Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us always!
As Catholics, we are called to see Christ in the lives of our brothers and sisters. And by seeing Christ in others, we become a family in faith and united in the mission to spread the good news and bring the love of Jesus to others. We are blessed to have such a large Archdiocese that is diverse and vibrant with its many cultures and locations. The Annual Catholic Appeal makes it possible for the Archdiocese to provide ministries and services to its people.
United in Mission – Seeing Christ in Others is this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal theme. Pope Francis said, "I think this is truly the most wonderful experience we can have: to belong to a people walking, journeying through history together with our Lord, who walks among us! We are not alone; we do not walk alone. We are part of the one flock of Christ that walks together." Participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal allows you to walk with others and share your gifts with those throughout the Archdiocese.
United in Mission – Seeing Christ in Others helps us focus on our responsibility as people of faith to help those in the broader Archdiocese. In Luke 6:38, he tells us, “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."
We pray that by seeing Christ in others, we will freely give our time, talent, and treasure in service of God, one another, and those in need.
I ask you to look through the appeal brochure and see how your gift can help those throughout the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Please join me in participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal for 2023, United in Mission – Seeing Christ in Others.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M.
Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau
Perhaps the best-known Bible verse is John 3:16: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life.” What can we learn from this?
Love leads to generosity and life. God’s love is so great that he gave the world what he valued above all else: his Son. This gift gives us the opportunity for eternal life, through faith. Our love, too, leads us to generosity, and to a life of service for the people we love.
As Catholics in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, we encounter both unique challenges and unique opportunities in our efforts to share the Good News with others.
As we respond to the call to be missionary disciples, consider making a commitment today to support our local ministries, already alive and well and working hard to serve our community.
Q: How will the United in Mission funds be used?
A: Funds will be used to support only archdiocesan programs and ministries that serve the parishes and missions. No funds will be distributed to outside organizations or used for political purposes.
Q: Is the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal an excellent opportunity for evangelization and stewardship?
A: A well-balanced and capable appeal can unite clergy and laity to work together as one Church. The United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal can be an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to all.
Parishioners will develop a better understanding of what our archdiocese currently does and its obligations to the community. This often leads to greater involvement and support. Ultimately, the renewal experience it can give to a parish may be far higher than merely the dollars raised.
Q: Who will be asked to support the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal?
A: Every registered Catholic household in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau will be asked for its prayerful consideration of a gift to the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal.
Q: To whom should checks be made payable?
A: Please make checks payable to the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau.
Q: How should subsequent payments be made?
A: When a donor pledges with a credit card, the subsequent payments are automatically charged once per month until the pledge has been completed (give online here).
If you plan to fulfill the pledge by check, the donor will receive regular reminders via mail from the Office Stewardship and Communications until the pledge is completed.
Q: Are pledges and one-time gifts the only kinds of donations accepted by the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal?
A: While these gifts are most common, it may be advantageous to the donor to make a gift of appreciated stock. Please contact LeAndra Gee Childs at 907-297-7789 for more information.
Q: Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau?
A: If a donor wishes to give a Planned Gift to the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau or their parish, please call LeAndra Gee Childs at 907-297-7789.
Q: Are there promotional documents available online?
A: Yes! You may review, print, and use these documents at any time to share the word about the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal
To make a credit card donation over the phone, or for payment processing questions, please contact LeAndra Gee Childs at lchilds@aoaj.org or call at 907-297-7789.. You may also donate online here.
If you have any questions about the Appeal, contact LeAndra Gee Childs at (907) 297-7789 or lchilds@aoaj.org
Office of Stewardship and Communications
Attn: United in Mission
225 Cordova St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
The United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal is sponsored by the Office of Stewardship and Communications. Parish Promotional Resources are available here.