CONNECTIONS CSS

VOL. 14, ISSUE 3 WINTER 2011 A NEWSLETTER OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES Notre Dame Mission Volunteers Give Year of Service

CSS initiated a new partnership this year with Notre Dame Volunteers come from all over the U.S. and bring Mission Volunteers (NDMV), which works with the impressive academic credentials and work experience. Corporation for National Community Service to place over Maryland native Melanie Weyant, a graduate of 300 recent college graduates in yearlong “Americorps” service Elizabethtown College, works at De LaSalle in Towne, part commitments with nonprofit community organizations. We of the St. Gabriel’s System. She wanted to work with a program that shared her compassion and desire to change lives: “I see the fruits of my labor every day in the clients I work with at De La Salle in Towne. I am so thankful to dedicate a year of my life helping adjudicated youth and learning about the Family Court system.” Wagner College graduate Sophie Fonner, from Washington, VT, serves at Guardian Angel Mother-Baby Residence within St. Vincent Homes. She has experience in international human rights issues, cultural diversity, and tutoring experience and has worked with survivors of domestic violence. “At Guardian Angel Home I am the (Continued on page 8)

IN THIS ISSUE

• Deacons — Ministers of Charity • “Don Guanella” canonized a Saint • CSS Employees of the Year • Women’s Auxiliary Honors Denise Clofine • Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children • Mercy Hospice Transitioning Ceremony • Servant Leadership: CSS Style are pleased to have seven NDMV Americorps members • St. Gabriel System honored by LaSalle University working in our agency this year, thanks to the efforts of • Around and About CSS Estela Reyes-Bugg, Administrator of Volunteers, Community • In Memoriam Relations, and Training. Estela welcomes the “talent, energy, • Mother Bachman Center Acknowledged in Congress creative input, compassion and vision” that these young people bring to the agency. Clinton Drees, the NDMV Philadelphia Site Director, feels the new partnership with CSS “has provided an opportunity to diversify our program and expand the range of individuals we serve. NDMV placed with CSS are benefitting from both enriching service to those in need, and developing their social consciousness.”

