Philly Archdiocese Hosting Lunch For Afghan Evacuees In Delco

WALLINGFORD, PA — Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is hosting a welcome luncheon for newly arrived individuals and families through its Afghan Placement and Assistance Program.

The lunch will take place at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Saint John Chrysostom Parish, 617 S. Providence Road in Wallingford.

Around 125 guests will be in attendance including approximately 75 Afghan evacuees as well as program supporters, staff, and volunteers.

Highlights of the event will include traditional Afghani and Mediterranean food, American and Afghani music, a poetry reading, and testimonials from participants in Catholic Social Services’ Afghan Placement and Assistance Program.

Reverend Edward J. Hallinan, Pastor of Saint John Chrysostom Parish, will offer the invocation and blessing. Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish, will serve as the event Emcee.

Since December 2021, Catholic Social Services has welcomed a total of 108 Afghan evacuees through its Afghan Placement and Assistance Program. This number includes 14 Afghan families, a mother with newborn twins, and an expecting mother.

Through a partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Social Services is helping Afghan evacuees acclimate and establish a new life in the United States of America by providing pre-arrival and reception services; basic needs support; cultural orientation; language services; finding safe housing; employment; health care; and case management services.

Catholic Social Services is also collaborating with local and national agencies such as HIAS and the Nationalities Services Center which have extensive experience providing humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees and immigrants.