The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics along with other Archdiocesan offices is responding to the call for prayers and financial support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Office for Black Catholics will offer several opportunities for area faithful to help.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist for the Mass celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Saint Peter Claver Center for Evangelization. During the Mass, special prayers will be offered and a collection will be taken for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Friday, September 9, 2005
Mass - 7:00 p.m.
Saint Peter Claver Center for Evangelization
12th and Lombard Streets
Philadelphia


In addition, the Office for Black Catholics will hold a benefit concert for hurricane victims. It will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Raymond Church on Vernon Road & Williams Avenue in Philadelphia, Friday, September 23, 2005. The concert will feature various choirs from the Black Catholic Community. At this concert a collection will be taken. All donations will be forwarded to hurricane victims through Catholic Charities USA.

2005 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Office for Black Catholics. Information will be available at a later date regarding a Jubilee Reception to be held in November.

Note: The Office for Black Catholics requests special prayers for all victims, and especially for the students and faculty of Xavier Prep and Xavier University and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel of Philadelphia.

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Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747