During the past 67 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River has been reaching out compassionately, longing to alleviate the suffering of literally hundreds of thousands of individuals and families who have turned to the Church in their time of need. As the Diocese prepares to launch the 2008 Annual Appeal on May 1st, it does so as it reflects back on one of the most successful Appeals in its long history. During the last Appeal, ending on June 21, 2007, the 95 parishes of the Diocese realized a final total of $ 4,306,352. This was the highest total in the history of the Appeal, surpassing the previous high recorded in 2005, and eclipsing the 2006 total by $369,774, a remarkable 9.4 % increase. 65 % of the parishes exceeded their previous year's total, with one-quarter of the parishes realizing double-digit increases.
Bishop Coleman expressed how pleased and grateful he was, and quickly added that he wasn't at all suprised at the remarkable generosity of the parishioners of the Diocese.
The nearly 36,000 contributors to the 2007 Appeal gave with full confidence that their donations would be directed solely to Catholic Charities endeavors. In fact, 94 cents of every dollar donated last year went directly to the agencies and apostolates funded by the Catholi\c Charities Appeal
This Annual Appeal is the only time the Diocese asks its parishioners to come together to fund the charitable works of its agencies and apostolates that benefit anyone in need of assistance in the Fall River Diocese, which includes all of southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
It is with a great deal of confidence in the compassion and generosity of our thousands of parishioners and freinds, that the Diocese of Fall River enters the 2008 Annual Appeal knowing that our 94 parishes will do all in their power to bring this crucial yearly venture to a most successful conclusion once again.
Click the play button to listen to Bishop Coleman's 2008 Catholic Charities Appeal Message.
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES 2007 CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL
I. TOTAL RECEIVED 2007 APPEAL
$ 4,306,352.74
II. DISBURSEMENTS, Made or Allocated Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007
1. SOCIAL SERVICE & CHILD CARE (Catholic Social Service, Saint Vincent's Camp, Diocesan Apostolates to Immigrants, Catholic Youth Organization, Saint Vincent's Home)
$ 1,964,085.00
2. APOSTOLATES TO THE SICK (Pastoral Ministry to the Sick)
$ 706,400.00
3. EDUCATION (Diocesan Education Center, Religious Education, Adult Education, Youth Ministry, Scholarship Aid Program, etc.)
$ 546,700.00
4. PASTORAL ENDEAVORS (Diocesan Family Life, Charities Appeal Office, Office of AIDS Ministry, Liturgical, Permanent Diaconate, Campus Ministry, Communications, Scouts, Office for Religious, Pro-Life Activities, Office for Pastoral Planning, Stewardship, RCIA)
