Appeal Giving Weekend and the In-Pew Invitation to Participate

As we prepare for the 2026 Annual Appeal Giving Weekend, it is worth reflecting on a simple practice that has sustained nearly two decades of stewardship success across the Archdiocese of Baltimore: the in-pew giving process.

In 2009, our archdiocese adopted an in-pew approach to supplement direct mail after seeing dramatic results in other dioceses. The impact was immediate. Total giving nearly doubled, and the number of parishioners participating increased substantially. By creating a prayerful moment during Mass, we invited more people into the mission of the Church and helped them understand the widespread impact of the Annual Appeal.

Today, the in-pew experience remains the primary way many parishioners first learn about and respond to the Appeal. To keep printing and mailing costs manageable, only households that have given to the Appeal in the past receive direct mail; the in-pew moment ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate.

Giving Weekend: A Guided Act of Stewardship

Giving Weekend is designed to be a communal act of faith, not a routine collection. When parishioners are given a few uninterrupted minutes to reflect, pray, and respond, generosity follows.

To make the most of this moment, we strongly encourage pastors to follow the in-pew process carefully and completely.

Key Actions for Giving Weekend

• Use the Giving Weekend script (read as written or personalized).

• Conduct the in-pew process at every Mass.

• Ask ushers to distribute pledge envelopes and pencils to all parishioners.

• Allow 3–5 minutes for completion.

• Encourage online giving using the QR code on the envelope.

• Have ushers collect envelopes immediately after completion.

• Keep the Appeal separate and distinct from the regular offertory.

• Reinforce that Appeal funds are held in a permanent, irrevocable trust used solely for ministries and outreach.

Do not discard the undistributed envelopes. Make sure envelopes are available on Follow-up Weekend for parishioners who were unable to attend Mass on Giving Weekend.

Your Parish Benefits Directly

Participation in the Annual Appeal also supports your parish through the rebate structure:

• 10% back on gifts up to the Standard Goal

• 40% back on gifts above the Standard Goal and below the Stretch Goal

• 75% back on gifts above the Stretch Goal

Connect With Your Archdiocesan Advancement Team

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.

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