Archdiocese of Newark launches annual appeal (Video)

The Archdioceses of Newark has launched its Annual Appeal for 2024 with a goal of raising $9 million, according to the Office of Development and Stewardship of the Archdiocese of Newark.

Through the generosity of parishioners last year, the Archdiocese surpassed its goal of $9 million and raised over $10 million, the highest amount in over a decade. Those donations funded 1,500 couples to participate in marriage prep programs, 22,000 students to be enrolled in Catholic schools, 60,500 students to attend Catechism programs, 80,000 pounds of food to be distributed by The Mercy House, and Catholic Charities to provide 6,800 nights of care to displaced individuals.

“Through your faithful stewardship to the Archdiocese of Newark, we can continue to proclaim the Gospel through Christ, pass on the faith, care for the poor, and support our clergy and other vibrant ministries,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, Archbishop of Newark.

As the Archdiocese creates more options for Catholics to give through various digital platforms, online donations are becoming a more popular way to give, said Thomas J. Smith, Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship.

Donations can be made online at the Archdiocese of Newark’s website rcan.org/sharing.

The appeal for funding is broken down into four categories: 

• Proclaiming the Gospel ($1 million goal) — Funding for ministry to multi-ethnic communities, family-life programs, international missions, and ministry with the deaf.
• Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable ($3.5 million goal) — Funding for Catholic Charities, hospital and prison ministries, ministry with persons with disabilities, pro-life efforts, The Mercy House, and protection of God’s children.
• Passing on the Faith ($2 million goal)— Funding of youth and young adult programs, faith formation, campus ministries, and support for Catholic schools.
• Forming Future Priests & Supporting Retired Clergy ($2.5 million goal) — Funding for continuing formation for priests, seminarian education, and priest health care.

One hundred percent of the donations go to supporting the ministries of the appeal.

Parishioners can earmark donations to the specific ministries listed under each area of support. Donations can also be made to honor the memory of someone. Last year, the average donation amount was $371, which has increased each of the last three years, Smith said.

Funds raised over the goal of each parish go back to the parish to be used where needed, such as for capital improvements or parish-supported ministries. Last year, over $2.2 million went back to parishes directly through parish rebates, assessment rate reduction incentives, and grants.

The campaign also encourages parishioners to inquire about matching donations through their companies. Matching gifts have also increased in each of the last three years, Smith said. The Office of Development and Stewardship has installed a form in which donors can search for employers who offer matching gifts. If the employer does match donations, the form will prompt you to apply for the matching funds. To see if you qualify for a matching gift, please visit rcan.org/match.

“We invite parishioners of the Archdiocese to open their hearts, answer the call to Discipleship, and to make ministry possible by supporting the Annual Appeal,” Smith said.