Marking 50 years of care this year, St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care in Boyle Heights will celebrate Nov. 21 with a 4 p.m. Mass and reception. Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside.

The center was founded in 1954 to provide Catholic chaplains to local hospitals. Former chaplains and those involved in St. Camillus' various outreach ministries are especially invited to attend.

"[The center] is a wonderful sign of the church's commitment to the poor and disenfranchised," says Father Chris Ponnet, director of the center. "We carry on from a long tradition that started more than 125 years ago when Catholic sisters were invited to Southern California to start hospitals and give aid."

Today, 10 full-time chaplains work out of the center providing support to patients at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center & Hospital, and USC University Hospital.

In addition, the center provides a home for various outreach ministries including Gay and Lesbian, Peace and Justice and the Death Penalty Focus. "We have changed with the needs of the community," says Father Ponnet. "We see these ministries as part of the vision of the diocese. We are trying to be a beacon of light for as many people possible."