National Appeal for the Universal Catholic Church

On the weekend of January 14 and 15, our diocesan parishes will hold the annual collection for the National Appeal which includes: Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR); Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC); Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD); Catholic University of America (CUA); and Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension.

This year I wish to focus on one of these causes, the Catholic Communication Campaign. This collection provides the opportunities to grow and enhance the way the Gospel is proclaimed throughout the world. In his 2011 World Communications Day address, our Holy Father underscored the unique role that communications play in our spiritual journeys: “If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being”

Reflecting upon the changes in communications that have occurred even during my time as your Bishop, I am reminded of the events which have changed our perspective. The images of human life either supporting or denigrating our Catholic faith are there for all to see. We need to bring the best aspects of our faith to life through the wise use of the many media outlets we have available.

In a special way, our communications office has helped to promote our Diocese through new forms of communication. I have seen this progress throughout the country from the U.S. Bishops Office in Washington DC to many other dioceses that have benefited from the Catholic Communication Campaign.

I know there are other worthy causes seeking financial assistance and that the economy is still creating financial difficulties for many individuals and families. I ask you simply to offer what you can to help promote the Gospel through positive Catholic communications and through the other four causes this appeal supports.

St. Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

With every good wish for you, I remain

Cordially yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Rockford

• In 1988, bishops in the United States initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR).
• Today, many religious communities struggle to care for their elderly members.
• Sky-rocketing health-care costs and decreased income make it increasingly difficult to provide necessary medications, nursing care, and basic services.
• Aging convents and other facilities pose additional challenges in terms of safety and handicap accessibility.
• Last year donors from this Diocese contributed $201,112 to this cause.

The Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) supports works for charity and justice by funding community groups whose goals are to solve problems and change policies that keep low-income residents in poverty. Through CCHD, the Catholic Church is working to seek justice and reflect Catholic social teaching. Please help the efforts of CCHD to break the cycle of poverty. Last year donors from this Diocese contributed $3,930 to this cause. 25 percent of this collection remains in the Diocese to fund projects benefiting the poor.

The Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) supports Catholic media projects for the radio, television, Internet, and print in our diocese and all over the United States. In today’s world, it is essential for the Catholic voice to be where the people are; whether that is sharing on social networking sites, listening to MP3 players, or reading a newspaper. For the faithful or those searching for faith, CCC provides rich content, bringing the gospel message one page, click, or download at a time. Last year people from this Diocese contributed $74,235 to this cause.

Catholic University of America top of page
The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It provides an academically rigorous education guided by Catholic intellectual tradition to 7,000 students every year. Every dollar given directly supports financial aid for students from dioceses across the country, including ours. Last year $7,500 was sent to CUA from donations given to this appeal.

For more information visit: www.cua.edu

Rockford Diocesan Priests' Pension Plan (DPP) top of page
The Rockford Diocese is blessed to currently have 48 retired priests, most of whom continue to serve the diocese faithfully by celebrating the liturgy, ministering to the sick, visiting hospitals, and much more.

It is the goal of the Diocese to provide comfort and support to priests who have served unselfishly in God’s mission. This benefit will assist our aging and disabled priests to maintain human dignity until God calls them unto Him.