Partners builds strong society

Catholic Charities, the diocesan Hispanic Ministry, and the Office of Religious Education depend in part on  donations to Partners in Charity to continue their work in service to others. These agencies, and more, assist poor families, educate lay people in the faith, and help new immigrants integrate successfully into society.
In short, they build up the People of God to build a stronger society. They are on the front line of the “culture of encounter” that Pope Francis talks about. So, they need the financial support of people in the diocese to keep up these encounters.
With just three weeks to go before the end of the fiscal year, Partners in Charity needs $336,570 to make its goal of $5 million, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
The annual appeal will end Aug. 31. As of Wednesday, the appeal has received $4,663,430 in gifts and pledges, according to Mr. Gillespie. That is 94% of the goal.
Mr. Gillespie said that some donors who gave in 2012 sent in their 2013 gifts this past week. There are about 2,800 donors who gave in 2012 but have yet to make a gift, “so please make your gift today if possible and help us reach our necessary goal, thus funding our ministries,” he asked.
Forty-six parishes have reached or surpassed goal, many are just a few thousand dollars from reaching goal.
“Every gift to the appeal is important, no matter the size,” he said.
Donations and pledges can be taken over the phone by calling 508-929-4366 or by visiting the website at www.Partners-Charity.net.
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.