Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown will celebrate "Catholic Charities Sunday" on Sept. 25 and 26 throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.

The Most Rev. John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown issued a proclamation declaring "Catholic Charities Sunday" throughout the Diocese of Allentown in conjunction with the centennial anniversary of Catholic Charities USA, a national network of 1,100 Catholic Catholic agencies. The Bishop proclamation will be read during Mass at each parish.Dioceses across the country will be joining the national organization to celebrate the services and programs of Catholic Charities and to address new ways to reduce poverty. On a national level, the network of Catholic Charities organizations helps over nine million people each year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds.Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, served almost 30,000 people in 2009, including children of all ages in need of foster care and adoption; refugees from all over the world fleeing persecution; immigrants seeking assistance with family reunification and adjustment of status; the hungry and homeless; expectant and new parents; older adults in need of support services; individuals and families needing professional counseling.