Catholic Charities USA to Celebrate Centennial

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Aug 25, 2010, 11:15 ET

Affirms 100-year commitment to serve those in need

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Next month, Catholic Charities USA, one of the nation's largest social service networks serving over 9 million people each year, will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its founding.

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Over 1,000 social service professionals from across the country will come to Washington, DC, for the 4-day celebration, which will feature international Catholic leaders, national speakers, experts in poverty reduction, and representatives from partner organizations.

Highlights of the gathering include a main liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception celebrated by Francis Cardinal George, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops; opening keynote address by Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, followed by a panel discussion led by Norah O'Donnell, MSNBC White House Correspondent; breakout sessions focused on Catholic Charities USA's professional interest areas and poverty issue areas; a day on Capitol Hill advocating for transformative legislation, starting with a motivational speech by Victoria Reggie Kennedy; and a Centennial Gala Concert featuring Patti LaBelle and Denyce Graves. The gathering will also include keynote addresses from Paul Josef Cardinal Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council, Cor Unum; Archbishop Timothy Dolan; and syndicated columnist Mark Shields.

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 "to bring about a sense of solidarity" among those in charitable ministries. Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has encouraged professional social work practice, provided opportunities for training and networking, and served as a national voice and expert on poverty issues. The Centennial is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and renew the commitment to serve those in need.

For more information about Catholic Charities USA's Centennial activities, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/centennial

Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA