WHAT: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will visit the 35th District of fallen Officer John Pawlowski at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2009 to begin a dedicated day of prayer and gratitude across all parish elementary and Archdiocesan high schools in the City of Philadelphia.

At the request of Cardinal Rigali, all Philadelphia Archdiocesan schools will stop classes at 2 p.m. to pray for Officer Pawlowski, the Pawlowski family and all Philadelphia Police Officers. Following the prayers, each student will write a letter or create a card to thank police officers and offer their prayers. 67 elementary and 11 secondary Archdiocesan schools in Philadelphia will participate and pray for the safety and fortitude of the men and women of the Philadelphia police department.

*Media are invited to the below schools to capture students participating in this citywide event.

WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, February 19, 2009

8:15 a.m. Cardinal Rigali to visit the 35th District (5960 Broad Street at Champlost Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141)

2:00 p.m. All Philadelphia Archdiocesan schools will pray and create cards for the Philadelphia Police Department. Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will lead the prayers at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish School (1248 Jackson St., Philadelphia, PA 19148).

Other possible coverage locations:
- St. Peter the Apostle Parish School (1009 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19131)
- St. Bridget Parish School (3636 Stanton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129)
- St. Helena Parish School (6101 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19120)
- St. George Parish School (2700 E. Venango St., Philadelphia, PA 19134)
- St. Bernard Parish School (7360 Jackson St., Philadelphia, PA 19136

WHO:
- Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia
- Kindergarten through 8th grade students
- School principals

KEY VISUALS:
- Cardinal Justin Rigali visiting with officers of the 35th District
- Bishop Joseph McFadden praying with the school community of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish School
- Students praying for the officers' safety and strength
- Students writing letters and creating cards to thank the police force
- Interviews with school principals and students

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747