Catholic Charities USA to Open Historic Centennial Celebration With Liturgy at National Shrine

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Sep 24, 2010, 09:38 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the 100-year-old social service network working to reduce poverty in America, begins its historic 4-day Centennial Celebration tomorrow during a liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington, DC, at 2 p.m. The liturgy will be broadcast live on EWTN, a national cable television station.

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Cardinal Francis George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will celebrate the Mass and deliver the homily. Concelebrants include Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum at the Vatican; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archdiocese of Washington (retired); Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington; Most Rev. Michael Driscoll, Bishop of Boise; and Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA. Music will be provided by the St. Augustine's choir.

Representatives from local Catholic Charities agencies across the country, national and international Catholic leaders, consumers of Catholic Charities' services, and local individuals will participate in the multi-lingual liturgy. The Mass, with readings in English and Spanish, will celebrate the global Catholic community and Catholic Charities work to support all people.

Immediately following the liturgy, attendees will walk to the Catholic University of America and stand on the steps of McMahon Hall to recreate the historic 1910 photo of the founders of Catholic Charities USA.

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