A Letter from Our Bishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As members of the Church, we form part of the Body of Christ. And as such, our heart beats with the Heart of Jesus. Sharing Jesus’ love –right here in the “Heart of Illinois” –we can transform our families, our communities, and our world. This is a great blessing; it is also a great responsibility. Our Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) is one of the ways that we all work together to serve our brothers and sisters out of love for Christ. The theme for the Annual Diocesan Appeal this year is Ready to bring the love of Jesus.

As our Holy Father, Pope Francis, stated, “Mission is at once a passion for Jesus and a passion for His people.” Knowing that there are so many who have yet to encounter Jesus’ love for them should compel us all the more to put forth our best efforts to love as Jesus loves. I am grateful for all the ways that I see this happening across our diocese.

I ask for your generous support of the ADA to ensure our efforts of bringing the love of Jesus to others. The good that is accomplished is a direct result of our willingness to respond to the Holy Spirit’spromptings to participate in the mission of Jesus. We see this in so many ways. This year, we are blessed to ordain four priests to serve in our parishes. Our Catholic Newman Centers on college campuses are reaching out to many hungry souls to encounter Christ in the Church. The promotion of the dignity of life is as important as ever and we are standing up for the rights of the unborn, the sick, and the elderly. Our Catholic Schools are not only educating our young people, they are also capturing their hearts and minds for Jesus. All of these examples –and many more –are indicative of our passion for Jesus and for His people.

Once again, I ask you to join with me in supporting the ADA through prayer and by making a financial gift. Each day, I carry you in my prayers. My hope for the future is strengthened by knowing that together, we are “Ready to bring the love of Jesus.”

God love you and God bless you!

The Most Reverend Louis Tylka
Bishop of Peoria

Your Gift In Action

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Annual Diocesan Appeal?

The Annual Diocesan Appeal is an annual invitation to all of the faithful in the Diocese of Peoria to contribute for the common good and impact lives beyond the scope of any individual parish. It includes ministries that bring comfort to our seniors, food to the hungry, education to all who desire to join the Catholic Faith, training to our seminarians, Pre- Cana for engaged couples, adult faith formation, support for parishes and leadership in our schools so that the next generation will carry on the Catholic Faith that we so lovingly cherish. Every parishioner is prayerfully asked for financial support.

How can I make my gift?

There are three types of gifts to the Appeal – pledge, one-time or recurring. Payments of cash, check, credit card and direct debit can be made by mail, online or via electronic giving. Monthly reminders (November-June) can also be mailed to donors for pledge payments. Gifts of appreciated stock, grain, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) or donor advised funds have special considerations and requirements. Contact 309-671-1550 for more information.

Why should I contribute?

The Church in our diocese certainly needs the financial support of its Catholic faithful. But more importantly, because, as Catholics, we are part of the Mystical Body of Christ, we are called to share with each other the gifts He has given us. In contributing to the Appeal, you are responding to the call to be active participants within the universal Church.

How does the ADA benefit my parish and me?

Every Appeal gift goes to support diocesan programs and ministries which in turn provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. The Annual Diocesan Appeal most likely funded the education of the priests currently serving in your parish. Hundreds of young people annually participate in youth rally. Engaged couples receive marriage preparation through the Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation. Young men from our parishes attend Emmaus Days, vocation awareness program set in a spiritual but also fun environment. Many parishes host Totus Tuus summer program for children which is coordinated by our Office of Vocations. In addition, any money that is paid over the parish’s goal will be returned to the parish for its own programs and services.

Are ADA funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases?

The Annual Diocesan Appeal supports the work of the Church in the Diocese of Peoria. All funds raised will be used exclusively and solely to support the programs and ministries of the Diocese. No monies donated to the ADA have been or will be used to defray expenses related to misconduct issues.