For the Universal Church
Download 2023 English Flyer (PDF)
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A Message from Bishop Malloy:
Dear Friends in Christ,
We are called as Catholics to bring the Gospel to all people and accompany them in their lives of faith, regardless of their state in life, heritage, occupation, or the place they call home. Here in the Diocese of Rockford, our 2023 International Appeal gives us an opportunity to share this message of Jesus Christ with people of all places and situations. This Lent, please consider how the many gifts God has given to you and your family can benefit those in need around the world.
Please generously support the Universal Church through this International Appeal collection. You can choose how you would like your appeal donation applied. The Peter’s Pence Collection is used by Pope Francis to assist victims of wars, oppression, and natural disaster around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Pope Francis established an emergency fund that provided humanitarian relief to people in South Africa, Pakistan, Colombia, and other countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
Last year, our diocese provided significant support to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe due to the impact of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia on the people of that region. We also supported Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which partners with the Catholic Church and other groups around the world to give food to the hungry, support displaced refugees, and work for international peace and
reconciliation. Last year CRS provided humanitarian aid in the Ukraine region, as well. In addition, the Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief Fund Rockford Diocesan Response supports various disaster relief efforts locally – last year funds assisted the Catholic Charities response to tornadoes in the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky, as well as relief after Hurricane Ian hit the Diocese of Venice in Florida.
Through the International Appeal, you can share the Gospel message of
mercy with others, whether close to home, or abroad. Please be generous as you prayerfully consider your contribution. May God bless you and your family 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 $65,520 to this collection.
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 $113,012 to this collection, with an additional $28,868 supporting efforts in Ukraine.
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. The reach of CRS spans the globe, helping families on every continent address a myriad of needs. Last year, $129,223 was contributed to this collection, with an additional $18,929 supporting efforts in Ukraine.
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 $30,000 to address disaster response.
Catholic Elementary 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 $95,000 to needy schools in our diocese last year as they worked to serve students amid the pandemic.
Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension Plan
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 39 currently retired priests, including Father Robert Sherry, who was ordained 56 years ago in faithful service of our diocese. Throughout his time serving the people of our diocese, Father Sherry was vocations director, served on the National Council of Catholic Bishops Priestly Formation and Vocations, and supported the Rockford Cursillo Movement. Thank you, Father Sherry, 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, $198,913 was distributed to the pension.
