Philadelphia's Catholics are preparing for September's papal visit by setting goal to raise record $10 million in annual appeal.
"With Pope Francis coming in September to Philadelphia, 2015 looks to be a year for Catholics across the region to wear their faith proudly and publicly. But catching a glimpse of Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the World Meeting of Families won't put food on the table at local soup kitchens, or pay for the church's schools for blind or mentally retarded children, or provide health care to its retired priests. For that and more, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia relies on its annual Catholic Charities appeal, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput told a news conference Tuesday, announcing that he had set a goal of $10 million for this year." -- David O'Reilly, the Philadelphia Inquirer
