Faithful throughout the eight-county Catholic Diocese of Cleveland will learn about the 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal this weekend when it launches with the in-pew appeal. This year’s appeal has a $15.3 million goal. Funds raised will be used to serve families and individuals in need throughout Northeast Ohio.
Theme of the 2025 appeal is “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.” It highlights inspiring stories of those whose lives have been transformed with the help of Catholic Charities. Among them are Peter, a 9-year-old living with Batten Disease, and Virginia, a 99-year-old who enjoys making friends, going on trips and riding a three-wheeler at Fatima Family Center in Cleveland.
“Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ We are truly blessed when we become channels of peace for others,” said Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic. “When we see others as our brothers and sisters and support them through Catholic Charities, we all share in God’s peace.” The bishop also expressed his gratitude to donors, priests and volunteers, saying, “Thank you for embracing this great gift the Lord calls us to — bringing his peace to others.”
Managed by the Catholic Community Foundation, the Catholic Charities Appeal supports Catholic Charities in Northeast Ohio, one of the region’s most significant health and human service providers. Catholic Charities serves 400,000 people annually throughout the diocese, offering more than 150 programs and services across 60 locations. Catholic Charities addresses the region's most pressing social issues by providing food security, safe shelter, job training, mental health counseling and compassionate care to those in need. The 2024 Catholic Charities Appeal set a new record, raising nearly $15.7 million.
The 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal will be introduced in all 185 parishes of the diocese the weekend of Feb. 15-16. It will continue through the end of the year.
Stories and videos of people whose lives have been transformed through the work of Catholic Charities can be viewed here.
Donations can be made by texting “CCHope” to “41444,” by clicking here or by calling 216-696-6525, Ext. 1910.
Learn more about Catholic Charities’ programs and services here.
The Catholic Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching lives by encouraging faithful philanthropy. It supports the mission of the Diocese of Cleveland to provide for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of people throughout Northeast Ohio. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has raised more than $621 million to support Catholic Charities, Catholic education, priestly formation and other ministries in the diocese.
