatholic @CatholicNewsSvc @UpperMorelandPA
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) April 6, 2021
Today, Princesses and the Easter Bunny’s helpers visited local children for their “Happily Egg-er After” event! Princesses delivered Easter baskets and egg droppers hid eggs in yards for kids to find tomorrow morning. Thank you to the families who supported Mercy Effect’s event! pic.twitter.com/uZNkYESLRr
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) April 4, 2021
1/4 74 students representing Archdiocesan Secondary Schools and private Catholic High Schools throughout the five-county region have been selected to participate in the @Archphilly 2021 All Catholic Concert Band.
To view the livestream please visit: https://t.co/DkPDd641bG pic.twitter.com/rBJH5vowXD
— Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools (@AOPS_Schools) April 8, 2021
We honored our @SJPLacrosse seniors this afternoon. They came out and played with great energy in a 20-0 win over Roman. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the years! #GoPrep pic.twitter.com/IKYSUlEor4
— St. Joe's Prep Sports (@SJPrep_Sports) April 7, 2021
#EasterPeople Our Schools are back in session and celebrating the Easter season! Thanks to the students at Mercy School for Special Learning for sharing their Alleluia! #safepresentgrowing @MercySchoolofSL pic.twitter.com/2KsuMAIcxX
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) April 7, 2021
DCC Presents "Cinderella" – Tickets must be purchased at least 2 days before the performance. Order yours today by calling 814-371-3060. Adults $12 – Students and Seniors $8 – Kids 11 and under $5. pic.twitter.com/cr01oZ50FW
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) April 6, 2021
Gesu thanks our friends and partners at @CSFPhiladelphia for supporting Gesu School students' ambition and hope for so many years! We appreciate you and the impact you make on Gesu families and across Philadelphia. Congratulations to CSFP on 20 years! https://t.co/5OmVNVks60
— Gesu School (@TheGesuSchool) April 7, 2021
PA Rep. Kate Klunk tells us that she is going to be reintroducing her Down Syndrome Protection Act legislation in the coming days. The PA Catholic Conference has supported Rep. Klunk all the way on this measure, which made it through both the House and Senate last session before being vetoed by Governor Wolf in November of 2019.
“I have to say it’s probably my most appreciated bill from people across the state,” Klunk told me on a visit to her Capitol office. “Families have written to me that would be impacted by it. I truly wear that veto as a badge of honor for those families that we stand up for to protect that life.”
Klunk is a Co-Chair for the PA Pro-Life Caucus and just gave birth to her second daughter three months ago. She has been very passionate in preserving all life.
“There are countries that say we’ve eradicated Down syndrome,”she said. “Really what that means is that you’re eradicating people—people who matter in our families, who bring so much joy to our lives, who add value to your businesses, all across this state and all across this nation.”
Klunk was looking forward to a hearing on abortion on Thursday, April 8 before the House Health Committee, which she is a part of.
“We need to delve into the numbers, the numbers of abortions that are happening here in Pennsylvania. What do those numbers really mean? Who is getting abortions? Those statistics show that there are some very young girls who are getting abortions.—very young teenagers—12, 13, 14 years old, who are getting abortions and why is that happening? There is clearly something going on their life…and we need to make sure that we are protecting them–that we are getting into the details of why that is happening. Are they being protected? Is there something going on within the family unit and what is our government doing to help protect those children?”
A number of PA State House Republicans today introduced The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act at a news conference at the Capitol in Harrisburg. It comes in response to an executive order from the Biden Administration requiring that biological males be permitted to compete on women’s school sports teams.
The prime sponsors of the bill all spoke at the event. They are Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York) and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R- Clinton/Centre).
“We think that (the President’s order) violates Title IX and reverses nearly 50 years of advances for women,” said Gleim.
The sponsors often referred to the importance of Title IX, which was passed in 1972 as a federal civil rights law. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal money. The five Republican lawmakers feel that allowing biological males to compete as females would be a direct contradiction of what Title IX stood for.
“There is never a bad time to protect opportunities for girls and women,” Gleim said. “They deserve to compete on a level playing field… Allowing biological males to compete in girls and women’s sports destroys fair competition and women’s athletic opportunities.”
“We are living in crazy times that we even need legislation like this,” said Borowicz. “I’m proud to stand along side these other women to protect women’s sports and stand up for women athletes.”
“Biological males will always have advantages over women,” said White, who said it also comes down to a safety issue. “We must ensure that only biological females are competing in the female category. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports destroys fair competition and women’s athletic opportunities.”
“We are robbing them of much more than a ribbon, a state title, a scholarship,” said Keefer. “We know that Title IX is credited with decreasing the drop-out rate of girls in high school, and increasing the number of women who pursue higher education and complete a college degree.”
“We are here to reaffirm the strength of Title IX and what that does for our country,” said Gaydos, who talked about the lasting benefits of athletic competition. “On the field you encounter multiple obstacles and you learn how to compete. It’s not unlike what many women experience when opening or operating a business.”
Way to go Eagles!https://t.co/mC0Z9gX0u1
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 29, 2021
Student Council is hoppin into Easter!Prep student council officers had the honor of presenting Meagan Loftus, president of the Friends of the Poor, with a $2,000 check from their Easter Food Basket Drive! Thanks every bunny! We hope everyone enjoys a Happy Easter! pic.twitter.com/S9QxwzINJK
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) March 30, 2021
Amber & I had a great time touring the new St. John Neumann Catholic School & interacting w/ the wonderful students & teachers. It was great to celebrate the generous Educational Improvement Tax Credit contribution by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation to support the school’s mission. pic.twitter.com/P1HvdJE0jo
— Senator Scott Martin (@ScottFMartin) March 31, 2021
Pre-K 4S Easter egg hunt. Kellan F stopped by to visit and have his own egg hunt outside the playground. So nice for all of Pre-K 4S to be together. pic.twitter.com/bwSQij68Fk
— St Helena School in Blue Bell (@SHSBlueBell) March 31, 2021
After getting palm at Mass yesterday, what are you going to do with it? Check out this tutorial by our friend @KatieLinendoll as she teaches us how to make a cross out of palm. #PalmSunday #HolyWeek https://t.co/iicJsT8u7t
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) March 29, 2021
Congratulations to our York Catholic students who swept the high school category of Creative York’s Writer’s Eye Competition: 2nd-Timmy Ventura, 1st-Mairin Landis, 3rd-Nate Gingerich. pic.twitter.com/UgGxIVR0rv
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) March 28, 2021
Last weekend OLSH students, faculty, and even a few alumni participated in our annual Chi Rho retreat for juniors and seniors. The event took place on campus this year, but still proved to be an enriching experience for all those involved! Here are a few highlights! #OLSHChargers pic.twitter.com/yrTTIUNB4v
— OLSH (@OLSH_HighSchool) March 31, 2021
#1 in PIAA 5A, #2 in PA, #18 in the Nation!!!!! So much to be proud of!!!! pic.twitter.com/i8jlH3pOQ7
— COH GirlsBasketball (@OHaraGirlsBball) April 1, 2021
This #HolyWeek, colorful Easter eggs and depictions of the Last Supper brought the story of Christ's Passion to life for our #saintsandscholars this week! Is coloring eggs a tradition for your family? pic.twitter.com/pQVbtzF83z
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) April 1, 2021
We had our Activities and Athletics Preview Night this past Tuesday. It was great to meet so many 7th and 8th graders! If you have any questions about the admissions process at O'Hara, please contact Mr. Owen Logue, Director of Enrollment Management at ologue@cohs.com. #Lion4Life pic.twitter.com/OWHNiUg2eE
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 27, 2021
The boys showing off there medals and trophy to their former grade school! pic.twitter.com/y8gVPJ9kV8
— OLSH Chargers (@OLSH_Hoops) March 27, 2021
Hail Central! #VikingNation #StateChamps ???????? @ACCHS_Athletics @AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/gz75B3Y5ZJ
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) March 26, 2021
#PIAABasketball Congratulations to Nativity BVM, 1A PIAA Boys’ Basketball Champions defeating Berlin 51-47 in OT pic.twitter.com/W8GEvFKeUd
— PIAA (@PIAASports) March 25, 2021
Girls Basketball Final: @WCP_athletics (@LadyBurrs) earns its first state title, defeating @MohawkGirlsBB 66-57 in the PIAA 3A state championship, behind 34 points by Ciani Montgomery and 16 by @DestineyMcphaul ????:@johnknebels @PCLGirlsBBall @AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/7zDMvgwwwl
— Philadelphia Sports Digest (@PhSportsDigest) March 25, 2021
Congratulations to 3 York Catholic students who received awards in the Microbiology category at the York County Science & Engineering Fair. Senior Division 1st Place: Jillian Bick (center). Junior Division 3rd Place: Erika Lyter (left) and Grace Rapp (right). pic.twitter.com/zJTqsCE94q
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) March 25, 2021
Getting ready for the 1st day of Spring, Mrs. Venafra's PreK4 decided to help the birds build their nests! It was so much fun!!! They couldn't wait to see if the birds will their nest helpers!! @AOPS_Schools #QOAProud @ArchPhilly @CatholicTchrMag @PAcatholic @NCEATALK pic.twitter.com/xaZxwy7fy1
— Queen of Angels (@qoa_school) March 25, 2021
Congratulations to the girls basketball team who won the sportsmanship award for YAIAA division 3 teams! pic.twitter.com/dTzvH28hZb
— York Catholic (@YorkCatholicHS) March 25, 2021
AWHS Girl's & Boy's Basketball Teams are heading to Hershey for the State Championship this Saturday, March 27!
The girls play Villa Maria at 12:00 PM & the boys play Reading at 7:30 PM
Click here for information on how to stream this game from home: https://t.co/RTevlbRnvF pic.twitter.com/BJTMgTDtDo
— Archbishop Wood (@ArchbishopWood) March 24, 2021
The Victors will meet up with Archbishop Wood Saturday at noon in the championship game in Hershey's Giant Center. Ticket information will be released Wednesday morning. pic.twitter.com/YuUqfGZe6H
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) March 24, 2021
Way to go, Lions! Great game! https://t.co/UmPYBKM5fM
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 24, 2021
Congratulations to the reigning East Penn Conference Debate & Speech Team Champions, who just finished their season! For the last five weeks, these Golden Hawks have competed virtually and prepared this year's topic on criminal justice reform.
Great job everyone! #BecahiProud pic.twitter.com/8B62xMp2Ln— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) March 23, 2021
Aquinas #fencing has been closing out the last month of fencing season w/ a series of intramural events. The first, the “Medieval March Melee,” divided the group into 4 intramural teams each led by a varsity fencer. The “Melee” was won by the “Swashbucklers”! ? ….(1 of 3) pic.twitter.com/UIcH87MVqy
— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 23, 2021
DCC Faculty of the Week: Stacey Frank, Kindergarten Teacherhttps://t.co/FlqkRV8AsH pic.twitter.com/LdwlPUc4DD
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) March 23, 2021
Students in Ms. Belefonte's English classes dive into F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." With a specially decorated classroom, engaging classroom activities, and themed bookmarks, they are ready to explore the world of Gatsby, Daisy, and Nick! pic.twitter.com/NmA8Sqh1oP
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) March 23, 2021
Seniors, Andrew Stark, Willa Farrell, Claire Kelly & Lauren Hurst volunteered at Lakeland HS on Sat. for a vaccination clinic. Around 2000 people were vaccinated.
These #menandwomenforothers stayed a full 8 hours, entering DoH data, helping make more clinics like this a reality. pic.twitter.com/iMYpLUFWdU— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) March 22, 2021
12 OC students competed in the PJAS Virtual Regional Competition at Duquesne University. With the virtual format, students uploaded an audio file along with their presentations and the judges scored the projects from home. OC did a great job!https://t.co/rzTQo9HYjh pic.twitter.com/k734SFKIqQ
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) March 22, 2021
A little love to bring us into the weekend…#FridayFeeling #KCpride #catholicschool #hermitage pic.twitter.com/3PDkgk7pHw
— Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools (@KennedyCatholi2) March 12, 2021
The high school girls basketball team made school history this year!
· First team to win a WPIAL section crown
· First team to win two WPIAL playoff games
· First girls' basketball team to play in the semi-finals
Congrats on a fantastic season! ?#AquinasAthletes #AquinasFirst pic.twitter.com/cLnqjMGwKh— Aquinas Academy (@AquinasAcademy_) March 12, 2021
Classics claim the District 2 Class 4A title again, 51-25 over Berwick! That’s 4 consecutive district titles. Congratulations ladies and coaches. #amdg #jesuitathletics #RollCavs pic.twitter.com/7pkkZGDm4B
— Scranton Prep Sports (@ScrPrepSports) March 12, 2021
Good luck to our Wild Bots as they compete virtually in the First LEGO League Mid Atlantic RQT. Our two robotics teams have been preparing all year for this and we wish them the best. Good luck guys! @FIRSTTweets @firstlegoleague #FIRSTGAMECHANGERS #Robotics pic.twitter.com/v5o3gn5YaD
— St. Aloysius Academy (@StAloysiusAcad) March 11, 2021
Check out Ms. Fina's 4th Graders rocking their pastels for Lifetouch Spring Picture Day yesterday! Looking good, Boys and Girls! ??? pic.twitter.com/SnMFFvjlQi
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) March 11, 2021
@PJPII_Hoops Repeats As PIAA District I Boys' Basketball 4A Champs https://t.co/ZyvuNtpqtE @PJPHS @PjpSection @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @PAcatholic pic.twitter.com/g25SCQzrUt
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 11, 2021
2021 PIAA 4A District XI Champions! #VikingProud #ViketteStrong ??? Great game! Congrats all! @ACCHS_Athletics @AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/KHrjPFhr1F
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) March 11, 2021
#VikingProud #DistrictXIChamps2021 Heading to the state tournament! #LetsGoVikes ??? @ACCHS_Athletics @AtownDioceseEDU pic.twitter.com/3PkXx923HM
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) March 11, 2021
Thanks to @pixbykrys for capturing our last regular season game against Archbishop Wood. We compete tonight in league semifinals for the right to advance to the PCL championship. #oneteamonefamily pic.twitter.com/2VxoiLRVNv
— West Catholic GBB (@LadyBurrs) March 12, 2021
It feels like spring! Students spent time in the Quad enjoying today's beautiful weather. pic.twitter.com/cyZTziat8P
— Malvern Prep (@MalvernPrep) March 10, 2021
How is your school year going? With ZERO days lost due to COVID, St Jude School is a safe & thriving environment for our students & faculty. Registration is OPEN for the 2021-2022 school year in select grades! Join us TODAY! https://t.co/YNW5mewGPU @CBSDSchools @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/PD9fBMQTma
— St. Jude School (@StJudeChalfont) March 10, 2021
Finishing off a great night the only way we know how ?
A look inside the locker room for the post game celebration for all of you!! pic.twitter.com/RcsZMfHV6e
— Bishop Canevin Basketball (@Canevin_BB) March 10, 2021
So much excitement on the court tonight at Serra Catholic! Thanks to @MikeDarnay for capturing all the action! Congratulations Lady Eagles!!! https://t.co/FQpw77JtfP
— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) March 10, 2021
DCC Second Grade Students Enjoy a Project Based Learning Activity with a Taco Theme https://t.co/pcn60apC28
— DuBois Catholic (@duboiscatholic) March 2, 2021
Congratulations to @WoodBoysBball Senior Rahsool Diggins who broke the all time school scoring record tonight at @carroll_hoops ! #WOODPROUD @ArchbishopWood @AOPathletics pic.twitter.com/a1VbqcTU5k
— Archbishop Wood Athletics (@Wood_Vikings) March 4, 2021
Our Saints won their semifinal tonight, and advance to the championship game on Friday. Three of our players were named All-Stars: Hannah Calderaro, LaRae Butler, Jonna Oree.
We are proud of our Naz Prep scholar-athletes! pic.twitter.com/RIvT4dQDAI
— Nazareth Prep (@NazarethPrep) March 4, 2021
Congratulations to our Cheerleaders who earned 2nd place this past Thursday at the EPC Competitive Cheer Competition! The girls will compete again this Saturday at Districts. #BecahiProud #BecahiCheer #GOBC pic.twitter.com/aJgKTBZlDg
— Bethlehem Catholic (@Becahi_Hawks) March 2, 2021
#MarianScholars Ms. Bechtel's Freshmen Biology I Classes continued their dissections for the year. Up this week is the frog! #HandsOnLearning #STEMinaction #MarianExcellence ?? pic.twitter.com/foPjQ1wVA0
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) March 3, 2021
Mrs. Drabant's Senior English class has been working on media literacy and learning about being responsible consumers and sharers of information. They created short presentations on popular forms of media, addressing bias, fake news, etc. #Prep #English pic.twitter.com/fKykZYdM8A
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) March 3, 2021
Our Senior and Freshmen Theology classes gathered items for care packages to send military recruits and nurses. Thanks to their hard work and generosity, almost 500 packages were donated! ????? #SalesianGentlemen pic.twitter.com/ymoV0Udr5b
— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) March 5, 2021
Our hearts are bursting with #KCPride as ?@KeeganMcconahy? is featured as the WKBN/WYTV Student Athlete of the Week! | Kennedy Catholic senior scholar leading the way for unbeaten Golden Eagles | https://t.co/HufnCWmHwN https://t.co/b6o0uiDKus
— Kennedy Catholic Girls Hoops (@KC_GBB) March 5, 2021
Congrats to @PJPII_Hoops on its victory tonight and capturing the PAC Boys' Basketball Championship https://t.co/Ifpl8RVYt8 @PAcatholic @PottsmercSports @CatholicPhilly @AOPS_Schools @PjpSection pic.twitter.com/keJzJasASU
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) March 5, 2021
#Chapman900 Congrats Coach and to the whole team!!! pic.twitter.com/GUwX39iGCH
— HGP SGA (@HGPSGA) March 5, 2021
Congrats ladies!! https://t.co/Ps5pa6Nncq
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 5, 2021
We had our Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction on Tuesday evening. Congratulations to all of our newly inducted students! It was a beautiful evening of music. Thank you to Mr. Ramirez as well as all of the student officers for putting this event together. pic.twitter.com/GajNHZsaxc
— Cardinal O'Hara (@cardinalohara) March 4, 2021
“And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, & of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, & of godliness.”
Congratulations & blessings to all newly Confirmed #saintsandscholars in our schools and parishes! pic.twitter.com/x0ToNBhEg7
— AllentownDioceseEDU (@AtownDioceseEDU) March 4, 2021
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today responded to questions that many people have asked about whether it is permissible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
When people have no choice about which COVID vaccine to receive, it is morally acceptable to receive any vaccine they are offered. This is based on the December 2020 guidance from the Vatican, stating that “when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines are not available … it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.”
The position of some bishops in Pennsylvania has been inaccurately reported in some news media, resulting in confusion among Catholics and the public.
Our position has never changed, nor has that of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which said, “While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.”
In essence, we recognize that at this time individuals are not given a choice of which vaccine to receive and that this should not prevent Catholics from getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Catholics may in good conscience, receive any vaccine, in order to protect themselves. Once again, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of PA’s Catholic bishops.
Victoria McKeown, Sofia Colon, & Joyce Zheng -All-Catholic in Music! Victoria is 2nd chair on bass clarinet in Band. Sofia is 1st chair in cello and Joyce is 4th chair on the flute for the Orchestra. We are so proud of their achievements & look forward to hearing them in concert! pic.twitter.com/yc0NqkdyVC
— St. Hubert HS (@StHubertBambies) February 25, 2021
??? SENIOR NIGHT ???
?Bethlehem Catholic HS
? Friday, February 26
? Freedom Patriots
? JH-4p, JV-5:30 & Varsity 7p
? BecaHi Sports YouTube pic.twitter.com/6Zb31WtGtj— Becahi Lady Hawks Basketball (@BecahiGBB) February 26, 2021
#MarianScholars Sophomores studied “non-Newtonian“ fluids… making oobleck out of cornstarch and water! #HandsOnLearning ScienceInAction ?? pic.twitter.com/doJiH6ueY6
— Marian Catholic High School (@Marian_CathHS) February 25, 2021
Led by Mr. Andrew Sweeney, Central's Quiz Bowl team competed against Knoch and Shadyside Academy recently. The team consists of Liam Tinker, '21, Joe Stern, '22, and Jude Sweeney, '21.
Watch the recordings of Hometown High-Q and see how Central does: https://t.co/QKdt0eo6qg pic.twitter.com/h2Xx3WAMrX
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) February 23, 2021
Victors…14-0 on the season. pic.twitter.com/AR5jJ1FwmX
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) February 23, 2021
A team of OC and CC students tied for 1st at St. Therese's trivia night. In a generous gesture, students donated their prize back to St. Therese. Principal Jon Cuniak thanks Katherine Helwick, Marigrace Murphy, Athena Quinlan, and Alison Sinicki, along with Central teammates! pic.twitter.com/8RATkwVmMi
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 22, 2021
Excited to welcome the largest incoming Freshmen class at any single-sex or co-ed school in the Archdiocese! The #ClassOf2025 includes 200 & counting students from
?26 Zip Codes
?4 Counties
?51 Schools:
10 Charter
2 Cyber
18 Phila Cath
9 Phila SD
2 Private
8 Sub Cath
2 Sub SD pic.twitter.com/kREF8ZGcwQ— FatherJudge HS (@FatherJudgeHS) February 25, 2021
Congratulations ladies!! Keep it going!! ??? https://t.co/Syrkw3znb1
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) February 26, 2021
Follow @gmahsathletics on Instagram for live updates from the championship. https://t.co/ZOjChRrYbv
— Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School (@GMAHighSchool) February 26, 2021
Thumbs up to #fridaymorning #catholicschool #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/td94xwxD1v
— Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools (@KennedyCatholi2) February 26, 2021
1/6 Here are photo from Mass this morning at @Bonner_Prendie. Mass was concelebrated by campus minister Father Joseph Zaleski. pic.twitter.com/T5dgG1C5au
— Archbishop Nelson Perez (@ArchbishopPerez) February 24, 2021
Happy 100 Days Until Graduation, Grade 8! ? pic.twitter.com/uiUyX3H4Pd
— Holy Child School at Rosemont (@HCRosemont) February 24, 2021
Coach Cleary is making headlines once again!
He just got his 650th career win as the Serra Catholic Lady Eagles basketball coach. The Lady Eagles defeated Seton LaSalle earlier this week, securing their 4th straight section title. Congratulations Lady Eagles and Mr. Cleary! pic.twitter.com/gFS9Sr7jwq— Serra Catholic HS (@SerraCatholic) February 24, 2021
Prep’s Diversity Council moderator, Mr. Todd Bailey, along with Ved Dave ‘24, Tiffany Lee ‘23, Adrianna Colon ‘21, & Gianna Williams ’21 proudly displayed Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem in Prep’s main lobby. #AMDG pic.twitter.com/jijnnc3juR
— Scranton Prep (@scrantonprep) February 24, 2021
There are now six 1,000-point scorers this season in the county — the latest of which is Trinity senior Ava Stevenson (@RocksGBB @ava_stevenson3) who did so in spectacular fashion. Elsewhere: Mechanicsburg (@GoMechanicsburg) girls secure division crown.https://t.co/6nkV9hejFk
— Cumberlink Sports (@Clink_Sports) February 24, 2021
Congrats to the @HolyGhostPrep team that recently placed third in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the top 10% out of all of the 2,800 teams competing in the @CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. #ThinkSuccess #ThinkGhost pic.twitter.com/5yMa1Mm2RP
— Holy Ghost Prep (@HolyGhostPrep) February 24, 2021
#VikingProud Congratulations to our Class of 2021 Vikette Basketball Players who were recognized on Senior Night — Emily Vaughan, Erica Dietz and Maria Saccani! Good luck girls! #VikingSpirit #Vikings4Life ?? @ACCHS_Athletics pic.twitter.com/dCJ94DdgYM
— ACCHS (@ACCHSVikings) February 23, 2021
PHOTOS!! Notre Dame boys basketball team defeats Palmerton 80-61, wins Colonial League boys semifinal. Click on this link –> https://t.co/3OV42wYIhT to see more photos. @LVHSSports pic.twitter.com/DJUKUnBRJ4
— Saed Hindash (@SaedHindash) February 25, 2021
Ms. Zachar's French Class celebrated the French holiday Chandeleur with crepes & flips of a gold coin. This celebrates the coming spring & the presentation of Jesus. Good luck & happiness if you successfully flip your crepe while holding a gold coin in your hand! ??? #KCFamily pic.twitter.com/kMnGjSHQXg
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) February 10, 2021
Today, Mrs. Sforza's CE chem students discussed Rosalind Franklin’s pivotal role in the discovery of the structure of DNA in honor of the #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience.#GirlsinSTEM pic.twitter.com/Eftab3leBY
— Oakland Catholic High School (@OCHS_Pittsburgh) February 11, 2021
We may struggle to get buckets, but the Lady Lancers have no trouble with the books! Congratulations to all who achieved academic honors in the 2nd marking period. ? ? #LFL @AOPathletics @AOPS_Schools @McDevittLancers pic.twitter.com/Z4CBQ3q6bR
— Lady Lancer Basketball (@McD_GirlsHoops) February 10, 2021
Yesterday, students in Mr. Sweeney's class participated in the American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12).
The AMC-12 is a national math competition that serves as a springboard for more advanced levels of competition. pic.twitter.com/yQbCrD2JXZ
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) February 11, 2021
8th grade at Immaculate Conception Academy in Birdsboro, PA making trays of Lasagna for Safe Berks #Service ?@bctesche? ?@AtownDioceseEDU? pic.twitter.com/Kq5qumbeIv
— Tony Balistrere (@TonyBalistrere) February 10, 2021
Congratulations @BCHSwbb Seniors!!!! pic.twitter.com/jhp5yNPp6C
— Bishop Canevin Crusaders Athletic Department (@crusaderathdept) February 12, 2021
Your Golden Eagle Boys are #4 in the newest Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Pennsylvania State Rankings for Feb. 10, 2021 | Trib HSSN | Trib HSSN#KCPride #Tradition https://t.co/Wt4Iz73gHk
— Kennedy Catholic Pride (@KCPrideWatcher) February 11, 2021
Congrats to girls basketball, boys basketball, girls ice hockey, & boys ice hockey who all had great wins in recent weeks! Be sure to catch all the latest sports news at https://t.co/mFjqUL4dU7! You can also send your #BSHS sports news, photos & videos to social@shanahan.org! pic.twitter.com/6znkGeAaWa
— Bishop Shanahan H.S. (@Bishop_Shanahan) February 12, 2021
Check out Mrs. Rinaldi's 1st Grade Reading Group!! They did such an awesome job today in class!! Wonderful work, Boys and Girls! ??? pic.twitter.com/FB9287uAM9
— SaintAnthonyRCS (@SaintAnthonyRCS) February 10, 2021
The @Wood_Vikings Softball Program Hosts Successful Clothing Drive https://t.co/7vUBJT8MP5 @wood @Wood_softball @PAcatholic @AOPS_Schools @CatholicPhilly @BucksLocalSport pic.twitter.com/3zGgwv9g79
— AOPathletics (@AOPathletics) February 11, 2021
Both campuses participated in the St. Patrick's Haven Collection during Catholic Schools Week last week. St. Patrick's Haven is a homeless shelter in Erie that provides temporary housing for men in Erie. pic.twitter.com/HqEy2Bx3Mf
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) February 11, 2021
Congratulations to Eddy Tillman, '21, on winning the KDKA Super 7 Class 6A Player of the Year!
Watch the report on Spotlight WPIAL: https://t.co/O4IZ6sjbWb pic.twitter.com/9a6TupuGpf
— Central Catholic (@centralvikings) February 12, 2021
Girls Basketball: Bishop McCort 69, Richland 64 https://t.co/25h56JokGc
— McCort Athletics (@crushersports) February 12, 2021
It’s a new session underway in the PA House and Senate in Harrisburg and pro-life lawmakers are laying the groundwork for some important measures to preserve the dignity of life. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference will be right there with them as they look to navigate the lengthy process of getting a bill passed.
Three of the measures may sound very familiar to you because they made substantive progress of varying degrees over the past session or sessions. But when a new session starts, so does the process. We’ll start with the one that made it the furthest in the most recent legislative session:
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference puts a high priority on measures that protect the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. We monitor hundreds of bills across a variety of issues that we feel are central to the Catholic faith.
PENNSYLVANIA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 12, 2020 Contact: Al Gnoza 717-585-1548
PCC CONDEMNS RECENT INCREASE IN ANTI-SEMITIC ACTS
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), on behalf of all the Catholic Bishops in Pennsylvania, today responded to the recent increase in hateful anti-Semitic acts in the commonwealth. These crimes have included the painting of swastikas on synagogues.
“These acts are offensive and hurtful to all of us,” PCC Executive Director Eric Failing said on behalf of the bishops. “Hate is never right, but it is especially heartbreaking when you see innocent people targeted because of their religious beliefs. We remain resolute in standing beside our Jewish brothers and sisters as we condemn the attacks and the hateful sentiment that fuels them.”
The Anti-Defamation League says incidents against Jewish institutions more than tripled in Pennsylvania last year. The latest one took place at a synagogue in Harrisburg, just a few miles away from PCC headquarters. The swastika is one of the most painful hate symbols for Jews, harkening back to the Nazis and the genocide of World War II.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
# # #
For every lawmaker you see or hear about at the Pennsylvania Capitol, there are many more staff members that work behind the scenes. Many of those staffers have been at the Capitol for years, even as elected officials come and go.
Jon Castelli is the Executive Director of the House Urban Affairs Committee on the Democratic side. In October he will be celebrating 33 years of service at the Capitol. He started there right out of college and has held a number of positions.
“I started with the House Local Government Committee as a research analyst,” Castelli told me on a recent visit to his Capitol office. That was back in 1987. He also worked with the Office of Research and Legislative Development before transitioning to his current committee as a research analyst and then as Executive Director.
“It’s an interesting committee,” Castelli said. “In a way it’s similar to the local government committee because we deal with governance of cities, the larger counties, but we also deal with things like affordable housing, revitalizing older communities, dealing with blight and trying to eradicate blight.”
The PA Catholic Conference worked with Castelli and Rep. Tom Caltagirone in recent years on a measure known as the “Land Bank Bill,” which would call for run-down properties to be renovated into shelter for the homeless.
“Land banks are entities that the legislature provided for in statute a number of years ago,” Castelli said. “Every county’s allowed to establish a land bank–the larger cities and larger municipalities–they deal with the problem-property inventories—your blighted properties, your properties that basically nobody wants.”
Castelli said the focus is then to acquire the property and re-develop it, or see that it gets to a non-profit entity that will do the renovation. House Bills 896 and 897 would add a homelessness component to the Land Bank Act.
“We envision the program would work by conveying the property for maybe a dollar to a non-profit community development organization and then they would seek funding through the State Neighborhood Assistance Act to redevelop it and get it back onto the tax rolls and provide housing for those who were formerly homeless.”
As active as Castelli has been at the Capitol, many of you in the Harrisburg area may have seen him in some of his other roles—including taking part in mass at St. Pat’s.
“I’ve been long involved at the Cathedral. I’m a lector there,” Castelli said. He is also a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, which is very active in the church.
“We have a program of feeding the hungry,” Castelli said. “We have a Saturday morning breakfast for the needy and then a Sunday evening dinner. The Knights of Columbus help with that dinner once a month—well now we’re suspended because of COVID. We also deliver to some of the shut-ins of the parish and others from the community who could no longer make it due to health reasons to the actual dinner at Cathedral Hall.”
TESTIMONY
of
PHILIP J. FROMUTH. Ph.D.
to the
PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
JUNE 17, 2020
Good afternoon Chairman Sonney and members of the House Education Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to be with you to share a few thoughts about the challenges that will face Catholic schools to re-open in the upcoming school year. My name is Phil Fromuth, I am Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Allentown and I am also the Moderator of the Education Department of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Catholic schools provide faith-based education to 140,000 of the 200,000 non-public school students in Pennsylvania. This is my 40th year in the field of Catholic education and the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education and will continue to shape that landscape in our Commonwealth more dramatically than any other event in my four decades in education.
As we begin to wrap up the 2019-2020 school year in the virtual world and plan ahead for the 2020-2021 school year, I would like to share a few thoughts and concerns with the re-opening of our schools in a live, virtual or hybrid format in the upcoming months.
I am so proud of our Catholic school educators in the Diocese of Allentown and across the state who pivoted so quickly to provide ongoing educational opportunities and a continuity of education for all our students while they were not physically in school. Our schools are tuition based, so if we were to ask parents to continue to meet their tuition obligations, we needed to meet our part to deliver a quality and challenging curriculum.
We did have an advantage that many of our schools had either developed or had worked on Flexible Instruction Day plans to continue education remotely either in a virtual format or by packet education in case of inclement weather or other emergency that would prevent school from being open. This was a significant advantage as educators and administrators had already begun to think and plan how to not only deliver quality instruction, but also how to monitor progress, measure academic achievement and plan for the necessary follow up and communication that is so key to effective instruction. My thanks to Chairman Sonney for amending the Flexible Instruction Day legislation last year and allowing non-public schools to participate and to the Education Committee for unanimously supporting the amendment.
However, the Flexible Instructional Day Plans were developed for being out of school for up to five days. So, while our educators may have been ahead of the learning curve, I don’t want to mislead you, the last ten weeks also were categorized by a fair amount of trial and error. Our educators were both flexible and adaptable as to what worked, what didn’t work and always cognizant of the external factors going on impacting our nation and our communities, and the pressures on families to balance health and safety issues, work issues, financial issues and the increased responsibilities on parents regarding their child’s education. This was an enormous shift and was not always uniform from school to school or classroom to classroom, but our educators stepped up in a significant way to provide a quality educational experience for the children entrusted to their care.
Now, as we look ahead to the new school year, all schools will have challenges, but there are five that I believe are unique Catholic schools.
The recently released Preliminary Guidance for the Phased Re-Opening of Pre-K to Gr. 12 Schools puts a heavy emphasis on Health and Safety plans, as so it should. The health and safety of our students and our employees is of paramount importance and I believe the school nurse will play an integral role at the building level. So, at this critical time in education, in this time where, for so many reasons, we need to get our children back to school, school nursing for non-public schools in Pennsylvania has slipped to measuring heights and weights, eye exams and record keeping for immunizations. Is this the best this Commonwealth can do for their youth on an ongoing basis, yet alone in a pandemic? In the plan from the PDE it is mentioned that “Private and Parochial schools are strongly encouraged to create a Health and Safety Plan tailored to their unique needs.” While we appreciate the encouragement, we would prefer the ongoing interaction with local school health care professionals to help DEVELOP and EXECUTE Health and Safety Plans that include adequate nursing services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, in regard to the re-opening plan shared by the Department of Education, many Catholic schools serve students from more than one county. A number of public school districts also serve multiple counties. The plan does not address situations where one county may be in a different Safety Phase than a neighboring county serving a number of students in a school or school district. Will there be guidance issued when a neighboring county that a school serves, possibly slips back into a more restrictive phase?
In addition, we wait to see Pennsylvania’s plan for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund or GEERS Program as part of the CARES Act. In California, these funds are being used to help all schools, public and private schools to procure necessary PPE’s, supplies and equipment. In California, this is being done to support the safe re-opening of all schools and to protect the public health. So, GEER’s funds are being allocated to purchase and then distribute such items as no-touch thermometers, face shields, masks, hand sanitizers and other supplies, all leveraging buying power of the state to supply these needed materials to benefit all students in the state. Again, we await the plan for this Commonwealth’s use of the GEER’s funds.
We ask your help in the areas I have shared with you. As I began my testimony, over 140,000 students are receiving an education in a Catholic school in this state.
and we hope that the plan being developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to re-open schools is shared in a timely manner that allows for regulatory flexibility and a fair amount of local decision making.
Thank you for your time today and for your service to the citizens for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Good afternoon Chairman Sonney and members of the House Education Committee.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a few needs that all Catholic and nonpublic schools will face this fall in re-opening their school year. My name is Sean McAleer, I am the Director of Education for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Co-State Director for PACAPE, which represents over 90% of all private schools in Pennsylvania. Catholic schools provide faith-based education to 140,000 of the 260,000 non-public school students in Pennsylvania. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education and will continue to shape that landscape in our Commonwealth more dramatically than any other event either man-made or natural.
As we wrap up the 2019-2020 school year in the distance learning world and plan ahead for the 2020-2021 school year, I would like to share the Catholic and nonpublic school needs with the re-opening of our schools in a live, blended learning or distance learning platform. Catholic and nonpublic schools have two legislative and two administrative needs, as outlined below:
Legislative Fixes (Two Requests):
Nursing: All school reopening plans (public and nonpublic) for the Coronavirus pandemic must start with a school nurse on site. A nurse needs to review the plans to make sure a school is compliant with all CDC, PA DOH and local guidelines. A school nurse will also need to monitor anyone that enters the building and have protocols in place if the nurse suspects someone of potentially having Coronavirus. The nurse will also have to implement mitigation protocols to both identify and stop the spread of the Coronavirus. It is readily apparent that the nurse is the most vital person to have present in the school building during the Coronavirus pandemic. That is why Catholic and nonpublic schools are requesting the following nursing legislation:
ARTICLE XIV.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES.
Section 1401. Definitions. (Two Requests)-
Add: (8.1) “School nurse services” means a mandated school health service provided by a school district or joint school board to all children of school age who attend either a public or private school within the Commonwealth on an equitable basis.
The Public Affairs Agency of the Catholic Dioceses of Pennsylvania Since 1960
214 State Street, Box 2835, Harrisburg, PA 17105 ?ph: 717-238-9613 ? fx: 717-238-1473
www.pacatholic.org @pacatholic
Such services shall include the development of appropriate plans of care, medication administration, first aid and emergency care, as well as the other duties and responsibilities prescribed by regulation for school nurses by the Department of Health in 28 PA Code Chapter 23, or as prescribed under any additional standards issued by the Department of Health with respect to those regulations.
Add: (17) “Nonpublic school” means a nonprofit school, other than a public school within this Commonwealth, wherein a resident of this Commonwealth may legally fulfill the compulsory school attendance requirements of this act and which meets the applicable requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352, 78 Stat. 241).
Section 1402. Health Services. (Two Requests)-
Add: (a.1) In addition to the services specifically enumerated in this section, every child of school age shall be provided with school nurse services in the school which the child attends by the school district where the school is situated: Provided, however, That the number of pupils under the care of each school nurse shall not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500). After timely and meaningful consultation between school district officials and appropriate nonpublic school officials, children who attend nonpublic schools shall be furnished school nurse services by the school district in which their nonpublic school is located, on an equitable basis, individually or in combination as requested by the nonpublic school officials to best meet the needs of such children, and as compared to the services provided to public school children of the district.
Add: (g) In addition to any other remedies that may be available by law or regulation, aNY violation of this section regarding the furnishing of services to children attending nonpublic schools may be remedied by means of the issuance of injunctive relief, upon an application for such relief filed on behalf of any such student in the court of common pleas in the county in which the school district providing services is located.
Section 1410.1. Employment of Additional School Health Personnel.(Five Requests)-
Add: (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a nonpublic school may employ a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse who is not certificated by the Department of Education as a school nurse to provide first aid services and emergency care for ill or injured children. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall only perform acts as permitted by the Professional Nursing Law(63 P.S. § 211 et seq.), the Practical Nurse Law (63 P.S. § 651 et seq.), and the Department of State regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 21).
(b) A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse employed by a nonpublic school shall supplement the school nurse services required to be provided by the school district or joint school board to nonpublic school children, and shall not relieve the school district or joint school board from providing school nurse services as set forth in this Article or the Department of Health regulations.
(c) When appropriate, school nurse services that are provided by a school district or joint school board to nonpublic school children may be furnished by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who is employed by a school district or joint school board and who is acting under the supervision of a school nurse employed by a school district or joint school board.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the following:
(1) Create, establish or expand any obligations on the part of any nonpublic school to comply with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112, 29 U.S.C. § 794).
(2) Create, establish, result in or expand any contractual obligations on the part of any nonpublic school.
(e) No nonpublic school employe or nonpublic school shall be liable for civil damages as a result of the provision of first aid services or emergency care for ill or injured children, except that an employe may be liable for willful misconduct.
Liability Waivers: Public and nonpublic schools will all be seeking general Coronavirus pandemic liability waivers. Public schools already enjoy immunity protections, so they will not face the same types of potential legal challenges Catholic and nonpublic schools could face, but since there are still many unknowns out there, all schools would need a Coronavirus pandemic liability waiver.
Administrative Fixes-PDE Guidance (Two Requests):
Transportation Q & A’s-(Two Requests): PDE offers transportation Q & A’s, but they haven’t been specifically updated for the Coronavirus Pandemic. Catholic and Nonpublic schools need to have two Coronavirus Pandemic questions added:
Question: Do School Districts have to provide transportation to both public and nonpublic students during the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Answer: Yes, A school district is required by law to provide transportation, regardless of whether the public school students are receiving in person or virtual education. The school district still must provide transportation to all its nonpublic school students.
Question: Do School Districts have to furnish transportation that follows a nonpublic school schedule during the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Answer: Yes.
Act 89 Services to Nonpublic Schools-(One Request): PDE issues guidelines on Act 89 Services to Nonpublic School. Catholic and Nonpublic schools would need to have one Coronavirus Pandemic guideline added:
If an LEA or IU cannot provide in person Act 89 instruction services during the Coronavirus Pandemic, a nonpublic school may seek a third party vendor to provide the Act 89 in person instruction services.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sean P. McAleer, MGR
Director of Education
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
Rep. Bob Merski (D-Erie) has seen just about every side there is of Catholic education.
“K through 8, I went to Holy Family, educated by the Sisters of St. Frances,” he told me on a recent phone interview. “Then I went to Cathedral Prep, which is the all-boys Catholic school here in Erie for high school and then I went to Mercyhurst University with the Sisters of Mercy here in Erie as well.”
But it didn’t stop there. Merski then moved to the front of the class– so to speak– for Catholic education.
“There was a program at Mercyhurst. It was the cadet teaching program. It put pre-service teachers in Catholic schools. I went to school—I was the last cadet, that’s my claim to fame at Mercyhurst. Basically I took two years straight through of classes and then I taught in a Catholic school classroom under intense supervision while I finished my degree.”
Merski then taught full-time and served as a City Council member in Erie for seven years. He says he misses the kids and the cycle of the school year. He’s still giving back to the community, just in a different way.
“I think that goes back to my faith. It’s in giving that we receive. I have in my core values that you have to give back. God puts you on earth—You were created for a purpose, on purpose. You have a mission in life and you have to figure it out…Whether it be teaching, public service through elected office or even the stuff I do in our parish, being an usher, those types of things…Giving back, my parents taught us that. It’s part of who I am.”
Merski is also one of a handful of Democrats in the Pennsylvania House that are prolife.
“I have a consistent life ethic. I believe in the seamless garment of life, where we have to protect the unborn but we also have to protect people while they’re here and honor their dignity while they’re alive and then especially at the end of life. At the beginning and end is where we focus on as a church and the middle we kind of forget about.”
Merski says it’s very hard to legislate morality.
“When we make laws we have to keep in mind, this is what society accepts. That’s sometimes what I struggle with—not just with life issues, like abortion votes but also in taking away general assistance for the poorest of the poor…We have to help people that are poor, the least among us.”
When you spend time talking with lawmakers in Pennsylvania, you realize how much they care about their residents, the people they serve. That has become especially evident over the past several months as these legislators find out how much their people have been suffering from the pandemic and resulting shutdown.
PA Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) talked to us about that on a visit to his Capitol office.
“Each and every day comes heart-breaking phone calls from constituents, from business owners, who have been impacted,” he said, “either from a public health standpoint or they’ve been separated from loved ones, who’ve been in a nursing home–spouses who’ve been separated, who’ve been isolated in a nursing facility. Employers who’ve invested their life’s work into creating and building a business that they had hoped to be able to pass on to their children and grandchildren and being forced to make very difficult decisions about closing their doors and perhaps never reopening.”
Aument said he has also heard from countless workers, who have been forced out of a job and have had to go several weeks without getting an unemployment check because of back-ups in the system. That has made it tough to pay bills and even put food on the table.
“Just heart-breaking and devastating conversations, each and every day,” Aument said.
The senator says one of the real criticisms he has of how Governor Wolf has handled the whole shutdown has been his unwillingness to listen to other perspectives—from a medical standpoint and from an economic standpoint.
“I, like many, believe that we can both protect public health and restore our economy. We can protect public health. We can take the steps that we need to take to protect folks. Businesses can make those decisions so they can safely reopen.”
Aument says business owners have every incentive to protect workers and customers.
“Many of these folks have come to me with terrific plans to safely reopen. I’m really proud of the work that’s being done in Lancaster County, the collaboration that’s taken place between government entities, between municipal officials, school district leaders, business leaders, county officials, our leaders from the main health systems in Lancaster County: UPMC, Wellspan, Lancaster General Health. There’s been tremendous collaboration to develop a Lancaster County plan to reopen our economy and to protect citizens. Our health systems have done a great job providing phenomenal care for our residents…We can make informed, data-informed decisions in real-time in a way that is very difficult to do on a state-wide level.”
Lawmakers have long been called public servants because they work for the people. Never has that been truer than for these past four months when the pandemic and resulting shutdown sent countless numbers of frustrated Pennsylvanians to their local reps and senators for help.
“Been very busy here in the office,” Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin, Perry) told me in an interview at his Capitol office. “There’s a lot of confusion going on with the re-opening and the Governor’s orders backing up restaurants and bars to 25% capacity. There are still a lot of people struggling with unemployment. They haven’t received their unemployment for weeks—months actually. Other people are calling in and they’re getting double payments. It never stops over there at L&I. We’ve never been busier in the office since COVID has started.”
DiSanto had called for the resignation of Labor and Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak over his response to problems with PA’s unemployment system. The senator also pointed out the dysfunction and management of the office within the department even before Oleksiak took over. A performance audit had revealed that nearly $180-million in taxpayer dollars had been spent under the previous secretary on an unsuccessful modernization project.
But that has certainly not been the extent of Sen. DiSanto’s work this summer. He was able to steer a bill through the legislature this year that will give ex-offenders a second chance at a career. The PA Catholic Conference was in full support of DiSanto on this measure, as were lawmakers from both parties.
“That was Senate Bill 637, now known as Act 53,” DiSanto said. “It deals with second chances and inmates trying to get out of prison or people that have criminal records, helping them obtain licenses so that they can mainstream back into society. We’ve eliminated a lot of cumbersome language—moral turpitude, good moral character has been removed. The licensing boards have had to provide a clear list of crimes that would prevent people from holding a license, prior the them even applying for a license. It also streamlines the process so that people can get back into work and become productive parts of society. Very proud of that. It was a great piece of legislation. Got bipartisan support. That was a big win for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”
She may be the most recognizable person in the Pennsylvania Senate, and very likely one of the hardest-working people connected with the chamber. I’m talking about Megan Martin, the Secretary of the Senate and the first woman to serve in that position. She is also the Parliamentarian, Chaplain during the virtual sessions and the Right-to-Know Law Appeals Officer.
If you tune in PCN for a Senate session, you will see her, right beside the presiding officer who is running the session. That person can change, depending on the day. But Megan is always there. Or so it seems!
“As the Secretary I’m the Chief Legislative Officer of the Senate, so I’m responsible for all the legislative operations of the Senate,” she told me on a recent visit to her fourth-floor Capitol office. Incidentally, that’s a long climb and she insists on taking the stairs instead of the elevators—always busy in some way!
Martin says she has a great legislative team.
“They are responsible, for example, for creating the bill calendars that we use for session every day, for creating the executive nominations calendars when the Governor nominates individuals to serve on boards and commissions. Basically my office is the legislative heart of the Senate in terms of the legislative operations—not the policy side—we leave that to the caucuses but in terms of the processes and procedures. My folks on my team touch every bill from the moment that it’s introduced and created and then throughout the process until it’s signed by the Governor or vetoed by the Governor, or sent to a committee or laid on the table.”
