The Catholic Education component was the focus of Akron's 'Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope' news conference at St. Mary Parish School
Campaign goal was to raise $125 million, campaign actually raised more than $170 million for five areas of specific need in the Cleveland diocese
Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland speaking at a 1 p.m. news conference on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at St. Mary Parish in Akron announced the results of the Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope fund raising campaign.
Click play to watch Bishop Lennon talk about the
education component of the campaign funds. "The results of the Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope campaign are truly inspiring," said Bishop Lennon. "As Catholics, it is our responsibility to grow our faith, and because of the generosity of thousands of Catholics in our Diocese, we also will be able to strengthen our community for years to come."
The Catholic Community Foundation, which supports the mission of the Diocese of Cleveland and more than 273,000 households in Northeast Ohio announced on April 23 that it has achieved more than $170 million in funds raised from its historic Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope campaign. The success of the Campaign demonstrates the Catholic commitment to the Northeast Ohio community.
Launched in the fall of 2010, the Campaign inspired pastors, parochial vicars and parish volunteers to raise funds from 45,179 Northeast Ohio Catholics. The funds will support five specific long-term initiatives through the Catholic Community Foundation:
Strengthen our Parishes: Recognize the importance of the funds donated from each parish and that a vibrant parish life is central to connecting parishioners to the Catholic Church.
Strengthening our Faith: Build faith through evangelization and connecting people to the Catholic Church with multi-media outreach to the community; support sacramental preparation, religious education and faith formation for youth and adults; invest in parishes with limited financial resources and urgent needs to ensure the continuation of a Catholic presence in the community.
Catholic Education: Increase tuition endowment to assist families and children with the costs of Catholic education, potentially helping an additional 2,000 children annually; allocate funds to support innovative programs designed to enhance curriculum, facilities and technology.
Those who Serve: Increase the current Priestly Formation Edowment to support seminarian education; provide funding for the training of priests for diocesan service and for the formation and education of diaconate candidates; allocate funds to the current Retirement Plan for those who have spent a lifetime in service to the diocesan community.
Charitable Works: Achieve initiatives above and beyond the capabilities of the Annual Appeal, which supports Catholic Charities' operating needs; fund expansion programs, acquisition of new sites and the renovation of existing facilities to more effectively assist Northeast Ohioans.
"This is a time for celebration, not only for Catholics, but Northeast Ohioans as well," said Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation. "The success of the Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope campaign demonstrates that we are united and stronger than ever. The generosity and tenacity of Northeast Ohio's Catholics is a testament to our faith in Christ and community."