“In the Diocese of Allentown, we are part of a generous and faithful community that works together to care for one another. With your help, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of families, friends, and neighbors in need,” said Bishop Alfred Schlert in the video for the 2024 “Because We Are Catholic” annual appeal.
The 2024 appeal kicks off this weekend at diocesan parishes – where families get to receive the help and support they need because of the gifts made to this appeal.
Because We Are Catholic provides care for senior citizens, counseling in schools, and scholarships for Catholic school students. It helps pay for veterans programs, underwrites parish ministries, and supports affordable housing and pregnancy support services. It also funds vocation efforts – underwriting the education of deacons, seminarians, and priests.
In the past 10 years, Because We Are Catholic has raised and distributed more than $40 million for Catholic Charities, Catholic schools, pastoral services, and community outreach – from food assistance and senior services to scholarship awards and hospital ministries.
Funds raised through Because We Are Catholic are directed to Community Services, Catholic Education, Parish Life, and Vocation programs and activities throughout the Diocese.
The distribution of dollars, which are held in a trust that is restricted for these purposes, is monitored by a group of volunteer trust advisors who represent parish communities in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties.
Community Services 50.8%
• Counseling services and pregnancy support for expectant mothers.
• Food assistance programs in Allentown, Reading, and Pottsville.
• Affordable housing services throughout the Diocese of Allentown.
• Senior living programs and support, including care for our retired priests.
Catholic Education 18.2%
• Services for students with special needs.
• Scholarships and grants for needy and deserving students.
Parish Life 11.8%
• Youth, young adult, family, and campus ministries.
• Marriage preparation and natural family planning programs.
• Parish-based outreach and support for Hispanic communities.
Vocations 11.8%
• Seminarian education and ongoing priestly formation.
• Training and support for the Permanent Diaconate.
• Discernment and outreach for young men and women considering the Priesthood or Religious Life.
Only 7.4 percent of funds raised by the appeal are used for administrative expenses, which includes design, printing, and distribution of materials to over 251,000 Catholics.
Our Catholic family of faith in the Diocese of Allentown is committed to helping those in our community who are most in need. If you haven’t already contributed, please visit www.BecauseWeAreCatholic.org for more information, and to support the appeal today.
Daily Masses with Bishop Schlert
Bishop Schlert will celebrate Daily Masses at parishes in every county in the Diocese in honor of individuals and families who give and benefit from the Because We Are Catholic Annual Appeal. All are invited to attend.
Thursday, April 25 – Sacred Heart, Palmerton, 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 22 – St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 8:30 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 9 – Our Lady of Mercy, Easton, 8 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12 – Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 8 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 16 – St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City, 6 p.m.