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES ● A DIVISION OF CATHOLIC HUMAN SERVICES ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA ● 222 N 17TH ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 PAGE 2 A Message from Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr. Secretary for Catholic Human Services While people of all ages take delight in of social circumstances and economic conditions beyond their this beautiful and joyous season of control, but not beyond our capacity to remedy through Christmas, it is a time that is works of charity on their behalf. That is what we do particularly special for children. We can throughout the five-county region for over 16,000 children all remember those special moments of and youth each year. Our Holy Father said recently that "A our early years when the anticipation of work of charity speaks of God, it announces a hope and induces us to ask Christmas grew with each questions. Such works passing day, heightened are born of the faith. by the appearance of They are works of the Christmas lights, Nativity Church, expressions of scenes, and holiday her concern for those decorations. Even as the who suffer most.” days grow darker and shorter, the faces of Consider the question of children light the way, as relatives at the birth of they write out their gift John the Baptist: 'What wish lists, bake cookies, will become of this child?' That question expresses and sing Christmas carols. The Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children assists CSS agencies for both hope and concern, It is a time tailor-made for children referenced below. If you would like to make a donation to the and could well be asked children, whose gleeful Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children please visit the website: as we behold the response to receiving and www.archbishopschristmasbenefit.org opening presents reminds wondrous potential of us what it means to be every child, especially filled with awe and wonder. those born into poor and unstable households. Our response to that question is visible in the corporal and spiritual works One of my favorite Christmas songs is “What Child is This?” of mercy carried out every day in places like St. Vincent which depicts the baby Jesus sleeping peacefully on his Homes, St. Francis-St. Joseph Homes for Children, Casa del mother Mary’s lap. That serene Nativity image took on new Carmen, St. Gabriel’s System, St. Edmonds Home for Children, meaning when I saw a contemporary painting of Mary with and 10 Out of School Time Programs — all supported by the her infant son as she flees the pursuit of Herod’s soldiers Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children. trying to find and kill him. The image strikingly portrays Mary’s eyes and posture with the fierce resolve of a mother As we again celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ among us, we determined to protect her child from danger. She was an give thanks to God for our benefactors and volunteers, as instrument of God’s providential care for His Son, who together we make a difference in the lives of our most would later “lay down his life as a ransom for the many.” treasured and precious resource – our children. A joyous Christmas season to you and yours. I think that Mary’s maternal role aptly describes the mission God has entrusted to us as CSS. Unfortunately, the joy and peace of Christmas that I described earlier is not a universal CSS CONNECTIONS BOARD experience shared by all children. Some suffer violence and • Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr., Secretary for Catholic Human Services abuse, others are neglected and abandoned, and still others • James Amato, Deputy Secretary for Catholic Social Services live in family situations so difficult that Christmas gifts are • Edward Lis, Director of Catholic Mission Integration foregone in favor of basic survival needs. Such tragic realities • Dave Reid, Editor are not only in far-off underdeveloped countries – they occur CSS Connections is published three times a year. Questions, ideas or comments may be directed to Dave Reid at 484.475.2463, or [email protected] right here in our own hometowns, amidst neighborhoods ‘just around the corner.’ These children are innocent victims Please visit us at: www.catholicsocialservicesphilly.org PAGE 3 Permanent Deacons — Ministers of Charity This is the next in a continuing series that features some of the clergy and While they are clergy, deacons have jobs, families and religious men and women who currently serve in Catholic Social Services. homes. As Deacon Joe notes, deacons are like “bridges In this edition, we feature one of our staff who belongs to between those two parts of the Church, with an ability to the first rank of the clergy, the Order of Deacons. Joe relate to the life experience of both priests and laity. We Lonergan has been an immigration lawyer with CSS for ten need to have one foot solidly placed in each world” with years, and is also a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of support and understanding of each, “in order to live with Philadelphia. Born in Highland Park, he attended St. Charles comfort and peace.” Seminary for four years before discerning that God was not Deacon Joe sees his legal work with immigrants as an calling him to be a priest. He graduated from LaSalle College extension of his diaconal ministry of charity. He has helped and was drafted by the U.S. Army, serving from 1969-71. those applying for political asylum from places like Albania, During that time he married wife Kathleen; they have two Liberia, and Indonesia, and assists people applying for sons. After discharge, Joe attended Temple Law School and “green cards” to establish legal residence here. A lot of his worked at a law firm and private practice for nearly 30 time is spent in “family reunification” helping people to years. He joined CSS Immigration Services in 2001 for bring their relatives here, or keep a family started here “more rewarding work with people in real need.” together. For those who might ask why the Church is Teaching CCD classes in his parish, Mary Mother of the involved in this work, Deacon Joe references Leviticus 19, Redeemer, led to taking courses at St. Charles Seminary which “exhorts God’s people to take care of aliens in your again. By year’s end, he felt God calling him to be a deacon, land, because you once were aliens in land of Egypt; you shall and a priest friend encouraged him to pursue it. Ordained in love them as yourself. That line is very telling where 90% of 2006 and stationed at his home parish, he preaches and serves at mass, teaches children in religious prep and adults in the RCIA, and coordinates the Pre-Cana program for engaged couples. The wife of a married deacon candidate assents to and participated in the formation process. It is common to hear the phrase “deacon couples” because of the essential support and active involvement of wives in their husbands’ diaconal ministry.” Fraternity with fellow deacons is also extremely important, as Deacon Joe notes: “There is a rich fellowship among us as deacons, which helps us to carry out our ministry effectively. We are a true community of deacons.” Deacons have a threefold ministry of Sacrament, Word, and Charity. They serve at Mass, assisting at the altar during celebration of the Eucharist. They proclaim the Gospel and preach homilies. They perform baptisms of children, lead us who once were alien in this country. Immigrants today wake services and graveside committals, preside at are asking no more than what our ancestors got when they Benediction and Liturgy of the Hours, and bless people and came here: the opportunity to live and work here, make a religious articles. In Philadelphia, deacons can preside at the home and care for their families, and contribute to society.” weddings of their own lineal descendants. On average they When serving people in the parish or in his work at CSS, serve 10-12 hours a week, more at busy times like Advent/ Deacon Joe takes great joy in building a better, more stable Christmas or Lent/Easter. Most serve in their own parish, future for individuals and their families. but some are assigned to other parishes or to diocesan ministries. Ordained for the diocese, a deacon promises Over sixty men currently preparing to become permanent obedience to the local bishop, but if life circumstances deacons will participate in a “Ministry of Charity” internship at require a move elsewhere, he must petition the bishop of Catholic Human Services sites throughout the region starting in summer 2012. For more information, contact Deacon James that diocese for permission to serve there. Owens at 610-664-2213, or email [email protected] PAGE 4 Pope Benedict XVI canonizes Don Luigi Guanella

