HYANNIS – The Fall River Diocese Catholic Charities Appeal has raised over $4.5 million, the highest amount in its 74-year history.
Proceeds from the appeal, which ran from May 1 to June 30, provide financial support for the many ministries and programs sponsored by the Diocese in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.
On the Cape and Islands, Saint Pius X in South Yarmouth raised the most money at over $191,000.
The total raised through the appeal is an increase of more than $300,000 last year, surpassing the previous record high set in 2013 by more than $200,000.
“Due to the efforts of our clergy and laity, we have established a new record of generosity and support for the social and pastoral needs of the Diocese,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
“More importantly, this enables us to assist thousands of individuals throughout the diocese who turn to agencies funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal for assistance with basic needs.”
Although figures for the number of donors in all of the parishes in the Fall River Diocese are not yet complete, it appears that more than 32,000 individuals and businesses supported the appeal.
Sixty-two of the 83 parishes in the diocese had an increase over their 2014 appeal total.