Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we reflect on the graces of the recently concluded Jubilee Year, our Diocese remains deeply committed to strengthening the spiritual, ecclesial, and charitable life of the Church in Central Pennsylvania. The Jubilee reminded us that every moment of our lives is an invitation to renewal—an opportunity to deepen our faith, strengthen our communities, and witness to the love of Christ through acts of mercy, generosity, and service.
Each of us is entrusted with the sacred responsibility of caring for the gifts God has placed in our lives—our faith, our families, our parishes, and our communities. As Pope Leo XIV observed, “When Jesus calls us to take part in God’s great project, he transforms us by skillfully shaping us according to his plans for salvation.”1 As Catholics, our stewardship efforts are part of this shaping and are a joyful expression of gratitude to our loving Father. In that spirit, I ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to our 2026 Diocesan Annual Campaign, Faithful Stewards.
Traveling across our Diocese allows me to see how important our Diocesan Annual Campaign is for our parishes and schools, as it allows them to provide services that they might not be able to offer from their own resources. I hear from our pastors, school administrators, and from you, how important these ministries and services are to so many in our Diocese. Whether it is certifying catechists and religion teachers, training marriage mentors, supporting shelters and counseling services in poorer areas of our Diocese that truly benefit from your generosity, ministering to our families and young people, or any of the over ninety ministries that rely on the Diocesan Annual Campaign to continue their essential work. As Bishop, I need you to know that your generosity sustains these efforts and enriches the lives of thousands of people each year, you truly make a difference in the lives of so many individuals.
As Faithful Stewards, we are called to share the blessings God has entrusted to us. Your contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure the Church can continue its mission of evangelization, education, charity, and pastoral care.
Please prayerfully consider how you can support the 2026 Diocesan Annual Campaign: Faithful Stewards. You may return the enclosed envelope, bring your gift to your parish, or visit www.hbgdiocese.org/DAC to make a secure donation or learn more about this year’s campaign.
Thank you for your faithful witness and for your generosity in supporting the mission of the Diocese of Harrisburg. May we continue to serve one another joyfully, using the gifts God has given us for His glory and the good of His people. May our Blessed Mother continue to intercede with Her Son for your intentions.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Bishop of Harrisburg
All monies raised for the DAC are only used for the programs, services, and ministries for which they are designated. No gifts to the DAC are used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg’s reorganization. A listing of all DAC allocations may be found at www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign.
What exactly does the DAC fund?
The DAC funds services provided by the Diocese of Harrisburg across Central Pennsylvania, including:
· Meals and beds in homeless shelters
· Ministry to those in Prison
· Counseling Services
· Marriage Preparation for Engaged Couples
· Marriage Enrichment and Retreats
· Family-Based Mental Health Services
· Ministry to Divorced and Separated Catholics
· Programs for Persons with Special Needs
· Support to Expecting Moms and Families
· Foster Care Training and Adoption Services
· Catholic Cemeteries
· The Catholic Witness and Social Media
· Campus Ministry at colleges within our diocese
· Men’s and Women’s Conferences
· Vocation promotion and recruitment
· Seminarian Formation
· Formation/Continuing Formation of Priests and Deacons
· Youth Protection and Safe Environment
· Liturgical Minister Training
The DAC pays for resources having a direct impact on Good Shepherd Parish ministries and programming, including:
· Resources for our Parish Religious Education Program
· Adult Faith Formation and RCIA
· Youth and Young Adult Ministries
· Workshops/training for Father Sullivan and the parish staff
· Permanent Diaconate Formation Program in which our parishioner Mike Nowakowski participates
· Training of Ministers of Holy Communion
· Medical Ethics consulting for end-of-life issues
· Diocesan Tribunal in applying Church law and marriage
The DAC pays for services Good Shepherd would have to contract independently:
· Technology and Computer Services
· Management of Employee Benefits, Health Care Plan, and Payroll Processing
· Discounted purchasing power and bill-paying
· Access to Legal Counsel
· Safety and Security Inspections
· Property and Liability Insurance
Contributing to the DAC allows us to share in the care of the larger church, provide services to others, and receive direct services to our parish.