Partners in Charity at 91 percent

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has received gifts and pledges totaling $4,527,291, according to Michael Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development.
That is 91 percent of the $5 million goal. Some 38 parishes have equaled or exceeded their goals.
Many parishes are planning to hold in-pew collections again the weekend of July 13-14 for the annual Partners in Charity Appeal, he said.
He said nearly $260,000 a been raised in online gifts and pledges. As of this week 17,859 donors have contributed and a number of donors who didn’t contribute last year have reconnected with the appeal this year. Still, about 3,500 who previously pledged have yet to do so this year.
“With your continued support, we hope that the majority of 3,500 donors who gave in 2012 will find it possible to make a gift this year,” Mr. Gillespie said.
“To reach the $5 million goal, every parish needs to reach its set goal,” he said. “If one parish does not reach goal we will not collectively be successful.” Currently the appeal needs $472,586 to reach goal.
The annual Partners in Charity Appeal  helps to support charitable, educational and ministerial organizations in the diocese. They include:
Charity
Catholic Charities, Clergy Retirement, Retired Priests Health Ministry, Haitian Apostolate, McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, Pernet Family Health Service, Seminarian Health Insurance, St. John’s Diocesan Cemetery System, Diocesan Development, Stewardship.
Education
Catholic Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools Department, The Office of Religious Education, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Diocesan Youth Ministry, Grants-in-Aid for Catholic School Students, Seminarian Education, Central Catholic Schools Subsidy, Advanced Studies for Clergy and Laity.
Ministry
African Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Office of Marriage and Family, Ministry to Priests, Office of the Diaconate, Respect Life Office, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Vocations Office, Office for Divine Worship.