Everyone Is Special
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
In a world where fewer people believe in God and his Church, our mission in the Diocese of Trenton to share our Catholic faith has never been more critical. By reaching out to our brothers and sisters and responding to their needs, we give witness to the power of God’s love.
St. Augustine once said, “God gives where he finds empty hands.” As Christians, we are called to do the same. We come to the altar with empty hands. We are filled with Christ and we are asked to share Christ with all we meet.
Regardless of the challenges we face, you the faithful, have always been generous in helping to spread the Good News and do the work of the Lord Jesus. Together with the love and mercy of God we can share our faith, care for those in need, and serve the Kingdom of God here on earth.
I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift of to the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal so we, together, may continue the work of strengthening parish and family life, evangelizing our community and our world, and reaching out to those in need with love and compassion.
I am grateful to you for your faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and to our Church.
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of Trenton
Your appeal gift helps ensure there will be priests and deacons who strive to embody God’s mercy in all they do, to sustain and nurture the sacramental life of our parishes. Each year nearly 600 weekend masses are celebrated at our parishes! Currently 18 seminarians, 163 priests and 46 religious priests, and about 246 deacons are supported through the appeal. 48 men receive assistance in their retirement. In 2017, we have 59 Brothers, 46 priests and 248 women religious ministering in the diocese. Your gift promotes those called to serve.
Evangelization is the primary mission of the Church. Diocesan and parish initiatives provide opportunities to grow in faith and into intimate union with God. An expansive array of ministry programs make the spiritual works of mercy a reality for families at all stages of life in the parishes and on a diocesan level. Throughout the diocese last year we had 7,147 Baptisms, 5,937 Funerals, 1,278 Marriages and 217 Convalidations.
Our outreach for youth, the aging, family life, campus life and ministry among Hispanic Catholics enrich the everyday and spiritual lives of over 775,000 parishioners.
Your support makes it possible for the Diocese to prepare leaders at the parish level who teach over 50,000 Religious Education students each year and bring hundreds men and women annually into full-initiation with the Catholic Faith. Last year, 191 Catechumens, 120 Non-Catholics and 332 Catholics were welcomed in. In addition, there were 7,396 First Communicants and 7,433 Confirmandi throughout the diocese.
Catholic Education Administration
Catholic schools are the greatest hope for the future of our Church. Donations to the ACA help to ensure that curriculum and performance standards and development of educators continue at high levels within 31 elementary schools and 7 high schools. Last year reaching out to more than 90,000 alumni increased that support to these institutions.
Through your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, you partner with the Diocese and your parish to make the corporal works of mercy tangible for people who are most in need through: Diocesan Parish Counseling Services, Parish Emergency Assistance Program, Diocesan Social Service Workshops, Home Health Nursing Program and Emergency Assistance.
Diocesan communication efforts through the diocesan website, radio and TV, social media and The Monitor reach out to all 775,000 parishioners in the Diocese of Trenton, as well as those who are seeking to know more about the Catholic Church. Communications is responsible for the following areas:
PLUS... 15% of the collected goal amount goes back to the parish and 50% of the overage is also returned for repair/restoration projects, new areas of growth or ministry development, as well as other needs.
Ways to donate
online at https://dioceseoftrenton.org/aca-donate-page
or
Pick up a dontaion from at the Parish
or
Check or money order made payable to Annual Catholic Appeal:
Catholic Annual Appeal - Diocese of Trenton
Department of Development
701 Lawrenceville Road
Trenton, New Jersey 08648