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 provide annual scholarship support to many Catholic school families eligible for financial aid. Your support puts a faith-filled, academically excellent and supportive education within reach.
The Office of Lifelong Formation
This office supports catechetical leaders in parish ministries, including Catechist Formation, Sacrament Preparation for Adults seeking the sacraments of marriage or confirmation, Youth Ministry for those who guide adolescents in high school, and Children and Family Ministry for those leading faith formation for elementary-aged children in religious education and sacrament preparation.
Office for Evangelization/Parish Renewal
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we support parishes as they create and implement a culture of evangelization and
missionary discipleship. By helping people with hands-on practical support, including coaching, tools and other resources, we guide people as they encounter Christ, grow as disciples and go forth into the world as missionary disciples.
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 for Divine Worship
The Office for Divine Worship fulfills the vision of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy by developing and deepening liturgical life in archdiocesan parishes and institutions. The office supports, educates and forms liturgical ministers and other pastoral leaders, and it helps plan and facilitate all major archdiocesan liturgies. Among these are ordinations, the Rite of Election, the Easter Vigil, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the annual Chrism Mass and the Calling to Continuing Conversion, which gathers those seeking to become part of the Body of Christ and the Church.
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 (26%)
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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 (16%)
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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 (7%)
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Education and development for seminarians and priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago
Scholarships (5%)
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Tuition assistance for disadvantaged Catholic school families
Catholic Relief Services (4%)
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Support for those suffering from natural disasters around the world
Cost of the Appeal (9%)
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Printing, postage, processing costs for the Appeal
With Heartfelt Gratitude
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we pray these days, we carry many intentions in our hearts. Consider three especially important intentions. We ask the Lord to bless and keep our nation after the elections. As a Church, we also pray to continue on a path of synodality after the
October gathering of the synod in Rome. Finally, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we ask for guidance and perseverance on the path of renewal and the revitalization of our parishes. A thread that links these prayers is a plea for the gift of hope as we move into the future.
Our 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal theme — Together we bring hope — and the Holy Year theme — Pilgrims of hope — are timely and opportune. Hope is a gift from God that enables us to take up our responsibility in our world, our Church, and our families. Hope is a gift that we share, a gift that we bring to others and do so together.
Please consider joining me to support this year’s Appeal, so that we can bring hope 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.