For the Universal Church
Download 2026 English Flyer (PDF)
Download 2026 Spanish Flyer (PDF)
A Message from Bishop Malloy:
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue our pilgrimage through this season of Lent, we can take steps to strengthen our faith by increasing the time we spend in prayer, choosing to serve and support those in need, or abstaining from things we enjoy – all in an effort to grow closer to Christ. Lent is not only about abstaining from luxuries, rather, it is an opportunity to follow Christ’s will more faithfully and to pray for the gift of grace. I prayerfully ask that you join with your brothers and sisters in faith from around the Diocese of Rockford in support of ministries that reach out to marginalized people throughout the world. Please consider how the many gifts God has given to you and your family can benefit those in need across the globe.
You can choose how you would like your appeal donation applied. There are six different options for you to choose from to allocate your donation funds: Peter’s Pence, Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe, Catholic Relief Services Collection, Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief, Catholic School Financial Support, and the Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension Fund. Each of these options provides an opportunity to help others and share in the mission of the Church.
This past year, thanks to funds contributed to this appeal, the Diocese of Rockford was able to utilize the Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief fund and sent $20,000 to Los Angeles to assist Archbishop Gomez and the people of the Los Angeles Archdiocese in response to the wildfire devastation experienced in the region. Through support from this appeal and organizations like Catholic Relief Services, our diocese can assist in the international work for peace and reconciliation. Additionally, these funds are able to help provide significant humanitarian aid throughout the world in the most difficult of situations.
This Lent, I encourage you to 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 2026 International Appeal.
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 $29,027 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 influence. 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 $28,263 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, $72,838 was contributed to this collection.
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 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 $110,000 to needy schools in our diocese last year as they continue to provide exemplary education.
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 35 currently retired priests, including Father Daniel Peters, who was ordained over 30 years ago in faithful service of our diocese. Thank you, Father Peters, 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, $182,167 was distributed to the pension.
