By Beth Hoey
Executive director, Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse
It is a humbling number — $5 million. For the first time since it began in 1978, the HOPE Appeal has surpassed $5 million in donations. This milestone is a powerful testament to the generosity of parishioners throughout the Diocese of Syracuse.
Your gift has an impact that is both immediate and long-lasting. HOPE Appeal funds are used right away to support 27 diocesan ministries. From our young children learning about the love of Jesus Christ through faith formation to our eldest parishioners finding a loving presence through our hospital chaplains, our staff and volunteers are there every day, accomplishing the work we are called to do.
I also think of the sacred moments that shape and strengthen faith, moments that touch both the person receiving care and the person serving. There is a ripple effect in these encounters, a sacred moment that brings someone closer to God and inspires them to continue to love and serve others.
While $5 million is a remarkable number, an even more important one is 15,226. That’s the number of households that have contributed to the HOPE Appeal. I have visited parishes across our diocese and I have witnessed this generosity firsthand. Uniting us as one Church and seeing the strength that comes from working together.
When you make your HOPE Appeal gift, you are helping your fellow parishioner sitting in the pew next to you, as well as special people you will never meet.
I have great hope for the future of our Church. I see it every day as we come together, each of us doing what we can to love and serve others. Thank you for spreading hope. You remain in my prayers of gratitude.
Note: You can donate to the 2025 HOPE Appeal through June 30, 2026. For more information, go to syracusediocese.org/hopeappeal.
