11th annual Celebrate Priesthood

WORCESTER – Hugs, handshakes, fellowship and prayer filled the gymnasium of St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School in Worcester, Oct. 24 as hundreds of supporters gathered around priests of the diocese.

This year’s 11th annual Celebrate Priesthood! – Taste of the Diocese gala raised over $300,000 for priests’ retirement, Bishop McManus announced at the event.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheering.
 
As of Wednesday afternoon, $310,665 was raised by the gala for priests’ retirement. It was the largest amount to date, according to Michael P. Gillespie, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
 
“Partners and Celebrate combined raised $5,191,629. [This] shows the generosity of the faithful throughout the Diocese of Worcester. We are so grateful for the outpouring number of gifts recieved,” said Mr. Gillespie.

This year, the annual Partners in Charity Appeal was $118,836 shy of their $5 million dollar goal when it ended Aug. 31.
 
The number of gifts for the gala more than doubled. According to the diocesan development office, 1,857 gifts were received compared to last year’s 768.