The Diocesan Annual Campaign provides resources, expertise, guidance and support for more than 90 ministries and programs throughout the 15 counties of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Gifts from donors like you sustain, expand and support our ongoing evangelization efforts, provide continuing education programs for our Catholic schools and Religious Education programs, seminarians, clergy and permanent deacons, and investments in pro-life activities. Now, more than ever, the programs and ministries that received funding from the Diocesan Annual Campaign need your prayers and steadfast support. Your gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. On behalf of those who benefit from our ministries, please accept our heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude.
Your Gifts In Action
Vocations
The Office of Vocations for the Diocese helps our Diocesan faithful approach the simple but profound question, “What is God calling me to do with my life?” Newly ordained priest Rev. Damon Tritle found that calling, reflecting that, “I came to the Church with a spiritual hunger and curiosity that led me to read voraciously about the faith, the saints, Church history, etc. I had a lot of catching up to do, because I did not grow up in the Church. Through this, and seeking the counsel and direction of some wonderful priests, I came to hear God whispering to me that I ought to give seminary a chance.”
Life and Dignity
Respecting life in all its stages and phases, this ministry offers hope and help to expecting mothers and young families, to those incarcerated, and to persons with disabilities. During the ever-popular summer camp for persons with disabilities, Sister Kristen Forgotch, ASC, said the camp is an important ministry of the Church. “It says to each of the campers, ‘The Church cares about you, you are included and you are part of the Church. The Church is a vast community and all of its members are needed.’”
Catholic Education
For the second year in a row, our Catholic schools experienced an increase in enrollment. Due in large part to our commitment to in-person learning during COVID, our students achieved higher than state averages on recent standardized testing. Through a strategic partnership with RedefinED Advisors, more than $1M in new EITC funding has been directed to our schools for financial aid. Our schools are well positioned to meet the financial and educational needs of our students.”
Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Supporting the faith lives of young adults in the Diocese has been a priority for years. We continue to advance our ministry to this group through retreats, evening gatherings and on college campuses. “Being able to start the school year with students from other colleges and with our bishop was very meaningful. It reinforces that even if we are in different places, we are all together, joined in unity through and with Jesus,” said Ileana Feistritzer, Catholic Campus Ministry at York College.
Faith Formation
Strengthening our faith and teaching our youngest Catholics what we believe is integral to all our evangelization efforts. Sacramental preparation is part of this process. For Tenley, a parishioner of Saint Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg, receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist was a memorable and meaningful experience. “Receiving my First Holy Communion was the best day of my life,” said Tenley.
2022 Diocesan Impact Report
A Message From Bishop Ronald W. Gainer
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer
Eleventh Bishop of Harrisburg
Dear Friends,
In June of 2022, the three-year Eucharistic Revival, a celebration of the central core of our faith that inspires us to be evangelists, began across our country. This year, the revival is calling our parishes to renew their efforts and in turn calling all of us to be faithful stewards and true disciples of Christ. How fitting that our theme for the 2023 Diocesan Annual Campaign is Together in Faith, Together in the Eucharist.
As we come together in the faith, the combined gifts of the faithful in our Diocese provide the needed financial support for the more than 90 ministries and programs offered throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg. Your gift empowers parishes to serve the faithful on the community level, identifies lay leadership through sacramental and faith enrichment programs like the Men’s and Women’s Conferences, and prepares the next generation of clergy through discernment, ongoing formation and educational programs. Our Catholic schools and Religious Education programs bring truth, beauty and goodness to life and help form the youngest disciples. Outreach programs like Respect Life ministries bring hope, compassion and kindness to pregnant women, new mothers and families. Restorative Justice, hospital chaplaincy programs and the many services offered by Catholic Charities assist those in need. Your gift, in conjunction with others in your parish and throughout the Diocese, bring us Together in Faith, Together in the Eucharist. I ask you to prayerfully consider your gift, your blessings, to the 2023 Diocesan Annual Campaign.
Please know that I am grateful for your loyal and steadfast support of your parish and the Diocese. If you are unable to give at this time, please continue to pray for our priests, clergy and religious who serve God. I will continue to remember you and your family in my prayers. May God continue to bless the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Sincerely yours in Christ
Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer
Bishop of Harrisburg
All monies raised for the DAC are only used for the programs, services and ministries for which they are designated. No gifts to the DAC are used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg’s reorganization. A listing of all DAC allocations may be found at www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign.
Our Goal
Current Donations $5,122,919
2023 Goal $7,339,816
Please consider making a commitment to the 2023 Diocesan Annual Campaign. Your gift will provide instruction for those joining the Church, support for Catholic Education, magnified evangelization programs and support for many human services programs
Parish Goal Met 13
Total Parishes 89
Our parishes are working hard to support their Catholic brothers and sisters through the Diocese. Please consider partnering with your parish to help meet their goal and further the mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors.
The Diocese of Harrisburg uses a consistent formula to calculate the DAC goals for each parish. This formula considers parish income and registered souls. To view the formula, please click here.
Saint Francis Circle
The Diocese of Harrisburg is excited to introduce The Saint Francis Circle. This giving society is committed to the ongoing mission of the Catholic Church. Saint Francis’ appreciation for God’s creation has granted him the title “Patron of the Environment.”
As a member of this society, your electronic gifts not only support the ministries of the Diocese, but also reduce the printing, mailing and postage for our annual solicitations, helping us to protect the resources given to us by God. By helping to reduce overhead costs, more of your gift directly benefits the ministries of the Diocese that receive support from the Diocesan Annual Campaign. Your regular monthly support provides families with the opportunity to educate their children in the faith, support the formation of our future priests and permanent deacons, and helps support those living in poverty.
To join this society, please make your electronic gift here.
Thank you for your continued faithful support of the Diocesan Annual Campaign.
Send Us Your Prayer Requests
This year, we need your help.
Here are a few additional ways you can help us:
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