You Are Invited to Join In Continuing the Mission of Jesus Christ Throughout the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw and Beyond
Christ’s Mission Appeal has begun throughout the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. The annual appeal is the primary opportunity for Catholics throughout the Diocese to support one another. It is an opportunity to offer thanksgiving to God for his abundant gifts.
In Bishop Robert Gruss’ words: “United in one heart and mind, the Lord Jesus sends us on mission to be the living presence of Jesus in caring for our Church, Christ’s Body, and sharing his love and mercy in our world.”
The appeal allows the local Church to carry out the work of Jesus Christ throughout the Diocese and beyond through ministries and programs that would not otherwise be possible through one individual or parish.
Please prayerfully consider your gift to this year’s Christ’s Mission Appeal.
More information about Christ’s Mission Appeal and a message from Bishop Gruss can be found on the diocesan website www.saginaw.org/appeal or you can contact the stewardship and development office at development@diosag.org or 989-797-6679.

One Heart and Mind
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.”
Acts 4:32

Ways to Give

Secure Online:
Through the Diocese of Saginaw website:
www.saginaw.org/appeal
Click on the “Donate Now” button
This will direct you to options for making secure monthly installments or a one-time gift using a credit/debit card or a bank account number. You can opt for reminders for pledged gifts.
In Person:
You also may return the pledge card to your parish office or the chancery office, or drop it in the collection basket at Mass.

By Mail:
Please complete the pledge card that was included in your Christ’s Mission Appeal mailing and return it in the envelope provided in your mailed packet. Please return the pledge card to the Diocese of Saginaw.

Scan the QR Code:
To learn more about the 2025-26 Christ’s Mission Appeal, see a video message from Bishop Gruss and make a pledge or contribution online.

Some of Christ’s Mission Appeal Supported Ministries

Parish support
- 34.2% of Christ’s Mission Appeal dollars
Continuing education for priests
Assistance and training for parish staff and volunteers in:
- Finance and strategic planning
- Human resources services
- Christian service outreach
- Parish building evaluations
Coordination and staffing of all special diocesan liturgies, such as the Chrism Mass, First Friday Masses, clergy funerals and ordinations
Certification for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Assistance to parishes with construction or renovation projects
Assistance to parishes in fundraising and communications for major projects
Training of grief ministers
Marriage preparation and family life ministry
Hispanic and multicultural ministries
- Special liturgies and cultural celebrations
- Translations and special materials for liturgies
and celebrations
- Assistance to migrant labor populations
Safe environment training to protect the young and vulnerable
Support for the broader church
- 6.4% of Christ’s Mission Appeal dollars
Catholic Family Services: offering mental health and emotional health services in Saginaw and Bay counties, as well as guardianship and conservatorship services in Bay County
Catholic Rural Life
Holy See/Peter’s Pence
National Human Life Amendment

What Christ’s Mission Appeal Does Not Support
Christ’s Mission Appeal contributions are not used and
never will be used for the legal defense of clergy accused of sexual abuse.

Education, faith formation and vocations - 41.3% of Christ’s Mission Appeal dollars
Lay ministry formation
Youth and young adult programs
World Youth Day pilgrimage for young people throughout the Diocese
Training and development for parish youth ministry leaders
Education and training for faith formation leaders in parishes
Vocations nurturing through retreats, camps, fellowship events with Bishop Gruss and diocesan priests and other discernment opportunities
Seminarian support
Permanent deacon formation
Communications and community outreach - 18.1% of Christ’s Mission Appeal dollars
Great Lakes Bay Catholic magazine - published six times a year
Livestreaming of Sunday Masses and other special Masses and liturgies celebrated by Bishop Gruss from the Cathedral
Event photography and videography, email ministry, the diocesan website (saginaw.org), promotion of ministries and events, social media outreach, printing services and more
Jail and prison ministry
Mother Teresa Fund: providing financial assistance to individuals and couples experiencing limited financial resources while awaiting the birth of their child and/or during the initial period following birth
Programs for assisting local pregnant and parenting women in need