Partners over goal; official numbers to be announced Thursday.

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal which ends today, apparently has reached its $5 million goal.

Michael P. Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development, said today, "Although gifts are still coming in and totals are being confirmed for each parish, it looks like Partners in Charity is going over its $5 million goal this year, the first time in the five years since that $5 million goal was established."

The final dollar amount is expected to be announced tomorrow, September 1, which is also the beginning of the fiscal year for the Diocese of Worcester.
A total of $4,827,097 in gifts and pledges were received last year, Mr. Gillespie said last week.
The following agencies and ministries receive funds from the appeal:
Clergy Retirement, Retired Priests Health Ministry, Catholic Charities, Haitian Apostolate, McAuley Nazareth Home for Boys, Pernet Family Health Service, Seminarian Health Insurance, St. John Diocesan Cemetery System, Diocesan Development & Stewardship, Catholic Campus Ministry and the Catholic Schools Department.
Also the Office of Religious Education, Ongoing Priestly Formation, New Evangelization Worcester for Youth & Young Adults, Catholic School Grants-in-Aid, Seminarian Education, Central Catholic Schools Subsidy, Advanced Studies for Clergy and Laity, Communications Office, African Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Office of Marriage and Family, Minister to Priests, Office of the Diaconate, Respect Life Office, Saint Paul Cathedral, Vocations Office, Office for Divine Worship.