A Message from Cardinal Cupich
With Heartfelt Gratitude
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We have faced many challenges in our world — from diseases to social upheavals to economic uncertainty. Still, we remain people of gratitude, because the Lord has walked with us, and we have walked with each other. This year’s Annual Catholic Appeal echoes these experiences of accompaniment.
Our theme for this year is Walking on the road with Jesus. It evokes the gospel scene of the two disciples who find themselves walking toward the village of Emmaus with a stranger, who, in fact, is Jesus. (Luke 24:13–35) They come to know Jesus as one who listens to their hopes and fears, and they are consoled and encouraged as they walk together. Pope Francis points to this passage as he calls the Church to a great synod, literally, a walking on the road together (syn-hodos). We take up the journey with the Lord and each other in trust and with generosity.
The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us the opportunity to discover that the Lord is with us every step of the way as we walk together in supporting his mission in our local Church and reach out to all who are in need. I invite you to join me in that journey with the Lord by responding generously to this year’s Appeal.
May God bless you for your willingness to share and support the journey. And may God bless and keep all your loved ones.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase Cupich
About the Annual Catholic Appeal
The Annual Catholic Appeal is an annual fundraising campaign that supports the parishes, schools, ministries, programs and agencies that serve the educational, physical and spiritual needs of the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Through Catholic Relief Services, the Appeal also serves people around the world, regardless of religious affiliation, whose lives are devastated by natural disasters, illnesses, wars and famine.
Faith is alive in parishes and schools, soup kitchens and counseling centers, on street corners and in churches. It’s lived through people of all backgrounds, from every neighborhood. People everywhere come together to support one another. It is in this spirit that the Appeal exists: to bring support gifts, and build strong communities through faith and your generosity.
Your Gift's Impact
Your contributions and generosity are deeply appreciated, much needed and make a real difference in the lives of many.
Each of us is responsible for the well-being of others within our Archdiocese and throughout world. The Annual Catholic Appeal is an opportunity to meaningfully support Catholic education, faith formation, community life ministries and programs for peace and justice here and everywhere.
Careful thought is given to the use of each and every gift. They are gifts to support God’s work, and we use them accordingly.
In order to help understand the larger story of the Annual Catholic Appeal, we invite you to read the most recent issue of the
LUMEN magazine.
