STATEN ISLAND – Nearly 400 parishioners gathered on February 8 at St. Joseph-St. Thomas St. John Neumann Parish for a special Mass and reception honoring donors to the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated the Mass on the Memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita, highlighting her as the patron saint of hope whose story shows the power of forgiveness and the dignity of every person.

The reception after Mass featured warm remarks from Cardinal Dolan about his appreciation for the steadfast support of Staten Island parishioners. His words of thanks were followed by an announcement from Cynthia Caruso Aquila, Master of Ceremonies and a member of the Appeal’s Leadership Committee, about a $25,000 matching gift challenge from an anonymous donor. This inspired attendees to pledge $24,200 to the Appeal that evening and led another donor to step forward with an additional $10,000 challenge, which was open through February 14.

The event also marked the launch of the Appeal’s Giving Societies, recognizing donors who give at various distinguished levels. Members of these societies were given special ribbons to wear for the evening.

Parishioners also took time to celebrate Cardinal Dolan’s 75th birthday and his nearly 17 years of service as Archbishop of New York.

A vital part of the mission of the archdiocese, the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal raises $21 million annually to sustain ministries, institutions, and outreach programs serving thousands across New York.

For details or to contribute, contact cardinals.appeal@archny.org or call (646) 794-3300.