Representatives from Don Guanella Village in Springfield Father Guanella was an Italian priest from Northern Italy witnessed the canonization of Saint Luigi Guanella in Rome who lived from 1842-1915. He made it his mission in life to on October 23. Canonization events took place over a four- care for the poorest of the poor, especially persons with day weekend and included an outdoor evening concert at St. intellectual developmental disabilities and the frail elderly. Joseph at Trionfale in Rome, a prayer vigil at St. Paul He started two religious congregations: the Daughters of St. Outside the Walls, the canonization in St. Peter’s Square at Mary of Providence in 1883 and the Servants of Charity in the Vatican and a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Peter’s 1908. His houses and religious institutes are in 22 countries Basilica with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Father Dennis throughout the world. Locally, the Servants of Charity Weber, SdC, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission serve in the Developmental Programs division of CSS. Integration for the Developmental Programs division of CSS, Father Guanella was Beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1964, and noted: “one of the best things about being in the Eternal following a confirmation of a miracle performed through City is being united with pilgrims from across the world as his intercession in 2002, he was raised to the honors of members of one family who share a great love for God.” Sainthood on October 23, 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.

canonization of St. Guanella at St. Pius X Church, Broomall. In his homily, the Archbishop noted that the Archdiocese was privileged to be the place where Saint Guanella's miracle occurred and noted that Guanella was a contemporary and friend of the parish patronal saint. Saints, he noted, "often grow up together, they come in bunches. The easiest way to become a saint is to have a friend who is a saint." The miracle that qualified Don Guanella for sainthood involved Delaware County resident William Glisson Jr., who recovered from severe brain injuries suffered in a 2002 roller-blading accident in Springfield. Father Dennis is quick to note that other miracles, although undocumented, happen in Don Guanella's name all the time and that the Locally, on Sunday, November 27, Archbishop Charles residents of the facilities of the Developmental Programs Chaput celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for the division are a “living presence” of Saint Luigi Guanella. PAGE 5 CSS Divisions Honor Employees of the Year

Each year, the Housing and Homeless and Community-Based the center has Services divisions honor their Employees of the Year. Known become a for the quality and integrity of their work, they demonstrate beacon of hope exceptional skills and creativity in support of clients, co- and a safe haven workers, and the agency’s mission. for hundreds of Elaine Nelson, hired as a Kitchen Assistant at Mercy Hospice families. Her in 1998, did not learn that Mercy Hospice was part of CSS until Strengthening orientation. That connection convinced her she belonged, Families because for four years CSS had helped Elaine provide a nice Program is a Christmas for her own children. Soon promoted to Food model that other sites seek to emulate. Lola says that “the Services Manager, Elaine’s love for her job is obvious in her relationships you build with families and the community wide smile and exuberant manner of embracing staff, determine the success of your programs.” Her twenty-seven years volunteers, residents and especially day guests whom she serving families and building community are an inspiration to all fondly refers to as her “queens.” Having known hard times of what it truly means to serve others. personally, Elaine understands and empathizes with the women Barbara Jo Hartzell has served thousands of seniors over 24 years she serves. While preparing wonderful food for them, she also working for CSS. She began in Parish Social Ministry, and then feeds their spirits with her genuine affection. Elaine’s moved into serving the 5-county area in Senior Adult Services. In consistently positive attitude and dedication to the mission of 1991, Barbara Jo became Coordinator of St. Anne's Senior CSS is evident in the quality of her work with the women and Center, where she is known for her warm heart and welcoming children of Mercy Hospice. ways. Seniors are drawn to the homelike atmosphere and safety Lola DeCarlo-Coles began her career with CSS 27 years ago as created by Barbara Jo and her team, as no one falls through the a Parish Social Minister at St. Ignatius Parish in West cracks on her watch. A mentor to colleagues who regularly turn Philadelphia. She dedicated herself to the needs of this to her for guidance and support, she is never too busy to lend a community, starting a food cupboard, daycare, school lunch hand, sharing her time and talent with others. She cares for program and Thanksgiving meal distribution, all of which seniors, especially the most aged and fragile, with style and grace, continue today. As Assistant Administrator of the Southwest as the preservation of their dignity is paramount to her. The Philadelphia Family Service Center, she manages programs that seniors and those who work with her are grateful for her mirror those she developed years ago. Under her leadership, dedication, selflessness, generosity, and kindness. Women’s Auxiliary Honors Denise Clofine

