2027
Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal
2027
Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal
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DIOCESAN SUPPORTED MINISTRIES
Clergy Support Supports clergy training, retreats, continuing education, advanced degree studies, individual counseling; as well as medical insurance, salaries and pensions for some retired, infirm and diocesan assigned priests.
College Ministries Residence and ministry centers at non-Catholic universities. We have College Ministry Centers at Ball State University, Purdue University and Wabash College. They help to provide pastoral services and ministries to students in those communities.
Catholic Schools Responsible for working in collaboration with school leadership, administrators and pastors to provide a systemic view of Catholic education by providing research, resources and support.
Saint Joseph Retreat Center The diocesan destination for spirituality, hospitality and an encounter with Christ. Provides a sacred place and opportunities to love God and neighbor by continuing Christ’s Mission through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Charities & Donations Collections that the Bishop does not require the parishes to have special collections for. This also includes Catholic Home Missions, Church in Latin America, Catholic University of America, Catholic Communication Campaign, National Black and Indian Mission and more than $27,000 to pregnancy centers in our diocese.
Hispanic Ministry Supports parish efforts in welcoming, accompanying and integrating Hispanic communities in our Local Church through leadership and ministerial development for adults and youth.
Permanent Diaconate Supports some department staffing, as well as the formation, life and ministry of our permanent deacons.
Vocations Provides funding to assist in promoting and developing vocations to the priesthood or consecrated life. Also supports the education, formation and living expenses of our seminarians during their seven to nine years in seminary.
Tuition, Room and Board
Annual Cost for One Seminarian:
$32k - $65k
Total Cost
Total Cost for one Seminarian over the 7-to-8-year timeline is approximately $300k to $350k
MINISTRIES TO PARISHES
Administration Supports the efficient management of the diocese including the Bishop and Vicar General’s office, planning, financial management, investments, budgeting, audits, cemeteries, architecture and building services.
Uniting In Heart Includes all administration, training, support and direct costs associated with implementing the Uniting in Heart 2030 Pastoral Plan. This plan prepares parishes to more efficiently proclaim the Gospel.
Stewardship All expenses related to the staff and functions of the Office of Stewardship and Development beyond those associated with Catholic Ministries Appeal and the Lafayette Diocesan Foundation, Inc.
Marriage Tribunal Offers ministry to persons who apply requesting a determination by the church whether their marriage is a valid and binding union. The office is staffed by specially trained priests and lay persons.
Human Resources Supports effective employment practices as well as promotes positive employee relations. This also includes employee and clergy wellness, good communications, high morale, teamwork, accountability and efficiency in a work environment.
Technology Technology investments in hardware, software, network, internet, security and cloud services for the central office, parishes, schools and cemeteries.
Divine Worship Assists in promoting the liturgical life of the diocese by coordinating all diocesan liturgies, supporting sacramental formation and providing resources for liturgical catechesis and the formation of liturgical ministers.
Communication Responsible for diocesan publications, branding and marketing, social media and website services.
DIOCESAN SUPPORTED MINISTRIES
Clergy Support Supports clergy training, retreats, continuing education, advanced degree studies, individual counseling; as well as medical insurance, salaries and pensions for some retired, infirm and diocesan assigned priests.
College Ministries Residence and ministry centers at non-Catholic universities. We have College Ministry Centers at Ball State University, Purdue University and Wabash College. They help to provide pastoral services and ministries to students in those communities.
Catholic Schools Responsible for working in collaboration with school leadership, administrators and pastors to provide a systemic view of Catholic education by providing research, resources and support.
Saint Joseph Retreat Center The diocesan destination for spirituality, hospitality and an encounter with Christ. Provides a sacred place and opportunities to love God and neighbor by continuing Christ’s Mission through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Charities & Donations Collections that the Bishop does not require the parishes to have special collections for. This also includes Catholic Home Missions, Church in Latin America, Catholic University of America, Catholic Communication Campaign, National Black and Indian Mission and more than $27,000 to pregnancy centers in our diocese.
Hispanic Ministry Supports parish efforts in welcoming, accompanying and integrating Hispanic communities in our Local Church through leadership and ministerial development for adults and youth.
Permanent Diaconate Supports some department staffing, as well as the formation, life and ministry of our permanent deacons.
Vocations Provides funding to assist in promoting and developing vocations to the priesthood or consecrated life. Also supports the education, formation and living expenses of our seminarians during their seven to nine years in seminary.
