April 25, 2005 - Archdiocese of Boston Launches 2005 Catholic
Appeal
New Parish Share Component Added
The Annual Catholic Appeal Funds More Than 80 Programs, Services, Agencies
and Ministries Operating Throughout the Archdiocese
BOSTON – Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston,
formally launched the 2005 Catholic Appeal campaign, Our Faith at Work, today
at St. Patrick School in Roxbury. The Catholic Appeal, which begins the weekend
of April 30-May 1 and runs throughout the year, funds the programs and services
made available to Catholics and non-Catholics in 144 communities in five regions
in the Archdiocese. The 2005 Catholic Appeal goal is $12 million.
“We have chosen the message of our 2005 Catholic Appeal--Our Faith At
Work--to reflect upon how much good we accomplish when we put our faith to
work to serve God and each other," said Archbishop Seán. "The
Catholic Appeal provides us the resources to accomplish that much needed work."
Archbishop Seán was joined by Damien DeVasto, director of the Annual
Catholic Appeal; Rev. Walter Waldron, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Roxbury;
and Craig and Nancy Gibson, lay leaders and regional chairs of the Catholic
Appeal.
“The Annual Catholic Appeal is the financial lifeblood of our work as
Church,” DeVasto said. "With this funding, real and immediate needs
are met through an umbrella of services ranging from pastoral care to social
services to training of clergy and laity. Donor generosity has had immeasurable
benefits for those who live in the Archdiocese."
DeVasto added: “In our 2004 campaign, we raised $11 million, exceeding
our goal of $10.5 million. More than 54,000 Catholics, 20 percent more than
the previous year, gave to the 2004 Appeal. We've come so far these last years,
and the support we've received has been very encouraging. There is still more
for us to accomplish. Countless individuals benefit from our work, and support
for the Appeal is essential."
This year a parish share component has been added to the Catholic Appeal effort.
If a parish exceeds its goal, that parish will receive 25 percent of all funds
it raised above its goal for use at the parish. In addition, if the Archdiocese
exceeds its goal of $12 million, 25 percent of the funds raised above the Archdiocese's
goal will also be returned to the parishes that exceeded their goals. This
is an opportunity for parishes to increase parish revenue while still supporting
the ministries funded by the Catholic Appeal.
The 2005 Catholic Appeal will conclude in January 2006.
|
