Catholic Identity

Catholic Social Services through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is one of the largest providers of social services and family service centers in the region. CSS is committed to effectively aiding those utilizing our Catholic services.

Catholic identity is key to our operations at Catholic Social Services (CSS). Our goals, mission, beliefs and Catholic community services stem from our Catholic identity and the teachings of Catholic Church. The Catholic Church maintains a long history of charitable activity, including helping those in need. 

As a ministry of the Church, we serve in communion with Jesus of Nazareth who came to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, restore sight to the blind, and free the oppressed. (cf. Luke 4:18)

At CSS, we aspire to incorporate our efforts to aid the poor and hungry, homeless and neglected, disabled and disadvantaged members of our society into the restorative and loving mission of Jesus Christ. CSS considers the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of each individual we help and provide for them. 

CSS does not discriminate and helps people of all faiths, races, genders, ages, ethnicities, lifestyles. CSS helps each person or family in need as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We provide unending love and support to those who need it. 

Many of our clients and our staff are not Catholic, and we welcome this rich diversity as a visible sign reminding us that in God’s economy “everyone has a place at the table.” (cf . A Place at the Table: Pastoral Reflection of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2002) 

Catholic faith is incarnational. Our love for God is made “real” and tangible through our actions as we aid our brothers and sisters in life. This tradition of faith-based human services has been passed on from religious congregations of men and women who founded many of our institutions. These men and women of diverse faith backgrounds continue today to do the good work of these wonderful institutions. 

CSS strives to faithfully express and demonstrate our Catholic identity and mission in all that we do, and thereby “continue to be beacons of hope and centers of help for poor families and communities.”  – A Place at the Table