Archbishop Nelson Pérez leads student service event for Catholic Charities in Lansdale
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will host a community service initiative on April 15 at Lansdale Catholic High School, where hundreds of students from Archdiocesan high schools, parish-based elementary schools, and schools of special education will package 1,500 bags for youth in the Out of School Time Programs run by Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.
The event aims to support young people served by the Out of School Time (OST) Programs with non-perishable food items and handwritten notes of encouragement. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts within the Archdiocese to provide outreach and assistance through its various agencies, including Nutritional Development Services and Catholic Social Services, according to the official website.
Joining Archbishop Pérez at the event will be Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for Catholic Charities; Kathleen Bevenour, Director of Family and Community Services; Meghan Sidorski, Assistant Director; and Meghan Lister Callen, President of Lansdale Catholic High School. Leadership from the Office of Catholic Education—including Jay DeFruscio (Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools), Andrew McLaughlin (Secretary for Elementary Education), and William Brannick (Superintendent)—will also participate. Students will have an opportunity to hear from Nelson-Mandela Mensah, Program Director at Saint Barnabas Out of School Time Program in Southwest Philadelphia.
The OST Programs are operated by Catholic Charities in partnership with Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families. These programs offer after-school activities focused on youth development and family support for nearly 500 children ages 5-14 throughout Philadelphia. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul serves as the main worship site for the Archdiocese according to its official website.
The Archdiocese functions as a metropolitan see within Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic Church structure overseeing suffragan dioceses across the state. It serves more than 1.3 million Catholics throughout its area according to its official website.
Nelson Pérez has served as archbishop since his installation in 2020 according to information provided by the official website. The Archdiocese continues efforts “to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, build strong faith communities and assist others through charitable and justice-focused efforts,” according to its official website.
