Peace and all good things!
We are One Body in Christ, and as one body, we are Called to Serve. Your intentional generosity affirms our unity and allows us to live the Beatitudes not as lofty ideals, but as daily expressions of discipleship. In a world longing for hope, your stewardship proclaims that God’s kingdom is near.
This sacred call to serve is not something we undertake alone. As St. Paul reminds us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). It is through our shared identity in Christ—through unity in faith and mission—that we bring His mercy, peace, and justice to life across the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal enables our collective witness to Christ’s love. As you look through this brochure, you will encounter voices from across our Archdiocese, voices of those who serve and have been served through the ministries supported by the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Their stories are not only inspiring; they are living testimonies to what it means to be One Body in Christ and Called to Serve.
As you reflect on how God is calling you to serve, I invite you to prayerfully consider participating in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. No gift is too small when it springs from a heart moved by faith, hope, and love. As Jesus taught us, when we serve the least among us, we serve Him.
With prayerful gratitude, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend
Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
Archbishop of Atlanta
To read more about how your participation matters, please visit our website: lifeofthechurch.com/appeal
WHO BENEFITS FROM THE APPEAL?
“Because of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supporting the Vocations Program, I am able to focus on my studies and how God is forming me to be a holy priest rather than worrying about how I will support myself during these years of formation.”
Jacob Butz
Seminarian
“Because of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, I have seen tremendous impact in the Vocations Program, including seeing the growth in the number of vocations in Atlanta. This year, we have 50+ seminarians in the program for Atlanta, which is the highest since I have been in the program.”
Johnathan Nguyen
Seminarian
“Because the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports our Priests, our Archdiocese is able to help staff parishes who cannot afford to pay for another priest but who are currently in need of additional help. In addition, the Annual Appeal helps promote the ministry of priests to serve as chaplains to college campuses, high schools, and hospitals.”
Bishop Ned Shlesinger
Auxiliary Bishop
"I am so pleased that the archdiocese is continuing with this project of instructing more disciples who in turn will instruct others so that no one is left without receiving the Word of God.”
Patricia Soria de Cruz
Certificado en Ministerio Pastoral
“Prison ministry is not easy, but it is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. I listen to their stories, their struggles with family, health, uncertain futures and sometimes even the loss of faith. I provide spiritual direction and invite them to begin a process of conversion to Jesus, to pray daily, and to discover the healing power of prayer both alone and in community."
Deacon Hector Romero
Prison Ministry Chaplain
“Your generosity directly impacts our leaders in the field through ongoing formation, our parents and families through renewed evangelization and catechesis initiatives, our young adults through marriage preparation, retreats on theology of the body, and college campus ministry discipleship formation, and so much more. Thank you!”
Andrew "Andy" Lichtenwalner, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Office of Evangelization & Discipleship
“The Georgia Bulletin has answered the call to serve for more than 60 years as the official news source of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Whether in digital, print, or podcast, The Georgia Bulletin strives to inform, inspire and uplift the Catholic community across 69 counties, serving as a means of connection and exchange between the archbishop and his people.”
Nichole Golden
Editor, The Georgia Bulletin
"This ministry is a direct expression of our Catholic faith called into action. Every conversation is an opportunity to affirm the God-given dignity of each of us. We serve not because we have all the answers, but because just as Jesus walks with us, we walk humbly with those in need."
Pedro Martinez
Catholic Charities Atlanta Financial Coaching Counselor
Annual Appeal Allocations for 2026
30% Supporting Our Clergy
25% Faith Formation and Discipleship
19% Compassion for the Most Vulnerable
11% Caring for Creation and Community
11% The Georgia Bulletin
4% Operational Expenses
