Twelve parishes reach Partners’ goals; 16 at 90 percent

The annual Partners in Charity Appeal has reached 76 percent of its $5 million goal, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
As of Wednesday the fund drive had received $3,783,348 in gifts and pledges. That is $73,115 more than was received by the same date last year, he said.
Twelve parishes have reached or exceeded their goals, 16 are at more than 90 percent, 13 are at more than 80 percent, 22 are more than 70 percent and 40 are reporting less than 70 percent so far, he said. The fund drive needs  to raise $1,216,652 by Aug. 31, the end of the fiscal year, to reach the goal.
Eighty-one members of the St. Paul Society, who pledge at least $5,000 to the Appeal, have so far raised $595,010.
The annual Partners in Charity Appeal  helps 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.