BRAINTREE, Mass. (CNS) -- A newly launched three-month campaign called "90 Days Now -- For Your Parish" is being spearheaded by a lay Catholic to help support parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston, because while churches remain closed because of COVID-19, the need for parish services continues.
Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley "has spoken eloquently about the importance of taking care of one another, especially as we face the unprecedented challenges of this crisis," said John Corcoran, a member of St. Paul Parish in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Corcoran stepped forward with the idea for the 90-day initiative, the first of its kind for the archdiocese, according to a news release.
For its part to support the grassroots effort, the Boston Archdiocese has created an easy-to-use, online payment mechanism at https://www.bostoncatholic.org. By clicking the "DONATE" button, donors can make a gift directly to the parish of their choice.
The 90-day program provides a way for Catholics to make a daily commitment in addition to regular weekly donations. The link also allows parishes without the ability to accept online donations to get contributions.
The funds parishioners give will go directly into their parish's savings account and will be promptly available for their parish's needs.
"Our parishes are always there for us, and most do not have cash reserved sufficient to compensate for the lack of weekly contributions. This is a great way for parishioners to be supportive during this difficult time," said Corcoran, who is the founder of Trinity Life Sciences, a leader in global life sciences solutions.
He also is chair of the board of directors of iCatholic Media, which oversees CatholicTV and The Pilot newspaper, both of which are archdiocesan media outlets.
"Our parishes need us," said Greg and Colleen Tocci of St. Mary Parish in Holliston, Massachusetts. "We are so happy to support our parish in its work through the '90 Days Now -- For Your Parish' initiative."
Cardinal O'Malley called the 90-day initiative "a remarkable effort in support of our pastors and parishes."
"We are truly grateful for the response," he said in a statement, emphasizing his gratitude to Corcoran, the Tocci family "and the many lay leaders who are helping our parishes with this initiative."
"This pandemic presents serious challenges to our local communities and the essential work of our social service agencies because of the increased demand and financial stress," Cardinal O'Malley said. "Also, many of our parishes are facing [a] very significant need for assistance that will continue even after [we] are able to reopen our churches."
Father Scott Euvrard of St. Anthony Parish in Cohasset, Massachusetts, said he was grateful for the online giving initiative and parishioners' kindness and generosity, calling these critical to helping parishes carry on their ministries and services.
"Online giving is so important for parishes as we continue our work, and as we prepare for the day when we can once again be together," he said.
