Targeting United States’ dioceses challenged by poverty and changing demographics, the annual appeal from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for its Catholic Home Missions will take place nationwide April 29-30.

“The [2016] contribution of $120,488.69 from your diocese makes many ministries possible for isolated, rural and financially struggling dioceses across the United States,” stated a recent letter from the USCCB to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

The USCCB website describes the Catholic Home Missions subcommittee as a grant-making agency that “offers financial support to missionary activities that strengthen the Catholic Church in the United States, and in its territories and former territories.” The annual appeal helps educate American Catholics about the needs of the mission, inviting them to assist their fellow Catholics monetarily to help further the work.

The letter detailed specific needs throughout the nations’ dioceses, including growing Hispanic communities’ ministries, helping to offset fragile financial situations and isolation.

“With a grant from Catholic Home Missions,” the letter continued, “the establishment of the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Council was possible in the Diocese of Knoxville. Through this program, parishioners receive leadership training while learning about resources available to assist them in their ministry. Support from your diocese helps to make ministries like this a reality.”  

More information about Catholic Home Missions and the appeal may be found at www.usccb.org/home-missions.