The residents, families, religious, and staff of Catholic Social compassionate care” of special needs Services Developmental Programs Division congratulate friend children since its beginnings nearly a and colleague Denise Clofine on being honored at the 72nd century ago. Denise’s commitment to Annual Cup Day Event, sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary the core values of Compassion, of St. Edmond’s Home for Children. “The best way to find Charity, Dignity, Justice, and yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Division Excellence have defined the good work Director Mark Fitzgerald cited these words of Mahatma being done every day at St. Edmond’s Gandhi as being exemplified in “the special commitment that Home in partnership with the Denise has to the children of St. Edmond’s Home, but also Women’s Auxiliary that has been represents her challenge to and support for the staff that have integrally connected to that work for made St. Edmond’s universally known for its quality and so many fruitful years. “I am very humbled and honored, and deeply appreciative of the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Edmond’s Home for their unwavering commitment, on-going support and great sacrifice of time and energy. I am proud of the team spirit, hard work, loyalty and personal sacrifices of the St. Edmond’s Home team made this recognition possible!” PAGE 6

Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children

The faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have a strong tradition of safeguarding the most vulnerable members in the community: our children. Children suffering from poverty, neglect, illness, disability, and violence in their Benefit Chairperson Jackie Delaney and homes and community have long been a focus CSS Community-Based Services Director Amy Stoner enjoy a special moment at the of the care and concern of our Catholic annual party with a few children who community. Archbishop Charles Chaput and represent thousands more served every day his predecessors entrust this important work to throughout the region. Catholic Social Services (CSS), which served over 16,000 children last year. The Archbishop's Christmas Benefit is an annual fundraising event which supports those efforts. It is also an afternoon of fun for more than 400 children from various CSS programs who attend a party hosted by the Archbishop.

To make a donation to the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children please use PAGE 7

CSS serves children and youth in the community through programs offered during out of school time hours when they need a safe environment to participate in fun and stimulating activities. Programs for school age children and adolescents are based at CSS Family Service Centers, Catholic Elementary Schools and Community Centers. CSS serves the very young at the Casa del Carmen Pre School Academy, and high school students through its Work Ready program at the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center. Children at risk for abuse and neglect are served through foster care and in-home support services. Family Service Centers assist new mothers and families with young children through its Strengthening Families Program. Residential programs of St. Francis -St. Joseph Home for Children, St. Vincent’s Homes, and St. Gabriel’s System, serve youth with unique needs and challenging circumstances.

This year your support for these corporal works of mercy is more crucial than ever. The Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children is a wonderful and symbolic way during this most holy season of giving to demonstrate your support for those works of CSS that benefit children. Together we can provide help and create hope for children of all races and creeds who are in need of compassionate care and support. the enclosed envelope or visit the website: www.archbishopschristmasbenefit.org PAGE 8 Notre Dame Mission Volunteers

