Christmas
Gift Guide
Books
to give for Christmas
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
The Archdiocese past and present makes the perfect gift for Christmas
2007.
Give the gift of the “Archdiocese past” — the official,
commemorative bicentennial book for the Archdiocese.
And give the gift of the “Archdiocese present” — the
2008 Catholic Directory, published annually by The Catholic Standard &
Times.
Nearly 300 pages in hardcover, “Our Faith-Filled Heritage: The Church
of Philadelphia, Bicentennial as a Diocese, 1808-2008,” is now available
in parishes across the Archdiocese.
Published in English and Spanish in a large format, the book is filled
with glossy, full-color photographs and graphics, and features historical
accounts of pivotal people and events in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
The book traces the history of the Archdiocese from the settling of Pennsylvania
in the 1680s to the present day. It also tells the story of the founding
of the parishes, and includes new photographs of every parish church.
The bicentennial book also includes photographs from the collection of
the late Robert S. Halvey, a former photographer of The Catholic Standard
& Times.
The general editor is Oratorian Father Philip G. Bochanski, a school minister
and religion instructor at West Philadelphia Catholic High School who
was ordained a priest in 1999.
In addition, there are five contributing authors, as well as a number
of priests, religious and laity who served as editorial consultants.
Moving from coffee-table book to desk-side reference, The Archdiocese
of Philadelphia Catholic Directory 2008 is a comprehensive source for
identifying the current leadership and services of the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia.
The 2008 directory — a special bicentennial edition — is spiral-bound
and includes easy-to-use tab dividers. The directory editor is Adam Dickerson,
a staff associate of The CS&T and a member of St. David Parish in
Willow Grove.
The Archdiocese’s 270 parishes are listed in two sections: Philadelphia
and Suburban Philadelphia. Parishes are also listed by vicariate, cluster
and year founded.
Need to know which churches are handicapped-accessible? Look for disability
access codes next to the names of parishes.
There’s also a special listing of Masses celebrated in other languages
and for various ethnic groups.
The directory has something for everyone — sections on Catholic
universities, high schools and grade schools; Cardinal Justin Rigali and
his auxiliary bishops; priests, deacons, men and women religious, and
third orders; Catholic hospitals, retirement centers, shelters, retreat
centers; year-round services provided by Catholic Social Services, and
much more.
For more information about the bicentennial book, consult your parish
or the archdiocesan Office for the Bicentennial at (215) 587-5634.
Payment for the 2008 Catholic Directory may be made by check or money
order for $24.95 to The Catholic Standard & Times, 222 N. 17th St.
#900, Philadelphia, PA. 19103. Other forms of payment include VISA, Master
Card and American Express. Directory orders may also be placed by calling
(215) 587-3667; through The CS&T Web site, www.cst-phl.com, or by
e-mailing Cecelia Watkins, The CS&T’s assistant circulation
manager, at cwatkins@adphila.org.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine can be reached at (215)
587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.
NDS Christmas cards send good
wishes to friends, food to the poor
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
Before you get out your Christmas card list, check out the newest design
in an annual archdiocesan Catholic Christmas card series that benefits
area charities.
The hand-drawn design, “The Stable,” is a depiction of the
nativity.
By purchasing Christmas cards from archdiocesan Nutritional Development
Services (NDS), Catholics will help feed the needy of the Greater Philadelphia
area and, at the same time, restock local emergency food cupboards, according
to Denise Hopkins, administrator of the NDS Community Food Program.
“Our cards are a simple way for people of all ages to help feed
the needy in our area,” Hopkins said. “The donation made through
our cards reaches hungry people throughout our city and beyond.”
NDS’ alternative Christmas card project has helped feed the hungry
for more than 20 years.
Each card notes that a donation in the name of its recipient will help
the hungry of the Philadelphia area.
The cards are available in a variety pack of 10 designs, or a pack with
all cards in the same design. A 10-card pack is $15. A 20-card pack is
$25.
Designed by Patty Smith of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Wayne, the cards
also include depictions of a shepherd boy; a Christmas tree; an the Christmas
Lamb; the gift of peace; the Little Child of Peace; angels decorating
a Christmas tree; the heart of Mary; an angel at work, and Jesus, the
“Child of Wonder.”
To view the images of all 10 cards, access the Web site www.ndsarch.org,
then click “Community Food,” followed by “Alternative
Christmas cards.”
To order the NDS Christmas cards, call Denise Hopkins at (215) 895-3486,
Extension 712. Or write to Denise Hopkins, Administrator, Community Food
Program, Nutritional Development Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia,
111 S. 38th St., Philadelphia, PA. 19104. Or e-mail dhopkins@ndsarch.org.
Patrons should remit payment to Nutritional Development Services.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine can be reached at (215)
587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.