Bishop thanks Partners in Charity donors

Bishop McManus this week noted the “challenges of this economy” and the sacrifices of those who contributed to this year’s annual Partners in Charity Appeal.
The Appeal, which ended Aug. 31, received gifts and pledges of $4,724,352, or 94 percent of this year’s $5 million goal, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
“The challenges of this economy are felt in every corner of our diocese by our parishioners,” the bishop said. “I ask our pastors to join me in prayer of thanksgiving for the many sacrifices our donors have made and continue to make in order to support the ongoing charitable, educational and pastoral works which rely on this annual appeal.”
“Although the needs which we must face in these agencies and ministries will continue to be great, with God’s help I am confident that the Catholic Church will bring hope to those who turn to our diocesan programs over the coming year,” the bishop said.
It is the first time in several years that the Appeal missed its goal, Mr. Gillespie said. Of the 120 parishes and missions in the diocese, 69 equalled or exceeded their goals. A total of 19,491 donors gave to the Appeal, he said.
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.