Saturday, January 23, 2010
staff report
YOUNGSTOWN — The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown’s 2009 Bishop’s Appeal for Catholic Charities and Church has surpassed its $3.6 million goal. Pledges received from 25,500 Catholic households totaled $3,625,000.
The annual Bishop’s Appeal is the primary funding source for the work of Catholic Charities in the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown that covers Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull counties.
In the past year, there has been a 35 percent increase in the number of individuals and families coming to the agencies of Catholic Charities for help. “People come to Catholic Charities as a last resort seeking the basic necessities of life,” said Brian Corbin, executive director. “Thanks to the generous response to the 2009 Bishop’s Appeal, we can continue providing our traditional services, but it will be an ongoing struggle to meet the needs of the growing numbers at our doors.”
Bishop George V. Murry said, “I am most grateful to our Catholic people for sharing with others in these difficult economic times. Despite concerns about their own economic well-being, they responded in faith … giving hope to those less fortunate.”
“I believe people supported the appeal for two reasons,” said Pat Palombo, director of development and stewardship. “First, out of empathy and compassion for those in need, and secondly because they know their support truly makes a difference when entrusted to the agencies of Catholic Charities.”
For more information contact Palombo at (330) 744-8451 or send e-mail to ppalombo@youngstowndiocese.org.