Sept. 16, 2026

By Valerie Mathews
Director, Bishop’s Fund Appeal

“Ever since I was very small, the call to the priesthood has been in my heart. It has always been a steadfast, quiet whisper. As I grew older and grew in my faith, the call became even louder. The priesthood has always been part of my heart and always will be,” shared Father Tyler Fitzgerald, a newly ordained priest serving at Holy Cross Parish in Plattsburgh. “I am very grateful for everything the Bishop’s Fund has done to help fund vocations, helping offset costs: tuition, books, and supplies, as well as funding discernment gatherings, which I attended when I was in high school.”

Through the generous support of those who contribute to the annual Bishop’s Fund Appeal, the diocese provided education to Father Fitzgerald and the priests of the Diocese of Ogdensburg so that they may serve parishioners throughout the North Country.

“The mission of the Church is to bring all into one, one into Christ, together on a journey of faith toward heaven and our salvation,” Father Fitzgerald explained. “It is the beautiful role of the priest to be there as a father figure, to offer the sacraments, to pray, but ultimately, to walk with our brothers and sisters on the journey we make together. One thing I am most excited for in my own priesthood is how my life is going to help lead others to Christ. My ordination day was the happiest day of my life, and because of donors like you, it was possible.”

Father encourages all who are considering donating to the Bishop’s Fund to please do so.

“Your gifts helped me respond to God’s call to be a priest,” he said. “I am so thankful to those who donate, whether your gift is large or small, every little bit helps fuel and fund our journey of faith together in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.”

Along with the education of our seminarians and priests, the Bishop’s Fund Appeal provides education for our Deacons and Commissioned Lay Ministers who serve in parishes throughout the diocese.

The 2026 Bishop’s Fund Appeal – One Church, One Mission will begin in parishes across the Diocese of Ogdensburg the weekend of September 19 and 20. This year, it is our hope to reach a goal of $1,370,000 with any gifts collected over our goal to be used as additional grants through the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund. The Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund provides emergency assistance to those who are experiencing urgent challenges due to medical issues, job loss, house fires and unexpected home repairs.

“It was the latter part of October; I turned around and there was smoke coming out of my old furnace,” shared Ann, a parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. “The old furnace was original to the house and was 45 years old. I immediately turned it off and tried to get help. A company came in to put in a new furnace. I had gone 28 days without real heat in my home. I had a little box heater in my living room and a little heater in my bedroom, and that is how I kept warm. I want to thank the people who give to the Bishop’s Fund. The grant from the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund was a big help in replacing my furnace. I encourage people to donate whatever they can to the Bishop’s Fund because it helps many people.” Through your support, Bishop LaValley was able to provide hope and support to Ann and to others, like Ann, who are facing similar situations.

Along with vocations, education of seminarians, and the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund, your gift supports these additional essential ministries of the Diocese of Ogdensburg: Youth Ministry, Camp Guggenheim, 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, Vocation Office, Permanent Deacons, Deacon Formation, Tuition Assistance Program, Matching Gifts to Catholic Schools, Department of Faith Formation, Campus Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and Department of Worship. These ministries strengthen our parishioners, our parishes, our communities and our diocese as we are One Church sent on One Mission.

Please take a moment to prayerfully consider a pledge or a one-time gift to the 2026 Bishop’s Fund Appeal. Every gift is important; every gift makes a difference! Donations can be mailed to: The Bishop’s Fund Appeal, PO Box 150, Ogdensburg, New York 13369 or made online at www.rcdony.org/giving/donate-now-bishop-s-fund.
To learn more about the Appeal and to view the 2026 Bishop’s Fund video, please visit www.rcdony.org/bfa.

Thank you for the faith you live and the support you share.