PROVIDENCE — With three weeks to go until the Diocese of Providence’s 2022 Annual Catholic Charity Appeal closes, the campaign has reached 98% of its goal, with $6,643,443 in total gifts pledged. An additional $156,557 needs to be raised by June 30 in order to meet this year’s goal of $6.8 million.
“We’re in a great position to hit the goal, and we are so grateful to our faithful supporters,” said Tim McCaig, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development. “If you have yet to respond, there’s still time to make a difference. Your donation will ensure that charitable ministries and programs of the church are fully funded for another year.”
With the theme, “150 Years of Sharing God’s Love,” which is underscored by a passage from Psalm 126, “The Lord had done great things for us. We are filled with joy,” the Appeal launched in mid-January with a letter from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
In February, the in-pew phase began, with presentations being made at Masses highlighting the crucial outreach the diocese provides through ministries such as the St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Center, which helps seniors and provides an array of other services, including meals. Last year, the center was able to feed 350 families per week with the financial support it received through the Appeal.
Direct mail requests and In-Pew presentations continued throughout the Spring. McCaig noted that the majority of people who have contributed have done so through the mail.
Compared to 2021, this year’s pledged gifts have surpassed last year’s final results.
“Last year we reached about $6.3 million. So to be where we are today only emphasizes that we’ve rebounded further another year removed from the pandemic,” McCaig said.
Of the amount pledged so far this year, 87%, or $5,792,289, has already been received. The number of donors contributing so far is 19,017, with an average gift of $349.
At the parish level, 35 parishes have exceeded their goal, with St. Raymond Parish, in Providence, reaching 197% of its goal. Our Lady of Mercy Parish, in East Greenwich, has so far raised the highest total, with $258,480 in pledges.
“It is a tough time for people and there are a lot of demands on their money, but they’ve chosen to support this program which will go a long way in helping people throughout the next year,” McCaig said.
The Office of Stewardship and Development has established the following online link for donors to contribute to the 2022 Catholic Charity Appeal before June 30: Givecentral.org/2022CCA.
