Bishop's Annual Appeal - Diocese of Saint Cloud

2026 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Video

A message
from
the Bishop

Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C.

My friends,

Pope Leo once wrote, “Christ surprises us with his mercy. He feels compassion for those who are hungry, and he invites his disciples to provide for them.”

That single line captures the heart of our 2026 Bishop’s Annual Appeal: to be Christ’s heart of mercy.

Mercy is never passive. It always moves outward. Just as Jesus called his disciples to feed the hungry, He calls us today to respond with generosity, compassion and care for our diocesan family.

Christ’s mission continues in the hands that serve, the ears that listen, and the feet that walk with our neighbors. Here in central Minnesota, the Lord is inviting us to rise as agents of compassion — to be His heart of mercy for one another.

Your gift to the Diocese of Saint Cloud does far more than sustain ministries. It forms future leaders. It strengthens Catholic education. It supports parish life. It fosters accompaniment that helps people grow in knowing and loving Christ more deeply.

Every dollar becomes mercy in action — building vibrant communities of faith and renewing hope where it is most needed.

Today, I ask you to join in this mission. In your own heart, say, “Yes, Lord, I will be Your heart of mercy.” And consider making a generous gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Together, we can ensure that Christ’s compassion reaches every corner of our diocese.

Thank you, and may God bless you.

+Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C.
Bishop of Saint Cloud

Ministries

FORMING PASTORAL LEADERS.

ACCOMPANIMENT

Pastoral leaders dedicate themselves to equipping parishes, schools and ministries with the tools they need to grow in faith. From catechist training to youth ministry support to adult faith formation, they are agents of compassion — ensuring that leaders are prepared to accompany the faithful with wisdom and mercy.

FORMING MISSIONARY DISCIPLES.

FORMATION AND TRAINING

Formation does not stop with staff. It lives in the pews, in the daily lives of ordinary disciples. Parents teaching their children to pray. Parishioners visiting the homebound. Volunteers serving meals to the hungry. Each act of mercy, each moment of accompaniment, is a witness to Christ’s compassion. Together, diocesan staff and parishioners form one body, one mission, one Church, living out the Gospel in word and deed.

FORMING AGENTS OF COMPASSION.

STEWARDSHIP OF SERVING

Our diocese is richly blessed with exceptional lay and ordained people who faithfully serve the Church in a variety of ways. The Diocese of St. Cloud has 14 men in formation for the priesthood and another 19 for the permanent diaconate. These men are strong in faith and are bolstered by the unwavering support of the diocesan vocations and diaconate offices. Diocesan ministries work diligently to form, educate and support all people who are answering the call to service in the Church.