Archdiocese of Newark Launches $9 Million 2025 Annual Appeal
The Archdiocese of Newark has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal with a $9 million fundraising goal to support essential ministries across Union, Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties. Last year’s campaign raised an impressive $10.6 million—the most in nearly 15 years.
“The Annual Appeal is a powerful way to answer God’s call to serve our faith and community, and the impact is profound,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark.
Funds from the Annual Appeal sustain ministries that bring Christ’s work to life, enabling the Archdiocese to proclaim the Gospel, serve those in need, and nurture faith. In 2024, these efforts included:
- Celebrating over 7,000 baptisms.
- Educating more than 23,000 students in Catholic schools.
- Distributing 160,000 pounds of food and 400,000 baby supplies through Mercy House locations to families in need.
- Providing 106,925 nights of shelter to 1,757 homeless individuals and families via Catholic Charities.
- Supporting 187 retired priests and ongoing clergy formation and forming seminarians for the future priesthood.
Focused Areas of Support
The Annual Appeal targets four key priorities:
- Proclaiming the Gospel ($1M): Funds ministries for multi-ethnic communities, family-life programs, international missions, and outreach to the deaf.
- Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable ($3.5M): Supports Catholic Charities, Mercy House, hospital and prison ministries, pro-life efforts, and child protection efforts.
- Passing on the Faith ($2M): Invests in youth and young adult programs, faith formation, campus ministries, and Catholic schools.
- Forming Future Priests & Supporting Retired Clergy ($2.5M): Provides education for seminarians, ongoing clergy formation, and healthcare for priests.
“The Annual Appeal is a testament to our commitment to fostering vocations and equipping future priests with the spiritual and pastoral skills they need to carry out their sacred ministry with grace and compassion,” said Fr. Matthew Gonzalez, Parochial Vicar at St. Bartholomew Parish in Scotch Plains.
Ways to Give
Parishioners can support the 2025 Annual Appeal through mailed pledges, online donations at www.rcan.org/sharing, or by exploring matching gifts from employers at www.rcan.org/match. Tax-advantaged giving options, such as stock donations or IRA contributions, are also available. Learn more at www.rcan.org/ways-give.
Every Dollar Counts
All donations go directly to the supported ministries, with $2.1 million returned to parishes in 2024 as rebates, assessment reductions, and grants. This empowers parishes to meet local ministerial and pastoral needs while contributing to the broader mission of the Archdiocese.
Join the Archdiocese in making a difference today. Visit www.rcan.org/sharing to learn more and contribute.
Thomas Smith is the director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured image: Mercy House staff distribute Thanksgiving meal donations to families in need within the community.
