“Because We Are Catholic” is the theme of the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, which begins in parishes the weekend of June 13-14 through the weekend of June 27-28. The goal of this year’s campaign is $14.5 million.

Funds from the Annual Catholic Appeal in the Archdiocese of St. Louis support a wide range of programs and ministries crucial to people in need as well as other areas including education, vocations, respect and dignity for human life, and more.

In a video message, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson acknowledged the financial hardships of the local community due to the coronavirus pandemic. He encouraged those who are in a position to give something more this year.

“Together as God’s Church, we carry on proclaiming the words, ‘be not afraid,’” he said. “We do so with faith and hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this great time of need, we see the work of the Church in many wondrous ways — helping those who are sick, feeding those who are hungry, walking with those in despair. Through the Annual Catholic Appeal, generous Catholics have helped people in these and other difficult situations to experience the love and mercy of Christ. So many of our organizations who are assisting those hurt by the COVID-19 virus do so because of the support that donors provide to the Annual Catholic Appeal.”

Brian Niebrugge, executive director of stewardship and the Annual Catholic Appeal, noted, “together as one Church, we reach out to people in need not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.” The work of the archdiocese supported by the appeal makes Christ visible “through our unity,” he said.

The appeal funds programs such as the Rural Parish Clinic providing medical care to people in need; the Criminal Justice Ministry supporting people who are incarcerated and those returning to the St. Louis area after release; Catholic education assisting children with a sense of purpose and value; parish food pantries serving people who are hungry; the Catholic Deaf Ministry providing a central home for people who are deaf to receive the sacraments and faith formation; and more.

>> How to donate

The financial goal of the 2020 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 June 13-14, June 20-21 and June 27-28.

To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit aca.archstl.org.

Programs supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal

Approximately 91 cents of every dollar raised goes back into the community in the form of direct services.

HUMAN DIGNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Catholic Charities 1,300,000

Respect Life, Family and Social Responsibility 650,000

Regina Cleri Priests Retirement Home 340,000

Hispanic Ministry 200,000

Rural Parish Clinic 125,000

Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent 100,000

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service 90,000

Criminal Justice Ministry 70,000

Archbishop’s Charity Fund 65,000

Office of Racial Harmony 50,000

Immigrant and Refugee Support 40,000

Parish Food Pantries 35,000

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 569,000

Special Education 300,000

Newman Centers on College Campuses 265,000

Parochial High Schools 260,000

Today and Tomorrow Educational Fund 100,000

Permanent Diaconate 90,000

Right Start 80,000

MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP

Care for Active and Retired Priests 750,000

St. Charles Lwanga Center 145,000

Catholic Deaf Ministry 100,000

Catholic St. Louis Magazine 80,000

Latin America Apostolate 75,000

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 625,000

Vocation Programs 493,000

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

Religious Formation 300,000

Natural Family Planning 203,000

Evangelization and Discipleship 170,000

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

Catholic Youth Apostolate 20,000

OTHER

Annual Catholic Appeal Expenses 1,500,000

Reserve for Unpaid Pledges 870,000

Archdiocesan Services 435,000

2020 Appeal Goal: 14,500,000