Archdiocese of Philadelphia Plans Prayer and Celebration for July 30


Casa del Carmen, an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will celebrate 50 years of service to the community on

Friday, July 30, 2004
2 p.m. until 4 p.m
4400 North Reese Street
Philadelphia

The anniversary observance will begin with a bilingual prayer service led by the Rev. Joseph Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, followed by remarks from community leaders, a reception and musical performances.

Founded in 1954 by His Eminence John Cardinal O'Hara, Casa del Carmen is a family service center operated by Catholic Social Services. It was created to support the transitional needs of the growing Hispanic population, primarily from Puerto Rico, in the early 1950s. The agency has grown as the Hispanic community has grown, also serving the needs of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Of the approximately 183,000 Hispanics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, nearly 75 percent are Catholic.

The Reese Street address has been the Casa del Carmen location since 1989. Casa del Carmen provides direct services to more than 5,000 people each year, including assistance with short-term emergency needs, translation services and language instruction, referral and access to social services, pre- and post-natal care and education, counseling, services to senior citizens, and health and daycare services for children.

W. Giovanni Morante serves as administrator for Casa del Carmen.

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Note: W. Giovanni Morante can be reached at 215/329-5660 for additional information about the events of July 30 or Casa del Carmen.

Contact
Marcia Carle
Broadcast/Media Specialist
215-587-3747