March 9, 2017

More than $700,000 raised in first week of Annual Catholic Appeal

REGIONAL
By Sharon Roulier

SPRINGFIELD – In the first week of the Springfield Diocese’s 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal more than $700,000 has been raised toward a $2.6 million goal.

This is an encouraging beginning to a campaign Catholics throughout western Massachusetts are being asked to support financially, according to Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski.

“I am so happy to learn of a successful launch to our Annual Catholic Appeal 2017,” Bishop Rozanski told Catholic Communications. “This important effort depends greatly upon everyone taking part.

“So I say ‘thank you’ to those who have stepped up and made their donation, and ask those who have not yet given, to please consider making their gift soon. So many of our ministries and services depend upon your generosity,” the bishop said.

 “One family, many gifts” is the theme  for this year’s campaign, which funds more than 40 ministries and agencies in the Diocese of Springfield that serve thousands in need in the community.

Since the appeal began on March 1, Ash Wednesday, $713,472.54 was raised through 4,674 donors. A parish by parish listing of current results can be found at http://diospringfield.org/wp-content/uploads/goals.html. 

Organizers stress that every gift, regardless of its size, can help to make a difference in the lives of people who are helped by the programs and services funded in part by the Annual Catholic Appeal.

Contributions can be made through any Catholic parish in the diocese or online at www.acaspringfield.org. Donors can make a one-time gift or a pledge that can be paid over eight months. If you have on online giving question, please call the Annual Catholic Appeal Office at 413-452-0607.