DIOCESE—“Bear Much Fruit,” comes from the Gospel of John (15:5): “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”

This well-known image of Jesus as vine to our branches is the theme of this year’s annual Diocesan Appeal, which funds the supportive and administrative work of the Diocese of Rockford.

The annual appeal supports diocesan offices such as the departments of Educational Services, of Vocations, of the Vicar for Clergy and Religious, of Financial and Administrative Services, of the Bishop, and includes the Office of Permanent Diaconate and diocesan Ethicist, the Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic Ministry and the diocesan Tribunal.

Many ministries are supported by this appeal — ranging from Bishop Lane Retreat Center to the works of Catholic Charities, which serve young and old with physical necessities, advocacy, counseling, and more.

This year the appeal will be announced in parishes the weekend of April 24-25. Pledge Weekend follows on May 1-2 when parishioners across the diocese are asked to prayerfully consider their pledge to the diocesan-level Church. Pledges can be arranged to be paid monthly or quarterly per the wishes of households or individuals, and can be done by mail or online, again according to donors’ preferences.

Catholics of the diocese are also encouraged to include their prayer intentions with their appeal form, which are remembered at Masses regularly held on weekdays at the Diocesan Administration Center throughout the year.

Working together, Catholics of the diocese will bear much fruit at and beyond the parish level to assist the needy, educate and form future priests and deacons, and to teach the faith in Catholic schools, religious education and youth ministry programs (youth), and Ministry Formation and Diocesan Theological Institute programs (adults).

In his appeal letter, Bishop David Malloy reflects on the many “hungers” found in the world today. He mentions hungers for healing, for security, for certainty in uncertain times, and for human contact during this time of social distancing.

Gifts and prayers to this annual Diocesan Appeal will bear much fruit in addressing the spiritual and corporal hungers found in many parts and people of the Diocese of Rockford.

Info: Office of Charitable Giving, http://www.rockforddiocese.org/charitablegiving/ or 815-399-4300