Photo Caption: Pledges to the Annual Diocesan Appeal will be sought in all parishes on or around the weekend of April 9-10.

The Diocese of Peoria is “like a large Catholic family” that “can do great things together,” said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, in urging generous support of the 2011 Annual Diocesan Appeal.

The annual appeal, the major source of revenue for the diocese’s ministries and agencies, begins next weekend in all parishes and missions. A goal of $5.5 million will be sought under the theme: “One Faith Community: Let Us Do Great Things Together.”

In a video message to be shown at all Masses on April 9-10, Bishop Jenky outlines many of the programs funded by the appeal that are striving “to bring Christ to all who hunger for his love.”

“Through the Annual Diocesan Appeal and your prayers, there is so much we can accomplish for our church,” said Bishop Jenky, describing efforts supporting marriage and family life, pro-life, Catholic education, outreach to the poor, help for seniors, vocations, college campus ministry, the growing Hispanic presence, and more.

A brochure describing the appeal was mailed to all Catholic households this week.

Goals have been set for each parish, with monies collected over those goals to be returned for parish use in the form of rebates. The appeal is planned and coordinated by the diocesan Office of Development and Stewardship.

“Your support of our Annual Diocesan Appeal allows us to be one
community of faith from corner to corner in this great diocese,” said Bishop Jenky.