In every community, there are individuals and families facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, amidst the struggles, there is often a beacon of hope. Your support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal has helped so many people through loss, financial struggle, addiction and more. Often times we wonder if our donation really does make a difference. These are true stories of individuals who have received help directly through your donations.
Parish Social Ministry
“The Parish Outreach has been there for me when I needed it. Recently, my son, who is in the Marine Corps, was coming home to visit – I didn’t have a bed or dresser in his room for him. The Outreach helped me with furniture and when he came home, it made me so happy to see the look on his face. Their help has also given me the opportunity to teach my sons the importance of giving back when you are able.” – Teresa
"My husband had Alzheimer’s and they used to tell me I should come to the care giver's group. It was the best thing I could have done. They understood what I was up against. They listened to me, that was important, and they sympathized. Many of them had very good hints as to what I could do to help myself out. My husband had a long journey with this, and they heard it all. The group is wonderful. The people that I associated with; I couldn't have done without. They are just the best in the world.”
“It took a lot for me to ask for help. I'm not someone who usually asks for it. At first, I was really embarrassed and didn't want anyone to know the situation I was in—and to be honest, I'm still in—but I am working through it. You wouldn't believe how much this has helped me because now I'm on the opposite side. In doing God's work, you have to be on both sides: knowing how to receive and how to give. The ministry really strengthened me because now I understand how it feels, and it is part of my calling to help others. This experience is helping me reach out to other people, to be on that side, and understand that it is not easy to ask for help.”
“I am so thankful that I know there is somewhere I can turn, where there are people that care, people I can talk to, if I am ever in such a situation again.” – James
"I never realized how many people were hungry and would come asking for food. I just never thought about it. There is a tremendous need right here in our own community. A lot of people think we are a community of affluence, but there are people who struggle and suffer.” - Volunteer
" I'm a widow with two kids—my son is 17 and my daughter is 12. When my husband passed away, I was struggling and didn't know who to turn to. I was directed to St. Catherine of Siena Church, and they provided me with groceries, financial assistance, and help in various other areas. Initially, I felt shy and embarrassed to seek help, but now I would advise anyone in need to attend. My kids love everything about St. Catherine's and never want to miss anything. They are part of the youth group, which is a great help for them as it allows them to socialize with different people. Although they miss their dad, being around people at the church makes them feel like he's still with them. The church community treats us like close family members. “
Parish Social Ministry Hope Mobile
“I am able to attend Mass which gives me the opportunity to receive communion, contribute to my parish and be part of a community. At home I don’t have anyone to talk to – this is a way for me to mingle with others.”
Vocations
"Thank you, Long Island for showing your support, love and care for you neighbors in need." The ordination of priests and new deacons would not happen without your help.” Father Ed Sheridan, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, East Northport
"Your contributions help make the seminary a home for us. " - Father Magaldi, Director of Vocations
Catholic Charities Regina Maternity Services
“I know now that I was making decisions that were bad for me and my baby. Regina Maternity Services staff helped me to understand why I was making the choices I was making, and they taught me life skills that will make me a better mother.” – Vanessa
Catholic Charities Project Independence
“I was out of the service, a job, and a home. Catholic Charities helped me to turn my life around.” - Honorably discharged US Veteran
Young Adult & Youth Ministries
“Thanks to the generosity of the CMA we were able to take 70 college students on retreat. It was a great way for them to come together and see that we are a vibrant, young, Catholic group.” - Marianne Sheridan, Dir. Youth Campus & Young Adult Ministries
“Youth Ministry will change your life. There will be a time when you have a really bad week and you come to the group meeting and you just share, you open your heart and let everyone in – you let Jesus’ love in. You feel so much better and you know that everything is going to be ok. Having a relationship with God is something that helps you through rough times and makes you grateful for the good times.” - Lauren
Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels
“I turned 100 years old on May 4th. I was so fortunate to discover Meals on Wheels, which was recommended to me a few years ago. I have found them to be excellent. The people are wonderful, dependable, and the cooking is ‘Chef Cooking!’ It's excellent and I recommend it to anyone who not only needs a meal but a good meal. Thank you again for your friendship and your faithfulness. “
Catholic Charities Talbot House
"I was homeless, jobless and all of my family members had written me off. I tried to commit suicide. I was very lonely, very scared and I had no place else to go. This is when I turned to Talbot house. I haven't had a drink since April 15, 2010, or a drug. I used to be somebody who would drink and do drugs 24 hours of the day. I wouldn't go to sleep for days, sometimes 5 day stretches until I would black out or end up in jail."
“The unselfish acts of other people coming in here and doing the meetings is what made me understand how this program could work for me, if I was willing to have it. I had tried every other way to stop, and I could not. Talbot House is where my journey started. Without Talbot House, I don't know where I would be today. " --John
Catholic Charities Christopher Residence
“This program means so much to Brian and our family. It gives him so much pleasure living here, and it gives our family joy to see how happy he is. He’s content and safe and as we are getting older, we know that he will continue to be cared for with love and dignity.”
Street Ministry
"This ministry is the best thing that ever happened to me. Whether you are up or you are down and in a bad place - it doesn't matter - I still have the same heart with God. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't wake up- and be breathing.” - Janice
Thank You
Your donations truly make a difference, providing essential support to individuals and families facing significant challenges. We, along with those you read about today, extend our heartfelt thanks for your generosity. 100% of every dollar raised is restricted to fund the objectives, programs, and mission supported by the Catholic Ministries Appeal, touching each of our 133 parishes and more than 600,000 people each year.
Thank you always for your unwavering support.
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