2026 Catholic Services Appeal Case for Support
The Archdiocese is able to keep parish assessments in the Archdiocese of Louisville relatively low compared to other dioceses thanks to the Catholic Services Appeal. The parish assessment rate in the Archdiocese of Louisville is just over 6%, while the national average is 10-12% and, in some dioceses that do not have an annual appeal, it is as high as 18-20%. Our low assessment rate is only possible because of the freewill offerings made to the Catholic Services Appeal.
CSA Supports Every Parish in the Archdiocese. Parishes in every region benefit from the following programs and services.
- Faith Formation – catechesis, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and resources.
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry – retreats, activities, ministry events.
- Family Ministry – marriage prep, resources for young married couples, counseling, safe environment training, prison ministry, pro-life ministries and family enrichment programs.
- Worship – liturgical direction, liturgical minister formation, and resources.
- Office of Catholic Schools – support, resources and training for the 48 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville.
- Vocations –resources to promote discernment to religious life.
- Parish Employee Benefits – life insurance and long-term disability insurance are fully funded for all employees of every parish working 30 or more hours a week. In addition, CSA covers administrative costs and negotiations for the employee retirement plan, and the medical, dental and vision plans.
- Seminary Education and Ongoing Formation for Priests — Seminary costs for the growing number of seminarians is provided for their years of seminary formation as well as ongoing priest formation.
- Retired Priests — funding support for retired diocesan priests.
- The annual priest assembly and fall convocation for all priests serving in the Archdiocese are fully funded.
- Parish Deacons – funding provided for their years of diaconate formation and continuing education thereafter.
- Tribunal – marriage cases of annulment, validation, dispensations.
- Personnel – human resources support on labor laws, policies, hiring, termination, etc.
- Archives Office – collects, preserves, and maintains the papers and artifacts of the Archdiocese and her parishes.
- Multicultural Ministry – promoting the full and holistic development of our growing and diverse Catholic communities within the Archdiocese.
- Facilities Management – assists all parishes with facility assessments, contractor bids, architectural reviews.
- Catholic Cemeteries – Oversees the operations of Catholic cemeteries and provides resources and support to parish cemeteries throughout the Archdiocese.
- Catholic Campus Ministry – provides opportunities to support the faith development of local college students.
- Hispanic Ministry – providing resources and opportunities to invite, engage and strengthen the growing Hispanic/Latino community in the life of the local church.
- Parish Leadership Development – Parish Council training, staff development, etc.
- The Record – Catholic newspaper mailed to all registered parish households.
- Catholic Connection – monthly electronic newsletter sent to more than 30,000 households throughout the Archdiocese.
- Finance Office – parish loans at low-interest rates, parish savings at guaranteed returns.
In addition to the above, CSA Supports:
Southern Kentucky Mission Parishes:
Most parishes in the Southern Kentucky Mission receive an annual grant to cover operating costs.
These parishes are too small to be self-sufficient.
Long Term Care Ombudsman:
- Oldham/Nelson/Hardin/Shelby/Spencer/Bullitt/Meade/Marion/Washington/Grayson/ Breckinridge/Henry/Trimble/Larue (and Jefferson) – Every long-term care residential facility in these 15 counties is served by an ombudsman (Catholic Charities staff and volunteers) who works with residents and families to address concerns.
More than 100 services and initiatives are funded by the Catholic Services Appeal.
