Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass Schedule at Cathedral Basilica

PHILADELPHIA PA (Dec. 22, 2019)–Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2019.

The Holy Day of Christmas is a most special occasion for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. All are welcome to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord at the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

– Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Music for the 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Masses will be provided by the Cathedral Schola and Instruments. The 7:30 p.m. Mass will be a bilingual celebration in English and Spanish.

– Beginning at 11:00 p.m. – Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments will provide the Choral Prelude to the Midnight Mass with sacred music and carols.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

-12:00 a.m. – Solemn Midnight Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., with music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments. The Midnight Mass will be streamed live on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput’s Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/ArchPhila

and

http://www.facebook.com/archbishopchaput

beginning at 12:00 a.m. (EDT).

-10:00 a.m. – Solemn Mass with music provided by the Cathedral Basilica Choir and Instruments.

Additional Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica at 8:00 a.m. with music provided by a cantor and an organist and 12:00 Noon Solemn Mass with the Cathedral Schola and Instruments.

THERE WILL BE NO EVENING MASS.

Children\’s Christ Brunch Fatima Catholic Outreach Center

The Bucks County Family Service Center (BCFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host a children’s Christmas brunch celebration for approximately 40 families in the local community. This year’s theme is “Llama, Llama, Jingle

Bells!” based on the children’s Christmas book of the same name.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. (Arrival of Santa)

Fatima Catholic Outreach Center

2915 Street Road

Bensalem, PA 19020

Participants will enjoy a morning filled with food, refreshments, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dedicated staff from CSS, along with community members and student volunteers from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills (Bucks County) will also be in attendance. In addition, nearly 100 children will receive a gift thanks to numerous donors, local parish sponsors, and the local United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.

The Bucks County Family Service Center is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes when they seek assistance from Catholic Social Services. It is one of seven such centers located throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Congratulations to Voorhees Police & Fire Chief Louis Bordi

Voorhees, New Jersey: Congratulations to Voorhees Police & Fire Chief Louis Bordi for receiving a community impact award from the Voorhees Business Association. Chief Bordi was recognized for his hard work and implementation of outreach programs within the community. During Chief

Bordi’s tenure, progressive community policing programs have been incorporated into the department’s annual agenda. Some of the most popular programs consist of national night out, coffee with a cop, LEAD drug awareness courses, the junior police academy, the citizens police academy, and the Car Show. The priority that Chief Bordi has placed on community policing has fostered and solidified a transparent an open relationship with the residents and business owners of Voorhees.

The Voorhees Business Association (VBA) is a community-based partnership of business, civic and educational segments within Voorhees Township. They have over 100 members and this year marks their 30th anniversary. The VBA meets on a monthly basis and assists with supporting many community initiatives such as the Voorhees Police Holiday Fund, Voorhees Special Olympics and scholarships to students from Eastern Regional High School.

Address/Location

Voorhees Township Police Department

1180 White Horse Road

Voorhees Township, NJ 08043

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-428-5400

What is a Smart City?

PHILADELPHIA PA–In 2017, the City launched the SmartCityPHL initiative to help improve service delivery for its broad community of residents, businesses, and visitors. While developing a roadmap to guide this initiative, we engaged community members and organizations in workshops designed to build a shared foundation for how technology can make Philadelphia a better place to live.

At its most basic level, the

SmartCityPHL Roadmap

defines a smart city as one that uses data and technology to improve the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit our diverse city.

To further shape the development of smart city projects and technology, we identified four guiding principles unique to Philadelphia’s approach:

Locally-inspired:

We will pursue projects that accurately reflect the needs of Philadelphia’s communities and use the unique assets, culture, and existing resources present in the city.

Innovative:

We will grow our capacity for research, discovery, piloting and evaluation to develop creative solutions to municipal challenges.

Equitable:

We will strive to engage and invest in our diverse communities so that all Philadelphians can benefit from and contribute ideas to smart city activities.

Collaborative:

We will collaborate on project development and implementation with stakeholders and partners from government, private sector, startup, civic technology, academia, and local neighborhoods.

These goals represent primary considerations when forming and evaluating SmartCityPHL projects.

Pitch & Pilot

, a new program designed to identify and test innovative approaches to municipal challenges, is a prime example of putting these principles into practice. The SmartCityPHL guidelines drive Pitch & Pilot’s process of choosing challenges, soliciting and evaluating proposals, and assessing the success of a pilot project. Our goals for this exciting initiative are to engage Philadelphia’s diverse community and work together to discover solutions to the city’s challenges.

