The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Stewardship and Development has been awarded 1st Place by the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Diocese Stewardship Awards, in the Annual Brochure category, for its Because I am Catholic brochure. The award was presented at the ICSC Annual Conference in Chicago on September 18, 2012. "This recognition highlighted the creative and professional marketing materials for the Archdiocese's Catholic Charities Appeal this year," said Monsignor Beach, Archbishop's Delegate for the Office for Stewardship and Development.

The International Catholic Stewardship Council is an organization dedicated to advancing Christian stewardship, Catholic philanthropy and resource development in North America as well as overseas. Each year ICSC recognizes the archdiocese or diocese that best promotes through its publications and other materials the theology of stewardship.

The Catholic Charities Appeal funds the Catholic Social Services programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including senior centers, educational programs for disabled children, hospices and soup kitchens. The Appeal provides hope and gives help to over 250,000 people each year. One hundred percent of the money raised during the Appeal directly benefits those in need in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. To date, more than $9 million has been received towards this year's $10 million dollar goal. Despite the difficult economic times, the appeal has seen 18,000 new donors who had not previously donated to the appeal. The donor base has increased from 37,000 donors last year to over 55,000 donors this year. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Charities Appeal ends December 31, 2012.

Founded in 1958 by John Cardinal O'Hara, the Catholic Charities Appeal funds over 80 agencies throughout the five counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The services that the Archdiocese provides reflect a belief in the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the individual, and the central role of the family in life and society.

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Editor's Note: For more information on the Catholic Charities Appeal visit www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org or call the Office for Stewardship and Development at
(215) 587-5650.

To view the Catholic Charities Appeal Because I am Catholic brochure visit www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org/publications/.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747