News & Updates

The Bucks County Family Service Center (BCFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host a free Valentine’s Day baby shower for expectant mothers and families in the local community. The theme is, “Baby Love.” Expectant mothers and families with children under one year of age are expected to attend. Highlights of the day will include refreshments, raffle prizes, Valentine’s Day themed games, and more. Friday, February 14, 202011:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Fatima Catholic Outreach Center2915 Street RoadBensalem, PA 19020 The BCFSC is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes when they seek assistance from Catholic Social Services in Bucks County. It is one of seven such centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Throughout the greater Philadelphia region, young women and mothers regularly turn to CSS Family Service Centers for emotional support and essential parenting

This observance recalls the sanctity and dignity of human life and is a local precursor to the 47th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 24th. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will once again sponsor Luminaries for Life to remember the millions of lives lost to abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in the United States. Thursday, January 23, 20202:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (Good Shepherd Singers)3:00 p.m. (Prayer Service and Blessing)Archdiocesan Pastoral Center222 North 17th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19103 Reverend Dennis M. Weber, SdC, Director of Ministry and Mission at The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, a ministry of CSS, will preside over this year’s prayer service and Blessing of the Luminaries. Staff from the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) along with men served by Saint John’s Hospice (Center City) will light 47 luminaries to be

Parents and children who benefit from the Bucks County Family Service Center’s parenting and pregnancy programs will be in attendance for the festivities. The Bucks County Family Service Center (BCFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host a children’s Christmas brunch celebration for approximately 40 families in the local community. This year’s theme is “Llama, Llama, Jingle Bells!” based on the children’s Christmas book of the same name. Saturday, December 21, 201910:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.10:30 a.m. (Arrival of Santa)Fatima Catholic Outreach Center2915 Street RoadBensalem, PA 19020 Participants will enjoy a morning filled with food, refreshments, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dedicated staff from CSS, along with community members and student volunteers from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills (Bucks County) will also be in attendance. In addition, nearly 100 children will receive a gift thanks to numerous

The event is organized by Reverend Steven P. Wetzel, OSFS, Chaplain at Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 5. It is sponsored by the Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5. The Northeast Family Service Center (NEFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will treat children who benefit from its Parenting and Pregnancy Programs, as well as its Out-of-School Time Program, to a visit from Santa Claus. Thursday, December 19, 20195:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.Northeast Family Service Center7340 Jackson StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19136 Approximately 40-50 children will join in on the festivities. Highlights include the singing of Christmas carols, distribution of presents, and a visit from Santa who will arrive on a trolley. NEFSC is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes seeking assistance for seniors in Northeast Philadelphia. It is one of seven such centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the

The “Sharing Hope, Filling Hearts” initiative aims to continue Catholic Social Services’ mission to “Provide Help and Create Hope” for children and youth in need within our community. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) is hosting its 2nd annual “Sharing Hope, Filling Hearts” initiative to benefit at-risk children and youth who participate in its Out-of-School Time Programs (OST). 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, these programs help children develop the social, emotional, physical, and academic skills vital to future academic, social, and civic growth. Throughout the summer months, OST programs support working families by offering places for their children to participate in recreational activities and academic reinforcement programs that stem summer learning loss. Students participate in a variety of programming including dance, culinary arts, sewing classes, STEM education and more.

These children and youth represent thousands of young people across the Greater Philadelphia region who benefit annually from community-based and residential programs offered by CSS. Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will host the 64th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party benefitting nearly 500 children and youth in grades Pre-K through five. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!” The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party will kick off with a live Nativity scene on the front steps of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) featuring students from Saint Raymond of Peñafort School (Philadelphia). Highlights include live animals, a performance by the Divina Uncion Choir, and a Las Posadas presentation commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the Savior. Thursday, December 19, 201912:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Archdiocesan Pastoral Center222 North 17th StreetPhiladelphia, PA

Parents and children who benefit from the Northeast Family Service Center’s parenting and pregnancy programs will be in attendance for the festivities. The Northeast Family Service Center (NEFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host its annual Lunch with Santa. Friday, December 6, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. 12:15 p.m. (Arrival of Santa) Northeast Family Service Center 7340 Jackson Street Philadelphia, PA 19136 Participants will enjoy an afternoon filled with food, refreshments, Christmas themed activities, presents, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dedicated staff from CSS, along with student volunteers from Mercy Career and Technical High School, will also be in attendance. NEFSC is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes seeking assistance for seniors in Northeast Philadelphia. It is one of seven such centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Throughout October, Catholic Social Services hosted an online diaper drive to encourage broad and meaningful participation in Respect Life Month. Children and families who benefit from Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s (CSS) Beautiful Beginnings and Beautiful Parenting Programs will get a boost thanks to a recent diaper drive marking Respect Life Month. Approximately 13,000 diapers, 180 packages of baby wipes, and other infant care essentials were collected all from the generosity of over 90 donors. This annual Diaper Drive helps to stock the shelves of CSS’ Family Service Centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area. Ms. Amy Stoner, Director of CSS Community Based and Homeless Services Divisions said, “Diapers are essential to a baby’s healthy development. In low-income families, a baby can spend a day or more in one diaper, leading to potential serious health risks. These items will directly impact area infants, toddlers, and families who

Celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday encourages broad participation to give back to communities and causes that matter in impactful ways. Mercy Hospice, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been selected by Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) and The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP) as its official #GivingTuesday beneficiary. This year’s #GivingTuesday observance will be held on December 3, 2019. Mercy Hospice, part of the Housing and Homeless Services Division of CSS, offers stability and hope to women in recovery from substance abuse. In addition to single women, Mercy Hospice also supports mothers with young children. Women are offered life skills, parenting education, case management, recreational and enrichment programs, in a safe and loving environment. Those interested in supporting Mercy Hospice on this international day of charity can make a one-time gift or recurring financial contribution through a dedicated link by visiting

The prayer service will take place in front of the Homeless Jesus statue, which represents the presence of Christ among the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will mark the 3rd Annual World Day of the Poor with a prayer service in front of its Homeless Jesus statue and service of an evening meal for men experiencing homelessness. Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will preside over the prayer service. In addition, the Good Shepherd Singers, a choral group consisting of current and former residents of the Good Shepherd Program, a residential program offering housing and social services to medically fragile men experiencing homelessness, will perform. Monday, November 18, 2019 4:40 p.m. Saint John’s Hospice 1221 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 The life-size bronze Homeless Jesus statue was installed at