PROVIDENCE—Despite challenges and uncertainties across the nation and around the world, the annual Catholic Charity Appeal has stood the test of time, with the people of the Diocese of Providence generously supporting this year’s 100th Catholic Charity Appeal with close to $7.7 million, surpassing its $7.5 million goal.
Timothy McCaig, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, proudly told Rhode Island Catholic that this year’s appeal has surpassed its goal for the fourth year in a row.
Without this funding, the diocese would not be able to support many charitable and faith-based programs for the people of Rhode Island. Catholic Social Services carries out the corporal works of mercy through providing food and rent assistance to the poor, chaplaincy at state hospitals and prisons and homeless outreach including Emmanuel House. On a spiritual level, the appeal supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life and helps pass the faith onto younger generations of Catholics through youth ministry, faith formation and tuition assistance in diocesan Catholic schools.
“St. Paul tells us that ‘God loves the cheerful giver,’” said Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. “I hope that all who gave so generously to the Appeal know that God loves them immensely, and that He will reward their kindness beyond measure. God will never be outdone in generosity.”
McCaig said it’s a blessing that the diocese has such wonderful supporters to ensure the ministries and programs are fully funded, at least for another year.
He noted that this year has greater significance due to it being the 100th year since the appeal began in 1925.
“To my knowledge, it’s one of the oldest annual Catholic appeals … it’s got a lot of history to it, so to hit the goal this year was even more special.”
McCaig credits pastors, chairpersons and diocesan staff members including seminarians, social service workers, and others for giving presentations that spurred parishioners to greater generosity. He expressed his thanks to priests and parish staff for their hard work.
“The success of the campaign is predicated on their enthusiasm, their leadership, their work and their efforts. We’re very grateful to them for their commitment to share the message of what the diocese can accomplish with the appeal,” he said.
Bishop Lewandowski also praised the efforts of the priests across the diocese for making the Appeal such a success.
“We have amazing priests in Providence. They’ve led by example, many of them supporting the campaign from their own funds. We are blessed!” he exclaimed.
The bishop also credited then-Diocesan Administrator Albert A. Kenney, who kickstarted the Appeal in January, for his leadership in launching and guiding the annual campaign until Bishop Lewandowski’s appointment as bishop in May.
“Msgr. Kenney’s outstanding leadership throughout the Appeal has born much fruit,” Bishop Lewandowski said. He has inspired so many by his words and example. I can’t thank him enough for all he did to make the centennial campaign a great success.”
Msgr. Kenney, in turn, credits the faithful for their largess.
“Charity is the hallmark of the Christian life. It has been my privilege to witness again and again the tireless generosity of the good people of our diocese,” he told Rhode Island Catholic.
“To the priests, parish lay leaders, diocesan staff and especially all our outstanding donors lifting us up over our 100th anniversary goal, my abiding admiration and profound gratitude.”
Sixty-four of the parishes in the diocese met their goal, with five of these meeting the highest percentages: St. Raymond in Providence, St. Anthony in Pawtucket, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Central Falls, St. Anthony in Woonsocket and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bristol. Our Lady of Mercy in East Greenwich raised the most of any single parish, followed by St. Luke in Barrington and Christ the King in Kingston.
“We named this year, the centennial campaign, ‘Trust in Providence’ because there was a lot of uncertainty” in not having a bishop but also the economic concerns that began in January. “And now to be at the end of it … it has worked out, people have come through despite all the uncertainty,” McCaig said.
The changes in the country and the world provide an interesting contrast to the fact that a hundred-year-old campaign remains successful despite economic and social woes.
Msgr. Kenney said he was overjoyed at the success of this year’s appeal, noting how these funds are necessary to continue the good work of the Church in Rhode Island.
“Our pastors worked so hard to ensure the success of the 100th Catholic Charity Appeal,” he said. “I am personally grateful to them for their cooperation and their dedication. The proclamation of the word, the celebration of the sacraments and the works of charity are the three essential elements of the Church of Christ. This annual appeal ensures that the Church can be herself to continue her saving work for the people of our time.”
