2026 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries: Getting Started in Your Parish

The 2026 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries is underway, and Appeal materials have been shipped to parishes and should arrive the week of January 12. As you prepare to lead your parish through the Appeal season, we want to ensure you have the resources and support needed for a successful campaign.

Confirm Your Materials

Once your packet arrives, please review the materials included. These tools are designed to support each phase of the Appeal and are also available digitally for download.

Plan Your Appeal Promotions

A clear timeline helps engage parishioners effectively:

• January 24-25: Announcement Weekend introduces the Annual Appeal and our shared mission.

• January 31-Februaryt 1: Commitment Weekend invites parishioners to make a pledge using the provided scripts and in-pew materials.

• February 3: Appeal Giving Tuesday is a way to promote the Appeal using email or electronic messaging and/or social media and offers a chance to reach parishioners who may have missed weekend announcements.

• February 7-8: Follow-Up Weekend focuses on gratitude and participation.

All scripts and communication pieces are ready for use and can be adapted for your parish community. Those resources are here.

Use Digital and Social Tools

Digital engagement extends your reach beyond the pews. Appeal emails, social media graphics, videos, and QR codes make it easy for parishioners to learn more and give online. These tools complement your in-parish efforts and help ensure consistent messaging. You can find digital and social media tools here.

Engage Parish Leadership

Involve your finance council, stewardship committee, and key volunteers. Review goals, coordinate communications, and encourage broad participation to build momentum throughout the parish.

Connect With Your Archdiocesan Advancement Team

Kim Montgomery Chief Advancement Officer kimberly.montgomery@archbalt.org

Mark Talcott Senior Director of Philanthropy mark.talcott@archbalt.org

Maribeth Harper Director, Appeals Marketing and Operations maribeth.harper@archbalt.org

Colin Madden Advancement and Stewardship Associate colin.madden@archbalt.org

Jason Hoffman Advancement and Stewardship Associate jason.hoffman@archbalt.org

A member of the Advancement Team will reach out to schedule a virtual or in-person check-in to:

• Share what’s new for the 2026 Annual Appeal

• Review key dates and expectations

• Discuss how we can best support you and your parish

We encourage you to reach out to any member of our Advancement Team with questions. Our team stands ready to support you and your parish.

Thank Donors and Track Progress

Timely thank-you messages and progress updates are an essential part of fundraising and stewardship. Use the provided thank-you letters and parish dashboard tools to acknowledge generosity and celebrate milestones.

Resources at Your Fingertips

All Annual Appeal resources are available at: http://advancingourmission.org/annual-appeal-resources-2026

Thank you for your leadership and for all you do in support of our shared mission. Together, we continue to advance the vital ministries that serve our Church and our communities.