Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been awarded National Accreditation for three of its senior community centers. This accredited is made possible by the National Institute for Senior Centers (NISC) through the National Council on Aging. Each center will celebrate with an award ceremony, which will include special food and fun activities. All are invited to attend.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Divine Worship will provide the Institute for Christian Initiation. The Institute has been a very helpful and successful formation and information experience for so many over the past several years.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Annual World Mission Sunday Mass. This Mass commemorates the vital work of mission churches throughout the world and the support extended to their efforts by the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate National School Lunch Week with a special day at Holy Cross School in the Mount Airy section of the city. On Wednesday, October 15th, students will receive nutrition puzzles, coloring sheets and stickers to remind them of the importance of eating healthy at school and at home. A proclamation celebrating National School Lunch Week will also be read at lunchtime in the school cafeteria.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today the continuation of the Parish Area Pastoral Planning Initiative with 14 parishes in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery Counties entering the process.

Since 1986, the former Saint Peter Claver Parish church building, located at 12th and Lombard Streets in Philadelphia, has been home to the Saint Peter Claver Center for Evangelization. For nearly 30 years, the Center has carried on the ministerial outreach of the former Saint Peter Claver Parish by serving the spiritual, pastoral, and temporal needs of black Catholics from across the Archdiocese through the celebration of the Holy Mass, the offering of retreats, and regular community service projects.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate its 9th Annual Hispanic Heritage Mass. Monsignor Jorge de los Santos, Vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, will be the main celebrant and homilist.