The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has moved to within 12 percent of the $5 million goal, according to Michael P. Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development. He said gifts and pledges totaling $4,377,074 have been received so far, with $622,926 needed to go over the top. Last year at the same time, the Appeal was at 86 percent of the $5 million goal. He said 27 parishes have reached or exceeded their goals and 26 others are within 90 percent or more of reaching their goals. 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 Services, Seminarian Health Insurance, St. John’s Cemetery System, Diocesan Development, Stewardship Education: Catholic Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools Office, Office of Religious Education, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Seminarian Education, Grants-in-Aid for Catholic School Students, Central Catholic Schools Subsidy, Advanced Studies for Clergy and Laity, Communications Office Ministry: African Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Office of Marriage and Family, Minister to Priests, Office of the Diaconate, Respect Life Office, Cathedral of St. Paul, Vocations, Office for Divine Worship, Wells Street House.