There are good reasons to hope for an engaging and successful Annual Catholic Appeal, based on the responses of those who attended one of several information sessions recently offered by the Diocese.
In the weeks ahead of the Feb. 24-25 official Appeal launch, the diocesan Department of Development hosted meetings for pastors and parish representatives to introduce this year’s theme, “One Love, One Faith, One Family,” and review digital and printed resources to support the campaign in the parishes.
More than 100 people participated in the meetings that were held Jan. 30 in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, and Feb. 1 in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale. A virtual option was offered Jan. 31.
Christine Prete, department director, was excited to bring back in-person gatherings after only having virtual meetings over the past few years due to pandemic concerns. The face-to-face interaction was beneficial, she explained, to build personal connections with parish representatives who will coordinate the Appeal in their communities.
During this year’s sessions, participants had the opportunity to preview the 2024 theme and discuss the importance of the ACA to both the Diocese as a whole and the individual parishes, Prete reported. The gatherings included presentations on social media and other forms of marketing, a discussion on the goals set for parishes and an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
“The ACA holds critical importance for both the Diocese at large and each individual parish, primarily due to its vital role in sustaining and advancing our ministries now and into the future,”
Prete said. “Through support of the ACA, we can enable our ministry leaders to continue developing and enhancing programs that deeply connect with and serve the broader local communities of our parishes.
The faithful of the Diocese will learn more about the importance of the Appeal from a videotaped message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., which will be shown in churches during the launch weekend.
According to Prete, the feedback to the sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous parish representatives expressing appreciation for the thoroughness of the material and the helpful responses to their
“This engagement and the clarity provided have set a solid foundation for a successful Appeal launch,” she said.
For more information about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal. Look for additional coverage of the ACA in the March issue of The Monitor Magazine and on trentonmonitor.com.