Annual Catholic Appeal to offer new parish incentives, enhance formation
BY EMMALEE ITALIA Contributing Editor
Each year the Annual Catholic Appeal aims to support parishes and vital ministries in the Diocese of Trenton, assuring that the local Church is alive and thriving.
This year’s theme, “Fan the Flame of Hope,” draws upon the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, which Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., emphasized in the ACA video that will be shown in parishes Feb. 15-16.
“Pope Francis’ Jubilee letter invites us to think about how our faith is both a gift to cherish and a flame to nurture,” Bishop O’Connell points out. “Your support for the Annual Catholic Appeal ensures that this flame burns brightly, spreading the light and the warmth of Christ to vital ministries across our Diocese.”
VITAL FUNDS FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Seeking to raise $6 million, the 2025 ACA’s mission “invites the faithful to embrace Pope Francis’ call to become ‘pilgrims of hope,’ journeying together in faith,” said Christine Prete, Department of Development director. “By supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal, we enable our Diocese, parishes and Catholic institutions to share the Gospel, serve the poor and vulnerable, nurture vocations and provide spiritual and academic formation.
“Every gift strengthens the Church [and] its mission.”
Each year, parishes are given an ACA fundraising goal by the Diocese, as well as financial incentives when that goal and other criteria are met. Some of those incentives have been enhanced or newly introduced for 2025.
In addition to calculating individual parish goals based on the overall ACA need, a new process for 2025 will connect the goals of individual parishes to their offertory income. “This ensures a more equitable and sustainable approach that reflects each parish’s financial reality while supporting the long-term mission of the Diocese,” Prete explained.
This year, “once parishes hit their goal, they will receive a rebate of 100 percent of funds raised beyond that goal,” said Prete.
“Additionally, parishes that boost their participation rates by 5% will earn an incentive of 5% of their fundraising goal, regardless of whether they meet the overall goal.”
“We’re here to help one another,” Prete said of the spirit behind the ACA. “While the parish does benefit, the [majority of] funds support the broader Diocese. Every gift – no matter
the size – strengthens the Church and ensures everyone can contribute to its mission.”
Building awareness about how the funds given to the ACA are used and why they are so necessary is essential, Prete noted, especially when encouraging those who already support their individual parishes to be generous with the diocesan campaign.
“Supporting the ACA is vital to the continued growth of our faith and the future of the Church. It enables the Diocese to address needs and provide services that individual parishes or ministries cannot achieve alone,” explained Rose Kimball, Department of Development associate. “While parish contributions sustain local communities, the ACA unites Catholics across the Diocese in a shared mission, strengthening our faith today and building a foundation for generations to come.”
TARGETED NEEDS
Those pooled resources help to strengthen essential ministries
Diocesse or Trenton, Department of Developement graphic
ACA targets needs
such as vocations, Catholic education, youth ministry and social services; to reach vulnerable populations through agencies like Catholic Charities and Mount Carmel Guild; ensure every parish has access to pastoral care and essential services; and support long-term growth of the Church through funding seminarian education, leadership development and other initiatives.
This year, ACA funds will also target communications and faith formation more boldly, seeking to expand modern, relevant programming “that connects faith to youth and young adult’s daily lives, such as service projects, and social gatherings rooted in Catholic values,” Kimball said. Funds will support the use of digital platforms “to foster connections and create a sense of community and connectedness” and provide formation and training for lay leaders, catechists and volunteers “to better serve parishes and diocesan ministries through various educational offerings,” she added
Other needs served by ACA funding will be equipping families “to practice their faith at home, focusing on family prayer, catechesis, and service opportunities,” as well as “highlighting stories of faith triumphing over adversity through the work of our Diocese’s communications and media efforts.”
“By addressing these needs, the Church can engage and nurture the faithful in ways that are meaningful, relevant and spiritually enriching,” Kimball said.
GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT
To raise awareness, the diocesan Department of Development prepares informational materials – including the Bishop’s video, in-pew pledge cards, parish brochures, Jubilee prayer cards and in-home mailings that detail just how supporting the ACA benefits ministry in both the parishes and the Diocese at large. Materials are provided in six
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POWERFUL TESTIMONIALS
AsBishop O’Connell introduced the various ways in which ACA funds impact ministries of the Diocese in the video showing in parishes, representatives of those ministries detailed the specific ways in which the generosity of ACA donors allowed them to give back to their parishes and communities.
