The Foundation kicked off the 2018 Bishop’s Annual Appeal, known as Progress, and awarded five $5,000 cash prizes to parishes who met their 2017 Progress goals. The event was hosted by St. Raphael Parish. They were surprised and elated when their name was drawn first by Fr. Mariano H. López, Rector of St. Charles Seminary, during the parish raffle. Fr. Anthony C. Celino, J.C.L., Pastor of St. Raphael Parish told the crowd of Progress leaders, clergy, volunteers, and donors that St. Raphael would be donating the entire amount to Our Lady of Fatima in Van Horn, Our Lady of Miracles Mission in Sierra Blanca, and Santa Teresa de Jesus in Presidio, all in rural West Texas.

The 2017 Progress Campaign received $2,028,187 in pledges from 9,914 donors. The parishes who reached their goal in 2017 and were eligible for the 2018 raffle are: All Saints, San Judas Tadeo, Christ the King—Balmorhea, San Lorenzo—Clint, Guardian Angel, St. Ignatius, Our Lady of Assumption, St. Joseph—El Paso, Our Lady of Miracles—Sierra Blanca, St. Mary—Marfa, Queen of Peace, St. Patrick Cathedral, Roger Bacon Seminary, St. Raphael, and San Antonio de Padua.

Congratulations to the following churches that exceeded their parish goal in 2017 and won a $5,000 cash prize through the parish raffle: All Saints, Guardian Angel, San Judas Tadeo, St. Joseph - El Paso, and St. Raphael.

This year’s goal is to raise $2,200,000 from 12,000 donors. Parishes that meet their individual goals in 2018 will be entered into a 2019 raffle for five cash prizes of $5,000 each.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal provides operational funds for diocesan ministries and charities that reach out to the troubled, inspire youth, minister to families and help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. 2018 marks the 35th anniversary of Progress.

Photo Credit: Joe Najera