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SCRANTON — The Diocese of Scranton’s premier money raising event, the Annual Appeal, topped the $5 million goal, and diocesan officials thanked six regional committees, including a couple from St. Jude Parish in Mountain Top.

The appeal has garnered $5,075,000 in gifts and pledges, according to a media release Monday, and the giving can continue until the end of the diocesan fiscal year on June 30.

According to the release, the money received so far comes from 31,211 donors, a number that has remained relatively steady in recent years, though well below the 46,005 people who pledged $4.3 million in 2002-03.

Of 120 parishes throughout the 11 county diocese, 77 have surpassed their parish goals.

The diocese set up six regional committees to help coordinate the drive. In Luzerne County, that was George and Karen Hayden of St. Jude Parish — which is in the midst of major construction of an expanded church — and The Rev. John Lambert at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Plains Township.

“I extend my gratitude to our Appeal regional chairs and parish representatives for their commitment to the success of this important diocesan fundraising effort,” Diocesan Secretary for Development Jim Bebla said in the release.

Among other things, money raised through the appeal goes toward food, clothing and shelter for those in need, care of retired priests and bishops, encouraging men to consider becoming a priest or deacon, supporting Catholic schools, and the diocesan public media including The Catholic Light newspaper and CTV, the Catholic Television station.

“It is such a joy to know that together, we can have a meaningful impact on the lives of so many of our family and friends,” Bishop Joseph Bambera said in the media release.

Bambera
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Bambera-Joseph.jpg.optimal.jpgBambera

From left, Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph Bambera stands with Karen and George Hayden of St. Jude Parish in Mountain Top and the Rev. John Lambert from SS. Peter and Paul parish in Plains Township. Lambert and the Haydens were regional chairs of Luzerne County regional committee for the Diocesan Annual Appeal, which topped the goal of raising $5 million.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_diocese-appeal-pic.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph Bambera stands with Karen and George Hayden of St. Jude Parish in Mountain Top and the Rev. John Lambert from SS. Peter and Paul parish in Plains Township. Lambert and the Haydens were regional chairs of Luzerne County regional committee for the Diocesan Annual Appeal, which topped the goal of raising $5 million. Submitted photo

By Mark Guydish

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Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish