The Appeal 2024 kicks off in parishes throughout the Diocese of Columbus the weekend of May 4-5. 

“Respond to His Love,” the theme of this year’s Appeal, encourages the faithful to demonstrate gratitude by responding generously to God’s love in their lives. Funds raised by The Appeal support essential ministries and services in the diocese.

“Across the 23 counties of the Diocese of Columbus, we are called as Catholics to respond with both love and gratitude,” Bishop Earl Fernandes said.

The goal for this year’s Appeal is $7.5 million, which is $500,000 more than last year’s target. In 2023, more than $6.5 million was raised through The Appeal for the diocese.

In addition, more than $1.9 million was returned to parishes that exceeded their Appeal fundraising goal. 

Funds raised will support four pillars in the diocese: evangelization, Catholic education and tuition assistance, vocations and social needs.

“I have seen firsthand the work of God in our parishes and in the lives of our parishioners,” Bishop Fernandes said. “God is good, and His love and blessings are abundant. It’s easy to see.

“The profound and boundless love that flows from the Sacred Heart of Jesus cannot stop us. Love requires a response.”

The Appeal dollars will support families, parishes and schools in missionary disciple formation to foster evangelization in the diocese. This includes funds for marriage preparation classes and couple enrichment programs to encourage greater participation and engagement in parish life. 

Funds also support efforts to make Catholic education more affordable and available to families, as well as to offer continuing education and formation opportunities for teachers.

Additionally, The Appeal supports vocations, including increasing seminarian costs, such as tuition and room and board, as well as ongoing discernment and formation activities and experiences for priests and deacons.

Funds also impact work to support mothers and their children, as well as coordination of prison ministry, which serves the spiritual needs of inmates in the 12 correctional facilities located in the Diocese of Columbus.

For more information, including ways to give to The Appeal, scan the QR code or visit www.columbuscatholicgiving.org/appeal.