.- Cardinal Justin Rigali will host the 54th annual Cardinal’s Christmas Party for Children for about 400 children who received services from community or residential agencies of Catholic Social Services this year.
The party, held today at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, begins with a colorful parade of marching bands, clowns and jugglers. Students from Bishop Shanahan High School will then perform a Christmas Story play.
Afterwards, Cardinal Rigali will talk to the children and Santa will arrive.
Before the beginning of the parade, the cardinal will greet children and pose for photos with high school student volunteers.
In addition to entertainment and gift giving, the Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children raises funds to support Catholic Social Services programs.
Catholic Social Services assists more than 137,000 children, adults and families throughout the five-county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
