T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK The Diocese of Steubenville Diocesan/Parish Share Campaign kicks off their annual fundraiser for 2017 with the participation of Belmont County’s parishes. Left to right: Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, chairman of the Child Protection Services Board; Msgr. Kurt Kemo, vicar general; Bishop Jeffery Monforton of the Diocese of Steubenville; Sister Mary Brigid Callan, director of advancement; James Piazza, executive assistant to the bishop.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Diocese of Steubenville is kicking off a year of fundraising with its 2017 Diocesan/Parish Share Campaign. Bishop Jeffery Monforton visited a major gift dinner with members from the area parishes in attendance at Undo’s Restaurant in St. Clairsville.

Msgr. Kurt Kemo, vicar general, noted the goal for this year is $1,340,000.

“Funds are raised for the running of the diocese,” he said. “Particularly this year we’re focusing on teaching our youth the faith, on evangelization, vocations to the priesthood and many other endeavors that the diocese is undertaking.”

Parishes from Colerain, Barnesville, Martins Ferry, Tiltonsville, Yorkville, Bridgeport, Shadyside, Powhatan Point, Neffs, Bellaire and St. Clairsville were represented at the event.

Kemo also pointed out the enthusiasm of the response.

“There’s a lot more energy,” he said, adding that this is one of five dinners throughout the diocese.

Kemo said the year-long fundraisers have always been successful, noting that every year they clear between $800,000 and $900,000.

“When a parish meets its goal, all the money it is able to collect afterward, the parish receives it back so it can help with capital improvements, schools, things like that,” he said, adding this saves on development campaigns within the parish.

Monforton said Belmont County has always been a welcoming participant in making a positive impact on the communities.

“It’s the gathering of a faith family,” said Monforton. “It’s a sign of our appreciation for what the people do for the Lord and for the good people of the Ohio Valley. What we do extends beyond the Catholic Church. We reach out to the poor and we don’t check anybody’s Catholic cards when they come to a soup kitchen or a clothing bank. The Lord tells us to reach out to everybody. Look at our schools. Our schools aren’t all Catholic kids. We reach out to everybody.”

For more information, call the Diocese/Parish Share Campaign at 740-282-3631.