As Catholics, our missionary spirit calls us to be active participants in the work of our Church by opening our hearts to the needs of others. Through the 2025 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA) and inspired by this year’s theme Open Your Heart to God’s Goodness, we faithfully turn that compassion into action. 

 Bishop Hicks reflects on the Gospel of Luke and shares how today’s parable was his inspiration for our 2025 CMAA theme Open Your Heart to God’s Goodness. 

Three weeks after Autumn was born in 2018, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Autumn and her parents, Joe and Lydia, are blessed to be among the nearly 2,000 people annually that participate in the disABILITIES Ministry, which fosters inclusion and guides this beautiful group of parishioners through sacramental preparation.

Father Jeremy Leganski and Father Alex Lorang talk about how gifts to the CMAA assisted them in their formation, shaping them into their roles as priests. Now priests, they are available and present for parishioners, making everyone feel loved by God.

Stephen, a Catholic Charities client, tells how the Kathy Paulsen Hope House lifted a heavy burden off his shoulders by giving him a place to lay his head at night and food on the table. As a result, Stephen was able to get a fresh start. 

A record 1,200 teens from around the Diocese of Joliet gathered for Youth Day at Lewis University in Romeoville to praise and worship Jesus with their peers. As part of a three-year plan supported by Bishop Hicks and the Diocese, plans are in motion for a weekend-long retreat this summer! 

Seminarian Matthew Bernhard is in his sixth year of formation at Mundelein Seminary. He will be ordained a priest in 2027 and credits the CMAA with helping him to answer God’s call and make his journey to the priesthood a reality. 

Theology on Tap is an evening for young adults in the Diocese of Joliet to enjoy speakers and connect with like-minded friends who are living their faith and to share about their lives with Jesus. 

The Called by Name conference invites nearly 800 junior high students across the Diocese to explore the Catholic vocations of priesthood, marriage, religious life, and single life through music, dynamic guest speakers, and Eucharistic adoration.