PROVIDENCE — The 2022 Catholic Charity Appeal: 150 Years of Sharing God’s Love, has received $2.5 million in pledges and one-time gifts from more than 6,000 donors in its first month, representing 36% of this year’s $6.8 million goal, according to data obtained from the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
“We’re encouraged by the early response to the Appeal. As of this time, the results are tracking ahead of last year,” Stewardship and Development Director Tim McCaig told Rhode Island Catholic.
“We pray that the faithful continue to respond through the mail, at Mass and online. We commend the work of our priests, parish staff and volunteers as they continue to promote the good works made possible through the Catholic Charity Appeal.”
The theme of the 2022 Appeal, “150 Years of Sharing God’s Love,” is underscored by a passage from Psalm 126, “The Lord had done great things for us. We are filled with joy.”
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin said that observance of the Diocese of Providence’s sesquicentennial this year is a perfect time for everyone to reflect on how the Catholic Charity Appeal has enabled the benevolent mission of the Church for most of those 150 years and how it will position the diocese well to continue that mission into the future.
McCaig said that through February and March pastors and laity will deliver presentations at Masses and invite parishioners to prayerfully consider a donation. Volunteer speakers from Catholic Social Services will also present at Masses to share about their specific ministry or program.
Although the active phase of the campaign takes place in the first part of the year, donations can be made through June 30, 2022, when the Appeal closes.
The Catholic Charity Appeal is the principal means of support for numerous diocesan outreach ministries.
Last year, the diocese raised $6.3 million from 20,200 donors, meeting 94% of its goal.
McCaig believes the diocese is in a position this year to reach or surpass that number.
“As is the case each year, our real success is measured by participation,” he said.
Two videos are available for viewing online which highlight diocesan outreach ministries made possible by donors’ generosity to the annual Appeal. They showcase the St. Gabriel’s Call and St. Martin de Porres Center ministries and can be viewed at dioceseofprovidence.org/CCA or by searching on YouTube.
In addition to the in-pew Appeal solicitations in parishes, the Office of Stewardship has established the following online link for donors to contribute to the 2022 Catholic Charity Appeal: Givecentral.org/2022CCA.