Martin also has seven other departments that come under her charge—Senate Library, Senate Reporters Office, Senate Page Room, Senate Security, Tour Guides Office, Senate Bill Room and the Senate Print Shop. And she’s also a product of the PA Catholic School system–attending Villa Maria Academy in Chester Co.
Martin is not an elected official but she is elected to her position. She’s an institutional officer which means she’s elected by the senators every other year on opening day. She serves all the members equally, regardless of their political party or affiliation.
That’s all just part of her job as Secretary, which does not include what she does on the floor of the Senate. That is part of her role as Parliamentarian.
“As such I advise the presiding officer when we’re in session, which is typically the Lt. Governor, who is the President of the Senate. Or I will advise the President Pro Tempore. That is Sen. Joe Scarnati, or if another senator has been designated by the Pro Temp to preside, I will advise them during session. I help them as they manage the business of session day to day.”
She also advises members and the staff when they have questions on the meaning and the application of the precedent of the Senate or the rules of the Senate as well as processes and procedures of the chamber.
“Basically I try to make sure that the session day flows as smoothly as the session day can flow.”
Martin says she owes a lot to Sen. Scarnati, who selected her for the position.
“He has truly given me the professional opportunity of a lifetime. He has supported me in every aspect of the position and on every endeavor I’ve taken as Secretary and Parliamentarian to modernize, professionalize and energize my 80-person operation.”
You can tell she has a lot to do and monitor in the Senate. That would really be a grind if you didn’t like your job. No problem for Megan Martin.
“I really enjoy what I do,” she said. “I feel very blessed. I am excited. I pinch myself when I walk into this building. It’s a privilege to come here to the Capitol every day and get to the work that I do for the people of Pennsylvania. I love that. I’ve devoted almost my entire career to public service. I was inspired by the best—people that I’ve worked for over the years and I really love what I do.”
Martin says that when she was young she wanted to be a doctor but changed her focus to law when she was in college. She was originally involved in family law, but got a chance to work for Governor Ridge and that made an impression on her and changed her perspective. She worked there for seven years.
“I was very privileged because I learned how state government works from the top down. I worked in 225 Main Capitol for my first four years….I learned from the best, and I learned by listening and observing high-quality individuals and how they handled themselves at meetings and how they treated people, particularly Tom Ridge. He surrounded himself with good, quality people. I learned very early that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”
One of the more substantive debates in the PA Senate this summer has been over Senate Bill 1166, which was designed to put a limit on the length of an emergency in Pennsylvania that was declared by the Governor. One of the big supporters of that bill has been Sen. David Argall (R-Berks, Schuylkill).
“The basic fact is that the people of Pennsylvania elect representatives. They elect senators. They elect a governor. They don’t elect a king,” Argall explained to me during a visit to his Capitol office this past week. “We’re all supposed to be in this together in this difficult time. We understand this is a very serious emergency but we believe that the law should say that an emergency can’t last forever and that no governor—not this governor, not the next governor, not the one after that—should be able to continually extend the emergency time after time after time.”
The General Assembly passed that measure as a bill but the PA Supreme Court said that lawmakers could not do that. They then went the route of a constitutional amendment.
“The governor doesn’t get to veto constitutional amendments,” Argall said. “It has to pass the House and Senate. That has been done. It will have to pass the House and Senate again after the November election. Then it goes on the ballot and I believe the people of Pennsylvania will approve that.”
The measure has gotten at least some measure of bipartisan support in both chambers.
“We did four public hearings across the state, looking at the economy, Argall said. “People are hurting. This idea that you need to close down restaurants and bars in counties with no cases…don’t blame them for what’s happening in Miami or Pittsburgh or Philadelphia….This one man determining all the rules, and then telling the rest of the state what to do, ignoring the House, ignoring the Senate, ignoring the public, ignoring the local governments—we believe that’s just wrong.”
Lawmakers and government officials have faced many issues and challenges over these last couple of months. But two of the more pressing problems as far as state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is concerned are the troubles with the state unemployment system and the question of how to educate our children and young people this fall.
Perhaps the most frustrating issue so far has been with unemployment.
“That has been something that we have really tried to step up to the plate in our district. Unfortunately I can’t go into the computers in Harrisburg and fix some of the problems that people have faced,” Schwank told me on a visit to her district office just outside of Reading. “We have staff dedicated, that have worked really 24-7 practically trying to assist people that have contacted us that have not received their payments or have gotten some payments and then they stop. There have been so many problems. The Department of Labor & Industry was simply overwhelmed by the number of people when we’re talking about 40% or 20% on the state level and even higher here.”
Sen. Schwank says she has been also busy working on the schooling issue. That is not settled either.
“We’ve been talking with superintendents, talking with teachers and parents about their concerns,” Schwank said. “There’s no clear-cut answer and there’s no really good answer because everybody faces different issues but if there is one issue regarding the pandemic that I think is so important, it is how we get our children back to being educated, whether it is virtually or whether it is in person, or a hybrid model of some sort. We can not afford to let children slip through the cracks and not get the education that they need. You don’t get any do-overs in childhood. Your education every year builds on the previous year.”
The senator says she’s not sure when they will be back in session in Harrisburg, maybe early or late September. She pointed out that they were in session almost immediately after the pandemic started.
It was on July 15th that the PA Senate passed House Bill 196, by Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon). It would call for appellate court judges in Pennsylvania (Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts) to be chosen by district. Now they are chosen by total vote across the entire state.
“For the last 50 years, the result of that has been that Allegheny and Philadelphia County have taken about 60% of those seats,” Diamond told me last week on a visit to his Capitol office. “That is three-times their population—21.8%.”
Diamond says he believes there should be more geographic diversity on those courts because there are different judicial temperaments and attitudes toward the law across the state. He has introduced the bill in each of his three terms in office, but this time around it has gotten some traction.
“It’s a constitutional amendment which would divide the state into seven Supreme Court districts, nine Commonwealth Court districts and 15 Superior Court districts so that every region in the state has a fair shot at having a judge getting a seat on that bench.”
The measure passed the House in December. Since it is a constitutional amendment, it will have to be passed by both chambers again next session and then it would be placed on the ballot for voter approval. The governor would have no say in the matter, which is pertinent in this instance because Governor Wolf has shown a penchant to veto Republican-backed bills.
There has been opposition to the bill. Diamond says it’s from legislators who are calling for merit selection.
Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) has been around long enough in public service to appreciate a good challenge. He’s been seeing exactly that–right along with the rest of us these last couple of months. But as a public servant, his challenge has been a bit tougher.
“I’m in my eighth term in the General Assembly,” Kauffman told me on a recent visit to the Capitol. “My first term was the infamous pay-raise back in 2005. This has topped everything that I’ve been through in the eight terms that I’ve been here.”
Kauffman said it’s been especially painful watching his constituents, their businesses and the community in general that he serves and loves, suffer through the pandemic and the resulting shutdown. Kauffman is one of many lawmakers who feels that being safe and being open in a responsible way are not mutually exclusive.
“It’s a balance. It really is. When you talk about things like shutting down schools, I understand the concerns that are out there but what about the concerns of those who are severely disadvantaged economically and otherwise who depend on schools for everything from their nutrition to mentorship to really (protecting kids against) child abuse—those mandated reporters are in schools…the schools mean a lot of things other than just education these days.”
Kauffman says the educational part is vital as well and that we will see kids falling behind. He says we all need to look at the larger picture, but that it’s hard to do that when people keep hearing about the number of COVID-19 cases on a daily basis.
“For those of us in public service, this has really been about community,” he said. “The community as a whole, not just the numbers of the virus, but livelihoods and things that people have built for generations falling apart, seeing people who are depressed or turning to substances or, horribly, even suicide. We have to look at the whole picture, because those of us in public service care about the entire community and there are so many components that we have to figure into this mess.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference applauds the Supreme Court’s decisions in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru and St. James Catholic School v. Biel. In both cases, the Court reaffirmed the religious liberties guaranteed in the United States’ Constitution.
“These are incredibly important rulings for so many groups across the country,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “They take a big stand for religious liberty as a First Amendment freedom, which is continually being threatened. We are happy the Court has clearly recognized the importance of religious liberty to our nation.”
By Al Gnoza
By Al Gnoza
We at the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference once again applaud the job that all of our schools did over the past several months to continue to provide quality education to our students across the state. We thank teachers, students, parents and administrators for their flexibility and sacrifice.
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the plan is starting to take shape over how instruction and extra-curricular activities will shake out. We at the PCC are also joining education leaders in the dioceses in looking at the financial picture and how much money will be coming in from the state and federal government.
Every year as the state budget is being finalized, we keep our eye on how much will be available through the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program) and the OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program). These programs enable residents and businesses to donate to scholarship programs for non-public schools in exchange for tax credits.
PCC Education Director Sean McAleer says both the EITC and OSTC were level funded from last year. The EITC allocation is $185-million and the OSTC allocation is $55-million. Non-public schools will get $135-million of that.
The amount of money coming from the federal government is a different story. Many of you may remember the pleas that were sent out from the PCC and from within your respective dioceses to reach out to legislators to make sure that Catholic and other non-public schools would get a fair and equitable share of money awarded in COVID-19 relief through the CARES Act. We started this campaign when we got word that the PA Department of Education was looking to funnel more of that money to public schools than to non-public schools. That flew in the face of intentions set forth in the CARES Act, which called for a fair and equitable share to be given to ALL schools.
Well, the battle is not over, but it appears that the U.S. Department of Education is backing down to demands from state officials and that non-public schools will get a lesser share. We estimate that we could lose as much as $47-million.
We have stressed to both state and federal officials that Catholic schools will feel the crunch of the pandemic and resulting shutdown just as much public schools will. Maybe more so when you take into account that non-public schools are heavily dependent on tuition. Job losses have hit a wide range of families across Pennsylvania and many of them may be unable to continue to afford tuition in the coming year.
Despite the recent turn of events, there is still a long way to go and there is much that we can still do to work for our rightful share of the money. The good news is that our schools will still get at least some federal money. The PCC and Catholic education officials across the state are always working to keep costs down, knowing full well that it is not always easy making those tuition payments.
We promise to continue those efforts and to keep you posted on our efforts.
PCC APPLAUDS PASSING OF LEGISLATION TO GIVE EX-INMATES A SECOND CHANCE
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) applauds both the PA House and Senate for this afternoon’s passage of SB 637–sponsored by state Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin, Perry)–which will remove certain obstacles that prevent an ex-inmate from getting a professional license.
The House unanimously approved the measure around 2:30 and the Senate concurred a short time later.
“This is a great component of the criminal justice reform measures that the PCC has been working on,” said PCC Executive Director Eric Failing. “This is not getting soft on crime, this is helping prior offenders avoid more trouble. Once people have paid their debts to society we should not block them from becoming productive members of society. We think this will help lower recidivism and will help repair families by giving their loved ones a second chance.”
Over 30 occupational fields require a government license or registration in Pennsylvania. In an effort to combat recidivism, our state correctional institutions regularly train inmates in professional skills. Yet, after they have been released, the state often denies them a professional license to practice in the very industry we trained them in, due to convictions unconnected to their desired profession. Senate bill 637 corrects this discrepancy.
The PCC supports Senate Bill 637 by Sen. John DiSanto, which removes employment barriers for certain residents who are convicted of crimes unrelated to their intended profession. We believe this type of legislation helps people turn their lives around.
As it stands now, our laws deny many individuals a professional license to practice in the very industry we’ve trained them in, due to convictions unconnected to the practice of their desired profession. Senate bill 637 corrects this discrepancy by changing the law to state that convictions shall not automatically preclude the issuance of a license, certificate, registration or permit.
Once people have paid their debts to society we should not block them from becoming productive members of society. Furthermore, without the opportunity to become productive members of society, many individuals will end up back in our correctional institutions.
The bill is now before the PA House.
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today highlighted testimony given to the PA House Education Committee by Dr. Philip Fromuth, the Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Allentown and the Moderator of the Education Department of the PCC. The committee hosted an informational meeting this morning on safely reopening schools in the fall.
Dr. Fromuth pointed to several important issues affecting the 140,000 Catholic school students across Pennsylvania, with nursing at the top of the list.
“Nursing for non-public schools in Pennsylvania has slipped to measuring heights and weights, eye exams and record-keeping for immunizations,” Fromuth told lawmakers. “Is this the best this Commonwealth can do for their youth on an ongoing basis, yet alone in a pandemic?”
Fromuth also talked of the deep concerns that are being raised about efforts in PA to take federal CARES Act money away from non-public schools. The U.S. Department of Education has directed Catholic and non-public schools to receive about $66-million.
“But under the directive from PA Secretary of Education Rivera, non-public schools in Pennsylvania will receive only about $19 million,” Fromuth said. “Students, families, and schools in all 67 counties in this Commonwealth have been suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic and (federal) funds are to be used to help schools and will be essential as all schools look to re-open.”
Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC, also re-emphasized the fact that the pandemic and resulting shutdown have affected -all- schools.
“The fall-out may be even more acute for Catholic schools, which rely so heavily upon tuition,” he said. “Many people around the state have been out of work, which may affect their ability to pay tuition. That would be a huge concern for public schools if many of those students are forced back into their home districts.”
Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is proud to announce that Mr. Mark Ferrara will be stepping in to the role of President! Mr. Ferrara brings 40 years of professional educational & most recently, serving as a superintendent & consultant.
Welcome, Mr. Ferrara!
From Archbishop Nelson Perez:
On Saturday morning at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul I had the honor of ordaining 13 men to the Diaconate – nine men were ordained as Permanent Deacons and four men were ordained as Transitional Deacons for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; the Diocese of Mymensingh, Bangladesh; and the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). The Rite of Ordination took place during Mass following the Liturgy of the Word.
Permanent Deacons are members of the clergy of the Catholic Church, and have completed six years of formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. As ministers at the altar, Deacons assist the priest and bishop at the Liturgy. They proclaim God’s Word, preach and teach, baptize, may witness marriages, carry out funeral rites at the vigil and the grave, administer Holy Communion to the sick and dying, and perform other works of charity.
Those ordained to the Permanent Diaconate are: Gerald J. Cassidy, Henry C. Fila, Franz N. Fruehwald, Matthew A. Horvath, Gregg W. Hoyer, James V. Nash, Mark D. Nowakowski, Paul F. Stoyell-Mulholland, and Thomas N. Verna.
Transitional Deacons will serve in parishes for a year as they also complete their studies toward eventual ordination as priests next year. Their diaconate ministry is one of transition and a part of the normal progression to the priesthood.
Those ordained to the Transitional Diaconate are: Kenneth L. Cavara, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Prodip P. Mrong, for the Diocese of Mymensingh, Bangladesh; Erik R. Sanchez Martinez, C.M., for the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians); and Mark A. Tobin, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The Mass was streamed live via St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/, and at https://vimeo.com/424912591.
Please join me in offering prayers and best wishes for all on this joyous day in our local Church!
A lesson on walking together as brothers and sisters:
Reflections on the death of George Floyd
June 5, 2020
In the immediate days following the brutal killing of George Floyd, the world reacted with horror to the images of his struggle to breathe and to hold on to life. Countless numbers of individuals from throughout our country and world offered words of condemnation, sorrow and grief. I penned my name to a statement along with six other U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Peaceful protests ensued in cities and towns throughout our land with participants crying out for an end to the injustice of racism and the hatred associated with that sin.
For me, however, the message and power of this time of upheaval and pain were most vividly captured in the visit of Terrence Floyd to the makeshift memorial located at the site of his brother’s killing. Floyd knelt for a moment and then, surrounded by signs that simply said “Black Lives Matter,” rose and addressed the gathered crowd with these words, “My family is a peaceful family. My family is God-fearing. … Let’s do this another way. Do this peacefully, please.”
The combination of Terrence’s spoken message with those three words, “Black Lives Matter,” teach a lesson that we would all do well to sear into our minds and hearts. Floyd challenged the crowds to speak to the injustice of his brother’s death “peacefully,” echoing the very words of Jesus in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The silent, printed words proclaiming “Black Lives Matter” captured an essential component of the Gospel message. Black lives do matter. For black lives, like every life, are made in the image of our Creator. And as such, peace will only come to pass when every life is treated with respect and dignity as the gift of God that it is.
As I watched George Floyd’s brother continue to address that crowd in Minneapolis and challenge them to a peaceful way forward, I couldn’t help but wonder what so many of those who listened to his words were thinking. I wondered if many of them feared to walk in their neighborhoods simply because of the color of their skin. Considering our history, particularly in recent years, I cannot imagine what it would be like to grow up as a young black man in America today.
It occurred to me at that moment, more than ever before, that Terrence Floyd’s call for peace in the face of the brutality and sin that so mercilessly snuffed out the life of his defenseless brother, far from being political or ideological as some might suggest, was nothing short of a plea for justice in our land. His words were a reminder to all of us that as a people who have proclaimed so boldly the absolute value of human life from the moment of conception until natural death, every life in between is just as deserving of respect and reverence.
We Christians are proud to assert our commitment to life. Sadly, however, we often lose our focus upon this noble cause – by the violence, looting and destructive elements that have infiltrated the peaceful efforts of so many who rightfully seek justice and equality – or by a host of other distractions that many of us do subtly or even unknowingly until we turn inward and examine ourselves. In turn, we can begin to pick and choose what is worthy of respect and what is not, at least in our own minds. Yet, nowhere in our faith tradition is it ever suggested that we are meant to determine who is worthy of redemption and who is not. That is a task left to God alone.
May we be humble enough in the face of division to admit our need for conversion as we seek to confront the evil of racism in our land. May we resolve at this moment in our lives and in our history as a nation to embrace the call of Isaiah the prophet to beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks and so labor for God’s gifts of peace, reconciliation and unity. And may we finally begin to live with authenticity the one command of Jesus: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
Pentecost statement on racism from Bishop Lawrence Persico
On this Pentecost Sunday, we pray that the Holy Spirit enlighten the hearts and minds of all people to see that racism in all forms is an evil.
We should not be surprised by the riots that have taken place across the country, as well as here in the city of Erie. I do not condone violence in any form. But the outrage being ex-pressed is the result of decades of oppression and injustice.
It is my hope that churches, synagogues and mosques in northwest Pennsylvania can find meaningful ways to collaborate, bringing about real change in our region. People from every background and culture deserve a voice and opportunity. It will not happen unless we work together.
I support the powerful statement made by the bishops of the United States, which says, in part, that racism is not a thing of the past or simply a throwaway political issue to be bandied about when convenient.
“It is a real and present danger that must be met head on,” they write. “As members of the church, we must stand for the more difficult right and just actions instead of the easy wrongs of in-difference. We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.
Too many communities around this country feel their voices are not being heard, their com-plaints about racist treatment are unheeded, and we are not doing enough to point out that this deadly treatment is antithetical to the Gospel of Life.”
We have much work to do. Let us begin by praying in earnest that the Holy Spirit give us the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the voice we need to speak the truth.
Sr. Dorothy Ann Busowski, OSBM Provincial Superior
The Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great express deep sorrow and regret at the needless death of George Floyd. This occasion demands prayer, reflection, and urgent attention to the present moment. In a spirit of mourning we address this letter to the community.
Few symbols are as powerful as breath, and Mr. Floyd’s words, “I can’t breathe.”, call to mind biblical precedent. In Genesis we read, “the LORD God formed the man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Thus Adam, which in Hebrew means man, begins his life in this moment.
There is a beautiful Easter connection to this creation account. On the Sunday of His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and twice said to them: ‘Peace be with you.’ Simultaneously, “he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit.’” So we find breath in the foreground from the moment God created humanity to the moment of the new creation. Breath and life are inseparable.
What else do we find amidst the Risen Lord’s breathing act? Peace. Of all the things Jesus could have said, he chose to greet his friends with peace–twice. The message is clear, just as breath and life belong together, so do peace and life in Christ.
We need Christ’s peace now more than ever as social unrest spreads coast to coast. Righteous anger is an appropriate response to injustice, even called for, yet we must never allow it to devolve into rage. Peaceful demonstrations honor the spirit of Christian social action, while violence and theft betray it.
Those who serve in law enforcement deserve our respect and gratitude. In fact, some of the most hopeful images to emerge in the last few days include police officers marching arm in arm with protesters against racism. In order to heal the wounds of racism and injustice we cannot antagonize and alienate one another. We must find common ground and work together.
These days, weeks, and months have been long difficult. But there is hope, there is always hope. And we Sisters assert that Jesus Christ is the only true source of peace and reconciliation. Let us turn to Him now and always as we restore our communities and ourselves.
Sr. Dorothy Ann Busowski, OSBM Provincial Superior
In his Homily on Pentecost, Bishop Alfred Schlert spoke of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and how they should guide us, and should guide our country, during these difficult times.
Here are excerpts from that Homily:
“If Jesus is the body of our Church, the Holy Spirit can be said to be the soul of our Church. It’s what enlivens us.
It is a good time for us to review the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We talk a lot about the gifts of the Holy Spirit – gifts like wisdom and knowledge and piety and courage. But let’s think about the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity or love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
I think it’s good for us during these very difficult, strife-ridden, violent days in our country to think about the presence of these gifts in our society, in our own lives, and in our Church.
Some would say these gifts are not present in our society because of things like political divisiveness and nastiness, or racism, or violence.
But I would say that those are not causes, they are symptoms. They are symptoms that our country is losing its soul. It is losing its moral moorings to the Judeo-Christian traditions that have built this country. We are not living them. We are not cooperating with the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Listen again to that list of those fruits of the Holy Spirit, and see how many we see present in society right now: Charity or love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.
We have seen tremendous acts of generosity and heroism during the pandemic. They are beautiful examples. We know how we feel when we see those things. We also know how we feel when those things are absent. And right now, especially in these very violent days of rioting, we see their absence. And we have to search our souls to ask, “Why are we not cooperating with the Holy Spirit?”
It’s because our religious mores are very tenuous. Our country is quickly becoming a secular society, where people not only don’t believe in Jesus, they don’t believe in God. The fruits of that lack of belief filter in to every part of our public life.
The Holy Spirit will renew us, but we need to allow the Holy Spirit to accomplish His task, by our free will choice to live in accordance with the Holy Spirit and the mandates thereof.
When Jesus appeared in the Upper Room on the night of Easter Sunday, where the Apostles were hunkered down, he gave them peace, he gave them the Holy Spirit, and he gave them the forgiveness that the Church can offer. These are the three things that must be operative in the Church at all times.
Today we ask our Lord to send us the Holy Spirit. To renew us. To energize us. To give us the courage necessary to confront the world in a way that brings the Gospel and the love of Christ to every person. That is our task today, and has been our Christian task since the first Pentecost.
Our goal as a Church is to make use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and to use them so that they will produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit each and every day.
Our Church needs that. Our nation needs that. Our world needs that.
Come Holy Spirit. Renew the face of the Earth. Renew the face of our Nation. Renew the face of our Church. May God bless you.
Statement from Bishop Edward C. Malesic on death of George Floyd
Like most people, I too was shocked and saddened by the brutal treatment and death of Mr. George Floyd and join the call for an end to racism. On this Feast of Pentecost, we hear Jesus tell his disciples, “Peace be with you.” We also recall the words of Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace, work for justice.” I support peaceful means to make our voices heard in working to secure justice and peace for all people of all races, colors and creeds.
The joint statement of several bishops, with whom I stand in agreement, is here.
Statement from Bishop David Zubek of the Pittsburgh Diocese
“Watching a peaceful protest against racial injustice break down into violence in Pittsburgh, I am sending out an urgent call for calm as we work for justice. I ask all believers to pray and act for peace, unity and that perfect balance of justice and mercy that is the hallmark of God’s work in our world.
I mourn with the family of George Floyd and all who have lost loved ones to inexcusable violence. I especially pray with and for the members of the African American community.
Racism is a sin. We must all work to overcome the injustice with which this sin infects our society. Some of the protests are occurring near Freedom Corner, which is an historic gathering place to call for unity and the true justice whose fruit is peace. It happens as we Christians prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit’s flames inspired a movement to preach God’s love and mercy — Who is Jesus Himself. May Jesus now give us that peace which only He can give and no one can take away.”
STATEMENT OF MOST REVEREND NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
The hearts of Americans across the country are joined together in collective mourning following the tragic, disturbing, and unnecessary death of George Floyd. In the name of the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I express my prayerful condolences and join with all who are struggling to cope with this heavy burden of sorrow and grief.
Recent events in Minneapolis are a stark reminder that the vile evil of racism has not been stamped out in this country. Rather, it has been resurgent in communities throughout our land for the last several years with old wounds being painfully ripped open time and again.
Racial hatred has no place in our world, including here in the United States, or in the hearts of people. Every life is a precious gift from God. Racism is a mortal sin and an attack on that gift. All of share a responsibility to bring an end to this evil and to do so in a way that seeks justice and peace. The perpetual cycle of pain and anguish must end.
May God give all of us courage and solace as we work together for social justice and to preserve our land as one of equality and opportunity for every citizen. May He bring peace to Minneapolis and to our Philadelphia region and may He rekindle within each of our hearts true love and respect for our fellow human beings.
Bishop Gainer Calls for Peace, End to Racism
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Bishop Ronald W. Gainer released the following statement in response to the brutal killing of Mr. George Floyd, a Minnesota man killed while being arrested by a Minneapolis police officer.
“As a Catholic, I was shocked and saddened by the senseless, brutal treatment and death of Mr. George Floyd. No person should ever be so mistreated, humiliated and murdered because of the color of his or her skin.
“The frustration and anger we are seeing unfold in cities in our Diocese, and across our country, through various protests is understandable. Racism has been and remains a plague in our society as insidious as any virus that sickens us. It affects us individually and as a nation. This is an opportunity that should not be lost. We should all take this moment to listen. Listen to the frustrations. Listen to the fears. Listen to the heartaches. Most of all we need to examine our own conscience regarding the dignity and sanctity of every human life.
“While the frustration is justified, the violence, especially against law enforcement officers, the random destruction of property and the looting is never justified and only leads to much greater losses than gains. This past weekend, we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost. When imparting the Holy Spirit, Jesus said to his apostles, “Peace be with you.” It is this peace we all need to bring into our hearts and strive to spread in our communities at this time. I ask the people of our Diocese and all people of good will to work to uproot every form of racism and to bring peace to our hearts and communities.”
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today responded to reports of residents facing evictions from their homes for not being able to pay rent during the pandemic. The PCC is urging the PA Supreme Court to instruct all courts to continue to follow Governor Wolf’s moratorium on evictions.
“We urge compassion in all instances, but especially now, when people may have lost their livelihoods through no fault of their own,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “We certainly understand that landlords need their income, but we urge them to work with their tenants as much as possible during a time when so many people’s lives have been ripped apart by sickness and loss of income. These are not only tenants we’re talking about, they are families.”
Earlier this week in Cambria County, PA, President Judge Norman Krumenacker went against an order by Governor Wolf that had suspended all evictions and foreclosures until July 10. The judge ruled that magisterial courts can begin accepting evictions of any kind. Krumenacker did say that he hopes landlords and tenants can work together to solve their problems before getting the courts involved.
Failing said Catholic Charities in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese is reaching out to families involved, as well as to Governor Wolf to see if there is anything he can do. Failing praised the work of Catholic Charities across the state and held them up as an example of how we should all be helping our neighbors during these challenging times.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
PA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE PRAISES PA HOUSE FOR PASSING BILL TO STIFFEN PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE SUICIDE
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today praised the PA House for its passage of HB 1827, which increases criminal penalties for those convicted of aiding or encouraging another person to commit suicide.
“This is a sickening trend that has become all-too common because of the internet,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “The wrong people have been getting in the ear of those who are thinking of taking their own lives. These victims should be getting professional help instead of listening to hateful people who only want to harm others. We must send a message to them that this will not be tolerated.”
Failing agreed with the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-Cumberland, York), who said that those who guide or encourage others to kill themselves are committing murder by proxy. Under Keefer’s bill, penalties would be harsher for anyone who encourages another person to commit suicide who is under the age of 18 or has an intellectual disability.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
PA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF BILL TO AMEND FOOD LIABILITY ACT
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today thanked the PA House for passing House Bill 2477, which amends the Donated Food Liability Act. The bill will protect those who donate food from liability if the food has exceeded its labeled shelf life.
The PCC believes the measure is crucial during the current pandemic and resulting shutdown across the nation.
“While important during ‘normal times,’ HB 2477 is especially important now,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “It is becoming even more challenging to meet the increased food requirements of those impacted by the current pandemic. We hope that this clarification will correct the current misconception by many that donating past-date food will place the donor outside the Act’s protection. We salute Rep. David Rowe for his leadership on this issue.”
The action came just weeks after Tyson Foods warned of a meat shortage because of plant closures brought on by the efforts to fight Covid-19. A story published in Business Insider says supermarkets may see shortages for the next year and a half because of plant shutdowns.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops
By Eric Failing
In late March, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act for short. In part, it calls for $13.2 billion to be provided for K-12 education across the country, with an estimated $523.8 million for Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That money has been earmarked for ALL schools in our state. Yet, there are efforts underway by the Wolf administration to try to exclude private schools from the benefits of the CARES Act.
We are urging the U.S. Department of Education not to give in to these demands to squeeze out private school communities, many of which are serving vulnerable children in economically distressed communities throughout the state. These schools, in particular, will likely feel the devastating effects of the COVID-19 shutdown harder than those in wealthier areas.
On May 7, Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro Rivera sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education for clarification on the CARES Act funding. He contends that the current formula would lead to huge increases in funding for “more advantaged students” at the expense of “most disadvantaged students.” He urged the department to clarify the guidance by letting districts set aside a much smaller share of the money. That followed a declaration from the American Federation of Teachers and the School Administrators Association that districts should ignore guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Secretary Rivera and these national groups seem intent on assessing the need for students across the state and country on a superficial standard that would be biased and questionable at best, even during normal times. There seems to be a misconception and stereotype that all private schools are rolling in money. Yes, some of them are doing OK, but guess what? So are many public school districts. A random tour of suburban schools in Pennsylvania would reveal modern facilities with up-to-date buildings and adequate land. Meanwhile, there are continued stories of private schools having to close or consolidate because, while they are saving students from failed public school systems in financially distressed communities, they also must address rising costs.
There are some Catholic schools that have been managing to survive financially. But then there are schools like St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Harrisburg. The kids have recess in a 30-square-foot parking lot with a chain-link fence preventing the balls used at recess from going into the alley and hitting the garage next door.
Anna Marie Berry, the school’s finance director, says that most of the students at St. Pat’s receive some form of financial aid. She says the school would not be able to continue without it. Those are students who would have to go back to a failed public school district that, even after going through state receivership, is still in trouble.
It’s a similar situation for Blessed Sacrament School in Erie. “We’re just a population of working-class people, and we’ve got a ton of scholarships,” said Principal Jane Wagner, who said they had to scramble to get iPads for kids to use during the current shutdown. Once again, Erie is dealing with a failing public school system. Private schools in the area have provided a wonderful opportunity for students not only to learn but to thrive.
These are challenges being felt by many private schools, and we are just coming off the biggest economic recovery the United States has ever seen. Who knows what kind of economic climate will be present when the smoke from the shutdown clears? The latest U.S. unemployment report shows 20-million jobs were lost in April. This will almost certainly trickle down to private schools, where families will be forced to withdraw their kids and put them into the public school system. That will, in turn, drive up tuition and force many other families to follow suit. There may be many who will care little about the resulting troubles for private schools, but the question arises: What happens to the public school system when all those children are forced into their classrooms?
So once again, we thank federal officials for respecting the hardships that have been faced and will be faced by administrators, staff, parents and students of private schools. We ask the Wolf administration to do the same.
Governors across the nation were given $3 billion in a discretionary fund to use as they would see fit. Gov. Wolf would get $104.4 million, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The governor indicated in his press conference this week that he is willing to dole out the money to those whom he favors. He can share that money with schools he feels need it the most.
If this truly is an act of “equity,” let’s show that it is by not excluding any students or families based on education politics. Our children are our future, and they deserve better.
Eric Failing is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
PA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE URGES WOLF ADMINISTRATION TO NOT DIVERT CARES ACT FUNDING FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today urged Governor Wolf to halt his administration’s efforts to divert federal CARES Act money away from private schools. Gov. Wolf and the PA Department of Education are looking to take most of the funding that Congress wants distributed equitably in COVID-19 relief to ALL schools in PA and across the country.
Pennsylvania received $471 million in funding from Washington. But PCC Education Director Sean McAleer says “the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) created its own set of rules to distribute that money that blatantly ignores federal guidance. The end result significantly lowers the amounts to be given to Catholic and nonpublic school students.”
McAleer broke down the disparity this way: “the Wolf Administration is calling for roughly $19 million to go to Catholic and nonpublic schools students, while Washington is calling for $66 million. The Wolf administration is misappropriating some $47 million in federal funds and harming families who have chosen to send their children to Catholic and nonpublic schools.”
“Catholic and nonpublic school students matter,” said McAleer. “Mr. Wolf, please follow the federal guidelines! In a time when thousands of Pennsylvania’s children and families are suffering and struggling to make ends meet, the administration has chosen to cause further harm by refusing to allocate money as directed by the federal government.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
Written by Albert Gnoza
This past March was unlike any of us have ever seen, that is for sure. A lot of people’s worlds would be turned upside down. But Catholic schools around the state moved quickly to right their ships.
Right indeed. Those in the right places of leadership saw the right signs and made the right moves.
“It’s just been great teamwork and buy-in by everybody,” said Ben Tolerico, the Principal of Holy Cross High School in Dunmore, PA. “I can still remember, we had an all-day in-service planned for Wednesday, March 11th. I had a great day set up for my faculty, all these different things we were going to do, some speakers coming in. I’m on my way to the girls basketball game, they were playing down in Easton in the second round of the state play-offs. I get there about 5:30 and I look at my phone and see an email. Our Superintendent Kristen Donahue said anything you had planned let’s put on hold and take the whole day tomorrow to work with your faculty on the chance that we might have to go with some form of distance learning.”
Tolerico said that enabled the school to be on top of things right from the get-go. That email came out March 11th, two days before their building was shut down along with all the other school buildings in the state.
“We were able to get our faculty prepared for the plan that we put forward—that our school’s office put forward. So I start with the great leadership in our school’s office with Mr. Jason Morrison, our CEO and the Secretary of Education, Kristen Donahue our Superintendent and Kathy Gilmartin, our Assistant Superintendent. They put out a great plan for us as principals to put in place.”
Tolerico also gave large credit to the way the faculty went with the plan.
“They really took everything in stride. They took the challenge and recognized how important this is for our students and with that we were able to prepare our students and families for that Friday, Friday the 13th ironically, that being the last day that we were in, to kind of say ‘here’s what we’re going to do to move forward.’”
Tolerico talked about the girls basketball game and the fact many activities outside of school have been either put on hold or cancelled.
“Even the little things—from their last day that they are in the building before final exams and they all sign their shirts. They wear their golf shirts, their polo shirts and they sign them. That’s a big tradition at our school. Something like that, which is so small, but so meaningful is taken away on that realm. Athletics, and any kind of activity, but especially athletics is so important in our society and meaningful. Myself, as a former high school and college athlete, I can’t imagine not playing my senior year. I can’t imagine what that looks like and feels like for our students.”
Tolerico also talked with pride about the school’s mock trial team, which won the state last year. They had high hopes again for a repeat last year, but they just found out that has been put on hold, without plans for even a virtual competition.
I have thought on more than a few occasions, that if this pandemic and resulting shutdown would have occurred way back when I was in grade school, who knows how we would have kept up with learning. I shared that thought with Principal Pat Nickler of Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Connellsville, PA.
“I grew up in Greene County, Pennsylvania, which is very small and very rural. I don’t know if I even would have known if the school was closed,” she said. “We didn’t even have the means for communication of that, to let people know, except over the news. Now we can be in constant communication with students, parents, community, all stakeholders involved in the school.”
The transition to on-line learning at Geibel was made very quickly.
“Things have been going relatively well, considering the situation that we’re all in,” Nickler said. “We found out late on a Friday that schools were going to be closed and we hit the ground running on Monday, so our students have had quite a bit of time to adjust to this new way of delivering instruction and the teachers and students seem to be adjusting pretty well.”
Nickler said that Geibel has had a one-to-one device environment for the past five years, which made it easier to transition. She also said it’s been their second year in using a learning management system.
“And fortunately for us, the State of Pennsylvania had permitted the use of flex days to cover snow days this year, so we had submitted a plan for that. We already had the ground work then for remote learning because we just adjusted that. You can’t use that one every day for 45 days…but we did have that basic foundation already built for that.
The big challenge for administrators now is trying to make this a special time for seniors and those moving on to a new school or the next level.
“Of course, it’s a tremendous milestone in the lives of students,” Nickler said. “Our goal when this all started is ‘how do we continue to reach out students spiritually?’ And how do we continue to deliver a rigorous faith-based education virtually. So those were our top two priorities when we were starting out with this. Then you start to look at those types of things, like senior graduation and the different traditions that lead up to that. So we are planning—right now we have a different senior every day on our social media pages, with information about then, where they’re attending college and those things…We have secret yard bomb signs that we’re putting up in their yards.”
When I talked to Nickler she said they had not yet cancelled the in-person graduation ceremony. All they did was take the ceremony that was scheduled for May 29th and reschedule it for July, with a follow-up date in August if needed.
In talking with Catholic school principals across the state over the last couple of weeks, I have been inspired by their upbeat attitudes in the face of challenging times. The level of empathy and affection for their students has also been great to see.
That is especially evident at Our Lady of Peace School in Erie with Principal Lisa Panighetti, who gets my eternal gratitude for cheerily shrugging off the fact that I misspelled her name at first (I used an ‘a’ instead of the first ‘i’).
“Things have been going great. We’re pleasantly surprised with the way that things have turned out,” she said. “Our teachers have really embraced this new way of learning from the get-go. For a difficult situation I have to say that we’re doing the best that we can.”
In their case the transition from in-school to on-line learning went pretty quickly.
“We found out on a Friday. It was Friday, March 13th that we found out that we were going to be shut down for at least two weeks. That afternoon we had a faculty meeting to talk about what that would look like and we were essentially up and running with some form of on-line learning…We had it up and running on Monday, the 16th. We’ve had to continue to make tweaks and streamline things since then but we were delivering instructions via Zoom videos or You Tube videos and reaching out to the kids right away Monday morning. It was a pretty seamless transition, even though we weren’t really prepared to do that. But the teachers really took the bull by the horns and ran with it.”
The effort continues to plan what they can do the rest of the school year outside the virtual classroom. Sports and other activities have been cancelled but there are other end-of-the-year activities that Our Lady of Peace would like to salvage.
“That’s the tough part, because there is still so much unknown,” said Panaghetti. “Hopefully we’ll be able to have some kind of graduation ceremony for those kids that are moving on to the next level. Right now we’re looking at doing it virtually, not the whole ceremony but potentially a prayer service of sorts and to recognize those kids that are moving on in some fashion. And then with any luck we’ll be able to do something a little more traditional, we’re hoping in July or August. But it’s so hard to put a time frame on it right now. We just know that we’re not going to overlook this important time for them, at all. No matter how far ahead we’re going to have to push it, we’re going to go with it.”
Panaghetti gave a lot of thanks and credit to the teachers and to the parents.
“We’re thankful. We have so many parents that are involved and have provided such valuable feedback. We’re just ironing out the complaints. We miss the kids like crazy and we’re doing what we can to stay in touch but honestly, it is what it is. But we’re making the best of it!”
There have been two main variables to deal with in the successful transition to on-line learning across Pennsylvania—students having some type of computer at home and the teachers being able to make the adjustment in delivering their lessons.
St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Williamsport was in a good position with both of them.
“We were one-to-one, meaning each student did have a device,” said St. John Neumann Principal Alisia McNamee. “At the high school our teachers were trained and many of them had already used Google Classroom which made that a really easy transition for those students.”
McNamee said that one of their goals was to teach the students how to use the school’s informational system where they can get on and check grades and assignments.
“Already doing that throughout the year, it was a much easier transition for our students—already having that familiarity with our school informational system and where to find the information. Then we simply trained our teachers to make sure everything was posted in that system that both teachers and students had access to.”
McNamee gave a big hand to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Scranton, Kristen Donahue, for having the schools prepared for a shutdown.
“We already had an in-service day scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th,” McNamee said. “Our Superintendent Kristen reached out to us and told us that we needed to prepare teachers for ‘if this could happen.’ Our in-service actually turned into that preparation time with our teachers, which was truly a blessing in disguise, because then we were able to have some type of basis to come into this huge undertaking. If it had not been for the foresight of our new administration in the diocese, I think we’d be looking at an entirely different situation.”
McNamee also had the highest praise for the teachers.
“Through all of this they had to start finding what worked for them. Start using different programs and different platforms. Doing the trial and error that we always teach our students to do, never giving up. It’s really a credit to our teachers for being willing to do that and keep that going.”
Berks Catholic High School was in a good position to transition to on-line learning when schools were shut down several weeks ago.
Still, some adjustments had to be made.
“About four years ago our school went one-to-one with I-pads,” said Alice Einolf, the Principal at Berks Catholic. “We are using Canvas as our student information system. So while we did have the infra-structure and the background in place we were not teaching on-line and so we did have to move forward in a very different way.”
When technology comes into play it seems like kids are better able to adapt to its use than say, us folks that can remember it not being so prevalent. It’s just the way it is.
“One of the things we did right after we were quarantined was to get our teachers some professional development,” Einolf said. “People are all at different places with their internet and their teaching abilities and their ability to use on-line but we were blessed to be able to provide some individual development for our teachers so that they were prepared and ready to go and had video conferencing so they could use software things like Doceri, an interactive white board that they could put on line.”
Social media has come into play in a big way during the shutdown as well.
“We really wanted to have a high social media presence to let people know what we are doing. Bill Hess is our Assistant Principal and Athletic Director and he loves the sports and he has been doing a wonderful job, especially for our seniors who—my heart aches for them. They need to be recognized a little bit differently this year.”
Einolf says that a few days ago the school’s coaches had senior night. They went to the seniors’ homes and dropped off flowers or gifts. The athletes also got pictures taken—safely–with their parents just as they would have on the court or on the field.
Many of the Catholic schools around the state were in a good position to adapt to on-line learning in March because their students all had some kind of laptop computer. Some others had to scramble to equip kids with these devices.
“We’re just a population of working-class people and we’ve got a ton of scholarships,” said Jane Wagner, the Principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Erie. “We ended up lending out Chrome books and I-pads for our kids to use so we knew everybody had that same capacity at home to do on-line learning.”
Wagner gave a lot of credit to her teachers, who had to do a lot of learning about on-line teaching as well.
“My teachers really stepped it up and that first couple of days it kind of sunk into them that yeah, we’re really going to do this. I had a couple of teacher melt-downs, but I had to be a cheerleader and say ‘we can do this. It’s okay!'”
They started rolling out instruction through their parent information system. Wagner says it was not a problem for the older students in grades 5th through 8th because the kids were used to the portal and had been using it frequently.
“The younger kids, not so much, because they don’t use it as often,” Wagner said. “The parents do. But the kids don’t. We had to do a little instructional thing with them…We had a lot of anxiety with the Zoom meetings and just like the whole nation was, ‘is it legal to use this?'”
A lot of logistics. And stress.
“I thrive on this stuff. I guess that’s why I became a principal,” Wagner said. “I love that kind of flying by the seat of my pants feeling!”
She made a good point about how this has been a different kind of work for everyone, not just educators. Working from home prevents calling out to the next person’s office or yelling down the hall.
“Now I have to make a phone call or a text or an email and wait for a reply. So I guess it’s the logistics which have made it a longer day for me, which is exhausting.”
She’s also been empathizing with parents.
“I have four children. They’re all grown. We’re empty-nesters, my husband and I. I’ve had to really put myself in the place of the parents….Oh yeah, picture yourself with your four girls all trying to do school at home and I was like ‘yeah, that would not be fun! I would not want to be there!'”
We’ve been thoroughly impressed at how the Catholic schools around Pennsylvania have kept up instruction with few or no days off after the shutdown. This came as many public schools took at least two weeks off.
One of the schools that kept on top of learning and didn’t miss a beat was Lancaster Catholic High School. I got some insight from what all led to this from L.C.H.S. Principal Terry Klugh and President Tim Hamer.
“Back in 2014 the state opened up for short time, a window into kind of emergency off-site learning,” said Klugh. “It was geared around the idea of a snow day. We were allowed by our diocese to pilot in 2014 some kind of snow-day learning and we actually did do a couple of days and in order to do that we had to do a lot of planning–homework requirements, attendance requirements, how teachers would adjust.”
Administrators knew it was there and would occasionally talk with the faculty about its function and how to develop it. It was always with bad weather in mind, certainly not a pandemic.
Then last summer the Governor signed into law the bill introduced by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to allow schools to use–if they chose to–flexible instructional days. To their credit, Catholic schools across the state were on this very quickly.
“We got the whole snow day thing ready again,” said Klugh. “We practiced for it. We in-serviced for it. We were ready to go. We didn’t have a snow day but we were ready to use it again.”
“Obviously the key to the whole thing is that our school is a one-to-one school, all students are issued tablet devices, Google Chrome books is what they are,” said Hamer. “And then when it became apparent that second week in March that something might happen we did a couple of in-service days for both teachers and students leading up to that week before the shutdown was announced.”
Not the best news short-term for kids looking for two or three weeks of sleeping in til 2 p.m., but a good thing in the long run. Yeah, grumble, grumble. Been there.
‘It’s a challenge. There’s nothing easy about it,” said Hamer. “For teachers adapting…in some cases the way they’ve been teaching, the methods they’ve been employing for decades, adapting to this new environment is certainly a challenge.”
To their credit administrators, realized that students might be sharing computer or wifi time with other members of their family, so they prepared the lessons where kids could do it any time of the day. Okay, so maybe they could still sleep in til noon. (But it’s probably best not to!)
Much of the focus now continues to be on what they can’t replace with virtual learning–the end-of-the-year rituals for the students, especially those who are graduating.
“Our hearts are breaking for our seniors,” said Klugh. “As each week ticks off they miss a Catholic High tradition, something else they missed, some breakfast, the last musical, the last play, spring sports. The last things that are ticking off… they’re just missing. Our heart is really breaking for them. We’re trying. We’re really meeting over what we can do about that.”
Klugh says they’ve been having special graduation team meetings to talk about the possibilities and finding solutions.
In talking with Catholic school principals around the state it seemed like the key to making the transition to on-line learning in March was having a one-to-one situation with the students. That is, each student had their own laptop computer.
“We’ve been one-to-one for five years now,” said Ben Althof, the Principal of Greensburg Central Catholic High School. He says they experimented with different versions of on-line programs before they went with the Enterprise version, which they have using for the last year and half.
“This year when it became available we jumped on the opportunity to apply for the flexible instruction days for snow days. We were fortunate, I guess, to have one. We had one snow day on Friday before all this started which gave us a chance to test run the program we had developed and make sure that there were no real kinks.”
Althof says they gave the teachers and parents a day to get ready but they started teaching the very next day and haven’t missed one since.
“We were one of the few schools in the county (to be active immediately) so all of our kids’ friends took two-plus weeks of basically doing nothing.”
Althof says the effort was made to maintain normalcy as much as possible. They tried to keep as much of the regular routine as they could. While things are running smoothly in that regard, there is a lot up in the air as far as what is going on with end-of-the-year activities, including graduation.
“We’ve been brainstorming ways to reschedule or do something in the summer, but we don’t know. Nobody knows anything. The only thing I know would be–non-medical or professional–my guess would be as things start to reopen, they’re not going to start with large-group gatherings. We can give you an alternative date for a prom and a venue. We could do it in our school for sure. We go back and forth. Do we schedule those things to give glimmers of hope that we know we’re going to have to dash or do we just have everybody face the music.”
School administrators may be used to making changes here and there, but this was a pretty dramatic change. It was in mid-March that Governor Wolf was shutting down all schools in Pennsylvania.
No one knew for how long at the time, but schools like Notre Dame High School of Easton were not waiting around to find out.
