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 Timothy C. Senior
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Twelfth Bishop of Harrisburg
Dear Friends,
As I begin my service as the Bishop of Harrisburg, I have already been so impressed with the warmth and generosity I have experienced. I am looking forward to learning more about the Diocese of Harrisburg in the coming months and meeting you, the faithful.
I have already started digging in to the work of the Diocese, first by meeting with each ministry and administrative area to learn more about their work. While these are the first of what, I’m sure, will be many meetings to learn all I can about the ministries of the Diocese, it is clear that the generosity of the faithful is vital in continuing these ministries, and in making them stronger.
When reflecting on the theme of the 2023 Diocesan Annual Campaign, Together in Faith, Together in the Eucharist, I can’t help by think of this verse from Matthew’s Gospel – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) What a beautiful reminder that Christ is always with us, whether we are gathered together for Mass or making our weekly grocery run, Christ is walking with us.
As we are in this time of Eucharistic revival, it is also fitting that our Campaign theme reflects the faith we have in the True Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and how we, as a faith community working together, can further the mission of Christ through our local Diocese. By working together and combining our gifts, you are supporting 90 ministries and programs offered throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, all of which are supported by the Diocesan Annual Campaign. Your gift empowers parishes to serve the faithful on the community level, fosters 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. Other programs like Respect Life ministries bring hope and kindness to pregnant women, new mothers and families, and a helping hand for families that have fallen on difficult times. Your gift, in conjunction with others in your parish and throughout the Diocese, bring us Together in Faith, Together in the Eucharist.
Thank you for your support of these important ministries. If you are unable to give at this time, please continue to pray for our priests, clergy, religious and lay men and women who serve our local Church. I look forward to getting to know your communities and parishes and may God continue to bless the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Sincerely in Christ
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
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 $6,170,181
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 29
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:
Assisted
Helped