Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has launched the annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) with the goal of raising $5.5 million to support local ministries in the area. The CMA aims to provide assistance to six different ministries that focus on teaching, feeding, and healing thousands of people in the community.

One of the main objectives of the CMA is to address the needs of the people, just as Jesus did. Archbishop Schnurr emphasizes the importance of the appeal, stating, "Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we see those needs, and we want to address those needs."

Last year, the CMA raised over $6 million, which enabled more than 300,000 meals to be served to the poor and over 40,000 visits to be made to patients in hospitals. This year, the collection goal is set at $5.5 million.

Apart from supporting outreach ministries, the CMA also plays a crucial role in seminary and vocation formation. Financial assistance is essential to ensure comprehensive formation and support for men pursuing their vocation in the Church. The CMA helps in providing this assistance to seminary enrollment at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

David Kissell, the Director of Stewardship, highlights the significance of the Catholic Ministries Appeal, stating, "The Catholic Ministries Appeal is the visible way that people from across the archdiocese come together to ensure that the corporal works of mercy are being lived out in our community."

In addition to its support for outreach ministries and seminary formation, the CMA also provides aid to 100 retired priests and supports ministries involved in Christian formation. These include St. Rita School for the Deaf and the Center for the New Evangelization, which offers programs for marriage preparation, youth and young adults, parish evangelization, and Hispanic ministry.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, with approximately 435,000 Catholics, is the 51st largest Catholic diocese in the country. It also boasts the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment, with nearly 40,000 students. The archdiocese covers a 19-county territory, with 206 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 109 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

To learn more about the Catholic Ministries Appeal or to make a donation, please visit [insert website link].

Jennifer Schack, the Director of Media Relations for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, can be contacted for further information at:

- Office: 513.263.6618

- Cell: 859.512.5626

This article was compiled based on information provided in a news release from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on Jan. 31, 2024.