With an invitation to count our blessings even in challenging economic times, the 2009 Annual Diocesan Appeal has opened in parishes across the Diocese of Peoria.

“Every day we should count our blessings, especially the fact that we belong to the Catholic Church,” said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, in a video message promoting the appeal.

With blessings come responsibilities, said Bishop Jenky, and “one way to show our love for the church and assume responsibility for its continued existence is to contribute to the Annual Diocesan Appeal.”

The appeal is the major source of revenue for the centrally funded apostolates and agencies of the Diocese of Peoria, funding efforts touching all areas of Catholic life. Among the departments and agencies that rely heavily on donations made through the appeal are priestly vocations, family life, evangelization, Catholic schools, Newman Centers, respect life, catechetics, and Hispanic ministry.

This year’s goal is unchanged from a year ago, $5.3 million, reflecting the diocese’s concern over financial stresses being felt by families and parishes.

“These are tough economic times in a society that is increasingly secular,” acknowledges Bishop Jenky in the video, which will be played at many parish Masses this weekend as the appeal opens. “The church and the people it serves need your support. The sacrifices you make help to spread the Gospel across our 26 counties.”

Each parish has been given an individual appeal goal, with monies collected beyond that goal to be returned in the form of rebates.

The appeal mobilizes hundreds of volunteers in its educational effort on stewardship and the needs of the parish, diocese, and universal church. This year’s ADA theme of “Count Your Blessings” also calls to mind the approaching diocese-wide Year of the Rosary in its promotional materials.

“In this beautiful Diocese of Peoria, which stretches from the Mississippi River to the Indiana border, we are truly blessed by the many gifts that God has bestowed on each of us,” said Bishop Jenky.