Partners in Charity Ends 2012 Appeal at $4,835,997

Partners in Charity Ends Appeal at $4,835,997

Sets new records despite missing $5M goal

September 13, 2012, WORCESTER, MA -- The Office for Stewardship and Development of the Diocese of Worcester announced today that the annual Partners in Charity appeal ended the year’s campaign on August 31, 2012 after having raised $4,835,997. The total represents nearly 97% of its $5 million goal and was ahead of last year’s total of $4,724,352. When compared to last year’s report, it reported 1,306 new gifts and raised an additional $111,645.
“The challenges of this economy are felt in every corner of our diocese by our parishioners,” said Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester. “I ask our pastors to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude for the many sacrifices our donors have made and continue to make in order to support the ongoing charitable, educational and pastoral works which rely on this annual appeal.”
The bishop continued, “Although the needs which we must face in these agencies and ministries will continue to be great, I am confident that with God’s help the Catholic Church will bring hope to those who turn to our diocesan programs over the coming year.”
In the 2012 campaign 20,509 donors responded to the appeal with an average gift of $235. These donors included 133 St. Paul Society members who contributed a total of $828,330 to the campaign. The St. Paul Society consists of members who commit to a donation of $5,000 or more.
Michael Gillespie, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, offered his thanks to the people of the diocese and to the pastors who direct the parish appeals. “We also owe a debt of gratitude to this year’s diocesan chair couple, Fred and Patty Eppinger, who helped us communicate the need for this appeal so effectively throughout Central Massachusetts,” added Mr. Gillespie.
Mr. Gillespie also made note of the advisory committee consisting of pastors and laypeople which assisted with this year’s campaign, “whose insights helped this year and in future campaigns.”

Campaign Highlights

Although the campaign did not make its goal, the appeal experienced many successes:
• It reached 97% of goal, despite a sluggish economy, and exceeded last year's total by approximately $111,645
• It added 1,306 new donors
• 66 parishes reached or surpassed their goals
• 33 new members joined the St. Paul Society
A complete listing of parish results along with information about programs supported by the appeal can be seen online at www.partners-charity.net.