A Letter from Bishop Lou

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

For 150 years, our local Church – the Diocese of Peoria – has been guided by the Holy Spirit in witnessing and proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ. Generations of faithful disciples have inspired us and sustained our efforts. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we look back with gratitude for all who have gone before us proclaiming His name, and we in our day step forward with a renewed commitment to our mission: “Proclaiming Christ: Yesterday, Today, and Forever.” 

The mission given to us by Jesus remains as urgent today as ever. Through the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA), we are united in our shared responsibility to proclaim Christ in our parishes, schools, and communities. The ongoing work of our Diocese is strengthened, supported, and carried out in a variety of ways. It includes the formation of new priests, the dedicated work of Catholic educators, the protection of human dignity at every stage of life, the preparation of couples for marriage, and through the ministries that provide outreach and support to those in need. These efforts reflect our faith in action and they ensure that Christ’s love and presence continue to touch many lives in profound ways. 

Your generosity sustains and grows this mission, allowing it to flourish. Through your prayerful and financial support of the ADA, you share in the great work entrusted to us. Together, we are carrying forward the legacy of faith that has shaped the Church in the Diocese of Peoria for the last 150 years, building upon the foundations laid by previous generations. 

I ask you to please join me in this year’s ADA – both spiritually through prayer and sacrificially in making a financial commitment. Let us continue to “Proclaim Christ: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” 

God love you, and God bless you! 

+The Most Reverend Louis Tylka
Bishop of Peoria

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Annual Diocesan Appeal?

The Annual Diocesan Appeal is an invitation to all of the faithful in the Diocese of Peoria to contribute for the common good and impact lives beyond the scope of any individual parish. Every parishioner is prayerfully asked for financial support. 

How does the ADA benefit my parish and me? 

Every Appeal gift goes to support diocesan programs and ministries which in turn provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. The Annual Diocesan Appeal most likely funded the education of the priests currently serving in your parish. Hundreds of young people annually participate in youth conference. Engaged couples receive marriage preparation through the Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation. Young men from our parishes attend Emmaus Days- vocation awareness program set in a spiritual but also fun environment. Many parishes host Totus Tuus summer program for children which is coordinated by our Office of Vocations. 

How can I make my gift? 

There are three types of gifts to the Appeal – pledge, one-time or recurring. Payments of cash, check, credit card and direct debit can be made by mail, online or via electronic giving. Monthly reminders (November-June) can also be mailed to donors for pledge payments. Gifts of appreciated stock, grain, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) or donor advised funds have special considerations and requirements. Contact 309-671-1550 for more information. 

If my parish goes over goal, will it receive funds from the Annual Diocesan Appeal? 

YES! Any money that is paid over the parish’s goal will be returned to the parish for its own programs and services. This is a great opportunity to support the Diocese and help your parish with some project. 

How much of my gift actually goes to support those in need? 

97% of your gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal supports the ministries of the Diocese. That is 97¢ of every $1.00! Three percent of the goal are used for administrative and marketing expenses of the appeal. 

My parish will be closed/merged as part of Growing Disciples process. Should I still give to ADA? 

Yes, your support of the new parish may be even more vital than before. The goal of your present parish will be combined with the goal of the new parish at the time of merger. Each parishioner’s contribution will make a huge difference and will make the transition much easier. 

Are any ADA funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases? 

The Annual Diocesan Appeal supports the work of the Church in the Diocese of Peoria. All funds raised will be used exclusively and solely to support the programs and ministries of the Diocese. No monies donated to the ADA have been or will be used to defray expenses related to misconduct issues.