The Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) was established in 2009 to support ministries and services across Southern Wisconsin.
Every Catholic belongs both to a local Church and to the Universal Church. Each of us is responsible not only for our own parish, but also for the well-being of the Church throughout our diocese and around the world.
Donors to the Annual Catholic Appeal have become a cornerstone of our diocese’s mission to help all encounter Christ in daily life. We are a people who recognize the boundless generosity of our God and respond with joyful thanksgiving. We are a blessed community with open hearts and helping hands. A strong annual appeal draws us together—to share more, to love more, and to accomplish more—in the name of Jesus Christ.
This year, the theme for our Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) is “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” inspired by Romans 5:5, which reminds us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Additionally, in Jeremiah 29:11, we are assured, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These scriptures remind us that our hope in God is never in vain. We have witnessed the profound truth of “Hope Does Not Disappoint” in our parishes and diocese, as many have drawn closer to Christ, served those in need, and reinforced our unity as members of His Mystical Body.
In this Year of Jubilee, we are called to embrace a spirit of renewal and hope. This special year invites us to reflect on God’s abundant grace and to share that hope with our communities. It is a time to celebrate the gift of forgiveness and to commit ourselves to acts of charity and service, shining Christ's light in the world.
The ACA provides essential resources for the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Madison, enabling us to share the transformative power of Christ’s love with those who are lost, forgotten, or in need.