Partners in Charity at 70%; parishes still taking pledges

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has reached 70 percent of its goal of $5 million, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
As of Wednesday, the fund drive had received $3,475,756 in gifts and pledges, he said. So far, there have been 12,323 donors. Last year, by the end of the drive on Aug. 31, 2011, there were about 19,000 donors.
“Our prayer is that 7,000 who responded with a personal gift in 2011 will hear the invitation and respond once again this year,” Mr. Gillespie said.
He said more than half the parishes in the diocese are within 75 percent of their goals and 11 parishes have reached or surpassed their goals.
Seventy-four St. Paul Society members, who pledge at least $5,000 have renewed their annual memberships. Last year, by the end of the drive, there were more than 100 St. Paul Society members, he said.
A list of all parishes and where they stand with donations will be faxed to parishes May 11. The Catholic Free Press will publish a parish update in its May 25 edition.
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.