Posted June 27, 2013

St. John’s Hospice, which opened its doors Sept. 7, 1963 to serve the needs of homeless and hungry men in the city of Philadelphia, will celebrate 50 years of service with an anniversary gala to raise funds in support of its mission.

The celebration will be Sunday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street in Philadelphia.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput will join other distinguished guests, staff, volunteers and benefactors. All guests will enjoy entertainment provided by Joe Conklin and the Greaseband, along with food, drink, auctions and raffles.

St. John’s Hospice provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling to adult homeless men, and prides itself as a community grounded in faith and service, where homeless persons can find dignity, respect, nourishment and opportunities for new beginnings.

The agency of the Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers a daily lunch program serving an average of 350 men each day. Showers, clothing, personal hygiene articles and mail service are also offered to those in need. The facility includes a 52-bed shelter for homeless men, including 12 beds specifically for those men in fragile medical condition.

Major funding for services comes from private donations. Visit the website of St. John’s Hospice to learn more about the facility, to register to attend the gala or to become a sponsor for it.