The College of Consultors and Presbyteral Council recently unanimously recommended that the name of the annual appeal be changed, beginning with the campaign this fall.

Several possibilities for a new name were discussed before they recommended that the name be “Annual Catholic Appeal.”

“Annual Catholic Appeal is a name that is used by many dioceses throughout the United States because it is a broad yet concise statement,” said Bishop Thomas.

Glenda Seipp, Stewardship Services director, acknowledged the potential risk involved with changing a long-time brand or logo. “Fortunately we will have ample opportunity to communicate with our donors and believe that they will find that Annual Catholic Appeal better depicts the purpose of the diocesan appeal and their invitation, as Catholics, to participate,” she said.

The theme for 2009 will celebrate the diocesan anniversary: 125 Years of Mission and Ministry.


Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 25, No. 6, June 19, 2009.