The United Catholics Appeal (UCA) is a vital annual fundraising campaign in which each parish within the Diocese of Amarillo is asked to actively participate and encourage parishioners to contribute generously. 

This collective effort supports the essential ministries, services, and programs of our mission diocese. It brings together all parishes and missions in a shared commitment to strengthen the Church's presence and outreach across our region. 

UCA ensures that we can serve every person in every community — through faith formation, vocations, education, pastoral care, and outreach to those in need.

The United Catholics Appeal significantly impacts the faith lives of families, individuals, and entire communities throughout the Texas Panhandle. Through the generosity of its supporters, UCA provides critical funding for a wide range of diocesan programs. Every parish, regardless of size or resources, benefits from the ministries supported by the United Catholics Appeal, including:

• Education and formation of seminarians and permanent deacons — ensuring pastoral leadership for future generations.  

• Support for Catholic schools and religious education (faith formation) — enriching faith education across all age groups.

• Diocesan retreats — offering spiritual renewal for individuals and parish communities.  

• Grant assistance for small and struggling parishes and missions — financial assistance for smaller or struggling communities, helping them meet essential needs.  

• Youth Ministry programs — providing leadership training, faith formation, and events for young Catholics, who are the future of our Church.  

• Resources and training for parish staff, catechists, and volunteers — supporting parish staff and volunteers in their ministries.  

• Respect Life and Safe Environment programs — offering education and training to foster a culture of dignity and safety.  

• Prison and hospital ministry programs — providing outreach to the poor and vulnerable.

• Support for retired clergy — honoring a lifetime of faithful service.
  

• Stewardship resources — including articles, brochures, and materials to help parishes promote active, faith-filled giving.

Through these shared resources and services, each contribution strengthens the Church’s mission to serve, teach, and sanctify, uniting parish communities in shared purpose and deepening the spiritual life of not just our own parish families but also our neighbors throughout the Diocese.

The United Catholics Appeal transforms lives across the Diocese of Amarillo by supporting ministries and services that nurture the core of our Catholic faith. Through your generosity, the UCA helps build stronger communities of faith in the following ways:

• Youth Ministries offer engaging programs in parishes and missions that help young people grow in their understanding and love of the Catholic faith.  

• The West Texas Catholic newspaper delivers national and local Catholic news, fostering greater faith awareness and education.  

• Home Mission Assistance provides monthly financial support to mission parishes that struggle to meet basic operational needs.  

• Diaconate Formation supports the training and development of men preparing for service as permanent deacons, who serve to support our priests and parish communities.

• The Office of Faith Formation offers educational programs, pastoral training, and sacramental preparation to enrich parish life. 

• Vocations and Seminarian Education supports the discernment, formation, and education of future diocesan priests.

Through these vital ministries, UCA helps bring the light of Christ to people of all ages and circumstances throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Each parish is assigned a financial goal as its fair share of the overall diocesan United Catholics Appeal. These goals are calculated based on the parish’s average assessable income over the past three years.

To ensure equity, certain types of income — such as bequests, memorials, and building fund contributions—are excluded from the calculation. This method allows each parish to contribute in proportion to its regular financial resources, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility across the Diocese.

Because UCA is designed to support the full mission of the Diocese, gifts are generally applied where they are most needed. This allows the Diocese to respond flexibly and effectively to the changing needs of our communities. However, donors interested in supporting a specific ministry may be able to make a separate, designated gift outside of UCA.

Yes. Contributions to the United Catholics Appeal are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors will receive a year-end statement for tax purposes.

Donations can be made in a variety of convenient ways:

• Secure online giving via the diocesan UCA website (above)

• Through recurring* bank or credit card payments

• Stock and IRA donations — consult your investment advisor for details

• By mailing a check or pledge card to the Diocese  

*Recurring donations help provide consistent support throughout the year and are a great way to make a larger impact through smaller monthly gifts.

The Diocese follows strict financial oversight procedures, including regular audits, budget reviews, and reporting. The Diocesan Finance Council and Bishop’s leadership team monitor the use of UCA funds to ensure responsible stewardship. Annual financial statements and summaries are made available to the public.