“We made a very quick pivot from traditional in-school education to using a virtual platform,” said Andrew D’Angelo, the Principal of Notre Dame. “It came together quickly and was executed pretty quickly. We were very pleased with what we put out there for our kids and our families.”
The schools had actually gotten a boost from the state and lawmakers, when Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill’s (R-York) bill passed this past summer that allowed for the use of flexible instructional days.
“We had already created the framework of a plan for doing on-line education in the event that we had a lot of snow days,” D’Angelo said. “Once we moved to the on-line platform we were just able to enhance what we created for those flexible instructional days.”
D’Angelo acknowledges that seniors are still having a tough time dealing with the shutdown since they are not able to experience the traditional rite-of-passage activities. The spring athletes have also been greatly affected, having their entire season wiped out.
Plans for graduation, meanwhile, are still up in the air.
“We’re trying to be very kind of cautious before we make any definitive decisions. There are lots of ideas being thrown around, obviously a virtual graduation, a drive-in graduation. I did send out a note to our seniors saying I was committed to doing everything I could to get them an actual live graduation. It won’t be in June as we had originally scheduled, but maybe over the summer or even the possibility of doing it in December when all the kids are home from college.”
D’Angelo stressed that he has been incredibly impressed with the parents, the faculty, the kids and how they have all come together and been extremely supportive of one another.
You have to give a ton of credit to our Catholic school administrators across the state. They had much of the groundwork in place before the schools were shut down in March and they could see what was happening in the distance.
“We had an inkling that this was going to happen so we began the preparation process,” said Nancy Pierce, the Principal of St. Gregory School outside of Erie. “On Tuesday, March 17th, we organized a pick-up of I-pads and materials for all grade levels and then on Wednesday the 18th we started posting student lessons on class Dojo and then on Monday, March 23rd we started doing Zoom sessions so we would have some live interaction with the students.”
Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see a day off or lag in between there. That’s impressive. I’ve seen and heard similar stories in so many of our Catholic schools. And there is attention to more than just the virtual classroom part of it.
At St. Gregory they kept the observance of Earth Day.
“Every day is Earth Day,” Pierce said. “We offered students suggestions on what they could do for the earth, maybe it’s praying for the earth or planting a garden at your own house or starting composting, or creating cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.”
And she’s going to try to keep up the observance of end-of-the-year activities as well. What that means yet, she’s not sure.
“It is a little bit early to call. We are making some plans, even if we can do some kind of celebration for the students, if it’s a prayer service if things come to change with our opportunities to get a little bit closer to each other. We may have a mass for the students. We have a team. We have a graduation committee of teachers. We’re brainstorming ideas that are acceptable in this time of the virus.”
Pierce had a great amount of praise for her staff for jumping in and embracing the remote learning. She said she’s also very proud of the families who continue to support the school and work with them during this trying time.
How are things going at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes Barre?
“So far, so good,” says Principal Doreen Dougherty. “Our biggest efforts were trying to mobilize through distance learning in a relatively quick time period.”
That happened in March when the Governor shut down schools across the state. Dougherty says they were fortunate that the Wednesday before the shutdown, they had an in-service day.
“Sort of seeing some of the potential for time-off, we took the opportunity that day to engage in some professional development with the faculty to make sure that they were readily able to upload distance learning and communicate with families. So by Thursday when we reconvened as a school community we really began to address the accessibility issues.”
Dougherty credited the Diocese of Scranton for blazing a trail toward STREAM education (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) and easing the transition to on-line learning.
“We were already moving toward the one-on-one learning environment with devices available for our students. So our freshman and sophomores all had devices. Thursday we began interviewing students to make sure that our juniors and seniors had devices and had wireless accessibility.”
I talked with Dougherty about the morale of the students. Administrators of PA Catholic schools that I have talked with have kept up two-way communication with students and their families.
“Early on when we dismissed on March 13th, it felt a little like summer break,” she said. ‘There was some hooting and hollering down the halls. Students expected at that point to have a week off from school. Certainly, reality set in. I will say that for all the challenges that social media presents in society, it has been a godsend in keeping students connected and keeping families connected. Truly, it opened doors where we could not open doors for one another.”
Dougherty is not looking at a live graduation ceremony at this point but is planning on a virtual event. She says there is the possibility then for a live gathering as a community somewhere down the road.
PA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF MARRIAGE ACT
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference applauds today’s passage of House Bill 360, which, in addition to addressing some covid-19 related concerns, establishes 18 as the minimum age for marriage in Pennsylvania. The bill has been supported by the PCC since its inception, particularly as a means to help fight human trafficking.
“This is good legislation for a number of reasons—first and foremost that it will help to end a problem in the law that has allowed girls as young as 12 to be married in PA,” said PCC Executive Director Eric Failing. “This can place them in a dangerous situation where they can be victims of domestic violence and exploited in sex trafficking. Advocates believe there are over 2,000 children who have been married in Pennsylvania.”
The PCC has supported several measures designed to fight human trafficking, including the Safe-Harbor law that passed last session and the Buyer Beware act that passed earlier this session.
Failing thanked the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford, Franklin, Fulton) for his leadership and persistence on seeing the bill through.
Pennsylvania is one of 27 states that do not have a minimum age to marry. Currently, the state permits a minor under age 16 to marry with parental consent and a court determination that the marriage is in the best interest of the minor. The law also permits a 16 or 17 year old to marry with only parental consent.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops
PCC LAMENTS GOVERNOR’S VETO OF TELEMEDICINE BILL
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today lamented Governor Wolf’s veto of the Telemedicine Bill that had passed the House and Senate.
“This is very distressing,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “Governor Wolf has chosen politics over the health and safety of the citizens of Pennsylvania. Telemedicine figured to be a major boost to healthcare across the state, especially now in the current crisis we are fighting through. The Governor vetoed the bill because it contained protections against dangerous drugs identified by the FDA, including a drug used for abortions.”
Failing had called the Telemedicine bill the premier pro-life vote of the entire session. He pointed out that a third of all abortions being done now are done so chemically. “If our pro-life prohibitions would be stripped out of the Telemedicine bill, the number of abortions in Pennsylvania would 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.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
Who would have thought that preparation for using snow days to educate grade school kids would have such an impact on schools in a year where there really wasn’t that much snow across Pennsylvania? Yet preparation for bad weather actually left many PA Catholic schools in a good position to keep educating once Governor Wolf shut all schools down in March.
“We’ve actually done great,” said Jennifer Mallett, the Head of School of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Boalsburg. “While it’s not optimal to not be in school in our physical building with all our kids, we’re finding all sorts of new and unique ways to stay connected with them. We have Zoom meetings with them frequently. Teachers are having Zoom meetings with them. We use Google Classroom. We’re meeting with the parents. We haven’t missed a beat!”
Mallett says they’ve used this type of on-line learning for snow days, so they’ve just had to make “a few little tweaks.”
“We changed the schedule just a little bit. Monday through Thursday they’re doing their core classes, which is about five classes and then Friday is an all-electives day…the hours are 11-7. The kids are missing school and missing each other but we’re also having fun and being creative.”
There was still a lot of work and planning to be done to keep things running smoothly. That continues.
“We as a faculty have really collaborated. We meet every Tuesday and talk about tips and tricks about what we’ve learned and what’s working well. The faculty is amazing, the way we’ve all jumped to make sure the kids are connected. The kids in this community–I’ve only been here two years–I have to be honest, one of the reasons I chose to come here was because of the student body. They’ve been amazing and parents have been supportive.”
When the big shutdown hit across the state several weeks ago, Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg didn’t stop. They merely shifted gears. The groundwork was already in place for on-line learning since the school was in a “one-to-one” situation.
“Each student has their own laptop that they are able to access any teacher at any time, with questions about the content that has been pushed out to students.” said Bishop Carroll Principal Lorie Ratchford. “Because our students were so familiar with submitting assignments electronically and working platforms like Microsoft Teams and Canvas, we had a little bit of a head start on everyone. We already had everything up and running.”
Bishop Carroll was one of many Catholic schools that had been looking ahead to the five days of flexible instruction days as snow make-up days.
“It was and still is a process…This wasn’t meant to be long-term for us, but our teachers, our students, families– everyone has been working hard to make sure that we’re all on the same page to continue their education. We’re not doing enrichment and review. We’re continuing as we would if we were in our brick and mortar school.”
It’s easy to hear the affection and concern that Ratchford has for the students as the staff tries to keep things as normal as possible for the kids. But her heart breaks for what they still are missing.
“When you even say it, it makes me so emotional because I’ve know a lot of these students since they’ve been in grade school. I have a daughter that is right around their age. She was fortunate to graduate last year and had a wonderful experience at Bishop Carroll. I know our students here have had a wonderful experience, I’m just sad that they have missed out on the last three months of their senior year.”
When Governor Wolf shut down schools across the country back in March, Catholic schools like Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown were ready.
“Our parents, teachers and students have had to adapt to this new type of learning, on-line and I’m going to be honest with you, they’ve really taken to it,” said Tom Smith, who is the Principal and CAO of Bishop McCort High School and Divine Mercy Middle School. “We’ve put out some tutorials (for parents) that they’ve had to look at and follow along with and they’ve been able to do that in helping their children at home.”
Smith said they key part is the teachers, who he says have been working much longer hours than usual.
“For the teaching staff here, it’s been a major adjustment but one that they’ve been willing to take on and one that they’ve taken great pride in,” Smith said. “It’s how you adapt to things and they’ve done a tremendous job.”
McCort got the jump on things way back in October when they started looking at virtual classrooms in preparation for snow days.
“We didn’t want to take any snow days this year and the state is allowing us to take five virtual days instead of snow days'” Smith said. “We thought that would have been a really great thing for our school…So this is not something new to them but we figured back in January when we saw in the national news what was happening in China and when it started moving this way we thought hey, this would be a great tool. Let’s get ready in case this happens.”
Smith said the school is keeping its options open for graduation, including looking at a drive-in theater for a possible venue.
“We’re trying to think outside the box, using that venue for graduation.”
PCC APPLAUDS PA SENATE FOR PASSING TELEMEDICINE BILL IN SAFE FORM
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today applauded the PA Senate passage of Senate Bill 857–Telemedicine– in a form that retains current protections against dangerous drugs identified by the FDA, including a drug used for abortions.
“Telemedicine promises to be a life-saving measure across Pennsylvania,” said the Executive Director of the PCC, Eric Failing. “There is no doubt about that. We thank the senators who voted to keep Telemedicine as a completely life-saving bill.”
“This was, without a doubt, the premier pro-life vote of the entire session,” Failing continued. “It is sad that some chose to politicize the issue by arguing that only some lives are worth saving and those of the unborn are not.”
Failing pointed out that a third of all abortions being done now are done so chemically. “If our pro-life prohibitions would be stripped out of the Telemedicine bill, the number of abortions in Pennsylvania would 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.”
Failing called on Governor Wolf to sign the bill.
“The Governor tells us every day how much he cares about human lives,” Failing said. “Now is the time to set aside politics and sign a bill into law that will save lives.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
If you would like to talk with Mr. Failing by phone or FaceTime, please contact Al Gnoza on his cellphone (717) 585-1548— any day, any time.
PCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFFERS THOUGHTS ON COMMEMORATION OF HOLOCAUST
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, Eric Failing, today issued some heartfelt comments to honor the Commemoration of the Holocaust. He started off by acknowledging the hardships that we face now.
“While these are no doubt challenging times, they pale in comparison to the many tragedies faced by those who’ve gone before us,” Failing said. “That is why now, more than ever, we must continue to gather as brothers and sisters to remember the monstrous hate endured by our loved ones, and to vow to never let future generations suffer the same fate. Hate must stop.”
Back in October Failing stood with a number of lawmakers and community groups to roll out a concerted effort to curb hate crimes. That gathering came just after the one-year anniversary of the tragic Tree of Life shootings that took the lives of 11 people and injured seven others.
Failing, as he did in October, today urged people across the world to treat each other with compassion. That message is especially important now with tensions running high in many communities during the current healthcare crisis.
“At the end of the day, what we really need is to get to know one another,” Failing said. “You can’t hate somebody if you know them. But you’re not going to stop hate. It will never disappear; the world has too much evil in it. So it is incumbent upon all of us, each individual, to, as we hear in Leviticus, love thy neighbor as yourself…and yes, perhaps that means someone you’re not comfortable with…it might mean we develop a deeper understanding of humanity; it might mean we understand ourselves a little differently; but in the end, isn’t that the point? To understand each other? Only when we truly understand one another do we defeat hatred. “
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
PCC JOINS U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN CALLING FOR ETHICALLY-BASED VACCINES TO COMBAT COVID-19
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today joined Catholic bishops from around the nation in calling for the development and use of ethically-based vaccines to combat COVID-19. Catholic doctrine has long opposed the use of vaccines that have used tissue harvested from abortions.
“We are in a critical point of trying to save lives, not only here but across the world,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “But we cannot resort to capitalizing on the evil that is abortion–the killing of children. Several of the vaccines under development have been obtained from other sources which will allow us to continue to respect the sanctity of life and hopefully preserve -all- life.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday sent a letter (which can be read here) to the Food and Drug Administration asking that vaccines for COVID-19 be developed ethically and free from any connection to abortion.
“There is no need to use ethically problematic cell lines to produce a COVID-19 vaccine, or any vaccine,” the bishops stated in their letter. “Other cell lines or processes that do not involve cells from abortions are available and are regularly being used.”
No American should be forced to choose between being vaccinated and violating his or her conscience.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
If you would like to talk with Mr. Failing by phone or FaceTime, please contact Al Gnoza on his cellphone (717) 585-1548— any day, any time.
PCC CRITICIZES PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOR PROVIDING ABORTION SERVICES DURING ELECTIVE PROCEDURE BAN
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today criticized Planned Parenthood for continuing to provide abortion services, despite the fact that Governor Wolf has issued an order that prohibits all healthcare providers from performing elective procedures during the current crisis.
“Abortions are wrong anytime–let’s be clear about that,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “But that is especially true now during a time of pandemic crisis when our healthcare workers and emergency responders are suffering from shortages of workers and equipment. Allowing Planned Parenthood to perform elective abortions is abhorrent.”
The PCC has received reports that Planned Parenthood has been bringing in patients for abortion procedures and has been asking for donations of healthcare equipment that could be used by hospitals to treat sick people.
“Everybody has been sacrificing during this crisis–that includes residents and businesses,” said Failing. “Everybody, it appears, except Planned Parenthood!”
If you would like to talk with Mr. Failing by phone or FaceTime, please contact Al Gnoza on his cellphone (717) 585-1548— any day, any time.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.
Chatting with Rep. Torren Ecker. And Oliver Ecker.
I did a virtual visit with the Ecker family this morning–Rep. Torren and his son Oliver! Lol. I asked dad about comments made in House session yesterday by Majority Leader Bryan Cutler on mapping out a recovery from this crisis. Ecker firmly supported those comments.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Talking with Rep. Paul Schemel
Thanks to our good friend, Rep. Paul Schemel, for updating us on what's going on with the PA House. They head into session this afternoon, some in person and some remotely. Schemel says lawmakers will be talking about what lies ahead for a safe recovery from this crisis.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Monday, April 6, 2020
Early this morning, Rep. Ryan Warner posted a request on Facebook to Gov. Wolf on behalf of small businesses owners in PA. Check it out. It has gotten thousands and thousands of shares, likes and comments. I talked with Ryan about it over the phone this afternoon.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Talking with Rep. Pam DeLissio
I miss seeing my friend Rep. Pam DeLissio at the Capitol but I got the chance to talk with her over the phone to get an update on what she has been doing, including responding to her constituents. She just had a virtual town hall gathering this week and continues to respond to waves of emails! She offered some encouraging news on unemployment compensation.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Friday, April 3, 2020
Talking with Sen. Doug Mastriano
This morning I talked with the indefatigable and always gracious Sen. Doug Mastriano over the phone about what he's been doing amid this crisis. Among the topics discussed were how to get small businesses up and running safely and the Governor's allowance of Planned Parenthood to stay operating while he has prohibited elective surgery across the state.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Thursday, April 2, 2020
Talking with Rep. Barbara Gleim
Thanks so much to PA Rep. Barbara Gleim who talked with me on Zoom this morning about what she and other lawmakers are doing to work for small businesses across the state. They are really feeling the economic effects of this crisis. Thanks again to Barbara for always being so kind and accessible! (And I apologize for the wheel icon in the upper left corner–my fault!)
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Thursday, April 2, 2020
Talking with Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill talked with PCC Executive Director Eric Failing and the PCC's Al Gnoza about the questions she is getting from people and businesses during this crisis. She offers encouragement but also some stark realities about the state budget down the road.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Wednesday, April 1, 2020
A FaceTime chat today with our friend, PA Sen. Judy Ward! She talked about the current crisis and reminds us that faith is always very important, but especially so in times like these. Thank you Senator! (I apologize to you viewers if my voice is too loud–improvised system here.)
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Talking with Rep. Frank Ryan!!
My good friend, Rep. Frank Ryan, always has a smile, even in the toughest of times. I talked with him by FaceTime today about how he's staying healthy and very busy in recent days.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Monday, March 30, 2020
Talking with Sen. Scott Martin
Thanks so much to Sen. Scott Martin for taking the time to talk with me on the phone about what he and his staff have been doing to help people during this crisis. Sen. Martin is a big friend to the PCC!
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Rep. Russ Diamond talks about his efforts
I talked with Rep. Russ Diamond over the phone about what he and many other lawmakers are dealing with: confusion among constituents about what's coming down from the Governor's office.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Monday, March 30, 2020
Noon Mass From St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Private mass for broadcast only!
https://www.youtube.com/user/hbgdiocese/featured
Catholic dioceses around the state have begun suspending masses in an effort to slow the spread of the Corona virus. Here is the announcement from the Harrisburg Diocese that came out on Monday.
The budget hearings at the Capitol in Harrisburg have wrapped up and it will soon be time for discussion and debate. At the crux of the debate will be the age-old difference in philosophy between Republicans and Democrats: Republicans say the Governor is overspending. Democrats generally feel the legislature is underfunding.
“We learned that we really have to unpack this budget because there are a lot of moving pieces and gimmicks that were kind of plastered together to put this budget together,” said Rep. Seth Grove (R-York). “Everything from unreal revenue sources to moving overspending to last year and the next fiscal year. Just in DHS (Department of Human Services) alone, they’re showing $453-million of overspending, but there’s an additional $300-million they’re applying to next year’s budget as well.”
“Year after year we see less and less detail in the Governor’s budget policies,” said Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York), Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, in his closing statement after one of the days of hearings. “The lack of details often so stunning that we were left questioning whether these proposals were really real, or really a priority of this administration…One of the biggest concerns continues to be supplementals and the overspending of this administration.”
Several Republican representatives talked about the extensive requests by the Governor for those supplementals, which refers to funding needed beyond what has been budgeted. But Rep. Saylor saved his sharpest criticisms for DHS.
“Yesterday the Department of Human Services sounded the alarm of an agency that has run amok. And I mean run amok,” Saylor said at the close of the final day of hearings. “The department has admitted that the overrun cost for the current fiscal year, I think, is over $800-million—not the $500-million that was reported in the Governor’s budget document. DHS has achieved this failure by pushing this year’s costs into next year’s budget…the kinds of gimmicks that we see all the time in these budgets that really continue to create real financial issues for the state of Pennsylvania.
“We understand at times that things happen in a fiscal year. Record numbers of supplemental spending, though, just needs more and more definition to the logic.”
Minority Chair Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) conceded that there have been creative budget tactics used by the Governor’s office, but he says they have been given no choice.
“This has been going on forever,” Bradford said in his closing statement. “So it is in disingenuous to try to blame career officials and say ‘oh my gosh, you overspent.’ Come on! We underfund these lines habitually. And it is obvious.”
Bradford went down the same avenue the day before when DHS had finished its presentation.
“They say it’s overspending, with a connotation of mismanagement,” said Bradford, referring to complaints by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee. “What I believe is going on is the intentional underfunding of mandated spending for political purposes.”
High School band on top…7th and 8th grade below
The Archdiocesan All Stars come to the Capitol for a performance. These are the high school students.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Monday, March 9, 2020
The Archdiocesan All Stars come to the Capitol for a performance. These are 7th and 8th graders. @ArchPhilly @AOPS_Schools pic.twitter.com/G515RGqPKd
— PAcatholic (@PAcatholic) March 9, 2020
Time for a wrap up of what went on at the PA Capitol this past week. It was mostly budget hearings!
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Friday, March 6, 2020
I recently checked in with Congressman Scott Perry (PA, 10th District) to find out what he was up to these days, now that the impeachment stuff has ended–at least for the time being. Turns out he’s been busy working on the peoples’ business. One of his efforts involves a bill to cut down on student debt.
“Student loan debt now in America…it’s bigger than mortgage debt. It is bigger than credit card debt,” Perry told me on a recent visit to his office just outside of Harrisburg. “This is a huge deal.”
Perry acknowledges that many students feel they can’t afford to go to college, or find out that once they are done school, they can’t afford to pay for it. If they pay the student loans, it hurts their ability to buy a house or a car to get to work.
The Congressman is not in the camp of those who feel the answer is to forgive existing student loan debt or to make college free. He’s looking at making it so the colleges and universities have some skin in the game when it comes to student loans.
“Right now you have the student and the parent, they’re on the hook for the bill,” Perry said. “And because of the way things are structured with student loans, taxpayers are now on the hook for the bill if you default on the loan. That’s not fair. You know who has no skin in the game–universities, who are offering their product…to have a better life, of more opportunity. But then when you get done, you find out there is no opportunity with the curriculum you spent your time and money on.”
Perry’s legislation would offer a reduced interest rate on a student’s college loan if the school is willing to co-sign that loan. He says it’s good for the student and provides an incentive for the school to prepare the student to get a job once they head off into the real world so they can pay off the loan.
“It’s not a perfect fit for everything. It doesn’t fix everything, but I think it starts changing the conversation about who’s involved in paying for it and the value of your education.”
Perry says it’s a way of thinking outside the box to try to solve the problem.
“What business among us is absolved once you pay for it of any liability for the product?” he asked. “If you bought something that didn’t work and you paid a lot of money for it, you take it back to the store. Well when you buy an education and it doesn’t work, who do you take it back to?’
The PA Catholic Conference has been keeping its eye on the budget hearings in Harrisburg, which have been going on for a couple of weeks now. The different departments in the Wolf Administration are going before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to explain– and many times to defend—what the Governor has called for.
The PCC and many pro-life lawmakers and advocates have been concerned about a line in the budget that calls for $3-million in funding for reproductive health care. The fear was that it would go toward Planned Parenthood and therefore toward abortion.
That turned out to be correct.
The Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Theresa Miller, defended her request and conceded that it was to replace federal funding that Planned Parenthood had lost. Miller insisted that the $3-million would not be used for abortions. It would be used for other services, like STD testing, contraception, cancer screenings and primary healthcare.
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) pressed Miller on the issue on Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
“I’m very happy to hear you say on the record that the $3-million will not go toward abortion services,” Sen. Phillips-Hill said. “On the belief that it would provide tax-payer funded abortions.
“How do you differentiate between the types of services that Planned Parenthood provides,” she continued. “How do you tell them what they can and can not use the $3-million for? Are there any restrictions on how that money can be used?”
Miller said Planned Parenthood offices have to certify that they separate abortion services from all other family planning services.
I later talked with Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York) who was not buying Miller’s explanation.
“Why in the world are we going to subsidize an organization whose number one goal is the murder of unborn babies?” he said. “That’s what they do. All the other stuff—the screenings, the birth control items—that’s such a minor part of what they do. They make money off of abortions. ..Planned Parenthood promises not to use that $3-million for abortions. I got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn if you believe that.”
Meanwhile on Thursday it was Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera who fielded a number of tough questions and complaints about the budget. There was a lot of criticism from several Senators over cuts to school safety. They PCC is also very much against those cuts.
Sen. David Argall (R-Berks, Schuylkill) did not mince words in expressing his dissatisfaction. He referred to the proposed cuts as “kuhscheisse,” the Pennsylvania Dutch word for bull excrement.
“There have been far too many tragedies in our schools across the United States in the past few years,” Argall said. “We worked in a bipartisan fashion to find the funding to protect our school children just two years ago. To propose these dangerous cuts is legislative malpractice…I would recommend the staffer who proposed these cuts be fired.”
Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Montgomery, Philadelphia) meanwhile said he strongly backs the Governor’s budgeting $1-billion to address environmental and structural problems in schools. Hughes has been very aggressive in detailing the structural deficiencies in many schools across the state and calling for state money to help fix the issues.
The Mercy Matters Committee of the Diocese of Harrisburg hosted another forum this week on social issues, this time on criminal justice reform.
Fr. Joshua Brommer and Dan Reisteter of St. Patrick’s Cathedral welcomed state lawmakers Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Greene, Washington) and Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) to speak about legislation they’ve sponsored on the issue. They were joined by Brandon Flood, Secretary of the PA Board of Pardons, Deacon Jim Doyle, who has spent years working with inmates, and former Speaker of the House, state Rep. Bill DeWeese, who spoke of the time he spent in prison and the challenge to succeed upon getting out.
Sen. Bartolotta co-founded the bipartisan and bicameral Criminal Justice Reform Caucus to make communities safer and to reduce prison costs and ensure better outcomes for those who go through the criminal justice system. She has also sponsored and supported several pieces of legislation on criminal justice reform, including Senate Bill 502, which, in part, will direct money into victims’ services.
“A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it is, when you’re finished serving your time—you’re never really finished,” Bartolotta told the crowd in the gathering room at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “We give life sentences in Pennsylvania anymore for a two-year incarceration. It’s a lot, and there’s a lot that we can do to rectify that.”
Efforts have been made on that regard by Rep. Delozier, who has authored the Clean Slate Act, which calls for the automatic sealing of criminal records ten years or older. Delozier has also backed legislation to provide a second chance for ex-inmates to get professional licensing in certain occupations. The PA Catholic Conference has supported this legislation.
“It’s not a Republican or a Democrat issue. It’s not a rural or urban issue,” she told the crowd at St. Pat’s. “It’s an issue that has affected so many people.” She talked about the work that has been done to help many groups impacted by the criminal justice system, including victims of crimes and family members of those who have committed crimes.”
Flood talked about the efforts to bring about clemency reform in PA. “Clemency—executive clemency– is the ultimate act of forgiveness from the commonwealth for anyone that has been convicted of a crime,” he said.
Flood has a unique perspective to bring to his job on the pardons board. He told the group at St. Pat’s that he spent eight years in state prison on drug and weapons offenses. He applied for and received a pardon from Lt. Gov. Fetterman.
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) visited Sacred Heart Regional School in Allentown Friday morning, to tour the facility, see the kids and tout the importance of school choice.
“This was just a reminder for me of why and how much I’ve been for decades now, such a passionate advocate for school choice,” Sen. Toomey said. He was welcomed by the Principal of Sacred Heart, Jim Krupka, Dr. Philip Frohmuth, the Superintendent for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Allentown, and Sean McAleer, the Education Director of the PA Catholic Conference, along with many others connected with Sacred Heart, nearby Allentown Central Catholic High School and the Diocese of Allentown.
“The fact is that every single child deserves a first quality education and getting the right education for a child shouldn’t depend on the child’s zip code or the parent’s income,” Toomey told the group after a tour of some classrooms. “Every child is better off if their child has a choice.”
Sen. Toomey talked about the importance of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs in helping children in Pennsylvania attend the schools of their choice.
“But unfortunately the program has a limit. There is a cap on the amount of funds that can be used for this purpose. As a result of that cap, there are actually tens of thousands of children across the commonwealth that are not able to participate.”
Toomey said he would be strongly supportive of increasing in the cap on the OSTC and the EITC. He said there is much more room in schools like Scared Heart to accommodate more children, if their parents had the means to make it happen. Toomey talked about more potential help from the federal level.
“I’m really pleased that President Trump emphasized the importance of school choice in his State of the Union address,” Toomey said. “Specifically, he promoted legislation that I’ve introduced with Ted Cruz. It is the Education Freedom Scholarship and Opportunity Act. It’s very similar to the way the Pennsylvania programs work, but it is a federal tax credit that would be available to businesses and individuals who could get a dollar for dollar credit against tax obligations for any contribution they would make to a scholarship program that would provide an opportunity for children like we have here at Sacred Heart.”
Press release issued today by Reps. Bryan Cutler and Stan Saylor…..
HARRISBURG – Citing cost overruns, inadequate response times, and the failure of programs and services to meet core mission objectives, Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Appropriations Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) today called upon all standing committees of the House of Representatives to exercise their oversight authority to evaluate, review and make recommendations to promote better effectiveness and efficiencies in Pennsylvania’s executive agencies.
“The people of Pennsylvania deserve our best efforts to identify ways to improve operations, promote greater value and manage results,” Cutler said. “While our standing committees have traditionally been focused on passing legislation, having them review and oversee the executive departments will help maximize existing investments.”
Saylor noted that over the past several years, Pennsylvania has enjoyed budget surpluses. However, the potential benefits of a surplus have been eliminated due to consistent overspending by Wolf and his administration.
“Taxpayers should be getting a break during these times of economic prosperity, but instead, this governor continues to ask for more from Pennsylvanians’ wallets,” Saylor said. “Our committee leaders will take thorough looks at all state agencies and expenditures, examining which programs are helping move our Commonwealth forward, and which are only holding us back.”
Cutler noted that the emphasis on good management is a shared goal in state government. “Gov. Wolf, through the Office of Performance Through Excellence, has been working diligently to improve executive agency operations. Our goal is to be an active partner in promoting best management practices and to cut red tape, remove inefficacies, improve services and achieve measurable results.”
Cutler and Saylor delivered their message to committee leaders this week, ahead of the scheduled Appropriations Committee budget hearings that start on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The examination process will continue in the months leading up to the budget deadline.
When Governor Wolf delivered his budget address at the Capitol, he only shared the highlights, the proverbial tip of the iceberg. There’s just not enough time to go line by line and explain everything that he or any other governor is asking for.
There was one item in particular that was not mentioned in the address, but has been gaining a great deal of attention ever since the printed version was released. It’s $3-million in funding under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for “access to reproductive healthcare.”
That’s the extent of the description.
“It’s very suspicious to me,” said Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon), who is staunchly pro-life and noticed the budget entry immediately. I talked to her immediately after the Governor’s address. “There was no detail given on that but it’s something that many of us are going to be looking at very closely. I’m very fearful. That’s a red flag for me.”
In the meantime pro-life advocates have expressed concerns that it’s money that is ticketed for Planned Parenthood to help offset cuts in federal funding. The Trump Administration in 2019 enacted rule changes on the federal family planning program.
The Governor has been very much in favor of abortion rights and recently issued a not-so-subtle veto of the Down Syndrome Protection Act that was passed by the legislature last year.
From Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) “I am relieved that the governor is not calling for any broad-based tax increases, given our objections to that. However, future tax hikes are inevitable if we do not control the growth of state spending and borrowing. Medicaid and other social service programs are one of the biggest cost-drivers in the budget and the Governor has overspent in this area by close to a billion dollars in each of the last two years. If we want to preserve these programs for future generations, we need to take a closer look at how we can root out waste, fraud and abuse of these programs through measures like my bill to implement work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients.”
From Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon)–“This budget contains more than a half-a-billion dollars in tax increases on employers and other things. Although these are not broad based taxes, any increase is concerning. If we agree to his billions in new spending and borrowing, a broad-based tax hike in future years is certain. We cannot add $1.5 billion or more to the state’s ledger and also add billions more in new borrowing without consequences. We need to take a closer look at how we can meet the basic responsibilities of government at a lower cost to taxpayers.
“I am deeply troubled that the governor wants to spend so much more, while at the same time cutting programs that our local communities rely on. Cuts to agriculture, regional cancer centers, school safety and other local priorities will have a negative impact on our region for years to come. I am particularly disappointed about the $4.3 million in cuts to the Department of Agriculture in light of the progress we have made over the past year to protect the future of farming in Pennsylvania. We should not jeopardize all of the hard work that went into helping our farmers.
From Sen. Maria Collett (D-Bucks, Montgomery)
“I am glad to see that the Governor’s address prioritizes some of the issues I hear about most from my constituents – including investments in our DEP and environmental cleanup efforts, promoting a fair economy that works for all of us, and desperately needed charter school reforms.”
“I am especially thankful that the Governor’s proposed budget includes increased funding for the DEP, some of which is specifically earmarked for much-needed staffing increases. Our DEP cannot adequately respond to the many environmental issues facing our Commonwealth – including the PFAS contamination crisis in my district – without adequate resources, and I am glad to see that my calls for action have been heard. It also creates a new funding source for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act. The HSCA funds the monitoring and cleanup of hazardous environmental sites across the Commonwealth. As I continue to work to get PFAS added to the list of hazardous substances that the HSCA covers, it is encouraging to know that it will be better equipped to manage its important work.”
“I remain committed to the Governor’s proposal to immediately increase the minimum wage. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is the lowest among mid-Atlantic states and it is quite simply not a livable wage. More than half of my district’s minimum wage workers are women and more than 90% are over 20. Nearly 50% are over 40. It is unacceptable that so many hardworking Pennsylvanians are forced to take on a second, third, even fourth job to keep themselves and their families afloat.”
From Democratic leader Rep. Frank Dermody
“Governor Wolf is showing the way to make Pennsylvania a better place to live, learn and work,” said Democratic Leader Frank Dermody. “House Democrats are matching his vision with our plan for affordable health care, quality schools, good jobs, a safe and healthy environment, and justice for all people.”
Joint statement from Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg) and Mike Jones (R-York Township), as well as House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion)
“The governor’s budget address we heard today was filled with flowery language but lacked an actual plan to resolve systemic financial problems Pennsylvania is facing.
“For the past few months, the General Fund has had a negative balance, forcing the Commonwealth to borrow from itself to cover expenditures. The governor has continued to mismanage his agencies and his budget proposal shows that he is planning to overspend by $900 million. We had hoped the governor would not only acknowledge this problem but would also work with us to fix it.
“Instead, we heard plans to increase spending in nearly every area of government, including a plan to borrow nearly $5 billion in a single year, leaving our children to pay off the debt. Naturally, when expenses go up, taxes would have to increase as well. Overtaxing Pennsylvanians is not the right way forward. Rather, and as we’ve seen over the past year or so, tax revenue actually increases when government lets the economy grow naturally. In fact, General Fund revenue is currently $158.5 million above what is expected because of this policy.
“As we enter the budget season, we look forward to further examining the governor’s proposal and the state of Pennsylvania’s finances so a responsible budget that respects taxpayers can be created.”
The Department of Environmental Protection has sent us its response to a story we ran in which Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York) criticized the MS4 program.
In that story, the Senator says it’s the latest effort to take money from the taxpayers. The story got considerable reaction and support on social media. Here’s more from the story…..
“They’ve come up with this cunning scheme here to transfer wealth out of my district and other districts back to Harrisburg,” Mastriano said. “It will then get filtered to Philadelphia and elsewhere. Once again the money will be fed to the corners. “
‘MS 4’ stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems. Mastriano says it’s basically a separate utility that goes against business owners and property owners. He says it’s eventually going to hit farmers as well–anyone who has water that drains into a creek or sewer or whatever.
“I get it. Everybody wants clean water. Everybody wants clean air. I do more than anyone else,” Mastriano said. “I enjoy the woods. I love hiking the Appalachian Trail. I’m down with the outdoors, but DEP is running amok.”
The senator says there are municipalities and local governments are being charged exorbitant fees.
Here is the statement that was sent to us this week.
These comments lack a basis in reality and many of the assertions made are simply not accurate.
The six “Minimum Control Measures” required by the Pennsylvania MS4 (stormwater) permit represent the basic federal requirements from EPA. They are comparable to other states and are largely unchanged since the original Pennsylvania MS4 permit in 2003. A Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) requirement was added in 2013 because the basic program alone was not sufficient to mitigate local water quality impairments, nor was it contributing to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup.
The PRP requirement was strengthened and applied statewide in the 2018 permit. The 2013 PRP requirement was ineffective because it did not require specific load reductions.
EPA expects DEP to implement measures to better address impaired waters. During the 2018 General Permit development, EPA provided correspondence that shows the degree of concern; specifically, a letter from EPA from 2015 expressed concern with the lack of numeric criteria for nitrogen. EPA stated, “If no reduction for nitrogen is provided in the permit, it can be considered in direct non-compliance with regulations. This would constitute ground for EPA’s objection to the permit.” In addition, the 2013 permit was appealed by third party environmental groups due to concern over unaddressed local impairments.
As a result of a series of meetings with EPA, and as part of a 2014 DEP settlement to the litigation challenging PAG-13 General Permit, DEP agreed to include pollutant load reduction requirements in the subsequent 2018 PAG-13 General Permit. EPA reviewed and approved the PAG-13 permit package.
The MS4 (stormwater) program is a federal mandate, and one which unfortunately has not come with a corresponding increase in federal funding to address new requirements. Through existing programs, limited funding in the form of grants and loans is available to MS4s. PENNVEST has a regular supply of loan dollars, but grants (from PENNVEST and elsewhere) are highly competitive. It’s important to note that DEP does not mandate how municipalities meet the federal requirements; it’s up to the municipalities. DEP encourages MS4s to seek outside funding at their discretion, but also strongly encourages MS4s to ensure that their plans are cost-effective. In particular, DEP has worked with municipalities to set up regional collaborations that can help to significantly reduce costs.
Based on a limited amount of preliminary data, the average per municipality cost for implementation of PRP BMPs was calculated to be $683,585 over the course of the five-year permit term. Pennsylvania has 757 municipalities that are required to implement PRPs, and therefore the statewide PRP implementation cost is estimated to be $517.5 million over the 5-year permit term.
Although $683,585 represents an average per municipal cost, costs vary considerably between municipalities based on the size of the municipality and the extent of the impaired waters within the municipal boundaries. Smaller municipalities will likely spend less than half the average cost to implement their PRPs, while larger more densely populated municipalities may spend two to three times the average cost for the implementation of their PRP projects. York County, for example, described their costs as $4,000 – $224,000 per year per municipality.
It was just a few hours before the state House would vote on a package of bills to combat human trafficking. A large group of representatives, most of them Republican, took to the steps of the lobby in the Ryan building at the Capitol to show their support for the legislation.
“I’d never seen so many people that were on those stairs,” said Rep. Bob Brooks (R-Allegheny, Westmoreland), who was one of them. He talked with me in his Capitol office shortly after the vote. “I’ve heard people say it was the largest group of legislators they’ve seen.”
Included in the bills was Senate Bill 60, the “Buyer Beware Act,” sponsored by Sen, Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York). The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference supports all the measures and has worked with Sen. Phillips-Hill and Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) on the “Buyer Beware Act.”
“They were all focused on either greater sentencing for the perpetrators, like the people that were dealers of the sex trade,” Rep. Brooks said. “It was also people that were victims. It was ways to try to help them back into society sooner. Instead of blaming them, it was working with them.”
Brooks is in his first term as a state representative after being elected in November of 2018. But he has a wealth of experience that could fill up several web pages.
He was Chief Financial Officer at Chrysler Corp. at one point. He owns the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena. He was part of a group of local businessmen that helped save the Pirates and the Penguins. He served the Borough of Murrysville for a total of 26 years as councilman and mayor. I was not surprised to hear that, since Brooks is about as down-to-earth as you can get and a definite ‘people-person.’
“What that does is, you spend your whole time out with the people,” Brooks said. “You’re trying to make things better. When you’re the mayor, you do a whole lot better at getting things done sooner, than when you’re up here. But when you’re up here, you’re dealing with helping a whole lot more people. It just means you can’t do it by yourself.”
Brooks says that means you have to form groups and caucuses to get things done. He recently worked as part of the group to pass bills to help first responders.
“My area has 16 fire departments. Those departments are all volunteers. One of the problems is that volunteers have gone from 300,000 down to 38,000 in the last ten years. That’s for all of our fire departments in the whole state. We need to find ways to get young people to want to get involved.”
Brooks worked with other lawmakers to try to make that happen.
“One of the programs that we passed is that if you’re a firefighter while you go to college and for four years after, we’ll pay your education. We’ll also take the people that are there and we’ll give them a rebate on the local and the county taxes….It’s not huge pay, but it’s thank you’s and appreciation.”
Brooks is very well acquainted with the people of his district, which is northeast of Pittsburgh. He says it’s a group that attends church regularly and is strongly pro-life. He found that out last year as a candidate.
“I had several people at the polls last year. I remember one young woman came up and said ‘you are pro-life, right?’ I said absolutely. She said ‘well that’s good, because my parents were on the borderline and if they hadn’t become pro-life right at the end, I wouldn’t be here. ‘ You hear that sentiment throughout the area.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference today thanked members of the state House for their near-unanimous approval of a package of bills to address the problem of human trafficking.
The pictures here are of a news conference that preceded the votes at the Capitol. There was a huge turnout of House members, mostly of Republicans, but also some Democrats that felt strongly about trying to put an end to human trafficking.
The PA Catholic Conference has strongly supported these measures from the beginning.
“Human trafficking is a scourge that not only still exists, but thrives all around us,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “The Catholic Church has always been at the forefront of this fight, caring for the victims of human trafficking. It is good to see so many of our lawmakers are committed to this effort as well.”
The anchor of the package of bills was Senate Bill 60, known as the Buyer Beware Act, authored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York). Today’s passage means that bill will head directly to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
The package of legislation also included bills from Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks), Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny, Washington), Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks), Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) and Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder, Union).
“These bills put forth a strong package of penalties that we believe will help to deter human traffickers and their recruiters,” Failing said.
Those bills will now move to the Senate for full consideration.
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.
The Director of the PCC, Eric Failing, stresses that this is the premier pro-life vote of the session.
We have asked this before in the last couple of months and are asking again….PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR AND ASK THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY SUPPORT THE “PRO-LIFE” TELEMEDICINE BILL (SB 857) AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
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.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference worked on the passage of legislation for these safety grants and participated in the bill signing with the Governor back in November. The picture has the Executive Director of the PCC standing between Governor Wolf and Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester, Delaware). This is the press release for the program that was just issued by the Governor on January 15th. There is only one-month to sign up for the grants!!
Release–
Governor Tom Wolf announced today the availability of $5 million in funding for security enhancement projects for nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities throughout the commonwealth. Applicants are eligible for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization.
“These grants expand the school safety and security grants introduced last year,” Gov. Wolf said. “And will help our myriad nonprofits address security needs heightened by the heinous attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 and the safety concerns that still exist for religious, social and other nonprofit organizations across the commonwealth.”
Administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was part of Act 83 of 2019, which directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics publication.
Applicants can find the application and information about the Program on PCCD’s website at www.pccd.pa.gov. Grant awards can range from $5,000 to $150,000 for a wide variety of eligible items, including:
The application period is open for a 30-day window from Wednesday, January 15 to Friday, February 14. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a PCCD-established workgroup comprised of representatives of PCCD, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, with awards being considered at the March 11 PCCD meeting.
Questions regarding the program and the application process should be forwarded to RA-CD-NPSEC-GRANT@pa.gov.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference applauded the state House Judiciary Committee for its unanimous passage of a package of bills to address the problem of human trafficking. Each bill was approved by every representative on the committee.
“We can’t thank these lawmakers enough for their hard and persistent work on addressing what is a scourge to our society,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “They also did an incredible job of bringing awareness to these horrific practices that happen all around us.”
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) appeared before the committee to explain the need for her legislation, SB 60, known as the Buyer Beware Act.
“This bi-partisan and bi-cameral bill will make Pennsylvania a leader in the fight to end human trafficking,” she told the committee. “Despite our best efforts—and we have made significant efforts, at least in my time here in the Capitol—it’s a problem that continues to affect every corner of our Commonwealth.”
The package of legislation also included bills from Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks), Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny, Washington), Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks), Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler), Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) and Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder, Union); as well as a resolution from Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks), who has been heavily involved in the issue, despite being a relative newcomer to the House.
“Many folks in the faith-based community came to me and said this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed,” said Rep. Rob Kauffman, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “When I became chair of this committee, this was an issue that I wanted to tackle and we’ve been working for essentially the last six months trying to fine tune some of this legislation and bring it together.”
The bills will now move to the House floor for full consideration.
Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) is hopeful that his Fetal Remains Bill that recently passed the state House will gain acceptance in the Senate as well. House Bill 1890 was voted out of the House in November by a vote of 123-76 but continued to cause quite a stir as Ryan spent much of the time since answering a wave of misconception.
“An unbelievable amount of misconception,” Ryan told me on a recent visit to our office. “It’s the first time, I will tell you Al, that I have seen particularly irresponsible coverage by some of the sites. I don’t believe it was a controversial bill at all.”
Ryan sponsored the bill after undergoing a personal tragedy years ago with a child of his that didn’t survive past birth. He recounted his experience during an emotional committee hearing in November.
“It gives a parent who has lost a child through miscarriage or stillbirth the opportunity to bury the remains of the child and receive those remains at their own expense…As someone who has lost three children, wondering where the baby was buried was important to us and our family.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has supported the measure from the beginning.
Ryan said the feedback that he has gotten from others who have lost children has been very positive.
“I’ve had a lot of calls from people who have wondered what happened with their baby.”
Ryan said the misconceptions followed a piece that a pro-abortion group had put out, that was then picked up by a website that failed to get Ryan’s side of the story. Ryan credits the Harrisburg-area TV stations with actually getting his side of the story and clearing up the original misrepresentations.
“The group’s report was taken as gospel without reading the three-page bill. Literally this bill doesn’t take more than five minutes to read, even if you’re doing so slowly.”
Abortion groups have attacked the measure but proponents of the bill say it has nothing to do with abortion. Every Republican in the House voted for it, as did many Democrats.
“I was very disappointed that it created such controversy. There was a lot of misinformation,” said the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, Eric Failing. “This bill simply says that if the mother (who has lost a child before birth) wants the remains…they can request to have those remains. They will have to pay extra but they can have those remains.”
Failing said if the mother chooses to do otherwise, she will have no more responsibility. It would then be up to the health care facility to handle the remains through burial or cremation.
“It’s a very simple bill,” Failing continued. “It has nothing to do with restricting abortion or anything like that. But we believe that life is from conception to natural death and those are the remains of life.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is the public affairs arm of the Catholic bishops across the state. In other words, we are lobbyists for all issues that we see as important to the Catholic Church.
Lobbyists aren’t always looked upon fondly. But those ‘in the know’ realize their importance. One of those people ‘in the know’ is long-time political activist, radio host, school board member, political candidate, and friend, Eric Epstein. I went to him for his take on lobbyists because he is very familiar with the inner workings of government and he pulls no punches.
“Lobbyists are indispensable,” Epstein said. “I think they have a bad reputation because people are not really aware of what they do. Lobbyists are designed to educate and advance your position in Harrisburg. Without lobbyists you have no representation.”
Epstein says people may hear about the lobbyists that represent the big groups, like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, charter schools and the NRA. But he says just about every entity in the Commonwealth has someone advocating on their behalf.
“If you don’t, then you are exiting the battlefield, leaving yourself exposed and actually going to invite harm,” he said. “In other words you have to have people advocating for you, day in and day out.”
Epstein said it’s especially important nowadays when Pennsylvania is so reliant on so-called “sin taxes,” taxes from activities like gambling and the sale of alcohol.
“People have this stereotype of lobbyists drinking and playing golf, and some of them do. But without this necessary asset you’re leaving your self-interests in harm’s way. As someone who has actually been an advocate for low-income folks, consumer groups and environmental folks, I can tell you with first-hand knowledge, you have to be at the Capitol, day in and day out, developing relationships and educating legislators, especially new legislators.”
Back in July we talked with Alessandro DiSanto, one of the creators of the new prayer app “Hallow.” The Notre Dame University and Bishop McDevitt High School graduate had just participated in the launch of “Hallow” some eight months earlier.
This week I checked in with DiSanto again and found that the app is doing very well.
“We’ve been blessed,” he said. “Just finished our first year since launch. Since then we’ve had over 80,000 downloads in ten countries. We’re now the number one Catholic app in the app store with 4.9 stars out of 5. I’ve been really blessed.”
