As a nation, a state, a Diocese and as a Parish community, we continue to face challenges related to Covid-19. Please know that the Diocesan leadership is continuing to pray for all those affected, those that are ill, and those who are caring for loved ones with this illness.
Now more than ever, the programs and ministries that receive funding through the Diocesan Annual Campaign need your prayers and steadfast support. Your gift, no matter the size, does matter.
The staff in the Office of Stewardship & Development continues processing gifts on a daily basis so that programs and ministries have the funding necessary to continue to respond to our community’s needs. We are available to answer your questions via email or by phone, but please be patient as we work remotely.
On behalf of those who need our services, please accept our heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude.
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Your 2020 Gifts In Action
FROM YOU WITH LOVE
Alive in our Families
Throughout the challenges of 2020, Catholic Charities continued to provide counseling and tele-therapy services to those in need while maintaining social distancing and using virtual platforms. Homeless shelters complied with capacity guidelines and provided much needed housing and food. Small gatherings to observe first communions, weddings and baptisms were the hallmark of 2020. While many faced the loss of loved ones from the pandemic, families relied on their parish for comfort and solace during those dark days.
Alive in our Schools
After a seamless transition to distance learning, our schools and Diocesan Education office devoted countless hours crafting guidelines to ensure a safe reopening. We collaborated with experts in epidemiology and state leaders to respond nimbly to changing guidelines and reassure parents, faculty and staff. Our efforts saw 16 schools increase enrollment for the 2020-21 school year!
Alive in our Communities
Together or apart, virtual or socially distanced, new ways were found to connect, worship, learn and support one another. Virtual conferences were held for our youth and young adults, elementary and secondary religion teachers, multicultural ministries and in-service days for our faculty. Parishes continued to stream Mass, hold virtual prayer meetings and provided spiritual content via e-newsletters and social media posts. Our parishes had some physical limitations, but our faith continued to grow.
Alive in our Churches
The Diocese ordained the largest class of permanent diaconate candidates (35) in the United States in September. This group of dedicated, devout men now serve their churches and communities. Our churches met the challenge of finding new and engaging ways to connect while apart, including embracing technology and live streaming, all in an effort to deepen our relationship with Christ.
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer Eleventh Bishop of Harrisburg
Dear Friends in Christ,
Let me convey to you my warmest blessings and wishes for continued good health as we face the challenges and opportunities associated with the COVID -19 pandemic. I am humbled by the financial and spiritual support offered by the faithful throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg for our parishes, clergy and religious, programs and ministries and our Diocese as a whole. On behalf of those who received support from the 2020 Diocesan Annual Campaign, thank you!
This past year, 2020, provided its share of challenges, but more importantly, opportunities, to expand our services and outreach to the faithful. Programs were held virtually, parish and Diocesan staffs relied on technology to continue working remotely, our clergy, religious and seminarians were all able to continue their formation and spiritual growth, our Catholic schools seamlessly transitioned to distance learning as needed, and our parishes were able to reach the faithful by live streaming Masses and other devotions and pastoral programs. Because of your financial support for the Diocesan Annual Campaign (DAC), we were able to assist parishes with evangelization efforts and sacramental preparation via Zoom calls, answer questions related to new engagement platforms like social media and online giving, and provide guidance on setting up Facebook live platforms to share Mass virtually. We could not have accomplished so much during the unprecedented challenges of 2020 without the support from our Catholic faithful like you.
As we launch the 2021 Diocesan Annual Campaign – Faith Alive, I am inspired by the examples I see throughout the Diocese of a vibrant, living faith. From volunteers who are sanitizing worship spaces, to those who reach out to those in need of a kind word or deed, our faith is indeed alive in our parishes and communities. Through your continued support, the work we have begun will continue to flourish. Please prayerfully consider your gift to the 2021 Diocesan Annual Campaign – Faith Alive, as an expression of your faith and of your gratitude for God’s blessings in your life.
I remain confident that we can continue the work of the Diocese of Harrisburg with your steadfast and loyal support. I will continue to remember you and your intentions in my daily prayers, and ask that you remember your parish, pastor and priests of the Diocese, our religious, all those sick or other otherwise impacted by the pandemic, and those most in need of our help in yours. May God continue to bless you and your family.
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
2021
Current Donations $6,178,244
2021 Goal $7,386,514
Please consider making a commitment to the 2021 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 27
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.
This year, we need your help.
Please help support the physical and spiritual needs of those living throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg.
