BOSTON — In a bad economy when non-profit organizations are feeling the pinch of decreased giving and sinking investments, St. Anthony Shrine here is bucking the trend.
The shrine community recently celebrated the successful completion of its $1.4 million 2008 Franciscan annual campaign.
“We had no idea what to expect — especially in this economy,” said David Convertino, OFM, the shrine’s guardian and executive director. “Donations are down everywhere, but after our ‘Amen Sunday’ plea and several year-end mailings, our supporters came through in full force.
“They responded to the needs of all of our ministries, particularly worship, music, and our new Franciscan food center. All of our ministries depend on the annual campaign for financial support. Without that support, some of them would have been in jeopardy, but now that is not the case,” he said.
The friars at the shrine thanked their supporters in the Jan. 11 Sunday church bulletin, which read “thanks” in eight languages. The cover of the bulletin showed photos of fireworks, in celebration of the successful campaign.
The campaign will help support shrine ministries, including the Wellness Center, Lazarus program, Kids’ Program, Seniors on Arch Street, Bread on the Common, Evangelization, Franciscan Center for Spiritual Direction, Mychal Judge Center for Recovery, Hispanic Ministry, Franciscan Adult School, Come Home Program, Talk in the City Weekly Radio Program, St. Anthony Bread for the Poor, and The Good Word, and the Franciscan Food Center, as well as worship, reconciliation, and music programs.