Catholic Charities USA to Host Historic Centennial Gathering

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Sep 23, 2010, 09:09 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Catholic Charities USA:

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WHO:

Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA)
Norah O'Donnell, MSNBC
Victoria Reggie Kennedy
Patti LaBelle
Denyce Graves

WHAT: CCUSA, one of the nation's largest social service networks, celebrates 100 years of service, advocacy and convening with its historic Centennial Gathering. As it moves into its second century of service, CCUSA presents and advocates innovative strategies that promote real, sustainable change to effectively reduce poverty in America. The 4-day event includes:

Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2 p.m.: National Centennial Mass

*Basilica of the National Shrine

Sunday, Sept. 26th, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.: National Summit on Poverty Reduction

9:45 a.m.: Keynote address by Rev. Larry Snyder

10:30 a.m.: Norah O'Donnell leads a panel discussion on the national response to poverty solutions

Monday, Sept. 27th, 6 p.m.: Library of Congress Reception

CCUSA's collection of Centennial books will be released, Catholic Schools of Social Work to be honored

Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 8 a.m.: Remarks by Victoria Reggie Kennedy
Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 10 a.m.: Capitol Hill Day

Rev. Larry Snyder addresses Catholic Charities members from the U.S. Capitol building before meeting with their Congressional representatives

*Steps of the U.S. Capitol Building

Tuesday, Sept. 28th, 8 p.m.: Gala Concert featuring Patti LaBelle and Denyce Graves

WHERE: Hilton Washington Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW *unless otherwise noted

WHY: With more and more individuals and families falling into the depths of poverty, and huge increases in the need for life-sustaining emergency services, Catholic Charities USA and its member agencies galvanize the nation to give greater priority to the poor and join in its work to reduce poverty. More information available at 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