ADA Parish Manual Resources

Thank You for Leading the Annual Diocesan Appeal

September 2026

Dear Pastors, ADA Coordinators, and Friends,

First and foremost, thank you for the time, energy, and faithful commitment you give to leading the Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) in your parish. Your leadership is essential to the success of this campaign and to the work of the Church throughout the Diocese of Davenport.

Recently, the Diocese published its first Diocesan Impact Report, which has been shared with our parishes and is also available on the diocesan website. The report offers a glimpse into the many ways the Church is proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people of Southeast Iowa. More importantly, it reminds us that this work is made possible because people throughout our diocese generously share their time, talent, and treasure.

As you help lead this year's Annual Diocesan Appeal, you have an important role in helping your parishioners see that connection. The ADA is more than an annual fundraising effort. It is an opportunity for every parish to participate in the ministries and services that strengthen our Catholic Church throughout Southeast Iowa.

The ADA supports work that touches every parish and reaches far beyond the walls of our individual parish communities. Through the generosity of our faithful, the Diocese is able to:

• Form future priests, deacons, and lay leaders while supporting lifelong faith formation
• Provide resources and support for Catholic schools, principals, and teachers
• Strengthen parish life, youth ministry, and opportunities for people to grow in their faith
• Provide pastoral care and outreach to individuals and families experiencing hardship
• Support evangelization and efforts to share the Gospel throughout our diocese

Every parish has its own unique identity, needs, and strengths, yet we are united in our responsibility to support the work of the Church beyond our individual communities. Your leadership helps parishioners understand how their generosity becomes part of something greater. 

Our Faith. Our Future.

This year's theme, “Our Faith, Our Future-investing in the ministries that serve our Church today and help prepare it for tomorrow," reflects the connection between the faith we live today and the Church we are called to build for generations to come. The Annual Diocesan Appeal gives each of us an opportunity to help strengthen that future by supporting the people, ministries, and resources that allow the Church to grow and serve throughout Southeast Iowa.

As you share the ADA with your parish community, we hope you will invite parishioners not simply to make a gift, but to recognize their participation in the life and future of our diocesan Church.

We have created this resource page to support you throughout the campaign. Here you will find talking points, campaign information, parish resources, communication materials, and other helpful tools designed to make it easier for you to share the ADA message consistently and effectively with your parish community.

We encourage you to use these resources in the ways that work best for your parish. Your personal communication, encouragement, and example are among the most meaningful ways you can help parishioners understand the importance of the ADA and the difference their generosity makes.

Our hope and prayer is that the 2026 Annual Diocesan Appeal will be a fruitful and grace-filled effort for each of our parishes. Thank you for embracing this responsibility and for helping your parishioners see how our faith today helps shape our future together.

Thank you for all that you do for your parish and for the Diocese of Davenport. Your partnership, leadership, and dedication are deeply appreciated.

With gratitude and prayers for a successful campaign,

Jennifer Praet
 Director of Stewardship
 Diocese of Davenport