Share His Peace, Be His Light

By Margaret Hampton

Development Director

Diocese of Boise

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12).

In a world often marked by uncertainty, division and need, Christ’s words from the Gospel of John shine with renewed urgency.

Jesus does not merely promise light; he invites each of us to walk in it — and to reflect that light to others.

This year’s Idaho Catholic Appeal embraces that call with the theme Share His Peace, Be His Light, reminding us that through our faith and generosity, Christ continues to touch lives across our diocese.

The Idaho Catholic Appeal is more than an annual Lenten fundraiser. It is a shared mission that supports more than 20 life-giving ministries, each one an expression of Christ’s peace and light in action. Through the Appeal, seminarians are formed and prepared to answer God’s call to the priesthood, ensuring that the sacraments and pastoral care remain vibrant for generations to come. Deacons and lay leaders receive essential training, equipping them to serve faithfully in parishes, schools and ministries throughout our communities.

The Appeal also strengthens Catholic education at every stage of life. From our elementary and secondary schools to parish faith formation programs and campus ministries, young people are guided to know Christ, grow in faith and live as disciples. College students, navigating some of the most formative years of their lives, encounter a faith community that grounds them in truth, hope and purpose.

Beyond formation and education, the Idaho Catholic Appeal extends Christ’s compassion to families and individuals facing real challenges. Outreach ministries supported by the Appeal provide assistance to families in need, promote healing and hope, and strengthen marriages and family life. Youth and young adult ministries help form faithful leaders who are ready to bring Christ’s light into the world with courage and joy.

When we support the Idaho Catholic Appeal, we become active participants in this mission. Our gifts — whatever their size — join with those of others to make Christ’s presence tangible: in classrooms and parishes, in moments of hardship and in the quiet discernment of those called to serve.

As we reflect on Christ’s promise to be the light of the world, may we respond generously.

Contributions can be made online through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise or at your parish. For questions, contact Margaret at (208) 350-7539 or email mhampton@rcdb.org.

Idaho Catholic Appeal at a Glance

Goal: $3,775,000

The Catholic Appeal supports more than 20 life-giving ministries across our diocese, including:

• Formation of seminarians for the priesthood

• Training of permanent deacons and lay

leaders

• Catholic education partnerships with schools, parishes and campus ministries

• Outreach to individuals and families in need

• Faith formation for youth and young adults

An Important Promise:

Every dollar collected beyond your parish’s goal is returned to your community to support local programs, ministries and parish projects, strengthening our faith communities close to home.