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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raising Vocations Collection will help young people hear God’s call

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (July 29, 2024) - The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay will kick off the Raising Vocations Collection on August 3-4, 2024, to help young men and women in northeast Wisconsin discover Jesus and support ministries that accompany them on their vocation journey.

One of the ministries that has benefited from the Raising Vocations Collection includes Steubenville Youth Conferences. These conferences help high school students hear God’s call. Through prayer, small groups, Mass, community building, and more, Steubenville helps young people encounter Jesus. Gifts to the Collection have also supported college campus ministry, Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth Day, and other ministries that encourage young men and women to answer God’s call.

“The Collection will continue to benefit ministries that encourage young men and women to discover Jesus Christ and say ‘yes’ to His call. These ministries will help us reach our diocesan goal of 30 excellent men in the seminary by 2025, and I am pleased to share that we are projecting 25 seminarians in formation this year. And your support of the Raising Vocations Collection helps make this possible,” said Bishop David Ricken.

“We need more priests and religious sisters. Through your support of the Raising Vocations Collection, we will be able to encourage more young people to encounter Jesus. I would invite everyone to consider making a generous gift to support this important Collection,” said Tammy Danz, Bishop’s Appeal Director for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay.

Catholics throughout the diocese will receive by mail a letter from Bishop Ricken which includes an informational brochure, pledge card, and return envelope. This year’s mailing will also include two Called by Name Cards for families and individuals to write down the names of young men and women whom they believe would make excellent priests or religious.

Seminarians, as in past years, will speak at parishes in the diocese the first three weekends of August. “They will share their witness of how their faith has grown and share their vocation journey to the priesthood,” said Father Mark Mleziva, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Green Bay.

Gifts to the Raising Vocations Collection may be made by check, credit card, debit card, or automatic withdrawal. Gifts of stock, IRA, and other non-liquid assets, including real estate, are also accepted in support of vocations by contacting Tammy Danz, Bishop’s Appeal Director, at 920-272-8123. Gifts to the collection are tax deductible as allowed by law.

To learn more about the Raising Vocations Collection, contact Tammy Danz at 920-272-8123 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more than 25 years, the Catholic Foundation has been impacting lives within the 16 counties of northeastern Wisconsin which make up the Diocese of Green Bay. During this time, the Foundation has distributed more than $50 million to support Catholic schools, parishes, and other Catholic organizations. The Catholic Foundation encourages financial stewardship and generosity through faith-based giving. The Foundation focuses on supporting Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries through endowment funding. To learn more, please visit www.catholicfoundationgb.org or contact us at 920-272-8197 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Catholic Foundation Contacts: Josh Diedrich, Executive Director, at 920-272-8197 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or Tammy Danz, Bishop’s Appeal Director, at 920-272-8123 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Diocese of Green Bay Media Contacts: Justine Lodl, director of communications & marketing, at 920-272-8213 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or Sarah Gietman, senior marketing coordinator, at 920-272-8209 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

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