Hallow will guide you to a list of prayer topics, like joy, humility, love, or letting go. Or you can choose the daily prayers, like the novenas or gospels.
“It’s audio-guided contemplative prayer,” DiSanto explained. “So anybody from beginning, just learning to pray for the first time, or those that have been doing it every day but looking for a deeper sense of spirituality–we’ve got something for everybody.”
DiSanto’s group started out with a handful of his buddies from Notre Dame and has since expanded to ten. And counting.
“Upward and onward is the plan. We’ll be in Spanish, hopefully by the summer, which opens up the U.S. Hispanic population to be able to service them, and then into Central and South America. The plan is to go all over the world.”
To get the app, just search “Catholic” or “Hallow” in your app store or in google and it will be the first thing that pops up.
Most of what people hear about what goes on at the state Capitol involves issues that affect residents state-wide, like the budget, minimum wage, pro-life bills and the like. But legislators have to also keep an eye on something else: their district and the people they represent.
“I never want to forget who provided me with the honor and the opportunity to come out here,” said Rep. Bud Cook (R-Fayette, Washington). “I grew up in the Mon Valley, graduated from California High School.”
And for those who aren’t from these parts, “Mon” is short for Monongahela, as in Monongahela River. As in Mon Valley.
“I think it’s a very, very, very special place to be,” Cook said. “My mission in life, in addition to representing the people out here in the district is to promote the Mon Valley.”
I had told the representative that I thought I had passed his district when I went over a big bridge on Route 70. I had. I just didn’t realize it. Cook indicated that I’m not the only who has done that. He sees that as an ongoing issue.
“Where Interstate 70 intersects the Mon River, that is THE heart of the 49th District,” he continued. “You could drive by it and not even know it’s there…It’s there. We have to re-discover it, I believe, for ourselves and then market it and invite people in.”
Cook knows many of the ins and outs of his district. For example, he says there are nine different school districts and each one has a trout stream. He says the Fish & Boat Commission has a program where you can raise fish in the classroom. It has been incorporated into a couple of classrooms in his district.
“We’re now working through the intermediate unit, one which represents Greene, Washington and Fayette Counties. What we’d like to do is get that program into all 25 schools and Intermediate Unit 1.”
He says there are 19 different sportsman clubs in his district. The top seven have a membership of 500 or more. One sportsman’s club is so exclusive, in fact, that Cook has been unable to get a membership! But he does belong to about six or seven of them.
Cook talked about how the area was hurt by the steel mills closing in the 1970’s and 80’s. But he says the area has rebounded in a big way.
“I see a very bright future with the cracker plant and what’s going on with the Marcellus Shale and all that. That expansion will continue up the Ohio. We need to get ready for it.”
One of the biggest challenges he says is jobs. There are plenty of them, it’s just a case of finding enough people to work.
“I’m hearing—whether it be from our unions, or people who have factories, small businesses—they can’t find people who want to work. We have the jobs. We need people that are willing to get off the couch, get out the door, apply and actually show up for work. That’s the number one concern I hear. Number two is passing the drug test.”
Governor Wolf just signed the bill to allow hunting on three Sundays during the year in Pennsylvania. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and was years in the making for him.
“It all started for me about 50 years ago when I asked my dad why we couldn’t go hunting on Sunday and he said ‘that’s just the way it is in Pennsylvania, son.’” Laughlin told me on a recent visit to his Capitol office. “Who knew that years later I’d have a say in changing that?”
Senate Bill 147 provides for one Sunday hunting day each for rifle deer, archery deer and for a day determined by the Game Commission. The bill also amends the PA Game code to make trespassing while hunting a primary offense with increased penalties. It was a busy year for the measure, which has passed the Senate twice now after being amended in the House.
“I have worked on that for three years now,” Laughlin continued. “When I first got here people said ‘good luck with that, it will never change.’ So I feel pretty proud that we were at least able to take a bite out of that.”
There had always been at least some type of opposition to the idea of Sunday hunting. Sen. Laughlin said there were different groups that were against it, the largest of which being the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
“We added some trespassing language to the bill. That was an issue for them. So we kind of helped them out as well.”
The bill had started out calling for 14 hunting days, which Laughlin says would have been basically all the Sundays during hunting season. It got negotiated down to the agreed-upon three. It seemed to be a good compromise for all involved.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Laughlin says. “ I think it will help license sales and more importantly, I think there are a lot of young people that have very busy schedules and this should help them get out in the woods.”
Laughlin is now focusing on another issue that affects thousands of people across Pennsylvania, that being what many call a home inspection monopoly. There is a state-wide code enforcement that has seen developers being forced to use certain inspectors.
“There are pockets throughout the state that the inspection companies that we are forced to use…and I don’t know of a polite way to say this…they’re pretty aggressive in their inspections and they can kind of fine-print you to death if they want to. It’s an on-going issue.”
Laughlin has been working with Rep. Doyle Heffley on bills to try to correct the problem. Laughlin says it appears Heffley’s has the best chance to gain passage. House Bill 349 would amend the PA Construction Code to require municipalities, which hire a private third-party agency to enforce the codes to use at least two more such entities for inspection services.
Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) continues an impressive trend in western Pennsylvania politics–of veterans coming back to their native area for a career in public service. O’Neal served in Afghanistan.
“My father had served for four years when he was younger but I initially didn’t go toward the military,” he told me on a recent visit to his suburban Pennsylvania district. “My parents are divorced and after my freshman year of college my mother actually asked me to explore the National Guard to help pay for school. And I fell in love with it.”
O’Neal went on to active duty in the Army infantry as a Second Lieutenant in 2003. He concedes there were some tough times during his tour of duty, but….
“I wouldn’t change almost anything about it,” he said. “It’s strange to say, but the experience of war overall was an extremely positive experience. I did have a squad leader killed, so that’s the one thing I would change. But other than that it was an overall positive experience.”
O’Neal got out of the Army in 2007, worked in the energy industry and then went on to become a human resources director for a construction company. However, he says he missed the service component in the private sector. He decided to seek public service.
The 48th District has been electing Democrats forever–until O’Neal that is. It doesn’t seem like it’s due to a big change in the voters. Maybe it’s a case of the voters seeing a change in their party–whether it be locally, state-wide or nationally.
“It’s one of the things about our area of Washington County and the 48th District in particular. It really is a wonderful place and it doesn’t matter what letter is behind your name. We basically have the same viewpoints. We’re generally conservative. We’re generally God-loving and God-fearing and the values from southwestern Pennsylvania are pretty similar across parties. I am a fiscal conservative and I consider myself conservative overall and that resonates with the area regardless of what letter is behind your name.”
O’Neal is working on a bill that would call for a Constitutional amendment to require any overages in revenue to be deposited immediately into the Rainy Day Fund to ensure that government spending is kept in check.
The state Senate late Wednesday afternoon passed the Down Syndrome Protection Act, which would prohibit an abortion, based solely on a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. The vote went 27-22 after it had passed through the Senate Health Committee on Monday.
The measure has now passed both state chambers. It passed the House in May.
The PCC worked with Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) and other legislators on crafting the bill before it was even introduced. Back in March, several members of the PCC stood on the podium with legislators to announce companion bills from Rep. Klunk and Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster).
“We believe this legislation gives all children, regardless of their condition, the right to live a happy life,” said Eric Failing, PCC executive director. “PCC thanks all legislators who supported this vital piece of legislation that will save lives.”
For all the times you hear about and see a state legislator discussing a bill on the House or Senate floor, or talking about a certain issue for the media, a lot of their efforts involve one-on-one work with constituents. That includes them and their staff members in trying to help people on a variety of issues.
“We helped a guy get a copy of his birth certificate and it was incredibly difficult,” said Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) during a visit I made to her Capitol office. “He was born out of wedlock. He was never baptized. It turned out that his birth certificate was under his father’s name, which he never used.”
Daley and her staffers ended up enlisting the help of a social worker at one of the senior centers to eventually figure it out. It wasn’t exactly pushing a bill through on the House floor, but it was making a big difference in someone’s life. In this case, it helped the man get his benefits. Many lawmakers will tell you, it’s that kind of work that makes the work they do worthwhile.
“It was really great, because he started to get benefits,” Daley said. “And that really helped somebody.”
There are other requests for help that come along that are not quite as involved, but are still important to the person who is in need. That person may have nowhere else to go for help. It might be helping someone fill out a tax form or a form to get their driver’s license.
“Sometimes we just have to tell them it’s a local issue and this is who you have to call,” Daley said. “We always tell people, if you’re not really sure, call us and we’ll help you to figure it out.”
Daley grew up in Narberth, Montgomery County, a little borough just outside of Philadelphia. The borough is in her district. Her mom and dad were both Democrats, in a town that was heavily Republican. She first ran for office in 1991 for Narberth Borough Council.
“I was tired of Republicans always just talking about how this town was what it was just because of generations of Republican leadership,” Daley said. “I thought, okay, that’s true, but my parents were part of making this a good place to live and they’re Democrats. Democrats were somewhat ignored, so I feel like I have tried to stand up for people who need somebody to stand up for them.”
Daley served for 20 years on Narberth Borough Council before running for and winning election to her current seat in November of 2012. She took office the following January.
I talked with Daley on the day she stood with other Democrats in support of hate crime legislation proposed by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). The PA Catholic Conference also stood with legislators and advocates in support of the bills as they were introduced.
“I think it’s important that we pass bills like this that address issues of hate because it seems more rampant these days than it has in the past,” Daley said. “I like to go back to my father’s parents, who both came to this country for opportunity and to raise their families and lived here. That’s really important and I’d like to think of the United States as a place where people feel comfortable to come.”
Rep. Tedd Nesbit (R-Butler, Mercer) has followed a familiar path to the state Capitol. He began his career as an attorney.
“Small-town lawyer, but a former assistant district attorney,” Nesbit told me during a recent visit to his Capitol office. He was kind enough to squeeze in some time to talk with us during a busy session day in Harrisburg. “I did court-appointment cases and a little bit of everything, really.”
Nesbit is now running for judge for Mercer County Court. A number of the bills that he has worked on and passed have dealt with the criminal justice system. They include…
– Senate Bill 915, which contains Nesbit’s House Bill 2307 and helps innocent people present new evidence challenging their wrongful convictions.
– Senate Bill 916, which contains Nesbit’s House Bill 2308 and will modify the process for a defendant to file a petition for DNA testing eliminating the requirement that the person who requests testing be serving a term of imprisonment or awaiting execution after being sentenced to death.
– House Bill 159, which gives judges within the juvenile court system the flexibility to look at the facts of the case and assign the most appropriate sentence to the minor.
In the meantime Nesbit continues to serve the people of the 8th district.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to the community,” he said. “I was very active before this, with United Way, in the church . And when my predecessor retired, I had several people reach out to me and say ‘you should do that.’ So I decided to jump in and here we are about five years later.”
One of the bills that Nesbit is working on now would deal with the crime of sexual extortion. It has passed the House and is currently in the Senate. He says it helps the law catch up with technology.
“What’s happening is that people are putting some personal information on their phones or on the internet and then other people would use that information to extort more information or embarrassing things about them. Right now the way the law works, it’s only considered a crime of extortion if you ask for money. Our bill then makes it that if you ask for things of value that would also be a crime.”
Nesbit says they are working with the district attorney’s office on the bill to help prevent people, especially young people, from being exploited.
“The FBI says this is the number one crime against children,” Nesbit said. “Because a lot of times they will put things out on their phone, they think they’re just sharing it with a friend and then the next thing you know they’re being asked for more information.”
PA Rep. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) is working to gather support for the bill introduced by House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to offer school choice to students and families in the Harrisburg School District.
“We’ve dealt with multi-generational failures in those schools,” Rothman told me on a visit to his Capitol office. “I was here in 2000 when Governor Ridge signed the original takeover of the district.”
The Harrisburg School District came out of receivership for a few years, but was placed back into it this year.
Turzai’s bill (House Bill 1800) would require any Pennsylvania district in receivership to provide scholarship grants worth at least half of their per-student subsidy. That would be added to a $4,000 subsidy from the state. Rothman says that would translate into about $8,000 per student in the Harrisburg District, which would be the first to be affected by the proposed legislation. Rothman was the first to sign on as a primary co-sponsor.
“The school continues to struggle. The students continue to be under-served,” Rothman said. “This bill would allow those kids to get out of the Harrisburg School District and go to a public school outside the district or a private school and receive scholarship money for that.”
Rothman says that $8,000 happens to be around the highest tuition of any of the private schools that teach children up to eighth grade. It’s a little higher for high schools. Rothman says most of those schools offer their own scholarships as well.
“If this would save one kid, and gives one kid the chance to escape the failing schools in the City of Harrisburg, it would be a good thing. But it could impact thousands.”
The bill is currently in the House Education Committee. Rothman says Chairman Curt Sonney supports the measure so it could be passed out of committee by the end of the year.
“Right now a kid can leave a city school and go to a charter school, in which case the city schools are going to give that charter school or that cyber school $9,000 to $12,000. This is only $4,000. It will lower their average cost per student.”
Rothman spent several years working in real estate and thinks this bill would encourage people to stay in Harrisburg, where before couples would move out when their children grew to be of school age.
“Now they could stay in the city, send their kids to a private school, some of our great parochial schools, religious schools and they can take the money and the scholarship which could more than make up for the highest real estate taxes in the region.”
The state legislature has had fewer session days this fall than in the past. The cynics would say that lawmakers are getting it easy. Those on the inside would know better.
“That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. People tend to think that when we’re not in Harrisburg, we’re on vacation and we’re off,” Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette, Westmoreland) told me on a visit to his Capitol office. “I often tell people that we’re a lot busier back in the district. We do spend a lot of time in Harrisburg, so when we are back home we have to catch up on a lot of things. There’s constituent work, whether it’s meetings with organizations, catching up on issues with our municipalities, Penndot issues…”
Ryan started working in his family’s logging business when he was a kid, then worked as a project controller at Siemens Industry when he got out of college. He wanted to be active for his community and figured a position in public office, representing the people from his home area would be the best way to go about it. He has an intense pride for his district, which encompasses parts of Fayette and Westmoreland Cos. He talked about an incident that happened three years ago that brought out the very best in the people that he represents.
“In 2016, the city of Connellsville, which I represent, was hit with a devastating flood. I mean an awful flood, where it literally wiped out a part of the city, and into Bullskin Township. It was like a disaster area. It looked worse than a tornado. It devastated the city. And I saw firsthand the people of that community come together to help out their neighbors. The sacrifices they made, whether it was time, money, whatever they could do, people pitched in to help out.”
Warner said he worked with several different government agencies during that flood and that they all remarked how impressed they were with the community’s effort.
“They said there has never been the community support and the cooperation in a natural disaster than what they’d seen in the city of Connellsville. And you want to talk about taking pride in something. That’s what I take pride in. That’s why I want to afford my children the chance to have a future here, so they can be a part of that, a part of this community.”
At the top of Warner’s priority list is working to cut out wasteful government spending. He’s been working on the Taxpayer Protection Act, which limits the amount that the government can spend each year. The spending limit is based on population growth and inflation. He says the bill would allow spending to go over that cap, with three-quarters of the General Assembly approving.
I also asked Warner what his future plans are and if he likes being a state representative. He said that he does and he gave a great answer on what it’s like to him.
“People say ‘what do you think about being a representative?’ The most honest answer I can give is that it’s like being a parent. It is the most frustrating, hair-pulling, maddening experience that you could ever go through! But at the same time it is the most rewarding and uplifting experience that you could ever go through—just like being a parent. It is so frustrating. There are times when you want to pound your head against the desk but there are sometimes where it is just the greatest, most beneficial experience that you could have.”
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre, Mifflin) is the Majority Whip in the PA House of Representatives. That is a figurative rather than literal title.
“Essentially your job is to make sure you have enough votes to get a bill passed or to stop a bill,” Benninghoff told me during a visit to his Capitol office. “We are whipping the votes. It’s actually an old term, an old English term. When they would do fox hunts and they were ending the hunt, and rounding up the dogs on the way in, they would yell, okay boys, whip ‘em in—whip the dog in to try to get the fox at the end of the race. Parliament picked this terminology up. It’s kind of rustling the members together, to kind of whip them in line to get the votes.”
Clearly, he has been asked this question before. We talked for several minutes and discussed a number of aspects of the political process. He says his job is really about relationships and being able to communicate to members the necessity of trying to get support for bills.
“For the most part we know where we’re at,” he said. “But sometimes you get to the floor and people have a change of heart or they’ve acquired other information. The goal is to try to get good legislation passed and we like to know that we have the votes to get it done.”
Benninghoff says he has assistants assigned to each region and they will lobby 10 members or so on the votes. He says the staff devised an electronic way to monitor those votes instead of writing them down on paper.
“The legislative process is fun. It’s a little hard for some people to understand. People will say sometimes ‘why don’t you guys just hold hands and get along?’ Our process was designed to be deliberative. Our discussions and our debates, people should not assume, is all egregious and mean and ugly.”
He uses the analogy of a soldier’s dress sword. It does not start out that way. It begins as a piece of raw iron.
“We heat it. We pound it. We shape it. We sharpen it. And at the end of the day, you have this beautiful piece of weaponry. But it didn’t start out that way. The legislative process is very similar.”
Benninghoff worked as the Centre County Coroner until getting elected to his current seat in January of 1997. That’s 22-1/2 years in elected office. He has learned a few things along the way and likes to share some knowledge with the newcomers.
“The first thing I tell members is that ‘you have a responsibility to listen to other members, even those of the opposite party. You may not agree with them. And even after they say something or debate or discuss something in committee, you may still not agree with them, and it may not change your vote, but you have an inherent responsibility to listen because you will learn something.’”
Benninghoff says that is the beauty of being where he is. People come from different walks of life and have different beliefs. He believes that differing opinions make the product better.
“I had a bill that I had to introduce four different sessions until I could get a final product that we could get commonality on and be comfortable with and passed into law. It was a bill that affected 4,200 Pennsylvanians.”
It was a bill that allowed people who had been adopted to get their original birth certificate. It meant a lot to Benninghoff because he had been adopted as a child.
Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) fought the good fight on behalf of Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant earlier this year. He proposed House Bill 11, which would have allowed nuclear plants to receive funding for producing clean energy. TMI needed the bailout to survive. But despite several hearings and a rally or two, there was just simply not enough support from legislators. HB 11 never made it out of committee.
TMI closed in September. It was a serious blow to the area, as people lost their jobs and a several municipalities lost a good chunk of their tax base. Many of those employees lived in Mehaffie’s district. He says he learned some important things along the way.
“We need a basic and diversified portfolio of energy,” he told me on a visit to his Capitol office. “If we have one that does more than 50% and basically dominates the market, that’s not good for anybody… It’s about making sure that we have ample electricity in the state.”
Mehaffie says the battle is not over. He pointed out what just happened in Ohio, where legislators there saved coal plants and nuclear power plants in that state.
“That was one of the smartest things that Ohio could have done,” Mehaffie said. “They’re making sure they stay open….Talks have to continue here. We have a large vein of gas hear in Pennsylvania and we can’t deny that. We have to use that for our benefit. The gas industry should be part of it. But at the same time the gas industry shouldn’t be fighting the coal industry or the nuclear gas industry. We should be all working together.”
Mehaffie is also working on a dieticians’ bill—House Bill 1802. He says it’s important because we, as a society, need to eat better. He says the bill will make sure that patients are going to the right person and make sure they’re getting the right information.
He also has introduced and gotten a lot of bi-partisan support for House Bill 1900. That would license behavior analysts. Mehaffie held a rally for the bill in the Capitol Rotunda a few weeks ago and had a lot of legislators and advocates show up in support.
“That right there is a very crucial bill, I think, for the state,” he said. “It’s the first time in history that Medicaid and Medicare have laid out some codes that will refund those services and that happened in January of 2019. About 30 other states have licensed behavior analysts. These are the folks that are really going to make a difference in the future of Pennsylvania and the United States.”
Mehaffie says those analysts deal with things like heroin addiction, suicide prevention, mental illness and even anger issues.
“There are so many things that they can do,” Mehaffie said. “It’s taking bad behavior and turning it into good behavior.”
The day that I talked to Mehaffie, a House committee took a vote on a Sunday hunting bill that came from the Senate. It passed the committee and then went to the full House, where it picked up a few amendments, but still passed by a large margin. Mehaffie supported the bill.
“Why I like the bill is that it really narrows it down it’s a little bit stronger with trespassing. That’s been a problem with large landowners in my area.”
Sen. Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny, Washington) spent 23-years in the Navy.
“I loved every minute of it,” she said. But the future state senator didn’t start out with the intention to make it a career. She quickly changed her mind.
“I graduated from Gettysburg College and knew I would go on to graduate school, but I needed a break. I needed my gap time to do that,” she told me during a recent visit to her district office. “What I came up with was that I would get a commission in the Navy, get a few good bullets on my resume, get some good experience in management and leadership and earn some education benefits to go one to graduate school, law school, MBA, something like that.”
But once she got in the Navy she was anchored in the for the long haul. She realized that she had found her career. And coming back to the place she grew up put her in some familiar company as far as many of the residents who live in her district.
“Southwest Pennsylvania has the highest density of veterans in the state,” she said. “Fourth-highest density in the country. So yes, we have a propensity to serve. We also have a propensity to come back home again too.”
Iovino also fits in well with the large number of Catholics in the area. She is Catholic and spent a number of years in Catholic school. So what led her to a career in the legislature? She says it’s not something that was on her radar as recently as five years ago. But she likened her career in the service to her new career in public service.
“What I have done for the past thirty years or so is have a career that is in the public sector,” Iovino said. “The public sector has been my lane professionally. I just was looking for what I wanted to do in this stage of my life that matched up my background and experience with a good opportunity to continue to serve and make a contribution. Somewhat to my surprise it ended up with me seeking elected office.”
Sen. Iovino has been a big part of the effort to pass Senate Resolution 6, an initiative to look into what has become a crisis of the shortage of paid and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. She said that in the last decade, the state has gone from having more than 300,000 paid and unpaid firefighters to down around 38,000.
There are currently no restrictions on using public assistant, or the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase tobacco in Pennsylvania. But a bill sponsored by Rep. Justin Walsh (R-Westmoreland) could change that. House Bill 847 would forbid the use of EBT cards to purchase tobacco or tobacco-related products. The bill is supported by the PA Catholic Conference and passed the state House in September. It is now before the Senate.
“It is my belief that that type of assistance is for necessities,” Walsh told me during a recent visit to his district office in suburban Pittsburgh. “Tobacco, in my mind, does not fall within the definition of a necessity. I believe it’s a good bill, good government. That’s taxpayer money and we need to make sure it’s being put to the correct purposes.”
The EBT cards are issued by the Department of Human Services to administer public assistance benefits.
Walsh takes the responsibility of spending the taxpayers’ money very seriously. He acknowledges the hard-working people of his district.
“People like to call it ‘public money,’” he said. “But it’s not public money. It’s your money. It’s my money. We’re required to pay our taxes and when we do we want to make sure it goes to the core functions of government.”
Walsh is also sponsoring a bill that would hold local government officials accountable in terms of their attendance at meetings. It would call for a constitutional amendment that would go to the voters in the form of a referendum if it passes the House and Senate in two consecutive sessions. It has already passed the House.
“It would require the legislature to pass a bill that would include some sort of attendance policy for local officials. We’ve had problems within my own district where elected officials just stopped attending meetings and that causes a lot of problems for the remaining elected officials who show up and choose to do the work. It’s a burden on them. If you make the commitment to run for office, then there should be some kind of recourse if you don’t show up.”
And Walsh remains staunchly pro-life, already voting for the Down Syndrome Protection Act and other bills that preserve the dignity of life. That reflects the make-up of his district which has an interesting demographic. It’s majority Democrat. Walsh is a Republican.
“There are more Democratic registrations but when I talk to my constituents I do get a lot of pro-life, pro-second amendment (right to bear arms) people.”
Any time a pro-life legislator makes any kind of substantive move against abortion, you can be sure there will be a ton of resistance. Much of it will be from the left, but there will also be a fair amount of push back from those within their own ranks. Fellow lawmakers and advocates doubt the timing, the potency of the measure, and the electoral fall-out down the road.
It can be very defeating, especially for newer legislators. But Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) and Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York), shut out the negativity and unveiled the Heartbeat Bill on Monday morning in the Capitol Media Center. House Bill 1977 and Senate Bill 912 would prevent an abortion if a heartbeat is detected in the fetus.
“Abortion is one of the most difficult topics to discuss in our nation, as it is tied to deeply personal and emotional issues,” Senator Mastriano said. “Yet, it is time that we have an open and honest discussion on this very difficult matter. Scientific and medical advances of the past 50 years have laid to waste the idea that the baby in the womb is simply a blob of tissue. It’s time for the discussion that includes a scientific and logical dialogue on this most important issue of our generation.”
“If a person is pronounced dead when their heart stops, why are they not considered alive when their heartbeat begins?” said Representative Borowicz. “Psalms 139: 13-14 makes it simple: ‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.’ At the most fundamental level, this heartbeat bill would effectively guarantee that future Pennsylvania children have the right to be born.”
Both legislators were kind enough to ask the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference for our help and support along the way. We were honored to stand alongside them and the several lawmakers and advocates that joined us onstage.
Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC, was the first of the advocates from supporting groups to speak. He thanked all of those responsible for the bill for their work on behalf of all the Catholic bishops in Pennsylvania.
“I don’t know why this has become politicized,” said Failing. “I don’t know when that happened. It’s evil at work. We do know that. We only get one heart. If there are two, that’s two lives. It’s that simple.”
The Heartbeat bill is the latest piece of pro-life legislation to have some life at the Capitol. There are four other such bills in either the House or Senate.
The opponents would quickly point to the fact that Governor Wolf has pledged to veto any pro-life bill that comes to his desk. In fact, he said just as much in response to the Heartbeat bill.
“I refuse to surrender,” Mastriano said. “I’m going to fight this ‘til my dying breath.”
“We know we have a socialist Governor,” Borowicz said. “But I’m here to do what’s right.”
PA Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) has been very concerned about the available care for school students across the state when it comes to the area of mental health. She has introduced a bill along with Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) that she hopes will fulfill whatever needs there are.
“We both have, sadly, had middle schoolers commit suicide this year—very, very sad,” Thomas told me during a visit to her district office. “We came together to do a bill that does a study of what kind of mental health do we need in our school systems. What kind of support should we have there?”
The bill calls for a 12-month study that would provide information to the legislature and the school districts.
“We feel like there’s been some focus at the high school level,” Thomas said. “It’s not that we can’t improve there, but this study would be K through 12.”
Thomas says that there is a higher level of anxiety present and that children need support.
“In fact, with our Safe to Say Program, the results that have come out—the number one call we get is kids reporting other kids with a high level of anxiety. Sadly that can lead to suicide. I’m on the Suicide Prevention Taskforce as well to take a look at this.”
The bill is in the Education Committee and Thomas will hope to get it introduced on the House floor in the coming weeks. The House comes back for session on October 21st.
Thomas has also authored a bill that will look to help municipalities in the Philadelphia suburbs recover some of the Earned Income Tax payments that lose to those who pay the city wage tax. As it stands now, the suburban resident pays his wage tax to Philadelphia but gets a credit for that on his local EIT.
“Our towns are struggling, particularly with affording volunteer fire services,” Thomas said. “We feel it’s time that some of that money should come back to the town where those residents live to help support those township services. Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and I have a bill to do that but we’re really working with the Pennsylvania State Township Supervisors Association. This is one of their main objectives.”
What could that mean in terms of revenue for Bucks County? Thomas says it adds up to $8.6-million if the EIT money came back to all of the municipalities.
I first met Rep. Thomas back in February when I went to a town hall that she hosted with Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) on human trafficking. Our Executive Director Eric Failing spoke at that gathering since we are supporting the Buyer Beware Act. That measure is sponsored by Rep. Grove and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and would call for stiffer penalties for those who patronize victims of human trafficking. Many of those victims get into prostitution. The Buyer Beware Bill would also call for harsher penalties on those who force the victims into the criminal act.
Thomas is hopeful the bill will be put up for a vote on the House floor.
“It’s a great act and we are still working on it,” she said. “Rep. Grove and I keep talking about it. We’re really trying to push it but it has not passed the House yet. We’re still making noise about it, especially in a year when we’ve seen some public figures accused of human trafficking. It’s been in the news. It’s a huge problem and it’s a problem here—people think it happens somewhere else. “
Some lawmakers are not big fans of town hall meetings. What if nobody shows up? For others it’s a question of ‘what if someone does show up?’ It’s a setting that can be tough to control, especially if you have some angry constituents.
Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-Philadelphia) is definitely not afraid to hold a town hall meeting. She’s held 88 as of the time this story went online! That’s in less than nine years in office. It’s probably a record of some sort. I’m still checking.
“My commitment when I first ran, Al, was ongoing dialogue with constituents,” she told me during a visit to her Philadelphia district office. “We started in 2011—the first year I was elected and did a town hall. You wonder if anyone is going to show up.”
They did indeed show up and continue to do so. DeLissio said they’ve had as few as seven residents attend, but as many as 130. And that was on a Saturday morning in January.
“The average is somewhere between 20 and 30,” she said. “We also have done policy roundtables here in the office, limited to 25 people on the most controversial issues—whether they have to do with sanctuary cities, gun safety legislation, sexual predators—particularly of children. I’m very proud to tell you that those discussions have always been excessively civil and the people that have participated have represented the ideological spectrum, from A to Z, from right to left. And we have learned and shared from each other.”
This year DeLissio has expanded on the town hall idea by creating a book club. It’s an attempt to reach people that might not have been interested in participating in a town hall or the policy roundtable. The book clubs have been very successful.
“They’ve been pretty much fully subscribed and all the books are tied to state policy,” she said. “We’ve just read, in September, Cash for Kids, the debacle that happened in Luzerne Co. We’ve read Hillbilly Elegy and we’ve read the book Educated—all that we could tie back to state policy.”
DeLissio has also been active in many legislative issues, trying to bring about election and voting reform,along with campaign finance reform. She says there are no campaign contribution limits for state offices in Pennsylvania.
“That is very, very concerning,” she said. “Some things we can control at the state level, like capping contributions to those offices…We need to understand that there is a lot of money that often tries to influence and sometimes successfully influences policy and how that policy is developed when it gets to a governor’s desk…
“We need to do every day what is for the greater good of the citizens of Pennsylvania, not for any particular special interest group that’s tried to influence the process unduly with a lot of money.”
DeLissio has also been very active in the discussion to re-draw the state districts in Pennsylvania. She says both parties have taken advantage of drawing district boundaries when they are in control of the process. She would like to see an independent re-districting commission do the work so that there would be no political information used to draw the lines.
Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks) is a recently-established “empty nester.” Warren and his wife Liz have five children and the youngest has just left the house.
“It made me sad, but they come home a lot,” Warren told me on a recent visit to his Capitol office. In the meantime he has plenty to keep him busy—both in his district in Bucks Co. and when he is at the Capitol. One of the issues we talked about was Warren’s introduction of a bill in the last session to establish a minimum age for marriage in Pennsylvania of 18. He is co-sponsoring the measure with Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford, Franklin, Fulton). The issue was brought to his attention in 2017 by two of his constituents.
“That bill really became an issue about awareness and the recognition that there is currently no minimum age to get married in Pennsylvania,” Warren said. “Pennsylvania is one of twenty-some states that have no minimum age.”
He started reading about the situation and learned about what are often coercive types of marriages. He then introduced a bill two years ago to make 18 the required age for marriage in Pennsylvania.
“It gathered support,” he said, noting that they PA Catholic Conference backed the measure. “It had bipartisan support and ultimately the bill passed this spring unanimously in the House of Representatives. We’re hoping the Senate will take action on it. It’s a bill about protecting children, letting children be children.”
Under current PA law, a marriage license may be issued to an applicant younger than 16 with court approval. A marriage license may also be issued where an applicant is older than 16 but younger than 18 with the consent of a parent or guardian. If the bill is passed, Pennsylvania would be the third state to ban child marriage. Delaware and New Jersey passed similar laws in 2018.
Warren is also working on passing gun legislation and talked about why he is so committed to that cause.
“As a father of five children, who’s lost a child, from a town called Newtown– the shootings in Newtown Connecticut– and I live five doors from an elementary school…those shootings really, really hit home with me and my family. Since then I’ve really been an advocate for gun safety legislation.”
He has recently introduced House Bill 373 which would require universal background checks. Another one of his bills would require that guns be stored safely in homes. And yet another of his measures would prevent guns from being sold to suspected terrorists.
“These are bills that we think of as gun safety bills,” he said. “Bills that would keep our homes, our communities, our places of worship safe.”
Warren started his career in public service back in 2009 when he took office on the Newtown Borough Council. He has worked as an attorney in his own firm, but he also operates his own ice cream truck as a family business. That is something he started when he was 19.
Rep. Ben Sanchez (D-Montgomery) comes from several different walks of life—he worked as a CPA, an attorney and as a college professor. But he’s very happy and satisfied with his current path—as a state lawmaker. He was elected to office last November to replace Madeleine Dean who went on to the U.S. House. He took office in January and has been loving the job ever since.
“It wasn’t always a dream to become a state representative, but I say it should have been,” Sanchez told me during a visit to his Capitol office. He said he was working as a real estate lawyer when he was elected to the position of Abington Township Commissioner. That got him very interested in local government.
“I’m really enjoying the work, helping the constituents,” he added. “It’s really an honor to represent my home town of Abington.”
He has great reason to be proud of the area. Sanchez said Abington was ranked in Money Magazine’s Top 100 Places to Live in America. It was one of two towns in Pennsylvania that made the list. Sanchez also represents Upper Dublin Township, which he pointed out is celebrating its Tri-Centennial this year.
The representative has been working on many issues, but is perhaps working the hardest on gun violence prevention. He has sponsored two bills of his own and says he has co-sponsored every other piece of legislation that deals with the issue.
“The one that I’m particularly interested in of my own is a bill on lost and stolen reporting,” Sanchez said. “That requires a gun owner or someone in possession of a gun that has it stolen to report that within 72 hours of the discovery. This is, of course, an effort to stem the course of straw purchasing.”
Sanchez has another piece of legislation that would take a Protection of Abuse order that normally expires after three years in Pennsylvania and make it effective for an indefinite period of time.
“Instead of the automatic expiration, you would wait until the parties petition and then that PFA could be removed. We would like to have some hearings on that, get different perspectives on the issue and see where it goes.”
Like every lawmaker in Harrisburg, Sanchez is very aware of the property tax issue and the challenges that are faced in trying to solve it. And like many legislators, he sees the feelings vary among constituents, based on place of residence, age, etc.
“We’ve been able to keep property taxes pretty stable in Abington Township. I know there are complaints in Upper Dublin Township,” Sanchez said. “If we could do a better job of funding the schools through the state, that would take the burden off of the property taxes. Yes, it is something that is really hitting our seniors. I would like to see a creative solution that doesn’t hurt the schools. I would definitely be interested in unique and creative perspectives on that.”
Often-times we hear of partisan battles in the state House and Senate, Republicans vs. Democrats voting along party lines. But there are many instances where there is agreement from both sides of the aisle.
One of those instances was in getting a new healthcare exchange that will use federal funds to operate a state-run marketplace. It will take the place of the federally-operated healthcare.gov exchange. The bill was signed into law this summer by the Governor.
“It’s a good example of bi-partisanship actually working in the Commonwealth, which is the rare occasion,” Minority Leader Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny, Westmoreland) told me during a visit to his Capitol office. “I worked together with Brian Cutler. The Democrats and the Republicans got together—working with the Administration and Governor Wolf.”
Dermody says the exchange is expected to save the state as much as $80-million in operating costs and will present lower insurance premiums for Pennsylvanians who enroll in the program.
Lawmakers in Harrisburg have also worked together in the last several months on criminal justice reform. One of the more noteworthy bi-partisan efforts in that regard was the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law, which calls for the sealing of low-level, non-violent misdemeanors, summary offenses and non-conviction records, with no action required by the individual.
“I think that’s crucially important. I think that’s a great issue for us,” Dermody said. “You can be tough on crime and make sure bad guys are off the streets, but we have too many people who are in jail for non-violent offenses who can be rehabilitated–if it’s drug-related, alcohol-related–those types of offenses. Society is better off and we protect the public safety in making sure those folks get the treatment they need. Incarceration doesn’t necessarily always take care of all those issues. We have to balance it. There are some great proposals out there and we have to make more progress.”
Dermody says if lawmakers are going to accomplish anything, it’s going to be with Democrats and Republicans working together.
“We’re not always going to get exactly what we want,” he said. “But I think that’s the process. I have to work hard to make sure that we can work together with Republicans to move the state forward, along with Governor Wolf.”
The state House came back for two weeks of sessions in Harrisburg and will not return for a couple more weeks. But Rep. Dermody says they will be focusing on a number of issues in the remaining weeks of the session, including getting the increase in the minimum wage that they have been fighting for.
“We are going to continue to concentrate on minimum wage, introducing bills,” Dermody said. “Obviously there are bills that have been introduced already that we would like to see reported out of committee. The minimum wage hasn’t been increased in well over a decade. It’s $7.25 an hour. All of our neighboring states have done it and have actually increased employment. It’s helped immeasurably so.”
Dermody says the Governor and his caucus each have plans to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“I think if it ever got up for a vote it would pass,” he said. “We just have to get the powers-that-be downstairs to run the bill, so we have to get it out of committee. There’s a discharge process that usually doesn’t work but we will see what we can do.”
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) says his caucus has some unfinished business they want to take care of from the spring session. One of the biggest issues on that list will be how to fund voting machines at the county level.
Lawmakers have already passed a measure that will provide $90-million in funding to the counties for the machines as part of a federal mandate. The Republicans are also backing a proposal to eliminate the button that registers straight-party voting across the ballot. Grove says Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that still allow that.
“That was the actual reason that the Governor vetoed it (the election package),” Grove said. “The Democratic party from the high end called him and said ‘we need you to maintain that straight-party ticketing.”
Grove said round two on the voting issue is coming up. There will also be a look at election policy moving forward to strengthen the election process. He says both parties want to work on the process, but they differ on what to do.
“Republicans tend to focus on the integrity of the voting system, to make sure that your vote actually counts and that we don’t have individuals that shouldn’t be voting, actually voting in our elections. Democrats just want to open it up and let anybody vote at any time and remove those integrity protections from the election system.”
Grove says his taxpayer caucus has not been overly busy lately since the Governor backed off of looking for tax increases. He has also been very appreciate of what the new Majority Leader, Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) has done.
“He’s done a phenomenal job. A hard worker. Better packaging of bills. We have a lot more—at least with the House Republican caucus–we have a lot more caucus unity moving into taking on issues. He’s been a breath of fresh air.”
Grove also said the House will take a look at issues like Telemedicine and will take another look at pension reform.
“We worked with the Governor to pass some benefit structure. Now we’re looking at the governance. We’re looking at those two big plans—PSERS and SERS—and how to make sure they’re better managed and effectively use the money they’re collecting and improve their yields when they invest the money. Hopefully we can really get some structural reforms there.”
I also asked Grove about the future of his “Buyer Beware” bill that that he has worked on with Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York). It would stiffen penalties against those who patronize victims of human trafficking—usually through prostitution. It would also stiffen penalties against those who force the victims into those roles.
“We’re hopeful that we’re going to do a week on victims and hopefully specifically on human trafficking,” Grove said. “I’m hoping that will happen this fall in the House. We all know how much of a heinous crime that is. It is modern-day slavery.”
Grove visited the southern U.S. border this summer and learned about the prevalence of human trafficking and how profitable that is for the Mexican drug cartels.
“The cartels control that entire southern border. They make money off of human trafficking–$53-milliion a week. Think about that…$53-million a week. And that’s just a side gig. They use that to overwhelm our border security so they can bring in drugs that are killing American citizens. Those drugs the cartels bring in are infiltrating our communities here in the commonwealth.”
Grove is also looking to work on pro-life legislation this term—with the Down Syndrome Protection Act and the Heartbeat bill.
“There are a lot of good pro-life bills that we can move and hopefully put on the Governor’s desk. Let him make a decision. I look forward to that conversation on why you would say we don’t have a life at birth when we have a heartbeat in the womb. How is that not a life? I look forward to those conversations.”
Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) says that one afternoon he was just minding his own business practicing law when he got word that the state representative in his district was not running for re-election.
“It was 2008, the Obama year, and a lot of people were getting involved in politics for the first time,” Bradford told me on a visit to his district office just outside of Norristown. “I got asked to run. It was a Friday afternoon at the end of a month of practicing law and it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
You have to give Bradford a lot of credit. He’s basically had two jobs. Representing the people of the 70th district and being the father of four. Four young ones–14, 12, 7 and 4. That might be two jobs right there alone!
“My wife and I—we have one that just finished little league, one that’s just starting little league. Our oldest daughter just started high school…Tonight the championship baseball team has a dinner. My daughter has a football game to cheer for. I can’t remember what the little guys have but it’s always something!”
Bradford is also looking at a busy schedule in Harrisburg as the session gets in full swing. He is promising to resume work on increasing the minimum wage.
“I was blessed by my caucus to be elected Appropriations Chair for the Democrats,” he said. “So I spent an inordinate amount of my time on budget and finance issues. Obviously we would love to see a minimum wage increase. There are a lot of people who struggle to make ends meet on $7.25 an hour. And a lot of us think it’s frankly past time to get something done. It’s going to take up a lot of our time this fall. God willing that we get that done for the working people here in Pennsylvania.”
Bradford said the Governor did not tie the minimum wage increase to the budget, hoping to gain some good will. Bradford says he was probably wise to do that, but when something is not tied to a deadline the legislature many times does not act on it.
I also had to ask him about property tax reform. It’s another one of those issues that comes up very often but is an extremely difficult fix. Bradford says he hears about it all the time.
“It gets worse frankly in southeastern districts,” Bradford said. His district is in the southeast. “Berks County you hear a ton of it. You hear it here in Montgomery County, East Norriton, Norristown. People pay very high property taxes here in my legislative district.
“And the thing that legislators miss the mark on, and one thing I try to be very upfront with, to eliminate property taxes, the $13-billion that it brings in, means finding $13-billion to fund the schools. You have to find the off-setting taxes.”
I mentioned the plan that Rep. Frank Ryan had introduced a couple of weeks before that, which would include taxing some of the retirement income of seniors. Many folks lashed out at Ryan for the idea.
“We don’t see eye to eye on necessarily every issue, but Frank is just a really good man, a decent man, one of my favorite members of the legislature. I always thought it took a Marine to throw that idea out there to take the incoming that was coming his way!
“I give him credit for touching the third rail. I don’t agree with touching that third rail, but I think it shows it shows the complexity and the difficulty of doing something like that.”
Bradford thanked us for coming to his office. I thanked him profusely for having us as well, since many times Democrats are hesitant to meet with us, presumably because of differences on major issues like abortion. (Actually, there are a number of Republicans who also have not taken advantage of the lovely opportunity to meet with me and record an interview.)
“A lot of us are really glad to see that you guys are engaging with legislators, not just on the hot-button and sometimes difficult issues, but talk about people on a personal level and getting to realize that sometimes we may disagree on individual issues but what unites us is much larger and much more important frankly.”
Agreed!!
PA Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) feels that it’s time to go out with the old and in with the new as far as the way many things are done with state government.
“We need to fix things with the old to make them fit in with today,” he told me on a visit to his district office in Gettysburg. “Some of the laws that we have to live by have morphed into things that were never intended to be.”
That’s kind of vague, but Moul was loaded with specifics. For one thing, he says the Governor’s office has gotten too much power. That’s not just directed at Governor Wolf. Moul says it’s been that way through many administrations.
“Last year our Governor spent $700-million in supplementals,” the representative said. “That’s over and above what we signed off on as a legislature in our budget. He spent $700-million more than what we budgeted last year. Governors do that every year. He shouldn’t have that power. Every dime that is over that budget should be approved by the House and Senate.”
Moul says that kind of spending comes from a king, not a governor. But he offered more specifics in things that have gotten away from what they were supposed to be. He talked about agencies and the secretaries that lead them who draw up regulations.
“They can write anything that they want,” said Moul, talking about the secretaries and deputy secretaries that run the agencies. “The Governor sends it through its proper paces and it never comes past the House or the Senate for approval and now you basically have a new law that falls under the guise of regulation and everybody has to live by it just like it was a law.”
Moul said a prime example of that is the passage a couple years ago of medical marijuana. He was one of a number of lawmakers that voted in favor of the measure. But Moul says there was something else that was rolled into that measure.
“I understand that when the regulations were written, they added it in that you could buy it and smoke it,” Moul said. “Well, we never talked about that. That was never supposed to happen. But under the Department of Health, those bureaucrats decided on that, without ever running it by us. That’s just one example of thousands and thousands of examples. You could pick any agency you want and come up with thousands of examples of bureaucrats that were never elected, nobody knows their name…and they’ve been given all of this power and they abuse the hell out of it….You name it, it’s abused by people that nobody voted for.
“Last time I looked, it was my name hanging on the front door out there that says I’m the elected official, not some bureaucrat in a big concrete building, behind the scenes. He’s not supposed to be making law.”
Moul has also taken issue with the spread of power for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. It was started by a group of states to make sure that water from the river is used responsibly by the people upstream so there is enough left for those downstream. But Moul says the commission has since decided that it can regulate wells and has been charging water companies and water authorities for water that is used.
“They’re basically selling you water that you already own,” Moul said. “It is absolutely absurd.’ He says that, for example, Messiah College and golf courses are paying fees on evaporation rates. He says the SRBC was only meant to control surface water, not well water.
I reached out to the Susquehanna River Basic Commission for a reaction to Rep. Moul’s comments and got this statement from Gene Veno, their Director of Public Advocacy.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission looks forward to working with The Honorable Dan Moul 91st Legislative District when the Fall Legislative session commences in addressing constituent concerns that pertain to the River Basin. The Commission was established to lead the conservation, development, and administration of the Basin’s resources that would preserve and enhance its value as scenic and recreational asset for the people who live in the Basin.
Our mission, as defined in the Compact, is to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin The Commission works to reduce damages caused by floods; provide for the reasonable and sustained development and use of surface and groundwater for municipal, agricultural, recreational, commercial and industrial purposes; protect and restore fisheries, wetlands, and aquatic habitat; protect water quality and instream uses; and ensure future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay.
We welcome Representative Dan Moul’s continued interest in the SRBC and look forward to working with him and his colleagues to help all municipalities in the Commonwealth of Pa
Rep. Moul says he is confident that the SRBC will indeed come to the table to talk about the situation. But he remains determined to get them out of the well water business.
Rep. Pam Snyder (R-Fayette, Greene, Washington) has a district that is tucked away somewhere between Pittsburgh and West Virginia. It’s the largest district in the state in terms of square miles, which means it’s very rural. You’re not going to drop in on Rep. Snyder’s district office in Carmichaels on the way to anywhere else. Unless you’re lost.
But if you like beautiful countryside and a relaxing ride that provides therapy to the debilitating strain of the rat race, this is the place to go.
“My district is beautiful. You are right,” Rep. Snyder told me on a visit to her district office. “Greene Co., my portion of Fayette Co., my little piece of Washington Co., just a wonderful district. I am honored to represent the people here. I have said it for many, many years that this area is probably the best kept secret in the state of Pennsylvania because there’s no better place to raise your family. I have been born and raised here and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
But with a rural setting comes challenges in terms of connecting with the internet. One of the challenges—maybe the biggest–that Snyder has taken on is getting her district some better access to high-speed broadband.
“It is a huge issue out here,” she said. “It’s an issue that impacts everybody, whether they realize it or not. It’s not about being able to download the latest Netflix movie. It is truly about students being able to do their homework when they get home from school if they don’t have access. It is about someone who is sick and getting access to telemedicine and maybe a specialist in another part of the country.”
And she says it is about jobs. It is hard to get a company to come to an area if they can’t connect. It’s also hard for some of the businesses that are here to do what they have to do on a daily basis.
“My tag line is: we cannot compete if we cannot connect.”
