Dear Friends,
I can’t tell you how much your support means to us. As the Director of the Archdiocese’s Family, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how your generosity to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries is shaping the future of our Church. None of the work we are doing, revitalizing faith formation, strengthening families, and engaging young people, would be possible without you.
This is why I am inviting you to be a part of the 2025 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. This year’s theme, “Go Forward with God’s Mission,” speaks directly to what we are called to do—bring Christ’s love to others and build a Church that thrives for generations to come.
Investing in Families and the Next Generation
Catholic families today face new and complex challenges. Too often, traditional models of ministry no longer resonate, and we see young people drifting away. Thus, we are taking a fresh approach—one that creates environments where families can respond to Christ rather than just following programs. Parishes like St. Mark in Fallston have already seen this transformation, with families returning and engaging in new ways.
Youth ministry is also undergoing a shift. It is not just about pizza and games anymore; it is about forming lifelong disciples. Thanks to generous support, we have launched initiatives that give young people a voice in shaping their faith experience. Whether through youth leadership committees or sports ministry, where over 500 coaches have been trained to integrate faith into athletics, we are finding new ways to make Christ relevant in young disciples’ daily lives.
Supporting Young Adults and Strengthening Vocations
Young adulthood is a critical time of searching to ensure that it leads to Christ. Accordingly, we are investing in local and regional communities for young professionals. Programs like Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) provide spaces where faith and professional life come together, helping young adults find meaning and purpose.
Campus ministry has been another incredible success, with schools like UMBC and Towson University seeing more than 100 students regularly attending Mass and joining faith-based groups. However, we need more resources to expand support to other campuses. With your help, we can continue to bring young adults into the heart of the Church at this pivotal stage in their lives.
Strengthening Marriage and Family Life
Marriage preparation and support are essential for a strong Catholic community. Too often, couples come to the Church only a few months before their wedding, leaving little time for true formation. To ensure that couples receive guidance not just before their wedding but throughout their journey of faith together, we are in the process of developing a discipleship pathway for marriage.
Your Role in this Mission
None of these initiatives would be possible without your support. Your gifts to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries directly fund them, enabling us to form disciples, strengthen families, and ensure the future of our Church.
If you have already made a gift or pledge for the ministries you are passionate about, we thank you!
Your generosity is not just a donation, it is an investment that will pay dividends well into the future for your parish community as well as the more than 100 ministries supported by the Annual Appeal. Together, we can Go Forward with God’s Mission and build a Church that is alive with faith.
With gratitude and prayers,
ImageStacy Golden
Director of Family, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries
