The Annual Catholic Appeal theme, “Thy Will Be Done” is more than a phrase from the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a response to God and an expression of desire to align ourselves with His will and to share our gifts with others.

The appeal begins in parishes Saturday, April 17, and runs through Sunday, May 2. The goal is $14.5 million. Each year, the Annual Catholic Appeal in the Archdiocese of St. Louis supports a wide range of programs and ministries that are essential to people throughout the archdiocese. Supported ministries include outreach to people who are homeless and others living in poverty, Catholic education, faith formation, defending life and support for vocations, among others. The appeal provides not only direct support to the material needs of people, but spiritual nourishment as well.

ACA chair Marsha Stocker said that many ministries have seen an increase in need this past year because of the pandemic’s impact on so many people.

Tying that into the theme of “Thy Will Be Done,” the Lord’s Prayer, Stocker said, “is a universal prayer that so many people can relate to. Praying ‘thy will be done’ is the best thing we can pray right now. This year with the pandemic, and the difficulties people have been going through, we give everything over to the Father. We know that we cannot do it by ourselves — we need the Father’s help.”

Catholic education

One of the greatest gifts of serving the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation is the joy of witnessing happy children in their classrooms learning and growing in their relationship with Jesus and one another, said executive director Sharon Gerken.

“I’ve witnessed their parents’ deep commitment and desire to provide their children with the gift of a quality, faith-based education and thanks to so many generous donors and partners, including the Annual Catholic Appeal, together we are making this a reality,” said Gerken.

The Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation, which is slated to receive $100,000 from the Annual Catholic Appeal, is one of several areas of education funded by the appeal, including elementary school assistance, archdiocesan high schools, parochial high schools, special education and more.

The foundation provides need-based tuition assistance scholarships to families attending parochial or private elementary schools. During the pandemic, Today and Tomorrow ensured no child was forced to leave their chosen faith-based elementary school due to lack of scholarships. TTEF awarded more than $9 million in scholarships to more than 4,000 local children for the 2020-21 school year.

Gerken noted that it is the teamwork of board members, donors and partners who enthusiastically and passionately respond “yes” in supporting the mission and children Today and Tomorrow serves and the mission of Catholic education.

“The ACA is the ‘yes’ that keeps us all moving forward to achieve earthly and heavenly goals,” she said. “Together, our ‘yes’ has and will continue to change the lives of children through the gift of faith-based education, providing hope and opportunity for a bright future.”

Catholic Charities of St. Louis

At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the pandemic increased the depth and breadth of need, and in many cases changed how to minister to people. But the mission — to serve people in need, work to improve social conditions and call others to these works — stayed the same.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Annual Catholic Appeal,” said Theresa Ruzicka, president of Catholic Charities of St. Louis. “Our brothers and sisters who turn to Catholic Charities and our eight agencies in their moments of greatest need benefit greatly from the generosity of ACA supporters.”

Both before and during the pandemic:

• Children were connected to loving foster and forever families.

• Senior adults were cared for and reminded that they matter.

• Pregnant women in crisis, including those struggling to overcome substance use disorders, were welcomed and provided resources.

• Women and children fleeing domestic abuse were sheltered, protected and empowered.

• Families new to our country were embraced and supported in their vulnerability.

• Children scarred from trauma were comforted with counseling, care and acceptance.

• People experiencing homelessness received compassion, guidance and housing support.

Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

Any seminarian will tell you that their priestly discernment is done through the will of God, the Father. Second-year theologian Jeff Fennewald also sees how the generosity of those who give to the Annual Catholic Appeal makes his discernment process that much easier in focusing on God’s will.

“Because of the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of St. Louis (through the ACA) and how it goes toward our formation, that has definitely made some men’s discernment much easier,” said Fennewald, who is serving this year at Assumption Parish in O’Fallon. “They are able to focus more on God’s will, versus ‘Am I going to be able to manage this by taking out more student loans?’”

Each year, seminarians are invited to speak at parishes across the archdiocese during ACA pledge weekends, especially those parishes that do not have seminarians assigned there. Fennewald appreciates seeing their faithful support when they have a chance to meet seminarians and hear about their vocational calling.

“They want to support us, but don’t always know how to be involved in the formation of priests,” he said. When they see the direct impact the Annual Catholic Appeal has on the seminary, “their generosity comes from their desire to support us.”

During his time serving in parish life, Fennewald said he’s noticed that people sometimes think the priests, deacons and seminarians are “too busy” and are afraid to take up their time. “I want to convey to the people I meet, whether in the parking lot or the back of church, that I am there to be with them, and there’s no other place I would rather be. That’s what any good Father would want — for the people to God to know that they are not too busy for them.”

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>> HOW TO DONATE

The financial goal of the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal is $14.5 million. Approximately 91 cents of every dollar raised goes back into the community in the form of direct services. The appeal will be conducted in most parishes the weekends of April 17-18, April 24-25 and May 1-2. To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit aca.archstl.org.

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HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Catholic Charities $1,350,000

Respect Life, Family and Social Responsibility $570,000

Regina Cleri Priests Retirement Home $350,000

Hispanic Ministry $200,000

Peace and Justice Commission $140,000

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent $100,000

Rural Parish Clinic $100,000

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service $90,000

Criminal Justice Ministry $70,000

Office of Racial Harmony $65,000

Immigrant and Refugee Support $35,000

Parish Food Pantries $35,000

Archbishop’s Charity Fund $30,000

Peter and Paul Community Services, Shelter at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish $15,000

CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Elementary School Assistance $2,000,000

Archdiocesan High Schools $1,170,000

Continuing Formation of Priests $440,000

Special Education $300,000

Newman Centers on College Campuses $265,000

Parochial High Schools $260,000

Permanent Diaconate $135,000

Today and Tomorrow Educational Fund $100,000

Right Start $60,000

MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP

Care for Active and Retired Priests $780,000

Catholic Deaf Ministry $100,000

St. Charles Lwanga Center $100,000

Catholic St. Louis Magazine $80,000

Basilica of St. Louis, King of France $50,000

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis $50,000

Catholic Renewal Center $50,000

Rural Parish Workers $50,000

Messengers of Peace Mission Work $25,000

CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP

Archdiocesan Seminary $525,000

Stewardship and Development Support for Parishes, Schools and Agencies $400,000

Vocation Programs $380,000

Evangelization and Discipleship $250,000

Natural Family Planning $210,000

ACA Urgent Needs Fund $205,000

Religious Formation $200,000

Catholic Youth Apostolate $120,000

Parish Emergency Assistance Fund $90,000

Elementary Teachers Educational Fund $75,000

High School Stewardship Essay Program $55,000

Support for Religious Orders $25,000

OTHER

Annual Catholic Appeal Expenses $1,500,000

Reserve for Unpaid Pledges $870,000

Archdiocesan Services $435,000

2021 APPEAL GOAL: $14,500,000

* None of the money raised by the Annual Catholic Appeal is used to defend or settle criminal or civil lawsuits related to the clergy abuse scandal.