Contact: Kathleen Hohl, 414-769-3494

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced today that the 2003 Catholic Stewardship Appeal had generated $7,199,306, surpassing its goal of $7,157,243. The number of donors who contributed to the 2003 Appeal rose to 58,068. The 2002 Catholic Stewardship Appeal raised $7,017,867 from 56,387 donors.

"I am thankful to the many people who contributed to our Catholic Stewardship Appeal, which provides so many valuable services to people who turn to us for help," said Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. "The generosity of people throughout southeastern Wisconsin, especially when financial times are tough, allows us to continue all of the important good that the Catholic Stewardship Appeal supports."

The Catholic Stewardship Appeal is the annual appeal that funds programs and services which benefit approximately 700,000 Catholics and others in the 10-county Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Appeal-funded ministries and programs serve over 200 parishes and all Catholic elementary and high schools. The Appeal also makes possible significant charitable outreach.

"We launched the 2003 Catholic Stewardship Appeal knowing we would most likely be fundraising throughout the entire year in a particularly difficult economy," said Debra Lethlean, Director of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. "We are thankful for the efforts of parish pastors, CSA chairpersons, and the Campanile Society Executive Committee for steady promotional efforts throughout the year."

Membership in the Campanile Society, a leadership giving society for people who donate $1,000 or more to the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, reached an all-time high of 1,101 members. Major donors indicated overwhelming support for Archbishop Dolan's leadership and stewardship of financial resources.

For more information on the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, visit the Catholic Stewardship Appeal web site or call Debra Lethlean at (414) 769-3322.