As we embark on a new year, we take time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Here in the Office of Development, we are busy planning events and campaigns. More importantly, we want to thank each of you who so generously donated to our 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal, One Faith, One Family. Thanks to your kindness and sacrifice, as of this submission date (December 13, 2024), the ACA reached 97% of its $2.7 million goal. We cannot express how deeply appreciative we—and the many ministries and programs we support—are for your generosity.
We understand that, with so many facing a myriad of economic challenges, donating is not easy. Yet because of you, these ministries and programs continue the work of Christ, serving as His hands and feet by providing spiritual, physical, educational, financial assistance, and encouragement to our friends and neighbors throughout the Diocese of Norwich and in Haiti.
To ensure the continued sustenance of our programs, the 2025 ACA will launch in March. You will soon receive a letter from Archbishop Christopher Coyne, the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, asking you to prayerfully consider donating again this year. The letter will include a brochure, a gift/pledge envelope, and a form for your prayer requests.
Each year, we hope and pray that more parishioners participate in the ACA. Unfortunately, participation numbers have been declining; last year, only about 15% of all parishioners donated. To encourage those who have not yet donated, we invite you to watch the 2025 ACA video, which will be available on our website, NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org, beginning the weekend of March 22–23.
While we give because Jesus calls us to treat our brothers and sisters as ourselves, giving also makes us feel good! Did you know that science supports this? Doctors at the National Institutes of Health have taken pictures of people’s brains when they share their money. The pleasure and reward sections of the brain light up when people donate, showing that giving truly makes you feel good! Even better, another study found that being kind and generous helps you live longer. This is attributed to the fact that generosity improves your sense of purpose, positively impacts your mental outlook on life, creates connections with others, and reduces inflammation in your immune system!
Whatever your motivation for donating to the 2025 ACA, One Faith, One Family, we deeply appreciate your support in helping our programs and ministries continue their mission. Please consider using your pledge card to donate this year.
Alternatively, you may call our office at (860) 886-1928 to make a gift over the phone, mail a check to our new address:
Annual Catholic Appeal
331 Main Street, Floor 2
Norwich, CT 06360
Or, visit our website: NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org.
Please know that any size gift is genuinely welcomed. Thank you in advance for your kindness. May God bless you and those you love.
By Mary Ellen Mahoney
