Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) 2026
A Letter from Bishop Lou
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“You will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) These words, spoken by Jesus to His followers nearly two thousand years ago, resound with particular meaning in this moment in the life of our diocese as our soon-to-be-Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is held up as a witness of Christ worthy of imitating. I have chosen these words of Jesus as our theme for this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal. I hope this historic moment will renew in each of us a deeper commitment to being credible witnesses of Christ in the world today. As I travel across the 26 counties of our diocese – confirming young people, celebrating regional Masses for our 150th Anniversary, blessing new parish halls and new school gyms, visiting our seminarians or speaking with our seniors – I am inspired and encouraged by your witness. So many are striving to instill the gift of faith in the next generation. We should never underestimate the power of our example, of our witness! A college student at a Newman Center living out her faith publicly on campus can inspire her classmate to inquire about the Catholic Church and enter our OCIA program. The witness of a young man giving his life to Christ in the priesthood may inspire another to discern his own calling at the Emmaus Days retreat. A free Thanksgiving meal or a child’s backpack provided through Catholic Charities speaks of Christ’s love to a struggling mother more than any words ever could. A grade school student in our Catholic school remembers not only the spelling of the word “witness” but also the teacher who encourages her to grow closer to Christ and live fully as His disciple. You are part of this “great cloud of witnesses.” (Heb 12:1) Your prayerful and generous financial support of our Annual Diocesan Appeal sustains the vital diocesan ministries that serve the faithful and strengthen our Church. They provide ministry support that no single parish could accomplish on its own. I invite you to join me in supporting this year’s Appeal. Together, as disciples of Our Lord, may we give convincing witness to the love of Christ in our world today. God love you, and God bless you!
Bishop Louis Tylka
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Annual Diocesan Appeal?
The Annual Diocesan Appeal is an 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. Every parishioner is prayerfully asked for financial support.
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 conference. 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.
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.
If my parish goes over goal, will it receive funds from the Annual Diocesan Appeal?
YES! Any money that is paid over the parish’s goal will be returned to the parish for its own programs and services. This is a great opportunity to support the Diocese and help your parish with some project.
How much of my gift actually goes to support those in need?
97% of your gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal supports the ministries of the Diocese. That is 97¢ of every $1.00! Three percent of the goal are used for administrative and marketing expenses of the appeal.
My parish will be closed/merged as part of Growing Disciples process. Should I still give to ADA?
Yes, your support of the new parish may be even more vital than before. The goal of your present parish will be combined with the goal of the new parish at the time of merger. Each parishioner’s contribution will make a huge difference and will make the transition much easier.
Are any 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.