Tuition, Room and Board Annual Cost for One Seminarian: $32k - $65k
Total Cost
Total Cost for one Seminarian over the 7-to-8-year timeline is approximately $300k to $350k
MINISTRIES TO PARISHES
Administration Supports the efficient management of the diocese including the Bishop and Vicar General’s office, planning, financial management, investments, budgeting, audits, cemeteries, architecture and building services.
Uniting In Heart Includes all administration, training, support and direct costs associated with implementing the Uniting in Heart 2030 Pastoral Plan. This plan prepares parishes to more efficiently proclaim the Gospel.
Stewardship All expenses related to the staff and functions of the Office of Stewardship and Development beyond those associated with Catholic Ministries Appeal and the Lafayette Diocesan Foundation, Inc.
Marriage Tribunal Offers ministry to persons who apply requesting a determination by the church whether their marriage is a valid and binding union. The office is staffed by specially trained priests and lay persons.
Human Resources Supports effective employment practices as well as promotes positive employee relations. This also includes employee and clergy wellness, good communications, high morale, teamwork, accountability and efficiency in a work environment.
Technology Technology investments in hardware, software, network, internet, security and cloud services for the central office, parishes, schools and cemeteries.
Divine Worship Assists in promoting the liturgical life of the diocese by coordinating all diocesan liturgies, supporting sacramental formation and providing resources for liturgical catechesis and the formation of liturgical ministers.
Communication Responsible for diocesan publications, branding and marketing, social media and website services.
Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty
Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana
God never gives us a gift that's not meant to be shared.
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that these gifts, especially spiritual ones, only come alive when we put them at the service of others. It is in serving our brothers and sisters in need that we see Jesus in every person we encounter.
For this reason, the theme of the 2026 annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is Called to Serve.
It is because of the continued, generous support of parishioners like you that we can fund the good works and ministries of our diocese which are outside the scope of our pastorates. Many of these ministries are identified below, and the accompanying videos on this website will introduce you to a few of the countless lives that are being transformed thanks to your gifts to the CMA.
Each gift to the CMA becomes a manifestation of Christ’s love through our call to serve. No gift amount is too small. We are aiming for 100% participation. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you pray about how you are called to serve through your financial gifts and intentional prayer for the 2026 CMA.
Be assured of my continued prayers. May the Lord continue transforming our hearts to live out the love He has shown us in Christ, as we go forth to serve every soul across our diocese.
Gratefully yours in Christ Jesus,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
APPEAL PRAYER
Merciful and Loving God, You tell us in your Word “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
(1 Pet 4:10)
By the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to love and serve You above all. Grant us the grace and courage to serve others as Jesus did, that we may show mercy, compassion, and kindness toward all.
As we participate in the Catholic Ministries Appeal to support Christ’s mission in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, grant us generous hearts that recognize all we have is a gift from God. May we share your gifts and your love with others through our service, reflecting your presence in all we do.
With Mary and Joseph, we ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty
Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana
God never gives us a gift that's not meant to be shared.
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that these gifts, especially spiritual ones, only come alive when we put them at the service of others. It is in serving our brothers and sisters in need that we see Jesus in every person we encounter.
For this reason, the theme of the 2026 annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is Called to Serve.
It is because of the continued, generous support of parishioners like you that we can fund the good works and ministries of our diocese which are outside the scope of our pastorates. Many of these ministries are identified below, and the accompanying videos on this website will introduce you to a few of the countless lives that are being transformed thanks to your gifts to the CMA.
Each gift to the CMA becomes a manifestation of Christ’s love through our call to serve. No gift amount is too small. We are aiming for 100% participation. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you pray about how you are called to serve through your financial gifts and intentional prayer for the 2026 CMA.
Be assured of my continued prayers. May the Lord continue transforming our hearts to live out the love He has shown us in Christ, as we go forth to serve every soul across our diocese.
Gratefully yours in Christ Jesus,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
APPEAL PRAYER
Merciful and Loving God, You tell us in your Word “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
(1 Pet 4:10)
By the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to love and serve You above all. Grant us the grace and courage to serve others as Jesus did, that we may show mercy, compassion, and kindness toward all.
As we participate in the Catholic Ministries Appeal to support Christ’s mission in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, grant us generous hearts that recognize all we have is a gift from God. May we share your gifts and your love with others through our service, reflecting your presence in all we do.
