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A Message From Bishop Hying
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I invite you to join me in reflecting on the beginnings of the Church. The opening chapters of the Acts of the Apostles tell of Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The apostles were filled with courage, wisdom, and the ability to speak in many languages, gifts that enabled them to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
The Holy Spirit inspires us today to be bold witnesses of the Gospel, to live in communion with one another, and to give of ourselves in service to others. As St. Paul reminds us: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).
Our theme for the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) is "Inspired by the Spirit." Let us be united in one Spirit, one Lord, and one Church, continuing Christ’s mission to proclaim the Gospel. Like the apostles, we are called to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be good stewards of God’s creation, to give of our time, talent, and treasure, to evangelize, and to offer love and compassion to those around us for the salvation of the world.
Your gift to the ACA strengthens the Body of Christ throughout our diocese by welcoming people into the Church, offering family faith formation and catechesis, and serving the poor and those in need. Please consider how you can help us reach our goal of raising $4.2 million to continue Christ’s work.
May God bless you abundantly for your generosity. Please know of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
In Christ, I remain,
Most Rev. Donald J. Hying
Bishop of Madison
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2026 ACA Goal:
$4.2 Million
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Through your generosity, you help:Inspired by the Spirit
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Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic School, Sun PrairieForm young hearts and minds in Christby training and mentoring dedicated staff and teachers in our Catholic schools, ensuring that students have strong foundations in faith and academics. -
Camp Gray
Inspire the next generation of disciplesthrough transformative youth programs like
Love Begins Here, Frassati Fest, Totus Tuus, and Camp Gray, where young Catholics learn to live their faith boldly and joyfully.
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St. Maximilian Kolbe, Waunakee
Foster deeper spiritual connection for adultsthrough the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), prayer and support groups, and community gatherings that nurture lifelong faith formation. -
Christ the King, Monroe
Strengthen families in faiththrough sacramental preparation and family catechesis, helping parents and children grow together in love and understanding of the Church’s teachings.
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St. Teresa of Calcutta, Jefferson
Build vibrant Hispanic communitieswhere families encounter Christ through the liturgy, sacraments, and catechetical formation, deepening their faith and belonging in the Church. -
St. John Henry Newman, PardeevilleFeed the hungry and uplift the poorthrough Catholic Charities’ Mobile Food Pantries, offering not just nourishment, but dignity and hope.
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Inspired to GiveChair Couple Tim & Margaret PowersTim and Margaret met as college students and have been married for 36 years. They are longtime members of Epiphany of the Lord Parish, and their three children attended Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School.
Their family’s spiritual journey was deeply touched by the Holy Spirit during their son’s senior year of high school, when he shared that he felt called to the priesthood. That moment ignited a transformation not only in his life, but in the lives of Tim, Margaret, and their two daughters. The adage “when the child becomes the teacher” has certainly proven true in their lives, as they reflect, “We’ve learned more about our faith in the last 12 years than at any other time in our lives!” They see the Holy Spirit’s presence in their ability to proclaim God’s glory, to live their faith on fire with the Holy Spirit, and to have hope even amid the challenges of the world.
For Tim and Margaret, supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal is more than a donation; it is a declaration of faith. It is a way to say “yes” to the Church’s mission, which extends beyond their own lives and even beyond their parish. “Having a priest son, we see first-hand the call of our religious and know they cannot do it all! Into the Deep and Go Make Disciples are a call to all of us to share our faith – through works, through financial support, through our time – to live life authentically as Catholic Christians.”
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Inspired to ServeFrancesca's StoryGrowing up in New Glarus, Francesca’s faith was nurtured through Sunday Mass, daily prayer, and diocesan youth events like Love Begins Here and Frassati Fest.
Reflecting on her college experience, Francesca shared, “As a student athlete, I realized my sport was a gift from God. That changed everything, bringing joy and purpose. By senior year, half my team was praying with me!”
Now a FOCUS missionary at Winona State, Francesca leads Bible studies and mentors students in their walk with Christ.
Thanks to your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, programs like Love Begins Here and Frassati Fest continue to inspire young people like Francesca to embrace their faith and share it boldly.
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Inspired to TeachPatrick's StoryDuring high school, Patrick decided to pursue a degree in music education. His faith deepened in college, but he found himself considering alternative careers in music.
Several years into his teaching career at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Dane, while participating in a Catholic education credential program, he truly embraced his calling as a Catholic educator. Patrick sees the Holy Spirit inspiring students to create beauty through music and art for God’s glory. He hopes that the weekly listening exercises in music class ultimately help his students hear God in their prayers.
Through your generosity, Catholic school teachers like Patrick receive continuing education and retreat opportunities, which are sustained through the Annual Catholic Appeal.
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Join a Giving SocietyAnswer the Spirit's Call
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Perpetual Steward Society
Recognizes donors who make a recurring monthly gift, of any amount, with no end date. For more information and to learn about benefits, visit madisondiocese.org/stewards
Join the Perpetual Steward Society
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The Lumen Christi Society
Recognizes exceptionally generous donors who make a yearly gift of $1,000 or more.- Bishop's Circle – $1,000 - $4,999
- Mazzuchelli Circle – $5,000 - $9,999
- St. John Paul II Circle – $10,000 - $24,999
- St. Raphael Circle – $25,000 +
Unique recognition and benefits are offered at each level to thank donors for their gifts. Visit madisondiocese.org/lumenchristi to learn more.
Join the Lumen Christi Society
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Ways to GiveAnnual Catholic Appeal
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By CheckMake checks payable to Diocese of Madison and mail to:
Annual Catholic Appeal
702 S High Point Rd. Ste. 225
Madison, WI 53719
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Qualified Charitable DistributionDonate all or a portion of your IRA distribution directly from your plan holder to reduce your taxable income.
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Make a
Matching GiftContact your employer to determine if they have this option.
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Consider Planned GivingContact Jill McNally at 608.821.3039 or
[email protected]
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Make an Online Donation
