January 14, 2026

By Valerie Matthews
Director of Bishop’s Fund Appeal & Stewardship

With a grateful heart, Bishop Terry R. LaValley is pleased to announce that through the generous support of over 5,900 households, the 2025 Bishop’s Fund Appeal has reached its goal of $1,370,000.

In responding to the generosity, Bishop LaValley commented “I am deeply grateful to the many parishioners throughout the North Country and beyond who have so generously supported the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Ogdensburg with their contributions to the annual Bishop’s Fund Appeal. United We Bring Hope! Your thoughtfulness and generosity are truly a sign of hope to all whom we serve. Thank YOU! I also wish to extend my deep appreciation, once again, to our priests and deacons whose strong leadership and personal contributions support this vital appeal each year. We are so blessed with Valerie Mathews coordinating our Bishop’s Fund Office. With Scott Lalone, Executive Director of our Development Office and Lorraine Carney, Office Assistant, we are led by very competent and joy-filled members of our faith family. I am extremely grateful for their generous service.”

As of January 9, 2026, the Bishop’s Fund Appeal has collected $1,371,232.22 in gifts received with $111,180.66 remaining in pledges promised. The Bishop’s Fund Office will continue to receive payments on pledges until the close of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026.

The Bishop’s Fund Appeal continues to provide the following programs and ministries of the Diocese of Ogdensburg: Education of Seminarians; Family Life Ministry; Natural Family Planning; Respect Life Ministry; Formation for Ministry Program; Office of the New Evangelization; Continuing Education and Formation of Priests; Priests’ Graduate Studies; Vocations; Permanent Deacons; Deacon Formation; Tuition Assistance Program; Campus Ministry Program; Matching Gifts to Catholic Schools; Department of Faith Formation; Youth Ministry; Young Adult Ministry; Guggenheim Center; Department of Worship and the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund.

It is our hope that at least 6,800 households will participate in the year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal. We are currently 837 households away from our participation goal. All funds received over this year’s goal will provide additional emergency grants to individuals and families in need through the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund. During the year, many families and individuals reach out to their pastor for help with unexpected emergencies. Pastors, on behalf of a parishioner or community member requests Bishop LaValley’s assistance to help the person or family in need. Requests for assistance continue to be on the rise as people are experiencing high medical costs, increased fuel and utility costs, home, furnace, and car repairs. The Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund also provides assistance to food pantries, soup kitchens, outreach centers and snack pack programs so that they many continue to assist families in need.

If you have made a pledge to the 2025-2026 Bishop’s Fund Appeal, you are encouraged to mail your final pledge payment before June 15, 2026. If you have not made a gift or wish to make an additional gift, donations can be mailed to: The Bishop’s Fund Appeal, PO Box 150, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or made online at www.rcdony.org/giving/donate-now-bishop-s-fund.