Faithful across South Jersey are invited to be “missionaries of mercy” through the annual South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, which kicks off in February.
“Your gift to the appeal allows the ministries of the Diocese to flourish, and brings to life in a special way the corporal and spiritual works of mercy of our Church,” Bishop Joseph Williams shares in this year’s video message. “These works are carried out every day in our Diocese by the dedicated people in our 62 parishes and 29 Catholic schools.”
This 2026 appeal will officially begin Feb. 7-8 with an in-pew weekend. Some parishes in Atlantic and Cape May counties that see an influx of faithful in the summer will launch later in the year.
This year’s theme – Missionaries of Mercy – is born from Bishop Williams’ episcopal motto: “I desire mercy.”
The Bishop’s video highlights the positive impact of the 2025 campaign, cataloging stories from organizations such as Catholic Charities of South Jersey and what he describes as “true miracles of mercy” made possible by the generous support of the faithful. His message also outlines the six key areas that will be supported by this year’s appeal.
“By giving what you can, you are enabling the vital work of Catholic Charities, Catholic education, special education, pastoral care, vocations and Hispanic ministry to continue,” he said, “not to mention our ability to make the name of Jesus known and loved through our various faith formation initiatives.”
The South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal supports essential ministries on both the diocesan and parish levels. Parishes that reach their monetary goal receive a 10 percent rebate; they receive 75 percent of every dollar raised over goal for their needs.
“The Church is called to be the living presence of Christ’s mercy in the world, providing the spiritual and material needs of our brothers and sisters,” said Laurie Lo Presti, associate director of the diocesan Office of Development. “By giving to the SJCMA, one is acting as a missionary of mercy.”
She noted that the annual appeal supports efforts including: clergy, ranging from seminarians to retired priests; evangelization to youth, teens and young adults; faith formation through Hispanic and Black ministries; and programs like VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services.
Lo Presti said she hopes that the appeal will see an overall increase in donations as well as parishes meeting their goals, which can also help with projects within those parishes.
“When each parish makes their own goal, we make ours, which is at least $7 million,” Lo Presti said. “When all of the parish’s goals are met, we can eliminate the burden of worry, renew our commitment that defines us as being a Catholic, and provide comfort to even more of the faithful.”
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