BECAUSE WE ARE CATHOLIC IS UNDERWAY!
Please take a moment to watch our Because We Are Catholic Kick Off video to learn more about the program and where the donations are going. Thank you to every generous person who has given to the Because We Are Catholic Appeal. Every penny helps those in need.
About
How Because We Are Catholic Appeal Affects Your Parish and Your Life
Trust Advisors
In 2013 the Most Reverend John O. Barres established the Annual Appeal as a Charitable Trust and formed a Board of Trust Advisors. The Trust Advisors serves as a critical community champion of the Because We Are Catholic Appeal.
Learn MoreGoals & Allocations
The Because We are Catholic Annual Appeal unites 80 parishes, 28 Catholic Elementary Schools, 7 Catholic High Schools, and 3 Special Learning Centers in our diocese in common effort to share the Catholic faith.
Learn MoreParish Resources
Information for Parishes for the “Because We are Catholic” Annual Appeal.
Learn MoreFAQ
Learn MoreBishop's Message
Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask that you join me in following Christ’s call to “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)
Together, we can provide food, shelter, clothing, counseling, scholarship support, and much more for those in need. More importantly, we can bring the Light of Christ to each other and to our community.
For these reasons and more, I invite every member of our Catholic family of faith to renew your efforts and your commitment to the Because We Are Catholic Appeal during 2024. With your help, we serve thousands of children, families, and adults throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties.
Through your faith, kindness and generosity, you are the hands of Christ in the world today.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert
Bishop of Allentown
P.S. I look forward to celebrating Mass throughout our Diocese. I hope you can join me in worshipping our Lord at daily Mass during the coming weeks and months.
Your Generosity At Work
Every Penny Helps
Because We Are Catholic, a child will have a caring teacher today, a senior citizen will have a home tonight, a future priest will be at seminary this morning, a family will have dinner together this evening, a local Veteran will land a job tomorrow... These are a few of the things that happen every day in the Diocese of Allentown thanks to the Because We are Catholic Appeal.
Giving Opportunities
You have a wonderful opportunity to continue the legacy of our Diocesan family by making a leadership gift to this year’s appeal.
Six Month Gift
We are asking every parishioner to consider a six-month pledge to the Because We Are Catholic Appeal. Monthly reminders will be mailed from the Diocesan Office to assist you in fulfilling your pledge.
Gift of Securities
Many parishioners prefer making a gift of securities because they will receive the full value of the securities as the gift value and pay no capital gains tax. Please consult your personal tax advisor regarding the special rules of gifts of appreciated property.
Donate Now
All contributions will be allocated solely and exclusively for the ministries as identified in this case statement. Without your support, many of these services would not be possible.
Recurring Gift
Make a larger gift by making smaller payments! Consider making a recurring gift via electronic funds transfer, an automatic credit card transaction, or by setting up your online banking system to make a recurring payment.
Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Please contact the Human Resources department at your place of employment for specific information to ensure that your gift will be eligible for a match.
Bequests
You can remember the Because We Are Catholic Appeal in your will. This may provide your estate with a federal and estate tax advantage.
Prayer Request/Tell Your Story
A seminarian would like to offer your intentions as part of his daily Mass. Please share your intentions even if you are not able to support the Appeal.
Please write your request below and return in the enclosed envelope or place in the collection basket at your parish.
Please remember my/our intentions during your daily Mass:
Tell Your Story
How have you been called to serve?
How has your Catholic faith made a difference in your family? With your friends? At your parish? In your workplace? How have you been called to serve?
Please share your story below.