2026 Annual Appeal seeks to help the Church’s mission flourish
In a video message introducing the 2026 Annual Appeal, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, called the effort “an invitation to carry out the successful mission of our Church here in the Archdiocese of Newark in a way that is consistent with Christ’s Gospel.”
The video was launched across the archdiocese during the weekend of Feb. 7–8.
Last year’s Annual Appeal raised $11.3 million, the highest amount since 2002. Those funds supported ministries that answer Christ’s call to spread the Gospel, positively impacting thousands of lives across the four counties of the archdiocese. In 2025, that vital work included:
• 8,485 Baptisms
• 23,000 Students in Catholic schools
• 160,000 pounds of food delivered to the hungry through The Mercy House
• 185 retired priests supported and 67 seminarians formed for the priesthood
The campaign’s 2026 goal is to raise at least $9.5 million. “With your generosity, we can help the archdiocese grow even more,” Cardinal Tobin said.
Four areas of ministry
Annual Appeal funds are allocated to four vital priorities:
• Proclaiming the Gospel ($1 million goal) – Supports ministry to multi-ethnic communities, programs that strengthen family life, international mission, and pastoral ministries with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities.
• Passing on the Faith ($2 million goal) – Invests in youth and young adult programs, faith formation, campus ministries, and Catholic schools.
• Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable ($3.5 million goal) – Funds Catholic Charities, The Mercy House, hospital and prison ministries, pro-life efforts, and child protection efforts.
• Forming Future Priests & Supporting Retired Clergy ($2.5 million goal) – Provides education for seminarians, ongoing clergy formation, and health care for priests.
One family in Christ
Gifts go directly to the supported ministries. Last year, more than $1.5 million was also returned to parishes through rebates and assessment rate reductions, with additional funds allocated to parishes as grants. The funds allowed parishes to meet local ministerial and pastoral needs while contributing to the broader mission of the archdiocese.
“Although we come from many parishes, we are united as one archdiocese and one family in Christ,” Cardinal Tobin said.
To learn more or to make a gift, visit rcan.org/sharing.
It is also possible to contribute by mail, maximize a donation with matching gifts from participating employers, and explore other ways to give.
Watch Cardinal Tobin’s message for the 2026 Annual Appeal below:
