Partners' initial response a 'great sign'

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has reached $1,008,186, or about 20 percent of the $5 million goal, according to Michael Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development.
Of that amount, on-line gifts and pledges  totaled $81,400, he said. So far, there have been  2,663 gifts or pledges to the fund drive.
“This initial response is a great sign of the concern local Catholics have regarding the mission of the Catholic Church here in Central Massachusetts,” Bishop McManus said. “I thank God for the generosity of our people and am grateful that they continue to participate in our diocesanwide efforts involving education, charitable outreach and pastoral services made possible by this annual appeal.”
Some parishes conducted in-pew solicitations at  weekend Masses March 2 and 3. Other parishes are continuing to make pledge cards available in pews or in church vestibules, Mr. Gillespie said.
He said people may contribute to the Appeal with a one-time gift or pledge, payable over 10 months, with a credit card contribution or with an on-line gift or gift of securities.
He noted that this year he is seeing a dramatic increase in the use of online donations and said his office has worked to make it easier to participate through the web since it’s the means that more people use today to donate and handle financial transactions.
“Our goal this year was to make it as convenient and flexible as possible for our donors,” he added.
Donors can identify their parish affiliation so that their donation is counted toward their parish’s individual goal.
He said on-line contributions raised about $200,000 in last year’s Appeal. The website, www.partner-charity.net, also offers information about what is supported by the appeal and a short video featuring Bishop McManus and agency representatives about their work.
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.