Star Harbor Senior Community Center and Norris Square Senior Community Center joined Archbishop Nelson Pérez for the launch of the 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) February 27.
To kick off the morning, Star Harbor’s choir sang a beautiful rendition of “Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins.
Grupo Alegria also performed a special dance at the launch. The name ‘Grupo Alegria’ is a symbol of happiness and the willingness to remain cheerful during adulthood. Their dances are a joyful celebration of culture, experiences, and traditions.
The appeal benefits nearly 1 million people each year through countless charitable service organizations and ministries throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia. CCA beneficiaries are grouped into five areas of ministries including Special Education; Social Services; Evangelization; Mission Parishes; and Infirmed and Retired Priests. Catholic Human Services is largest recipient of Catholic Charities Appeal donations.
Katherine Baumgardner, Assistant Director for Catholic Housing and Community Services, also offered testimony about the critical impact of the CCA.
“Aging should be a time of connection and fulfillment, yet many seniors face isolation, financial strain, and declining health without adequate support,” said Baumgardner. “CHS is committed to ensuring that older adults have access to the resources, companionship, and care they need to lead meaningful lives.”
Every day within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) provides supportive services to older adults designed to help them live out their golden years with dignity and fulfillment. Recognized as a leading provider of senior services throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, dedicated staff are committed to providing the best quality support for seniors and their loved ones through senior programs including senior housing, senior community centers, and parish-based eldercare programs.
Baumgardner added that seniors, “deserve to have affordable housing, their needs met, and live our their lives with a sense of peace, purpose, and belonging. When you support the Catholic Charities appeal you are supporting our seniors.”
To learn more about the CCA, please visit: https://www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org/.
(Photos: Sarah Webb)
