Across the diocese, more than 20,000 donors have made a commitment online, in the mail or at their parishes to fund our diocesan efforts that nurture spiritual life, embrace God’s call to serve and accompany missionary disciples.

“We have received unparalleled support from pastors, clergy, and diocesan ministry leaders for our appeal” said Meegan Wright, Executive Director of Mission Advancement. “This is an outstanding accomplishment to celebrate.”

As we head toward Thanksgiving, strong participation across our diocese is going to be what takes us from meeting goal to pushing well beyond the goal and seeing ministry thrive and grow. Nationally, dioceses see 20% participation in their annual appeals. Our diocese has now reached 19% participation overall, with more than half of our 80 parishes and missions achieving or pushing far beyond the national averages.

At Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish in St. Petersburg and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Homosassa, in addition to reaching their financial goal, they are also celebrating that more than half of their members have participated in the Catholic Ministry Appeal this year. For parishes seeing strong participation numbers, all share the same message when they ask for support: everyone is invited to participate in sacrificial giving to the wider Catholic community and in this way, everyone can make of gift that has great value. 

While celebrating that the Catholic Ministry Appeal hitting goal, increasing participation will continue to be a focus through the end of the year. 

“Our people have a history of generosity during the holiday season,” said Wright. “We want all to know their gift is still very much needed to not just support current ministry and outreach, but to also grow ministry to meet the expressed need from our communities in the future.”   

The appeal provides direct support to ministries such as local Catholic Charities Shelters of Hope, Catholic schools and centers, seminarian education and formation, youth and young adult programs, and many more. These ministries and services are dependent on continued fundraising for the Catholic Ministry Appeal so that they may grow to meet the needs of individuals and faith communities. 

To learn more about the Catholic Ministry Appeal and the incredible Catholic ministries it supports, or to make a gift this year, visit dosp.org/catholicministryappeal.