In-pew collection May 4-5; Appeal at 70%

Many parishes are planning to hold in-pew collections May 4 and 5 for the annual Partners in Charity Appeal, according to Michael Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development.
Partners in Charity Appeal had received gifts and pledges totaling $3,475,148 as of Wednesday.
That is 70 percent of the $5 million goal. The average gift is $281. Nine parishes have equaled or exceeded their goals.
Many parishes are planning to hold in-pew collections May 4 and 5 for the annual Partners in Charity Appeal, he said. Many pastors and lay chair people have said that “with this additional solicitation they will reach and surpass goal.” He asked that pastors use bulletin and pulpit messages to inform parishioners about the planned in-pew solicitation and the work of the Appeal.
Four parishes that postponed the start of their drives because of schedule conflicts will begin their Appeal fundraising this weekend, Mr. Gillespie said. The parishes are St. Augustine in Millville and Our Lady of the Angels, Our Lady of Czestochowa and St. George, all of Worcester.
He said nearly $190,000 a been raised in online gifts and pledges. A number of donors who didn’t contribute last year have reconnected with the Appeal this year.
This year’s Appeal is ahead of the Appeals in 2011 and 2012 at this time. In 2011 the Appeal had raised $3,136,149, or 63 percent of its goal. In 2012 it had raised $3,280,904, or 66 percent of its goal.
He said he is “cautiously optimistic as we near the end of April, knowing that once the warmer weather arrives the focus of our donors  and most church attendees turns to parish confirmations, first Communions and graduations. The annual Appeal tends to be off the radar for most, especially after Memorial Day weekend.”
He said pastors have asked that the Appeal wind up early this year and reach its goal by July 1. He said his office will do everything possible to help that to happen. He asked that parishes continue to use bulletin and pulpit messages to support the Appeal.
“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.”
The annual Partners in Charity Appeal  helps to support:
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.