Nearly 22,500 families and individuals made pledges or gifts totaling more than $3.5 million. Slightly more than 37 percent of parishioners who received pledge cards responded to the appeal, and the average gift was $159.

"We are grateful for the loyal support demonstrated year after year by so many people in the diocese," said Michael Lucotch, director of stewardship and annual appeals for The Catholic Foundation. "It clearly gives testament to their commitment to stewardship."

More than $610,000 from the annual appeal was returned to parishes, allowing them to cover deficits in operating budgets or provide for special projects that could not be covered through the regular offertory.

"Many of our parishes benefit year after year from this supplemental source of income," Lucotch said. "DLA benefits extend beyond what the weekly offertory can provide."

Money raised in the appeal also supports ministries provided at the diocesan level such as evangelization and faith formation, lay ecclesial ministry, Catholic Charities and schools. Training for people coming into the church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, faith formation conferences, catechetical training for catechists and school teachers, and assistance with utility bills are merely a few of the services provided by these ministries.

Nearly 157,000 Catholics in more than 66,000 households throughout the four counties of the diocese benefit from these ministries.

"The diocese would not be able to offer its current level of ministries were it not for the annual Diocesan Lenten Appeal," Lucotch said. "Not only do these ministries serve to advance God’s people in the faith, they advance the mission of the church."

The appeal provided 28 percent of the pastoral center’s operating budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year. These offices provide support to parishes and Catholic schools in the diocese through the offices of Clergy Vocations, Stewardship, Planning, Catholic Schools, Finance, Information Technologies, Permanent Diaconate, Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Worship, Evangelization and Faith Formation, Tribunal, Communications and more.

Lucotch said the faithful truly express their stewardship of time, talent and treasure in many ways.

"And we’re genuinely appreciative for the continued generosity they express through their support of the DLA," he said.

To obtain a copy of the Diocesan Lenten Appeal: Final Report 2011, please contact The Catholic Accent office at 724-834-4010.