DIOCESE LAUNCHES 2018 CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL

WYNNEWOOD » Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput recently launched the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) during a press conference at St. Katherine Day School in Wynnewood. The 2018 appeal, titled “60 Years of Giving Hope to All,” has set a goal of $12.5 million.

“For 60 years, generous people like you have responded to Christ’s call to help those in need by donating over $290 million,” Chaput said. “For 60 years, you have enabled us to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, and comfort the afflicted. By supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal, you are helping students with special needs receive the Catholic Education they deserve, you are helping desperate families get back on their feet, and helping to bring joy to the lives of the aged and lonely. Many things have changed since 1958, when the Archdiocese of Philadelphia launched the Catholic Charities Appeal, but some things remain the same – 60 years later poverty, hunger, and homelessness still remain serious challenges in our community.”

For the 2018 appeal, the beneficiaries are grouped into five areas of ministry, including education; social services; evangelization, parish and spiritual life; clergy; and local mission activities. Each of the beneficiaries provide services and support to some of the most in need, at risk, and vulnerable segments of the population in the Philadelphia area from all walks of life and various faiths.

The press conference also featured remarks from the David Ripsom, CCA board president, Jim Amato, secretary for Catholic Human Services; Jim Logan, director of Saint FrancisSaint Joseph Homes for Children; and Kathleen Gould, principal of St. Katherine Day School.

The CCA is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s single most important annual fundraising initiative that supports tens of thousands of people through countless organizations and ministries, as well as all facets of the Church in Philadelphia.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Archbishop Charles Chaput, center, poses with students of the special needs schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Thursday during the launch of this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal. The event was held at St. Katherine Day School in Wynnewood, one...