By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson approaches Commitment Sunday for the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Catholics across the diocese are invited to prayerfully reflect on their commitment to prayer, participation, and generosity in support of ministries that serve communities throughout the diocese.

Commitment Weekend, including the in-pew collection, will take place Feb. 14–15 in parishes across the diocese.

The theme for the 2026 Appeal, Hope Rising, reflects both the spiritual foundation of the CSA and its tangible impact across the diocese. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Beatitudes, the Appeal supports ministries that bring Christ’s compassion to life in parishes, missions and communities large and small.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz has emphasized that hope is not an abstract idea, but something made visible through the shared mission of the Church. When Catholics live out the Beatitudes, he notes, hope does not merely glimmer – it rises. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, the faithful become a living witness of Christ’s compassion, serving those in need and strengthening the Church across the Diocese of Jackson.

Funds raised through the CSA support a wide range of diocesan ministries, including the formation of future priests, care for retired clergy, prison ministry, faith formation programs, and the charitable outreach of Catholic Charities. Together, these ministries serve individuals and families facing hardship, accompany those seeking healing and reconciliation, and nurture faith at every stage of life.

The Appeal is the primary means by which the diocese funds ministries that no single parish could sustain alone. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, each parish works toward a shared goal to help sustain diocesan ministries, and through this shared participation, Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson help ensure that pastoral care, education, charitable outreach and evangelization remain accessible in every corner of the diocese.

While the CSA is a financial appeal, diocesan leaders stress that it begins with prayer. Parishioners are encouraged to reflect on how God is calling them to participate – through prayer, service, and, as they are able, financial support.

As one diocesan family, Catholics are invited to be the hands and heart of Christ. When the faithful walk together in faith and generosity, hope truly rises for those they serve.

For more information about the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal, visit csa.jacksondiocese.org or contact Rebecca Harris, director of stewardship and development at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.