Snyder talked about a recent visit to an event in Fayette Co. where she got to see a robotic dairy farm. She says that technology frees up the farmer from having to be on site come milking time. But if there is no broadband connection and they have an issue with the technology, the cows may not get milked.
“I was at another event at a farm, with a huge farmer’s market on their property. That’s how they make their living. They tell me that they are the last person on that particular carrier’s line and that their credit card machine goes down on a regular basis because of their internet connection.”
Snyder has a bill to address the issue that has passed the House and is now in the Senate. She says there are so many different avenues that lawmakers are pursuing to solve the problem.
“It is an extremely critical issue and it’s not an easy issue to solve but I am committed to keeping the fight going until I am able to solve it.”
That is an effort that concerns many people in one certain issue. You solve that problem you immediately help millions across the state. But for Snyder and other legislators, helping the constituents in many cases comes one person at a time.
“The thing that really bothers me is when someone says ‘you’re off for a couple of months.’ No. No. It is a district work period is what I like to call it,” she said. “I am extremely busy when I am in my district. It is non-stop all the time, literally seven days a week. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a weekend—other than the one that I did sneak away for my family vacation. I don’t know of another weekend where I haven’t had something on my schedule Saturdays and Sundays.”
Snyder says the work that she does in Harrisburg is very important. However…
“What I do here in the district is really what impacts people’s lives and it means a lot to me. And I have a phenomenal staff. They are top-notch. Anyone that walks through this door is going to get help whether it’s a state issue or not.”
Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (R-Delaware) is a product of St. Barnabas Catholic School in Philadelphia. She attended there up until 8th grade and also was an altar server. Apparently she was a pretty good one too!
“I was an altar server at St. Barney’s,” she told me on a recent trip to her Springfield district office. “And one of my proudest moments there was when I received the “Altar Server of the Year” award when I served at the Cathedral in center city under Cardinal Bevilacqua. It was quite an experience for my family and for my school to be honored in that way.”
O’Mara grew up in Philadelphia were her father worked as a firefighter. But the course of her life would change when she was still very young.
“When I was 13 we lost my dad to gun suicide,” she said. “That changed everything for our family. It’s what brought us to Delaware County. We had to make big life adjustments. We went to public schools. My mom went from being a stay-at-home mom to having to work for the first time in 15 years.”
She said going through that experience and realizing that it is not unique, inspired her to get into public service to try to help others.
“I can help people who are facing similar struggles that my family faced and other families in Pennsylvania are facing.”
Lawmakers were on their summer recess when I stopped in to see Rep. O’Mara, but the term “recess” is a misnomer. They might be on a recess from the Capitol but they are still very busy, meeting constituents and making appearances. But as busy as O’Mara has been, she still looks back at the time she was campaigning as being even more hectic. Then she had to work full-time and campaign—not an easy thing to do! But she says it was good practice for when she took office in January.
“We were in Harrisburg a lot for the first six months of the year,” she said. “So going back and forth was a big adjustment. But being back in the district has been wonderful. We’ve had tons of events. I’ve had four town halls, plus there are the senior fairs and events about the Spotted Lantern Fly.”
All in all, she seems to be very pleased at how things have gone.
“It’s rewarding. It’s a lot more rewarding than I imagined it would be. Everyone always says ‘you’re not going to get anything done, you’re going into politics.’ I don’t look at it like that. I went into public service. Here in the district is where we really see our work pay off. And we can really help people. Sometimes it’s in the smallest of ways. Someone lost their handicap plaque and they need a new one. Or they lost their car registration and they’re on their way to the shore and you’re helping them out before they go on their vacation. It’s been surprising, but very rewarding for me and my staff.”
O’Mara says everyone on her staff lives in the district so it gives them a chance to give back to their community.
She is serving on the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. That was her first choice since her husband is a veteran. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and has two Purple Hearts.
“He was another reason I decided to run for office,” she said. “I was his advocate at the VA through his disability pension process and it took about two years. It really opened my eyes to the struggles our veterans are facing. Living with a veteran who has PTSD has enlightened me as to what families are dealing with in any mental health issue.”
One of the bills that O’Mara is working on will add Workers Comp benefits for first responders who have PTSD or PTSI. One statistic that she saw really hit home.
“We lose more first responders to suicides than we do in the line of duty,” she said. “That is true in Pennsylvania and across the United States. This is not a unique problem that we’re facing in Pennsylvania, but we’re in a unique position to help our first responders.”
Every time I visit a legislator in their district office I see a lot of activity. The staff members are very busy, either taking calls from constituents or meeting with them in person. The lawmakers are squeezing in meetings and appearances. In fact, they are probably busier over their summer “recess” than they are during the session time at the Capitol.
“Our office is truly a one-stop shop for many of my neighbors and constituents here in the 195th,” Rep. Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia) told me during a visit to her office. “They come to Girard Avenue to go shopping, to visit neighbors, to eat, but also to come and get help with any of their questions.”
Bullock is very big on service to the people she represents. It’s a commitment that started early in her life. She attended a soup kitchen called “Elijah’s Promise” with her family when they were in need.
“’Elijah’s Promise’ took care of me and my family when we struggled,” she said. “But it also installed in me a sense of service, because after I ate, my grandmother made me serve. As I grew up, that mission to serve, even though I had very little, has always been there.”
Bullock was also apparently driven to succeed. She earned a scholarship to college, then went to law school where she continued to excel. She also held on to her dream of trying to save the world.
“My career path took me to places like Community Legal Services and I was able to help folks. I eventually crossed paths with a council person here in Philadelphia who brought me on as a staff person. I was happy to do that, happy to be in service—whether I was a staff person or whether I was in legal services.”
The mass shootings that occurred in Texas and Ohio over the summer made for big headlines and calls for action from lawmakers on the state and federal level. But Bullock saw gun violence in her own back yard and that made her determined to take action.
“Unfortunately this summer we’ve seen two incidents of mass shootings at public recreation centers and playgrounds here in Philadelphia,” she said. “Places where young children are playing games, they’re playing basketball, families are picnicking. Unfortunately two people lost their lives and ten others were injured by gun violence.”
Bullock is introducing companion legislation that mirrors a bill that was introduced in the city of Philadelphia to prohibit firearms at public recreation centers and playgrounds in the city.
She is also keeping an eye toward the environment with some of her other pieces of legislation.
“I’ve been a champion and an advocate of environmental justice issues and climate change—not an issue that I thought about when I started as a legislator four years ago. But it’s something that’s come to my attention through constituents and, interestingly enough, through my own children. They go to a Catholic school here in Philadelphia called Gesu and they had a project the one year about the environment and how it was a gift from God and it was their responsibility to take care of that gift.”
Bullock said her kids have always loved animals and that made a big impression on how they view our planet.
“They understood very well that what we do impacts our planet, impacts this world that God has gifted them, the animals that they love and our own future here.”
She has been working with legislators and advocates across Pennsylvania and across the country on different environmental issues and legislation that she hopes can be passed to encourage everyone to take better care of the environment.
PA Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) is praising a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals which will uphold the traditional practice of having a session-opening prayer.
“We are pleased that the Third Circuit has found that our prayer complies with the United States Constitution,” Turzai said, “and has issued a precedent setting decision entirely in the House’s favor. As a result, we expect the House to be able to resume its tradition of welcoming guest chaplains as it has in the past.”
In 2016 a group of atheists and other non-believers sued the House, claiming their exclusion as guest chaplains violated the Constitution. The plaintiffs also challenged the presiding officer’s traditional request to rise for the prayer and the pledge to the flag. Last year, a federal judge in Harrisburg ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and limited the practice to member-led prayers.
But the House appealed. Late last month a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit ruled in the House’s favor on all counts.
“By a 2-1 vote the panel held the House’s prayer practices were constitutional because they fit within the long history of legislative prayer in this country,” Turzai said. “The majority explained that ‘only theistic prayer can satisfy the historical purpose of appealing for divine guidance in lawmaking.’”
Turzai said the panel ruled 3-0 that it is constitutional and not coercive to request that guests stand for the prayer and the pledge.
Last year the state House passed the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law, which called for the sealing of criminal records that contained low-level, non-violent misdemeanors and summary offenses. The measure was a bi-partisan effort, authored by Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland).
It was the first of its kind law in the nation and took effect this past June. I visited Rep. Harris in his Philadelphia district office to talk about that measure and other things that he is working on.
“Clean Slate basically says that those with misdemeanor II and III, that are of non-violent nature, after 10 years—that person’s record can be automatically sealed,” Harris said. “So that when they go to apply for a job, people won’t see it. Those with misdemeanor I have an opportunity to go to court to see if that can be sealed.”
Harris admitted that many people wouldn’t think that the two authors of the bill would have a lot in common–one a Philadelphia Democrat, the other a mid-state Republican. Yes, he said, on a lot of issues they are on opposite sides.
“But on this issue, we agree that when a person has paid their debt to society, it should be our job as government to get them back into society and we should be removing obstacles that are in their way. This is the reason why we did Clean Slate. It’s the reason why we’re also looking at fixing the issues we have with our probation system here in Pennsylvania and how we shut the door to what I call a ‘perpetual state of probation.’”
To that end, Harris joined Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), Rep. Mike Jones (R-York) and Rep. Delozier to introduce a bill that aimed at reforming the state’s probation and parole system. House Bill 1555 is known as the Smart Probation and Parole Act and includes preventing courts from sentencing a person to consecutive sentences of probation and preventing the court from extending probation or parole due solely to nonpayment of fines and costs.
There have been criticisms here and there about such criminal justice reform signifies a softening on crime. That comes even as several Republicans and a number of law enforcement officials and prosecutors have supported such reforms.
“The reality is that you can reform a criminal justice system and be fair and just and still keep communities safe,” Harris said. “I question anybody who claims Christianity as their religious belief on why they wouldn’t have a redemptive view on life. How can anyone call themselves a Christian and not believe in the redemptive power of Christ?”
Harris did offer a reminder that this program does not apply to violent offenders who are a danger to society.
Harris has shown an eagerness to work with lawmakers, no matter what their party might be. I also thanked him for agreeing to meet with me when many Democrats have not taken advantage of such a great opportunity! (At least I think it is)
“I think Frederick Douglas said it, and I’m paraphrasing…’I will work with anyone and everyone to do good. And I will work with no one to do what is wrong.’ I kind of live my life by that model. If there are folks that are willing to work with me on an issue that will positively affect my community, then I’m going to work with them…I think that’s what our body politick is supposed to be about. It’s supposed to be about us finding consensus and getting the things done that we can do for people.”
One of the big issues that will be facing legislators this fall will be whether or not to do something with gun laws. That may be tough to find a consensus. Several Democrats have called for action after more deadly mass shootings this summer. Harris had this to say;
“If my friends—on both sides of the aisle—want to be concerned about a life starting with the first heartbeat, I want you to also protect that life when it lives in urban communities and lives under the threat of gun violence.
When you visit the Real Alternatives headquarters outside of Harrisburg, you’re not going to find case-workers and pregnant women looking for help. But the work that is done here makes it possible for those two groups of people to meet each other and have that potentially life-saving assistance provided.
“When we talk about providing support, we’re talking about the Catholic Charities throughout the state providing support,” said Kevin Bagatta, the President of Real Alternatives. “We’re talking about pregnancy centers providing support and we’re talking about maternity homes providing support.”
There about 90 Real Alternatives-affiliated pregnancy centers providing support throughout Pennsylvania, using about 370 counselors. They’re about giving pregnant women a choice too. They are dedicated to provide support to encourage childbirth so the client need not feel she needs to choose abortion.
What Real Alternatives does is provide government resources to all of those centers. That has made a huge difference in pregnancy services in the some 24 years that Real Alternatives has been in existence. In that amount of time, almost 310,000 women have been helped. That doesn’t include the babies, just the moms!
“When I first met the people at Morningstar Pregnancy Services in Harrisburg,” Bagatta said, “they had volunteers but they were only open Tuesday and Thursday night, 6 to 8. By providing resources for the work that they do, they were able to– after a couple of years–buy a bigger building and now they operate six days a week. They have more counselors to see more clients to help more people.”
Many times the young, pregnant woman is alone and is being pressured to have an abortion. Bagatta says the counselors will help her realize she does not have to abort her baby because of her situation. And that she is not by herself.
“Very simply that’s what our program does,” Bagatta said. “It does it in Pennsylvania. It does it in Indiana. It does it in Michigan. It does it in the program we started in Texas. It does it day in and day out in the other states. They may just not be funded for it.”
In addition to the center in Texas, Real Alternatives has also helped 11 other states establish similar programs: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma.
The care during pregnancy continues afterwards as the new mother is supported through her parenting or adoption decision.
“After the pregnancy, especially with young people, that unplanned pregnancy, or unexpected pregnancy can become a crisis parenting situation,” Bagatta said. “We’ll be there with them for that time to make sure they are ready and are providing good parenting and good nurturing and are being taken care of during that first year of life.”
Bagatta says the outcomes for the program are very high, with 98% of clients showing up for prenatal care visits and 99% for immunization rates.
“That doesn’t surprise us, because of the wonderful counselors we have,” Bagatta said. “And the love that they show our clients.”
He says the Centers for Disease Control keeps track of how much that type of preventive care can save money in the long run. In Pennsylvania last year, Bagatta says CDC calculations show that 8,000 child immunizations of Real Alternatives clients saved taxpayers $162-million. The pre-natal care of nearly 15,000 clients’ children saved the taxpayers of PA $334-million.
I had interviewed Kevin back in January to find out what Real Alternatives has to offer. That was before the New York State vote, which allows for later-term abortions, even up to the moment of a child’s birth. Bagatta says he’s heard from people who are even pro-choice that were shocked by what has happened in New York.
“They told me they cannot believe what is going on in New York. Though they thought abortion was okay for the first couple of months, they absolutely, vehemently disagree with what is basically infanticide. They said that is never what they considered about abortion….It’s turning people. They understand that’s a very, very extreme position.”
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has offered the nation, in these turbulent times we live, a clearly different policy choice on helping women in unexpected pregnancies. It funds a program that provides love and life-affirming support to the women and then to her baby. This program lowers abortion by supporting the pregnant woman through her crisis. Shouldn’t every state have such a program?
I met Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) in his Collegeville district office, but Webster has roots that reach all the way back to Philadelphia.
“Big Irish-Catholic family, started out in Fairmount, in Philadelphia,” he told me. “My mother had us moved out to Roxborough for my teenage years, where I attended Immaculate Heart and then LaSalle High School.”
He must have done well at LaSalle. He got accepted into the Air Force Academy and went out to Colorado Springs. He served 23 years in the Air Force, went into the information technology industry and did some teaching at night and then came back to southeastern Pennsylvania.
So what made the freshman rep decide to get involved in public service?
“I didn’t decide that,” he laughed. “I joke about that, but I was kind of recruited.”
Of all places, that recruitment occurred in his kitchen around January of last year.
“There were a group of people sitting the table looking for a candidate for the 150th. The question was ‘Joe, do you have anyone in mind? The room went quiet.”
But they had their man. It was then time to start campaigning.
“It’s a lot of work and every day it’s daunting,” Webster said. “I would sit back and say ‘I don’t want to knock on doors. And really by the third or fourth door, you’re in the mode. Someone comes out and is excited to see you –or not…but all of a sudden you’re right in the mix of things and it works out fine.”
Webster says it was a great opportunity to be re-introduced to Pennsylvania after spending all those years away from home. His office has kept track of his meetings in the first 200 days in office. They provided 1,500 constituent services during that time, with everything from SEPTA Key cards to tax rebates and birth certificates. He attended 183 local events and meetings during that time as well.
That’s a lot of handshakes. A lot of…names to remember. Or try to remember.
“I don’t always remember names, but I keep telling people, ‘if I’ve met you three times and I don’t know your name, you can kick me in the shins,’ because it is about each of these people. I need to learn who they are and what their interests are.”
Webster has been working to give senior citizens a break from property taxes. He cited the example of the retired couple who’s trying to live on $30,000 a year and they then get an $11,000 property tax bill.
“I don’t think we solve that problem by eliminating property taxes and creating a quagmire around public schools,” he explained. “But I do think we have to address the direct issue for our senior citizens.”
That is one of the issues that will be of interest this fall. Another will be gun legislation. Several lawmakers spoke out this summer of the need to do something after more deadly mass shootings.
“I’m a strong proponent of doing something about gun violence,” Webster said. “And I start that with my perspective as a veteran. I have a marksman rating with high-powered weapons. And I don’t believe they belong in our streets. I don’t believe they belong anywhere near our communities, and our schools and our churches…We have to regain our value system around the value of human life versus the right to own a weapon.”
Pennsylvania’s state revenues benefited from a robust economy by recording a huge surplus this year. Rep. Steven Mentzer (R-Lancaster) was very appreciative of that and of the fact that it helped fund human services. Mentzer says human services represents the biggest growth area in the budget.
“We’ve been able to do a lot with that increased funding to increase mental health services,” Mentzer told me when I visited his district office in Lititz, “along with services for the disabled to get them out of the institutions and into the community. We’re very excited about that.”
Mentzer said it shows what the free enterprise system and a strong economy can do for human services.
Lawmakers did manage to save a bunch of that money as well. They put $317-million into the Rainy Day Fund thanks to the surplus in this year’s budget. They can draw on that when things aren’t going as well with the economy.
That was all settled in June when the budget was signed and the lawmakers then left for their respective districts. It is them time to meet with the people—some by appointment and some just showing up to ask for help. Mentzer says there are fair amount of constituents that come to his office looking for help in understanding the bureaucracy involved in government. That does not bother him one bit. He says that’s why they are there.
In fact, he is working on a bill that would help people with the pre-authorization process to get medication or a medical procedure. That process can be confusing and sometimes lengthy. Mentzer has taken notice.
“My bill does not eliminate pre-authorization but what it does do is give a set of guidelines so the insurer, patient and provider understand clearly the process that is required for pre-authorization.”
I thanked Mentzer for his support of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. He sees an example of where that EITC money can help—there’s a Catholic school in his district. “There are gracious enough to always invite me to their awards ceremony,” he said. “I enjoy that. I am a big advocate of the EITC.”
We talked about one of the biggest challenges facing the legislature. It’s one that they’ve been working on for years but has proven to be no easy fix—property tax reform.
“That’s a tough one,” Mentzer acknowledged. “That’s a real tough one because there are so many winners and losers. But I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to come up with some kind of a reasonable compromise and reasonable solution over the next year or so.”
I mentioned a recent property tax reform plan that was proposed recently that would tax the income of retired citizens. They aren’t happy about it. Mentzer has hear about it too.
“My district, the 97th district, which is a suburb of Lancaster City…I think I have nine or ten retirement communities,” Mentzer said. “I think you can conclude from the fact that I have these retirement communities like Brethren Village and Luther Acres are not happy with the idea of taxing their pension checks. But we’ll see where that goes.”
Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams, Cumberland) says he always had an interest in running for elected office. While in college at George Mason University, he worked on Capitol Hill for Congressman Jo Ann Davis. He figured he’d spend some time in D.C. working in politics.
But then the plans changed.
“I met my wife and we decided that living in D.C. wasn’t where we wanted to raise a family,” Ecker told me during a visit to his Abbottstown district office. “I decided to go to law school right out of college. We spent three years in Michigan and came back to Pennsylvania, which was always the plan.”
He worked for ten years as an attorney in Hanover but then got word that Rep. Will Tallman was going to be stepping down. His friend, Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) reached out to him and suggested a run. “She’s a really good friend, been a good advisor. I sit beside her on the House floor and she’s my office-mate in Harrisburg.”
It has been a busy freshman term for Ecker already. He naturally signed on as a co-sponsor for Klunk’s Down Syndrome Protection Act. He is pro-life as well. He’s also had legislation of his own that he has worked on.
“There’s 40 new freshmen, so unlike the past when they tell you to be quiet and listen, this term we got some opportunities to run some good bills,” he said. “I got to run three bills myself. One of them dealt with strangulation and making that a violent crime. I did a firefighter bill which relaxes the standards for junior firefighters so that we can recruit young people into the volunteer fire service.”
Ecker also worked on some House procedural bills, which were given to him because of his legal background. This fall he will be working on legislation dealing with workforce development: ways to encourage people to get into trades and healthcare.
“One of the areas that we do locally that’s been really advantageous is that our local school districts have been investing in their metal shops, mechatronics and welding programs to try to recruit kids in high school to get into those trades.”
Ecker is planning on introducing a bill this fall that would enable those schools to be able to lease equipment rather than have to go buy it outright at a hefty price.
I asked Ecker a question that I’ve been posing to freshman reps and senators over the last couple of months—is it a tough transition and are people generally nice? Very deep, intellectual question, I know. But I really am curious.
“I know what I’m doing. I think I joked in March that I know where the bathrooms are now,” Ecker said. “I catch on pretty quickly. I’m a pretty fast learner. I’ve been through a budget now, albeit a pretty easy budget. I feel like I’ve learned the process now.”
Okay, but what about the chumminess factor?
“I think that if you could ask me one thing that was surprising it would be how well people get along in Harrisburg. There are certain issues where the Democrats are going to be in their corner and the Republicans are going to be in there corner, but we pass a lot of bi-partisan bills. I have a lot of friends on the other side of the aisle…so my experience for having been there nine months is very positive. I think people appreciate that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to stick pretty strong to my core issues and things that are important to me, but there is a lot of common ground in a lot of areas.”
Pennsylvania’s lawmakers come from a variety of backgrounds, but Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks, Lancaster) may have the most unique combination there is. He is a former educator with a Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University and he is a former corrections officer in Bucks County.
“I have great respect for educators out there who are committing themselves to educating students in public, private, parochial, home school whatever it happens to be,” Gillen told me during a visit to his Reading district office.
He supported the $25-million increase in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit which was included in the budget agreement in June.
“The Educational Improvement Tax Credit is really the perfect marriage, I think, between private and publics since the tax credits help businesses and they’re able to designate resources so that students can make their own choices about where they would like to go to school. Certainly we have a constitutional responsibility for public education, but the Commonwealth also has a great history of parochial, private, Montessori, home-school education as well.”
Gillen is also staunchly pro-life. He has five daughters and believes that life begins at conception. In fact, he recalled how he began communicating with them at a very early age. Like before they were born. He says he keeps pictures tucked away in his office of his daughters from ultra-sound images taken in the womb.
“They don’t recall but I was talking to them, signing to them, even quoting scripture before they were born,” he said. “I think they kicked the hardest when they heard me singing! I think they found that highly objectionable.”
A bill co-sponsored by Gillen was signed into law this past session that will enable Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families to acquire a free college education. It kicks in if they re-up for an additional six-year commitment.
“It is a significant commitment. We have our best and brightest and most young men and women wanting to serve their country,” he said. The deployments have become very regular and so they’re finding themselves overseas…for a year at a time and then they come back and then they might be re-deployed.”
Gillen says that becoming a National Guard member is not just a personal commitment, it is a family commitment.
“There’s a lot of sacrifice on the part of spouses, children, siblings, mothers and fathers as well.”
You talk with many of the lawmakers in PA and you discover that theirs is not an 8-5 job that you can leave at the office or the Capitol. Gillen says he was in his car a few days ago and heard someone complain about a big pothole in his district. He drove over to where the pothole was, found out it was a big one and called to get it fixed.
Gillen says he’s fair game wherever he is to hearing concerns from his constituents. Same with his family!
“People want to talk about their back yards. Where do they live? What’s happening in their community? Are we going to address this property tax problem?”
Along those lines, Gillen has a bill that would eliminate Farmstead Homestead and give some relief to senior citizens.
It was last month that members of the PA Senate hosted leaders of Gov. Tom Wolf’s census team. We went to the hearing since the Executive Director of the PA Catholic Conference, Eric Failing, is on the Census 2020 Complete Count Commission.
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) raised concerns about the lack of planning to connect with rural communities.
Sen. Phillips-Hill pointed out that the most rural communities are the ones that are traditionally undercounted in the census. She called for the commission to add organizations like the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Governor’s Office for Rural Affairs to the commission.
I traveled to Sen. Phillips-Hill’s Jacobus district office to talk with her about a number of issues including her concerns about the census commission. Is she seeing compliance to her requests?
“In subsequent conversations, we understand that there will be adequate representation from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and we already have the Farm Bureau there.”
She said it was important to make the Governor’s people aware of her concerns.
“The more accurate the count, the more federal dollars come back to us,” she said.
Sen. Phillips-Hill also learned that the federal government is relying on residents to respond to the census on-line. But she says there are connectivity issues for many rural residents.
“We’re working on a separate path to try to fix that,” she said. “But in the mean time, I think it’s really important that the residents in the rural part of our state realize that it’s census time. It’s important that they be counted.”
The more legislators I meet, the more I find are products of the Catholic school system. Such is the case with Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Chester, Delaware)—16-years in Catholic school. And he served as an altar boy while growing up in New Jersey.
Another part of Kearney’s background is being Mayor for the Borough of Swarthmore. There, he says, he learned that all politics really are local and that all issues that government can help with are very rarely anything that involves party.
Kearney and his family moved from Philadelphia to Swarthmore 24 years ago in search of a community feel. As time went on he got more involved in politics and end up running for mayor.
He was then actually recruited to run for the Senate by Rep. Leanne Krueger.
“Basically she said she was looking for a partner in the Senate that she could work with on the things that are important to her,” Kearney said. “It was also sort of propelled by the 2016 election. It wasn’t that Donald Trump was a Republican, it was that he was kind of just Donald Trump. And I couldn’t square his platform and the way he talked about things and the way he did things with the way I raised my kids and what was important to them.”
Kearney said it was a phenomenal learning experience to get to know people across his district, which is in the Philadelphia suburbs and may be as diverse as any in the state.
“We have transient populations, immigrant populations, populations that have been here for their first generation or five generations,” he told me during a visit to his Springfield district office. “We go from very wealthy districts in Chester County, like Willistown and Easttown all the way to Glenolden, the Interboro region, Delaware County, Upper Darby.
“School-district-wise we have fabulous schools like Wallingford-Swarthmore, where my kids went, to Great Valley and Tredyffrin-Easttown in Chester County. But on the other end we have districts that are really struggling, like Upper Darby and William Penn.”
Kearney is in his freshman term and says the learning curve is still going on.
“It’s trying to understand the underlying patterns and the underlying systems that really make Harrisburg work. I may spend the rest of my life trying to figure that out.”
Kearney was frustrated that the legislature didn’t approve a continuance of the $200-a-month General Assistance program.
“We have to care for the most vulnerable parts of our community,” he said. “It shouldn’t be all about me or what I need. It’s ‘how do we help each other? How do we work toward the things that would create a better society and better community for all of us…
“When we do things like that cut that out from under them, those things that really humanize people, that’s what really stuck in my craw about that particular thing.”
Kearney says that if you look at what his office is working toward, the majority of it is fairness to people.
“The more time I spend with people at the lower end of the socio-economic system, I understand that we make it so difficult for those people,” he said. “We keep talking about people should pull themselves up by their bootstraps or people should work harder. Most of that stuff is just a bunch of crap. We systemically make it difficult for those people to succeed.”
Sen. Kearney is also looking ahead to the discussing gun legislation in the fall. He doesn’t feel people should be able to carry what amounts to weapons of war. But he knows it’s a controversial issue.
“It’s a tough one,” he said. “We all want the same things. We want to be safe. We want are kids to be safe. We want our families to be safe. We want our neighbors to be safe.”
U.S. Congressman Scott Perry does not sound like a free-spender, and certainly not when it comes to taxpayer money. Yet he sees that happening with his colleagues in Washington, D.C. The law says it’s not supposed to be that way.
“We have things that are called ‘budget caps,’ which are statutory. That means they’re in law,” Perry told me during a recent trip to his district office outside of Harrisburg. “We all agreed to that. Congress agreed. The President agreed, signed the bill. We have a spending cap.”
Apparently revenues increased with the huge increase in jobs. But it seems that nowhere does money burn a hole in the pocket quicker than it does in Washington. There were those who decided to scrap the cap.
“Now the federal government wants to spend more money because it never wants to take care of the bills it’s already made, at least that’s my opinion,” Perry said. “So the leaders in the Senate and the House put together a spending package that blew apart the caps, essentially breaking the law.”
The proposal was put on the floor and its backers used the ‘s’ word. Yes, shutdown.
“When you have Speaker Pelosi and members of the Senate who agree on that, the President has no allies because he’s all by himself. Of course, we already went through one of these shut-down things. It didn’t work out so well.”
Perry voted ‘no’ on the measure, but it passed. He says now they’re on their way to 23-trillion-dollars in debt.
“How do you keep on spending money you don’t have and raiding all these funds, including the Social Security trust fund,” Perry asked. “How do you expect China, an adversary of the United States, to keep financing this unbridled spending?”
Perry is also concerned about the high cost of healthcare for Americans. But he says work is being done.
“One thing in particular that we’re working on is prescription drug prices,” he said. Particularly insulin, the price has really sky-rocketed. We know about these rebates that come from the drug manufacturer but they never seem to get to the customer, to the consumer. We want to figure all that out, figure out where that money’s going, why the cost is so high. Why aren’t there generics. Why is it no longer affordable?”
Immigration also continues to be a topic of concern for Rep. Perry. He says the last statistic he looked at showed that it costs Pennsylvania $1.3-billion a year to pay for illegal foreign nationals and the services they use.
“When you think that your property taxes are too high, just think what you could do with $1.3-billion that you wouldn’t have to pay to the state,” he said. “Let’s be clear…we say ‘illegal immigration.’ Immigration is legal. But these are people coming across the border illegally, between the points of entry, at the rate of 5,000 per day.”
Perry says Congress is refusing to take up the issue and that there is a huge difference in what each party wants. Perry says Democrats wants open borders while Republicans want to reform the system to make it easier to come in legally but much more difficult to come in illegally.
“Nothing is happening,” Perry says, “so the President is taking action on his own, including inspiring the Mexican government to do more with their own border. He’s had some success with that but this is an issue that affects every single American citizen. We want to be benevolent…but we have a system of laws and you can’t just say I don’t like the law so I’m not going to follow it.”
Perry says that he doesn’t see a solution any time soon.
I also asked the congressman about how the legislators are getting along. It seems like many times they’re not, but what’s it really like?
“There are multiple religious meetings throughout the week,” Perry said, explaining that he regularly attends the Thursday morning prayer breakfast. “It’s bi-partisan and you couldn’t imagine how well we get along, Democrats and Republicans, we have great conversations. And then we leave and we go into the boxing ring it almost seems like on the floor. You’re like ‘where’s the person I was sitting next to and we were getting along just fine?”
Deacon Jorge Vera has been Chaplain at SCI Camp Hill since February 2nd, of 2014. He remembers the exact date. It would be pretty easy therefore to get an exact count of how many days he’s put in on the job. But it would be a tough task to count the number of people he’s helped and souls that he’s touched.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun,” Vera told me during a visit to the prison. “When you like to do what you do, it becomes part of you. It’s not like a job. Heck, I just recently found out I was getting paid for it!”
Vera is bilingual in English and Spanish and that comes in very handy with the church services and bible studies. He says the chapel services are packed. Vera estimates that there about 4,000 inmates at the prison and that at least 2,000 participate in the chapel services. It’s a pretty diverse ministry to say the least. They have Catholic mass on Saturday mornings from 8 to 9 or 9:30. On Sundays they have three Protestant services. On Fridays are the services for the Muslim community and for the Jewish community. Wednesdays are the services for the Native American community. There are also Jehovah Witness’s services on Mondays.
“Everyone is entitled to a service, by law,” Vera says. But that is not all the inmates get. “I have Spanish bible studies. I have rosary classes for Catholics in Spanish and English, Vespers.”
They offer communion service on Wednesday mornings for inmates that can’t come to the weekend services because they work in the kitchen. Vera also goes to the cell blocks and hands out communion.
“The main thing is bringing people to God, making people feel good with what they do,” Vera said. “It’s really interesting how people can change their lives when you give them the opportunity to do so.
“When you come to an environment like this…and we’re eating at the same table, you see different religions, but we’re all related to one, true God.”
Vera says there is an important tool that he uses when dealing with inmates—kindness.
“People will not change if you’re not kind to them. You can give them whatever you want to give them, but if you’re not kind to them, they will not change.”
Vera says the prison has one of the best choirs around. He says the inmates put everything into their singing. It’s one of the many good things that Vera sees in his people.
“Because they’re broken down, a criminal, they’ve been labeled…that doesn’t mean that it’s over. It just means that they get another opportunity,” Vera said. And for many of the inmates, he is their first true taste of faith and spirituality.
“I always tell them that every sinner has a past and every saint has a future…when someone just comes out of the blue and tells you that God loves you. Just think about that, that says a lot.”
Of all the profound thoughts that Deacon Vera shared with me during our visit, the one that made the biggest impression on me was his belief that God is hanging out at the prison. Vera asks where else would He be? That’s where He is needed most.
“You hear that Gospel, it blows my mind, He would leave 99 for 1 (the story about the shepherd searching for the lost sheep). Wow. So that means if there are 99 of us in church and there is one out there lost, he would leave us in church…He would go for the one. This place is where that one is.”
Vera then told me one thing that seemed quite evident from listening to him.
“I just want you to know one thing…that this job is for me and that God called me to do this, because they come first and I come second. I really, truly have a passion for this job. I like it. I really enjoy it.”
Rep. Gary Day (R-Berks, Lehigh) said he recently took stock of his volunteer activities and realized he wanted to spend more of that time and energy helping his parish. Day is a life-long Catholic.
“Like many Catholics probably, I feel a little guilty that I could be more involved than I am,” Day told me in a recent visit to his Lehigh Co. district office. “With my job it’s hard time-wise to be involved so I try to serve in the things that I’m really good at. I would advise any Catholics, any Christians to get involved with your parish, with your church and try to give that little bit and that’s what I try to do.”
Day makes it a point to talk to people about getting involved, about how the church gives people opportunities to be “Christ-like.’
“We have about 30 committees at our church. That’s a lot for a Catholic church or any church and I’m proud of the work of each one. I can’t sit on each one of those committees, so I sit on one or two committees that I think I can make a difference.”
Day came from a “mixed-family”—mixed in that his mom was Catholic. His dad was not, but Day says he was always very supportive of his children learning the teachings of the Catholic faith.
“I’ve tried to use everything that I learned to be the best version of myself,” he said. “I try to help other people in my job as state representative.”
Day took office in the House in 2009. He says that people may look down on the political nature of Harrisburg but he sees it as a very positive thing.
“There are 203 of us that represent 12-million people,” he said. “People ask ‘how do you get along with 203 people’? Well, actually we don’t get along, all of us. But we try to. We try to get to know each other and work with each other.”
In an age of strong feelings and many times bitter divisiveness in politics, Day feels it is important to work with those who are on the on the other side of the aisle or the issue. He recalled Governor Wolf’s message on gun control last Friday. It came in front of supporters from his party.
“It’s not real profound to stand in a room full of people who agree with you and say ‘let’s charge up this hill.’ That’s not being a statesman,” Day said. ‘Being a statesman is working with people from both sides. We’re all human beings. We’re all God’s children.”
Day says that he sees the battle continue every day between what is right and what is not right. He says you can see it every day on TV, the internet. That’s why he made one more plea for folks to get involved.
“I want to spur them to get involved. I trust them to decide what is right and wrong…Any person who gets involved or engaged and has goodness in their heart probably has the right answer or part of the the right answer.”
Day is staunchly pro-life and feels that during his time in office there has been a substantial progress, through efforts to change the permitted time for an abortion from 24 weeks to 20 weeks.
“We have to wrestle with the Supreme Court ruling that we’re all living under since 1973,” Day said. “And within the confines of the federal framework and the structure of the law and we do that. We do that well.”
He said things came to light a few years ago with the abortion clinic run by Dr. Kermit Gosnell in horrifying fashion in Philadelphia. He said all lawmakers were on board to try to prevent that from ever happening again.
Day wants people to understand some of the thought process that goes into the abortion debate.
“Anybody who opposes a pro-life stance usually talks about a woman’s individual rights and I think this is one of the clashes in our government structure of individual rights,” Day said. “When two beings are inextricably and physically tied together and the actual life of one is dependent on the other, that’s when two individual rights can conflict. That’s when it’s up to government to make that decision—where is that line to protect that one life?”
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) was one of a number of women that were elected into the Pennsylvania legislature in the 2018 November election.
“We currently make up 25% of the legislature,” Otten told me during a visit to her Exton district office. “Still we have a long way to go until we have a government that reflects our population—51% of Pennsylvania is women. So we have a long way to go to elect more women.”
Otten feels that bringing more women into positions of leadership brings more collaboration, new ways of connecting with each other, and different ways of thinking about issues.
“We know that in the corporate world, that when there are 30% of the people at the table are women, groups become more collaborative,” she continued. “Government is so tense these days, and I really believe that women are going to be a big part of how we bring people back together.”
Otten is a product of a Catholic school education, including spending three years at Cardinal Dougherty High School, which closed in 2010.
“It’s a little bit sad,” she said. “Fond memories there. I am a Cardinal Dougherty kid. My dad was also a Cardinal Dougherty kid. Lot’s of family history there…but the beauty is that they still live on, whether it’s an active school or not.”
Otten says she hadn’t really considered running for office outside of possibly school board when her kids were older. But when she first became a mom a couple of years ago she found out about the Mariner East Pipeline Project which was going to go through her neighbor’s yard. That was only 50 feet from her back yard.
“It carries highly volatile natural gas liquids,” she said, “Ethane, propane and butane, which are highly explosive and incredibly dangerous. That easement is being expanded to ship industrial quantities of these liquids through residential neighborhoods, past schools, in front of nursing home–putting lots of vulnerable populations at risk.”
Otten feels the future of energy is renewable energy and getting off of plastics. She says the technology is there to do it.
So, she decided to run for office. Winning wasn’t her main concern, getting the right word out was. She focused on her opponent’s big donors, which she says were people who were putting the pipeline in her back yard.
“I felt it was really important for somebody to step up and talk about that,” she said. “And talk about why some of the things are happening in the Commonwealth, whether it’s energy, whether it’s health care, whether it’s guns…A lot of it goes back to money and politics.”
Otten felt that winning was a long shot, but she wanted to talk to voters about how the citizens could take their power back.
“It resonated,” she said. “Clearly. We knocked on over a hundred thousand doors. We talked to more voters than any other state House race in the entire Commonwealth and that work paid off.”
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) has worked hard on a number of issues during her term in the state legislature, but the “Buyer Beware Act” has to be near or at the top of the list. The bill would strengthen penalties for those who patronize victims of human trafficking.
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) is backing the companion bill in the House. He has also put in a ton of work on the issue. The PA Catholic Conference has strongly supported both measures.
Sen. Phillips-Hill thanked us for our support and says she is optimistic about the future of the bill, which she says will address a growing problem.
“We’ve gotten Senate Bill 60 through committee,” she told me during a visit to her district office in Jacobus, York Co. “It looks like we should be able to get full Senate consideration shortly and then it will be entrusted to their care to get it to the Governor’s desk.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, September 23rd.
“Human trafficking is a tremendous concern. It’s an issue here in York Co. and all across the Commonwealth. It happens more than you know. So many of us believe that it happens in far off lands or that it happened hundreds of years ago but the reality is that human beings are being trafficked. They’re living horrible lives and we have a great opportunity with Senate Bill 60 to change that going forward.”
The legislation would double the maximum jail sentence for an individual convicted of trafficking or patronizing a victim of trafficking. Currently, these crimes carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The bill would upgrade these to first-degree felonies, which carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
In addition, those convicted of patronizing a victim of sexual trafficking would receive an increased fine of between $1,000 and $30,000, up from $500, at the discretion of the court. If the victim is a minor at the time of the offense, the fine would be increased to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
I asked Dauphin Co. District Attorney Fran Chardo how prevalent is the use of victims of human trafficking in the prostitution industry.
“It’s the vast majority of the time,” he said. “So it to be presumed (in each case) that it is so. People don’t’ engage in this behavior willingly. There are a number of ways that the trafficker will keep the person under their thumb and require them to continue this very dangerous course of conduct.”
Chardo says the difficulty comes in proving the actual knowledge that someone was being forced into the role. As a result, he believes that patronizing prostitute as a stand-alone crime should be a greater offense than just a misdemeanor of the third degree.
There has been much stricter oversight in recent years on the administering of opioids. But that monitoring has not been extended to the use of Narcan, which is used to revive people who are suspected to be overdosing on drugs. PA Rep. Jim Cox (R-Berks, Lancaster) is looking to change that.
“If you are administered Narcan, under existing law that is not put into our prescription drug data base,” Cox told me on a recent visit to his Berks Co. district office outside of Reading. “If you are given opiates or other types of things by your doctor, that all goes into the data base so they know if there’s an overdose situation or if there’s a possible addiction type thing.”
Cox says that as a result another doctor treating that individual down the road will likely have no idea of an individual’s past troubles with narcotics.
“What my bill would do is to make that part of the record, so that no matter which hospital system you ended up in, they’re looking at information that flags to the health care provider ‘this guy might have an addiction that we have to be careful on what we give them, how we treat them with pain-killers or anything else.’”
The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for its consideration. It seems like a good, common sense way to fight the use of opioids. But the vote in the House went 110-89. Only two Democrats voted for it. Cox remained confident.
“When you’re dealing with a community such as those who have addictions and they’re trying to recover from them, there’s a lot of sensitive information flowing through there. So the rehabilitation and the recovery community, they had some concerns about it. We’re trying to work through those in hopes that we can keep the bill moving in the Senate.”
Cox says he’s also trying to work through some of the details with the emergency room physicians along with a few other technical issues.
“Ideally we have the philosophical opposition taken care of,” Cox said. “But unfortunately there’s always a hold-up one way or another and sometimes it’s a partisan thing. Other times it’s not…I think we’re going to be good moving forward in the fall. It’s going to take a few changes here and there but I think we can surmount the hurdles.”
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York) was elected in May of this year to the Senate seat for the 33rd district. It was a special election to replace Sen. Rich Alloway, who had just resigned. Mastriano was sworn in on June 10th, and immediately started focusing on one of his top priorities—pro-life issues. Specifically it was the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill.
“I’ve been clear from the very beginning that the most important issue that we face in the Commonwealth and the nation is life—the right to life,” Mastriano told me during a sit-down interview in his Capitol office. “And if indeed that little person there growing up inside the womb is human, they should be protected. It’s troublesome to me that across the state and the nation that there are some species of animals that have more rights and protections than unborn babies.”
Mastriano suggested looking past all the emotion that has been building up in recent months and just focus on science. He says the science that supported pro-abortion thinking all the way back to the Roe vs. Wade court decision is outdated.
“We now know what’s going on in the womb. We can see it with 4-D imaging, with ultra-sounds. Are we doing the right thing?” he asked. “Clearly we are not. Science says that at conception, that is a distinct individual with its own DNA. Its own bio-system is developing…and who are we to decide whether or not to kill that little human?”
Sen. Mastriano says life is determined from a scientific and medical perspective by heartbeats. Someone is pronounced dead, he says, more times than not if their heart stops beating.
“Therefore, using science, and logic..and modern medicine..when you have a heartbeat, that’s a little life,” he reasoned.
And using that reasoning, Mastriano is partnering with Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) on the “heartbeat” bill. They are still getting sponsors for their respective measures from representatives and senators in preparation for a formal introduction in September or October.
“I’m heartened and honored to be partnering with Stephanie Borowicz in the House to push for a common sense, logical, feasible and supportable measure to defend life when there’s a heartbeat.”
Some people have very lengthy resumes. And then there is the resume of Doug Mastriano. He is a combat veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait. His regiment led the attack against Saddam’s Republican Guard. He served four years with NATO and deployed three times to Afghanistan. He taught at the Army War College in Carlisle. He’s an author. He has a doctorate and four master’s degrees. That’s really only part of it. And now a career in public service.
“After 30 years of military service, I took stock of my career and all the sacrifices and moves that come with military service,” he said. “And it really breaks my heart that I’m handing off the Commonwealth and the nation in worse shape than I got it from my father. I could not stand aside….Everybody who believes in life and doing the right thing needs to stand and fight to their dying day. And I’m here to stay. I’m here to fight the good fight for freedom as I did overseas and now it’s time to do it right here in Pennsylvania.”
It was the changing of the guard in the 105th district in the PA House. Rep. Ron Marsico was stepping down after 30 years of service. Taking that seat would be Republican Andrew Lewis, a decorated combat veteran who was a leader in his family construction business.
“Big shoes to fill,” Lewis told me when I visited him in his Dauphin Co. district office. He talked about bills that he is backing in Harrisburg that deal with government reform.
“Reforming our government is my top priority,” he said. “We’re supposed to be a government that works for the people, not the other way around. A lot of trust has been lost in government. That’s what I’m hearing. Sometimes those in government have lost touch with those that they serve, so my goal has been to bring structural change to Harrisburg.”
Lewis’s first piece of legislation was a term-limit bill. He says he has gotten 19 co-sponsors on that and that it would revive the concept of an actual ‘citizen legislature.’ Another bill that he sponsored was an ethics reform measure that has already made it through committee. It essentially governs how a municipality can borrow funds.
“The money has to be used for the purpose that you borrowed it for,” Lewis explained. “You can’t divert the money to a secret slush fund somewhere. You’d be shocked at how much money in government tends to disappear, so we’re trying to put an end to that and bring more transparency to government at all levels.”
Lewis spent 9-1/2 years in active military duty, part of the time as a counter-intelligence agent. He then transitioned into the National Guard. He drills at Ft. Indiantown Gap where he is also an instructor for the scout leadership course.
It comes as no surprise then that Lewis is a big supporter of military families and is working on legislation to benefit them. He sympathizes with the family members of service men and women who are deployed and gone for long periods of time.
“I’ve introduced a school choice for military families bill that essentially provides an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) for families of active duty service members. A lot of folks, every two or three years, they’re being stationed somewhere else.
“So if you’re in Pennsylvania, you’re paying your property taxes, you’re going to get an ESA that essentially allows you to—if you’re paying for a tutoring service or you’re home-schooling, it will help offset some of those costs.”
Lewis is also going to be introducing in the fall a long-term care, tax credit bill that will offset costs for such care.
Rep. Jim Roebuck (D-Philadelphia) sees his share of visitors over the summer in his West Philadelphia district office. The day I came to see him he was just finishing up a talk with visiting medical students from the nearby Penn campus.
“We have a fairly steady number of people come to the office for services,” he said. “We have groups that come in from time. I particularly enjoy meeting with students. I used to be a teacher. I taught at Drexel University. I’m still, at heart, a teacher. I like meeting young people and talking about issues and about career selection. Things like that.”
Roebuck thinks young people need to learn more about their chosen career before they go too far in learning about it that it’s impossible to go another route.
“You can think you know about something, but you don’t necessarily know unless you are doing it each and every day and you’re exposed to it in a way that you are in college. I think that sometimes that students change their minds and they do that more than once. I would hope that we could a better job with this. I think high school’s a key point but most students should have begun to make decisions about what they want to do in middle or junior high school.”
He says that too often these young people change their minds when it’s difficult to change course.
Roebuck is also looking to help make education more affordable…from kindergarten all the way up through college. He says the state has fallen short in providing each school district with enough money to do what it should be doing in grades K through 12. He’s also hoping things can be done to help college students.
“We’re looking at ways to reduce the cost of college, with the goal to have free college education,” he said. “But also putting a control on the debt with students end up with. Too often students end up with a huge amount of debt that doesn’t go away and hampers them in terms of building a successful life after they finish college.”
Back in the spring, Roebuck joined Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) in introducing legislation that would create a higher education funding commission that would look at ways to improve access to higher education and to job training in the state.
“Pennsylvania ranks 48th, or third worst, in America at funding colleges, technical schools and universities,” Roebuck said at the time. “By under-funding our institutions we are creating a crisis for our graduates.”
Rep. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland) is in her first term in the state House and serving on a number of committees, including the Education Committee as secretary. She has some excellent training for that position. I’d better start a new paragraph for her resume in that regard…..
Okay, she spent eight years on the Cumberland Valley School Board—two of them as president and two as vice-president. She was on the Cumberland-Perry Vo-Tech School Board. She was also on the Cumberland Co. Agricultural Education Extension Board, the Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School Task Force and the Cumberland Valley Economic Development Task Force.
