Bishops encourage faithful to support Lent Appeal

The appeal, facilitated by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, supports vulnerable people and communities throughout the world.

The bishops stated: “Every year, individuals and parishes across New Zealand are very generous in supporting this appeal. We hope that this will continue in this Lenten season.

“We invite you, during this time of preparation, prayer and almsgiving, to take the time to discern how you can contribute to this campaign.  We then encourage you to donate to the Bishops’ Lent Appeal 2026 at caritas.org.nz/lent or by using the envelopes provided at Mass.

“This act of generosity will make a difference – to those Caritas serves near and far, yes, but also within you, as you live out the spirit of Christian charity.”

The bishops noted the great suffering in places like Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, South Sudan and, most recently, in Iran.

“Supporting the work of Caritas, the second-largest humanitarian organisation in the world, is a chance to tangibly respond to those ruptures across the globe. Each year, the Bishops’ Lent Appeal is the best way to fund Caritas’ work – supporting vulnerable communities globally.

“As Caritas’ leadership explained at the start of the Lent Appeal, this global instability, along with the pain caused by displacement, humanitarian crises and the impacts of climate change, is increasing the significant strain that many communities were already facing.

“As we pointed out in our pastoral letter last November on the World Day of the Poor,” the bishops added, “Christian charity – which can be lived out through almsgiving, among other practices – is an important part of a life lived in the spirit of the Gospel.”

“It is an invitation for people to be mindful of the needs of those who are vulnerable and an invitation to be generous, according to their own circumstances.

“The money raised in this year’s appeal will support many projects across the world, but one focus is addressing the dire situation facing Rohingya refugee families in Bangladesh.”

FULL STORY

Christian Charity: An invitation from the Bishops of New Zealand (NZCBC)