News/Events

January 9, 2008 - 2007 Catholic Appeal Surpasses $14.0 Million Goal

Exceeds PREVIOUS Year by $700,000, a 5% Gain

Boston, JANUARY 9, 2007-- The Archdiocese of Boston announced today that its flagship fundraiser, the Catholic Appeal, has surpassed its $14 million goal for the 2007 campaign. To date, the 2007 Appeal has raised $14.5 million, exceeding its 2006 total of $13.8 million (a 5% gain).  The Archdiocese is still processing numerous year-end contributions, and will officially close the campaign upon the completion of that process.

The 2007 campaign, Giving in Faith, Giving with Love, was launched on May 6, 2007.  Funds raised via the Catholic Appeal serve as the primary source of financial support for the Archdiocese's Central Operating Fund and its many ministries.  Services provided by the Archdiocese from the Central Operating Fund include training and faith formation for both clergy and laity, curriculum development for the religious education of children and young adults, various operational and financial services to parishes, schools and agencies, and ministry to over 30 culturally and ethnically unique Catholic populations throughout the Archdiocese.

"The success of this year's Appeal serves as yet another reminder of the deep faith and charity that exists within the people of this Archdiocese," stated Cardinal Seán O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston. "To all who have given of themselves so generously, thank you.  Your support is essential to ensuring that we can continue and expand the good works we do to serve the people throughout the 144 cities and towns of our Archdiocese."

Scot Landry, Archdiocesan Secretary for Advancement, credited the leadership of pastors and lay leaders in the success of the 2007 Appeal.  "Our Archdiocese is blessed to have so many priests and parishioners that lead by example.  They generously contribute to the Appeal and then encourage their fellow Catholics to join with them to expand the good our entire Catholic community can do through the central ministries of our Archdiocese.   Their leadership resulted in nearly 50,000 contributors to this year's campaign and a 50% increase in the number of parishes surpassing their Appeal goals." 

Monsignor Francis V. Strahan, pastor at St Bridget's in Framingham and chairman of the Catholic Appeal Pastors Advisory Committee, praised the significant effort exhibited by his fellow pastors.  "The dedication and hard work put forth by pastors across the Archdiocese has been tremendous," he stated, "Without their service and commitment, the Catholic Appeal would not be what it is today."  He added, "Once again, the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of Boston has been shown to be without equal.  To achieve and surpass the formidable goal of $14 million is truly extraordinary."

Craig Gibson, board member of The Catholic Foundation and chair of the Appeal Major Gift Committee, pointed out the continued success of the Appeal.  "We have seen a growth in Appeal contributions of 64% over just the past few years.  This speaks to the growing commitment and engagement of Catholics in every parish of the Archdiocese.  It bodes very well for the future as we embark on the celebration of our Bicentennial year."

Based on feedback from pastors, the 2008 Catholic Appeal will begin two months earlier than in previous years, with its parish phase commencing on March 2nd.  For more information about the Appeal's 2007 results, please see www.thebostonpilot.com. 

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