Annual Appeal Sees Strong Support During Lent

Appeal surpasses $2 Million Mark

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ray Delisle
508-791-5357

April 4, 2014, WORCESTER, MA – The Office of Development of the Diocese of Worcester has announced that from Ash Wednesday through the Fourth Sunday of Lent parishioners have made more than 6,150 gifts and pledges totaling $2,100,679 toward this year’s Annual Partners in Charity Appeal. A majority of the 108 parishes and missions in the diocese began their appeal during Lent. The goal for this year’s appeal is $5 million.

“The theme of our campaign boldly announces Our Faith in Action,” said Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester. “I thank God for the generous response of our parishioners during Lent, which is a time of almsgiving and reflection on how we put our faith into action through education, charitable outreach and pastoral services.”

Michael Gillespie, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, noted a continued increase in the use of online donations since the start of the appeal. Parishioners can participate according to their own personal schedules through the website and it’s a means that more people are using today to donate and handle financial transactions. Donors can identify their parish affiliation so that their donation is counted toward the parish’s individual goal.

The website offers information about what is supported by the appeal and a short video featuring the stories of people who have been impacted by the ministries supported by this appeal. For more information, visit www.partners-charity.net, contact a local parish pastor, or the Office of Development at 508-929-4368.