The 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal theme mirrors the teachings of Christ and resonates with the wisdom of Colossians: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Every day, throughout the Diocese of Trenton, our parishes share God’s love through the many diocesan ministries made possible by your generous support. Through the love of Jesus we are bound together as one family in faith - supporting, guiding and caring for one another.
PLUS... 15% of the collected goal amount goes back to the parish and 50% of the overage is also returned for repair/restoration projects, new areas of growth or ministry development, as well as other needs.
Your gift to the Appeal helps ensure there will be priests and deacons who strive to embody God’s mercy in all they do, to sustain and nurture the sacramental life of our parishes. Currently 12 seminarians, 181 priests and 71 religious priests, and about 193 permanent deacons are supported through the appeal. 78 men receive assistance in their retirement. In 2023, we have 16 Sisters ministering in the diocese. Your gift promotes those called to serve. You gift also helps support the retired clergy by providing housing at Villa Vianney in Lawrenceville and The Villa at St. Denis in Manasquan. Many of our retired priests continue to serve the Diocese in many ways.
Evangelization*
Evangelization is the primary mission of the Church. Diocesan and parish initiatives provide opportunities to grow in faith and into intimate union with God. An expansive array of ministry programs make the spiritual works of mercy a reality for families at all stages of life in the parishes and on a diocesan level. Throughout the diocese last year we had 5,970 Baptisms, 5,834 Funerals, and 1,311 Marriages.
Our outreach for youth, the aging, family life, campus life and ministry among Catholics enrich the everyday and spiritual lives of over 640,000 parishioners.
Your support makes it possible for the Diocese to prepare leaders at the parish level who teach over 32,000 Religious Education students each year and bring hundreds of men and women annually into full-initiation within the Catholic Faith. Last year, 395 Catechumens, 556 Candidates (Non-Catholics and Catholics completing initiation) were welcomed in. In addition, there were 5,741 First Communicants and 6,029 Confirmandi throughout the diocese.
Catholic schools are the greatest hope for the future of our Church. Donations to the ACA help to ensure that curriculum and performance standards and development of educators continue at high levels within 25 elementary schools and 5 high schools. Last year reaching out to more than 90,000 alumni increased that support to these institutions.
Through your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, you partner with the Diocese and your parish to make the corporal works of mercy tangible for people who are most in need through: Diocesan Parish Counseling Services, Parish Emergency Assistance Program, Diocesan Social Service Workshops, Home Health Nursing Program and Emergency Assistance.
Diocesan communication efforts through the diocesan website, radio and TV, social media and The Monitor Magazine reach out to all 640,000 parishioners in the Diocese of Trenton, as well as those who are seeking to know more about the Catholic Church. Communications is responsible for the following areas:
Updated on January 30, 2024