Partners in Charity makes 95% of goal

By Raymond L. Delisle
Director of Communications Ministry

WORCESTER – Bishop McManus expressed thanks this week to the many people who gave gifts or made pledges to the annual Partners in Charity Campaign which, for the first time in four years, fell short of its $5 million goal. Partners in Charity reached 95 percent of its goal, according to its final report, released September 19.
“Despite not having met our goal, I am still grateful for the continued generosity of thousands of donors to this year’s appeal,” Bishop McManus said.
The report from the diocese’s Office of Stewardship and Development shows that Partners received 14,647 gifts and pledges totaling $4,760,057. The 2019 campaign officially launched at the beginning of Lent, following a kickoff at the Chancery offices of the diocese.
“It is always edifying to me to witness the generosity of our people,” commented Bishop McManus. “With their support, thousands of people will experience joy, thanks to the 28 pastoral, charitable and educational agencies and ministries which are supported by Partners in Charity.”
This year’s campaign theme, “Generate Joy,” was chosen from a text by St. Pope Paul VI when writing about the mission of all the faithful.
At the conclusion of the appeal on Aug. 31, 66 of the 96 parishes and three missions had met or exceeded their goal. The average gift was $325.
“It has been a very positive campaign,” said Michael P. Gillespie, director of development. “Pastors, parish administrators and lay parish leaders have been very supportive. That makes all the difference,” he said.
Mr. Gillespie stressed that the appeal relies on increased leadership giving among the various societies which range from annual commitments of $300 to $7,500 or more. Some 4,451 households joined societies this year.
“The growing commitment from society members who have increased their donation makes it possible for us to provide ministries that reflect our mission as Catholics,” he added. All of the society honor rolls are publicly acknowledged after the appeal in a published report. The final list is published online by the end of the fall. Last year’s report is available online at partners-charity.net.
“Given the shortfall, we are reviewing budgets and determining what adjustments will be needed,” said Bishop McManus. “Even with a goal of $5 million, we have relied on additional support over the past few years from a bequest from 2016 which we try to use as an endowment for Partners in Charity.”
“I think one of the challenges we faced this year was the introduction of the Legacy of Hope capital campaign which began in a small group of parishes this past spring,” said Mr. Gillespie. “Hundreds of donors opted to make capital campaign gifts who previously were donors to Partners in Charity. We learned that we need to do a better job explaining how the annual appeal is needed for the current operations of ongoing ministries, while the capital campaign is focused on looking to the future. Either way, we are very grateful to all these donors who are supporting the work of the Church in whatever way they choose.”
The 28 agencies and ministries which receive funding from the appeal are: Priests’ Retirement, Retired Priests Health Ministry, Catholic Charities, Haitian Apostolate, McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, Pernet Family Health Service, St. John Diocesan Cemetery System, Diocesan  Stewardship & Development, Catholic Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools Office, Office of Religious Education, Ongoing Priestly Formation, New Evangelization Worcester for Youth & Young Adults, Catholic School Grants-in-Aid, Seminarian Education, Central Catholic Schools Subsidy, Advanced Studies for Clergy and Laity, Communications Ministry, African Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Pastoral Planning, Office of Marriage and Family, Minister to Priests, Office of the Diaconate, Respect Life Office, Cathedral of St. Paul, Vocations Office and House of Studies, Office for Divine Worship.

For more information on the appeal, including a list of the results by parish, visit www.partners-charity.net.

See Final Results - Partners in Charity 2019