Giving Hope to the Community

"I was ordained for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia almost 60 years ago when the Catholic Charities Appeal was just recently established. I have spent my life in service to parishes who are most in need. I am currently Pastor of St. Barbara’s Parish in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Our parish is in the heart of the community. We offer a food cupboard, host clothing drives, and help wherever the need is. This parish could not sustain itself if it weren’t for the donations from the Catholic Charities Appeal. Our parishioners are very generous, but our basic costs are still there, and we need help from others. These donations really make an impact. As I begin to plan for my retirement, I know that through the support of the Appeal, I will be cared for and looked after. Many of my brother priests are currently living at Villa Saint Joseph, and we are blessed to have this organization. The Villa is a great gift to priests within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Having the Villa is a huge relief to us priests. We live our life in service to others and when it’s time for us to retire, we know we will be supported. Being at the Villa is full circle for many of us who started out together in the seminary; it is a wonderful community life for retired priests. The CCA makes all this possible. Through your donation, you help give Mission Parishes and retired priests the hope they need. We are so grateful.”

- Monsignor Wilfred Pashley, Pastor, St. Barbara Parish