Home Our Diocese 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal on target to exceed goal

2021 Annual Catholic Appeal on target to exceed goal

809

The Office of Development of the Diocese of Wilmington has exceeded the $4,871,000 goal for the 2021 – “Disciples of Christ – Witnesses of Hope” Annual Catholic Appeal. To date, the office has pledges in the amount of $4,875,211 and collected $4,844,547. The Development Office will continue collecting the balance of the monies pledged through Jan. 25, 2022.

The appeal’s success comes in the wake of another pandemic-challenged year for the diocese and the world. Amid the ongoing pandemic, Catholics throughout the diocese continued their commitment to support the Annual Catholic Appeal, which provides funding solely for the programs and ministries at the heart of the diocese’s Catholic mission.

“By the generosity of our parishioners throughout the state of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, we bring hope, love, and compassion to thousands of our sisters and brothers,” said Bishop Koenig. “Our ministries provide the necessities of life and fulfill the material, spiritual and educational needs of people throughout the diocese.”

The ministries supported by the appeal include pastoral services (ministry to multi-ethnic communities, formation, and chaplaincies, cultural ministries and pro-life activities), Catholic education (support for Catholic schools, and funding of youth and young adult programs, and campus ministries, marriage and family life, deaf ministry, safe environment, and religious education), Catholic Charities (basic needs programming, Bayard House, addiction recovery support, and domestic violence services, homeless support, food assistance, immigration programming, pregnancy counseling) and evangelization.

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal began in April. The campaign included the participation of 56 parishes and nearly 10,000 households in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland within the footprint of the Diocese of Wilmington. The dollars raised exceeded last year by nearly 14%.

Several factors contributed to the success of the appeal. Among them is the participation of pastors and parish volunteers who supported the appeal and highlighted its importance.

“I am incredibly grateful for the faith-filled example and goodness of the dedicated priests, deacons, religious, laywomen and men, and children who make up our church of Wilmington. The success of this appeal is all thanks to this collective community that makes up our diocese. I have been humbled and inspired by the faith, hope, and love that I have encountered,” Bishop Koenig said.

The response to the Annual Catholic Appeal is an indication that our parishioners are responsive to initiatives that support people who need immediate relief.

According to the Office of Development, donors have responded positively to seeing their gifts support essential services and urgent needs led by Catholic Charities and those ministries that support our young people and keep our faith alive.

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal realized an increase in the number of donors as well as an average gift of $500 which indicates 12.5% increase over last year.

It’s not too late to complete your pledge. Scan the QR code below or go to www.cdow.org/catholic-diocese-of-wilmington-offices-and-ministries/development-office/development-annual-catholic-appeal/ before Jan. 25, 2022. Thank you for your support.