Building God’s Kingdom: The Campaign for Catholic Parishes and Schools
When the $2.1 million goal of the Bishop’s Appeal is achieved, we insure that the following programs will receive that level of funding and more. The Diocese and others will contribute additional funds beyond what is raised by the Bishop’s Appeal. Programs are listed in order of levels of support provided by the Diocese. Actual proportions and amounts will depend on the success of the Appeal, changing needs, and levels of other sources of Diocesan and program income. To learn more about how your donations to the Bishop's Appeal are used, please visit
Most of these funds go to struggling inner-City Catholic schools. Our goal is to provide Catholic school education for all families who desire it. This means substantial financial aid for students, but also meeting the operational expense of keeping the schools open and well run. The rest of the money in this category supports religious education for students who attend public school, the Special Religious Education Department for developmentally disabled youth and adults and Saint Joseph’s Center for the Deaf.
The Priesthood
Our Catholic population is growing faster than the number of priests and religious. There are twice as many Catholics per Catholic priest in the United States now as there were in the 1960’s. Discerning vocations and supporting seminarians is as critical to the future of our parishes and schools as meeting current financial needs. It is also important that we provide for the care of our retired priests who have selflessly served Catholics in our Diocese for much of their lives. Continuing formation and education of our active priests is also critical.
Support for Needy Parishes
The Bishop’s Appeal is how Catholics in more prosperous communities can help build up the universal Church, by providing financial assistance to parishes in our poorer neighborhoods. Every parish is critically aware of its own financial needs and the Diocese has approved nearly $300 million in capital campaigns by individual parishes in the last several years. We must also be mindful of parishes in neighborhoods where raising such sums is simply impossible.
CYO, Youth and Family Ministries
Families are the heart of our parishes and schools. These funds support the Catholic Youth Organization, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Family Life Office, and Respect Life Ministry. Happy marriages, healthy children, and respect for all life are essential to building God’s kingdom on earth and in eternity.