Archdiocese of Philadelphia Welcomed New Missionaries
Five new members of The Culture Project International have begun a one-year service term in Philadelphia schools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Catholicism
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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recently welcomed five new missionaries from The Culture Project International to serve the local community. These individuals will spend the coming year working within schools, parishes, and PREP programs to lead presentations on virtue.
Why it matters
The program seeks to restore culture through the promotion of human dignity and virtue. This initiative is rooted in Catholic social teaching and the Theology of the Body to provide guidance to young people.
The Culture Project International, founded in 2014, currently oversees this Philadelphia initiative. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez officially approved the local chapter in 2021.
The players
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
He serves as the Archbishop of Philadelphia and granted approval for the local Culture Project chapter.
Cristina Barba Whalen
She is the founder of The Culture Project, which began its mission in 2014.
Bernie Senger IV
He is one of the five new missionaries assigned to serve the Philadelphia area.
Laura Hilkert
She is one of the five new missionaries assigned to serve the Philadelphia area.
Jenna Espiritu
She is one of the five new missionaries assigned to serve the Philadelphia area.
The details
Missionaries Bernie Senger IV, Laura Hilkert, Jenna Espiritu, Carlos Hernandez, and Sabrina Vizurraga will conduct presentations for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults. The program facilitates outreach through established Catholic educational and parish channels.
Timeline
2014: The Culture Project was founded.
2021: Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez approved the Philadelphia chapter.
September 25, 2026: The missionaries began their service.
Coming year: The missionaries will serve young people in the area.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader trend of integrating Catholic social teaching directly into local educational environments. By focusing on the Theology of the Body, these missionaries participate in a long-term effort to address shifting cultural values among younger generations.
Local students and parishioners will encounter these new presenters in various classrooms and PREP sessions over the coming year. Parents and parishioners can expect updated schedules for these virtue-based presentations throughout the academic calendar.
The takeaway
The arrival of these missionaries provides a structured approach for local youth to explore themes of virtue and human dignity. Residents can look for these new educational opportunities as the archdiocese continues its commitment to school-based outreach.
Further reading
For more on religious life and programming in the area, visit the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CatholicPhilly.
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