The Archdiocese of Louisville has begun its annual Catholic Services Appeal as of October 1, with the theme “Giving Hope to All.” The campaign aims to raise $4.35 million this year.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre said, “Aligned with the Jubilee Year of Hope, the theme of this year’s appeal reminds us that hope is not only a gift we receive, but one we are called to share generously with others.” He added, “Through the appeal, we are able to support vital ministries that bring hope to people of all ages and circumstances — from forming seminarians and caring for retired priests to sustaining mission parishes, from serving the poor to providing lifelong Catholic education and formation in parishes and schools. No matter who they are or where they live, those in need can experience the hope of the Gospel because of the generosity of our faithful donors.”

According to the archdiocese, this annual appeal is its largest free-will offering and benefits every parish. Last year’s campaign raised a record $4.48 million. Registered parishioners will receive letters requesting financial and prayerful support.

Funds from the appeal go toward more than 100 programs and ministries throughout the archdiocese. These include faith formation initiatives, family ministry programs, diaconate formation, seminarian education, and The Record newspaper.

A secondary component of this year’s campaign focuses on supporting the Seminarian Education Fund. The number of seminarians has increased to 23 this year in Louisville. The release noted, “With this blessing, however, also comes the need for a significant increase in funding. Seminarian education is already one of the archdiocese’s largest expenses, an amount that is even larger this year.” Educating each seminarian costs about $65,000 annually; total projected spending for seminarian education exceeds $1.44 million.

Father Martin Linebach stated, “The future of our Church depends on forming faithful, well-prepared priests, and that begins with the education and formation of our seminarians.” He continued: “Investing in the Seminarian Education Fund is an act of hope and trust in the next generation of shepherds who will one day guide our parishes, celebrate the sacraments and accompany us in faith. Your generosity makes it possible for these men to answer God’s call without the burden of financial barriers, ensuring that our Church will continue to flourish for years to come.”

This year’s appeal includes three matching gift offers funded by anonymous donors. The release said: “We are so grateful for these matching gifts, and they have a tremendous impact on the success of the appeal.”

Melissa Herberger, coordinator for annual giving and stewardship at the archdiocese emphasized local involvement: “Through their work in the parishes, they are seeing firsthand the impact of the programs and ministries supported by the appeal and the importance of continued prayers for the success of and generosity to CSA,” she said.

“We have all benefited from the Catholic Services Appeal in some way and may not realize it. Pastors and parish staff are bringing awareness by helping to promote the CSA and the many ways parishioners see CSA at work in their parish,” Herberger added. “It is our hope that parishioners will see that their gift in any amount to CSA makes it possible to continue to bring hope to those in need and to those in their parish by helping to ensure vital ministries and programs continue for years to come.”

Molly Keene Smith from Mission Advancement said: “The Catholic Services Appeal is an opportunity to come together as one Church, uniting our gifts to make a lasting impact across the archdiocese. Every parish benefits from CSA in a number of ways, and none of this would be possible without generosity from our parishioners.”

Further details about this year's Catholic Services Appeal can be found at www.ArchLou.com/CSA.