The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, has announced that the 2015 Diocesan Annual Appeal has raised $5,064,000 in gifts and pledges, surpassing the goal of $5 million. The Annual Appeal has received gifts and pledges from 31,479 donors. Seventy-seven parishes surpassed their Annual Appeal parish goal, which is an increase from last year when 48 parishes achieved their goal.
“I am extremely grateful to our parishioners, priests and friends for their support of the 2015 Annual Appeal. In this Holy Year of Mercy, the generosity of so many of our faithful provides a wonderful example of mercy in our lives and offers significant support and encouragement for all those who benefit from the Diocesan ministries funded by the Appeal,” said Bishop Bambera.
Pictured (L-R) are: Bishop Joseph C. Bambera with Diocesan Annual Appeal Regional Lay and Clergy Chairs for Bradford, Sullivan and Susquehanna Counties, Atty. Frank and Sharon O’Connor, St. Lawrence Parish, Great Bend, and Father Edward Michelini, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Towanda.
“The good hearts and generous spirits of parishioners throughout our Diocese bring alive the words of Pope Francis when he calls us to ‘make our hearts open to goodness, make our hearts open to the beauty of God every day,’” added Bishop Bambera.