PROVIDENCE — The 100th annual Catholic Charity Appeal launched on January 6 in the diocese with the theme “Trust in Providence,” and a goal of raising 7.5 million.
In a letter to the faithful, Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Albert A. Kenney announced the centennial of the annual campaign, which supports more than 35 outreach programs and ministries that provide social, educational and spiritual support to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year.
“For a century, Catholics in our diocese have organized, volunteered, donated and carried on Christ’s Mission here in Rhode Island,” said Msgr. Kenney. “You and I have inherited a wonderful legacy and each of us have done our part to ensure it continues. It is because of this history that I am hopeful and inspired for our future together. We trust that God will guide us forward in all things, which is why we’ve chosen the theme for our 100th anniversary to be ‘Trust in Providence.’”
The success of last year’s Appeal, which raised $7.5 million in pledges and one-time gifts from 18,500 donors, is the reason the 2025 goal was set at $7.5 million.
Presentations extolling the virtues of supporting the campaign will take place at Masses across the diocese in February and March and continue into the spring. The Appeal will conclude on June 30.
“A gift to the Appeal funds immediate assistance programs that aid those in desperate need of food, shelter and heating assistance, but it also builds up the Church in the areas of Evangelization, Catholic Education, Spiritual Formation and Ministerial Services,” said Tim McCaig, director of Stewardship and Development, noting that approximately 200,000 instances of service occur each year through Catholic Social Services.
McCaig said that part of his job is to illustrate what the diocesan ministries accomplish and share that good news.
“We’ve created a series of videos that highlight the great work of places like Mother of Hope Camp, St. Martin de Porres, Health Care Ministry and All Saints’ Academy, to name a few. I encourage everyone to watch these videos on YouTube – Diocese of Providence and see the people you are helping by making a gift,” he said.
The Appeal builds up the Church in other areas of Evangelization, Catholic Education, Spiritual Formation and Ministerial Services, such as supporting seminarians studying for the priesthood and those in formation to become permanent deacons. It also supports the Office of Life and Family Ministry in its outreach efforts to mothers and families.
“In the spirit of our theme for this year, we trust in God’s Providence and we pray for a successful result again in 2025.”
The Office of Stewardship has established the following online link for donors to contribute to the 2025 Catholic Charity Appeal: www.givecentral.org/2025CCA.
