This vital initiative ensures that children and youth aged 18 or younger throughout the Greater Philadelphia area have access to wholesome and nourishing meals at no cost when school is out of session.
The "Bishop's Dinner" was recently hosted at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center for clients of Catholic Social Services. The monthly initiative provides Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, his auxiliary bishops, and CSS staff and supporters the opportunity to share food and fellowship with those in need in Philadelphia. Guests also enjoyed music from the Good Shepherd Singers, a choral group composed of staff, residents, and alumni of Saint John's Hospice and Mercy Hospice.
(Photo: Joe Bradley/Bradley Digital) April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, the theme was “Building A Hopeful Future Together.” It focused on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families, especially in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. As part of its efforts to observe this month, the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) and Catholic Social Services (CSS) partnered to host “The Blue Drive.” Throughout the month employees working at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) were invited to remove a tag from a giving tree in the center lobby and purchase care items to support CSS families. On Monday, April 29th, OCYP and CSS invited those participating to gather in the APC auditorium to drop off their donation, fill out notes of prayerful encouragement, participate in raffles and giveaways, and learn more about OCYP and CSS. “Their generous donations to CSS programs
Divine Providence Village (DPV), part of The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP) and the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services, recently marked its 40th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving. DPV was joined by Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg and a former Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop Senior served as the principal celebrant and homilist. While serving as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and prior to his ordination to the episcopacy, then-Monsignor Senior served as Deputy Secretary and later Secretary for Catholic Human Services. As Secretary, he oversaw the charitable works of mercy enacted by the Church of Philadelphia. Those ministries serve the needs of the most vulnerable and at-risk people of the region each day. During his time as Deputy Secretary, then-Monsignor Senior began residing at DPV where he served as chaplain from 1995 to 2010. A DPV resident poses with Fran
Over the past three years, Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has delivered hundreds of Easter baskets and bags to various organizations participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP is a federally funded food program administered by the PA Department of Education, where licensed childcare centers, shelters, and afterschool programs provide meals to children, with assistance from sponsors like NDS or other partners. The gifts are hand-assembled and donated by Molly Thomas, who spends much of the year prepping, gathering supplies, fundraising, and assembling the baskets and bags. This year, NDS helped Thomas distribute 342 Easter baskets and bags, including eight large family baskets. “The joy that Molly creates through her incredibly beautiful Easter baskets and bags is difficult to measure. This year-long project stems from her desire to share Easter with children who might not receive such a
In 2014, Saint Charles Borromeo and Our Lady of Fatima Parishes in Bucks County merged at the Saint Charles Borromeo location. Following, Our Lady of Fatima Church became the Fatima Catholic Outreach Center, a social services ministry with a focus on serving the Hispanic communities of Lower Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia. The center was initially a collaborative project of Catholic Social Services (CSS) and Saint Mary Medical Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, services at the center were suspended in April 2020. In September 2020 the doors reopened, this time under a new partnership between CSS and Saint Charles Borromeo Parish. Modes of support at the site include social work, community immigration resources, accompaniment, domestic violence advocacy, seasonal English as a second language (ESL) classes, and interpretation services. Additional programs include gardening and arts programs, financial education, immigration legal services, citizenship classes, and meals for those experiencing homelessness. “We at the
At the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center the Archdiocese of Philadelphia kicked off the 49th annual Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Rice Bowl initiative. Rice Bowl is a nationwide Lenten program providing people of all ages with a way to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s collection was up nearly 14% with over $426,000 raised through Rice Bowl. Approximately seventy-five percent of those funds, or $320,000, supported CRS’ humanitarian response and development programs in nearly 100 countries where it operates. The remaining twenty-five percent of the funds, or $106,000, went to Nutritional Development Services supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts through its network of 50 food cupboards throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. This year, Rice Bowl officially began on Ash Wednesday, February 14 and will conclude on Holy Saturday, March 30. For additional information and resources for CRS Rice Bowl, please visit https://archphila.org/crsricebowl/.
In 2023, a highlight for senior citizens at the Saint Edmond Senior Community Center was the fashion show, which featured creativity and participation from many members. Saint Edmond, one of four senior centers operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS), is located in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia and provides a broad range of services for those 60 years of age and older. CHCS senior centers offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness, and independence. The centers feature a broad spectrum of activities such as art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives. “We host fashion shows throughout the year with different themes,” says Kimberly Beatty, Saint Edmond Center Manager. “Such events not only offer entertainment but also create a sense of community and shared celebration.”
Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (NDS) Community Food Program is continuing its efforts to support those facing food insecurity by participating in the nation-wide Souper Bowl of Caring collection. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national initiative using the energy surrounding the National Football League’s Super Bowl as a catalyst to mobilize youth in a united effort to care for those in need in their local communities. Those interested in supporting NDS’ Community Food Program can make a contribution by visiting the Souper Bowl of Caring Tackle Hunger Map here and searching for Nutritional Development Services Community Food Program. Those interested in supporting NDS directly can make a gift by visiting here. All donations made now through February 11th (Super Bowl Sunday) will help stock the shelves of NDS’ food cupboards and provide nourishment to our neighbors in need. To maximize the impact, NDS is also
Men and women from The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS), marked the Christmas season with DGDP’s traditional family party. Nearly 500 individuals were in attendance for this festive occasion, including those served by DGDP as well as their families and caregivers. Supporters and benefactors of the program were also invited to participate. The event included caroling by the West Chester University Newman Center Choir, dancing, a seated luncheon, a distribution of gifts, and a special visit from Santa. DGDP’s Christmas party was made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers, both at the corporate and individual levels. (Photos: Sarah Webb)
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