Catholic Ministries Appeal 2026
"Beyond All Expectations: Faith that Elevates"
What is the Catholic Ministries
Annual Appeal (CMAA)?
The Diocese of Joliet established the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal in 1985. It was founded with the
intent of enabling Catholics to provide direct financial support to the work of the diocese and limit
increases in parish assessments. For convenience, it is also referred to as the CMAA, Appeal, or Annual
Appeal in this manual.
Most (arch)dioceses in the United States conduct an annual appeal to help fund the work of their
ministries, departments, agencies, offices, and other services. Without the appeal, all services provided
by the Diocese of Joliet including ministry, training, education, and administrative assistance, would be
totally funded through the cathedraticum, the assessment that all parishes pay to the diocese.
We are the Diocese of Joliet
It is difficult for some to see themselves and their parish as part of the diocesan Church because it is
generally not thought of in that way. But everyone, including all parishioners, parishes, and schools make
up our Diocese of Joliet. As brothers and sisters in our Church of Joliet, we must all work together to
promote the Kingdom of God. I greatly appreciate this support which helps us do the important work
of our Lord. By working together, we can better promote our mission of proclaiming the Good News,
building community, and reaching out in service to others in ways that neither of us can do alone.