Nov. 8-9 is intention weekend for UCA, which aids seminarians, retired priests, Catholic Charities

By Natalie Hoefer

The weekend of Nov. 8-9 is the archdiocesan annual United Catholic Appeal (UCA) intention weekend in parishes across central and southern Indiana.

The goal for this year’s appeal is $6.3 million. The money will benefit ministries and organizations throughout the archdiocese that meet needs no single parish or deanery can independently address, such as seminarian and diaconate formation, care for retired priests, Catholic Charities, the support of college campus ministry to keep young adults engaged in the faith, homeless shelters and more.

The theme of this year’s appeal is “Go Forth.” Archbishop Charles C. Thompson posted the following message online regarding the importance of the appeal.

“At the heart of our faith is the Eucharist—a call to be transformed and then to transform the world around us. Each time we celebrate Mass, we are sent forth to carry Christ’s love into our families, our communities and beyond—to Go Forth.

“The United Catholic Appeal is one of the most powerful ways we live that mission together. It supports the spiritual and pastoral work that shapes our parishes, cares for the poor and vulnerable, educates our young people and forms tomorrow’s priests.

“This is our Church. This is our call.

“As you prayerfully consider your gift, know that it is not just a donation—it is a response. A response to the Gospel, to the needs of our neighbors and to the invitation to walk together in faith.

“Thank you for your generous heart and faithful witness. May we continue to go forth, renewed in the Eucharist and united in Christ.”

The $6.3 million will be distributed to archdiocesan ministries throughout central and southern Indiana, broken down into three categories: teaching, shepherding and serving.

The $4.3 million designated for teaching ministries includes:

• Seminarian formation, tuition assistance and care;
• Catholic school leader catechetical formation and support resources;
• Catechetical leader and catechist formation and training;
• Diaconate formation;
• Care for active and retired priests.

The $1.3 million designated for shepherding ministries includes:

• Forming and walking beside young adults seeking the faith;
• Upholding the sacredness of marriage and family life and supporting and strengthening families;
• Celebrating and affirming cultural diversity in the local Church;
• Offering guidance and support for youth ministers;
• Promoting the dignity of life;
• Welcoming and including people with disabilities.

The $700,000 designated for serving ministries will go entirely toward:

• The archdiocese’s five Catholic Charities agencies in Bloomington, Indianapolis, New Albany, Tell City and Terre Haute.

In advance of intention weekend, Catholics in central and southern Indiana are asked to consider, through prayer and with gratitude for God’s blessings, how they are called to contribute to the 2026 United Catholic Appeal—knowing that 100% of every dollar donated makes a difference in the lives of all those touched by archdiocesan ministries throughout central and southern Indiana.
 

(For more information on the United Catholic Appeal, go to unitedcatholicappeal.org or call the Office of Stewardship and Development at 317-236-1415.) †

 

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