2027

Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal

2027

Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal

WATCH THE VIDEO

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.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,



We are all called to be saints. God calls us to listen to His Son, to follow Jesus.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) gives us an opportunity to respond to that call together. The continued, generous support of parishioners like you enables us to fund diocesan ministries and good works that extend beyond the scope of our pastorates.

Through the CMA, we help form saints. 

This year, I especially invite you to see the impact of the CMA through three ministries detailed in the videos on this website.

These ministries, along with the many others supported by the CMA, depend on all of us. Each year brings new opportunities and needs, inviting us to renew our commitment to Christ’s mission in our diocese. Our annual gift is a tangible way of saying yes to God’s call while helping others discover and respond to their own. 

To nurture a growing spirit of love and generosity in our diocese, we are aiming for 100% participation. No gift amount is too small. Can I count on your commitment to support the mission of our diocese in 2027?

It is the One who calls us who makes us saints. This is something we are invited to reflect on not only during this Appeal but each day as we seek to follow Christ.

May God continue to bless our diocese as we strive together to answer His call to be saints.

Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty
Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana

Merciful and Loving God,

by the power of your Holy Spirit,

help us to follow Jesus each day 

and live as He has taught us.


Give us the will to be saints, 

remaining open to all that 

You call us to do. 

 

May our participation in Christ’s 

mission through the Diocese of 

Lafayette-in-Indiana, help us 

answer our call to holiness

by generously sharing the gifts 

You have entrusted to us. 


May our faith and service reflect your 

love and draw others closer to You. 

 

With Mary and Joseph,

we ask this through Christ our Lord.


AMEN

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,



We are all called to be saints. God calls us to listen to His Son, to follow Jesus.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) gives us an opportunity to respond to that call together. The continued, generous support of parishioners like you enables us to fund diocesan ministries and good works that extend beyond the scope of our pastorates.

Through the CMA, we help form saints. 

This year, I especially invite you to see the impact of the CMA through three ministries detailed in the videos on this website.

These ministries, along with the many others supported by the CMA, depend on all of us. Each year brings new opportunities and needs, inviting us to renew our commitment to Christ’s mission in our diocese. Our annual gift is a tangible way of saying yes to God’s call while helping others discover and respond to their own. 

To nurture a growing spirit of love and generosity in our diocese, we are aiming for 100% participation. No gift amount is too small. Can I count on your commitment to support the mission of our diocese in 2027?

It is the One who calls us who makes us saints. This is something we are invited to reflect on not only during this Appeal but each day as we seek to follow Christ.

May God continue to bless our diocese as we strive together to answer His call to be saints.

Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty
Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana

Merciful and Loving God,

by the power of your Holy Spirit,

help us to follow Jesus each day 

and live as He has taught us.


Give us the will to be saints, 

remaining open to all that 

You call us to do. 

 

May our participation in Christ’s 

mission through the Diocese of 

Lafayette-in-Indiana, help us 

answer our call to holiness

by generously sharing the gifts 

You have entrusted to us. 


May our faith and service reflect your 

love and draw others closer to You. 

 

With Mary and Joseph,

we ask this through Christ our Lord.


AMEN

Watch Our Ministry
Impact Stories

Office of Vocations - We all have a calling

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal supports individuals as they discern and live out their vocation. From marriage and the single life to the priesthood, religious life, and the diaconate, the Office of Vocations forms and walks with them as they grow as disciples, remain open to God’s call, and serve Christ and His Church.



College Campus Ministries - Called at a critical time in life

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal helps young adults encounter Christ at a defining moment in their journey. Through Campus ministry, students are surrounded with a supportive Catholic community where they are encouraged to grow in faith, preparing them to bring Christ to their families, workplaces, parishes, and communities.

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


Office of Catholic Schools - A Catholic foundation from the start

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal strengthens our Catholic schools by connecting educators across the diocese and providing the resources and guidance they need to thrive. The impact of your gift reaches far beyond the classroom, as students go forth to transform their parishes, families, and communities.



Office of Vocations - Seminarian Formation

We all have a calling
Office of Vocations

Office of the Permanent Diaconate

A Catholic foundation from the start

Office of Catholic Schools

Architecture and Building Services

Called at a critical time in life
College Campus Ministry

Watch Our Ministry
Impact Stories

Office of Vocations - We all have a calling

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal supports individuals as they discern and live out their vocation. From marriage and the single life to the priesthood, religious life, and the diaconate, the Office of Vocations forms and walks with them as they grow as disciples, remain open to God’s call, and serve Christ and His Church.



College Campus Ministries - Called at a critical time in life

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal helps young adults encounter Christ at a defining moment in their journey. Through Campus ministry, students are surrounded with a supportive Catholic community where they are encouraged to grow in faith, preparing them to bring Christ to their families, workplaces, parishes, and communities.

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


Office of Catholic Schools - A Catholic foundation from the start

Your generosity to the Catholic Ministries Appeal strengthens our Catholic schools by connecting educators across the diocese and providing the resources and guidance they need to thrive. The impact of your gift reaches far beyond the classroom, as students go forth to transform their parishes, families, and communities.



Office of Vocations - Seminarian Formation

We all have a calling
Office of Vocations

Office of the Permanent Diaconate

A Catholic foundation from the start

Office of Catholic Schools

Architecture and Building Services

Called at a critical time in life
College Campus Ministry



2027 Annual Catholic Ministries Appeal