OCE Leadership Academy Volunteers Assist at Catholic Charities Ministry

Members of the first and second cohorts of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education (OCE) Rising Stars Leadership Academy participated in a service event at Martha’s Community Farm in Audubon on October 15, 2026. The activity was part of the 14-month leadership program, launched in March 2025 by the OCE Secondary Team. This initiative focuses on professional development, mentoring, and collaboration for current and future leaders in Catholic secondary education.

Martha’s Community Farm and Martha’s Choice Marketplace are ministries of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia. The farm produces approximately 20,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, which is distributed through the marketplace, serving as Montgomery County’s largest food pantry. The event highlighted the commitment of the OCE Leadership Academy participants to engage in community service and support local charitable efforts.

The OCE Rising Stars Leadership Academy aims to cultivate leadership skills among educators within the Catholic secondary education system. By integrating service opportunities like the one at Martha’s Community Farm, the program emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social responsibility as part of its mission.

Through such initiatives, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to demonstrate its dedication to both educational leadership and charitable outreach. The collaboration between the OCE and Catholic Charities of Philadelphia reflects a broader commitment to addressing local needs and fostering a spirit of service among its members.

This partnership exemplifies the Catholic Church’s emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and supporting community well-being. The event at Martha’s Community Farm aligns with the Church’s teachings on charity and hospitality, as seen in Matthew 25:35, which calls believers to serve those in need.

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