Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Launches The 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal

This year’s Appeal will be a channel of hope for the most in need and vulnerable segments of the region’s population.

Today at a news conference, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. launched the 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal, the largest single fundraising initiative in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The theme of this year’s Appeal is “Giving Hope to All” and the goal is $12.5 million.

The announcement took place at Saint Katherine Day School in Wynnewood (Montgomery County), one of four Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education and a beneficiary of the Appeal.

The beneficiaries are grouped into five crucial areas of ministry: Education; Social Services; Evangelization, Parish and Spiritual Life; Clergy; and Local Mission Activities. In turn, these beneficiaries provide services and support to some of the most in need, at risk, and vulnerable segments of the population in the Philadelphia metropolitan area who come from all walks of life and various faith traditions.

Archbishop Chaput said, “I’m extremely grateful to those who have supported the Church’s mission to the poor. Each year, people of good will come forward with outstanding generosity and dedication to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate special needs children, and offer aid to so many others who are vulnerable. The 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal will be a channel of hope for tens of thousands of people and I encourage all those who care for their fellow human beings to give generously. Thank you and may God bless you all.”

 The 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal focused on an expanded vision, targeting virtually every aspect of Catholic life for enrichment and improvement. The Appeal, along with dedicated funding drives for select beneficiaries, raised over $10 million for the fourth consecutive year. Approximately  60,000 donors supported the appeal, providing help and creating hope for the elderly and disabled, the hungry and homeless, children and families in need, and persons with disabilities.

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Editor’s Note: For more information or to donate, please visit www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org or call Sarah O. Hanley, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at 215-587-5650.