catholic charities 5K run

Bishop’s 5K and New York Tenors Concert to Benefit Catholic Charities’ Work Across Delaware

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catholic charities 5K run

The Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, at Saint Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road in Wilmington. Registration and bib pickup will run from 8 to 8:50 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m.

Catholic Charities’ mission of social services has helped people in the Diocese of Wilmington area for more than 190 years.

WILMINGTON, Del. — Runners, walkers, and music lovers will have two chances this season to support Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, as the agency hosts the Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 22, and a New York Tenors Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13, both at Saint Mark’s High School in Wilmington.

Together, the events aim to raise funds for programs that provide food, shelter, counseling and emergency assistance to vulnerable individuals and families in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Bishop’s 5K: “Every Step Counts”

The Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, at Saint Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road in Wilmington. Registration and bib pickup will run from 8 to 8:50 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m.

Same-day registration is $45, while children and students 18 and under can register for $25. The professionally timed 5K welcomes competitive runners, casual walkers and families. Strollers are allowed, and age-group awards will be presented.

Organizers are emphasizing the event’s community focus. Participants will find complimentary snacks and drinks, pizza, children’s games and face painting on site. Everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods to help “stock the pantry” for families facing food insecurity.

Catholic schools in the diocese can also compete for a cash prize in a “school spirit” challenge, with awards going to schools that register the largest teams in advance of race day.

New York Tenors Bring the Magic of Christmas

A few weeks later, Catholic Charities will return to Saint Mark’s for its annual holiday concert featuring the world-renowned New York Tenors on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the school’s theater.

The New York Tenors — Andy Cooney, Christopher Macchio and Daniel Rodríguez — are known for their Christmas performances that blend sacred music and popular favorites. The Wilmington concert program is expected to include classic carols, inspirational hymns, classical selections, contemporary songs and patriotic pieces.

Comedian Chris Monty will add a lighthearted note as special guest. After the show, a VIP reception will offer ticket holders the chance to meet the Tenors and Bishop William Koenig while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. VIP access is available as an add-on to concert tickets.

Tickets, which include reserved seating, can be purchased online through the Diocese of Wilmington’s event portal. Organizers recommend early purchases for groups that want to sit together. Those needing handicap-accessible seating are asked to contact the diocesan development office in advance.

Proceeds from the concert will support Catholic Charities’ programs for people experiencing homelessness and other crises.

190 Years of “Providing Help and Creating Hope”

Behind both events is a single goal: sustaining the social-service mission of Catholic Charities, which has served the Diocese of Wilmington area for more than 190 years.

Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the agency operates as a comprehensive safety net for individuals and families in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its work ranges from immediate emergency aid to long-term support, including:

  • Basic needs assistance: food programs, financial help with rent and utilities, and the Seton Thrift Center, which offers affordable clothing and household goods.

  • Shelter and housing: Bayard House in Wilmington, an emergency residence for pregnant women and young mothers; Casa San Francisco in Milton, which provides shelter and a food pantry; and Marydale Retirement Village, which offers affordable housing for low-income seniors.

  • Behavioral health and counseling: individual and family counseling, addiction and recovery services, and a First Episode Psychosis program for young people with serious mental health challenges.

  • Energy assistance: administration of Delaware’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helping households stay warm through the winter.

  • Pregnancy and parenting support: case management, shelter and parenting resources for expectant mothers and young families.

  • Senior services: referrals, housing support and other services aimed at keeping older adults safe and stable.

  • Migrant and refugee services: help with resettlement, housing, employment and integration into local communities.

Catholic Charities is often one of the first calls made when a family faces a sudden crisis—eviction, job loss, rising utility debt, untreated mental illness or the need to flee an unsafe situation. The agency works closely with parishes, schools and civic partners to extend its reach and avoid duplication of services.

How to Participate or Help

Residents can support Catholic Charities in several ways this season:

  • Run or walk in the Bishop’s 5K on Nov. 22 at Saint Mark’s High School in Wilmington.

  • Attend the New York Tenors Christmas concert on Dec. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Saint Mark’s High School Theater.

  • Explore sponsorship opportunities or make direct contributions to support food assistance, shelter, counseling, energy aid and other essential services.

For more information about Catholic Charities’ programs or to connect with services, the main office is located at 2601 W. Fourth St., Wilmington, DE 19805, and can be reached at 302-655-9624, or online at ccwilm.org.

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