A message from Fr. Arturo:
The arrival of February signals the start of the Bishop's Annual Appeal (or BAA) for the Diocese of Raleigh community. The BAA is a collaborative diocesan initiative designed to fund more than 30 essential ministries and programs that exceed the scope of the standard operating budget.
As Catholics, we are members of both our local parish and the broader diocesan family. This dual belonging invites us to practice stewardship at every level: while our weekly offertory sustains the daily life, worship, and outreach of our local community, the BAA empowers the Church across all of Eastern North Carolina. By supporting the BAA, we ensure that every parish—regardless of its size—remains a vibrant and welcoming home for all of God’s people.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every family who contributed to the BAA last year. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we did not just meet our $72,000 goal—we exceeded it by 22%, reaching a remarkable total of $87,675. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment to our diocese.
As we begin this year's appeal, I cordially invite each family to join us once more. Our new parish goal is $75,550 (a 5% increase), and I am confident that together, we can continue to do great things for God’s people.
Whether you received an invitation from Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama by mail or prefer to use the brochures in our gathering area, making your gift is simple. Online giving remains our most efficient method; you can easily scan the QR code in your hymnal or bulletin to get started.
To ensure your donation stays within our community, please double-check that our parish is selected in the online drop-down menu or noted on your check’s memo line. For those looking for a seamless way to give, we invite you to become a monthly sustainer. This automatic monthly deduction simplifies your stewardship while providing the diocese with consistent, lasting support.
The BAA offers a beautiful opportunity for the faithful of our diocese to truly be the 'salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world.’ I invite you to join me in prayer for the success of this appeal.
May God bless our collective efforts as we remain steadfast in the mission He has entrusted to us: to spread the joy of the Gospel and extend Christ’s charity to all those in need.
What is the Bishop's Annual Appeal?
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) is more than a yearly campaign, it is a shared mission of faith, hope, and service across the Diocese of Raleigh. Through the BAA, every Catholic is invited to join in building up the Church by supporting the essential ministries that bring Christ’s love to life in Eastern North Carolina.
Your gift helps form future priests, sustain Catholic schools, and nurture faith through evangelization and discipleship. It extends compassion through Catholic Charities, strengthens campus and parish ministries, and supports those most in need—the poor, the elderly, the sick, and the marginalized.
We are many parts, but all one body. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal unites all our parishes as one Catholic family, ensuring that the light of Christ continues to shine brightly in our communities today and for generations to come.
What is the Theme for the 2026 BAA?
One Body In Christ - Inspired, Compassionate, United
What is the mission of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal?
The mission of the Bishop's Annual Appeal is to empower the faithful to live out the Gospel by supporting the Church's efforts to evangelize, serve, and educate. Through your generosity, we proclaim Christ’s message of hope and love, strengthen communities in need, and form the next generation of disciples. By opening our hearts and sharing our blessings, we ensure that the light of faith shines brightly in our parishes, schools, and outreach ministries, transforming lives and bringing the healing presence of Christ to all.
Watch the BAA Video with Bishop Zarama below:
BAA Annual Appeal Video-English BAA Annual Appeal Video-Spanish
Where does money from the BAA go?
28% Christian Formation and Education
25% Catholic Charities
21% Parish Support and Community Service
16% Seminarians and Vocations
10% Catholic Communication
BAA- Goal for St.Elizabeth Ann Seton:
Our 2026 Goal is $75,550
The BAA Campaign begins with the weekend of February 14/15. Our 2026 Goal Set by the Diocese: $75,550.00
We are asking each family to prayerfully consider a pledge of $350.00.
Many of you have probably already received your pledge cards in the mail. If you have completed the card and sent it in, we thank you for your promt response! If you have not returned your pledge cards, you can mail them in the envelope provided, drop them in the black boxes in the gathering area of the church, place them in the offertory basket, or drop them by the parish office during business hours.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
The Diocese has made it possible, and encourages participants to pledge online. CLICK HERE to go directly to their online giving site.
There is also an opportunity for you to send a prayer request to Bishop Zarama. Click the link below to participate.
Prayer Intentions / Petición de Oración