History
In the mid-1980s, the Council of Priests got together to discuss the volume of “second collections” for various causes. The frequency of the ask (monthly) was too often and the important messages accompanying these charities were being diminished.
As a result of the study, the first Combined Collections Program began across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1989.
Today, the collections are still combined and are taken twice a year (June and October). Generally one focuses on national causes and the other on international. The same five charities are usually collected for during the spring (June) and fall (October) collections; however, occasionally a new charity is added to the mix and another removed.
Each spring, a special collection known as Combined Collections: The Church in the United States asks parishioners to donate to several worthy causes through one big collection during the second week of June. The five worthy ministries benefiting from your donations are:
- Black and Indian Missions
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development
- Catholic Communication Campaign
- Catholic University of America
- Fund for Religious Retirement
This year’s spring Combined Collections appeal will take place June 7 – 8, 2014. Information is mailed to every registered Catholic household in southeastern Wisconsin.
Each fall, five worthy organizations benefit from the generosity of parishioners like you. Held the third weekend in October, Combined Collections: The Church in Mission focuses on five ministries that have a meaningful impact throughout the world:
- Catholic Home Missions
- Catholic Relief Services
- Church in Central and Eastern Europe
- Peter’s Pence
- World Mission Sunday
To make a donation now, please mail your check (made out to Combined Collections) to:
Archdiocese of Milwaukee – Development Office
Combined Collections
3501 S. Lake Dr.
P.O. Box 070912
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912