DIOCESE—The “One in Christ” International Appeal combined collection will be taken up in parishes of the Rockford Diocese the weekend of March 14-15. Envelopes and information about the annual effort are being mailed to registered households beforehand. Donors have choices about where their donation goes. They may select one or more of the beneficiaries in this appeal or allow Bishop David Malloy to choose where to distribute their contributions.
This appeal along with a national and a mission annual combined appeal were begun years ago by the late Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill. Each of the three collections are held instead of multiple individual parish special collections.
This International Appeal raises funds for several causes:
– Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe: The Church continues to struggle in countries where churches were destroyed or confiscated during communist influence. This part of the appeal helps rebuild churches, supports seminaries, promotes ministries and education and renews community life including now in Ukraine. In 2025, the Rockford Diocese contributed $28,263 to this part of the combined collection. Info: usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/central-and-eastern-europe
– Catholic Relief Services (CRS): CRS serves communities all around the world on every continent including victims of persecution, natural disasters and those in war zones. Last year the Diocese of Rockford gave $72,838 to this collection. Info: usccb.org/catholic-relief
– Peter’s Pence: This collection provides our Holy Father Pope Leo with funds he can use to help meet needs around the world. This part of the appeal often helps victims of current wars and natural disasters. Last year, this diocese gave $29,027 to Peter’s Pence. Info:
usccb.org/peters-pence
– The Rockford Diocese’s Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief Fund allows the bishop of the Rockford Diocese to respond to some of many requests he receives each year for financial assistance due mostly to natural disasters. Last year, Bishop Malloy distributed $30,000 to address disaster response through this fund. Info: rockforddiocese.org/donate
Two collections from this appeal benefit important needs in the Diocese of Rockford:
– Catholic Schools Financial Support helps underprivileged schools of the Rockford Diocese. Last year this collection provided $110,000 toward this need. Info: rockforddiocese.
org/donate
– Diocesan Priests Pension assists the diocese’s aging priests, many of whom continue to help parishes and people in the diocese. In 2025, $182,167 was contributed to the pension. Info: rockforddiocese.org/donate
In his letter for the appeal, Bishop Malloy noted that Lent “is not only about abstaining from luxuries.” Steps we take to grow and strengthen our faith can include serving and supporting those in need.
This appeal, he added, is an opportunity to join with others from around the diocese “in support of ministries that reach out to marginalized people throughout the world.”
This Lent, Bishop Malloy said, “I encourage you to reflect on the blessings God has given to you and your family and how you can use those blessings to bless others with mercy and charity.” The 2026 International Appeal is one way to bless those in need.