“I am passionate about education and making sure that the kids get what they need,” Gleim told me in her downtown Carlisle district office. She moved the office to the center of town and also opened another office in Newville. Both moves were to be closer to constituents who maybe couldn’t drive.
Gleim stepped down from the school board three years ago. It wasn’t too long before public service came calling again.
“I wasn’t doing too much as far as public service, which is a passion of mine as well,” she said. “When the seat was open for Rep. (Stephen) Bloom, I also had some people came up to me and say ‘hey, have you considered running for the state House?’ So then I started considering it and I’m glad I did.”
In addition to having a background in education, Gleim also is a businesswoman with an MBA and she has been heavily involved in agriculture. Her husband is a full-time farmer and yes, they have a farm. It’s logical then that one of the bills she is sponsoring deals with agro-tourism.
“I have House Bill 1348,” she said. “It’s a little bit of a different business than most businesses. This agro-tourism bill would reduce the liability for farmers who want to bring the public onto their farm. And the reason we need to do this is so farmers aren’t afraid to open up their farms for the public that they would lose their whole livelihood if they were sued.”
For those city folk, lots of us in the country go to farms for corn mazes, hay rides, apple cider, pumpkin and strawberry picking and the like. Gleim sees agro-tourism providing a big help to farmers.
“Especially for the dairy industry, which is suffering so much. A lot of those dairy farmers are trying to diversify because they’re being told to diversify, but then they have the other side, which says ‘you need all this money to pay for insurance!”
Gleim also is sponsoring a number of other bills. One deals with apprenticeships in the construction industry. She has a bit of a background in that as well. Her family owns Gleim Excavating in Carlisle, which has been in business for 50 years. The apprenticeship bill—HB 1746—would bring state law up to federal law with the ratio of union to non-union apprenticeships in the construction industry. Yes, it’s complicated. But Gleim has a handle on it.
And she is also working on a bill that would change the state budget cycle to two years instead of one. Hmmm. Wouldn’t that be only half the fun/aggravation?
“House Bill 764 is not new. It was introduced before but I was very passionate about this bill and actually requested this as a freshman to take and lead. I was on the school board back in 2016 when we couldn’t get a budget passed and all the schools were dead in the water, wondering if they were going to get funding. And also hearing from 501-C’s in my district, wondering if they’re going to get their funding. The homeless shelter, the domestic violence shelters…I was thinking to myself, coming from the business world, this is just crazy, if we had a two year budget cycle, they could plan.”
It was the first Friday of August and Wellsboro High School in Tioga Co. was packed with seniors. Not high school seniors. Senior citizens. It was Rep. Clint Owlett’s (R-Bradford, Potter, Tioga) annual Senior Expo.
“This is one of the biggest events that we do,” Owlett told me as he took a short break from talking with the visitors. “We usually expect about a thousand care-takers and seniors to come out to this event.”
They can find dozens of vendors with information and services for the seniors.
“They need a lot of information and it’s hard for them to get it,” Owlett said. “So whenever we can pull it all together in one location it’s great for them.”
Owlett probably didn’t come to the expo expecting to run into some people that he went to school with, but that’s what happened. Well, sort of. One of the seniors came up the lawmaker and told him that she used to teach him in Sunday school. Whatever that lady and the other teachers–along with his family– taught him, it definitely stuck.
“My faith is a big part of who I am. It is for my family as well. I just continue to stand up for those things. It’s important to us.”
Owlett has signed on as one of the co-sponsors for the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill as Pennsylvania tries to follow in the footsteps of Georgia. It was back in May of this year that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. It effectively bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. That’s when doctors can usually detect a heartbeat in the fetus.
Owlett said that a group from the PA state House was able to meet with officials from Georgia recently to talk about doing here what they did there.
“It was great to hear how they did it. It was such a long process, but it was so worth it. It will be challenged in the courts but any time that you can move the ball forward in some sort of an incremental step, with taking the biggest incremental step that you can towards life, it’s important. It’s exciting to be a part of the process and think through what we can do here in Pennsylvania to really move the ball forward on that issue.”
It will be interesting to see what happens on that regard in the fall. Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) is the prime sponsor on the “heartbeat” bill and is expected to introduce it in September or October. For pro-lifers, it comes as welcomed news that someone like Clint Owlett will be right there with her.
Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) is looking to make many of the waterways across Pennsylvania safer, by making sure there is ample warning of low-head dams. Many of you may not have heard of them. But for those that have heard of them, it’s usually come about because of some tragedy.
“They’re often referred to as ‘drowning machines,’” Gillespie told me in his Capitol office. “Because of the hydraulics and the mechanics of the way these things are constructed, the water flowing over actually gets like a washing machine—a roller coaster, if you will. The water goes round and round.”
As Gillespie points out, it’s almost impossible to escape. The Dock Street dam on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg has claimed close to 20 victims in recent years. Two of the latest and most talked about victims were 25-year old Mary Bredbenner and her three-year-old daughter Maddy Binkley. They drowned in May of 2018 after their boat capsized near the damn.
“We have over 300 of these across the state,” said Gillespie. “Most of them are not marked. Right now it’s a civil penalty if something were to happen, if you go over and there’s no warning or indication.”
Gillespie has proposed a bill that would make it a criminal offense if an accident happened on a low-head damn that was not adequately marked. So who would be responsible to provide the signage?
“In many cases it is a municipality-owned dam,” said Gillespie, who then talked about the Dock Street dam. He says Harrisburg is responsible for that. “They have done a good job with putting markers across, above and below the dam. Previously they had not been there.”
Gillespie said the dams had a purpose many years ago when the rivers and creeks were dammed up so mills could grind up things like flour and gunpowder. But he says state officials are trying to remove as many of the dams as possible.
“We have to be careful as we do that, because they’ve been a trap for silt and other nasty things that you’ve got to be able to get out because it just doesn’t wash down,” Gillespie said. “They’re also restrictive of the passage of fish.”
I asked Gillespie if there is any possibility of getting rid of the Dock Street dam.
“That’s going to be a very expensive proposition,” Gillespie said, who talked of an alternative solution that’s being tossed around. “In Michigan, they brought a barge in with huge boulders. They put them below the dam and it actually mitigated the hydraulics. They would get rid of that churning effect. Is it cheaper than taking out the dam? I haven’t done a cost analysis, but as others have said ‘what’s the cost of a life?’ There isn’t one.”
When the co-sponsor list started circulating around the PA House of Representatives for the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill, Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette, Somerset) quickly signed on.
“I have been adamantly pro-life since the time that I was a candidate, through the two sessions that I’ve served in the state House,” Dowling told me as we met one day following a committee meeting in Philadelphia. “So really it was a no-brainer to sign onto that bill and some of the other pro-life bills that we’ve worked on over the past three years.”
The bill would prohibit a doctor from performing an abortion if a heartbeat is detected in the fetus. Dowling says he looks for the bill to move in the fall.
Dowling also lent his support to another bill that benefits many in the Catholic faith: the one that increased the Educational Improvement Tax Credit by $25-million.
“EITC means so much to the private schools throughout Pennsylvania, including the parochial schools, the Catholic schools,” Dowling said. “I myself am a product of Catholic education. My two sons are enrolled in a Catholic school in the Uniontown area. I know how much that EITC tax credit helps families.”
Dowling was disappointed that Republicans were not able to get more of an increase in the EITC. They originally had passed a bill calling for a $100-million increase but that was vetoed by Governor Wolf. The $25-million was salvaged during subsequent budget negotiations. But an automatic escalator was not included in the final agreement.
“That (the escalator) would take it from being an annual political football and give it more stability and the ability to grow,” Dowling said. “Annually, the number is north somewhere of 50,000 students that are turned away from the program because we just don’t have the funding in Pennsylvania.”
As Dowling has talked to business leaders around the state he has discovered that many more of them would like to participate in the program but are turned away because it has a cap.
“If it’s a program that is working, I don’t see why we can’t remove the cap.”
Dowling, however, does look to keep a lid on spending taxpayer money.
“Holding the line on taxes and spending is something that I was dedicated to when I ran for office and something that I continue to be dedicated to,” Dowling said. “I serve a community that, in many ways, is geriatric in nature, people that are living on a fixed income. Even young families are trying to make the most of what they have and tax increases are simply something that cuts into that bottom line and cuts into that monthly or weekly budget.
“And if the taxpayers have set themselves with a budget, why can’t the state do the same thing and live within its means?”
Dowling has also had to focus on helping residents of his district after a number of natural disasters. Flash flooding has been very bad for them this summer.
“I’ve been working with our local municipalities to try to give them as much help and assistance as possible to aid in roads getting opened back up,” he said. “Penndot has been good at getting our local roads opened back up at our request on roads that aren’t even theirs! We thank them for that.”
Dowling has also been active traveling around the state for committee meetings. The day that we talked he was in Philadelphia for a meeting of the House Liquor Oversight Committee.
“That committee will be coming into my district in August to look at one of our big economic booms that we’re seeing, which is agro-tourism–our wineries, our distilleries that are popping up in the district. We’re also going to be looking at how some of our big box stores are going to be approaching the sale of wine and beer products.”
With hundreds of members in the PA House of Representatives, there is a big emphasis on leadership in Harrisburg. One of the leaders on the Republican side is Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), who has been re-elected as the Majority Caucus Chairman.
“Every bill is caucused before we go to the floor to vote on it,” Toepel told me in her Harleysville district office. “I bring in the research staff. We go through each bill. I’m basically like the teacher in front of the class…We can see if there are issues with the bill, go over amendments so that when we go up to the floor we kind of know what we’re doing.”
That’s when the Whip may decide to get involved and “whip” up the votes that might be needed for passage. To my knowledge there is not actually any whip involved or any kind of physical punishment for those who don’t vote along with the party.
“It’s so that we’re functioning as a team pretty much and we know where people are, if there are any problems with the bill,” Toepel said. “I also have a staff that helps track bills, through committee and the amendment process. We send out many, many emails to the members, keeping them informed of the movement of bills from introduction, to committee hearing, to being scheduled to vote. We work closely with the leader’s office, who schedules all the bills for voting.”
I think that sounds complicated. Toepel says it is, but says she is lucky to have inherited a very good staff. The members worked for previous caucus chairs and seem to have a pretty good lay of the land, which is important since there about 30,000 or so bills being introduced each session.
“It is very complicated, making sure everything is communicated and organized,” she said. “Some of the leaders and the speakers, they’re more at the higher level of scheduling and working out some of the hiccups with the Senate. But we’re down in the dirt, getting a little bit dirty as far as making sure all the members know what’s going on.”
I remembered seeing Rep. Toepel at a roundtable discussion that the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference attended back in February in Bucks Co. Toepel is supporting companion bills by Rep. Seth Grove and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill that would strengthen penalties for those patronizing the victims of human trafficking that are forced into committing crimes. The measures are collectively known as the “Buyer Beware” Bill.
“We’re going after that person who’s purchasing that service because they’re creating victims and they’re perpetrating a crime,” Toepel said. “They know what they’re doing. It will increase penalties against them. I strongly support the “Buyer Beware” Bill.”
“I’ve always been a huge victim advocate—from increasing penalties for child pornographers to straw purchases of guns,” said Toepel, who at one point worked in the Mongtomgery Co. courthouse. She was in the Clerk of Courts office and would see many of the victims at the end of their cases.
“I would get to see some of the folks face to face. Heartbreaking stories. Certainly the most heartbreaking are the ones that involved children. Human trafficking is sort of an underground economy that is occurring everywhere. It’s in Montgomery Co. as well. Montgomery Co. has formed a task force. I’m actually a member.”
Toepel achieved much acclaim for her bill on straw purchasing of guns, which was enacted back in 2012. It restored a crucial law enforcement tool to remove illegal guns and prosecute straw purchasers. It was named after Officer Brad Fox, who was fatally shot by a gun obtained through a straw purchase.
There are many and varied pathways that people have taken to get to their seats in the Pennsylvania legislature, but perhaps none more unique that the one taken by Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland, Snyder) to get to her spot representing the 108th district.
Actually she’s been in the district office for quite some time and involved in politics for quite some time, thanks to her father, who was a city councilman back in the day.
“Our gift when we turned 18 was our voter registration card,” Culver told me in her Capitol office. “That is a big deal for all of us. None of us miss an election.”
The fateful day that would chart her professional course in life came one day when her father, who was also an athletic director at a local school, took Lynda to an event recognizing the wrestling team for winning the state title. State Rep. Merle Phillips of the 108th was there handing out citations. He was also looking for a summer intern and Lynda had just graduated from high school. She was looking for a job to help pay for college.
“I interviewed for the job. He offered it to me and I’ve worked there ever since,” Culver said. “My junior and senior year I actually commuted from college back down to work for him a couple of days a week.”
Culver figured she would just stick it out for what she thought would be a short time until Phillips retired, which he did. 21 years later!! She would run to replace him. At first it started out as more of a jog than a run.
“I didn’t go kicking and screaming but I had to get a hard shove through the door to run,” Culver said. “It wasn’t popular yet for women to run. I worried about making the transition from providing constituent service and maybe not being as involved. But with a district of about 63,000 you can be more intimate than a district with 250,000 or 750,000. I like that piece of it. I like to know what’s going on. When I vote on a bill I like to be able to think of a group, a constituent, information, either by web or email that people have contacted me asking questions, wanting to know about the bill…supporting it, or not supporting it. I don’t feel like I’ve done my job unless I know where my district stands on a particular bill.”
As far as introducing bills goes, Culver is of the school of thought less is better than more. She’s not one to think there isn’t enough legislation.
“We normally introduce about 3,000 bills a year,” she said. “How many of those become law? Not a large percentage–between three and six-hundred. I’m more centered around my district, solving problems as them come up, anticipating problems and reaching out to my constituents. Most of my legislation comes organically as I like to say, or home-grown. When there’s a problem or issue back home, that’s how most of my legislation comes about.”
Culver is currently working on a package of bills that would protect senior citizens. Her part of the project is financial exploitation. She’s working with district attorneys and the State Police to have it defined in the law.
“What is financial exploitation,” she explained. “We just had one case in the district where a care-giver laced an elderly couple’s cigarettes with poison. Both ended up at the hospital. One passed away and one lived. The care-giver has since been arrested but had already been taking money out of their bank accounts. You hear and see it often.”
You may have heard about us talking about the fetal “heartbeat” bill a lot in recent weeks. It would prevent an abortion once a heartbeat is detected. We plan to continue to talk about it in the weeks ahead in preparation for its formal introduction in the Pennsylvania legislature, most likely in September.
Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) is the prime sponsor of the bill and has circulated her co-sponsorship memo, which has been very-well received. She wanted to wait until after the Down Syndrome Protection Act was introduced in the last session. Borowicz was a big part of that. You can see her as part of the group that was on hand to announce the bill in March. The picture still appears at the top of our Facebook page.
“What’s great is that I’ve talked with Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, York) and he wants to join efforts with me and do a “heartbeat” bill in the Senate,” Borowicz told me during a visit I made to her Lock Haven office. “I had close to 40 co-sponsors last time I checked. I need some more. I need some more support in the House. The Senate, I think, is a little bit easier.”
Borowicz says this bill is one of the reasons that she is in office.
“It’s part of who I am,” she said. “There are 30,000 abortions in Pennsylvania a year. That’s why I’m here—to save those babies’ lives. The Bible tells us that ‘He knew us before we were in our mother’s womb’ and He has plans for us and to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”
I asked Borowicz about the opposition that lies ahead. She saw much of that in the effort to get the Down syndrome bill passed.
“We saw it the minute we started talking about that,” she said. “They told us ‘well you don’t take care of those babies once they’re here.’ So I said “so, you’re not going to give them the opportunity to be born? The opposition that came through that, I already have seen it. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like for the heartbeat bill, which is six to eight weeks. It says that once a heartbeat is detected, an abortion can not be performed.”
Borowicz remembered back to her pregnancy when the doctor detected the baby’s heartbeat. That made quite an impression on her. Two heartbeats. Two lives.
Borowicz is no stranger to facing opposition. Many Democrats and media outlets blew a gasket in March when she led the opening prayer before a House session. Critics pointed out that it was also a session that included the swearing in of the first female Muslim to the House.
She took a lot of heat for that, but has also gotten a ton of support and love for it as well.
“I’m still getting letters,” she said. “My secretary in Harrisburg I think is getting tired of opening letters. Ralph Reed (a conservative political activist and first head of the Christian Coalition), bless his heart, wrote an article about me and he asked people to send me letters, so I have received over 1,500 letters just in the last month. I was in tears reading what some of the people had written, encouraging me, telling me ‘thank you for standing up and praying and that we need Jesus back in this country again. It’s pretty amazing.”
She’s also heard from those who didn’t like what she did and felt compelled to let her know about it. Governor Wolf said he was “horrified” by the prayer. Others have been less respectful and took advantage of social media to share those feelings with Borowicz. I asked her how she deals with the hate.
“I was born for this,” she said. “I like facing the opposition when it’s for standing for Jesus and God’s word. Jesus said that they would hate us because of Him. It’s not me. It’s Jesus in me. There’s nothing good about me. It’s Jesus.
“I count it an honor. People say ‘oh you’re facing persecution.’ I say ‘that’s not persecution. People all over the world are facing persecution for Jesus right now. And they’re dying for it. I got to stand up in a pretty white dress in air-conditioning and pray. I’m not facing persecution because they’re saying mere words. We still have freedom and liberty in this nation. That’s why I’m fighting, for religious liberty.”
Rep. Rosemary Brown will be looking this fall to bring about passage of House Bill 37. That’s her measure to prohibit use of hand-held cellphones while driving on Pennsylvania roadways. The bill passed out of the House Transportation Committee this past session and is now before the full House.
“The timing is right to put a little bit more structure toward this law,” Brown told me in her East Stroudsburg district office. “I look at this as one of the largest distractions that we have on the roadways. When you drive, you’re supposed to be as focused as you can be on the roads, but we know there are a lot of distractions and there are many things that a driver can do.”
Brown says phone use on the roadways is very noticeable. She says everyone has likely seen someone swerve into their lane while using their hand-held device.
“I know I’ve had it several times and thank goodness it was without a crash,” she said. “We don’t even like to call them accidents, because crashes can be avoided. It’s not an accident. We are just too focused on the phone.”
The law would allow that if a driver is seen with a phone in their hand they can be pulled over by police. She says that drivers can still use the hands-free devices which use voice technology.
“Drivers may say ‘I don’t want someone telling me what to do inside my own car,” Brown continued. “If it’s going to affect someone else’s safety, it’s a problem.”
Brown is also backing legislation to help people with their personal finances. She says young people are not getting educated in that regard. She wants to make such a course part of the high school curriculum.
“It would have the everyday life skills that you need, from balancing a checkbook to knowing what you should be able to spend, what you shouldn’t be spending, what you should be saving, maybe what you should be donating , if you’re able to donate and what you should invest.”
Brown says she never had those courses as a student and didn’t really talk about finances with her family. She says it’s about preparing people the best they can to make the best decisions possible.
That bill went through the House and is now before the Senate.
Brown’s efforts are nothing if they are not diverse! She is also working to stop the spread of Lyme disease. Brown has created a grant that provides for free tick testing in the state. If you find the tick you can send it to a tick lab and it will be tested for Lyme and any other tick-borne illness.
“We hope that it cuts down on the over-use of antibiotics,” Brown said. And here’s some sobering news she offered. “Fifty-one percent of the ticks that are being sent in from all 67 counties are testing positive.”
And last but not least Brown continues to remain firmly pro-life.
“My stance has always been pro-life and it has never been judgemental. I would love to see people go in this direction. Let’s help them make the decision to choose life. I’m big on the fact that it’s part of being respectful for life—at the beginning of life, at the middle of life and at the end of life and respecting each other.”
It was a scorcher on the day that I visited Sen. Mike Regan (R-Cumberland) in his Camp Hill district office but he was happy that it was summer and was getting a break from the Capitol.
“It’s good to be out amongst the people in the district for a change,” he said. “When you’re in the Capitol sometimes it feels like you’re in a casino. You don’t know what time it is. You don’t know what the weather is. You don’t know what’s going on. Everything is closed up so it’s good to be out.”
We talked about the effort to get the Educational Improvement Tax Credit passed. Republicans were able to negotiate a $25-million increase in the program after Governor Wolf had vetoed a proposed $100-million increase. Regan talked about what transformed him into a big believer in the EITC.
“I can remember when I was in the US Marshal’s Service Governor Tom Ridge being a big school choice person and I kind of thought back then that—even though I wasn’t a parent yet–it should be a parent’s decision as to where the kids go to school.”
Regan said he didn’t have a personal connection to the program though until one day when he arrested a kid on a drug charge. When the suspect was in the back of marshal’s car Regan started talking to him about his life.
“A couple of things he said were striking and left a real impression on me. He said that in the Harrisburg School District that if you try in school, you will get beaten up for trying to get ahead. He also said the kids in Harrisburg aspire to go to prison, because you don’t have any ‘street cred’ until you go to prison. That was the late nineties, early two-thousands. I thought to myself ‘what is the answer to that? That’s so troubling’”
Years later Regan was asked to speak at a dinner for the Bob Craig Foundation. The Foundation was presenting a check to the Joshua Group, which Regan had not heard of. The head of the group, Kirk Hallett, spoke along with two kids who were had taken part in the group’s learning programs.
“The one kid’s story really touched my heart,” Regan said. “He said ‘my mom’s a drug addict. I don’t know who my dad is. If not for my grandmother loving me I probably never would have wound up at the Joshua School. He said Kirk took me in and tutored me.’”
As it turns out, that young man had gone on to become an honor student at Messiah College. It dawned on Regan that he had found the answer to the question that had been raised several years before–to get these kids out of a failing school system and into a good school.
“It can mean the difference between life and death. Just taking a kid who if you look at the odds would be on welfare, possibly in the juvenile system or dead, to being a college graduate, job-holder, taxpayer, positive citizen. The true meaning of the EITC and the OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program) really hit home for me.”
“I really think that empowering these kids to reach their potential is an amazing thing. So I’m a fan.”
Regan says he and other lawmakers are also going to work on the problem of veterans’ suicides. He says 20 veterans commit suicide every day across the country and that the per capita average is higher in Pennsylvania. He says the legislators are meeting with stakeholders across the state to address the issue.
“I can’t imagine, Al, going over there and fighting for the people of this country and then coming back and not being able to deal with what you had to do and what you saw and taking your own life as a result.
“A lot of it I think is simplicity and streamlining things,” Regan continued. “First of all they’re typically a little closed off. They don’t want to talk about it. If they finally make that leap to wanting to talk about it and they have to call 20 people or be transferred or push a number of buttons to talk to someone, they’re more likely to just hang up. So we need to streamline that process and I think that’s one of the things that may come out in legislation.”
Many lawmakers in Harrisburg come from a law background. While a good percentage of them practiced law, Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) spent several years enforcing it. He served 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police and another 12 years as the Sheriff of Berks County.
“I went from law enforcement to lawmaker,” he said.
If anyone would be tough on crime it would be Jozwiak. But he’s also pushing a bill in Harrisburg that he feels would be *smart* on crime. It aims to take marijuana possession cases—general misdemeanors– out of county courts and put them exclusively into the district courts.
“The courts of common pleas in Pennsylvania are being overloaded with these cases,” Jozwiak told me in his district office in Reading. “A normal case costs $200 to $2,500 to prosecute, even with a guilty plea. Last year it cost Pennsylvania taxpayers almost $40-million to prosecute people for a small possession of marijuana for $2-million in fines.”
Jozwiak said the District Attorney for Berks County came to him with the idea to propose a bill to change marijuana possession from a misdemeanor to a summary offense so they could be handled by a district justice. Jozwiak pointed out that nobody currently goes to jail for possessing a small amount of marijuana. They pay a fine.
“Law enforcement is in favor of that,” Jozwiak said. “It will save many, many police departments overtime because most of them go to court on their days off. It’s easier for somebody just to pay a fine rather than going to court and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars.”
Jozwiak is also pushing a bill to change the way car registration stickers are displayed. It was just a couple of years ago that PA decided that drivers did not have to put registration stickers on their license plates. That created a fiasco with scores of motorists getting pulled over by police in other states who saw their expired stickers.
“In 2018 we checked Penndot’s figures to see how many registrations were not being renewed. We found $22-million worth of registrations that Penndot lost in 2017 because people did not renew their registrations. They lost another $11-million last year. Whether they forgot to renew, or didn’t want to renew we don’t know but that was the number.”
So Jozwiak has proposed the “two in one sticker.” It combines the registration sticker and the inspection sticker into one and put that one sticker on the license plate.
“The process is this,” he explained. “You go get your car inspected while it’s still legal. It’s still registered. You get your receipt and take the receipt and send it into Penndot with your application for a license plate or go to an on-line messenger. You then would pay your registration fee and would then be issued a sticker for your license plate.”
The new process would make it safer for police officers who pulled over a vehicle. They could check both registration and inspection without having to look at the front of the car. Jozwiak says he’s heard complaints from constituents about how they are getting tickets in other states.
“Penndot says that all the police agencies in the country know that we don’t do this anymore. That’s not true,” Jozwiak said.
Jozwiak says Pennsylvania State Police, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Chiefs of Police Associations are all in favor of bringing the sticker back to license plates. He says it’s easier for officers to check a plate to see if there is probably cause to pull a car over for a traffic stop.
There will be a hearing on the issue next month in Harrisburg.
Rep. Jeff Wheeland (R-Lycoming) has an encouraging outlook for those of us who are on the pro-life side of the abortion debate.
“I think it’s growing,” he said. “Regardless of what the major news outlets will tell you. I think the conservative pro-life movement is alive and well and growing. “
‘Growing’ in the way that the co-sponsorship list is growing for the “heartbeat” abortion bill that Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) is planning to introduce in the fall. Wheeland signed on as a co-sponsor for the measure which has around four dozen co-sponsors.
I asked Wheeland if he heard from his constituents after the New York State abortion bill passed earlier this year to a raucous applause.
“Oh absolutely. What a horrible display that they put on when that passed. That was unconscionable. But they did what they did. We’re taking a different tact and our goal is to protect the sanctity of life.”
Wheeland also supported the increase in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. However, like many of his fellow supporters, he wished it could have been more. The original proposal was for a $100-million increase in the program that benefits private schools. The Governor vetoed that measure but subsequent negotiations were able to get $25-million in the final budget.
“It will certainly help and it was a significant increase, but we’re still lagging behind many states that started the program about the same time that we did and they continue to fund it at much larger rates than what we’ve been able to get over to the Governor’s desk. But we’re not going to give up, we’re going to keep pushing for it. It gives parents the option, the choice—outside of a public school and there’s nothing wrong with that. Choice is good.”
Wheeland comes to the state legislature by way of being a businessman. That started when he was 12 years old running his own paper route. He then worked in his family’s beverage business and bought it from his parents.
“From there I became frustrated with government, specifically at the county level. I went on to run for county commissioner, served seven years as county commissioner and got even more frustrated with state government.”
He threw his proverbial hat into the ring for the 83rd district and is now in his third term. I asked him if he still gets frustrated with state government.
“I do,” he said. “Sometimes it’s like watching paint dry. It takes so long as Rep. Borowicz is going to find out with her bill. But it’s the system and you have to work within the system.”
Lawmakers will come back to Harrisburg in two months and when they do, Wheeland will be looking to get passage of his bill to require identification for voting. He says a bill to bring that about passed during the Corbett Administration, but was struck down by the courts on a technicality.
“My particular piece of legislation has that technicality fixed,” Wheeland said. “Hopefully in the fall we can get that over the goal line. I just think it’s important for the voters to have confidence that the vote that they cast is not nullified by someone that may be scamming the system.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s one person that commits voter fraud or tens of thousands. I don’t believe anybody really knows. But that’s not the point of my legislation. The point of my legislation is to give people surety that the vote that they cast is not going to be nullified by someone else in the state.”
He also supports other election and voting reform measures, like extending the deadline to apply for absentee ballots.
For state lawmakers, time away from the Capitol does not mean time away from the job. Summer time is a chance to meet with the residents.
“We meet with constituents all summer,” said Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), who hosted me in her Kline Village district office in Harrisburg. “It’s a good time, now that we’re out of the Capitol, to meet with people, hear their issues—ranging from ‘I need an apartment can you help me?’ to ‘I have issues with my driver’s license, I need a new I-D.’”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference works with legislators from both parties and Kim is no exception. The PCC is working with her on some criminal justice issues. Those issues have become bi-partisan in recent months.
“When I first started, I didn’t know anybody who went to prison,” Kim said. “After hearing a lot of stories about the process, how people get in and then they come out, it’s very restrictive. And I don’t think it’s very fair.”
Kim shares the perspective of many lawmakers that the ‘system’ does not give offenders a second chance. It leaves them branded and makes it difficult for them to get a job and turn their lives around.
“People make mistakes,” she said. “They go to prison for it. They pay their dues. They pay their fines. And then they come out and it feels like the handcuffs are still on because there are so many obstacles and barriers. The laws that we’ve passed help seal their records so employers can’t see them but law enforcement still can. It’s helped a lot of people.”
She points out that many people commit crimes to feed drug addictions. But she says many people become healed and basically have a new life.
“Opioid addiction is terrible and people have suffered from it. We’re trying to heal them and at the same time change their lives around so that they can get back on track. If we look at people through the eyes of compassion, see them as humans, get them healed, give them resources, we could have such a better and healthier society. They’ll pay their taxes. We won’t have to imprison them for $50,000 a year. That’s ridiculous. They could be out living a life with their families that you and I want.”
Kim was a big proponent this past session for raising the minimum wage. It was the Governor’s pet project as well. But no increase was passed.
“It’s so disappointing that we couldn’t get an agreement on a number,” she said. “I think the majority of us in the House want to see a higher minimum wage, but we can’t decide on the exact number. I am hopeful that we will restart the conversation and get something—we were asking for $15 by 2023. The Republicans haven’t come back with a number but I’m hoping we can get a compromise.”
Kim is also working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take a look at the public school code. She says there are a lot of old mandates in the code which restrict school districts from doing well. She also pointed out the issues the Harrisburg School District is having. They are entering receivership again.
“I’m going to be working closely with the receiver so that we can get things back in order. I’m excited this could be maybe out last hurdle before we get things going well.”
And Rep. Kim had some kind words to say about the Catholic schools in her district.
“I want to thank the Catholic schools in the district for doing such a great job in educating kids. There are kids who don’t want to go to the public schools and the alternative is the Catholic schools. Their curriculum is solid and I am very appreciative of them caring for some of my students. I know they are a very valuable resource.
Catholic adoption agencies across the state have been curtailing or stopping their work altogether as a result of a policy by the Wolf Administration that would take away a lot of their power to decide who would be the best parents for adoption.
PA Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) says there is still hope that a religious exemption will be granted by lawmakers for organizations.
“A number of us in the House actually held up the budget because of a religious exemption, related to the Foster care and adoption,” Zimmerman told me in his Lancaster district office. Despite their determined efforts the Governor held firm and it was kept out. “They took the religious exemption out, which means an adoption agency would have to work with any type of family arrangements, whether it’s a man and wife, or an LGBT couple. They would have to work with all of those.”
Zimmerman and several of his colleagues would like to see the exemption established. They have an agreement from House and Senate leadership to run bills in the fall to make that happen.
“This is just one area. So the question is ‘what’s next?’” Zimmerman said. “I believe that our country and our state were established on religious liberty, religious freedom. We need to have these religious exemptions available to business and family throughout our state. It’s very important.”
Zimmerman said another issue that drew debate in the last session was the compulsory age for education. The current law requires children between the ages of eight and 17 to be in school. But new regulations installed in one of the budget codes would expand that from six to 18. Zimmerman was one of the lawmakers who opposed the change.
“There are a lot of issues with that,” he said. “Some children are just not ready at six. What about someone who graduates early? What about—in our district—the Plain community that gets work permits at 15? None of that has been really addressed at this point, so there are some real concerns about the compulsory age.”
The age change was something that was being pushed by the Governor, Zimmerman said. Even though it was placed in the budget, he says there will be an effort in the fall to get the change modified.
‘I also look at it as a liberties issue,” Zimmerman added. “The parents can probably make a better decision on their children than government.”
Zimmerman remains very committed to pro-life issues. He voted for the Down Syndrome Protection Act and has signed on as a co-sponsor to Rep. Stephanie Borowicz’s (R-Centre, Clinton) “heartbeat” abortion bill, which he hopes to see introduced in the fall.
Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster) was happy with how the state budget turned out—what was spent and what was not spent.
“I thought we had a good pragmatic approach. One thing I was concerned about was making sure we had a surplus to have a significant rainy day fund,” Greiner said. As a CPA he has always made a priority of being fiscally conservative and spending taxpayer money wisely. “We funded education, which was very important, human services and those types of things, which are a huge part of the budget. But in the end we were able to have those savings too.”
Greiner says the savings are important because there will be a time when the revenue is not as high as it was this year. He wishes they could have made greater progress this past term on pension reform. But he was grateful that Thaddeus Stevens College, which has a welding division in his district, got adequate funding in the budget.
“Thaddeus Stevens just does an outstanding job,” Greiner said. “Their graduation rate is nearly 100%. Workforce development is key in the Commonwealth and we need to continue to promote that.”
Greiner says it is truly a diverse legislature in Harrisburg that does not always fall along party lines.
“I may have more in common with a Cambria Co. Democrat than maybe I do with a Chester Co. Republican,” Greiner said. “I think sometimes people look at party and it’s not always that. It can be rural and urban with the issues. The issues do vary.”
Greiner supported the increase in funding for the Education Improvement Tax Credit, which greatly benefits private schools. Republicans had been requesting $100-million, which the Governor vetoed. The final increase came in at $25-million. He sees the EITC benefitting the schools, but as a CPA he’s been touting the project at the other end as well.
“Before I became a member of the state House I encouraged businesses to participate in the EITC plan and the scholarship program because the reality is that it’s very beneficial. A lot of our kids, not only in Lancaster Co. but in Philadelphia and other areas, they attend private schools. Here in Lancaster Co. we have schools, the Water Street Rescue Mission. We have Mennonite schools and also of course our Catholic schools—Lancaster Catholic and other Catholic schools. I just think it’s a real win because not every student fits in well in the public school system.”
Democrats fought the increase in the EITC on the grounds that it took money away from public schools.
“When you look at the budget as a whole, the dollars we put in that program, it’s a significant amount but as a percentage it’s not a huge amount.”
Greiner has also signed on as a co-sponsor for the “heartbeat” bill which will be introduced by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) in the fall. He also supported the Down Syndrome Protection Act which was approved by the House this past session.
“With my background and my area here, I just think that’s critical,” Greiner said. “I will say it’s a little bit troubling and disturbing with some of the decisions that you see in New York and some of these other states. I’m a firm believer in the sanctity of life. I think science has proven that life starts very early.”
Greiner says it’s fine to compromise on the budget but not on your principles.
“Never sacrifice your values. Never sacrifice what you believe in. If someone wants to question me on a transportation vote, that’s fine. But there are certain values that if I lose an election because of it, than I lose. I think if you’re convictions are strong, you do the right thing, people can see that.”
The state budget agreement on Friday marked the end of the spring session in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference was active on a number of bills during the session—both supporting and opposing. Here is a brief run-down on the more noteworthy issues.
While organizations and lawmakers work to curb or put an end to abortion in the various legislatures, the pro-life effort continues on an entirely different front—with pregnancy centers counseling would-be mothers on their options. One of the groups that does that very effectively is Morning Star.
Morning Star was originally founded back in 1972 as Birthright. Since then it has expanded to three offices (Harrisburg, New Cumberland and Middletown).
I had the chance to sit down and talk with Leslie Moyer, Morning Star’s Sexual Risk Avoidance Program Director. Her main focus is educating young people about the advantages of waiting for authentic love before they have sex. But she gave a complete tour and rundown of what Morning Star has to offer for women who come to them believing they might be pregnant.
Despite what many with contrary beliefs might claim, Morning Star does NOT pressure anyone to do anything.
“Whatever decision you make, we are just giving you the information so you can make the best decision,” Moyer said. “There are women who decide after they are here and had an ultrasound that they are going to abort. Thankfully that doesn’t happen very often. We never judge their decision, but we will offer to listen to their pain and guide them toward after care following an abortion if that’s what they request.”
Moyer also says Morning Star wants all mothers (and fathers) to feel love and support during their pregnancies. Fathers are often in the room during an ultrasound. Those mothers and fathers come from a variety of backgrounds.
“All incomes, every status you can think of,” Moyer said. She says some times the workers at Morning Star are the first people that a client will tell about the pregnancy.
“What if it’s a woman who’s a sophomore in college,” Moyer continued. “She does not want her family to know that she is pregnant and she will come in. We’ll help her in all the different ways that we can help her with the pregnancy, then if she decides to keep the baby and she doesn’t feel like she will have support from her family, then we can help her with that.”
Moyer says that includes helping the pregnant woman get insurance. She says that in Pennsylvania, every pregnant woman will get insurance, but has to apply for it. If she doesn’t have any income, insurance is available at no charge to the woman until the baby is six weeks old.
“If she is thinking, I can’t have this baby now, I’m not at a good place, maybe she wants to explore adoption, we can help her with that,” Moyer said. “We have even invited adoption agencies here. If she doesn’t want to go to an agency, because she’s afraid they’ll make her sign something—which isn’t legal. But sometimes they are open to having the adoption agencies come here—like a neutral turf. We will facilitate the conversation, but it’s really between her and the adoption agency.”
Morning Star is able to connect the woman with an agency that best fits their needs. And Morning Star also offers material support for the woman or the father who needs it, i.e. diapers, bottles, formula, blankets, baby toiletries and clothes up to 3T.
But once again, the work centers on counseling, not persuading.
“Our objective is to give them information about the options that are available so they can make an informed decision,” Moyer said. “They may be thinking, ‘I can’t be pregnant right now I need to get rid of this. We will help them to take a breath and think through the difficult decision that is before them. Often they have a few weeks before they have to make a decision whether to terminate the pregnancy. Many times they will say ‘I’m so glad that I came because I was able to relax and make my decision.’”
Moyer says that sometimes women will rush to an abortion center before determining whether they have a viable pregnancy. She says a quarter of all pregnancies will naturally end in miscarriage. Morning Star will perform an ultrasound right in their offices.
“If we don’t see a heartbeat, we cannot determine viability, so we will offer them another ultrasound in a week or so to track the baby’s development. We will continue offering ultrasounds until they make a decision about the pregnancy. We want to see if there is development with this fetus.”
I remember praying as a kid every night—okay, most nights– before I went to bed. I’d present a list of things I wanted God to help me achieve pretty much through early adulthood. As I got a bit older, I threw in a few ‘thank yous’ as well for the blessings I had gotten.
That has been the extent of my prayer technique. Not a huge evolution. I’ve frequently wondered, ‘am I doing this right?’ You too, right? Okay, there’s probably not a wrong way to pray, but I always thought there was a *better* way to pray.
In fact there is. And there’s an app for it. It’s called “Hallow.” One of the creators is Harrisburg native Alessandro DiSanto.
“Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that we recently launched this past December,” DiSanto told me during a recent visit back to his home turf. The Bishop McDevitt High School graduate now lives in the Chicago area. The idea started with DiSanto and some of his college friends shortly after they graduated from the University of Notre Dame and went into their separate career paths. DiSanto got into a career in finance and marketing.
“Over the past few years I really got stressed out, living in a constantly connected world, working all the time, constant email notifications. For us it was really about trying to find relief from the stresses and anxieties of everyday life. So we found our way into meditation.”
They wanted to add more depth to that and connect it to Catholic spirituality. DiSanto says they wanted to find out if there were any meditative traditions in the Church. There were a few. Or more.
“That is a pretty silly question,” DiSanto said. “There’s a two-thousand plus year history of monks and saints and going the whole way back to the desert fathers of a number of really beautiful contemplative traditions.”
They started incorporating those traditions into their own lives and combining them with what they saw on secular meditation apps that were faith free. That combination resulted in “Hallow,” an authentically Catholic meditation app.
“We talked to a lot of people—different users, even priests and other spiritual directors, and one of the big barriers to praying or finding new ways to pray is ‘man, am I doing this right?’ There’s this big fear and anxiety that builds up and often kind of takes over the whole experience. We’re not praying for you by any means, but what we try to do is give you the structure in a way that it’s easy for you to find your own voice in prayer.”
Hallow will guide you to a list of prayer topics, like joy, humility, love, or letting go. Or you can choose the daily prayers, like the novenas or gospels.
“You just pick five, then or 15 minutes, whatever you’re in the mood for that day. Hit play. You get optional background music if you like. Close your eyes and then we take you on an audio-guided prayer experience. You don’t have to worry about anything. You don’t have to follow along with words. You just close your eyes. We’ll provide the structure and the prompts and we’ll give you silence and a peaceful, safe place for you to develop your personal relationship with God.”
Hallow is accessible for iOS and Android. It features a free version and additional content for subscribers for $8.99 a month, or $59.99 a year.
The state budget agreement on Friday marked the end of the spring session in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference was active on a number of bills during the session—both supporting and opposing. Here is a brief run-down on the more noteworthy issues.
Oftentimes state legislators can feel themselves being pulled in several directions. They must stay focused on the larger issues like abortion, public and private school funding, and whether or not to raise taxes. But they also have to look out for their districts on issues that are unique to the people they represent.
Many people in the northeast have become sick of all the rain we’ve had recently, but you can understand if the residents of Columbia Co. are especially sick of that rain. The effects of that have been made worse by long-term damage to many creeks. Rep. David Millard (R-Columbia) is focused on fixing that problem.
“Whatever happens during one (rain) event brings debris in or creates a gravel bar doesn’t ever get fixed,” Millard said. “And then the next event might be less of a downpour or concentrated rainfall but it equals the previous event because the issues have not been taken care of.”
He calls it one of the high priority issues in Columbia Co.
“Put yourself in the shoes of the property owner, who faces a flood every time there is a high water event. How many times can your home taken on water? Secondly, between events we all age. Cleaning a home out in your twenties and remodeling is one thing, doing it in your seventies is another thing.”
Millard has been working to create a coordinated effort that would bring all the agencies together on the local, county, state and federal level. He says the problem is with many townships along Fishing Creek and the gravel bars that collect over a period of time. Those bars have spawned vegetation and collected various items that can block the flow of water.
“A high-water event that can force the stream to make a new footprint,” Millard said. “If the gravel bar is in the center, the water can go to the left or the right—damaging property owners’ land and homes. I believe that removing the bars and doing some stream bank stabilization will play a very important part in reducing–even with a moderate rainfall—the frequency of these devastating events to properties.”
Millard says the answer is not to dredge the entire length of the stream. The goal is to slow water down and not increase the velocity of it. But he says it’s important to also identify the relief points that will allow high water to fan out, possibly into a field.
“Yes, it would devastate a crop,” conceded Millard, “but hopefully, it would not devastate a collection of homes.”
He is looking to bring together the townships that are involved and apply for aid from programs on the various government levels.
“I want to bring resolve to the major flooding issues and put this thing to rest. I want to bring the county on board, which they already are, with a flood-resiliency officer, who really is the collector of all the information as one central and focal point to identify those problem areas.”
The state budget agreement on Friday marked the end of the spring session in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference was active on a number of bills during the session—both supporting and opposing. Here is a brief run-down on the more noteworthy issues.
PA Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe, Northampton) has been a life-long Catholic and is now part of the newly-formed Most Holy Trinity Parish. Things are still getting settled there.
“We’ve combined three parishes and we’re building a new church right on the grounds of Msgr. McHugh Elementary Center in Paradise Twp.,” Scavello said. “It’s hard for some people that we’re in an auditorium. They’d rather be in a church. But I think they’re starting to realize we are going to have a church. We’re going to have a brand new church and that’s what they’re looking forward to.”
The senator smiles when he recalls his early life in the church as he grew up in the Bronx. We talked about being Catholic ‘back in the day.’
“I went to Mt. Carmel Elementary and actually K to 4 was the Dominican nuns and then 5-on was the Holy Cross Brothers for me. I was an altar boy at Mt. Carmel Church on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. He says his two brothers were altar boys as well.
“I enjoyed my past–a lot of memories, altar boy for many years. Sometimes I’ll see a photo of somebody that got married there and I say, ‘wait a minute, that’s me in the picture.’”
As a staunch Catholic, Scavello is also very staunch in his pro-life beliefs.
“I’m pro-life. I will always vote pro-life,” he said. “I believe the baby in the womb needs protection just like anyone else. I know folks out there who can’t have kids. If you don’t want the baby then give it up for adoption but don’t make that decision and take life away.”
Scavello talked very highly about the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos in his district that works with mothers who are undecided and gives them the help and counseling they need.
“Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the time they end up having their baby and they’re very happy that they did and that they didn’t make that mistake. I’m a big supporter. They have a banquet and it’s a packed house. For me it’s rewarding to see how many people get together to protect life.”
It’s also rewarding for all of us who are pro-life to see how many legislators get together for the same cause. The numbers are pretty impressive. And while most pro-life lawmakers are Republican, there are a fair amount of Democrats who vote that way as well.
“We are in the majority,” Scavello said. “And that’s great.”
Scavello is supporting the “Heartbeat” bill, which has been proposed by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton) and would prohibit an abortion once a heartbeat is detected. Scavello expects the bill to be brought up in September or October when the legislators are back in session.
The senator was also a big supporter of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). Governor Wolf vetoed the original bill which called for an increase of $100-million in the EITC but the final budget agreement included a $25-million boost in the program and a $5-million dollar increase in its sister program, the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC). Scavello was grateful for that.
“You ask for up here,” he said and gestured with his hand above his head. “You might not get that, but you get something in the middle, which is okay.”
Several residents came to the town hall hosted by PA Sen. David Argall (R-Berks, Schuylkill) and Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) in Strausstown, Berks Co. back on June 21st with a number of questions. But there seemed to be one issue in particular that got the locals fired up the most and it was not a new one by any means.
“I think the key question is we need to find a better way to fund our public schools than this property tax that dates back to the 1600’s,” said Sen. Argall. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–it’s rotten to the core and there has to be a better way to fund the public schools than a tax on your home that is based on: when did you fix your roof? How many acres do you own? When was it re-assessed?”
The two lawmakers were challenged on what they’ve done to fix the problem when, in fact, both have been part of efforts to find a solution.
“Those are issues that I’ve been working for a long time,” Argall said. “But as I’ve told students that I’ve talked to–you could have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t get 102 representatives, 26 senators and the signature of the Governor, then your idea doesn’t go forward.”
That was not the only issue that was brought up and raised the ire of at least some of the residents. Another one was the need for genuine welfare reform.
At all of these public meetings, no one ever stands up and says hurt someone with a disability, hurt poor people,” Argall said. “But it’s the abuse of the system they don’t like–the fact that there are still—unfortunately—abled-bodied people in the system that are collecting benefits, who really ought to be encouraged to work. That was something that we were unanimous on today.
“But the devil is always in the details, but we are looking for some way to encourage less welfare and more work for those people who do have the ability to go to work every day.
Those are issues that I’ve been working for a long time. But as I’ve told students that I’ve talked to–You could have the best idea in the world, but if you don’t get 102 representatives, 26 senators and the signature of the governor, then your idea doesn’t go forward. 
We hear and read this statement a lot in June: “legislators are busy working on getting a state budget done in time.” So how many people actually have a hand in crafting the final state budget? Apparently there aren’t a ton of chairs around the negotiating table.
“I think people would be surprised, even disappointed, to learn about how much the general members know about the particulars of the budget,” said Rep. Mike Jones (R-York). “It’s really negotiated by those at the leadership level. And there are pluses and minuses to that.”
Jones might not be busy at the budget talks but he has been busy. He’s only in his first term as a state representative but has already proven to be a friend to Catholic voters. For one thing, he has been a big proponent of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. It has been a contentious issue at the Capitol with Democrats and Republicans generally at opposite ends of the spectrum.
