Partners heading to final weeks

The Partners in Charity appeal is headed toward the finish line. There’s less than a month to go. And, as of right now, it’s short $349,797 of its $5 million goal.
The annual appeal has received gifts and pledges totaling $4,650,203, or 93% of the $5 million goal. So far there are 18,635 donors, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the Office of Stewarship and Development. The appeal supports 28 ministries.
“At this point we are really encouraging those who have not given to prayerfully consider making a gift, no matter the size,” Mr. Gillespie said.
He shared his hope that 3,000 donors who gave previously, but haven’t this year, would do so. Many of these donors might still give if asked, again, directly by their pastors, noted Mr. Gillespie. This block of donors gave a combined gift amount of $525,000. “Thus, if they all gave an identical amount we will not only reach but surpass our goal!”
Forty-eight of the 104 parishes have reached or exceeded their goals, the same number as  this time last year. The majority of the parishes that have yet to reach goal are within $2,000 of doing so, Mr. Gillespie said.
He shared how impressed he continues to be by the generosity of the donors, many of them are on fixed incomes. “It is not uncommon to receive notes accompany a gift. Donors share how they are struggling financially but want to support the church they love. Giving to the appeal each year is important to theses donors. They know that when they give a sacrificial gift to the appeal, they are directly supporting present and future vocations, and especially they want to help our retired priests, all of which Partners in Charity supports. Often our donors will share that they wish they could give more but they just are unable. With rising medical expenses and food costs, this group of donors, our retirees  although very faithful to giving are becoming fewer and fewer.”
This year the appeal has received 2,000 new donors, but, as stated previously, 3,000 who gave in 2012 have yet to make a gift. Mr. Gillespie asks that the pastors, in these final weeks, mention the appeal at Mass and ask for the prayers and support of everyone.
To make a gift visit. www.Partners-Charity.net.