Archdiocese Youth Pilgrimage Raises Donations for Sarah's House

April 1, 2010

One of the many Sarah's House families who will benefit from the donations.

Young adults who participated in the Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Pilgrimage on March 27 donated $5,587.69 to Sarah's House, the Catholic Charities supportive housing program that provides emergency shelter for as many as sixty-six people and transitional housing for twenty-two families.

More than 1,400 youths and young adults attended the event, which is the Archdiocese of Baltimore's kickoff to Holy Week, and brought $5266.69 in gift cards and donated an additional $321 in checks

"I'm amazed at the number of young adults involved in the pilgrimage and the dedication they have to this ministry. It is touching that they are reaching out and are willing to share what they have with children and families who are less fortunate," says Kathryn Philliben, director of Sarah's House.

The funds will be used for guest services such as clothing and food, as well as books for the child care center, supplies for the after-school program and Easter baskets for the children.

Kathryn says they will make sure the Sarah's House guests know where the donations came from. "We are just so grateful for the contribution."

Young people of the Catholic Church, along with Archbishop O'Brien, began the pilgrimage with a rally at St. Mary's Spiritual Center followed by the adoration of the blessed sacrament at the Basilica of the Assumption, music at the St. Jude Shrine, a blessing in O'Donnell Park in Canton and a mass at St. Casimir.