(Continued from page 1) New York native Courtney Costello, a graduate of SUNY, social worker for 4 teenage mothers and their babies, and an works at the OST Program at St. Malachy School. She saw this expecting mom. I now better understand how to connect work as a great opportunity to be able to provide children in people and services to work collaboratively in schools, need with support and help: “In the OST Program we spend DHS, and the courts. It has been a challenging time focusing on education and helping with homework, but yet wonderful, creative, and supportive experience.” also have time for fun. It is rewarding to know that the children feel safe and happy to be here in the OST Program Pennsylvania native Megan Burke serves in the OST and that I am part of that." Program at Holy Innocents School. She earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University Pennsylvania native Brian Schmidt earned a B.A. from of Northern Colorado. She has worked with children of Susquehanna University and serves at St. Francis-St. Joseph various abilities and has training in child care and youth Homes for Children. He admits that this has been the most development. She wanted to work in a school setting, and challenging job he can imagine, yet also the most rewarding says the biggest challenge is “dealing with all the moods that position he could ever take on: “The times I’ve been on the kids have and helping them do work that I learned back in verge of insanity working with these students are worth it, elementary school! The biggest reward has been seeing my when they learn to use the Pythagorean Theorem or recall students succeed.” the reason for Napoleon’s downfall. It’s really the little victories that count.” Laura Chance, a graduate of her homestate University of Georgia is serving in the Out of School Time (OST) Program Kali Avans works in the OST Program at Mary Mother of at St. Martin de Porres School. She has ample experience as Peace School. A homegrown product of Philadelphia, he is a an editorial assistant writing and editing art gallery reviews graduate Dickinson College. Being an officer in his college and editorials. Laura has been getting to know the fraternity and a supervisor of student workers gave him solid community where she serves, and enjoys meeting the range leadership development experience. He chose to join of academic needs of children from Kindergarten to 5th NDMV with CSS because he benefitted as a youth from grade: “I learn something from them everyday. Beyond volunteer services and wanted to give back to his local tutoring in reading and arithmetic, I try to challenge them community. “I learn as much from the children as they learn to broaden their thinking about community service and from me. I have noticed how much of a big kid I really am at enrichment.” heart, so I really have to balance work and play when I am with the kids.” Mercy Hospice Transitioning Ceremony

In late October Mercy Hospice gathered two dozen women of life, helping us to change our way and their families who successfully transitioned from of thinking; we really wanted to do all homelessness and substance abuse to recovery and a return the things we needed to do to get well to living in the community. Their stories are many, but all again.” Camille is now living on her share a common turning point: living at Mercy. own, and working toward a degree in the behavioral health field. She is Former resident Camille Turner had come from drug rehab grateful for the unfailing support of to Mercy Hospice in July 2009, where she lived for 18 her family, particularly her sister and months, and says without hesitation that “It was the best brother-in-law who accompanied her thing that could have happened to me.” She found the staff on this special day. And she ever supportive in helping her to get the most out of every acknowledges divine assistance resource offered to her. After 30 years of heavy drinking through it all: “God was with me the and doing drugs, she was willing to do anything to stay whole time, watching over me during those years that I was sober and faithful to her recovery. She found everyone at getting high. God brought me out of the darkness into new Mercy Hospice so giving of themselves: “they watch over life. At Mercy, I saw that God was by my side.” the women, and try to lead and guide us into the right way PAGE 5 Servant Leadership: CSS Style

On October 12th, St. Francis-St. Joseph Homes for Children held a Day of Community Service. Eighty-three clients from all eight group homes chose from a variety of service experiences: serving lunch at St. John’s Hospice, visiting the elderly at St. Anne’s Senior Center, packing food for the needy at churches in Bensalem and North Philadelphia, writing letters to inmates at Graterford Prison, and walking dogs at a local kennel. They gathered at day’s end for a pizza party to share the day’s experiences.

In late August, seven students from Cabrini College visited the CSS Family Service Center in Norristown, Montgomery County as of Cabrini’s Service, Spirit and Solidarity Program for incoming freshman. Students learned about the mission and work of CSS, and then packed 120 backpacks with school supplies to be distributed to for children of needy families participating in one of 4 weekly parenting groups held at the Service Center.

Men and women of the Community Outreach Program (COP) for developmentally disabled adults in the community collaborated with Nutritional Development Services (NDS) in a community service project to collect peanut butter and jelly for the NDS Community Food Program. COP members designed the announcement, collected the “PB&J” and prepared and sent thank you notes to all donors. On November 8, a local TV station came to Don Guanella Village to tell the story about this “labor of love” by COP members and NDS.

The seniors of “Forever Young Senior Drop-In Center” at Delaware County Family Service Center of Springfield held a “Care Package Collection” to benefit our troops overseas. Donated items were delivered to Herbert Best VFW Post #928 in Folsom to be packaged and shipped. VFW members were most appreciative of the effort and donations.

The Day Program staff at the Cardinal Krol Center at Don Guanella Village run annual spring bingo games. Thanks to the staff’s fund-raising efforts and donations from the family of Sean Casey, a para- traisit waiting area and a weather resistant gazebo were installed outside the Work Activity Center. Receipts from the 2012 spring bingo games are earmarked for construction of a greenhouse that will be adjacent to the Cardinal Krol Center’s Aging Adult Day Program.

Star Harbor Senior Center’s Thanksgiving Food Drive again helped local seniors and families with donations that included turkeys and all the fixings. The Star Harbor Christmas Toy drive asked members to bring a gift wrapped for a boy or girl, which were then donated to St. Barnabas Mission homeless shelter for families. The generosity of Star Harbor members made a happy holiday season for those who might otherwise have done without.

Five students from St. Joseph’s University visited Mercy Hospice as their school year began, part of the university’s Philadelphia Service Immersion Program. They provided a three full days of service organizing donations, working in the kitchen, and serving lunch to the day guests. PAGE 10 LaSalle University Bestows Prestigious Award on St. Gabriel’s System

The Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith) Medal, LaSalle University perform miracles... by touching the hearts of children,” which Alumni Association's highest honor, recognizes she sees evident in the hundreds of at-risk youth each year achievements in harmony with the established aims of La who receive the supportive care and tools that pave the way Salle University and the objectives of the Brothers of the for real transformation in mind, heart and soul. The second Christian Schools. Past recipients of this prestigious award is prominently displayed in all LaSallian educational include Denis Cardinal institutions: “Enter to learn, leave to serve,” which Harper- Briglia identifies with the Dougherty, Bishop Fulton Sheen, R. Sargent Shriver, remarkable outcomes that Senator Eugene McCarthy, the system has achieved Sister Mary Scullion RSM, for over 100 years in Reggie White, Molly Kelly, preparing young men with and Brother Patrick Ellis the competencies and FSC. This year La Salle’s confidence to become Alumni Board of Directors responsible, productive, bestowed this distinct honor and giving members of the upon St. Gabriel’s System, community. The third recognizing the dedicated phrase represents the core faculty and staff – many of mission of St. Gabriel’s them La Salle alumni – who System mission: “serve the are entrusted with the care least, the last and the lost,” of young people in the which is perhaps best system’s residential and summarized by St. educational programs. The Gabriel’s System Director Joe Lavoritano: “We help selection committee, The Signum Fidei Medal is accorded to an organization that has made comprised of six LaSalle them re-imagine their noteworthy contributions to the advancement of humanitarian tomorrow.” alumni, cited the positive principles in keeping with the Judaeo-Christian tradition. impact of the St. Gabriel’s The St. Gabriel's System is a division of Catholic Social System on court-adjudicated youth, enabling them to Services, and is operated with the continuing inspirational become responsible, competent, productive members of the influence and services of the De LaSalle Christian Brothers. community. Many staff have voluntarily participated in a rigorous three- Ms. Beth Harper Briglia (‘80), Vice President of the Alumni year formation program that enables them to carry on this Association, presented the award to Mr. James Logan, ministry in fidelity to the LaSallian charism and values. Director of De LaSalle Vocational School, an academic day treatment program within St. Gabriel’s System. Logan “As LaSallian family members we share the same mission of received the award on behalf of his colleagues throughout ‘providing a human and Christian education to the young, the system, which also includes Brother Rousseau Academy, especially the poor.’ [We] consider ourselves privileged to … De LaSalle In-Towne, St. Gabriel’s Hall, the Mitchell build relationships with young people who have made some Program, Reintegration Services, and other community- serious mistakes… and help them see the greatness God has based counseling programs. bestowed in them, as he has in all of us, and use that greatness for the betterment of themselves and their families, their Ms. Harper Briglia noted three phrases of St. John Baptist communities, and the larger world in which we live.” de La Salle that exemplify the efforts and achievements Jim Logan, Director, DeLaSalle Vocational which make St. Gabriel’s System deserving of the Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith) Medal. The first is “You too, can PAGE 11

A ROUND AND ABOUT CSS • Each November the Archdiocesan Senior Citizens Council (ASCC) holds a memorial service to remember those members who have died over the past year. On November 11, 2011 fifteen members of the ASCC Executive Board gathered for a tour of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by 12:05 p.m. Mass. After the liturgy, the group enjoyed a catered luncheon at the Holy Family Center, during which they held a prayer service that included remembering each deceased board member by name. For one Delaware County attendee, the event held special meaning. When his own brother’s name was For more information on independent senior read during the service, he was visibly touched. As he was leaving clubs near you, contact Paula Harvey at to return home, he said to all, “Thank you for remembering my (215) 854-7075 or [email protected] brother.” The ASCC is an advisory body that oversees the network of over 120 independent senior clubs of the Archdiocese across the five-county area. The council is coordinated and mentored by CSS.

