These children and youth represent thousands of young people across the Greater Philadelphia region who benefit annually from community-based and residential programs offered by CSS.
Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will host the 64th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party benefitting nearly 500 children and youth in grades Pre-K through five. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!”
The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party will kick off with a live Nativity scene on the front steps of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) featuring students from Saint Raymond of Peñafort School (Philadelphia). Highlights include live animals, a performance by the Divina Uncion Choir, and a Las Posadas presentation commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the Savior.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Following the live Nativity scene, the celebration will officially kick off at the Philadelphia 201 hotel located directly across from the APC. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will greet the children and join in on the festivities. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish (Philadelphia), will serve as the emcee for the event.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Philadelphia 201 Hotel
17th Street between Race and Vine Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Children and youth will enjoy an afternoon filled with performances, sing-a-longs, snacks, and more. In addition, children will be treated to a surprise visit from Santa who will distribute gifts to all in attendance. Student volunteers from Archdiocesan High Schools throughout the five-county region will serve as Santa’s elves.
The event will be streamed live from Archbishop Chaput’s Facebook page as well as the Catholic Social Services Facebook page.
The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children (ABC) is a year-round fundraising effort that provides necessary support to help ensure the vitality of CSS’ youth programs for children and families of all faiths throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These programs provide help and create hope for thousands of children each year, including children with disabilities, at-risk children, and dependent or court-adjudicated youth. All children in need are served regardless of background and faith.
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Editor’s Note: For more information or to make a donation in support of the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children, please visit https://archbishopsbenefitforchildren.org/.
Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia 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/.
