Thursday, 4:30 PM
Catholic coffers coming back
By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston raised $13.8 million in its most recent annual fund drive, up 57 percent from its low point in the midst of the clergy sexual abuse crisis, but still down significantly from its fund-raising levels before the crisis.
The archdiocese said today that the improvement in the annual Catholic Appeal -- once called the Cardinal’s Appeal but strategically renamed after the resignation of Cardinal Bernard F. Law -- signals a slow but steady rebuilding of public confidence in the scandal-wracked archdiocese. There were 50,000 contributors to the campaign this past year; that number was down from nearly 90,000 in 2000 but up from 38,000 in 2002.
"Clearly, if you look over the last four campaigns, there is a strong demonstration of forward movement and a recognition by Catholics of the progress that’s taking place across the archdiocese," said Damien DeVasto, director of the Catholic Appeal. "There’s more to be done -- there’s no question -- but this is a real reflection that there is a greater sense of community and progress."
Paulson can be reached at mpaulson@globe.com.
