Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 48th annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 children of different races, ages and religions. All of the children who attend the party are served through various programs of Catholic Social Services. Catholic Social Services is the largest non-profit social service agency in Pennsylvania. The party begins with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003
2:15 p.m.
Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel
17th Street between Vine and Race Streets
Philadelphia

A parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers will enter the ballroom at exactly 2:30 p.m. The Cardinal will speak to the children after the parade as will Reverend Monsignor Timothy Senior, Secretary for Catholic Human Services. There will be a short play at 2:50 p.m. and Santa Claus will arrive at 3:00 p.m. to distribute gifts.

The Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children not only provides entertainment and presents for the children, it also raises funds to support Catholic Social Services programs throughout the year. Catholic Social Services assists more than 140,000 children, adults and families throughout the five-county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties).

As in past years, the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel will generously provide its services for this event. Mr. Daniel H. Polett, owner and president of Wilkie Chevrolet Buick Subaru, is the event chairperson for the tenth year. Students from Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese will provide the entertainment.

Contact
Marie Kelly
Associate Director
215-587-3747