“E.I.T.C. is something I’m really passionate about. My wife and I have supported a school in York—Logos Academy—for a number of years. It’s like a lot of Catholic schools. They really depend on this. It’s a great program.”
Jones talked about the $100-million increase that Republicans in the House and Senate pushed through each chamber, only to have the Governor veto it.
“You compare that to about a $6.5-billion budget that goes to public schools. We have 14% of our kids in private schools. Those are kids that the public schools don’t have to pay to educate. This is a great, great deal.”
And remember, the parents of those kids are still paying their property taxes to public schools that they don’t use. Yes, I did it too.
“We average about $1,700 a kid on the E.I.T.C. program and it’s middle and low-income,” said Jones. “That’s opposed to $17,000 for every public school student. I’m extremely disappointed that the Governor chose to veto it, but we are hopeful that it will end up in the budget.”
As I write this, there is talk of at least part of that $100,000 increase still going to the E.I.T.C., but not all of it.
“It’s not dead yet,” said Jones. “My guess is we won’t get the whole $100-million, but we’ll get something. That’s just a guess.”
Jones is also a strong pro-lifer and is on board as a co-sponsor for the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton).
“I can respect other people’s positions on it. I think there’s some room there for reasonable people to disagree. But my wife and I have adopted four children, so I know first-hand what the right thing to do is. It’s just something that is near and dear to my heart.”
Jones choked up for a few seconds before continuing.
‘We’ve seen things in the last year that I think are unconscionable and were unfathomable just a couple of years ago. There’s always been honest disagreement on the issue. I think you could get a lot of people to compromise. There are things you could talk about that I don’t agree with, but are reasonable.”
“But we have the Governor of Virginia talking about a nine-month old baby—newborn– that we’re going to lay them on a table, make them comfortable and wait for them to die?? We have the General Assembly of New York standing and applauding abortion on demand up to nine months. What have we become? Like I said, it’s unconscionable.”
It was back in March that Chloe Kondrich and her dad Kurt joined the PA Catholic Conference, legislators and several advocates at the state Capitol to announce the Down Syndrome Protection Act. House Bill 321 was sponsored by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York). It would prohibit an abortion based solely on the diagnosis of possible Down syndrome with the unborn baby.
Two months later the bill passed the House and now sits in the Senate for further consideration.
It was reminiscent of another bill that passed on behalf of those with Down syndrome—Chloe’s Law. Yes, it is the same Chloe. For a young lady she has certainly done a lot. Chloe has Down syndrome, but along with her dad she is working to change the perception of those who would like to eradicate it. “Embrace, don’t’ Erase” is her mantra.
Chloe’s Law was passed back in 2014 with Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver, Butler) as the prime sponsor of House Bill 2111. It made sure that a woman who has undergone genetic testing for Down syndrome would hear about the positive outcomes that are associated with having a child with the syndrome.
“It was brought to me by her dad, Kurt,” Marshall told me in his Capitol office. “We discussed the issue of bringing more awareness to Down syndrome. The children are delightful, joyful. They really embrace life. I think Kurt brought such a good message that I said ‘I’ll gladly do that and sponsor this legislation.’”
The bill paved the way for information to be made readily available for parents about what to expect.
“Chloe has been such an advocate for embracing children and adults with Down syndrome,” Marshall said. “Everybody loves her.”
Marshall is also one of the sponsors of the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill that is being sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton). That is another effort by the pro-life caucus at the state capitol that followed several pro-abortion laws being passed in other states.
“I’m pro-life and I just believe that we have to take care of every child, not just from birth, but from conception to natural death. We have to eliminate—it’s really hard to talk about. I just think the brutality of ending life in the room like that…that’s life.”
“I don’t know if Pennsylvania can get there. I hope we can. Many other states have gotten there, like Ohio. That’s very important–very important to support life.”
Marshall is also sponsoring what he calls a “50-50 bill.” It allows college teams to hold 50-50 raffles at their home games like the pro teams do.
“Penn State would probably offer something for their communities. The Eagles currently have a program where they help to provide glasses for underprivileged kids in the Philadelphia area. This bill would help to expand that.”
There are plenty of examples of legislators in Harrisburg that have taken jobs in public service after spending several years working in other careers. Sen. Maria Collett (D-Bucks, Montgomery) was a nurse and a lawyer. Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) was a lawyer and a teacher. Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) was a C.P.A. and served in Iraq.
Then there are those who feeling the calling much earlier in life–like as kids.
Like Rep. John Hershey.
“My grandfather was actually a legislator,” said Hershey (R-Franklin, Juniata, Mifflin). “I heard very tangible stories about how he was able to help people with municipal issues, or even down to helping a lady get a skunk out from under her porch.”
I remember interviewing his grandfather—Rep. Art Hershey of Chester Co.– while I worked in local radio for WCOJ-AM. Art Hershey was a farmer by a trade and one of the nicest men you’d ever be lucky enough to meet. He entered office in Harrisburg in 1983 and retired in 2008.
“I got to hear a lot of stories about how politics and how the public policy we work on here in Harrisburg here can impact people’s lives in a positive way,” John Hershey said.
John Hershey paid his dues along the way as well. He majored in politics at Messiah College. He interned under U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. He worked for Congressman Charlie Dent.
“It was an incredible learning experience. I would do it all over again and Congressman Dent was a great boss,” Hershey said. “He was on Appropriations so I got a chance to really see the nuts and bolts of how budgets work and how government funds things. At the same time I really love that I’m in Harrisburg now. The closer you get to the people, so to speak, the more impact your decisions have on their lives.”
He talked about working in Washington on things like defense spending as compared to working in Harrisburg to help someone get their road fixed.
“I have a lot more fun being closer to the people I serve now than when I was in Washington.”
With dairy farming in the blood lines, Hershey is a strong advocate for the group. He drew praise from Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) this week for comments he made in the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee about educating young people on what is–and what is not– milk.
“A lot of these kids today, because of some rules that came out at the federal level about fat content in milk, they might think that an almond milk alternative that might have a lot of sugars and things like that, is just as healthy as a calcium-dense, vitamin D-dense whole milk,” Hershey said.
I reached out to Hershey because I saw he had signed on as a co-sponsor for the “heartbeat” anti-abortion bill that is expected to be introduced in the fall by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton).
“I ran on the issue of protecting the right to life and we recently passed the Down syndrome abortion ban,” Hershey said. “Rep. Borowicz approached me and said she would like to take things further to protect the right to life if there’s been a heartbeat detected. If a heartbeat is detected, the fetus might not be viable, but it’s pretty scientifically evident that there is a life in there. You can’t just claim it’s a clump of cells any more or something like that.”
State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) was sitting in his Capitol office one day when he got a text message from his daughter. It was the kind of message that Metcalfe had never gotten before. His daughter was pregnant and was sending him an ultrasound recording of her baby.
“To be able to listen to your grandchild’s heartbeat, that early in life, and then to think there are parents out there slaughtering their children and nobody is stepping in to defend those unborn,” Metcalfe told me as we sat in that same office. “It struck me so emotionally to be able to hear my grandchild’s heartbeat. It’s like wow, my grandchild’s going to be born and I can already hear her heartbeat.”
I’ve been talking with Metcalfe and other pro-life lawmakers who have signed on to be co-sponsors of the “heartbeat bill” that is being put forth by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre, Clinton). It would prohibit an abortion after a heartbeat is detected. Borowicz has gotten a good response from her colleagues but is looking for even more co-sponsors before she plans to introduce it in the fall session.
“When parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters can hear the heartbeat of that baby, I think that changes things as far as how you treat that life,” Metcalfe said. “I think this is a great bill. I think we need to move on it swiftly as so many other states have done. I think the pro-life make-up of our General Assembly should ensure victory on that vote.”
Metcalfe did concede that Governor Wolf is not pro-life, so there is the threat of a veto if the heartbeat bill does pass. But he said that should not stop the effort.
“It is our duty to put good policy on his desk. And then he does what he’s going to do as Governor and then we have a duty to execute in override fashion if we have enough votes to make the policy happen without his signature.”
Metcalfe is very conservative and has long advocated for smaller government and minimal taxation. But he was also recently named Chairman of the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee. That job keeps him in tune with the state parks, waterways, air quality and waste issues.
“Our first public hearing this year was on the nuclear waste issue,” he said. “There’s been some talk in the hallways of subsidizing nuclear power, which many of us don’t agree with. I support nuclear power, but there are some waste issues that have to be considered when you’re talking about the total cost to the consumer and the taxpayer.”
Metcalfe talked about a health issue that most people are probably not aware of. It deals with compounds that are found in a wide range of products, including Teflon pans and onesies for babies. He says the compounds can be toxic and that a petition is being circulated to have the state regulate their usage.
Like many of us, PA Rep. Lee James (R-Butler, Venango) is old enough to remember the Roe V. Wade decision on abortion of 1973. He’s made some observations since then.
“For many, many years, the over-arching concern has been for women’s health. And that is an important issue,” James said. “But in my view, in that period of time, we have forgotten about the fetus and I’m very pro-fetus. I’m not anti-woman by any stretch of the imagination. I have two daughters and a wife. I just think more care needs to be taken with consideration for that fetus.”
James pointed out that last session lawmakers asked for a very small modification in Pennsylvania’s abortion law by going for a ban after 20 weeks instead of the current 24. He also noted the “heart-beat” bill, which has been started this session. He says there are modifications which can be done without endangering the mother.
“I understand the reason for rape, incest and health of the mother. I’m perfectly good with those things. I would like civilization to have more care for the fetus, which is helpless.”
I thanked James for his support for the E.I.T.C. bill which passed the House this month and passed the Senate this week. It has been a big help for Catholic schools, but James thinks the benefit goes much further than that.
“I think it’s a huge help for communities, period,” he said. “If I’m a business person and I’m very concerned about certain issues where I live, then I can steer my tax dollars and get a portion of the consideration back from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If I agree to make a contribution for two years, it’s a 90% credit. So I’m still paying my taxes and in fact I’m paying a little bit more because I’m not getting 100% for what I’m paying but I’m supporting my local community and I think that’s very critical.”
This is budget time around the Capitol and there will be a lot of work being done to get it finished by the end of the month deadline. That makes for a lot of needs and ideas to be rolled up into one spending plan.
“We are a diverse state. I come from western Pennsylvania where—as a general statement– the number of high school graduates is going down,” James said. “Therefore our student population is shrinking modestly almost every year. That compares to the eastern half of the state, where I don’t live but they’re growing gangbusters, I hear, and they need more relief. I’m sensitive to that.”
James also talked about the “hold harmless” policy, which guarantees that school districts will not get their funding cut from the previous year.
“To western Pennsylvania schools, “hold harmless” means we’ll be able to open the doors tomorrow morning. If that goes away, half of schools will have to close down because we will lose between 30 and 40% of the support we get to keep our districts thriving and open to new students.”
State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver, Butler, Lawrence) has introduced legislation that would separate public and private schools for most sports in PIAA state championship play. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is fully on board with House Bill 1600 and, in fact, has worked closely with Bernstine for several months on crafting the measure.
It’s no coincidence that Bernstine is naming his bill “The Parity in Interscholastic Athletics Act.” Yes, that’s PIAA as well.
“This bill is equally centered and focuses on students and student athletes from private and public schools across Pennsylvania,” Bernstine told the press at the Capitol Tuesday morning. He explained that his bill only modifies the state play-offs. Everything will remain the same through the district championship.
“And then at the very end, the one bracket of the public schools and the other bracket of the private schools will play each other in what we’ll call a Super Bowl—or a final championship game.”
“This legislation is not just about trophies and rings and banners. This is also about making sure that students are protected,” Bernstine said, noting that it eliminates transfer rules up until the mid-point of the season. It also offers Catholic schools equal representation on the PIAA board.
Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, says the compromise was made in the face of impending change and offers Catholic schools and students many benefits and protections. Failing had been concerned that Catholic schools in certain regions would be avoided by public schools, who were threatening to break away from the PIAA.
“This is about academics. This is about athletics. And this is about fairness,” Failing told the press Tuesday morning. “We care about the kids. We want to make sure that all the kids across the Commonwealth have an equal and fair opportunity to participate in sports.”
“I’ve already started receiving emails. I’ve already started receiving phone calls,” Failing continued. “I’ve already started getting questions and concerns from people and I understand that. This is a big change. We’ve worked very, very hard together. This has been a fantastic partnership between the public schools, the legislature and the private schools to put this together.”
Failing sought to reassure anyone with any initial concerns.
“Please, don’t make any snap judgements or any snap decisions until you get a chance to fully look at the legislation. I think we made a lot of positive steps in this bill to protect all of our student athletes from all of our different schools, whether they are public or private. This is about the kids. It’s what we care about. It’s what we’ve always cared about.”
You won’t be able to find many PA lawmakers with free time on their hands during the month of June thanks to the ongoing budget talks. House Education Committee Majority Chair Curt Sonney is feeling the time crunch as well.
“The Education Committee is always a very busy committee,” he told us in his Capitol office. We know–it took a while for us to get the appointment! “It’s not just the committee, but all of the representatives have education concerns that they bring to the committee, or through the introduction of bills that they bring to the committee.”
He says it’s a very interesting position–especially in today’s environment with things like school choice. Sonney’s committee approved House Bill 800, which calls for an increase in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. That credit has been a huge help to Catholic schools.
The E.I.T.C. allows corporations to take a percentage of money they donate to scholarship funds and use that as a write-off on state taxes. Those scholarship funds can be used by private schools.
“School choice is a national trend, but in Pennsylvania we’ve been kind of ahead of the curve and are a little bit more open than most other states in the way that we treat education today. It makes for some interesting dynamics. It interests me greatly.”
Sonney feels there are some much needed changes that need to be brought forward and some difficult decisions that have to be made. He says he’s looking to “refine” Pennsylvania’s system of choice.
“We hear continually from our traditional public schools about the burden of the cyber charter cost,” he said. “I– along with the committee– have made several field trips to go and look at the schools, see first-hand and talk with administrators to get a full understanding of what’s going on in the cyber world—not only from cyber charter schools themselves but also from public schools to see what they’re doing about cyber education. Most of them have some kind of offering today from the cyber world.”
Sonney talked of the PA residents who are paying property taxes—which fund public schools– but are choosing to send their child to a private school.
“That choice should not be left out,” Sonney said. “That is really the purpose of the E.I.T.C. There’s a lot of discussion on House Bill 800 and the increase of $100-million, but ironically in the grand scheme of things, for what we spend on K-12 education in this Commonwealth, that $100-million is really a drop in the bucket. It really and truly is.”
To illustrate that point, consider that Governor Wolf’s budget proposal calls for $12.7-billion to be spent on pre-k to 12 public education. And just to emphasize, that is *B*illions we’re talking about. House Bill 800 is calling for an increase of $100-million in the E.I.T.C. That is *M*illions we’re talking about.
Sonney gave a great illustration to understand the difference between millions and billions. One-million seconds is 11-1/2 days. One-billion seconds, he says, is nearly 32 years!
House Bill 800 has gotten a bunch of Republican sponsors and even a few Democratic sponsors, including Mike Driscoll, Tina Davis, Tony DeLuca and Mark Rozzi.
PA Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) is co-sponsoring a bill to abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania. It’s a noteworthy move to say the least. Ryan is a conservative and is partnering with one of the more liberal lawmakers in the House, Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia).
“Chris approached me because he knew I was against the death penalty,” Ryan told me during a visit to our offices. “We talked about it for about two or three months to craft language that we were both satisfied with.”
Ryan and Rabb feel the justice system leaves poor people at a disadvantage because they can’t afford the kind of representation that those with money are able to hire.
“That’s because of the way we fund the Public Defender’s Office,” Ryan said. “That will lead to an additional reform that I’m looking to do at some point in time where the State actually provides the funding for public defenders at the state level.” That way he says the process will be more consistent from county to county.
Ryan says another reason that he is against the death penalty is that it’s too expensive. The mandatory review for any death penalty sentence can cost anywhere from $800,000 to over a $1-million and take twenty years to complete.
“But I think the most troubling aspect of it for me,” Ryan continued. “Is that they found that a significant number of those people convicted and sentenced to death were actually found to be innocent. “Normally in a court case you are found guilty or not guilty. But apparently in a death penalty case you can be exonerated.”
Ryan also cited his pro-life beliefs for his stance on the death penalty. And he says he has concerns about giving the state that kind of power.
“I think the thing that clinched it for me was that I had a woman approach me whose daughter had been killed at the University of Pennsylvania a number of years earlier. She was asked to testify at the death penalty trial for the man convicted in the murder. She asked for leniency and a life sentence–instead of death. She said to me ‘Frank, putting him to death doesn’t bring my daughter back to life.’ And that really clinched it for me. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have gone through the same thing, and they’ve said it might feel good to get that retribution but that they didn’t feel better as time went on. They said it was like picking at a scab any time the case came up for review or repeal.”
Ryan also talked about his support for House Bill 800, which calls for more funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. That passed the House and is now in the Senate. It has been a big help for Catholic schools.
“I think the E.I.T.C. is the one time that we have the chance to say to parochial schools and private schools ‘thank you for what you are doing for our community.’ Number one it gives parents choice, and number two, the amount of money the Commonwealth saves—on just what the Catholic Church alone is doing—is absolutely mind boggling. And we’re not diverting money from the public schools.”
Ryan says that through the E.I.T.C. the State is providing a low-cost option for families to allow them to go to an alternative education source with high-quality education.
“I’m so thankful that the Speaker and the Leader were willing to push it. I’m thankful for the PA Catholic Conference and others Christian organizations for their help as well.”
Ever since word came out about a budget surplus in Harrisburg, there have been two main factions—those that want to spend it and those that want to save it. You can put Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin) squarely in the “save it” camp.
“Even though we have a surplus on the revenue, we need to make sure that we continue to be fiscally conservative,” Irvin told me in his Capitol office. “We have to put a little money aside for the Rainy Day fund for whenever the revenues aren’t coming in. We’re very dependent on the economy and right now we have a booming economy.”
Like many fellow Republicans, Irvin does not like the fact that the Governor is looking to increase the tax burden on natural gas drillers. He points out that the industry already pays a substantial impact fee on top of the standard taxes and fees that all PA businesses pay.
While Irvin says that much of the work this month among lawmakers will deal with the State budget, he will also be keeping his eye on other issues. One such issue is abortion, which has been a point of contention in many other states.
“I am very much a pro-life legislator. I think that what we’ve been seeing in other states where they’re allowing mothers to give birth and have abortions at that point in time is despicable. I’ve had a lot of constituents reaching out to ask me to make sure that this does not happen in Pennsylvania.”
Irvin says that questionable actions by some of his colleagues that are pro-choice have motivated the pro-life caucus. He says that pro-life caucus includes many Democrats as well.
“It reaches across the aisle. It’s a very bi-partisan issue for the most part,” Irvin said. “It’s Republicans and Democrats both. You have the major “T” in the middle of the state, but that reaches out into the western part of the state where a lot of Democrats are pro-life.”
For many people the month of June is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. It’s time to open the pool. Have cookouts. The kids are off from school. It’s vacation season.
For Pennsylvania legislators it’s quite the opposite. They still have a budget to get done.
“I used to love June,” said Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland). “But since I’ve been in the Senate, June is budget season.”
This year, though, their work is a bit different.
“In the past we were always trying to fill all the holes and stretch every tax dollar to provide all the services the State needed,” Stefano said. “Then we were in a declining economy. However, things have changed. We have a surplus this year.”
That’s great, right? So where’s the problem?
Let’s compare it to the couple that gets a big tax refund or an inheritance. One person starts thinking of ways to spend it. The other immediately thinks of ways to save it or invest it. That appears to be the case in PA.
You can put Sen. Stefano on the conservative side. He feels the surplus needs to be put aside for the rainy days.
“You know what happens when you spend it? That becomes a recurring expense and you can have bigger holes to fill when you have a downturn in the economy.”
Sen. Stefano has also partnered with Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Greene, Washington) to put together a no-tax alternative to the Governor’s “Restore PA.”
“He was asking to put a burden on one specific industry and borrow into the future to do some restoration of Pennsylvania,” Stefano said of Governor Wolf’s plan to invest $4.5-billion over the next four years in a variety of projects across the state. They would be funded by what the Governor calls a “commonsense” severance tax on natural gas production.
Stefano agrees that the work definitely needs to be done, however….
“We need work for bridges. We need work for flooding. Blight is a big issue no matter where you go,” he said. “But that’s a tax burden on one specific industry.”
Stefano says that he and Sen. Bartolotta are proposing that the Governor lift the moratorium on non-surface disturbance drilling of State forest land.
“That will generate enough income for the state. Some models say it would result in more money than what the Governor is asking for—without borrowing and without putting a burden in one specific industry. This is a resource already under our feet, already part of our energy portfolio. Let’s make use of it in the most proper way and put it towards conservation, with blight and flood control.”
Stefano says they are still in the early stages of the bill—working on the language and looking for co-sponsors.
PA Rep. Seth Grove (R-York Co.) is questioning a plan by some Democrats in Harrisburg to spend
$125-million in budget surpluses.
Grove reacted to comments by Sen. Vincent Hughes’ (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) that support spending the surplus revenue or tapping tap special fund reserve accounts to help public schools across the state. All but $40-million of that would go to Philadelphia schools, which are in Hughes’ district.
“After being told by the Wolf administration the money in these special fund reserve accounts were committed and couldn’t be used to fill the budget gap two years ago,” Grove said. “I’m shocked to hear Sen. Hughes and his Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate now want to tap this funding stream for new spending. Especially after their opposition to Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal to use special funds to balance next year’s budget.
“Two years ago, the administration and Democrats pushed for broad tax increases, which were thankfully staved off by House Republicans, instead of using these reserve accounts,” Grove continued. “We must plan for the future and put the surplus away in the rainy day fund for when the economy does falter and tax revenue decreases, as well as, improve our bond rating and stabilize the general fund cash flow.
Democrats say the plan would require the school districts to use the funding for emergency repairs, including lead and asbestos remediation, HVAC repair or replacement; electrical system repair and plumbing concerns.
The follows passage two weeks ago of House Bill 800, which calls for an increase of $100-million in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, or EITC. That’s a program which allows corporations to donate to scholarship funds which have been a huge help to private schools.
The bill was passed along party lines, with Republicans supporting the bill and Democrats vigorously opposing it. Governor Wolf is calling for over $9-Billion in his budget to go toward public schools.
PA Senator John DiSanto (R-Dauphin & Perry Cos.) is sponsoring a bill that would help those convicted of a crime try to turn their lives around and pursue a career. It covers occupational licensure reform and it deals specifically with re-doing the requirements for people that need licenses.
“There are so many licenses that are required for so many jobs in PA,” Sen. DiSanto told me in his Capitol office. “Lots of times when people are convicted of crimes and they come out they’re automatically excluded from even applying for these licenses because they have misdemeanor or felony convictions. And those convictions may have nothing to do with what their license would cover.”
DiSanto said a prime example is someone trying to become a barber.
“If you were involved in some kind of criminal activity, burglary or something like that, and you paid your debt to society—why can’t you come out and get a barber’s license? Why can’t you get a license for cosmetology? Why can’t you become an auctioneer? ”
DiSanto has some solid co-sponsorship on both sides of the aisle, including Sens. Lisa Baker, Camera Bartolotta, Scott Martin, Kim Ward and Kristin Phillips-Hill on the Republican side; and Sens. Judy Schwank, Maria Collett and Christine Tartaglione on the Democratic side.
There is also a companion bill in the House, sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland Co.), which has bi-partisan support as well.
“It’s an inherent conflict in the corrections system,” DiSanto said. “We train a lot of these people for these different kinds of jobs (in prison) and when they come out they find out they’re not eligible because of their criminal record. So we’re really tightening that whole process up.”
“We’re working closely with the Governor’s office to take out a lot of the vague language and put in specific requirements that permit you or disallow you from having a particular job that will be posted so that everybody will know before you even have to go before a board to get a license.”
The bill would not apply to violent, repeat criminals.
DiSanto said he sees a lot of interest—from both sides of the aisle—locally and nationally on criminal justice reform.
“It is so expense for us to house non-violent criminals. It’s important to have them re-enter society. We should do everything we can to get them re-entered, productive and re-united with their families. It just makes sense.”
DiSanto said he’s looking to get the bill finished by June 30th.
There are a number of attorneys that have made the jump to holding public office. It seems there have also been a fair amount of teachers who have gone into politics as well. But I can’t recall seeing any elected officials who once worked as attorneys *and* as teachers. Well, PA Sen. Steve Santarsiero is one such individual.
It was back on September 11th, 2001 when Santarsiero sat in his Newark, N.J. law office and watched the terrorist attacks on New York City. It motivated him to seek a career in public service. He got a teaching certificate by taking night classes at Holy Family University—a Catholic college–and eventually became a high school social studies teacher.
But he soon got pulled into another form of serving the public. In 2003, Sentarsiero ran for and won a seat as a township supervisor. In 2008, he won a State House seat. Last year he was elected as a State Senator.
It’s no wonder with his teaching background that he continues to be a leader in education. He talked about the two Blue Ribbon Catholic Schools in his district.
“Both Mt. Carmel and St. Jude– I’m really proud of the kids and obviously the teachers and the families that help make them such strong schools. I want to congratulate them and send along my best wishes to them and cheer them on to continue their good work.”
Santarsiero’s district is full of good schools. “We have some really terrific schools—both private and public. We are really blessed that we have communities that support them. And one of the most important things—I know as a former public school teacher myself—is having strong parent support and strong family support for our schools. That makes a difference.”
I talked with the Senator in his Newtown district office. But it’s an event that happened in another Newtown in a different state that has motivated him to take action against gun violence.
“That’s been an issue that I’ve been involved with, particularly since the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. We’ve been trying for years to get reasonable gun violence prevention measures passed in Harrisburg. We’re continuing that fight. I continue to be one of the prime sponsors of the background check bill that would require that a background check be performed every time a firearm was purchase in Pennsylvania, whether it be at private sale or otherwise. We’re hoping we can get that bill up for a vote.”
Santarsiero has also proposed a bill in the Senate that would call for safe storage of firearms when they’re not being used.
“We have found in states like, for example, Connecticut and Massachusetts that have passed those types of laws… that the numbers of suicides and homicides and even just accidents that have occurred with guns have dramatically decreased. So that’s a reasonable thing that we can do in Pennsylvania.”
Santarsiero also feels there is a good opportunity for the state to grow the economy through the promotion of renewable energy.
“We are sitting just a few blocks away from a company that sells solar panels and is doing pretty well,” he said. “But we need to increase our standards in Pennsylvania. We’re lagging far behind our neighboring states in the amount of renewable energy that is required on an annual basis. And I think we can do that. I have a bill. It’s a bi-partisan bill that would do that. I’m pretty excited about that.”
You absolutely can NOT call PA Sen. Maria Collett a career politician. It has become a negative connotation over the years, but it’s something that does not apply in her case. Collett is a freshman Democratic Senator representing Bucks and Montgomery Counties. She has also been an attorney AND a nurse!
“It’s interesting when I tell people the different career paths that I’ve had, it seems as if they don’t really fit together,” Collett told me during a visit to her district office in North Wales. “But when I talk about advocacy and when I talk about the work I’ve done in those fields…when I was an attorney I was an advocate for children that were victimized by abuse and neglect. So for me it was really an extension of finding ways where I could be impactful in people’s lives.”
After working as a Deputy Attorney General in Camden County, N.J. Collett went into nursing and became a Level I trauma nurse, and later worked in pediatric home health and in long-term care working with aging adults.
“I’m really thankful to have found bedside nursing. It really turned into a calling for me,” she said. “Once I landed at the bedside where I was interacting with people and working to hopefully get them to a better place and a better quality of life than they ended up in the hospital with, it felt like the right fit for me.”
And then she was ready for yet another jump—this time into the field of public service. Collett sees it as a continuation of her career path. “It’s finding a way to advocate for people on a broader scale to improve their quality of life.”
Collett was a political novice when she ran for the 12th District Senate seat last year. She won handily in November, defeating Republican Steward Greenleaf Jr., the son of the man who just retired from the PA Senate and held the seat for decades.
One of her top priorities now is helping older citizens maintain their quality of life. She has a live-in motivation in that cause.
“My dad is 84. He lives with us. We’re honored to have him. But I know a lot of people that are aging don’t have the privilege of living with family members, so what can I do in the legislature to assist our aging population to make sure they can age the way they want to, where they want to and enjoy the remaining years of their life. “
Another public health issue that Collett is focused on is improving and maintaining safe drinking water. She says the run-off from the military base in her district in Horsham is affecting people’s health.
“Those chemicals have been linked to certain medical conditions that can be devastating. For me it’s a way of figuring out how we hold the polluters accountable–how do we make sure they’re held accountable for the cleanup and how do we have access to safe and clean drinking water?”
Collett assures residents in her district that they do have safe and clean water, thanks to the municipalities taking the lead in seeing to the quality. To help continue that, the Senator has proposed two bills—SB 581 and SB 582—that talk about the chemicals in the water and “what needs to be done to help the water authorities keep the water safe and maybe unlock some funding to help with clean-up,” she said.
“It’s really about wanting to do the right thing for people. But there is a barrier there. It comes at a high cost and people are paying for that with their water bills.”
Russ Diamond has introduced a constitutional amendment to change the way we elect judges in Pennsylvania. Instead of electing judges for appellate courts—Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme — on a *state-wide basis*, the bill would have the state divided into districts. It would also require the voters and the candidates to live in a particular district.
“Pennsylvania could easily be divided into seven or eight regions with distinctive cultures, different traditions and different views on what the constitution actually means,” Diamond said. “For instance, when we deal with laws in the General Assembly, we have a wide, diverse group of 203 people, and we run ideas through a filter to get a consensus for the best law for Pennsylvania as a whole.”
But Diamond feels the process should be different for laws. “That regional diversity should be represented on our courts.”
Diamond says he has run in two state-wide races and it takes a lot of energy and a lot of money. He says the district system would be a lot easier for voters to know who those judicial candidates are.
But Diamond says his favorite bill right now is the one to end Daylight Saving Time.
“The real goal there is to stop the nuisance and the absolutely archaic practice of changing clocks twice a year in Pennsylvania,” Diamond said. “It’s a public safety concern. Workplace accidents, heart attacks strokes, all sorts of bad health effects come into play in the weeks after we change those clocks—both in the fall and in the spring.”
The question that would arise is: what time will we settle on—daylight time or standard time? Diamond says states can change to permanent standard time without federal approval. But to stay on Daylight Saving Time, Diamond says, you need Congressional approval. At least that’s way it supposed to be. He doesn’t think it would be a big deal to defy Congress on the issue. He says PA already does it with medical marijuana.
It was hard for me to get a time slot to talk with Diamond. All lawmakers are very busy these days. A lot of that is due to committee meetings on the budget.
“Our business on the floor right now, is not really all that much budget-related, but our meetings before we go into session–yesterday I had probably six to eight meetings before we even went on the floor into session with people with budget concerns. This time of the year really heats up as far as off-the-floor meetings for legislators.”
I had met Diamond when he was a political activist back in 2005 after the infamous late-night/early-morning PA legislative pay-raise vote. He started the group PACleanSweep.com, which was dedicated to ousting all incumbents. I asked Russ if he likes it better on the inside.
“It was a lot easier when I was standing outside the Capitol throwing rocks,” he said. “–because I didn’t have to be diplomatic. I have to be a lot more diplomatic now. It really hasn’t changed my viewpoints, but I have to be a lot more diplomatic because the people in this building are my colleagues and I’ve gotten to know them as human beings.”
“For the vast majority of my colleagues, they are all fine human beings, with families, wives, husbands, children.”
“When you look across that aisle and instead of seeing them as the enemy and get to know them as human beings, you find a lot more commonalities than differences. Then you can find ideas that you can work together on. I think that’s the most important thing about being here.”
She is evidence that hard work can pay off. First-time PA Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Montgomery & Chester Cos.) came from a working class family and displayed an incredible work ethic to stage a stunning upset last fall for her first job in public office.
Muth said she originally got the idea to run for office about three or four years ago when she realized that equal pay was an issue in the field of sports medicine and athletic training.
“My husband and I met in grad school. We have the same degrees and he at one point made more than double what I did,” Muth told me in her Royersford district office. “Sort of seeing how legislation plays into equal pay—and I did some concussion research policy when I was in grad school. So that was my formal introduction into policy because we did pass a state-wide concussion policy Arizona.”
Muth said that just seeing the un-level playing field for working-class people made her realize that every-day citizens face a battle to compete with those in power. She became so motivated that she thought she would go to law school to increase her chances of getting elected.
“Luckily I met some very wise people that talked me out of that,” she said. “They told me ‘you’re a teacher, you’re a healthcare provider. We have enough lawyers. Let’s try something different.”
Muth said when she first started she didn’t realize how much money she had to raise to become a viable political candidate. Katie and her husband raised $40,000 in the first six months. She also decided to hit the pavement and the doors in her district.
“We knocked on over 110,000 doors,” she said. “We talked to voters of all parties, just about fairness, transparency and accountability. Those three things resonate with all party registrations, so it just wasn’t about selling anything. It was about having a conversation about what is happening now from a Democracy standpoint and how our pay-to-play system really limits our ability to have a true democracy.”
The message took root. Muth increased voter turnout in the November general election by 31% in beating four-term incumbent John Rafferty by almost 7,000 votes. Rafferty had won by 18,000 votes in his last election.
“If I had a dollar for every time someone told me that ‘you can’t win’ I would never have to fund-raise again,” Muth said.
Muth said she benefitted from a bunch of small-dollar donors, and that she took no special interest money and no corporate PAC money. But she did say she had an army behind her.
“We had over 50,000 hand-written post cards from people in the state writing them, people in New York writing them, people in Hawaii, and California,” she said. “We were going to win even if it was an unconventional way!”
Muth said she knocked on doors every weekend from two weeks after the 2017 municipal election, except for one weekend after the primary.
“To knock a big senate district you have to have a ground game that if it was raining or snowing—we did pull people in if it was lightning—but otherwise we were out there in the freezing cold. I went out there in December of 2017 to talk to all Republicans in Chester County. I didn’t think we’d have any volunteers but we had ten people show up.
“I just thought if we told the truth and worked as hard as we possibly could that if we lost we knew we left everything out on the field that we possibly could have. I come from sports so I always gave 110%. If you lost, at least you know you did everything in your power to win”
“It’s really a crisis that’s occurring—not just in the state of Pennsylvania,” said PA Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester & Delaware Cos.). “It’s occurring nationwide.”
Barrar is talking about the scarcity of firefighters and other first responders across the state. He chairs the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and heads the group which has been selected to tackle the problem.
“The SR-6 Commission was put together with a House and Senate resolution to create a commission to look into the crisis that’s occurring within the Emergency Management System around the State of Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Barrar. That deals with firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics and other first responders around P-A.
“When I first came here in 1996, there were over 200,000 volunteer firefighters in the State of Pennsylvania and today there are less than 40,000 firefighters in the state and that number may include a bunch of EMT’s.”
Barrar says part of it is tied to the various fire departments not being to get increases in their budgets and to ambulance companies not being able to get reimbursements for their services.
“Every month I get notified about a fire or ambulance company that has shut its doors,” he said. “How do we stop that from happening? It’s up to the state to have a plan to deal with this crisis before we end up seeing people dying because they pick up the phone to call 9-1-1 and nobody responds in the appropriate amount of time.”
Barrar says there about 35 recommendations that come out of the SR-6 Commission. He says the most important one deals with recruiting and retention of new firefighters and volunteers to staff the fire houses and ambulance services that are highly trained *and* are willing to volunteer.
“If not, we’re going to have pay them and then that will create a different kind of crisis because that’s going to be very, very expensive,” Barrar said. “Most people don’t realize the tradition of volunteer firefighters started in Philadelphia with Benjamin Franklin. It has lasted for hundreds of years and we want to see it continue.”
Barrar says everything in the report will take separate pieces of legislation to be put into effect. He says they’re in the process of having those bills written and assigned to the House members that will try to push them through. The hardest part will be to get the necessary funding.
“I was disappointed in this year’s budget because the Governor increased spending by over $900-million this year and not one penny was spent toward the crisis we currently see,” Barrar said. “That at times makes me want to call for a very special session on this crisis.”
I asked Barrar if he thinks it’s gotten to that point.
“Yes I do,” he said. “One of the things we can do is start allocating real dollars. Right now we have a $30-million program that benefits the whole State of Pennsylvania. But with over a thousand fire companies, that $30-million doesn’t buy a whole lot. We need about ten times that if we’re really going to make an impact here.”
Barrar said there are some ways to get that, possibly with the severance tax on natural gas drilling or re-purposing the current tax on alcohol into the emergency management area.
The pro-life caucus in the PA House has been very active this session, sparked by a wave of pro-abortion legislation in other states. Freshman PA Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana Co.) has been right there with his support.
“As a father of four children, this type of legislation is very important to me,” Struzzi told me in his Capitol office. “Hearing about some of those barbaric laws that have been passed in other states that are basically killing unborn children I think is just an atrocity and it’s a human injustice.
Among the legislation proposed in the last couple of months in Harrisburg has been the Down syndrome bill, which would prohibit an abortion based solely on a Down syndrome diagnosis. That followed the heart-beat bill–proposed two months ago by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz. That would prohibit an abortion if a heartbeat was detected in the fetus.
“I was very, very eager to co-sponsor that bill. I believe I was one of the first co-sponsors of that legislation,” Struzzi said. “Anyone who’s ever held a child, saw their children being born. I was there for all my children being born. I cut their umbilical cord and I held them when they were born. That’s life. And it’s life inside the womb as well. To me, as soon as you detect a heartbeat, that’s a human being that needs and deserves the right to live.”
Struzzi concedes that it is a long process and it might be very tough to get the bill passed. In fact, Governor Wolf has promised to veto any such abortion bills that make it to his desk.
“But I still think it’s important we take a strong stance on this,” Struzzi said. “We need to let people know that we’re not going to stand for those atrocities in Pennsylvania.”
Struzzi says his district is unique and has a very diverse population, thanks in large part to the presence of Indiana University of PA. There is art and culture on one hand, while on the other hand there is a strong natural gas presence and the two of the largest coal fire electric generation plants in the state.
“Obviously then I’m going to be pro-energy, pro-natural gas,” Struzzi said. ‘We lost a lot of jobs when the commodity prices fell several years ago. We’d like to see that come back and be strong as we are the center of the Marcellus Shale and Utica Basin for natural gas extraction.”
Struzzi says work force and job creation is very important. He says that are many issues that contribute to that, including the drug addiction issue.
“It’s very hard for employers to find people who can pass a drug test and are willing to show up for work on time,” he said. “It’s important that we make sure that we’re providing an active work force so we can continue to attract business.
Struzzi also sees property tax reform as something very important to his district and many others around the state.
“Recently we went thought a property value reassessment. That caused a lot of people’s taxes that hadn’t been changed for 50 years to in some cases quadruple and sadly that put some senior citizens out of their homes.”
Lawmakers in Harrisburg have been approaching school safety from many angles. One bill in particular by Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Elk & Clearfield Cos.) would call for special signal lights to be put on smaller school vehicles.
“I had the idea come to me because I have some constituents who live on a rural road without street lights,” Gabler told me. “They put their little girl in a school “vehicle.” It’s a specific term. It’s smaller than a school bus. It’s basically a van.
“These school vehicles have a placard on the side but they don’t have any special lights and they’re tough to see, especially at the top of a hill or around a blind curve.”
Gabler’s bill would call for such vehicles to have a yellow flashing or rotating light on their roof if officials thought it was useful for their routes. He says he’s been talking with several transportation contractors who tell him they would love to take advantage of that to keep everyone safer.
“Sometimes you get win-wins you come up with. Not everything in Harrisburg is always a knock-down, drag-out fight,” said Gabler. “A lot of times you come up with real solutions that help real people and make an impact on people’s lives. That’s what makes this job so interesting.”
And speaking of win-win, Gabler is a big proponent of the Educational Investment Tax Credit. It allows businesses to make a donation to a scholarship organization or an educational improvement organization in exchange for a credit on their state taxes.
“It’s a great program,” said Gabler, who is a product of the Catholic school system. “What it allows them to do is drive money into our education system. Some of that money is used in non-public schools like Catholic schools to provide scholarship money to offset tuition. But our public schools are able to use some of this money for Science Technology Education and Math programs. I’ve got schools that have used it for robotics competitions, and to help their music and dance programs.”
Gabler says it brings more money into the education system than it costs on the other side in the form of the tax credit since donors aren’t able to write off the full amount of the donation. Still, as he says, it’s a win-win.
“I think my favorite legislation that we’ve done during my time in the House is the expansions that we’ve made to this program that have allowed this universe of tax credits to grow. As a result, more and more businesses through their generosity can be providing money to our education system to help our students and ultimately help our educational systems—public and non-public.”
Gabler has spent several years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was deployed to the Middle East last year and spent nearly the entire year there while getting promoted to the rank of major.
He got involved in politics back in 2008 when he decided to run against incumbent Democrat Dan Surra, a man who had held the office since 1991. Surra was going to be running unopposed when Gabler decided to jump in.
“I actually did a write-in campaign during the primary to get on the ballot,” Gabler said. “From there I started knocking on doors. I went door to door and got a lot of ‘you’re running against who? You don’t have a chance.”
Gabler told those people he had a vision for the future of the area. They apparently liked what they heard and it turns out Gabler did have a chance. He beat the well-entrenched incumbent.
“It’s been a great opportunity and a great responsibility and something that has enabled me to get involved in a bunch of great conversations, whether it’s school student safety, or the EITC or other things that are important to folks. It’s been a great ride.”
PA Rep. Austin Davis (D-Allegheny Co.) is keeping his eye on the highways. And the rails. For the Pittsburgh-area freshman representative, there will be a lot of focus on taking care of mass transit in his district.
“A number of years ago we went through significant cuts when the state cut aid to public transportation,” Davis said. “It’s an issue that has affected my constituents in a big way.”
Davis has been chosen to serve on the board of the Allegheny Co. Port Authority, which handles mass transit in the area. But like many of his colleagues, he says there is a lot of work that has to be done on improving infrastructure.
Davis is a busy man. I met him in March in Pittsburgh at Rep. Dan Miller’s Disability & Mental Health Summit and he was nice enough to invite me to his Capitol office to talk more in depth about what he’s been doing. Davis also serves as Vice Chairman of the Allegheny Co. Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Vice Chair of the Allegheny Co. Democratic Committee and as a Director for the Board of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh—just to name a few of his posts.
That’s on top of his work on the state budget as part of the House Appropriations Committee. Davis says one of things most helpful to his constituents in the Governor’s budget proposal is an increase in education.
“All of the school districts that I currently serve would see an increase in their basic education and special education budgets if we pass the Governor’s budget,” Davis said. “One of the things the Governor’s budget also does is enacts what I believe is a responsible 7% natural gas severance tax to go back and invest in our infrastructure and increasing quality to broadband.”
“We still have a long way to go until June. There does seem to be a cooperative spirit here in the Capitol. Republicans seem genuinely acceptable to the Governor’s budget when he introduced it.”
Davis is one of a number of younger legislators in Harrisburg who felt the calling to public service at a relatively early age.
“I got involved just like everybody else—as a volunteer. I volunteered on the campaign of a guy by the name of Rich Fitzgerald. When Rich got elected as Executive of Allegheny County, he asked me to serve on his administration as Executive Assistant. I worked for him for six years and got a great experience out of it.”
The House seat then opened up when Rep. Marc Gergely resigned after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges for his role in an illegal gambling ring. Davis won easily in a special election for the seat.
So how does he like the pace at the Capitol?
“I like it. It’s busy. We’re always moving. I like the pace of the district a little bit more. It gives me a little more time to dive into the issues and meet with constituents but I like the pace of the Capitol. I like the fast-moving action of it. But the really the rewarding part of it is when we’re doing something we know is impactful in people’s lives.”
We hear of many of the issues that are being addressed by lawmakers in Harrisburg, especially the ones that are controversial or have lawmakers divided. But there are many more that come and go with little attention and are just as, if not more, important.
One key issue in particular that has generally flown under the radar is being looked at by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington & Allegheny Cos.) and is one that he hopes would prevent anything noteworthy from happening. It involves school safety and detecting problems before tragedy hits. Ortitay says he is working with teachers unions and school boards to set up safety threat assessment teams.
“They’re meant to find and detect threats in behavior before that becomes problematic,” Ortitay told me in his Capitol office. “If there is a child displaying bad behavior, we could get them the help that they need to eventually get better. It’s a proactive measure that we’re trying to do instead of being reactive.”
Ortitay said it’s a model that was developed in Virginia. It would make sure that every single school district in the state sets up a team for each one of their schools. It could consist of a superintendent, teacher, school nurse, member of the community, school resource officer, and/or a police officer.
That’s just the first half of Ortitay’s proposal. The second bill would provide for what he says is a “hardening of the school district.” He says it would make teachers feel empowered.
“You talk to some of these teachers and they feel helpless right now. If someone comes into the school with a firearm or any kind of weapon to hurt children, they feel like they’re not prepared.”
Ortitay says he has met with a business in his district that trains teachers on what to do in an active shooter situation. He also got the chance to talk with the teachers at a school in his district that got the hand-to-hand training. It actually shows teachers what to do to disarm an intruder with a gun.
“There’s a group of teachers and a group of kids and they’ll basically rush (the gunman) as they come around the corner. One person goes for the arm. One goes for the gun and everybody else goes low until they tackle them to the ground. And they teach them as soon as the gun goes to the ground, you just get it away and then cover it.
“It’s terrible that we even have to talk about this,” Ortitay said. “But if somebody comes in, they’re prepared. If people know this about the school district—that the school district has a procedure in place for when the alert goes off. The teachers are trained to find the fastest escape route or where students need to go.”
Ortitay says officials have found that when schools become hardened like this, there is less likelihood that someone will want to try something there.
“What intruders want is maximum casualties. And they’re not going to get that anymore because these schools are prepared for anyone who comes into the building like that.”
Ortitay says he has been on the School Safety Committee that was formed from last year’s budget. He says grant money would make sure that this project is funded for all schools.
I checked to see if Rep. Brandon Markosek’s hands were bleeding. They weren’t. Last year that might not have been the case though, when he campaigned for the 25th District seat that he was elected to in November.
“During the campaign I knocked on 14,000 doors,” Markosek said. Ouch. “The whole process was to know what the problems were that were facing my district.”
He found a number of issues to deal with, but perhaps none more pressing than the aging infrastructure in his Allegheny County district, which includes several heavily-traveled roads, like the Turnpike and routes 30 and 22.
“Our bridges and roads are a very big issue,” Markosek said. “They were built about 75 years ago, so they are past their shelf life. We need to make sure that folks can get to work in the proper time and also make sure that we have a district that businesses want to come to.”
As many cities have seen, the aging infrastructure issue includes more than just roads and bridges. It includes pipes.
“If our district does not have proper sewage, it’s going to be very hard to bring in business to our district. This issue is affecting all districts so I’m hoping our budget this coming session will focus on those issues.”
Markosek is also looking at other concerns, including putting forth a bill that would call for special ballots for voters who are blind or dead. He says right now there are only three states that provide that. Markosek has also co-sponsored legislation that would protect “good Samaritans” who administer Naloxone to those in the midst of an overdose.
While Markosek’s district is in Allegheny County, he spent a lot of time in the Harrisburg area growing up and graduated from Trinity High School in Camp Hill. His parents lived a couple hundred miles apart so he got a chance to travel the state for 13 years.
Okay, first of all apologies for the title. It was too easy. I could also have said the pot tour is taking ‘hits’ from legislators, but I didn’t. Funny or not, both puns are true.
While Lt. Governor John Fetterman says his just-over-halfway-completed ‘pot tour’ of Pennsylvania’s counties shows a near unanimous support for decriminalizing marijuana, some lawmakers in Harrisburg are saying Fetterman’s polling is skewed—that many of those in attendance are just plants. Last one, I promise.
“I took a little bit of an affront to this,” said Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York & Cumberland Cos.). “This is a propaganda tour. A friend of mine who went said he felt like it was a dog and pony show that was attended by his supporters.”
