Parishes plan second in-pew for Partners

Some parishes are planning to conduct a second in-pew solicitation for the annual Partners in Charity Appeal in the coming weeks, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
Many pastors have remarked that having only one solicitation at each Mass, although successful, resulted in missing many potential donors. Thus, a group of pastors is planning to conduct a second “in-pew solicitation” following the Memorial Day weekend knowing that most parishioners will be back from vacation after the holiday weekend, Mr. Gillespie said. This also will reach people before school gets out and they leave the area for summer vacations.
This year’s Appeal is $35,553 ahead of where it was on May 20 last year, he said.
The Appeal has raised $3,915,128 in gifts and pledges, or 78 percent of its goal of $5 million. Sixteen parishes  have reached or exceeded their goals, 41 are between 80 and 99 percent of their goals and 49 are at or below 79 percent, he said.
The 89 members of the St. Paul Society, who pledge at least $5,000, have raised $648,850 so far, or $79,250 more than was pledged at the same time last year, he said.
There have been 14,962 donors to date. The average gift is $262. Mr. Gillespie said several pastors have reported an increase of new donors, which he called “a hopeful sign.”
“Each year the campaign funds organizations in our community that support those in need,” said Patty and Fred Eppinger, Appeal co-chairs, in a letter to the people of the diocese. “We hope others will find it in their hearts to give what they are able to. Together we can make a  difference for out neighbors in need.
“If you have not yet made a contribution, please consider doing so and invite others to do so, too. If you can give a bit more, consider that, too,” the Eppingers wrote. “The generous  contributions will provide needed services to families in crisis during these difficult economic times.”
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.