DIOCESE—The 2016 International Appeal is coming to parishes this weekend, March 11-12.

This combined collection brings together several efforts that assist the Catholic Church around the world as well as in the Diocese of Rockford.

The two diocesan collections are the Catholic Elementary School Financial Support, to help schools with operating deficits to keep them financially viable, and the Priests’ Pension Plan, which assists the 55 currently-retired priests and those who will retire in the future. Last year $243,208 was provided to needy schools and $163,997 was contributed to the priests’ pension plan.

Four international collections are also combined into this one appeal:

Peter’s Pence provides the Holy Father, currently Pope Francis, with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works. Those may include victims of war, oppression and disasters. Last year, this diocese contributed $171,284 to this collection.

Info: www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/peters-pence

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) assists individuals and families around the world who are in crisis due to natural or man-made disasters. CRS helps families on every continent, encourages family-friendly legislation around the world, and also helps victims of human trafficking. Last year, the people of the diocese contributed $65,717 to this appeal.

Info: www.usccb.org/catholic-relief.

Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe supports projects in 28 countries to rebuild and restore the faith where violence, war and other powers have repressed it. These funds support
seminaries, social service programs, youth ministry, pastoral centers and church construction/renovation. Last year the diocese provided $34,357 to this appeal.

Info: www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/central-and-eastern-europe/

Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief Fund makes it possible for the Rockford Diocese and its bishop to respond to requests from bishops in areas affected by natural disasters or where a significant need exists. Last year, Bishop David Malloy distributed a total of $7,493 to help flood victims in Louisiana.

“Pope Francis asks us to see with God’s eyes of love and compassion those who hunger and thirst, strangers and prisoners, the marginalized and the outcast, the victims of oppression and violence,” Bishop Malloy says, adding, “One way we can do this is through the International Appeal collection.”

Donations can be made via parishes or online at www.rockforddiocese.org/donate.