The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding beginning April 2007 through April 2008. Here is a listing of some of the upcoming events.

April 8, 2007 — Easter Sunday
Cardinal Justin Rigali opens the Bicentennial Year at Easter Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. A proclamation will also be read at Easter Sunday Masses in every parish.

April 28, 2007 — Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Join Cardinal Rigali, the auxiliary bishops, priests, religious and laity in rededicating ourselves to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Pleasee see forms in Narthex to sign up for the bus which leaves here from St. Alphonsus. Call the rectory for more information.

May 2007 — Catholic Charities Appeal
With its history of providing for God’s people in need, the Archdiocese launches its 2007 Catholic Charities Appeal. We recommit ourselves to the Gospel charity and serving the people of God.

May 17, 2007 — St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood Celebrates 175 years
As the Archdiocese celebrates 200 years, the Seminary will celebrate 175 years of educating men for the priesthood. Please pray for an increase of vocations and support St. Charles Seminary.

August or September 2007 — Youth Event: “Amazing Race for Grace”
This event will provide the young people of the Church with a chance to learn about the history of the Archdiocese by participating in a scavenger hunt at local historical spots. The day will culminate with a closing celebration and liturgy for youth and young adults.

Oct. 7, 2007 — Hispanic Heritage Mass
The Philadelphia Archdiocese is known for its ethnic diversity. This vibrant Mass will highlight the growing Hispanic presence in our region and the participation of Hispanic Catholics in the local Church.

Oct. 10, 2007 — Bicentennial Concert
A concert will be performed at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia by students of the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese, featuring the Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra. A highlight of the concert will be the “Te Deum,” by the religious music composer John Rutter.

Fall 2007 — Commemorative History Book
A special commemorative book, “A Faith-Filled Heritage,” rolls off the presses in time for Christmas. The book will highlight the history and contributions of the Church in this region through the last 200 years.

Oct. 21, 2007 — World Mission Sunday
Aware of belonging to the universal Church, we respond in prayer, support and solidarity with our brothers and sisters serving and being served in the mission lands.

Nov. 3, 2007 — Catholic Life Congress
The Catholic Life Congress brings together many people of the Archdiocese to pray and advance the proclamation of the Gospel through lay leadership.

Nov. 4, 2007 — St. Martin de Porres Mass
The St. Martin de Porres Mass highlights the role and importance of the African American Church and its contributions to our local faith life.

December, 2007 — Cardinal’s Christmas Party for Dependent Children will be held for children who are served by Catholic Social Services across the Archdiocese, and Operation Santa Claus distributes gifts to needy children across the Archdiocese in a project sponsored by the Archdiocese’s Office for Youth and Young Adults.