November 1, 2019

Nov. 9-10 is the annual United Catholic Appeal intention weekend in archdiocesan parishes

By Natalie Hoefer

United Catholic Appeal (UCA) logoThe weekend of Nov. 9-10 is the archdiocesan annual United Catholic Appeal (UCA) intention weekend in parishes across the archdiocese.

The goal for this year’s appeal is $6.5 million. The money will be distributed to various ministries and organizations throughout central and southern Indiana, providing help that no single parish or deanery could independently offer.

The theme of this year’s appeal is “Go and Make Disciples.”

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson makes a connection between that theme and Bishop Robert Barron’s recent book, Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis.

“Bishop Barron’s book is about why we should not lose hope, but remain faithful,” says Archbishop Thompson. Supporting the United Catholic Appeal as part of that faithfulness “allows us to keep being the presence of Jesus to so many, especially those in most need” in central and southern Indiana.

As the shepherd of the local Church, the archbishop says he sees the many needs throughout the archdiocese.

But he has also seen how donations to the United Catholic Appeal have brought hope in the last year, including:

  • Nearly 900 veterans received food, shelter and clothing.
  • More than 800 homeless families received a safe place to rest.
  • More than 48,000 people who were hungry were served hot meals.
  • Nearly 1,100 children in the archdiocesan Notre Dame ACE Academies in the Indianapolis center-city received a Catholic education.
  • Faith-centered activities were provided for nearly 8,500 youths.
  • Seminarians at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary and Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology received much-needed financial support.
  • 48 retired priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others received care.
  • Countless mothers, after receiving support, chose life for their children instead of opting for abortion.

“Thousands of lives have been touched through our many ministries, and many, many more will continue to be served thanks to your generosity,” the archbishop notes.

“Let us never fail to remember God’s faithfulness to us, and our call to continue with his grace to make a difference in our world.”
 

(For more information on the United Catholic Appeal, visit archindy.org/UCA or call the Office of Stewardship and Development at 317-236-1415 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1415.) †

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