Catholic Action Center

Catholic Action Center

Under the auspice of the Franciscan Fathers, the Catholic Action Center located in Bethlehem was established in 1956 as a principal social center for the Christians of Bethlehem. Today, it serves as an oasis for the beleaguered Bethlemites.

"We must continue to keep our mind, body, and spirit intact especially for our Christians who are living under very difficult circumstances in Bethlehem.” Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM, President of FFHL

The Catholic Action Center located in Bethlehem close to Manger Square, provides Christian Palestinians a place of respite from the realities of life in the Holy Land.

The Center houses a theater, swimming pool, teaching classrooms, a computer lab, dining facilities, offices and a new physical fitness room. In the last few years a conference center was added for adult education and catechesis in addition to a new sports center where local Christian youth play soccer and basketball.

Under construction is a new gymnasium that will seat 700 spectators for basketball games. It will be the only one of its kind in the West Bank allowing for teams from different towns to compete.
The Center is a place for all ages to gather. It is a place of friendship, community and fellowship as well as learning. One Palestinian lady organized community dinners on the center’s outdoor patio in the summer with music and food.

“In Jerusalem, an evening like this would cost $100 and only the wealthy could go. Now we all get together here. We put lights on the trees, dance and forget our problems a little while. The parties have helped build community,” said Fatima, whose husband has served on the Board of Directors for the Center.

Every year the Center organizes a summer camp for children. This is a necessity for the families remaining in Bethlehem because with schools out, there is nowhere for the children to go and nothing for them to do at home. The camps are run by the Franciscans, religious sisters and many volunteers.

Help support our projects in Bethlehem!

To donate on-line click here.