PROVIDENCE, R.I.—On the Feast of Saint Nicholas, Dec. 6 the Masse family at Paul Masse Chevrolet in East Providence presented Bishop Thomas J. Tobin with a large donation to benefit vital ministries of the Diocese of Providence. The family donated $250,000 to the Catholic Charity Appeal, which through its many ministries, provides social, educational and spiritual support to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year. A gift of $50,000 was given to the Diocesan Assistance Fund which provides charitable support for a number of causes. And a gift of $50,000 to the “Keep the Heat On” program which helps families and individuals keep their homes warm throughout the winter.

Bishop Tobin thanked the Masse family for their “exceptional generosity” and helping the poor of Rhode Island, calling their gift an example of “faith in action.” 

“This heating assistance program has truly been a ‘life-saver’ for many individuals and families in our region since it was founded 17 years ago, and I know that it will be once again this year," said Bishop Tobin.

“On behalf of the hundreds of households that will directly benefit from the Masse family’s generosity, I wish to convey to the Masse’s my own personal thanks,” said James Jahnz, Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, “the need for heating assistance is especially acute at this time of the year and this gift helps ensure that many of our neighbors’ homes will remain warm and safe throughout this Christmas season.”

Tim McCaig, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, said, "On behalf of the Catholic Charity Appeal, we are so grateful to the Masse family for their generous gift. It will not only bolster the daily work of Catholic Social Services, but also provide funding for numerous Catholic ministries that rely on the Appeal each year. Their donation serves as an incredible jumpstart to the 2023 campaign and places the Appeal in a great position to reach the goal of $7,000,000."

The gift was spearheaded by Paul Masse, the president of Paul Masse Chevrolet. His son and vice president of Masse Chevrolet, Bob Masse, shared, “This time of year, he wanted to do something for people who are having a hard time, those struggling to pay the heating bill or to have heat. That’s what drew him to doing this. We wanted to do it as a company as well to pass along our good fortune to those less fortunate.”


More in the Thursday, December 15, 2022 edition of Rhode Island Catholic.