December 10, 2008
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 53rd annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children for approximately 400 children who received services from community or residential agencies of Catholic Social Services this year. The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, is expected to attend. The party begins with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.
Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel
17th Street between Vine and Race Streets, Philadelphia
2:15 p.m. - Cardinal Rigali finishes greeting children and poses for photos with high school student volunteers.
2:35 p.m. -- Parade of marching bands, clowns, jugglers enters ballroom.
3:00 p.m. -- Santa's arrival and gift distribution.
Cardinal Rigali will speak to the children after the parade. There will be a musical presentation at 2:50 p.m. by students from the West Catholic High School String Ensemble and the All-Catholic Jazz Band to welcome Santa Claus at 3:00 p.m. Students from John W. Hallahan High School and Roman Catholic High School will assist Santa with distribution of gifts to all of the children. The Drum Lines from Archbishop Ryan, Archbishop Wood and Cardinal O'Hara also will perform.
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 137,000 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 Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel will generously provide its services for this event. Mrs. Jacqueline Delaney is the event chairperson. Deacon John Hunter, Director for Development and BLOCS for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is the event coordinator. Students from Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese will provide the entertainment.
Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director for Communications
215-587-3747