SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield fell short of its annual fundraising goal for the fifth straight year, according to church officials.

The diocese raised $2.8 million dollars through its 2005 Annual Catholic Appeal, about $100,000 short of its goal and roughly $63,000 less than what it raised in 2004.

The diocese raised an additional $1 million for hurricane and tsunami relief, but those efforts contributed to the Appeal’s shortfall, said Virginia Webb, the diocese’s director of stewardship and development.

“I think a lot of people said, I must give to that which really needs me on an emergency basis,”‘ Webb told the Republican newspaper of Springfield.

More than 40 agencies receive money from the fundraising campaign for a range of education, health care and family services. The diocese is expected to allocate the money next week.

“Certainly almost everyone in the allocation pool will see a reduction because there are fewer funds to be given out,” said diocesan spokesman Mark E. Dupont.

Although the clergy abuse scandal has hampered previous fundraising campaigns, Dupont said he believes it is no longer a significant factor.

The number of contributors has fallen, but the diocese’s average donation increased from $62 to $100 between 2002 and 2005. More than 500 donors contributed at least $750.

Dupont said the diocese plans to spend more time educating younger Catholics about the fundraising campaign.

“There is a move afoot nationally that suggests we need to do a better job getting across our message,” Dupont said.