At a news conference on January 23rd, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the launch of the 2014 Catholic Charities Appeal. The theme of this year’s Appeal “Giving Hope,” reminds everyone that we are called to create hope by the love we bring to others.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. is proud to announce that the 2013 Appeal achieved its $10 million fundraising goal, and is encouraging the faithful within the Archdiocese to support the Appeal once again, setting a $10 million goal for 2014. In the last two years the number of donors to the appeal had nearly doubled from 37,000 in 2012 to over 70,000 in 2013.

The Catholic Charities Appeal funds the Catholic Social Services programs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including housing for the homeless, community food cupboards, after-school academic enrichment and recreational opportunities for young youth and family support services. Other beneficiaries include Catholic Special Education, mission parishes, retired and sick priests, cultural ministries, life, family and laity, and foundational activities.