Appeal Striving To Reach Goal
 

The pace of contributions to the 2007 Diocesan Annual Appeal needs to increase to ensure that the goal is reached and the services funded by the campaign are able to continue.

The 2006 Diocesan Annual Appeal was the most successful ever, raising a record $6,090,552. The 2007 campaign began last September with a goal of $5,300,000.

To this point, the amount raised is $4,495,771 from 32,829 donors. The campaign is approximately $300,000 behind where it was at this time last year, according to Ernie Pappa, director of the Appeal.

“The campaign kicked off four months ago, and it is not uncommon to encourage those who have not pledged yet to come forward with their support, so we typically have to redouble our efforts and remind everyone just how important their gift is,” Mr. Pappa said. “We know there are a number of people who have given in the past who simply have not yet made their pledge, but will do so in the coming weeks.”

Letters have been sent to these donors, and some pastors are being asked to repeat the in-pew pledge process that took place in November. The campaign hopes to conclude by the end of February.

Monsignor Peter P. Madus, Appeal moderator, said this year’s campaign theme, “Living Our Faith…Loving Our Neighbor,” should inspire any motivation required. He cited the many programs and services that depend on funds from the campaign.

For example, supplementary funding will be given to three soup kitchens: St. Francis of Assisi in Scranton, St. Vincent De Paul in Wilkes-Barre and St. Anthony’s in Williamsport.

The Appeal will assist Camp St. Andrew /Project Hope, which provides a summer camp experience for children from lower-income households. St. Anthony’s Haven, a homeless shelter in Scranton, will also receive funds.

Funding will be provided to Fatima Retreat Center, and grants will be made available for catechists to obtain education online, for post-confirmation catechesis programs, and for financially troubled parishes.

The Appeal also supports recruitment and formation of seminarians, care for retired clergy, the many programs offered through the Office for Parish Life and Evangelization, The Catholic Light and CTV: Catholic Television, scholarships for students in Catholic schools, and the maintenance of Diocesan facilities.

“I know that my fellow pastors are working diligently to bring the campaign to a successful conclusion, and I am most grateful for their efforts and for the prayers and support of the thousands of generous people who have already made a pledge and those that will decide to make a gift now,” Monsignor Madus said. “I am confident we will reach our goal, as we always have.”