“This annual effort puts faith into action by supporting all the parishes, schools and communities all across our state and beyond,” he wrote.

Jacqueline LaPan Edgerton is executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation of South Carolina and the acting head of the Office of Stewardship and Mission Advancement, which spearheads the appeal. She explained that CASC “provides financial support for ministry and outreach support programs throughout the state.”

The theme for Via Fidelis in 2026 is “Year of Catechesis — Understand the Faith.”

“We cannot know who Jesus Christ is, or follow his way, or discern his will if we are not well-versed in the Scriptures that contain the prophecies and promises of his arrival,” Bishop Fabre said in his pastoral letter. “Our parishes should be vibrant places where the Word of God is regularly read and studied,” the bishop wrote. “I ask our parishes to walk the Via Fidelis and do their best to provide on-going formation in the sacred Scriptures.”

In conjunction with Via Fidelis, the appeal’s theme is “Seek Knowledge to Serve Others,” highlighting a quote from St. Bernard of Clairveaux. Knowledge of God and his creations is at the root of Catholic beliefs: to know, love and serve Jesus is paramount to fostering a holy and productive relationship with our brothers and sisters. In giving of ourselves, we come to know the God who came to save us.

We are further encouraged to invite others, including friends and family, to join in and share our faith through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and help them prepare for reception into the Catholic faith. Retreats, speaking events and other diocesan programs further encourage learning and living the Gospel, alongside CASC giving to programs and ministries that help further the faith through good works.

All of these initiatives are encapsulated in the three overarching projects of the appeal: Givers of His Love, Teachers of His Children and Servants of His People (see sidebar).

The goal for CASC this year is raised to $5.5 million, a 10% increase over the past several years. A number of factors led to the need to increase the goal, including the growth of parish communities, an increase in the number of seminarians under formation and continued expansion of diocesan ministries and programs.

The diocese consists of about 250,000 Catholics in nearly 100,000 households. It is served by 113 diocesan, 46 religious and 22 missionary priests in 96 parishes and 20 missions. Then there are 32 diocesan schools, 16 campus ministries and 85 youth ministry programs across the state, plus eight offices for Catholic Charities of South Carolina (see page 10 for one of their many programs). The Diocese of Charleston is unique in that it encompasses an entire state.

“As we continue to welcome so many new seminarians, open the doors of Catholic education to more families and expand our ministerial outreach across the state, the need for your support has never been greater,” the bishop wrote.

Shaileen Riginos is the associate superintendent for the Office of Catholic Schools. She said she is thankful for the support they received from CASC.

“The Catholic Appeal of S.C. has a profound impact on Catholic education throughout our diocese, strengthening our ability to form young disciples of Christ,” Riginos said. “Through tuition assistance, the appeal enables Catholic families to provide their children with a faith-centered education rooted in Gospel values.

“Additionally, the appeal empowers our schools to address critical needs — from science labs and facility upgrades to curriculum resources and technology — allowing each school to fulfill its strategic mission in service to its unique community.”

By answering Christ’s call to carry forth his mission and be good stewards, supporters of the Catholic Appeal of South Carolina are lighting the way for our Church to remain ever-present across the Palmetto State. Just as we read in Ephesians, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them” (2:10).

“I am overjoyed with the success of last year’s Catholic Appeal of South Carolina, and I am encouraged to see that there are so many families that are on fire with zeal for the Catholic faith,” Bishop Fabre said. “Our diocese is experiencing exponential growth in our vocations, in building Catholic schools and in our visible presence in society. Please join together to continue what the great saints have dedicated their lives building. God bless you and thank you for your participation in this year’s appeal.”

Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for making the difference in the lives of others and in our Church family.

GOALS OF OUR APPEAL

GIVERS OF HIS LOVE

This facet includes Multi-Ethnic Ministries, catechetical and evangelization programs, communications, Youth and Child Protection Services and Family Life ministries, along with parish outreach programs that focus on the homeless and those experiencing food insecurity.

TEACHERS OF HIS CHILDREN

CASC supports increased access to affordable, Christ-centered education through grants to Catholic schools and tuition assistance. The appeal also dedicates funds to over 20 college campus ministries across South Carolina, as well as FOCUS missionaries, chaplains and campus ministers.

SERVANTS OF HIS PEOPLE

CASC encourages and nurtures the call of men and women to vocations and the consecrated life via financial support for seminarians, vocation education and priest retirement and healthcare and long-term support.

GIVING OPTIONS

1. A one-time gift
2. A pledge that is payable over 10 months
3. An automatically recurring gift that continues until you elect otherwise

DONATE

Visit charlestondiocese.org/catholic-appeal

Fill out the envelope in your parish pew!