Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) is hosting a welcome luncheon for newly arrived individuals and families through its Afghan Placement and Assistance Program.

Around 125 guests will be in attendance including approximately 75 Afghan evacuees as well as program supporters, staff, and volunteers.

Saturday, March 19, 2022
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saint John Chrysostom Parish
617 South Providence Road
 Wallingford, PA 19086    

Highlights of the event will include traditional Afghani and Mediterranean food, American and Afghani music, a poetry reading, and testimonials from participants in CSS’ Afghan Placement and Assistance Program. Reverend Edward J. Hallinan, Pastor of Saint John Chrysostom Parish, will offer the invocation and blessing. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish (Philadelphia), will serve as the event Emcee.

Since December 2021, CSS has welcomed a total of 108 Afghan evacuees through its Afghan Placement and Assistance Program. This number includes 14 Afghan families, a mother with newborn twins, and an expecting mother.                

Through a partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), CSS is helping Afghan evacuees acclimate and establish a new life in the United States of America by providing pre-arrival and reception services; basic needs support; cultural orientation; language services; finding safe housing; employment; health care; and case management services.

CSS is also collaborating with local and national agencies such as HIAS and the Nationalities Services Center (NSC) which have extensive experience providing humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees and immigrants.

# # #

Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.

For more information on the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, please visit https://welcomethenewcomer.org/.