Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia will be hosting a service initiative at Archbishop Ryan High School as part of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week (CSW). The event, which takes place on Thursday, February 1, 2024, will feature over 300 students from various Catholic schools packaging 2,500 care bags for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

The service initiative is a key event for CSW in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is aimed at promoting the theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week: Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. The event will bring together students from Archdiocesan high schools, parish-based elementary schools, and schools of special education.

The care bags will contain non-perishable items and handwritten notes with prayerful encouragement. The bags will be distributed to individuals served by Nutritional Development Services’ Community Food Program, an agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The program aims to provide meals, food assistance, and additional support to organizations serving children and the poor.

Archbishop Pérez will be joined by several individuals at the event, including Ms. Heather Hout, Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Ms. Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director of Nutritional Development Services, Mr. David Stier, Assistant Director of Community Relations for Nutritional Development Services, Mr. Joseph Sanginiti, President of Archbishop Ryan High School, and Mr. Joseph McFadden, Principal of Archbishop Ryan High School.

During the event, Archbishop Ryan High School students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and leadership. Christopher Yengbeh, a member of the Student Council, will sing the National Anthem, William Killian, Ambassador Co-President, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jessica Linneman, Ambassador Co-President, will lead a special Catholic Schools Week prayer.

Leadership from the Office of Catholic Education, including Mr. Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools, Andrew McLaughlin, Secretary for Elementary Education, and Brooke Tesche, Superintendent for Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education, will also be present and participate in the service activity.

The Community Food Program of Nutritional Development Services is a vital resource for those in need in the Greater Philadelphia region. It supports a network of 50 food cupboards, five soup kitchens, and numerous community outreach programs. The program relies on the support of schools, parishes, and individuals to make a difference in the lives of those who are hungry and in need.

During the service initiative, students will have the opportunity to hear from Mr. David Stier, Assistant Director of Community Relations for Nutritional Development Services, who will speak about the impact their act of service will have on the community.

Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration that began in 1974 and is now in its Golden Anniversary. It aims to highlight the important role of Catholic schools in providing education and fostering a sense of community. The keystone event hosted by Archbishop Pérez demonstrates the commitment of Catholic schools to service and compassion.

For more information about Nutritional Development Services and their Community Food Program, please visit nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org.

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