Learn more about how Pitch &Pilot supports the overall goals of SmartCityPHL.

Avalon Receives $177,000 NJDOT Grant for Reconstruction of Portion of 69th Street

AVALON, NJ–The Borough of Avalon is receiving a $177,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The grant will be used for the Borough’s reconstruction of a portion of 69

Street between Dune Drive and Ocean Drive. The project is expected to begin in 2020.

“We are very appreciative of the Department taking a close look at this project and providing funding to help defray costs for municipal taxpayers”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Avalon has been fortunate to submit competitive grant applications in prior years. These grants allow the Borough to repair and replace necessary infrastructure”.

Since 1997, the Borough of Avalon has secured approximately $2.9 million from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for various street projects. Last year, the Borough received a $150,000 grant from the program for the reconstruction of a portion of 68

Street.

In 2019, the Department received 661 applications that requested more than $368 million for projects. Funding comes from the Transportation Trust Fund which is supported by the State gasoline tax. $161.25 million was allocated to projects throughout the State of New Jersey for the NJDOT’s Fiscal Year 2020 Municipal Aid Program. The application for the grant was made by Avalon municipal engineer Thomas Thornton of Mott MacDonald and previously authorized by the Avalon Borough Council.

Ginger Radzieta Wins 2020 Avalon Beach Tag Art Contest

(Avalon, NJ)–Fifth grade Avalon Elementary School student Ginger Radzieta, pictured with Avalon Business Administrator Scott Wahl is the winner of the

Annual Beach Tag Art contest sponsored by the Avalon Elementary School and the Borough of Avalon. Ginger was presented with the very first beach tag of the 2020 beach season with her artwork, along with a plaque from Mayor Martin Pagliughi congratulating her on the award.

2020 Avalon Beach Tag

Each year, students at the Avalon Elementary School are asked to design the art work for the following summer’s seasonal beach tag. Dozens of entries are submitted to Mayor Martin Pagliughi who chooses the winning design.

The presentation was made to Ginger at the Avalon Elementary School on Friday, December 13

to kick off the annual holiday program at the school.

Photo: Avalon Business Administrator Scott Wahl with Ginger Radzieta. Photo by Avalon Recreation Director Chuck McDonnell.

Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party

PHILADELPHIA PA–Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will host the 64th annual

Archbishop’s Benefit for Children

Christmas Party

benefitting nearly 500

children and youth in grades Pre-K through five. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!”

The

Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas Party

will kick off with a live Nativity scene on the front steps of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) featuring students from Saint Raymond of Peñafort School (Philadelphia). Highlights include live animals, a performance by the Divina Uncion Choir, and a Las Posadas presentation commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the Savior.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Center

222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Following the live Nativity scene, the celebration will officially kick off at the Philadelphia 201 hotel located directly across from the APC.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

will greet the children and join in on the festivities. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish (Philadelphia), will serve as the emcee for the event.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Philadelphia 201 Hotel

17th Street between Race and Vine Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Children and youth will enjoy an afternoon filled with performances, sing-a-longs, snacks, and more. In addition, children will be treated to a surprise visit from Santa who will distribute gifts to all in attendance. Student volunteers from Archdiocesan High Schools throughout the five-county region will serve as Santa’s elves.

The event will be streamed live from

Archbishop Chaput’s Facebook page

as well as the

Catholic Social Services Facebook page

The Archbishop’s Benefit for Children (ABC)

is a year-round fundraising effort that provides necessary support to help ensure the vitality of CSS’ youth programs for children and families of all faiths throughout the five-county metropolitan area comprising the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. These programs provide help and create hope for thousands of children each year, including children with disabilities, at-risk children, and dependent or court-adjudicated youth. All children in need are served regardless of background and faith.

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Editor’s Note:

For more information or to make a donation in support of the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children, please visit

Archbishop’s Benefit for Children

Maple Shade PD Seeking Officers through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program.

(Maple Shade NJ)(Dec. 13, 2019)–The Maple Shade Police Department announces our recent acceptance and participation in the New Jersey Civil Service Commission Intergovernmental Transfer Program (ITP). In order to be considered, an officer MUST be a member in good standing of a Civil Service police department who participates in the ITP with a valid certification from the Police Training Commission as a full-time Municipal Police Officer.

