.- In a show of remarkable support in the wake of a clergy sexual-abuse scandal, more than 20,000 donations poured in for the Diocese of Allentown’s 2003 capital campaign, raising almost twice its $28-million goal for a total of $53.6 million, reported the Express-Times.
The generosity also demonstrated an awareness of the diocese’s need to strengthen its programs and ministries, said a diocese news release. The funds will go to parishes, Catholic schools, the education of ordained ministers, pastoral ministry, evangelization efforts and parish-based social services.
Parishes have already received more than $1 million.
The campaign, "Strengthening our Future in Faith," was the diocese’s third capital campaign and the first in almost 20 years, said the Express-Times.
