Bishop Annual Appeal 2026
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Bringing People to Jesus: Planting Seeds of Hope
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How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the goo
d he has done for me? ~Psalm 116:12Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings during this blessed Easter season! It was just a few weeks ago when we had the joy to welcome nearly 230 candidates and catechumens into full communion with the Church during the Easter Vigil. This is just one of the many visible signs of God at work in our diocese, illustrating this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal theme: Bringing People to Jesus, Planting Seeds of Hope.I have witnessed a real and hopeful momentum in our shared mission of bringing people to Jesus. This is evident in the growing number of young adults exploring the Catholic faith; the increased participation of the faithful in the life of our parishes; and the growing number of young people discerning a religious vocation. The ministries, services and resources supported by our annual appeal have a shared goal: to bring people closer to Jesus. Behind every ministry are persons whose lives are touched by Christ through the Church’s care. One example is seen in how our Vocations Office ministry is responding to increased interest in discerning a priestly vocation. More seminarians will mean higher seminary costs, but this is a joyful investment in our future. The priests formed today will shepherd our parishes, celebrate the sacraments for us, and guide our families for decades to come.
Participation in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal takes many forms. Financial gifts are essential and deeply appreciated, but we should not underestimate the power of prayer as well. I invite you as part of our diocesan family to participate in whatever way you are able. Ask the Holy Spirit to bless our shared mission. Now is the time to support the momentum we see all around us and strengthen the Body of Christ throughout the nine counties of our diocese. Together, we can ensure that the Church continues to be vibrant, missionary, and faithful to Her call.
Please know of my prayers of gratitude for you and for those whom you hold dear.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Edward M. Lohse, JCD
Bishop of KalamazooIf you have any questions, please contact the Bishop's Annual Appeal office at 269.903.0187 or [email protected].
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Planting Seeds of Hope
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To invest in our faith now and for eternity
When Father Andrew Schmidt entered the seminary, he felt the weight of his commitment and the strength of all those supporting him.
From the first day of formation, Father Andrew felt a quiet accountability to the faithful whose generosity made his studies possible. “People are the reason I was able to be there,” he reflected. That awareness shaped long nights of studying and summer pastoral assignments in parishes from St. Peter Parish, Douglas to Holy Angels Parish, Sturgis and St. Joseph Parish, White Pigeon.
Today Father Andrew serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Augustine Cathedral and Associate Director of the Office of Vocations, along with fellow Associate Director, Father Jack Pfeifer and Director, Father Jose Haro. Soon he will begin graduate studies in canon law. The
Diocese, through its ongoing formation opportunities in vocation work, Hispanic ministry, development and stewardship, is mentoring a new generation of leadership.And through his journey Father Andrew feels strongly his connection to the Faithful.
“Every time I stand at the altar, I know I am there because the people of this Diocese made it possible,” he shares.
Seminary formation is an essential cost. Gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal lift the financial burden for our seminarians so their focus is on their studies and their discernment. It is also an investment in the sacramental life of our Church.
$60,000 – is on average the annual cost of seminarian education. Your gift helps secure the sacramental life of the Church and is an investment in the Priesthood.
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Fr. Andrew and Bishop Lohse after his Priestly ordination
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The sacramental work of our priests in 2025:
771 — Baptisms
846 — First Communions
769— Confirmations
180— Total Marriages
122 — Received into full Communion
622— Mass of Christian Burial
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To strengthen our ParishesAn artist delights in his handiwork as his caregiver beams with pride. Parents swap tips and
resources for their different situations. Whether online or in-person the diocesan Ministry to
Persons with Disabilities works to build a loving and supportive faith-filled community.
Through workshops and retreats offered both online and in person, the ministry cultivates a spirit of genuine welcome while providing caregivers with encouragement, practical resources and space to be renewed. By fostering understanding, sharing best practices, and creating opportunities for fellowship, this ministry strengthens the Body of Christ so that every person can participate more fully in parish life. In doing so, it affirms the dignity and gifts of all God’s children.
This is just one diocesan ministry example. From financial management and human resources guidance to safe environment training, communications, legal counsel and pastoral planning, diocesan central services offer expertise that most individual parishes could not sustain on their own, all designed to equip pastors and parish leaders with practical tools and strategic direction.
Given my position as DRE and Youth minister, and being in my first year, I have had some big shoes to fill. Jen from the diocesan staff helped to organize and put on a training day for new DRE’s and faith formation leaders at St. Rose. She helped to explain and show the tools that are at our disposal to help with this ministry of teaching the faith.~ Sam Cary, DRE and Youth Minister, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Hastings
While the parish is the place where families live out their faith, Bishop Lohse and his diocesan staff implicitly understand their vital role in supporting parishes. As a pastoral associate at St. Basil in South Haven, I depend on the diocesan team for their expertise, advice, positivity and support for my ministry.~Tom Eggleston, Pastoral Associate, St. Basil Parish, South Haven
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A participant at the Advent retreat hosted by
Ministry to Persons with Disabilities puts the finishing touches on his artwork. -
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To help those in need
Imagine being sixteen and unsure where you will sleep tonight. For too many young
people, that uncertainty is a daily challenge.
Catholic Charities Ark Services for Youth responds to those in need with shelter,
structure and a steady presence.
Through short term emergency housing, teens find immediate safety. Through
outreach, they are connected to counselors, community resources, even something
as simple and dignifying as a hygiene kit. And through Youth Independent Living,
homeless young adults ages 16 to 24 step into fully furnished transitional housing for
up to 18 months. Each resident works with a case manager to build a personal plan
for independence. That plan may include education, employment, permanent housing
and life skills. Weekly classes and leadership opportunities help them practice
responsibility, set goals, and give back through volunteering. School attendance is
expected and employment is encouraged. Clear house rules guide them
toward stability and success.
By giving, you help transform uncertainty into opportunity and ensure that vulnerable
youth encounter the loving presence of Christ made visible.
The mission of Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo is We are God’s hands providing housing, health, and hope to His children. Catholic Charities serves its community with the following programs:
The Ark Services for Youth Bridges Mental Health Counseling Baraga Manor Apartments Caring Network (Pregnancy, parenting and family support) Bread of Life (Food Assistance Program) Catholic Community Center (Benton Harbor) Home Heating Assistance Immigration Assistance
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An Ark Services for Youth counselor meets with client
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St Ambrose Status
The Bishop's Annual Appeal 2026 kick-off started April 18, 2026.
St. Ambrose's goals are $67,294 and 100% participation.
As a parish, we are called to support the many people and ministries within our diocese. The impact of your gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are far reaching and fundamental to carrying on the mission of Christ and the Church. No donation is too small or too large.St Ambrose's progress as of July 31, 2026
Description Goal Current Status (%) No. Families Pledged 371
192 51.8% Amount Pledged $ 67,294
$99,714
148.2% Amount Received $ 67,294
$79.904
118.7%
Keep smiling—God loves a cheerful giver.
Thank You
God is good.
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