Posted October 18, 2018

A few hundred area families are all set to welcome their newest members, thanks to an Oct. 13 community baby shower sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services (CSS) and hosted by St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia.

The gathering was CSS’s second parish-based shower this year. Last year, CSS assisted more than 5,000 expectant mothers, a number the agency is looking to double, according to Amy Stoner, CSS’s community-based services director.

(Photos by Gina Christian.)

  • Shelby Walker and her daughter Nia attend a presentation at an Oct. 13 community baby shower co-sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish.

  • A baby eyes the crowd during an Oct. 13 community baby shower organized by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services (CSS) at St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia. CSS assisted more than 5,000 expecting mothers last year through an array of resources.

  • Father Chris Walsh, pastor of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia, shares a smile with Mia Grace Luc during an Oct. 13 community baby shower co-sponsored by the parish and archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.

  • Nutrition educators Anjelica Sanders and Fred Seymour of Einstein Healthcare offer samples of healthy meal selections at an Oct. 13 community baby shower organized by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish.

  • Shelby Walker demonstrates infant swaddling techniques at an Oct. 13 community baby shower sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish.

  • Aris Jerez and her daughter Leilany attend an Oct. 13 community baby shower hosted by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish. (Gina Christian)

  • (From left) Camille Crane, administrator of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services’ (CSS) Casa del Carmen center, and Sister Mary Kennedy, OSF relax at an Oct. 13 community baby shower sponsored by CSS and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish.

  • James Collins of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia serves attendees at an Oct. 13 community baby shower hosted by the parish and sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Community Services.

  • Prizes at the Oct. 13 community baby shower included the latest in baby fashion.

  • Children of all ages enjoyed an Oct. 13 community baby shower co-sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia.

  • Deacon Bill Bradley leads intercessory prayer for attendees at an Oct. 13 community baby shower co-sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and St. Raymond of Penafort Parish.

  • Marco Lopez and his son Marco, Jr. of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem relax at an Oct. 13 community baby shower at St. Raymond of Penafort Parish, Philadelphia. The parish hosted the event, which was organized by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.