Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Greetings during this blessed Easter season! It was just a few weeks ago when we had the joy to welcome nearly 230 candidates and catechumens into full communion with the Church during the Easter Vigil. This is just one of the many visible signs of God at work in our diocese, illustrating this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal theme: Bringing People to Jesus, Planting Seeds of Hope. 
I have witnessed a real and hopeful momentum in our shared mission of bringing people to Jesus. This is evident in the growing number of young adults exploring the Catholic faith; the increased participation of the faithful in the life of our parishes; and the growing number of young people discerning a religious vocation. 
The ministries, services and resources supported by our annual appeal have a shared goal: to bring people closer to Jesus.  Behind every ministry are persons whose lives are touched by Christ through the Church’s care. One example is seen in how our Vocations Office ministry is responding to increased interest in discerning a priestly vocation. More seminarians will mean higher seminary costs, but this is a joyful investment in our future. The priests formed today will shepherd our parishes, celebrate the sacraments for us, and guide our families for decades to come. 
Participation in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal takes many forms. Financial gifts are essential and deeply appreciated, but we should not underestimate the power of prayer as well. I invite you as part of our diocesan family to participate in whatever way you are able. Ask the Holy Spirit to bless our shared mission. Now is the time to support the momentum we see all around us and strengthen the Body of Christ throughout the nine counties of our diocese. Together, we can ensure that the Church continues to be vibrant, missionary, and faithful to Her call. 

Please know of my prayers of gratitude for you and for those whom you hold dear. 
Faithfully yours in Christ, 
The Most Reverend Edward M. Lohse, 
JCD Bishop of Kalamazoo 

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
I write this letter to invite you to join me in support of the 2026 Bishop's Annual Appeal, themed "Bringing People to Jesus: Planting Seeds of Hope." We are called together to action, to reflect the light of Christ in the love and good works that we offer others.
My friends, the Bishop's Annual Appeal is one opportunity to exhibit discipleship, to participate personally in the many good works of our Church in communion with fellow Catholics. I ask you to join me, and come together, in support of the good works of our Catholic Church. Our contributions are put to work, right away, in a multitude of ministries to offer direct assistance to individuals and families and to parishes, Catholic schools, and Catholic Charities agencies. 
Please prayerfully consider making a Bishop's annual Appeal contribution this year. To make a Bishop's Annual Appeal gift via credit card or electronic funds transfer from a bank account visit this link: Bishop's Appeal
In pew envelopes will also be provided at liturgies on Bishop's annual Appeal Commitment Weekend, April 25/26 or you can fill out and mail in your personalized pledge card that you will receive in the mail.
Our Bishop's Annual Appeal parish goal for 2026 is $164,208 and with your help, I am confident we can reach that goal. Once we reach our goal, 100% of any contributions received, over and above our parish goal, will be returned to our parish. 
Thank you for your generosity, Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Daniel Hyman
Pastor