A Record Amount

CLIFTON  With the theme “Serving Christ Among Us,” the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal raised $4,116,170 in pledges — the largest amount in Appeal history — to help fund diocesan Catholic Charities agencies, seminarian education, inner-city Catholic school students and Nazareth Village in Chester, the diocesan priests’ retirement residence.

The record amount pledged topped the amount the 2014 Appeal raised by $460,000. The 2015 Appeal had 19,991 donors — an increase of more than 1,000 donors over the 2014 Appeal.

“Words alone cannot adequately express the gratitude I have for everyone who participated in the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal,” said Bishop Serratelli. “I wish each and every parishioner could join me when I visit the different places throughout our Diocese that are supported by the Appeal. It would most certainly put a smile on your face. To see the great work that is being accomplished by this outpouring of generosity is a constant reminder of the goodness of both the people we serve and those who help make it possible.”

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal was launched last September with the goals of supporting the sick, the poor and the disabled, assisting retired priests and investing in the diocese’s future by supporting seminarian education and educating inner-city children served by schools in the Diocese.

Tim Potter, diocesan director of development, said, “The numbers on the charts in this week’s Beacon show something beyond the amount raised for the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. They demonstrate a deep commitment by so many of our parishioners to the Gospel imperative to share our gifts with those in need. It is a blessing that so many people want to be part of the important work accomplished by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Their gifts truly made a difference in the lives of so many.”

The success of the Appeal relies on the commitment and hard work of many people, especially pastors and priests and the Lay Appeal chairpersons who inspire their fellow parishioners to donate. Both the Bishop and the development office acknowledged the contributions made by the pastors and lay volunteers who assist in the Appeal process.

“I extend my thanks to our pastors and Lay Appeal chairpersons who so effectively promote the Appeal each year and who encourage the participation of their parishioners,” said Bishop Serratelli. “Their leadership is one of the key reasons that the Appeal is able to do so much good work for God’s people.”

Potter added, “None of this success would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our pastors and the parish Lay Appeal Chairpersons. I want to thank them for all the work they put into telling the story of the thousands upon thousands of people who are helped each year.”

Msgr. James Mahoney, vicar general, moderator of the Curia, and pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Chatham Township, said, “The generosity of the faithful in the Paterson Diocese is a wonderful thing to witness. As a pastor, it is affirming to see so many good and caring people look beyond the borders of their own parish and respond so positively to the needs of their brothers and sisters throughout Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.”

Diocesan Catholic Charities is the largest recipient of Appeal contributions. The diocese’s social service agencies assist people in all three counties of the diocese in 43 locations ministering to seniors, children, families, the disabled, the sick, veterans and the addicted. Programs include emergency services in providing food and shelter, adult day care, group homes for adults with disabilities, after school and summer programs, clothing distribution, food pantries, substance abuse counseling and home repairs for seniors.

The Appeal also helps in the education of diocesan seminarians and inner-city students at diocesan Catholic schools. Within the last 10 years more than 80 men have been ordained priests of the diocese. Inner-city students who attend Catholic schools receive a faith-filled education in a safe, loving environment.

Another recipient is Nazareth Village, the retired diocesan priests’ residence located in Chester. The Appeal helps those priests who have given a lifetime of service to the Church of Paterson by giving them an option to live in community with their brother priests. Thirty-three priests have called Nazareth Village their home throughout the years and many retired priests continue to assist at weekend Masses in nearby parishes.

In addition to Appeal funds being used for these diocesan ministries, parishes that pledged more than their appeal goal will receive a rebate to be used for parish needs. Fifty percent of all funds received over a parish goal are returned. Last year, parish rebates totaled a record $517,691.

Msgr. Mahoney said, “When our people come together in great numbers for an important and worthy cause, the impact is profound. It is because of this overwhelming support that tens of thousands of people are served with love and compassion each year. Thanks to our pastors, our Lay Appeal chairpersons and all those who contributed to the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. We are a more caring Church due to the way in which you have responded to the invitation of Jesus to help those in need.”

For the complete list of parish pledges to the Appeal, see the chart on page 4 provided by the Diocesan Development Office, which coordinates the Appeal.