The Annual Catholic Appeal of the Archdiocese of Chicago is an annual fundraising campaign that supports the parishes, schools, ministries, programs and agencies that serve the educational, physical and spiritual needs of the people of the Archdiocese.
Through Catholic Relief Services, the Appeal also serves people around the world, regardless of religious affiliation, whose lives are devastated by natural disasters, illnesses, wars and famine. CRS lost half its funding when the government eliminated USAID, so the need is critical.
The Appeal also provides critical funding for the ministries of St. Mary. Annual Appeal donations received above our parish goal each year are returned to St. Mary to help fund the functioning of our parish. St. Mary receives a rebate of the funds collected over our goal, which is a tremendous help in sustaining our parish ministries. Last year, St. Mary parishioners donated $211,160 to the Annual Catholic Appeal, which resulted in a rebate to our parish of $104,237! We hope we can continue growing this wonderful response.
This year’s theme for the Annual Catholic Appeal is Together We Bring Light which reminds us that we are called to bring light to those who are suffering and to those oppressed by darkness. Let us continue to pray for one another and especially for those who are experiencing any form of hardship.
In addition to Catholic Relief Services, other vital Archdiocesan ministries funded by the Annual Appeal are Catholic schools, low-income parishes, religious education and outreach programs, jail ministry, priest and seminarian education, young adult and campus ministry. Many of these Archdiocesan functions provide support to local ministries at St. Mary. Additional information on how Appeal funds are used may be accessed by clicking on the information button below.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support!
