Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host the 46TH annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for approximately 400 children of different races, ages and creeds. All of the children who attend the party are served through various programs of Catholic Social Services. The party will begin with a colorful parade, followed by presents and entertainment.

Wednesday, December 19, 2001
2:30 p.m.
Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel
17th Street between Vine and Race Streets
Philadelphia

Cardinal Bevilacqua will lead a parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers into the ballroom at 2:30 p.m. There will be a short play at 2:50 p.m. After the parade, all of the children will sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Santa Claus will arrive at 3:00 p.m. to distribute gifts.

The Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children raises funds to support the programs of Catholic Social Services, which is the largest private non-profit social service agency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2000, donations totaled $209,000. Catholic Social Services assists more than 135,000 children, adults and families throughout the five-county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The entertainment will be provided by students from Roman Catholic High School for Boys, Bishop Shanahan High School, Archbishop Ryan high School, Archbishop John Carroll High School, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Archbishop Wood Catholic High School and Saint Joseph's Preparatory School.

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Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747