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PARMA, Ohio — Parma’s 2018-19 Stewardship Appeal raised a total of $203,516, as of July 1, for eparchial programming and operations, more than any appeal in the past 10 years.
Though the campaign raised only 83 percent of its $250,000 goal, the total raised for eparchial programming and operations was about $37,000 more compared with the campaign last year.
The total increase is due to a number of factors, including greater giving in parishes and the elimination of the parish rebate program, which returned to parishes all of the funds they raised beyond their campaign goals.
A number of other changes were made to the 2018-19 appeal. The overall campaign goal was increased, from $190,000 to $250,000. Parish campaign goals were adjusted according to updated census and financial records; most parishes saw their goals go up. Online giving was simplified and made more accessible, and personalized letters appealed to donors to consider increasing their gift.
Of the $203,516 collected this year, $186,442 came from parishes, missions and outreaches — about $10,798 more than last year — though only four of the eparchy’s 32 parishes, missions and outreaches met or exceeded their goal (see full figures in the print version of Horizons). Donations from individuals and organizations not affiliated with a parish totaled $17,074 — about $6,800 more than last year.
In comparison, the 2017-18 appeal raised $188,886. After rebates were distributed to the parishes, the campaign total for eparchial programming was only $166,747. In 2014-15, the appeal raised $222,249, but totaled only $167,249 after rebates. Similarly, in 2009-10, the appeal raised $215,822, but only $182,825 was left after rebates. This year, all $203,516 will go toward eparchial programming and operations.
Another new feature this year was the twinning of the appeal with an eparchial adult faith formation program on the Nicene Creed, called “I Believe,” produced jointly by the Office of Faith Education and Horizons Media. Faithful gathered in parishes across the eparchy to follow the video-based program to learn and discuss the fundamentals of the Byzantine Catholic faith.
The 2018-19 appeal was coordinated by John Popp, with communications by Horizons.
While the 2018-19 campaign ended June 30, donations are still welcome. Give at www.parma.org or by mail to the chancery office.
As published in Horizons, July 14, 2019.
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