Ministries Funded

The Catholic Charities Appeal is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s single most important fundraising initiative. The 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal: GIVING HOPE continues to build on last year’s success and reach out to the entire Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

One-third of the Philadelphia population lives below the poverty level. CSS helps meet the material and emotional needs of the poorest and most vulnerable among us. Your support for the Catholic Charities Appeal enabled us to distribute $4.8 million to help provide clothing, a hot meal, a safe place to sleep and more to those least among us.

The Community Food Program of Nutritional Development Services serves as a vehicle for parishes, schools, businesses and other community organizations to provide food for the hungry. Over 850,000 pounds of food was collected last year and distributed to a network of 40 area food cupboards located in parishes and Catholic Social Services facilities.

CATHOLIC SPECIAL EDUCATION 

The Catholic Charities Appeal supports Special Education so that families of special needs children can find a Catholic school education they can trust. Achieving our goal enabled us to support them with $1.1 million. Through the Office of Catholic Education and its four schools of special education – St. Lucy Day School for Children with Visual Impairments, St. Katherine Day School, Our Lady of Confidence Day School and Archbishop Ryan School for the Deaf – special needs students receive specifically designed instruction that includes supplementary aids and services in the least restrictive environment, as well as the full benefits of a Catholic education. No other schools offer this.

SKILLED CARE FOR RETIRED AND SICK PRIESTS 

Many elderly priests who have given their lives in service to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia now have health issues, physical disabilities and are in need of care and support. In 2014, the Catholic Charities Appeal provided $1.3 million of support.

MISSION PARISHES 

Some parishes in underserved areas of the Archdiocese cannot provide vital programs such as food banks, family assistance, health services and senior services. The Church must remain in these areas where need is often the greatest. As their main benefactor, the Catholic Charities Appeal has been able to support them in 2014 with $1 million.

LIFE, FAMILY AND LAITY 

The Office for Life and Family offers pastoral and sacramental guidance. Achieving our 2014 goal meant that the Catholic Charities Appeal could provide $300,000 to support their vital work

CULTURAL MINISTRIES 

Philadelphia has long been a destination for immigrants from around the world. The largest percentage of immigrants to the Philadelphia area is from Asia, and the fastest growing immigrant community is from Latin America. These are Catholics living in a new place, making Philadelphia their home. To help make sure that these growing Catholic communities have a home in which to worship and thrive, the 2014 Catholic Charities Appeal made a $400,000 distribution to The Office of Cultural Ministries.

FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES 

The Catholic Charities Appeal provided $1.1 million for Foundation Activities. These efforts help the Faithful grow in their love of the Lord, understand their gifts and talents, and encourages them to participate and give back to the Church.