Annual Catholic Appeal collection in June will provide for the needs of local community
“Because We Are Catholic” is the theme of the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, which begins in parishes the weekend of June 13-14 through the weekend of June 27-28. The goal of this year’s campaign is $14.5 million.
Funds from the Annual Catholic Appeal in the Archdiocese of St. Louis support a wide range of programs and ministries crucial to people in need as well as other areas including education, vocations, respect and dignity for human life, and more.
In a video message, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson acknowledged the financial hardships of the local community due to the coronavirus pandemic. He encouraged those who are in a position to give something more this year.
“Together as God’s Church, we carry on proclaiming the words, ‘be not afraid,’” he said. “We do so with faith and hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this great time of need, we see the work of the Church in many wondrous ways — helping those who are sick, feeding those who are hungry, walking with those in despair. Through the Annual Catholic Appeal, generous Catholics have helped people in these and other difficult situations to experience the love and mercy of Christ. So many of our organizations who are assisting those hurt by the COVID-19 virus do so because of the support that donors provide to the Annual Catholic Appeal.”
Brian Niebrugge, executive director of stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal, noted, “together as one Church, we reach out to people in need not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.” The work of the archdiocese supported by the appeal makes Christ visible “through our unity,” he said.
The appeal funds programs such as the Rural Parish Clinic providing medical care to people in need; the Criminal Justice Ministry supporting people who are incarcerated and those returning to the St. Louis area after release; Catholic education assisting children with a sense of purpose and value; parish food pantries serving people who are hungry; the Catholic Deaf Ministry providing a central home for people who are deaf to receive the sacraments and faith formation; and more.
>> How to donate
The financial goal of the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal is $14.5 million. Approximately 91 cents of every dollar raised goes back into the community in the form of direct services. The appeal will be conducted in most parishes the weekends of June 13-14, June 20-21 and June 27-28.
To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit aca.archstl.org.
Programs supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal
Approximately 91 cents of every dollar raised goes back into the community in the form of direct services.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Catholic Charities 1,300,000
Respect Life, Family and Social Responsibility 650,000
Regina Cleri Priests Retirement Home 340,000
Hispanic Ministry 200,000
Rural Parish Clinic 125,000
Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent 100,000
Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service 90,000
Criminal Justice Ministry 70,000
Archbishop’s Charity Fund 65,000
Office of Racial Harmony 50,000
Immigrant and Refugee Support 40,000
Parish Food Pantries 35,000
Peter and Paul Community Services, Shelter at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish 15,000
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Elementary School Assistance 2,000,000
Archdiocesan High Schools 1,170,000
Continuing Formation of Priests 569,000
Special Education 300,000
Newman Centers on College Campuses 265,000
Parochial High Schools 260,000
Today and Tomorrow Educational Fund 100,000
Permanent Diaconate 90,000
Right Start 80,000
MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP
Care for Active and Retired Priests 750,000
St. Charles Lwanga Center 145,000
Catholic Deaf Ministry 100,000
Catholic St. Louis Magazine 80,000
Latin America Apostolate 75,000
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis 50,000
Catholic Renewal Center 50,000
Rural Parish Workers 50,000
Messengers of Peace Mission Work 25,000
CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP
Archdiocesan Seminary 625,000
Vocation Programs 493,000
Stewardship and Development Support for Parishes, Schools and Agencies 400,000
Religious Formation 300,000
Natural Family Planning 203,000
Evangelization and Discipleship 170,000
Parish Emergency Assistance Fund 90,000
Elementary Teachers Educational Fund 75,000
High School Stewardship Essay Program 55,000
Support for Religious Orders 25,000
Catholic Youth Apostolate 20,000
OTHER
Annual Catholic Appeal Expenses 1,500,000
Reserve for Unpaid Pledges 870,000
Archdiocesan Services 435,000