A single mother of two children, Irene, is a care receiver of assistance from Trenton’s Mount Carmel Guild, which receives part of its funding from the ACA. “The additional help and support I receive from Mount Carmel Guild has been a lifeline for my family,” she said, “ensuring my children have food on the table and never go without.”
Cheri Gleason, case manager for the service organization Seeds of Service in Brick, helps connect people with much needed services “so they can sort through difficulties to begin rebuilding their lives with hope and dignity.” A Seeds of Service care receiver, Erin, said that she is “really grateful for the help we receive from Seeds of Service – they have been a blessing to my family and the whole community.”
Whether through Catholic education or social ministries, youth and young adults of the Diocese benefit from programs that receive ACA funding.
Kerry Wyrovsky, teacher in St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, noted how she helps students connect faith with everyday life, building a foundation for their future filled with hope and purpose.
“It’s not only reading, writing and math, but also faith, hope and love,” she said.
“We have 40-50 kids in our youth ministry who are loved, valued and encouraged to see Christ in others,” said Jeff Siedlecki, youth ministry leader in Holy Eucharist Par-
Cheri Gleason, Case Manager, Seeds of Service and Erin, Care Receiver, Seeds of Service
ish, Tabernacle. “And through service, they discover Christ within themselves and share his love with the world. They are actively involved in everything here at the parish!”
Jessica Donohue, parish catechetical leader in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, pointed out that the ACA helps catechists “by providing opportunities for education and spiritual formation so they can continue to hand down our faith.”
“Theology on Tap is one of my favorite things offered to young adults,” said Shannon Desrochers, parishioner of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant. “There we discuss life’s challenges, and how faith provides guidance, helping us navigate issues, without being consumed by societal norms. … Thank you for supporting this ministry through the ACA.”
ACA funds also assist those in formation to become clergy in the Diocese.
Rev. Mr. Alan Bridges, a transitional deacon for the Diocese, expressed his appreciation as he completes his final year of formation before ordination this coming June.
“As I prepare to make my promises and serve as a priest in one of our parish communities, I am deeply grateful for the support that has guided me through the seminary, helping me to grow in faith and hope as I answer the call to serve God’s people.”
A candidate for the permanent diaconate, Graham Mulholland of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, said he was “truly thankful” for the ACA support in his four-year study program.
“This funding has been essential in my formation,” he said, “allowing me to grow in faith and prepare to serve in my parish community with love and compassion.”
Irene, Care Receiver, Mount Carmel Guild
Graham Mulholland, St. Aloysius, Jackson
Jeff Siedlecki, Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle
2024 Annual Catholic Appeal
With profound gratitude...
ONE
Love Faith Family
the Diocese of Trenton would like to acknowledge the following parishes who have reached or surpassed their goal for the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal!
MERCER COUNTY
Korean Martyrs, Trenton • Reverend Dae Hyeok Son
Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton • Reverend Ariel F. Robles
Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony, Hamilton • Reverend Monsignor Thomas N. Gervasio
Sacred Heart, Trenton • Reverend Monsignor Dennis A. Apoldite, E.V.
St. Alphonsus, Hopewell • Reverend Stephen A. Sansevere
St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown • Very Reverend Oscar B. Sumanga, J.C.D.
St. David the King, Princeton Junction • Reverend Jason Parzynski
St. George, Titusville • Reverend Stephen A. Sansevere
St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton • Reverend Michael Hall
St. James, Pennington • Reverend Stephen A. Sansevere
St. Paul, Princeton • Reverend Christopher Dayton
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Corpus Christi, Willingboro • Reverend John J. Testa
Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle • Reverend Michael T. McClane
Mary, Mother of the Church, Bordentown •
Very Reverend Martin O’Reilly, E.V.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown • Reverend James J. Grogan
Resurrection, Delran • Reverend Michael A. Gentile
Sacred Heart, Riverton • Reverend Charles M. Schwartz
St. Ann, Browns Mills • Reverend Pierre C. Lunimbu, S.V.D.
St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson • Very Reverend Daniel Kirk, V.F.
St. Joan of Arc, Marlton • Reverend Monsignor Richard D. LaVerghetta
St. Katharine Drexel, Burlington • Reverend Jerome J. Guld
St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford • Very Reverend Daniel F. Swift, V.F.
