A Message from Bishop Malloy:

Dear Friends in Christ.

Please prayerfully consider supporting the 2024 International Appeal as an act of mercy and charity this year. Join with your brothers and sisters in faith from around the Diocese of Rockford in support of ministries that reach out to the marginalized and share the Gospel message throughout the world.

Money raised in our previous International Appeals helped address emergency relief efforts in Haiti after a powerful earthquake and strong tropical storm hit that country in 2021. These funds were available through Peter’s Pence, one of the options you can support during this year’s International Appeal. Another appeal designation, Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe, helps countries like Moldova, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe. The Diocese of Chi$inau, founded in 2000, covers all of Moldova and an unrecognized breakaway state of “Transnistria,” which is currently occupied by Russian forces. That diocese has 20 parishes and seven charities that work to meet the spiritual needs of the people of Moldova, and the needs of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Other options include supporting Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which strives for international peace and reconciliation and globally provides significant humanitarian aid, including assistance to those in war-torn regions throughout the world. We use the U.S. Disaster Relief Fund Rockford Diocesan Response to address difficult situations in our own country. Just this year aid was provided to the Diocese of Honolulu out of the Rockford response fund as assistance after the horrific wildfires on Maui. All these funds are worthy of generous support however you can choose how your appeal donation is applied.

This Lent, please reflect on the blessings God has given to you and your family and how you can use those blessings to bless others with mercy and charity. Please be generous as you prayerfully consider your contribution to the 2024 International Appeal.

May God bless you this Lenten season,

The Most Reverend David J. Malloy
Bishop of Rockford

The International Appeal Supports:

Peter’s Pence

The Peter’s Pence Collection provides the Holy Father with funds he can use to respond to needs around the world. The proceeds will benefit victims of war, oppression, and disasters. Last year, the people of our Diocese contributed $49,140 to this collection.

usccb.org/peters-pence

Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe

The Church continues to rebuild after so many years of having churches confiscated or destroyed due to Communist influences. Your support of this collection helps rebuild churches, support seminary programs, promote ministries and education for children and families, and renew community life around the region. Last year the faithful of the diocese contributed $78,690 to this collection.

usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/central-and-eastern-europe

Catholic Relief Services Collection (CRS)

Your support of Catholic Relief Services gives aid to victims of persecution and natural disasters, provides legal services to poor immigrants, and advocates for the powerless – including those living in war-torn regions. The reach of CRS spans the globe, helping families on every continent address a myriad of needs. Last year, $38,887 was contributed to this collection.

usccb.org/catholic-relief

Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief Fund Rockford Diocese Response

Whenever a natural disaster occurs and/or a significant need develops, Bishop David J. Malloy receives numerous petitions for financial assistance from the affected areas, the USCCB, or from news reports of natural disasters. With the creation of this fund, he has resources available to respond on behalf of the people of the Rockford Diocese. This past year, Bishop Malloy distributed a total of $25,000 to address disaster response.

Catholic School Financial Support for the Diocese of Rockford

Your prayerful support and donation will help underprivileged schools in the Diocese of Rockford to continue to educate and provide religious and moral formation to their students. Thanks to your generosity, this collection provided $45,000 to needy schools in our diocese last year as they continue to provide exemplary education.

rockforddiocese.org/donate

Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension

Our priests devote their lives to bringing people closer to Christ. In retirement many of our priests continue to offer Mass, serve as spiritual leaders, minister to the sick, and provide other pastoral support. With gratitude for their years of ministry, the diocese has a Priests’ Pension to support our 38 currently retired priests, including Father Donald Ahles, who was ordained 52 years ago in faithful service of our diocese. Throughout his time serving the people of our diocese, Father Ahles was the diocesan director of campus ministry, a diocesan consultor, a parish priest consultor, and vicar forane, along with all his service as a parochial vicar and pastor. Thank you, Father Ahles, and all our retired priests, for your dedicated service. Our priests’ pension is also key to supporting our current priests who will retire in the future. Last year, $143,979 was distributed to the pension.

rockforddiocese.org/donate