Diocese
‘Fueling Faith, Spreading Hope’ Annual Catholic Appeal to offer new parish incentives, enhance formation Diocesse or Trenton, Department of Developement graphic
BY EMMALEE ITALIA Contributing Editor
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ach year the Annual Catholic Appeal aims to support parishes and vital ministries in the Diocese of Trenton, assuring that the local Church is alive and thriving. This year’s theme, “Fan the Flame of Hope,” draws upon the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, which Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., emphasized in the ACA video that will be shown in parishes Feb. 15-16. “Pope Francis’ Jubilee letter invites us to think about how our faith is both a gift to cherish and a flame to nurture,” Bishop O’Connell points out. “Your support for the Annual Catholic Appeal ensures that this flame burns brightly, spreading the light and the warmth of Christ to vital ministries across our Diocese.” VITAL FUNDS FOR THE GREATER GOOD Seeking to raise $6 million, the 2025 ACA’s mission “invites the faithful to embrace Pope Francis’ call to become ‘pilgrims of hope,’ journeying together in faith,” said Christine Prete, Department of Development director. “By supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal, we enable our Diocese, parishes and Catholic institutions to share the Gospel, serve the poor and vulnerable, nurture vocations and provide spiritual and academic formation. Each year, parishes are given an “Every gift ACA fundraising goal by the Diocese, as well as financial incentives strengthens when that goal and other criteria are the Church met. Some of those incentives have been enhanced or newly introduced [and] its for 2025. In addition to calculating individmission.” ual parish goals based on the overall ACA need, a new process for 2025 will connect the goals of individual parishes to their offertory income. “This ensures a more equitable and sustainable approach that reflects each parish’s financial reality while supporting the long-term mission of the Diocese,” Prete explained. This year, “once parishes hit their goal, they will receive a rebate of 100 percent of funds raised beyond that goal,” said Prete. “Additionally, parishes that boost their participation rates by 5% will earn an incentive of 5% of their fundraising goal, regardless of whether they meet the overall goal.” “We’re here to help one another,” Prete said of the spirit behind the ACA. “While the parish does benefit, the [majority of] funds support the broader Diocese. Every gift – no matter
the size – strengthens the Church and ensures everyone can contribute to its mission.” Building awareness about how the funds given to the ACA are used and why they are so necessary is essential, Prete noted, especially when encouraging those who already support their individual parishes to be generous with the diocesan campaign. “Supporting the ACA is vital to the continued growth of our faith and the future of the Church. It enables the Diocese to address needs and provide services that individual parishes or ministries cannot achieve alone,” explained Rose Kimball, Department of Development associate. “While parish contributions sustain local communities, the ACA unites Catholics across the Diocese in a shared mission, strengthening our faith today and building a foundation for generations to come.” TARGETED NEEDS Those pooled resources help to strengthen essential ministries
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February 2025
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47