If you are looking to join a progressive agency that offers superior training, opportunity, job growth and a supportive work environment, and who has been recognized by the Attorney General’s Office for their ground breaking work in the area of Officer Mental Health and Wellness (Resiliency), then we invite you to apply for a position at the Maple Shade Police Department. Job specifications call for a High School Diploma or equivalent GED, and you must be a resident of New Jersey with a valid New Jersey Driver’s License to be considered.

Interested candidates should send their resume and a cover letter to the Appropriate Authority –

Township Manager Susan Danson, 200 Stiles Avenue Maple Shade, NJ 08052

as soon as possible, but no later than

Friday, December 20, 2019

Applicants will undergo an interview process with our command staff. Those who are moved beyond that point will then be subjected to a thorough background investigation to include an Early Warning System and Internal Affairs File check in accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines. Selected candidates who successfully pass the background process will be moved into the next phase of hiring, which will include a physical and psychological examination. Those who pass that phase will be offered positions based upon their ranking amongst the command staff during the above process. The starting salary is negotiable within a defined range based upon an officer’s level of experience as notated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The officers who work in Maple Shade are represented by PBA Local #267.

Any eligible officers with questions or inquiries should contact Lt. Jeffrey Hoch at

jhoch@mapleshadepd.com

, or at 856-382-1205, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

*PATCO Connects Public to Events & Attractions on Both Sides of the Delaware

Wintergarden at Dilworth Park

November 8 – February 23

Franklin Square Holiday Festival

November 14 – December 31

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

November 23 – January 1

Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 28

Comcast Holiday Spectacular & Market

November 28 – January 1

Christmas Village

November 28 – December 24

Macy\’s Light Show

November 29 – December 31

Christmas Underwater at the Aquarium

November 29 – December 30

Holiday Happenings in Collingswood

November 29 – December 22

Haddonfield Candlelight Shopping

November 29 – December 22

The Nutcracker

December 6 – December 31

PATCO Silver Sleigh

December 7

Camden Children\’s Garden Santa

December 7

Milk & Cookies with Santa at the Aquarium

December 8, 14, & 21

Holiday PJ Party with Santa at Dilworth Park

December 8 & 15

Art in the Sky: Holiday Craft Bazaar

December 15

For additional events near PATCO stations, search #RidePATCO on social media.

Winter Holidays Arrived Early for Pediatric Patients at Virtua Health

Annual Toy Run Delivered Gifts and Smiles to Local Children

Young patients at Virtua Voorhees Hospital received a touch of holiday magic recently when the Joseph Lacroce Foundation hosted its ninth annual toy delivery. A caravan of classic and collector cars traveled to the hospital, where an assembly line of volunteers unloaded dozens of donated gifts.

Leading the line-up was Virtua’s Mobile Pediatric Unit, a specially equipped van that brings much-needed health services to children in underserved communities. Virtua launched the mobile program in spring 2018 thanks to a $1 million donation from the Lacroce Foundation. Services include developmental screenings, lead testing and education, and flu shots.

The Joseph Lacroce Foundation is a Cherry Hill-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the hospital experience for children throughout South Jersey. President Sam Lacroce established the foundation in 2011 in memory of his son Joseph, who passed away from leukemia in 1975 at age 12.

“Our supporters are always excited to participate in the toy run because it recalls the true spirit of the season,” said Sam Lacroce. “The toys and games do a lot to help make the hospital experience less stressful for the kids. We thank everyone for their generosity.”

“For me, this event marks the start of the holiday season,” said Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE. “Few things are as rewarding as watching a child’s face light up with joy; it’s something Sam Lacroce understands better than anyone.”

– A caravan of classic cars brought donated gifts to pediatric patients at Virtua Voorhees for the 2019 Joseph Lacroce Foundation 9

Annual Toy Drive.

– Volunteers form an assembly line to move the gifts into Virtua Voorhees.

– Volunteers of all ages participated in the toy assembly line.

– A special surprise for a pediatric patient is wheeled into the hospital.

– Even the smallest patient enjoyed the gifts donated by the Joseph Lacroce Foundation.

About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children\’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many

awards

for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit

ThisIsVirtua.org

. To help Virtua make a difference, visit

GiveToVirtua.org