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  The Annual Diocesan Appeal offers Catholics in the Diocese of Youngstown an opportunity to respond to Jesus’ teaching throughout the Gospels by ministering to those in need. The Appeal is the primary funding source that allows Catholic Charities to continue Providing Help and Creating Hope right here in our six-county diocese. In recent years, the number of families and individuals coming to Catholic Charities for help has increased while resources have decreased. This is especially true considering the challenges during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many more have found themselves unemployed or underemployed.

  As a result, we are challenged to encourage more people of the diocese to respond generously to the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Only with increased support can we effectively respond to the Gospel call that we serve the least among us in this time and place.
  
  Catholic Charities efforts serve the neediest in our communities, regardless of faith tradition. This is accomplished through an administrative unit in downtown Youngstown and three direct-service agencies that minister to individuals and families throughout the diocese. In 2021, Catholic Charities agencies within the Diocese of Youngstown provided direct support to more than 35,000 individuals. Sixty percent (60%) of the funds raised in the Appeal are designated for Catholic Charities.

  The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is now the Annual Diocesan Appeal with a new theme: One in Hope, One in Mission. This new name will help us focus on the good work of our diocesan community, centered in the hope and mission of Jesus Christ. The causes the Appeal supports remain the same: to provide resources for Catholic Charities efforts within our diocese and to strengthen the faith of all parishioners through our many diocesan ministries.

  Diocesan ministries impact all parishes and Catholics in our diocese. The support given during the Annual Diocesan Appeal makes evident our discipleship in Christ Jesus through the extension of our ministry to the evangelization and faith formation of individuals and families. Forty percent (40%) of the funds from the Appeal are designated for diocesan ministries.

  
  The diocesan ministries supporting parishes and parishioners include:

  • Office of Communications
  • Office of Missionary Discipleship
  • Department of Canonical Services
  • Department of Clergy and Religious Services
  • Department of Financial Services
  • Department of Pastoral and Education

  
  To properly support the efforts of Catholic Charities and these important Diocesan ministries, this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal diocesan goal is $4 million.
   

  For more information, please visit https://doy.org/appeal/.

• Prayer for Appeal

  

   

  Almighty Father, ever present
  source of all Hope.
  
  Lord Jesus, ever present
  guide for all on Mission.
  
  Holy Spirit, ever present
  giver of all gifts.
  
  Inspire us in our commitment
  to serve the People of God
  throughout the Diocese of Youngstown in our support of the
  Annual Diocesan Appeal.
  
  One in Hope, may we nurture
  that same gift in others as we
  work to alleviate their physical, emotional and spiritual poverty.
  
  One in Mission, may we
  advance that same effort
  of Jesus into the future through
  the various ministries of our
  Parishes and our Diocesan Church.
  
  Bringing our many gifts and
  blessings together, may we offer
  our communities renewed
  Hope and joy-filled Mission,
  That All May be One!
  
  Amen

• Bishop Bonnar Talks About Appeal