With an acknowledgement of both the difficult economic times and the “many, many gifts that God has bestowed on us,” Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has opened the Annual Diocesan Appeal in parishes across the diocese.

The theme of the 2010 appeal, which seeks $5.4 million to support the various ministries and agencies of the Diocese of Peoria, is “”Giving with Love.”

Parishes will conduct the appeal on or around the designated pledge weekend of April 24-25.

“Love manifests itself in giving,” said Bishop Jenky, quoting Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen during a seven-minute video explaining this year’s appeal. “Won’t you share your love, as God asks us, and give to our Annual Diocesan Appeal?”

The video, to be shown at all Masses, introduces some of the many diocese-wide efforts that benefit from the appeal, including Catholic schools and catechetics, Hispanic ministry, service to seniors, support for marriage and family, campus ministry, and vocations.

Goals have been set for each parish, with monies collected over those goals to be returned for parish use in the form of rebates.

“I have experienced the generosity of so many of you who, even during these difficult times, prove your love for Christ and His Church by giving unselfishly of your time, talent, and treasure,” said Bishop Jenky. “By joining all 177 parishes of our diocese, we can do what one parish is not able to accomplish in bringing the Good News to more and more people every year.”

This year’s diocesan goal was increased by $100,000, the first hike since 2008. The appeal is planned and coordinated by the diocese Office of Development and Stewardship, directed by John Gibson, which will also host a diocesan stewardship conference April 27 at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.