2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal; Stay with us, Lord: Renew our Hearts and Send Us on Mission

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you! You’ve done it again! With your overwhelming support, we have exceeded our Bishop’s Annual Appeal Goal for the eighth consecutive year. With a 2024 goal of $7.3 million, together we raised over $8.1 million from more than 18,000 households. Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of so many and will provide the necessary resources as we continue our efforts to be truly people on fire with God’s love.

Through the tangible services and programs we offer, together we bring the reassuring presence of the Lord to those who are suffering today–the poor and vulnerable, the ill and fearful, and those struggling with addictions or mental health issues. Among many other vital ministries, your gift to the Appeal helps to provide the formation of our seminarians, the future shepherds of our parishes. As a bonus, many of our parishes have taken advantage of the parish rebate incentive to raise additional funds for local needs. 

After distributing over $300,000 in parish rebates, we had approximately $550,000 of additional funds. This will help to offset some of the rising costs for the formation of our seminarians and the care of our retired priests. It will also allow us to enhance our efforts in the areas of communication and evangelization, sharing the Gospel message and making His love known to all. 

I am most grateful for the enthusiastic support of our clergy, lay leaders and all the generous parishioners whose contributions made our success possible. Your unwavering faith and ongoing support are an inspiration to me and give me great hope. On behalf of the thousands of men, women and children who will experience the love of Christ through your generosity, I thank you. Know of my heartfelt love and gratitude for you, and I ask that God abundantly bless you. 

    With renewed best wishes, I remain
    Yours in Christ,

    Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
    Bishop of Metuchen



Special Parish Recognition

Top 5 – Percent to Goal
Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges
Saint Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington
Saint John the Evangelist, Lambertville
Most Holy Name of Jesus, Perth Amboy

Top 5 – Highest Rebate
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges
Saint Mary-Stony Hill, Watchung
Saint Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington
Saint John the Evangelist, Lambertville
Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown

Top 5 – Amount Raised
Saint Mary-Stony Hill, Watchung
Our Lady of the Mount, Warren
Saint James, Basking Ridge
Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Metuchen
Saint Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington

Top 5 – Number of Donors
Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Metuchen
Saint James, Basking Ridge
Saint Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington
Saint Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge
Saint Bartholomew, East Brunswick

Top 5 – Highest Increase in Donors over Prior Year
Holy Family, New Brunswick
Saint John Neumann, Califon
Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway
Saint Joseph, Bound Brook
Saint Joseph, Carteret

Top 5 – Highest Increase in Dollars Raised over Prior Year
Saint Mary-Stony Hill, Watchung
Saint John the Evangelist, Lambertville
Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown
Saint Helena, Edison
Saint James, Basking Ridge