Meanwhile Rep. Chris Dush (R-Jefferson & Indiana Cos.) attended Fetterman’s meeting at Penn St.-Dubois and made an instant observation. “I immediately saw that these folks were not representative of the people as a whole within my district.”
Dush’s account of Fetterman’s polling methods jibes with other published accounts. The Lieutenant Governor asks for a show of hands on who is for and who is against legalizing marijuana. It doesn’t sound like there is any checking of I.D.’s or residency or past voting activity. A spokesperson for the Lieutenant Governor confirmed the show-of-hands system but also said there are comment cards that are passed out and collected after the meeting.
Last weekend at the meeting in Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, Rep. Dush decided it was time to add some variety to the audience.
“I made a couple of phone calls and asked some people to show up. I asked some people in person,” he said. And for the first time, in nearly three dozen meetings, Fetterman tasted defeat. The hand-poll and the number of speakers at the event both showed opponents outnumbered supporters.
“By and large the people who showed up at my request were against it,” Dush said, who also pointed out that Fetterman accused him of stocking the audience with his supporters.
“I’m glad we were able to do it,” Dush continued. I think some more legislators who are against this ought to do this in the remaining counties. I would like to see that. We took the narrative away from the Lieutenant Governor so he can’t say all 67 counties are in favor of legalizing marijuana.”
“And this is not medical we’re talking about, this is full-blown legalization,” Dush said.
Rep. Dawn Keefer thinks the ‘pot tour’ itself sends the wrong message.
“The more we do this, the more people are just going to accept it, not realizing what the consequences are and I think the consequences are huge,” she said.
Keefer says people are looking to Colorado and saying ‘look at what they’re doing’ as if that it’s okay. She says it’s giving young people the wrong message. And it’s not just about marijuana.
“Principals are coming to us and saying you have to do something to criminalize the sale of vaping products.”
Keefer says with the intensity of the fight against the opioid epidemic, there should not be this much attention given to legalizing marijuana.
“It makes no sense,” she said. There is just no logic that I can follow here for this.”
Toward that point, in an interview with Pittsburgh’s City Paper this week, Fetterman did point out that one of the common concerns expressed during his tour is that marijuana is a gateway drug that will lead people into addictions with other potentially deadly drugs.
Dush says the legalization path in California and Colorado has caused a number of problems that he does not want to see in Pennsylvania.
“The drug cartels are still coming in to Colorado and California. They’re undercutting the taxed marijuana. The guns and kingpin activity and the cartels are gaining a foothold out there.”
I walked into Sen. John DiSanto’s (15th District, Dauphin & Perry Cos.) office at the Capitol and in the middle of our conversation happened to ask him if he was Catholic. The Senator turned to his wall and pointed to what may be the largest crucifix–outside of a church– that I had ever seen. Keep in mind that I wasn’t around two thousand years ago.
Apparently it was a gift from a bishop and it fits perfectly in his office. Yes, that’s it in the picture, between the flags.
So with that in mind, it’s no surprise then that DiSanto is a firm supporter of issues like the Down syndrome abortion bill, which prohibits abortion on the basis of a diagnosis of a possible Down syndrome.
“I support Senator (Scott) Martin’s bill,” DiSanto said. Representative Kate Klunk is sponsoring the measure in the House. “My wife, Maria, and I have a Down baby godson who is getting older and these are clearly lives worth living. Whatever we can do to advance that bill across the finish line, we’ll be happy to do.”
DiSanto saw one of his bills just cross the finish line. It was the pension bill that requires the forfeiture of pension benefits employees who are convicted or plead guilty or no contest to a job-related felony offense.
“I was very happy the governor signed the bill two weeks ago,” DiSanto said. “The (former Senator Bob) Mellow example–$245,000 that was returned to him after serving six years in prison…Jerry Sandusky continues to get a pension even though he’s spending the rest of his life in prison. This will correct these loopholes that people have been able to sneak by.”
DiSanto is grateful that leadership introduced his bill very quickly this session and they were able to get it done.
One issue that is not done in the Capitol is that of a possible financial bailout of Three Mile Island. The issue is still up for debate. Many legislators are still undecided and feeling the pull of both sides of the issue—to bail or not to bail. But that is not a question any more for DiSanto.
“I am not supportive of the bail-out bill,” said DiSanto, who has a clear connection to the issue, since he represents Dauphin County. TMI is in Dauphin County.
“I’ve introduced legislation to help municipalities losing tax revenue to help them transition off of that. They would get 80% of their taxes the first year, then 60%, 40% and 20% over a four-year period to try to make them whole again.”
“But the real issue to me is that we shouldn’t be bailing out million dollar–
billion dollar companies. Exelon (the owner of TMI) is at a 10-year high and we need to make PA more business friendly.”
DiSanto said the legislature needs to lower the corporate net income tax, get rid of the stock franchise tax, reduce regulation and get here jobs here to replace the ones that will be lost with the closing of TMI.
“Jobs are always coming and going. Companies are rising and falling. That’s America. We just need to be competitive and offset that with competition, not government support and regulation.”
Twenty-four year old Mikayla Holmgren stood before a gathering at the State Capitol on Wednesday and basically defended her existence on this earth. Why would she—or anybody– ever feel the need to do that?
“This world is better with people with Down syndrome,” she said. “I have Down syndrome, but it will not stop me from a living a life with a purpose.”
Mikayla appeared at a rally at the Capitol Media Center to help support legislation that would restrict abortions that are based solely on a diagnosis of possible Down syndrome. You can’t blame someone like Mikayla for feeling a bit threatened by what has become a world-wide effort to eradicate Down syndrome. To counter that movement, PA Rep. Kate Klunk of Hanover is sponsoring House Bill 321, which would offer protection for unborn babies with Down syndrome.
“Today we stand with these perfectly imperfect individuals and support their lives and the lives of unborn babies with Down syndrome and those with a Down syndrome diagnosis,” said Klunk, who along with Rep. Kathy Rapp, chairs the PA Pro-Life Caucus.
Klunk, Rapp and Mikayla were joined at the rally and bill presentation by several other lawmakers, along with advocates and people living with Down syndrome. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference was one of the groups that was honored to stand in support of the measure and stand behind the promise to push the bill forward despite what promises to be stiff opposition—mainly in the form of a promised veto from Governor Wolf.
“We are proud and honored to support Rep. Klunk, Rep. Rapp, Sen. (Scott ) Martin and other pro-life lawmakers in these efforts,” said PA Catholic Conference Executive Director Eric Failing. “We must do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable among us, especially children with Down syndrome. Who, other than God is qualified to say that they do not deserve to live?”
“There is no justifiable or convenient excuse for aborting an unborn child diagnosed with Down syndrome,” said Rapp. “In Pennsylvania, we as pro-life legislators refuse to join the rabid rush that other states have chosen to eliminate our unborn children, some even up to the moment of birth and after.”
Also sponsoring the bill is House Speaker Mike Turzai, who pushed a similar measure last session. That bill attracted several co-sponsors and got bipartisan support but never made it out of the Senate.
“Now more than ever, babies with Down syndrome have the opportunity to live long, happy and productive lives,” Turzai said. “It is an important existential question that we each face. Who gets to decide what is a good life?”
Sen. Martin admitted that people supporting this legislation are staunchly pro-life. But he said this is about something that is more sinister than the question of life.
“This is about the practice of eugenics,” Martin said. He talked about Iceland’s efforts to fight Down syndrome– “how they were basically planting their flag in the ground and saying ‘we have eradicated Down syndrome.’ They were exterminating people!”
Martin wondered with all the pre-natal screenings, what lies next on the horizon for eradication–maybe the targeting of a diagnosis for a pre-disposition to cancer?
“Is that what we’re going to take up next–to spare this child of a miserable life in battling cancer? Where does it end?”
Several times Mikayla Holmgren put her arm around her much younger friend, Chloe Kondrich, the namesake for Chloe’s Foundation. It was started by Chloe’s father, Kurt Kondrich, to provide resources, support and assistance to children with Down syndrome and their families.
Kurt Kondrich talked about how his wife was pregnant with Chloe back in 2003. He said they were told that it was a high risk pregnancy and that they should get tested in case they wanted to do something about it. Kondrich was hearing none of it.
“Basically they’re telling people in these offices that you have an option to commit a prenatal death sentence to someone who’s completely innocent, who’s committed no crime and who’s done nothing wrong other than they don’t meet the cultural mandate for perfection.”
Or, as Sen. Martin put it, extermination.
We’ll keep you posted on what happens with House Bill 321. Feel free to encourage your senator, your representative and your Governor to support it.
PA Sen. Scott Martin reaffirms his strong commitment to pro life legislation in Pennsylvania in light of recent moves to the contrary by elected bodies across the country.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Thursday, February 28, 2019
I talked with PA Rep. Kate Klunk this morning to get reaction to the 'born alive' bill' vote in the U S. Senate. She also talks about pro-life efforts in Harrisburg. Kate's 14-month old daughter Grace was kind enough to help me do the interview.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Thursday, February 28, 2019
I'm getting reaction today from PA pro-life lawmakers about the US Senate voting down the 'born alive' bill that protects abortion survivors. Here's PA Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Wednesday, February 27, 2019
We’ve been reaching out to pro-life lawmakers in Harrisburg after the U.S. Senate voted against a bill to protect babies surviving abortion. Here’s Rep. Paul Schemel with some reassurance for those of us who were unhappy/angry with that vote.
“I was disappointed that the US Senate failed to protect the life of vulnerable newborn children. This failure reinforces the fact that we cannot rely on federal government to protect the lives of children. We in Pennsylvania need to continue to move forward with our efforts to protect all life, from conception until natural death. This spring pro-life legislators in the General Assembly, both Republicans and Democrats, will be advancing legislation which will expand the protection of pre-born children. We are grateful for the assistance in this effort by organizations such as the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.”
Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin Co.)
PA Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York & Cumberland Cos.) is going to be very active in the pro-life movement in Harrisburg in the coming weeks and months. She will be joining State Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin Co.) in introducing the 20-week rule.
“Right now you can have an abortion up to 24 weeks in Pennsylvania,” Keefer explained. “This bill would bring that down to 20 weeks. While we wouldn’t like abortion to be legal, it would at least put some more parameters on it.”
A similar bill passed the House and Senate last year but it died on the Governor’s desk with a veto.
Keefer said the abortion issue is personal for her. She had her third and final child when she was 36 and had to undergo several tests during the pregnancy because of her age. One of those tests called for a 3-D sonogram.
“I had a sonogram of my son at 18 weeks. I keep it in my desk drawer. It is fully developed—you can see features. He’s looking at you. I just find it shocking that you can still abort that child.”
She also noted that they pushed the testing for Down Syndrome.
“The irony is the older you are, the more likely you are to have a false positive.”
Keefer recounted a discussion she had with a pro-choice woman at the Capitol. The woman first framed abortion as a religious issue, then as a woman’s rights issue.
“This is a human rights issue,” she told the woman. “Who are more vulnerable than this population? The woman then said ‘what about women’s rights?’ I said ‘okay fine. What about all those women in utero who are getting slaughtered?”
In addition to being pro-life, Keefer also served on the Common Sense Caucus. She has gotten an eye-opening look at the way money is stashed in special funds in state government. She doesn’t like what she sees. And it’s not that easy to see.
“I just want to make sure there’s accountability there,” Keefer said. “I want transparency and accountability and that’s my issue with these funds that sit outside the General Fund budget. There just doesn’t seem to be the transparency there that there is with the General Fund budget—and make no mistake there is not a ton of transparency with the General Fund budget.”
“There is little to no transparency with these special funds. All you see is money going in and money going out, but you can’t see from where or to what it’s going out to and match everything up in detail.”
It was back in January of last year that Governor Wolf declared a disaster emergency in the opioid crisis. The declaration suspended regulations hindering access to addiction care. It was the first time that a disaster emergency was declared for a public health crisis in Pennsylvania.
So a year later, how are we doing in the fight against opioid abuse and addiction? I posed that question to Jennifer Smith, the Secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
“That’s a question I get asked a lot,” she said. “And I think the answer–cross your fingers—is yes. We don’t have the official numbers from every corner across the state for calendar year 2018 but we do have some county numbers. I think what we’ve seen in half of the counties is either a stagnation or a decline in overdose deaths. I think that’s really positive.”
Smith said there has been a 30% decrease one county in particular in the amount of opioid-related overdose deaths. She says that indicates they have been implementing model programs that are saving lives.
Smith says they are still seeing high overdose death rates in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but those rates are not increasing at the same rate they had been for the last couple of years.
“I think it’s showing really positive results at this stage of the game. But we still have a whole lot more work to do. Just because the numbers are starting to plateau and decline slightly doesn’t mean that any of our work is done—especially since anyone who knows about substance abuse disorder knows that it’s a chronic relapsing brain disease.”
Smith ties at least part of the success to focusing on the medication providers and clamping down on “inappropriate prescribing.”
“That’s a pretty important distinction to make—between appropriate and inappropriate prescribing,” Smith said. “There has to be a balance in ensuring that patients who really need these opioids for chronic pain or end of life have accessibility to those medications.”
Those efforts included the establishment of prescribing guidelines for physicians and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which keeps track of prescription of drugs across state lines. That helps to prevent people from doctor shopping.
Smith said the Wolf Administration has done a lot to improve access to treatment and to make sure that people know how to get access.
“I think it’s a pretty chronic government complaint that people don’t know how to access our services,” Smith said. “So one thing we’ve done is spend a good deal of time talking about our hotline, which is 1-800-662-HELP. It’s available 24-7, 365 days a year. It’s probably the easiest way to access treatment resources.”
It seems that most issues we hear about are political and pit one side against the other. Not so much with the opioid crisis.
“We’ve had tremendous support from both sides. I’m really blessed to be in a position where although we deal with a really, really tough situation with the opioid crisis, there is a tremendous amount of support from politicians, from community commissioners and entities from all levels of government that want to see the issue fixed and fixed well.”
Like many lawmakers in Harrisburg, State Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford, Fulton and Franklin Cos.) will be keeping a close eye on budget talks at the Capitol. The process started after Governor Wolf unveiled his budget proposal earlier this month.
“It’s basically the Governor saying ‘this is my wish list,’” said Topper. “That’s the way I look at it. “
There’s a good chance that Topper and his Republican colleagues will have a different set of wishes. Topper said they will be looking at what is needed to run the government efficiently.
“There’s always going to be disagreement on that number. It’s a negotiation,” he said. “But from my standpoint, I’m always going to be advocating for spending less money–being more efficient with what we have and not going back to the tax payers for their hard-earned money.”
One of the programs that Topper will be pushing for is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, or EITC for short. It enables businesses to get a tax credit for contributing to a scholarship organization, educational improvement organization or a pre-K scholarship organization.
“This is a way that we can make sure that businesses who want to contribute to our Catholic schools—and private schools really, whether they are Catholic or not, that we can’t give direct dollars to directly through the state, this is a chance for them to be able to contribute to their communities and get tax deductions through that. It has been a widely successful program that has benefited 
both the communities and the businesses they serve in, as well as the schools. “
Topper sees a lot of support for not only keeping, but also increasing the EITC.
“We’ve seen increases in the EITC since I’ve been here. Speaker Turzai has been leading the charge on that, as well as a former colleague of mine, Jimmy Christiana and Senator Regan when he was Representative Regan in the House. There’s a lot of bi-partisan support for increasing the EITC. “
Another issue that Topper will keep his eye is abortion. He is part of a staunch Pro-Life Caucus at the Capitol. Like many of his colleagues he was alarmed by what happened in New York with the new abortion law.
“You’ve seen a lot of—even millennials,” Topper said, “who have come to understand that – I think technology has really made a difference, when you can see these children through ultrasounds…I knew what my kids looked like before they were born. That technology wasn’t available back in the time of Roe V. Wade.”
“It just wasn’t something that people could look at and understand. Now they can. The science is on our side. And I think that’s one social and cultural issue that we’ve moved to our side, the pro-life movement.”
And Topper joined his colleagues in adding re-assurance to pro-lifers in PA.
“This is something I don’t expect to see in Pennsylvania under this legislature but we have to have an answer for it—as we talk about the value of life at conception, what these little children mean to us as a society and how we are going to protect them.”
State Senator Rob Kauffman has been hearing a lot from his constituents over one particular issue—and it’s something that’s not even happening in Pennsylvania. People are reacting to the new abortion law that was passed in New York State.
“I’m getting emails from young and old alike,” said Kauffman, a pro-life Republican representing Franklin County. “They’re asking what is happening and saying ‘you can’t let this happen in Pennsylvania.’”
Kauffman may have faced several other issues in Harrisburg since taking office in 2005, but perhaps none like this.
“I have not seen an issue that has galvanized Americans across the political spectrum for a long time like this,” he said. “In the week that New York rejoiced—had a celebration over the signing of legalizing abortion literally up until the moment of birth.”
“You look at friends, acquaintances, people around you on all political spectrums are united against that. No matter where you sit on the abortion debate, this is extreme. This is far off the mainstream when it comes to abortion.”
Kauffman says he is not alone, that there is a strong pro-life caucus in Harrisburg that is not taking anything for granted in light of what has been happening across the country. “We are a pro-life legislature,” he said. “We have close to a super-majority in the House and in the Senate I believe they are a pro-life majority as well.”
“We are certainly on our guard,” said Kauffman. “We are on the offensive. We are not going to sit back and relax because we have one of the most restrictive laws in the country with the PA Abortion Control Act. We’re going to be active. We’re going to be talking about a culture of life in PA. We’re going to be promoting it.”
“I would warn folks across the country, people who are pro-life, who respect the sanctity of life, to be on guard because the radical abortion extremists are coming to us across America, in very state capital and in our nation’s capital.
Kauffman said he will be backing two pro-life measures that have just been introduced in the House. The “heart-beat bill” would prohibit a doctor from performing an abortion when a heart-beat is present in the fetus. The second measure would prohibit abortion based on a diagnosis of possible Down Syndrome in the fetus.
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Pro-life lawmakers in Pennsylvania continue to react to the recent New York State abortion law. Much of that is in response to concerns from constituents about whether it could happen here.
“I’m getting emails from young and old alike,” said PA Rep. Rob Kauffman, a pro-life Republican representing Franklin County. “They’re asking what is happening and saying ‘you can’t let this happen in Pennsylvania.’”
Last week, PA Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, compared the new law signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to the criminal acts committed by Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted of 21 counts of felony late-term abortion in 2013.
“Most Pennsylvanians,” Turzai said, “recognized the dignity of every person, including the unborn, hoping at minimum to reduce the number of abortions, not expand them.” And he issued a promise: “We are committed to standing up for and defending unborn children, who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society.”
On Thursday, PA Rep. Kate Klunk, a pro-life Republican and Co-Chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, blasted the New York legislation and put out a short address on social media to re-assure all pro-life Pennsylvania residents.
“Pennsylvania will not be influenced by other organizations or states wanting to impose their standards or their laws on our residents,” Klunk said. “You can be certain that I remain committed to standing up for and defending our unborn children.”
Klunk re-called her own challenges during pregnancy and said she could not imagine life without her daughter.
“Parents,” she continued. ‘We must be the prime protectors and care-givers of our children, whether born, or un-born or still in the womb. That includes making sacrifices for our children’s well-being.”
She is definitely not alone. There remains a strong pro-life contingent in Harrisburg.
“We are certainly on our guard,” said Kauffman. “We are on the offensive. We are not going to sit back and relax because we have one of the most restrictive laws in the country with the PA Abortion Control Act. We’re going to be active. We’re going to be talking about a culture of life in PA. We’re going to be promoting it.”
Kauffman has seen the New York move as a galvanizing issue for the pro-life movement. PA Rep. Jesse Topper, a Republican representing Franklin, Fulton and Bedford Counties, says ultra sound pictures have made people sensitive to what has happened in recent weeks.
“You’ve seen a lot of—even millennials,” Topper said, “who have come to understand that – I think technology has really made a difference, when you can see these children through ultrasounds…I knew what my kids looked like before they were born. That technology wasn’t available back in the time of Roe V. Wade.”
“It just wasn’t something that people could look at and understand. Now they can. The science is on our side. And so I think that’s one social and cultural issue that we’ve moved to our side, the pro-life movement.”
And Topper joined his colleagues in adding re-assurance to pro-lifers in PA.
“This is something I don’t expect to see in Pennsylvania under this legislature but we have to have an answer for it—as we talk about the value of life at conception, what these little children mean to us as a society and how we are going to protect them.”
It is important to note that I have reached out to several pro-life Democrats to speak on this or any other issue that we share in common. I have yet to be able to arrange such an interview but I will share any and all perspectives as I get them…especially from pro-life Democrats!
What do you do after serving for more than thirty years as a fourth-grade teacher? Well, if you’re Margaret Egan you become a principal!
Egan followed up a long stint of teaching by becoming the principal at Saints Peter and Paul School outside of West Chester in 2002. That’s 50-years in Catholic education! You would think that deserves at least some kind of award and this past fall Egan was on the receiving end of two very prestigious awards.
Saints Peter and Paul School received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in October from the U.S. Department of Education. Egan also won a huge individual honor in the fall–the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding Leadership. It is given to just 11 principals in the nation.
There are many in the community who have been well aware of what Egan has been doing at Saints Peter and Paul way before the national honors.
“Principal Peg Egan always seems to be at the door to greet everybody,” said State Representative Carolyn Comitta, who represents the district where Saints Peter and Paul is located. “She’s there greeting her students every day and she’s greeting her teachers all the time.”
There are 371 children currently at Saints Peter and Paul. The motto here is “hearts to love and hands to serve.”
Egan says the school enjoys a great relationship with a retirement home that was built very close by.
“We need the whole community to support the school and by goodness we do have that,” she said. “We have the elderly, the parents and we try to get the young students who are alumni of the school.”
Egan hosted the PA Catholic Conference on a recent tour along with State Senator Tom Killion, who represents the district. Killion went to Catholic school himself.
“I was very fortunate to go to Our Lady of Fatima and Cardinal O’Hara High School,” Killion said. “That’s one of the reasons I support the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) program. It helps students who may have parents who may have a tough time making tuition payments.”
Saints Peter and Paul’s Advancement Director Barbara Downing says the EITC program has sent hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the school and is currently being used by 63 students. She said that has been the difference between coming to the school and not being able to go.
You will never guess where you can find a wide selection of biblical quotations when you visit Harrisburg. Well, yeah, the bible. But I’m talking a building.
It’s the State Capitol of all places–hard to believe in this day and age where there is always someone looking to be offended.
PA Rep. Kathy Rapp, a Republican out of the northwestern part of the state, put out a nice booklet that is complete with the verses and the scenes that accompany those verses. Many are in the Governor’s reception room, House chambers and Senate chambers.
Rapp stated in the first page of her book “Pennsylvania’s history and heritage is rooted in religious significance. From William Penn’s own vision and statement of establishing a Holy Experiment, to the first laws proposed by the General Assembly, to the first section of the first Constitution, the Charter of Privileges, entitled the freedom of conscience, our founders based their way of life on religious convictions.
There are verses from the Old Testament, including Isaiah 42:1,4,7,10 “Behold my servant whom I uphold to pen the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. Sing unto the Lord a new song ye that go down to the sea.”
There are also several from the New Testament and the Gospels, like Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake.”
No, this would not happen today. Not with the hyper-politically correct world we live in. In fact, it’s kind of surprising no one has fought to take it down. Maybe they have and I don’t know it.
For example…
There’s a case involving Lehigh County and the cross on its county seal that was added in 1944. It was fine then, but of course it had to offend somebody eventually. Yep. It did. The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation—how they came across the symbol is beyond me—joined four Lehigh County residents and filed a lawsuit. According to the Morning Call, they argued “the seal was a violation of their first amendment rights.”
U.S. District Judge Edward G. Smith agreed with the folks who were offended. He ruled in September that Lehigh Co. would have to change it on flags, cars or other property but could keep it on older documents. The County appealed to the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which is waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to act on a similar case before it makes a
ruling.
With the coldest weather of the season upon us, it’s hard to imagine having to live without heat in our homes. Yet that’s what many residents across Pennsylvania have faced, with boroughs across the state being permitted– by law– to turn off power on a resident who could not pay their bill.
That was especially problematic in places like Ellwood City, in western Pennsylvania. Like many boroughs, they ran their own electric service and used that to generate tax revenue. That practice came to a stop last year though, thanks in major part to the efforts of State Rep. Aaron Bernstine of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Cos.
He proposed legislation that would require more uniform and reasonable rate structures to be adopted by borough-run electric companies. The bill passed the House but failed in the Senate. Still, Bernstine produced enough pressure in his crusade that Ellwood City adopted the changes Bernstine was calling for.
“My concern in that whole situation was that people remain protected,” Bernstine said. “It was a really important piece of legislation to help people that were struggling along the way.
The PA Catholic Conference worked with Bernstine on that bill and on many others, including the Down Syndrome Bill. In summary, the bill would prevent terminating a pregnancy because a child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It did not get passed last year, but it is expected to be brought up again this session.
“I have many people I know that I am close to, some of my friends that have children with Down Syndrome. This is an issue that hits close to home for me,” Bernstine told me. He did not mince his words on the issue.
“I think that you ought not to murder someone, or terminate a pregnancy, which to me is a baby in there, because it has some type of issue. People live long, good lives with Down Syndrome.”
“It’s an additional chromosome of love. Every interaction I’ve had, they’re great people. If we can’t protect the most vulnerable among us, what are we as a society?”
Bernstine concedes that it is unlikely that Governor Wolf would sign such a bill. But that is not deterring him.
“You do your job and put it on the Governor’s desk,” Bernstine said. “And if the governor wants to be responsible for murdering babies because of what some would call a defect. I don’t call it a defect. That can be on his conscience moving forward.”
Why that measure did not get passed is a source of frustration for Bernstine. It passed the House, but was never brought up for a vote in the Senate. Bernstine thinks he knows why.
“They call things a tough vote,” he said. “I have no idea what a tough vote is. I think you vote your conscience and you vote for you think is the right thing to do. And they try to bail people out by not voting on certain things so they don’t have to vote a certain way that can be put in a campaign ad.”
“I have never bought into that philosophy. My philosophy is that I was elected to some here to do a job, not come here to get re-elected. The more that we have people that come here to do a job, rather than just to get re-elected, then you will see better pieces of legislation.”
The “Buyer Beware Act” is off to a promising start in the State House and Senate. The bill increases penalties on criminals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses.
It was introduced by two York County Republican legislators: Rep. Seth Grove and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill as House Bill 12 and Senate Bill 60. The measure was introduced in a press conference on January 9th and has at least a dozen co-sponsors in the Senate and more than 60 in the House.
The legislation would double the maximum jail sentence for an individual convicted of trafficking or patronizing a victim of trafficking. Currently, these crimes carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The bill would upgrade these to first-degree felonies, which carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
In addition, those convicted of patronizing a victim of sexual trafficking would receive an increased fine of between $1,000 and $30,000, up from $500, at the discretion of the court. If the victim is a minor at the time of the offense, the fine would be increased to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
“There’s been a lot of good work done to fight human trafficking here in Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Grove. “I know the Trump Administration has been pushing it at the federal level. It’s good that it’s finally getting the attention it deserves.”
Senator Phillips-Hill says human trafficking is modern-day slavery.
“I think a lot of people are shocked and have a hard time believing that, in this modern era, that slavery still exists,” she said. “The average victim is between the ages of 12 and 14! They are led into a very horrific life that includes torture, mutilation, isolation, and threats of violence against family and loved ones.”
“As it stands now, without this bill, if you advertise a victim to be trafficked, the penalties are not that severe,” said Sen. Phillips-Hill. “If you have sex with a minor, that law didn’t come after you. But with the Buyer Beware Act, it will address these issues.”
Grove and Phillips-Hill both thanked the PA Catholic Conference for its support. They also praised the work of the York County District Attorney’s Office.
The legislative session is still in its early stages, but Rep. Grove has already given a lot of credit to new Majority Leader Bryan Cutler.
“He’s made some of the biggest changes that we’ve seen in a number of years in the House as far as operations,” Grove said. “That will mean a little more on the efficiency side and a little more on the transparency side.”
There are lawmakers who may downplay their faith for whatever reason. PA Representative Frank Ryan of the 101st District in Lebanon County is not one of those folks. His faith has always been a big part of his life and he’s not afraid to say it.
“I live in a district where faith is a matter of importance,” Ryan said. “Occasionally I would get some (negative) comments from time to time but it’s very seldom.”
“What I would always say to people is that when you have someone in the legislature, it’s probably pretty important to have someone who guides their life by a moral code and character.”
Four years ago Ryan did a walk across the U.S. to bring attention to kids with disabilities. But he said it actually started out as a walk of atonement.
“I wanted to say that if I had hurt someone, they would forgive me. If I ever disappointed someone, they would pray for me. If I ever helped someone, I hoped that they would help another.”
Ryan has led a life of service. In addition to being a public servant now, Ryan spent 33-years in the Marine Corps.—thirty of that as a Commissioned Officer. He retired in 2002, but came out of retirement a couple of years later to serve again, this time in the Iraq War.
He said at one point in his life had given serious thought to becoming a priest. He didn’t take that path, but his faith has remained strong.
“Just because there’s a separation of church and state in government, doesn’t mean you don’t need a moral compass and a moral code.”
And Ryan is a strong believer in the dignity of human life.
“I absolutely believe that life begins at conception and goes to natural death,” he said. “What I tell people is that ‘think about the society that doesn’t value human life.’ I’ve seen cultures where their lives were not valued and you don’t want to live in those cultures.”
Ryan supports proposed legislation that would ban abortions based on a diagnosis of baby having Down syndrome.
“I have a friend who said to me ‘I often feel that they don’t have an extra chromosome, we are missing one. I’ve dealt with children with Down syndrome my entire life. I don’t think I’ve ever me an angry child with Down. They’re probably closer to Christ than we probably should be.”
The Honorable, Philip J. Murren, Esq., Principal in the Law Firm of Ball, Murren & Connell, LLC was awarded the PACAPE School Choice Champion award at a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24 at the Willow Valley Resort in Lancaster.
Philip J. Murren, Esq. is a principal in the Law Firm of Ball, Murren & Connell, LLC in Camp Hill, PA. He has practiced with that firm continuously since 1975, upon his admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Murren is a graduate of LaSalle University and of the Villanova University School of Law. He is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the Bars of various Federal District Courts and United States Courts of Appeals located throughout the country.
He has served as an elected or appointed municipal official in various capacities since 1989, and is currently Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Camp Hill and Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board of Monroe Township.
Mr. Murren’s practice has included his appearance as counsel in more than 20 cases that have been filed in the Supreme Court of the United States, involving constitutional issues, employment law issues, property issues, taxation issues and education law issues.
Mr. Murren has represented the PA Catholic Conference and numerous additional faith-based institutions on litigation matters and legislative matters since 1975. His litigation experience includes involvement in cases filed in State and Federal Courts in over 20 states and in the District of Columbia.
He has authored and defended numerous initiatives relating to the establishment of school choice programs, including those involving scholarship tax credits, tuition grants, school transportation, school health services, textbook loans, instructional materials, special education services and charter schools.
If you’re like me when you think of Catholic Schools, you think of discipline. It’s one of the main reasons that I enrolled both of my children in Catholic school. But ‘discipline’ can take many forms, and it doesn’t have to be punishment. ‘Discipline’ can also mean ‘guidelines.’
Such is the case at many Catholic schools, including St. Mary Magdalen School, outside of Media, Delaware County.
“We call it discipline,” said Principal Denise Winterberger. “But I think it’s just a philosophy of how we exist and that is with a respect for others.”
Winterberger says that discipline begins every morning in the gym. They start with prayer and the pledge to the flag. And then they do the school pledge.
“The kids go through six rules that they follow and keep in mind every single day,” Winterberger explained.
It must be working. 
St. Mary Magdalen was honored last October as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
Winterberger says it can be tough-going for a Catholic school, especially when you have good public schools to compete with and other Catholic schools that are close by.
“We have to focus on what makes our school unique,” she said. “We have a program called ‘Disciples of Jesus.’ Every student works toward getting recognized each month with different virtues and characteristics of being a good moral child or student.”
She says their enrollment is holding steady around 350 to 355. They got five more students since they were named as Blue Ribbon winners.
Winterberger says the parents are very supportive and so is Monsignor Ralph Chieffo.
“Msgr. Chieffo is our pastor and is top notch compared to all the pastors I’ve worked for,” Winterberger said. “He supports us financially as well as emotionally and with his presence, making sure that whatever we need, we get.”
It seems only fitting that Rep. Carolyn Comitta has her district office in what was at one time the junior and senior high school in the West Chester School District. Comitta has spent much of her professional life either teaching, or advocating for education.
“It is the foundation for our healthy and productive community,” Comitta told me. She has just been sworn into her second term as Representative of the 156 District. “A good education builds individual citizens who can lead with their gifts and leave everything a little better than we found it.”
Comitta says a good education starts with a good pre-K program. Her goal is to have an affordable and quality pre-K program available to every child in PA.
“When a child has access to a quality pre-K program, they have the foundation for being successful in school,” she said. “What we see across Pennsylvania are some wonderful pre-K programs. The governor and legislature are putting more and more money into pre-K because we know how important it is.”
We also talked a lot about the Saints Peter and Paul School outside of West Chester that sits in her district. The school was a recent winner of the Blue Ribbon School Award, presented by the U.S. Department of Education. Comitta is no stranger to the facility and is definitely a big fan.
“I have been to visit a number of times and have been very impressed,” Comitta said. “They have a school-wide theme each year and each of the classes works on whatever the theme might be and then at the end of the year they have a school-wide presentation around the them, which is a pretty cool way of integrating all the curricula.”
In fact, Comitta showed me the plaque that she was preparing to present Egan that recognizes another honor that the principal received–in addition to the Blue Ribbon award. She was named as winner of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding Leadership. It is given to just 11 principals in the nation!
“Principal Peg Egan always seems to be at the door to greet everybody. She’s there greeting her students every day and she’s greeting her teachers all the time.”
Rep. Thomas Murt of the 152nd District (Montgomery Co. and Philadelphia) was named this month to chair the PA House Aging and Older Services Committee. That seems to be right in his wheelhouse. Murt has long been regarded as a leading advocate for folks with special needs and their caregivers.
“Human services is probably my top legislative priority,” Murt told me recently when I visited his district office in Hatboro. “Specifically that includes taking care of adults with special needs, people struggling with mental illness and people who are homeless.”
Murt praised the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for doing an outstanding job in the human services area.
“Many families who have an adult child or a loved one with special needs or an intellectual disability have been able to—through the Archdiocese—find a placement, sometimes as a resident.”
Rep. Murt and I also talked about the Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School in Maple Glen. The school was one of only nine schools in PA that were named Blue Ribbon Award winners by the U.S. Department of Education. All nine of those schools are Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia region.
“The school has an outstanding curriculum,” Murt said. “They have dedicated, highly-qualified teachers; great facilities—including science labs, a very high-quality gymnasium, great athletic program, a lot of extra-curricular activities for the students. It’s great to see they’re recognized for the great job they do over there.”
Murt appreciates the opportunities that Catholic education has provided to students who might not otherwise get a good education.
“I represent the City of Philadelphia and Catholic education has provided a lot of opportunities for kids in the city. Sometimes there are schools that have struggled to provide a high-quality academic experience and many children are very fortunate to attend a Catholic School.”
“That’s something that we continue to support through the EITC program and many children have benefitted from that.”
Murt has been a big backer of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, which allows businesses and individuals to receive a tax credit if they make a donation to certain non-profit educational institutions.
“Because of the generosity and benevolence of many people who support Catholic education, the opportunity to attend a Catholic school has been afforded to many children who may not have been able to do that.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference joined Sen. Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware Cos.) in a resolution designating the week of January 27th through February 2nd as Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania. Sen. Killion delivered the resolution as the first piece of business on the Senate floor Wednesday morning in Harrisburg.
“Nationally there are more than 2-million students enrolled in Catholic schools at both the elementary and secondary levels,” Killion told the gathering. “In P-A there are more than 147,150 students that are enrolled in Catholic School in the elementary and secondary level.”
Sen. Killion is a product of the Pennsylvania Catholic school system, graduating from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield.
“I am very grateful for the education that I received,” he said. “Catholic Schools Week reminds us all that Catholic schools are an important part of our many communities across the Commonwealth.”
Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PA Catholic Conference, was grateful for Killion’s resolution.
“We thank the Senator for his recognition of the important of Catholic education,” Failing said. “Catholic schools give parents the ability to choose where to send their children so they can receive both a great education AND the moral development of Catholic values.”
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of PA’s Catholic bishops.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Wednesday announced its full support of the “Buyer Beware Act” to fight human trafficking. The bill is being introduced by two York County lawmakers—Rep. Seth Grove as House Bill 12 and by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill as Senate Bill 60.
Three members of the P.C.C. stood behind Grove and Phillips-Hill as they announced the bill. They included P.C.C. Executive Director Eric Failing, Education Director Sean McAleer and Sr. Clare Schiefer, the President of the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association.
The bill expands the definition of trafficking under the Crimes Code to match federal law. It will now include any individual who *patronizes* a victim of trafficking. Currently, these crimes carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The bill would upgrade these to first-degree felonies, which carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
“This is a great move,” said Failing, who praised the work of Grove and Phillips-Hill. “We must unite to eliminate the scourge that is sex trafficking. It’s heart-breaking to know that such a crime has existed, especially in 2019.”
The PA Catholic Conference fought for similar legislation that was signed into law by Governor Wolf in October. The P.C.C. backed State Senator Stewart Greenleaf’s Senate Bill 554, which protects child victims of human trafficking. It prevents such victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation from being criminally prosecuted for crimes they have been forced to commit.
The newest group of lawmakers to come to Harrisburg includes State Representative Todd Polinchock, a Republican who won election this past November in the 144th District in Bucks County. It was an opening that was created when long-time officer holder Kathy Watson decided not to run for re-election.
There may not be anyone else in the group of newcomers with more enthusiasm than Todd Polinchock.
“We’ve hit the ground running,” Polinchock told me when I met him in his district in December. “I’m not the kind of guy that likes to sit back.”
And Polinchock had this to say about his job as state rep: “This is probably the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done—being able to represent my neighbors and constituents.”
That comes from a man with a resume full of serving our country.
Polinchock graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and then flew as a combat pilot in Desert Storm. He came home as a Service Disabled Veteran. He retired as a Navy Commander with 20 years of service.
He has worked the last several years as a successful realtor, being named Bucks County Realtor of the Year in 2010.
The PA Catholic Conference reached out to Polinchock to talk with him about two schools in district – St. Jude Catholic School and St. Joseph/St. Robert School being named as Blue Ribbon Award Schools of Excellence.
“I’m proud to be a parishioner here at St. Jude and along with St. Joseph/St. Robert, to have two blue ribbon schools in my district is fantastic,” Polinchock said. There were only nine Blue Ribbon schools in PA—all in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
“It’s pretty amazing and it’s a testament to the work that they do, the community service that they do. We’re bringing our kids up right in the district. It shows by the way our community comes together and helps people.”
State Senator Bob Mensch is proud of many things about his 24th district, which covers parts of Berks, Bucks and Montgomery Cos. You can put schools high on that list.
“I’m very blessed,” he said. “I have some fantastic schools—public, private and parochial.”
I met with Mensch in front of the Mater Dei Catholic Elementary School in Lansdale. Mater Dei was one of nine PA schools named last fall as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. All nine were Catholic elementary schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
“It is a very special recognition,” Mensch said of Mater Dei. “If you look at their service to the community over the years, they focus on excellence in education and they work with their students to be involved in the community. It helps us provide leaders for the future.”
Senator Mensch also announced in the fall that eleven area school districts were awarded $25,000 each in state grants to help improve school safety. Those districts were Brandywine Heights, Oley Valley, Palisades, Quakertown, Boyertown, North Penn, Perkiomen Valley, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Souderton and Upper Perkiomen.
“I supported the creation of this new grant program because a safe and secure learning environment is vital for providing students with a high-quality education,” Mensch said. “They can use that money to install cameras, of if they want to harden the access to the school or hire security guards.”
Mensch said recent hearings across the state with students revealed the importance of security in the minds of students. One of those hearings was held in Quakertown.
“The students talked about their mental concerns…the trauma when they hear about security issues in other schools. We need to make the students understand that we want to see safe schools as much as they do.”
This Friday, the Court will decide whether to review a case about an Indiana law that prohibits abortions performed solely because the unborn child has Down Syndrome or another disability. Regardless of our nation’s polarized views on the policy and politics of abortion, it is clear that our Constitution does not include a right to abort children merely because of disfavored characteristics.
It is time for the United States Supreme Court to provide some much-needed clarity to the vexed jurisprudence of abortion that has bedeviled the American public square for nearly forty-six years. Even without revisiting the highly controversial precedents of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Court could do some real good by confirming the modest proposition that the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution—originally aimed at advancing the cause of equality among people—does not forbid states from acting to prevent invidious and lethal forms of discrimination against the disabled.
Last month, the Supreme Court garnered attention when it declined to decide whether the Medicaid Act provides individual Medicaid recipients with a right to sue over funding decisions. The suits arose when Kansas and Louisianawithdrew funding from Planned Parenthood after a series of investigative videosshowed Planned Parenthood representatives discussing the sale of fetal tissue in graphic, coarse, and shocking fashion. In a dissent from the denial of certiorari, Justice Thomas, joined by Justices Alito and Gorsuch, noted that the cases had “nothing to do with abortion,” but rather a narrow question about whether and how states can condition participation in Medicaid programs. Justice Thomas suggested that the Court may have chosen not to resolve this unsettled legal question merely because the case bore a “tenuous connection to [the] politically fraught issue” of abortion, an approach that disserves lower courts, the states, and Medicaid patients.
This Friday, the Court will have the chance to prove that view wrong as it once again considers whether to review a case affecting abortion in a direct but modest way. The case concerns House Enrolled Act 1337, an Indiana law that prohibits performing abortions solely because the unborn child has Down Syndrome or another disability. The act similarly proscribes sex- and race-based abortion and requires providers to inform women considering abortions of these prohibitions.
Indiana’s law mirrors those passed by Ohio, Louisiana, and North Dakota; several more states have introduced analogous bills. Like other states, Indiana lawmakers wished to curtail the use of prenatal technologies to screen unborn children, which are used to target those with disabilities for termination in a modern-day form of eugenics.
This worry is far from speculative or overblown. In the past few years, Icelandand Denmark have aborted virtually all unborn children prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The United States does not lag far behind, with rates hovering around 67 percent. Parents around the world have begun to speak outabout the widespread medical and social pressure to abort once they receive a diagnosis, and advocates and scholarly literature alike have started acknowledging the negative message that these selective abortions send about the value and equality of individuals with disabilities already living and working in the world. Moreover, these anti-discrimination laws are strongly aligned with much-admired federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which aims to provide a “clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.”
Notwithstanding these weighty concerns, a panel of the Seventh Circuit summarily struck down the law. It concluded that the “non-discrimination provisions clearly violate well-established Supreme Court precedent holding that a woman may terminate her pregnancy prior to viability,” namely, the Court’s seminal decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, “and that the State may not prohibit a woman from exercising that right for any reason.” Indiana petitioned for review by the entire Seventh Circuit, which was denied over a thoughtful dissent by Judge Easterbrook. Easterbrook pulled no punches, squarely acknowledging that Indiana’s law aimed at eliminating “eugenic abortions.” He noted that Casey and its progeny only discussed a woman’s right to bear or beget a child, not the right to bear or beget this specific child, especially when that child possesses a characteristic that this country has deemed worthy of special protection time and again to prevent the invidious discrimination that so often plagues our nation. Thus, Easterbrook concluded: “Using abortion to promote eugenic goals is morally and prudentially debatable on grounds different from those that underlay the statutes Casey considered,” and the Seventh Circuit “ought not impute to the Justices decisions they have not made.”
Judge Easterbrook is correct as a legal matter about the meaning of Casey. More importantly, the ramifications of leaving this narrow question unsettled far outstrip those associated with interpretation of the Medicaid Act. Regardless of our nation’s polarized views on the policy and politics of abortion, it is clear that our Constitution does not include a right to abort children merely because of disfavored characteristics. The Seventh Circuit’s erroneous decision gets this basic legal question wrong, and leaves the most vulnerable populations among us, born and unborn, susceptible to the view that we have a “moral duty” to eradicate them, that we are “better off” without them, and that their value can be calculated in dollars and cents.
We have been here before, and history has taught us in the bleakest of terms the chaos and moral depravity that flow from this way of thinking. The stakes associated with the Court’s silence are too high, and it therefore has a duty to correct this error with all haste.
Well 2019 is upon us, but you could forgive the folks at Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School in Maple Glen, Montgomery County for being sorry to say goodbye to 2018.
Specifically, the fall of 2018 was very good to OLM.
First, the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools named Our Lady of Mercy as a Program of Distinction in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Yes, that is STEM.
Later that month, OLM was recognized as a National Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
“It’s been an exciting time at Our Lady of Mercy,” said Principal John McGrath. “We are now recognized as a model of academic excellence.”
The Blue Ribbon program honors public and private schools that have placed in the top 10 percent on state or national assessments. It also takes into account a school’s leadership, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement and community support.
“This important distinction is the result of years of immense hard work from our teachers and really our families,” McGrath said. “We have a very dynamic and innovative approach to Catholic education.”
“We’ve done a lot of work in STEM education. As Catholic education does, we’ve added the R for religion and the A for fine arts.”
Science, technology, engineering and math are really what we are focusing on. From our 5 year olds to 15 year olds– that will prepare them for jobs in the future.
With all those letters the school is featuring, you can also through in an ‘f’ and a ‘c’. The ‘f’ is for families. The ‘c’ is for community.
“Our support in regards to our families and the community is tremendous,” said McGrath. “And all of these awards mean one thing. Young Catholic leaders are being formed.”
But one thing that is not being formed is complacency.
“We want to continue to improve,” said McGrath. “We want to continue to expand our offerings.”
The excitement level was very high the day we visited St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School in Southampton, Bucks County. It was the last couple of days before Christmas break. Parents and kids were moving about the school. Manger scenes that the children had created were sitting on a table in the hallway. Decorations were hanging from the walls and ceilings. It was just a great atmosphere.
There were some other decorations that were hanging in various locations that had also added to the air of excitement about the school. Those were signs that identified St. Katharine Drexel as a 2018 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The program honors public and private schools that have placed in the top 10 percent on state or national assessments. It also takes into account a school’s leadership, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement and community support.
“Part of our mission is to create Catholic leaders through personal development, Christian service and also through academic excellence,” said school Principal Laura Clark, who is in her fifth year in that position.
Pennsylvania had nine Blue Ribbon schools, the second largest number of Blue Ribbon schools named in any state. They were ALL Catholic schools from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Of over 35,000 private schools nationwide, only 49 were selected to receive this honor.
St. Katharine Drexel has 400 students in pre-K three through 8th grade.
Like many private schools in the Philly suburbs, S.K.D. has a tough challenge. Its students come from one of the premier public school systems around—the Council Rock School District.
“It really makes us cutting edge,” Clark said. “We’re just as good as the public schools, if not better. We also have that second piece of Catholic faith that we are bringing to our students each and every day.”
The school has been celebrating the Blue Ribbon designation in different ways, including asking their students to do more public service. The kids are being asked to do that service on their own time—in addition to what they are doing through school. It’s a stark change for many of us “old-timers” who remember our version of public service as a student was deciding not to through our used candy wrapper out the car window. These kids hit the food banks and soup kitchens in their spare time.
“Our school is such a wonderful school,” said Clark. “We are truly a family. It’s evident in everything we do, but this big title and distinction and us all coming together…it just hit home of how much we are a family. And a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.”
Live at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School in Bucks County.
Posted by Pennsylvania Catholic Conference on Wednesday, December 19, 2018
The PA Catholic Conference is highlighting schools that have been designated Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. There are nine of them in the Philadelphia area. We are reaching out to those schools and to the legislators that represent those districts. Please check for our updates and features here and on our Facebook page!
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