ATLANTA--Catholic Social Services is participating in a national observance of Children's Sabbath Oct. 20 to 22.

Parishes can obtain signs and posters from CSS that will ask parishioners to lift up the needs of children in prayer and that will focus on other national concerns involving children and poverty.

This is the four annual observance sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund in cooperation with 150 denominations and religious organizations.

This year's observance will focus on children in poverty. According to the Children's Defense Fund, more than 15.7 million children in America, or one in five, are living in poverty. Earlier observances highlighted protecting children from violence and the value of early intervention programs like Head Start.

"We must draw attention to the problem of children living in poverty here in the city of Atlanta, surrounding neighborhoods, and throughout Georgia," said Pam Buckmaster, executive director of CSS.

Parishes may obtain Children's Sabbath materials from Kristin Corcoran, CSS parish and community relations coordinator, at (404) 885-7238. Requests must be received by Oct. 17.