MONMOUTH COUNY
Christ the King, Long Branch • Reverend Javier A. Diaz-Muñoz
Holy Family, Union Beach • Reverend Matthew J. Pfleger
Holy Innocents, Neptune • Reverend H. Todd Carter
Nativity, Fair Haven • Reverend Christopher Picollo
St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank •
Very Reverend Alberto W. Tamayo, C.O., V.F.
St. Benedict, Holmdel • Very Reverend Garry R. Koch, V.F.
St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake • Reverend Damian McElroy
St. Catharine, Holmdel • Reverend Patrick McPartland
St. Catherine Laboure, Middletown • Reverend Richard Osborn
St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale • Reverend Angelito I. Anarcon
St. Clement, Matawan • Reverend Thomas Vala
St. Denis, Manasquan • Very Reverend Willliam J. Lago
St. Gabriel, Marlboro • Reverend Eugene J. Roberts
St. James, Red Bank • Reverend Monsignor Joseph N. Rosie, E.V.
St. Mary, Colts Neck • Reverend Jeffrey E. Lee
St. Michael, Long Branch • Reverend John K. Butler
St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Catherdral, Freehold • Reverend Monsignor Sam A. Sirianni, V.F.
St. Rose, Belmar • Reverend Monsignor Edward J. Arnister, J.C.L.
St. Teresa of Calcutta, Avon By the Sea • Reverend Erin J. Brown
St. Thomas More, Manalapan • Reverend Juan D. Peirano
St. Veronica, Howell • Reverend Peter James Alindogan
St. William the Abbot, Allenwood • Reverend Thomas F. Maher
OCEAN COUNTY
Epiphany, Brick Town • Reverend Michael A. Santangelo
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting • Reverend Evarist Kabagambe
St. Isidore the Farmer, New Egypt • Reverend Robert W. Holtz, V.F.
St. Junipero Serra, Seaside • Reverend Michael Lorentsen, O.F.M. Conv.
St. John, Lakehurst • Reverend James F. O’Neill
St. Joseph, Toms River • Very Reverend G. Scott Shaffer, V.F.
St. Justin, Toms River • Reverend Mark A. Kreder
St. Luke, Toms River • Reverend Michael Kennedy
St. Martha, Point Pleasant • Reverend David S. Swantek
St. Mary, Barnegat • Reverend Monsignor Kenard J. Tuzeneu
St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River • Reverend Stephen M. Piga
St. Monica, Jackson • Reverend Alex Enriquez
St. Peter, Pt. Pleasant Beach • Reverend Robert Schlageter, O.F.M. Conv.
St. Pius X, Forked River • Reverend Richard J. Basznianin
St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor • Reverend John Large
Visitation, Brick Town • Very Reverend Edward H. Blanchett, E.V.
Diverse ministries supported
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languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Haitian, Korean and Portuguese.
The Development Department also publishes a newsletter three times a year, showcasing individual stories of ministries supported.
“These ministries, whether they prepare future priests and deacons, form young people in the faith, support Catholic education or serve those in need, are signs of hope in our ever-changing world,” Bishop O’Connell explains in the video. “Through your generosity, you help fan this flame in tens of thousands of lives, rekindling faith, inspiring service and shaping the future of our Church. Together, we build the community that carries this hope forward, one act of love, one act of faith at a time.”
“Together we build the community that carries this hope forward.”
Direct mailings are already arriving in homes, but Prete noted the importance and effectiveness of the message communicated in individual parishes.
“It’s an opportunity for their pastor to explain the ACA, and it becomes more personal with that connection tie-back to your own parish,” she said.
Prete emphasized the effectiveness of observing the impact firsthand in one’s own parish and across the Diocese,” she noted. “This visibility underscores the strong collaboration between the Diocese and its parishes.”
Kimball added, “Word of mouth and seeing it in action in your parish, then in the Diocese,” seem to be highly effective as well in showing the collaboration of the Diocese and its parishes.
TANGIBLE RESULTS
Highlighted in the marketing materials and the video are multiple ministries that directly benefit from ACA funds. One, in particular, is the training and educating of those who hand on the Catholic faith.
“There are 2,107 catechists in the Diocese,” Kimball pointed out. “[Their training] comes out of diocesan offices with seminars and catechesis. They are volunteers for the most part that give their time, but they need that spiritual formation so they can help our children grow in faith.”
Another supported ministry is the vocation of the permanent diaconate.
