The meal distribution also serves as an expression of solidarity with the efforts of the Universal Church in observing the 4th Annual World Day of the Poor which was celebrated worldwide on Sunday, November 15th.
Martha’s Choice Marketplace, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), in partnership with the Philadelphia Region of the Order of Malta – Federal Association, will hold a two-day drive-through Thanksgiving meal distribution for over 400 families in need. The distribution will kick off with a blessing of the food which includes a full Thanksgiving menu.
Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre, who oversees the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, will preside over the blessing. He will be joined by James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services; Patrick Walsh, Director of Programs at Martha’s Choice Marketplace; and Robert Macri, Philadelphia Regional Hospitaller for The Order of Malta. All will offer brief remarks.
Monday, November 23, 2020
10:00 a.m. (Blessing)
11:00 a.m. (Meal Distribution)
Martha’s Choice Marketplace
353 East Johnson Highway
Norristown, PA 19401
Dedicated staff from CSS and members of the Philadelphia Region of the Order of Malta will be on hand to aid in the distribution of the Thanksgiving meals. The distribution will take place in a socially-distanced fashion in accordance with guidelines from public health agencies. Families will also receive a Thanksgiving prayer card at the time of meal pick-up.
Martha’s Choice Marketplace is the largest, most visited food pantry in Montgomery County, located at CSS’ Montgomery County Family Service Center in Norristown. Martha’s Choice serves more than 1,000 families and 3,500 individuals each month with a dignified grocery shopping experience while distributing over 1 million pounds of food yearly.
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Editor’s Note: Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) offers community-based and residential programs and services to support men, women and children in need as an expression of the charitable works of our local Church throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about CSS programs that serve a wide variety of human needs, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
The Order of Malta is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church and one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. The Order remains true to its founding principles, summarized in the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum”: nurturing, witnessing, and protecting the faith; and serving the poor and the sick. Active in 120 countries, caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion.