News & Updates

This annual celebration calls attention to the importance of after school programs and the resources required to keep their lights on and their doors open. Catholic Social Services’ Out-Of-School Time Programs (OST), a ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will participate in the 20th annual “Lights on After School” celebration. This nationwide initiative is organized annually by The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs. The Mayfair OST Program will host a Fall Festival for children and their families. Highlights of the evening include fall themed STEM challenges, an interactive read aloud, a book fair and book sale fundraiser, raffles, and more. Thursday, October 24, 2019 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mayfair Elementary School (Cafeteria) 3001 Princeton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19149 In addition, students and their families at Saint Barnabas OST Program will enjoy an afternoon ice

The spiritual legacy and heritage of Saint Luigi Guanella remains an integral part of the mission of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services. The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS), will celebrate the Feast day of their patron, Saint Luigi Guanella (Don Guanella), a 19th-century Italian priest who ministered to children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Thursday, October 24, 2019 10:30 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima Parish 10 Fatima Drive Secane, PA 19018 Approximately 400 men and women served by The Communities of DGDP as well as their families and caregivers will be in attendance. Don Guanella’s patronage stems from the historical context on which The Communities of DGDP were founded. A

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) along with The Office for Life and Family’s Walking Together Philly ministry will hold a “Hope and Healing” interfaith prayer service asking for the intercession of God’s blessing of physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional healing for ourselves and loved ones. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort (Philadelphia) will lead the prayer service. All are welcome to attend. Thursday, October 24, 2019 5:00 p.m. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103 Immediately following the prayer service, all are invited to visit a pop-up kiosk adjacent to the Chapel in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot. It will feature resources and educational material, an intercessory prayer box, prayer teams, and more. A reception will also be held on the Archdiocesan Pastoral

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