Why do I continue to give to the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) in the Diocese of Madison?
Here are just some of the reasons.
• Our priests — All Catholics in the Diocese of Madison have priests who celebrate Mass, preside at sacraments, and provide counseling to parishioners and those in hospitals and nursing homes. These priests received their education before ordination as seminarians through the support of the diocese. And even after ordination, our priests receive continuing education through our diocese.
• Our schools and religious education programs — Many parents in the Diocese of Madison like me have children who attended or are attending Catholic schools or religious education programs. These children have principals, teachers, and catechists who received training and support through our diocesan offices.
• Camp Gray — My children attended Camp Gray for summer camp and for Confirmation retreats. The camp receives support from the ACA.
• Marriage and family programs — My husband and I participated in a Marriage Encounter weekend, and for many years we continue to be a FOCCUS Marriage Preparation couple. Training and support for these programs are offered through the ACA.
‘Love Never Fails’
The theme of this year’s ACA is “Love Never Fails.” This happens to be Bishop Donald J. Hying’s episcopal motto.
Bishop Hying says, “When we look at the mission and work of the diocese, it is to educate and form our young people in the faith, it is to celebrate and prepare to receive the sacraments, and to live out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in our diocese.
“In all of those ways, we put the love of Christ into action, and your donation to the ACA allows that to happen.
“In love, we see the totality of who God is and who we are called to be. When we love, we are like Christ, and we lead others to discover and experience the power of Jesus’ love for all.”
Goal is $3.5 million
This year’s goal is $3.5 million. Here is how the goal is divided into various areas:
• Know God, $1,100,000 — Evangelization and religious formation, support services to schools, teacher training and support, seminarian education, Hispanic and migrant ministry, continuing education for clergy, and support of the diaconate.
• Love God, $1,120,000 — Worship/Diocesan Choir, family ministries, college and youth ministries, Camp Gray, and ministry support.
• Serve God, $1,280,000 — Catholic Charities, parish services, Catholic Multicultural Center, ACA administrative costs, and Holy Name Seminary preservation.
How to give
Members of parishes have received a letter and pledge form from Bishop Hying. An insert about the appeal was distributed in parishes and was also included in last week’s Catholic Herald.
I encourage all Catholics to join me in giving generously to the ACA. Our financial gifts do make a difference in sharing the light of faith.
You can donate through the mail appeal, in your parish, by texting “Annual Catholic Appeal” to 608-719-3559 to donate via cell phone, or online at www.madisondiocese.org/acagive