With Mary and Joseph, we ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Watch Our Ministry
Impact Stories
It's the One who calls us that makes us saints
“So that's the first thing to remember. Asking God to help us to be open to the project that God wishes to commit through us. So, it's a great thing to think about, not just during the course of this campaign, but in our daily lives."
Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty, Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana
A Better Man - Office of Vocations
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana supports the Office of Vocations in helping men prayerfully discover where God is calling them. Seminary is not only preparation for the priesthood—it is a time of formation that can shape stronger husbands, fathers, leaders and servants of the Church, even for men who ultimately discern a different vocation. “I do not view leaving seminary or my time spent in seminary as a failure. All of that time and formation brought me exactly to who I was supposed to be and where I am today.” - Jason LaPaglia
After three years in seminary, Alex McGauley discerned that God was calling him away from the priesthood—but the formation he received continued to shape his life and faith. Today, as a husband and father working for FOCUS, Alex credits seminary with making him a better man and instilling a lifelong desire to serve Christ and help form disciples. His story shows that supporting seminarians is an investment in the future of the Church, regardless of where their discernment ultimately leads.
Supporting Our Educators - Office of Catholic Schools
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Office of Catholic Schools provides teachers, principals, and pastors with the formation, professional development, resources, and support they need to strengthen Catholic education throughout the Diocese. By creating opportunities to collaborate, grow in their faith, and improve their work as educators, the Office helps Catholic schools better form the next generation of faithful disciples.
“Your support of our diocese and their support of our Catholic schools is making an incredible difference in the lives of the students… their families… and the future Church.” Fr. Clayton Thompson
An Invitation - College Ministries
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana supports college campus ministries that help young adults deepen their relationship with Christ, find faith-filled community, and discern God’s call for their lives. These ministries provide the prayer, formation, relationships, and opportunities that can help foster lifelong faith and inspire vocations to religious life.
“Without College Campus Ministry, I wouldn’t be where I am today… I wouldn’t be saying yes to the Lord in this big, bold way.” -Regina Gerstbauer
Office of Vocations - Seminarian Formation
WE HAVE A CALLING
Office of Vocations
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
CATHOLIC FOUNDATION FROM THE START
Office of Catholic Schools
Architecture and Building Services
CALLED AT A TIME IN LIFE
College Campus Ministry
Watch Our Ministry
Impact Stories
It's the One who calls us that makes us saints
“So that's the first thing to remember. Asking God to help us to be open to the project that God wishes to commit through us. So, it's a great thing to think about, not just during the course of this campaign, but in our daily lives."
Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty, Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana
A Better Man - Office of Vocations
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana supports the Office of Vocations in helping men prayerfully discover where God is calling them. Seminary is not only preparation for the priesthood—it is a time of formation that can shape stronger husbands, fathers, leaders and servants of the Church, even for men who ultimately discern a different vocation. “I do not view leaving seminary or my time spent in seminary as a failure. All of that time and formation brought me exactly to who I was supposed to be and where I am today.” - Jason LaPaglia
After three years in seminary, Alex McGauley discerned that God was calling him away from the priesthood—but the formation he received continued to shape his life and faith. Today, as a husband and father working for FOCUS, Alex credits seminary with making him a better man and instilling a lifelong desire to serve Christ and help form disciples. His story shows that supporting seminarians is an investment in the future of the Church, regardless of where their discernment ultimately leads.
Supporting Our Educators - Office of Catholic Schools
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Office of Catholic Schools provides teachers, principals, and pastors with the formation, professional development, resources, and support they need to strengthen Catholic education throughout the Diocese. By creating opportunities to collaborate, grow in their faith, and improve their work as educators, the Office helps Catholic schools better form the next generation of faithful disciples.
“Your support of our diocese and their support of our Catholic schools is making an incredible difference in the lives of the students… their families… and the future Church.” Fr. Clayton Thompson
An Invitation - College Ministries
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana supports college campus ministries that help young adults deepen their relationship with Christ, find faith-filled community, and discern God’s call for their lives. These ministries provide the prayer, formation, relationships, and opportunities that can help foster lifelong faith and inspire vocations to religious life.
“Without College Campus Ministry, I wouldn’t be where I am today… I wouldn’t be saying yes to the Lord in this big, bold way.” -Regina Gerstbauer
Office of Vocations - Seminarian Formation
WE HAVE A CALLING
Office of Vocations
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
CATHOLIC FOUNDATION FROM THE START
Office of Catholic Schools
Architecture and Building Services
CALLED AT A TIME IN LIFE
College Campus Ministry
2027 Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal
2027 Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal