The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced today that the 2006 Catholic Stewardship Appeal has generated more than $7.9 million, surpassing its $7.5 million goal. This is the highest total raised in the history of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. More than 53,000 donors contributed to the Appeal.

“I am grateful for the outpouring of financial support the people across our archdiocese have demonstrated toward the Catholic Stewardship Appeal,” said Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. “Their generosity speaks to the confidence and faith people have in the Church to provide so many valuable services to those who turn to us for assistance. The giving spirit of the people is alive and well in southeastern Wisconsin, and for that I am truly thankful.”

The annual Catholic Stewardship Appeal funds more than 100 ministries, programs and services that benefit approximately 730,000 Catholics and others in the ten-county Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Appeal support benefits the 216 parishes and 134 Catholic elementary and high schools through funded programs and services that many could not provide on their own. The Appeal also makes possible significant charitable outreach and direct monetary awards.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the 2006 Appeal,” said Robert Bohlmann, Director of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. “We knew that it was going to be another challenging year, but our Catholic community responded in a way we hoped it would. Our success is truly a collective effort, and I am thankful to our pastors, CSA chairpersons, other leadership volunteers, and of course our donors, who really made the difference. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Membership in the Campanile Society, a leadership giving society of people who donate $1,000 or more to the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, reached 1,400 members in 2006. “We have witnessed tremendous growth in the Society the last few years. Continuing this growth is really a priority for us,” Bohlmann said. Major donors indicated overwhelming support for Archbishop Dolan's leadership and stewardship of financial resources.

For more information on the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, visit www.catholicappeal.org or call Rob Bohlmann at (414) 769-3320.