“The diaconate program is a collaborative effort between the parish, the ACA and the candidate, with each contributing
The Diocese of Trenton’s Annual Catholic Appeal fans the flame of hope, rekindling faith and strengthening our commitment to serve others.
2025 Appeal Goal: $6 Million
The range of ministries and programs our diocese supports shows that no single parish or pastor could manage alone. Through the Annual Catholic Appeal, we pool our resources to ensure all parishes have access to the vital programs and support they need. Together, we are building a stronger, united Church
Pastoral Life & Mission
• Campus Ministry
• Catechesis
• Evangelization & Family Life
• Grief & Bereavement
• Jail & Prison Ministry
• Marriage Ministry
• Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Clergy & Consecrated Life
• Diaconate Formation
• Priestly Formation
• Retired Clergy
• Villa (St. Denis Convent)
• Villa Vianney
• Vocations
Catholic Education
• Curriculum Guidance & Standards
• Professional Development
• Marketing Support & Consultation
Catholic Social Services
• Catholic Charities
Trenton
• Holy Innocents Society
• Mount Carmel Guild
• Parish Counseling Services
• Seeds of Service
Communications
• Diocesan website
• Multimedia Production
• Social Media
• The Monitor Magazine
one-third of the tuition cost,” Kimball said. “This partnership supports a four-year program that provides comprehensive formation, preparing candidates to serve as deacons in their parishes and communities.”
The program equips the candidates with theological education, spiritual growth, and pastoral skills, she continued, which are necessary “to bring Christ’s love and hope to those they serve. Upon ordination, deacons return to their parish to serve their community through ministry, Sacraments and acts of service.”
“During my formation, I viewed the sharing of financial obligation as an ongoing reinforcement of my discernment,” said Deacon Joe Stillo, who ministers in St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt. “Both my sponsoring parish as well as the Diocese had, not only spiritual, but financial ‘skin in the game’ ... Although diaconate service is a ‘volunteer’ vocation, I received the benefit of a financially supported master’s degree in systematic theology from Seton Hall University. I am so blessed and appreciative.”
“My sense is that many people don’t realize that deacons are not paid once ordained,” said Deacon Mark Degenhart, who serves in St. James Parish, Red Bank. The sharing of tuition costs “was a nice incentive and helps assure that all parties were and continue to be vested in my successful completion of formation, culminating in my ordination in May 2024.”
Vital to diocesan efforts, the ACA campaign is more than a weekend Mass collection. It is a consistent outreach to inform parishioners, encourage support and affirm their commitment by demonstrating the impact of their gifts.
• Pastoral Life & Mission
Campus Ministry, Catechesis, Evangelization & Family Life, Grief & Bereavement, Jail & Prison Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Youth & Young Adult Ministry
• Clergy & Consecrated Life
Diaconate Formation, Priestly Formation, Retired Clergy, Villa (St. Denis Convent), Villa Vianney, Vocations
• Catholic Education Curriculum Guidance & Standards, Professional Development, Marketing Support & Consultation
• Catholic Social Services
Catholic Charities Trenton, Holy Innocents Society, Mount Carmel Guild, Parish Counseling Services, Seeds of Service
• Communications Diocesan website, Multimedia Production, Social Media, The Monitor Magazine
Caring & Serving
Through the corporal works of mercy we extend Christ’s love to those facing profound challenges, our ministries embody our commitment to walk alongside individuals and families in moments of need, providing comfort, guidance, and a renewed sense of hope.
“My role is to connect people with the services they need, helping them sort through difficulties so they can begin rebuilding their lives with hope and dignity. Food, shelter and clothing are basic needs everyone should have access to.”
—Cheri Gleason, Case Worker, Seeds of Service, Brick
With your gift to the ACA, together, we answer the call to care, serve, and strengthen one another in God’s love.
Ways to Give
Mail: Send check or money order payable to: Annual Catholic Appeal, Diocese of Trenton PO Box 70170, Newark, NJ 07101
Online: Scan the QR code or visit giveaca.org to make a gift using credit cards, bank draft, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo!
Call : 609-403-7197
Email: develop@dioceseoftrenton.org
Additional Gift Options: Gifts of Stock, IRA Distributions, Bequests, Charitable Annuities, and Cryptocurrency can be coordinated by contacting the Department of Development at 609-403-7197 or develop@dioceseoftrenton.org
