PHILADELPHIA, PA — This year, Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a vital ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is celebrating six decades of unceasing service to the community. As one of Philadelphia’s leading providers of residential and day services for people experiencing homelessness, SJH has been a lifeline for countless individuals and families. This 60-year legacy of compassion and support will culminate in a grand 60th anniversary gala on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez extended prayerful congratulations to Catholic Social Services and Saint John’s Hospice, saying, “For 60 years, this vital ministry has been a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness. I reflect on this anniversary with prayerful gratitude for the countless good works accomplished by the staff of Saint John’s Hospice.”
The gala will honor five organizations with the Partner in Mission Award, recognizing their unwavering support of Saint John’s Hospice. The honorees include the Connelly Foundation, Riley Family Foundation, the Philadelphia Phillies & Aramark, St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. These organizations have provided generous support, helping SJH continue its mission of providing life-sustaining services to some of the most vulnerable people in the City of Philadelphia.
Barry Martin, Program Director at SJH, expressed heartfelt gratitude to these organizations, saying, “Saint John’s Hospice would not be able to reach the hundreds of thousands of neighbors experiencing homelessness if it weren’t for the support of our volunteers and the organizations we will be honoring at our gala. The Partner in Mission Award is our way of simply and humbly saying, ‘Thank you.’”
Saint John’s Hospice has remained committed to serving those experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion, and respect. Individuals who come to Saint John’s find a safe, clean, drug and alcohol-free environment where they are cared for by a team of compassionate, dedicated professionals.
Saint John’s Hospice was established in 1963 by Monsignor Anthony J. O’Neill, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia, and The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd. Today, SJH has residences that serve approximately 150 individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living annually. The organization also provides meal services for more than 325 community members each day, mailroom services for over 1,700 individuals, and comprehensive case management, medical, and behavioral healthcare services.
As SJH celebrates this significant milestone, it also looks forward to continuing its mission of providing essential services to those most in need for many years to come. The 60th anniversary gala is not just a celebration of the past, but also a commitment to the future. Here’s to another 60 years of caring, compassion, and community service at Saint John’s Hospice. For more information, including registration and sponsorships, visit www.saintjohnshospice.org.
In the Greater Philadelphia region, homelessness continues to be a major issue. Saint John’s provides vital services to those experiencing homelessness and poverty, from providing meals and mailroom services to offering comprehensive case management and healthcare services, Saint John’s Hospice has been a lifeline for thousands of individuals each year.
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