As the Annual Catholic Appeal kicks off in parishes across the archdiocese on April 22-23, Catholics are asked to consider how they might “Reach Out in Love” by generously supporting the work of the Church.

This year’s theme comes from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians: “Your every act should be done with love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

The appeal will be conducted in parishes the weekends of April 22-23, April 29-30 and May 6-7, with a goal of $15.5 million.

The appeal is the primary way in which the people of the Church in the Archdiocese of St. Louis come together to reach out to others in many ways, said Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, adding that the appeal is an act of unity and an opportunity to love without limits.

“Let us serve the Lord with gladness and see what is possible when we allow Christ to work through our hands,” he said. “Your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal allows us to realize the difference we can make when we act together in God’s love. When we reach out in love, there is no limit to how many lives we can touch.”

Contributions to the appeal directly support a wide range of programs and ministries essential to Catholic and non-Catholic people throughout St. Louis and the surrounding counties. Deacon Josh Deters experienced God’s love in new ways on a recent trip to the Holy Land as he prepares for priestly ordination. Diana Lutes receives medical and dental care in a compassionate environment when the Rural Parish Clinic comes to Washington County. Isabel Reinberg, who has Down syndrome, has been welcomed with open arms alongside her fellow second-graders at Christ the King School in University City. Sister Pauline Lorch, OSU, enjoys the company of fellow retired religious sisters and daily Mass at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services’ Mother of Perpetual Help residence.

Gifts to the appeal also support adult faith formation and evangelization efforts, vocations programs, youth ministry, food and housing initiatives, all eight Catholic Charities of St. Louis agencies and more.

“I have seen the results of your generosity, and I could not be more grateful,” Archbishop Rozanski said. “We can fill every heart with God’s unending mercy, and let every one of us experience the unbridled joy of serving our brothers and sisters in His blessed name.”

Christine Eilerman, chair of the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign, said the appeal is an opportunity to keep donations within the local Church and support many entities simultaneously.

“I love the opportunity to give Catholic and to give local,” she said, “but also to give to so many agencies. I continue to encourage others to partake and use their gifts they have been given to benefit a broader group of agencies. It’s really going out into the mission field.”

>> How to donate

The financial goal of the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal is $15.5 million. Approximately 91 cents of every dollar goes back into the community in the form of direct services. The appeal will be conducted in most parishes the weekends of April 22-23, April 29-30 and May 6-7. To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit aca.archstl.org.

>>SERVING OUR PARISHES DIRECTLY

Elementary School Assistance $2,000,000
Stewardship and Development Support for Parishes, Schools and Agencies $425,000
Office of Peace and Justice $140,000
Parish Emergency Assistance Fund $100,000
Basilica of St. Louis, King of France $50,000
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis $50,000
Parish Food Pantries $50,000

>>SERVING OUR YOUTH
Archdiocesan and Parochial High Schools $1,416,000
Archdiocesan Seminary $525,000
Vocation Programs $380,000
Special Education $300,000
Newman Centers on College Campuses $262,000
Religious Formation $200,000
Today and Tomorrow Educational Fund $150,000
One Classroom $110,000
High School Stewardship Essay Program $55,000
Office of Youth Ministry $40,000

>>SERVING THE PEOPLE IN OUR PARISHES
Respect Life Apostolate $450,000
Evangelization and Discipleship $425,000
Adult Faith Formation $370,000
Natural Family Planning $220,000
Hispanic Ministry $200,000
Office of Racial Harmony $120,000
Catholic Deaf Ministry $110,000
St. Charles Lwanga Center $100,000
Catholic St. Louis Magazine $80,000
Catholic Renewal Center $77,000
Elementary Teachers Educational Fund $75,000

>>SERVING THOSE IN NEED
Catholic Charities $1,650,000
Rural Parish Clinic $300,000
Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service $125,000
Criminal Justice Ministry $100,000
Bridge of Hope/Lincoln County Housing Initiative $50,000
Archbishop’s Charity Fund $30,000
Messengers of Peace Mission Work $25,000
Meals Program and Sts. Peter and Paul Church $15,000

>>SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE US
Care for Active and Retired Priests $880,000
Continuing Formation for Priests $430,000
Regina Cleri Priests Retirement Home $350,000
Permanent Diaconate $150,000
Support for Religious Orders $20,000

>>OTHER
Annual Catholic Appeal Expenses $1,500,000
Reserve for Unpaid Pledges $930,000
Archdiocesan Services $465,000

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.

>> Your impact

Read more about the people and ministries who directly benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal in Catholic St. Louis magazine: stlreview.com/3KU6q1m