For our parishes, schools, ministries and communities throughout Cook and Lake counties.
The Archdiocese of Chicago proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ and carries on his mission through our parishes, schools and ministries. The Annual Catholic Appeal supports low-income parishes and their schools, religious education classes and other outreach programs, Catholic Relief Services, and the development of our priests, among other worthy programs and initiatives.
Together we bring hope through the Annual Catholic Appeal as we care for our Church and each other. As parishes meet their ACA goal, proceeds are returned to the parish to carry out the healing mission in their own local community.
YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS IMPORTANT MINISTRIES
Catholic Schools
The Annual Catholic Appeal helps to fund Catholic schools serving vulnerable communities. Your gift can provide critical support for these schools ensuring access to faith-filled education for families in need.
Family Ministries
Through the Annual Catholic Appeal, family ministries at parishes are strengthened with resources for faith formation, retreats, and gatherings that bring generations together. From preparing children for sacraments to supporting young parents and inspiring teens, the Appeal helps families encounter Christ, deepen discipleship, and find a spiritual home in their parish community.
Chaplaincies
Through the support of the Appeal, chaplains bring Christ’s presence into places where people need Him most in our hospitals and on our college campuses. Whether offering comfort to the sick or guiding young adults in faith, chaplains provide pastoral care, sacraments and hope. Your generosity ensures these vital ministries continue to touch countless lives each day.
Catholic Relief Services
For 80 years, Catholic Relief Services has represented the Church’s healing presence worldwide. Without regard for religious affiliation, CRS promotes human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. Through the Annual Catholic Appeal, the generosity of the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago supports this vital ministry.
Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity
The Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity makes God’s love visible in the world. Rooted in prayer and guided by Catholic Social Teaching—“the crossroads where Christian life and conscience meet the real world” (Compendium, 73)—our ministries work for peace, justice and charity, bringing the Gospel to life and transforming the daily experiences of God’s people.
And Many More...
For a more complete listing of ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal, please visit annualcatholicappeal.com.
2025 Annual Catholic Appeal
HOW YOUR GIFT WILL BE USED
These projections are based on anticipated needs and are subject to change. The list below is meant to summarize the far-reaching impact of the Appeal, and so is not a comprehensive list of all the archdiocese’s ministries.
Low-income parishes and schools (27%)
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Support for parishes and schools serving financially challenged communities
Parish-based incentives (24%)
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After a parish reaches goal, donated funds return to the parish for local use
Archdiocesan Ministries (23%)
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Outreach initiatives for young adults, families, children and others
Spiritual renewal efforts (9%)
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Transforming parishes to share our faith in new and creative ways
Priest formation (6%)
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Education and development for seminarians and priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Relief Services (4%)
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Support for those suffering from natural disasters around the world
Cost of the Appeal (7%)
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Printing, postage, processing costs for the Appeal
With Heartfelt Gratitude
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
A deep source of encouragement and inspiration for me has been the generosity of people in the Archdiocese of Chicago, people like you. When you hear the needs, you respond. Thank you!
The theme for his year’s Annual Catholic Appeal’s is Together we bring light. This theme is rooted in the gospels, and it speaks to deep needs in our world. Our world is often shrouded in darkness, clearly the darkness of war, violence, poverty and hunger but also the darkness of sin and ignorance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We take responsibility to bring the light of Christ to our wounded world. We do this in word and action, when we proclaim Jesus Christ, when
we connect compassionately with others, and when we build bridges of reconciliation. Our support of the Annual Catholic Appeal also offers us a pathway to bring the light forward.
Please consider joining me to support this year’s Appeal, so that we can indeed bring the light of Christ to others. Your generous contribution—I can assure you—will be a source of blessing for many people and for you and your loved ones. Thank you.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop of Chicago
The Lumen Cordium Society
Cardinal Cupich welcomes you into the Lumen Cordium Society. Your generous gift of $1,500 or more to the Annual Catholic Appeal is one way to personally acknowledge the blessings you have enjoyed in your life and a way to spread that gratitude to others in need. In addition to the spiritual benefit of expressing your appreciation to the Lord, Society membership includes:
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An invitation to the annual Mass and reception with Cardinal Cupich
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Receiving Lumen Cordium magazine twice a year
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Inclusion in the Prayer Intention Book of Society members
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Intentions remembered at monthly Mass in Saint James Chapel
Please note that your Lumen Cordium Society pledge can be made payable in installments, and, if you wish, can be made anonymously.
To make a gift to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal and for information on how Appeal funds are spent, visit annualcatholicappeal.com.
No money donated to the Annual Catholic Appeal has been or will be used to defray expenses related to misconduct issues.
Gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal will be held in separate, restricted accounts and used solely for the specific priorities set forth in this Annual Catholic Appeal case statement. The Annual Catholic Appeal goals are approximate and based on anticipated needs and contributions. Final distributions will be based on actual contributions and net of related expenses and fees.