Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 50th annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 children of different races, ages and religions. All the children who attend the party received services from agencies of Catholic Social Services this year. Catholic Social Services is the largest private, non-profit social service agency in Pennsylvania. The party begins with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.

Thursday, December 15, 2005
Wyndham Philadelphia Hotel
17th Street between Vine and Race Streets
Philadelphia

1:00 -- Cardinal Rigali will greet children in hotel lobby

2:15 p.m. -- Cardinal will greet high school volunteers in foyer of Grand Ballroom

2:30 p.m. -- Parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers enters ballroom

Cardinal Rigali will speak to the children after the parade as will Reverend Monsignor Joseph Tracy, 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 programs of Catholic Social Services throughout the year. Catholic Social Services assists more than 143,000 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 Philadelphia 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 twelfth year. Deacon John Hunter, president of J.E. Caldwell & Co. Jewelers, is the event coordinator. Hundreds of students from Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese will provide the entertainment.

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Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747