• De LaSalle Vocational has created a job readiness program providing students with paid internships with employers in the community. The program seeks local businesses to become partners with “DelVoc” (as it is commonlyl known) by providing real work experience for students, while the salaries of the students are paid by the program. DelVoc has also implemented community service projects with Variety Charities, Philadelphia Water Works Interpretive Center, and the House of Umoja. These projects encourage students to take ownership of their responsibility to give back tot their communities. On October 7 2011, DelVoc held an open house event that featured exhibits of job readiness program internship experiences, community service project descriptions, and the introduction of a new program Advisory Board. Notable attendees included Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, State Rep.Mark B. Cohen, and State Rep. Tony Payton.

• The Flyers Fan Club has once again this year reached out to bless a a young girl who is a student at Bishop McDevitt High School who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. The girl's mother has unable to work since the diagnosis due to daily transporting her daughter for treatment three times a week at Children's Hospital. Maureen Fisher, an employee at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center and avid Flyer fan, sought out someone that the club could assist financially during the holidays, and CSS School Social Work Supervisor Kathy Bevenour put them in contact with this family. The holidays were a little bit brighter as a result. In Memoriam Morris Robinson, Jr. was Saint John’s Hospice (SJH) maintenance man and “jack-of-all-trades” from October 2001 until his sudden passing on November 14, 2011. A rock of stability for the men of SJH, he displayed great respect for their dignity. He could fix anything, talented yet humble, and very loyal to and protective of his coworkers, who enjoyed his playful, kind spirit and larger-than-life attitude. A man of heart with a beautiful smile, Morris always had a story to tell and was fun to be around. Always willing to come in or even stay the night during an emergency, he was well loved and deeply missed. Matt Smyth worked as a counselor at Camp Rainbow, a Summer Program at St. Edmond’s Home for Children (SEHC), for seven years. He developed special relationships with the children, sharing endless stories about family, friends, school, and sports. This past summer he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and lost his battle on October 15 at the age of 23. Matt’s undying optimism, responsibility and leadership, and his unending gift of friendship were a great source of inspiration to both the staff and children of SEHC. While they may have lost a friend here on earth, they have gained another guardian angel. The message of Christmas makes us recognize the darkness of a closed world, and thereby no doubt illustrates a reality that we see daily. Yet it also tells us that God does not allow himself to be shut out. He finds a space, even if it means entering through the stable; there are people who see his light and pass it on. Pope Benedict XVI 25 December 2007

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION CONNECTIONS CSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 138 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES PHILADELPHIA PA A RCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA 222 NORTH 17TH STREET P HILADELPHIA, PA 19103

484.475.2463 FAX: 610.338.0625

www.catholicsocialservicesphilly.org

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Floor and entered into the Congressional Record on on Record Congressional the into entered and Floor search assistance. Autumn Perlstein is a a is Perlstein Autumn assistance. search

pay.” His statement was delivered on the Congressional Congressional the on delivered was statement His pay.” counseling, parenting skills, and job job and skills, parenting counseling,

with the healthcare they need need they healthcare the with regardless of their ability to to ability their of regardless needed, and referred for financial financial for referred and needed,

two decades of “providing “providing of decades two the women of Bucks County County Bucks of women the are offered emergency housing when when housing emergency offered are

Anniversary, honoring its its honoring Anniversary, Center on the occasion of its 20 its of occasion the on Center first months following birth. Women Women birth. following months first

th

formally recognized the Mother Bachmann Maternity Maternity Bachmann Mother the recognized formally throughout the pregnancy and in the the in and pregnancy the throughout

Congressman Michael G. Fitz G. Michael Congressman patrick (R, Bucks County) County) Bucks (R, patrick management and supportive services services supportive and management

Mother Bachman Maternity Center Recognition Recognition Center Maternity Bachman Mother

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