Annual Catholic Appeal invites faithful to support programs, projects that impact lives
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
Catholics throughout the Diocese of Trenton had an opportunity in their parishes Feb. 7-8 to learn about the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal directly from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and community members who both give and receive essential benefits.
Since 2000 the ACA has been the principal fundraiser of the Diocese, inviting the faithful to help support the needs of both individual parishes and diocesan ministries, including faith formation, outreach to those facing hardships, ministries to families, youth and young adults, and much more.
This year the campaign is built on the theme “Love that Strengthens, Joy that Sustains.” The diocesan Department of Development, which coordinates the campaign, explains the theme’s relevance: “At its core, the Annual Catholic Appeal is about love in action – love that strengthens our parishes and the people we serve. At the same time, the Appeal is also about joy – the joy that comes from knowing we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.”
The Appeal extends an invitation to each of the nearly 270,000 Catholic families or households across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties to make a gift toward the overall goal, which, as in 2025, is set at $6 million. Additionally, each of the Diocese’s 97 parishes are assigned individual goals and receive a rebate based on donated funds that surpass that goal.
“Each gift is an act of faith, and each act of faith strengthens the Church, the Body of Christ, so that it may stand strong for generations to come,” Bishop O’Connell pointed out in his ACA video message. “Your faith makes this mission possible, and so I invite you to pray and to give and to walk with us.”
Engaged Communities
A key focus for 2026 is building the level of participation across the Diocese, said Christine Prete, director of Development. “While overall support for the Appeal remains strong, the number of participants has declined in recent years, particularly since COVID-19,” she said. “Encouraging more parishioners to take part strengthens the Appeal as a shared diocesan effort and helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the ministries it supports.”
Toward that end, parishes that increase their donor participation numbers by 10% this year will receive an additional rebate, with 5% of their parish goal returned to them. “This incentive recognizes the importance of broad engagement and encourages parishes to invite more parishioners to share in the mission of the Annual Catholic Appeal,” Prete said.
While local worship and programs are sustained by weekly donations at the parish level, “the Annual Catholic Appeal funds diocesan ministries that serve the broader community and respond to needs that extend beyond their parish,” she continued.
Contributions help fund ministries that serve people at every stage of life, Prete said, citing priestly formation and care for retired clergy, Catholic education, social services and pastoral ministries that reach the most vulnerable, including families in need, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those seeking counseling and support.
“Funds also strengthen evangelization, and parish leadership and training programs that help our local faith communities thrive,” she said.
Digital Emphasis
This year, the ACA will employ a more environmentally conscious, digital-first approach, encouraging online giving and reducing reliance on printed materials, according to Katie Rivera, a Development Department associate. Paper communications will now be sent on an opt-in basis rather than requiring individuals to opt out.
Pointing to rising print and postage costs, Rivera explained, “By investing in digital engagement, we are able to be better stewards of resources while continuing to communicate clearly, share impact stories, and make it easy for parishioners to learn about the ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal and make a secure online gift.”
The traditional mail option still exists, however, so that “those who prefer paper communication will still be able to receive it by opting in,” she added.
Transparency and Responsibility
“Most people want reassurance that their gift truly makes a difference,” Prete said. “The most common questions center on where the money goes, how it is used, and whether it directly impacts local communities.”
Prete noted that adherence to transparency and efforts to report on campaign impacts allow donors to feel confident that their gifts are “managed responsibly and used as intended … supporting real people and real ministries.” She added, “They are especially interested in how the Appeal strengthens parish life, supports our priests, and sustains Catholic schools.”
To help provide that transparency, ACA organizers partner with ministries and parishes in identifying “when events, programs or services are partially funded by the Annual Catholic Appeal,” Prete explained. The campaign’s quarterly newsletter also highlights how ACA gifts are used throughout the Diocese, with “real, tangible examples [that] help parishioners clearly see how their generosity … is making a meaningful impact.”
Road to Success
A commitment to success among those who coordinate the ACA on the local level has enabled parishes to fund programs and projects using their rebate dollars. In 2025, $1 million was returned directly to parishes, allowing local communities to invest in ministerial priorities, pastoral initiatives and parish improvements that support the life and mission of the Church.
One of the most exciting 2025 success stories, Prete recalled, “is the way the parishes came together to exceed our overall diocesan goal. With a campaign goal of $6 million, parishioners responded generously, helping the Appeal raise over $6.4 million.”
What makes the achievement especially meaningful, she continued, is that it was accomplished within a shorter, six-month campaign timeframe, which “speaks to the dedication of parish leaders, volunteers and donors. This shared success is a testament to the generosity of our faith community.”
But the ACA’s work doesn’t stop there. “Welcoming new donors remains a top priority,” Prete said. “Even small gifts when combined across the Diocese make a meaningful difference. The goal … is to invite more Catholics to take part in this shared mission.”