robert

Each October, Respect Life Month honors the sacredness of life and the dignity of every human person, from the moment of conception until natural death. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will once again encourage broad participation in Respect Life Month by hosting a Diaper Drive for families in need. One in three families struggle to provide clean diapers for their baby. CSS’ annual Diaper Drive helps to stock the shelves of its Family Service Centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area and benefits those who participate in its Beautiful Beginnings and Beautiful Parenting Programs. Those interested in helping our neighbors can support CSS and the Diaper Drive by purchasing diapers online through You Give Goods at https://yougivegoods.com/diaperdrive.  All goods donated online now through Friday, October 31st will be shipped directly to CSS for distribution. In early March, CSS was named Pennsylvania’s Service Provider of the Year

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) along with Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem (Bucks County) will hold a blessing for a new gazebo at their community garden at Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site. The gazebo was made possible by a generous donation from Thomas Edison Electric Inc. and the company’s CEO, Mr. Joseph White. Wednesday, October 2, 2019 5:30 p.m. (Blessing) Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site 2913 Street Road Bensalem, PA 19020 Reverend Philip M. Forlano, pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish will preside over the blessing. In addition, Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, will be joined by Mr. White, participating gardeners, and members of the local community. The gazebo is the latest asset added to the community garden at Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site. In early June, CSS along with Saint Charles Borromeo Parish welcomed community partners and supporters

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will observe National Recovery Month by once again participating in local community events to raise awareness of substance use disorders and celebrate individuals in long-term recovery. Dedicated staff from CSS, along with residents from Mercy Hospice, a ministry of CSS which offers stability and hope to women in recovery from substance abuse— in particular mothers with young children— will walk in the 19th Annual Recovery Walk in Old City, Philadelphia. The walk celebrates recovery and seeks to end the stigma surrounding those suffering from addiction. All are welcome to attend. Saturday, September 21, 2019 8:00 a.m. (Departure) Mercy Hospice 334 South 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 In addition, CSS will also participate in Crozer-Keystone Health Systems National Recovery Month celebration on Thursday, September 19th. This educational event will offer testimonials, numerous trainings, and opportunities to connect with local organizations. Through its

This annual event serves as the principal fundraising effort for Saint John’s Hospice (SJH). Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host its 6th annual Fall Fling Gala with dinner, auctions, music and entertainment at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Mr. Fred Gigliotti, Director of Emergency and Temporary Housing, Office of Homeless Services of the City of Philadelphia will be the evening’s special guest speaker. Friday, September 20, 2019 7:30 p.m. American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145 This year, SJH will honor The Worker's Compensation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association with the SJH 2019 Partner in Mission Award. It is being presented for dedication and continued support of SJH’s mission to provide crucial, life-sustaining services with dignity, respect and compassion to homeless men in Philadelphia. The Community Service and Charitable Events subcommittee of the Section

The 105th World Day for Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated worldwide on Sunday, September 29th Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will preside at a prayer vigil to mark the 105th World Day for Migrants and Refugees. This prayer vigil, sponsored by the Office for Hispanic Catholics, Office for Black Catholics, Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees and Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is offered for the intentions of migrants and refugees around the world who have been displaced due to violence or economic hardship in their countries of origin. Monday, September 23, 2019 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish 1719 Morris Street Philadelphia, PA 19145 All are invited to join in prayer and dialogue to strengthen the relationship between migrants and refugees with their local parish communities, by dispelling fear and inspiring those communities to stand in

The Bucks County Family Service Center, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), is once again partnering with United Way of Bucks County for its 9th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign. This campaign aims to provide local children and youth in need with backpacks and school supplies for the start of the new academic year. Community members can participate in this initiative by donating new and unused school supplies to the Bucks County Family Service Center over the course of two days (August 12-13). Suggested items for donation include backpacks, glue sticks, crayons and colored pencils, binders, index cards, flash drives, spiral notebooks, folders, pencil boxes, and highlighters. Monday, August 12 – Tuesday, August 13, 2019 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bucks County Family Service Center 100 Levittown Parkway Levittown, PA 19054 In addition to serving as a collection site, CSS staff will also join

The 2nd annual “Bike Rodeo” is in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department’s 15th District and Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. Mayfair Out-of-School (OST) Time Program, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), along with the Philadelphia Police Department’s 15th District and Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions will host its 2nd annual “Bike Rodeo” to focus on bicycle and scooter safety. Friday, August 2, 2019 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mayfair Elementary School 3001 Princeton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19149 Nearly 50 children served by the program as well as OST staff, Philadelphia Police officers, and student nurses will be in attendance. Highlights of this year’s event include bike courses, helmet and schoolbag giveaways, bike safety bingo, educational material and resources, and more. Students will bring their own bikes, scooters, and helmets. Ms. Aggie Healey-Wilson, OST Administrator said, “Catholic Social

Catholic Social Services’ Out-Of-School Time Programs (OST), a ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will celebrate the summer with a day of fun at its 9th annual Out-Of-School Time picnic. Nearly 550 children and youth from OST programs located throughout the City of Philadelphia will attend. Friday, July 19, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Neshaminy Shore Picnic Park 13 Beaver Street Hulmeville, PA 19047 Festivities at this year’s picnic will include entertainment, sports, games, rock climbing, swimming, face painting, miniature golf, and more. In addition, those attending have the opportunity to enjoy the park’s ample green space and recreational offerings. For more than 20 years, CSS has served at-risk children and youth in grades K-12 through its OST programs. During the school year, the programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop the social, emotional, physical, and academic skills vital to future educational achievement. Throughout

“The Challenger League,” formed by residents of DGDP, was inspired by the Little League Challenger Division, the adaptive baseball program founded in 1989 for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS), along with volunteers and students from Cardinal O’Hara High School recently celebrated the season ending of its 2019 wiffleball league with an awards banquet. More than 100 participants and volunteers were in attendance including Father Dennis M. Weber, Director of Ministry and Mission for DGDP, and Mr. Jim Gula, volunteer, supporter, and founder of the DGDP Challenger League. All DGDP athletes received recognition for their hard work and commitment. In addition, the “Spirit of Don Guanella” award, given to those who demonstrate the spirit and commitment to help others by putting their faith into action through service, was presented to

Catholic Social Services’ Immigration Legal Services Program will join the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, HIAS/PA, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Nationalities Service Center, and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians in support of The Museum of the American Revolution’s U.S. Citizenship Initiative. This initiative, consisting of a total of eight sessions, will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from July 15th - August 7th. It will help permanent residents prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam at no cost. July 15, 2019 – August 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Museum of the American Revolution 101 South Third Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 This program will also offer helpful resources on the application process, eligibility screening and the personal interview. For more information and to register, please visit www.amrevmuseum.org/citizenship. # # # Editor’s Note: Catholic Social Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,