Christmas wreaths from St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral

The following is from my friend Kristin, who works with the children at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral in Camden, NJ.

The wreaths are tremendous, and 44 gets two each year to decorate the mansion in Somerdale ;-) And yes... they do last a long time!

So go to the big retailers and spend a ton... or buy a wreath and help some nice Catholic kids in Camden. Not a tough choice. Call or e-mail Kristin and order a few today.

AMDG,

44

November 16, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, Teachers, Coworkers and Neighbors,

It’s that time of the year again! The wreaths have arrived, and the teens of the Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral Youth Ministry Program are working diligently to prepare them for all of you, our generous supporters.

The program continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and is extremely successful amidst a city with very few opportunities for youth. For those of you who aren’t as familiar, St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral is a multi-ethnic, urban parish located in Camden, NJ, one of the poorest cities in the United States. Founded in 1892, St. Joseph serves its community through a variety of spiritual, social, and educational offerings, including the youth ministry program. St. Joseph School, pre-school, youth program, and afterschool program combine to serve more than 500 children per year.

St. Joseph’s youth programs are open to all Camden residents, ages 12-19. The demographics of our youth are as diverse as the city, being 68% Hispanic, 17% Asian, 10% African American, and 5% Multi- Racial. 47% percent of our youth come from households where one or both parents are absent, and 95% qualify for the federal school lunch program.

The majority of our students come from families without a history of educational achievement: many of our children will be the first in their families to graduate from high school. The local public high school, where many of our teenagers attend, has a current graduation rate of 46%, yet 100% of our youth have graduated from high school over the past three years. Just this past spring, of our 15 involved seniors in high school, all 15 went on to a 2 or 4-year college. From Camden County Community College, to Rowan, Rutgers, Scranton and even a full scholarship to Saint Joseph’s University, all of our graduates are finding their freshman year challenging yet rewarding and exciting.

Although the program has a strong emphasis on education, the program is multifaceted and the youth are able to become involved in activities that most interest and excite them. Through spiritual, social/recreational, service and educational programs, the teens partake in leadership trainings, sports leagues, monthly college visits, SAT prep programs, volunteer opportunities at local shelters and soup kitchens, attend Phillies’ games, travel to the shore, experience camping in the wilderness, lead a discussion on a relevant teen topic, host a suburban high school group for a cultural experience within their home, learn to cook, participate in Boys’ nights where they can bond with male mentors, travel to other cities and states, and so much more. All of the aforementioned programs are possible solely due to the generosity of people like you. Please assist us in growing this ministry into what it has the potential to become.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in purchasing a $20 Christmas wreath, or simply making a donation to our programs, please contact me via email, work or cell.

God Bless you and your families this holiday season,

Kristin Prinn, MSW
Director of Youth Programs - St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral
2907 Federal St. Camden, NJ 08105
(617) 780-8805 kristinprinn@gmail.com

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Christmas Wreath Sale
for the benefit of
St. Joe-Pro Cathedral Youth Programs

“St. Joe-Pro Cathedral Youth Group is conducting its 9th annual Christmas Wreath Sale.

• The proceeds will benefit the St. Joe-Pro Cathedral Youth Programs activities.
• The Christmas Wreaths are double faced; 22/24-inch pine wreaths and all come with pine cones and a decorative, hand-made 6-inch bow. These wreaths normally last for 3 months, well beyond the Christmas season.
• These wreaths will be available approximately the first week of December.
• The cost of these decorated wreaths is $20.00 each: same price as the last 2 years.
• Christmas Wreath orders & delivery can be made Kristin Prinn @ (617)780-8805. Make checks payable to the St. Joseph Pro Cathedral.
  
  

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