The Annual Bishop’s 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 Changing Lives...One Family at a Time 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 Bishop’s 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. Two-thirds of the funds raised in the Appeal are
designated for Catholic Charities, which includes:

• Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
• Catholic Charities Regional Agency (Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull Counties)
• Catholic Charities Serving Portage & Stark Counties
• Office of Catholic Charities

Diocesan ministries impact all parishes and Catholics in our diocese. The support given during the Annual Bishop’s Appeal makes evident our discipleship in Christ Jesus through the extension of our ministry to the evangelization and faith formation of individuals and families. One-third of the funds from the Appeal are designated for diocesan ministries, which include:

• Catholic Television Network of Youngstown (CTNY)
• Office of Catholic Schools
• Office of Lay Ministry Formation
• Office of Pro-Life, Marriage, and Family Ministry
• Office of Religious Education
• Office of the Tribunal
• Office of Vocations
• Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
• Seminarian formation

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

Please make your sacrificial commitment to the 2021 Bishop’s Appeal by responding to the mailing or submitting a response envelope found in the pews or Narthex either through the collection or Parish Office. Bishop Bonnar is counting on the support of every parish family to meet our parish goal of $41,800.00. Watch for updates in our parish bulletins and newsfeed. Thank you in advance for your reflection and generous response.

For more information, please visit https://www.ccdoy.org/give/bishops-appeal/.