The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) is the annual appeal inviting Catholics in the Diocese of Rochester to join in a partnership to advance the mission of our Church. This year’s theme, I Am With You Always, reminds of Christ’s words to His disciples before he ascended to heaven, commissioning them to teach, serve, and spread the Gospel message. In this year of embarking on the Church’s Eucharistic Revival, it serves as a guidepost for our connection and responsibility to others, for just as Jesus promises to be with us always, He commands us to love, to help and to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ, especially the most vulnerable.

O God, our loving Creator and giver of all good gifts, bless our parishes, strengthen our faith and grant us the spirit of Christian Stewardship so that we may give generously of our time, talent and treasure to the building of Your Kingdom here in our church and throughout the world. We pray for your help in achieving success in this campaign, so that we can help others throughout our Diocese.This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, now and forever. AMEN.

As our Church continues to navigate through challenging times, CMA dollars have helped our Diocese this year by funding:

• Extended networks to church buildings and schools, and installing hundreds of cameras necessary to support virtual ministry
• Cybersecurity platforms to protect parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities agencies against data breaches
• Advocacy and education through the Office of Life Issues
• Campus Ministry stipends to support important outreach taking place on college campuses throughout the Diocese
• Support and organization of numerous Confirmation and Hands of Christ Award celebrations
• Development and publication of The Family Zone, a lectionary-based newsletter/playlist for families
• Updated resources for RCIA training
• Sacramental ministry and outreach to the Migrant Centers – a significant source of spiritual life in our Diocese

Your contributions provide funding to operate crucial ministries for people of all walks of life. While the Diocese reorganizes, these needs continue and can only be met with the financial support of the faithful.

From the very beginnings of the faith and the early ministry of Our Lord, our church has depended on the faithful to provide their time and energy, skills, and gifts in building the Kingdom of God. Without financial support, we could not continue the mission of the Church. The Body of Christ’s only real means of support is through the generosity of its members.

No. CMA funds are designated dollars. All funds raised in the CMA are used for programs, services and ministries. No CMA contributions are used for the settlement of legal cases.

Yes!  You can give any amount (up to $100,000) from your IRA directly to the CMA without having to pay taxes on the amount given as part of your annual income. Gifts of any value of $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a difference for the Diocese of Rochester and your parish. Your disbursement must come directly from the administrator of your IRA to the Diocese – you should not receive the funds first

The check should be made payable to: Diocese of Rochester/CMA
Please request a notation with the gift to include: Your Name and Your Parish
Please have the check mailed to: CMA, Diocese of Rochester, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624

The Diocese of Rochester/CMA is a qualified charity. The EIN or Tax ID# is 16-0755765.
Before making this type of charitable contribution, please consult with your tax advisor or IRA administrator.