Annual Catholic Services Appeal
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we step into a promising new year, my foremost sentiment is one of appreciation for your support of the many ministries of our Church of Washington.
It deeply warms my heart that, despite extraordinary challenges over the last several years, so many have come together in unity with the Holy Spirit, consistently responding with generosity and kindness towards those in need. While the difficulties that our communities confront today are great, the selflessness and love within our spiritual family have proven to be far greater.
Through your purposeful sacrifice to our local Church in the past, six new priests and 12 new deacons were ordained in 2023. Additionally, 240 deacons and 75 men in priestly formation received crucial support; 1,000 new Catholics were embraced into our Church through RCIA; and more than 26,000 students across 90 Catholic schools in our Archdiocese were able to receive a quality education. These are just a few examples of the impactful outcomes made possible by your contributions to the Church of Washington, supporting the thousands who rely on its services.
In this new year, we have changed the Annual Appeal to the “Annual Catholic Services Appeal” to reflect, directly in the name, our purpose in coming together as a community in faith in service to others. Along with the new name, the theme for the 2024 Annual Catholic Services Appeal is “United in Purpose,” serving as a poignant reminder that together, in the spirit of Christ, we can enable the charitable works of our Church through its many ministries and services.
To meet the growth of ministries and those we serve throughout of our communities of faith, the 2024 Annual Catholic Services Appeal goal is $12,000,000. I ask that you prayerfully consider joining me today in making a commitment to the Appeal and, in doing so, set an example for others to follow as we continue in service and stewardship with our sisters and brothers throughout our communities across the region.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for your immense generosity!
2024 Annual Catholic Services Appeal Goal
$12 million
The Annual Catholic Services Appeal provides critical funding for more than 70 ministries active across The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Your gift will have a broad and lasting impact for thousands in our local communities of faith.
Vocations, Seminarian Education and Clergy and Religious Support
$5,200,000
By donating to the Appeal, you support our current and future generations of archdiocesan priests, deacons and religious. Seminarian education is the greatest beneficiary of the Appeal, with funds also providing for essential living expenses at the St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C. For ordained priests and ministers, ongoing formation and other means of support are provided by the Appeal.
Catholic Education and Catechesis
$1,575,000
Forming youth in the faith through our Catholic schools, parish religious education programs and many youth activities is an essential ministry of the archdiocese supported by your Appeal gift. Overall, more than 40,000 local youth are impacted by your support. The Appeal also supports RCIA and RCIC programs, accompanying new Catholics in their journey toward full communion in the Church.
Parish, Family and Life Ministries
$1,400,000
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Office of Life Issues celebrates the Gospel of Life across many initiatives, from Project Rachel and supporting local crisis pregnancy centers, to youth outreach and public advocacy. Through the Office of Family Life, the archdiocese also supports marriages and families through workshops, trainings, retreats, healing ministries and other forms of outreach.
Chaplains for Campus Ministries, Hospitals and Prisons
$1,200,000
Across six local campus ministries, ADW chaplains ignite the spiritual life of hundreds of college students, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, through formational and service activities. At the same time, ADW chaplains also minister to the sick and dying in hospitals, as well as to those incarcerated in local detention centers. Thanks to our chaplains, the sacramental life of our archdiocese extends well beyond our parishes.
Social Justice and Outreach Ministries
$1,500,000
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Secretariat for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns extends the outreach of our parishes through Deaf and disabilities ministries, evangelization programs, ethnic apostolates and more. The Appeal also supports Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, which operates nearly 60 programs opening doors of help and hope.
Communications and Digital Evangelization
$1,125,000
Social media and other forms of digital outreach increasingly form the “mission fields” of the modern Church. By supporting the Appeal, you enable our archdiocese to utilize these tools of evangelization and communication more effectively and expansively. You also empower our writers and editors, reporters, photographers and videographers from across the archdiocese to share the good news and works of our local Church.
Statement of Accountability: 100% of your donation to the Annual Catholic Services Appeal is restricted to the programs and ministries above that are a part of the Appeal and will not be used for any other purpose.
Contact Us:
301-637-6129
[email protected]
Annual Appeal
P.O. Box 29260
Washington, DC 20017-0260