2026 RI Catholic Charity Appeal raises $8.2 million, highest total in its history

August 9, 2026/RINewsToday

Reprinted from the Rhode Island Catholic, Rick Snizek, Executive Editor, Aug. 6, 2026

The 2026 Catholic Charity Appeal raised the highest amount ever in its 101-year history, receiving more than $8.2 million in one-time gifts and pledges. These resources provide crucial support for more than 35 diocesan outreach programs and ministries that offer social, educational, spiritual support and evangelization to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year.

In January, Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., launched the appeal with the theme “One Faith, One Hope,” highlighting a quote from Pope Leo XIV in his Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexi Te,” about the power of Christian love: “Christian love is prophetic: it works miracles and knows no limits.”

“The overwhelming success of this year’s Catholic Charity Appeal makes one thing perfectly clear—no one can match the incredible generosity of Rhode Island’s Catholics!,” Bishop Lewandowski said.

“As I travel around our diocese visiting people and parishes, I see that the need for help and hope is great. Because of so many generous people, ready help and hope in abundance will continue to be shared with our sisters and brothers in need. Thousands of people will benefit from this year’s appeal. To all who made this year’s appeal a success, THANK YOU! God bless you!”

The $8 million raised in 2016 had been the high-water mark for the appeal in its history until this year’s campaign success, although the appeal has surpassed its goal for the last five years.

“The appeal’s success is especially significant this year as it is Bishop Bruce’s first full campaign as shepherd of the diocese,” said Melissa Behm, diocesan director of Development and the Catholic Charity Appeal.

“I believe that played a huge role in the appeal’s success, as Bishop Bruce was out in the community expressing the importance of the appeal and encouraging donors to give generously.”

Behm said that 70 parishes either achieved or surpassed their CCA goals.

“This is especially significant because all of the parish goals were increased by 5 percent this year for the first time since 2021,” she said.

Behm noted that this year’s campaign reversed a downward trend in the number of donors to the appeal over the last several years, with returns showing an increase of about 100 donors over last year.

She also reported that 36 percent of donors increased their giving this year, along with an increase in both in-pew and online giving.

“I have immense gratitude for the pastors, parish staff and volunteers who worked so diligently to conduct this year’s appeal,” Behm said.

A cadre of seminarians, ministry volunteers and leaders, as well as Secretary of Catholic Charities and Social Ministry James Jahnz and Behm, presented at 55 Masses about the increased needs ministries are seeing and why the appeal remains crucial to help meet that need.

Gifts to the Catholic Charity Appeal have a direct and immediate impact on helping the less fortunate, equipping diocesan ministries to offer food assistance, safe shelter and heating assistance, among other services.

The appeal also supports Catholic education, seminarians studying for the priesthood and those in formation to become permanent deacons, as well as the Office of Life and Family Ministry in its outreach efforts to mothers and families.