Dear Father/Monsignor,

This afternoon we were informed that a few of our donors to Partners in Charity are receiving calls asking for gifts of support for the Bishops’ Fund.

A wise donor knowing that our appeal is no longer identified as the Bishops’ Fund reported this to our office (thank you!). Please know that our office does not solicit gifts of support for Partners in Charity over the phone; gifts are solicited by mail, online, or through the parish.

As we are all aware we are currently experiencing an unprecedented global event. The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – now officially a  pandemic – has caused apprehension globally, ultimately resulting in the suspension of all public celebrations of Mass here in the Diocese of Worcester, lockdowns, travel bans, panic buying, schools closings, and financial market turmoil.

Scammers, too, have taken notice. Emergencies offer golden opportunities for con artists to launch fraudulent campaigns that feed off, and cash in on, the climate of concern. Scammers have wasted no time in playing on people’s fears or evoking feelings of compassion.

If your parishioners have received any of these unfortunate calls please let us know.
Wishing you and your parishioners our sincere appreciation and prayers during this very difficult time.
 
 
Michael Gillespie
Office: 508-929-4368
Email: mgillespie@worcesterdiocese.org