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Donations to the Catholic Home Missions Appeal are set to aid over 70 dioceses identified as "home mission dioceses" in the United States, as well as current and former territories, according to an announcement by the U.S. bishops.
Approximately 35% of dioceses in the U.S. fall under the "home mission dioceses" category. These dioceses are often located in rural areas with smaller Catholic populations or in communities struggling economically. The U.S. bishops’ Catholic Home Missions program provides financial assistance to these dioceses to help them deliver fundamental pastoral services, including Mass, sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for clergy and laypeople.
“Right here in the United States, we have dioceses that need help providing pastoral care. Whether it is assistance to Chaldean Catholic refugees, supporting the ministry of catechists in rural dioceses, offering help to pregnant women in need, or guiding victims of domestic violence to proper counseling and support, the support offered to home mission dioceses epitomizes the love of Christ,” stated Bishop Chad W. Zielinski of New Ulm, Minnesota, in a news release dated April 7.
In 2025, grants totaling approximately $8.1 million are allocated to sustain essential ministries in these mission dioceses, as reported by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The appeal will observe donations collected at masses during the weekend of April 26-27 in many dioceses, although some may schedule collections on alternative dates. Additionally, information for online donations can be accessed at #iGiveCatholicTogether.
Bishop Zielinski, serving as chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions, urged the faithful to recognize the challenges faced by mission dioceses in the U.S. He encouraged generous contributions to support their ministries.
“Catholics in home mission dioceses are profoundly grateful for the assistance that other Catholics offer. Whatever our difficulties, most of us are blessed with the means to share with sisters and brothers whose need is greater than our own,” Bishop Zielinski expressed. Further details on the Catholic Home Missions Appeal can be found on the U.S. bishops’ website: usccb.org/committees/catholic-home-missions
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