BRAINTREE -- The 2019 Catholic Appeal, supporting more than 50 life-changing and life-sustaining ministries that benefit thousands of people in the Archdiocese of Boston, was announced in parishes during the weekend of Feb. 23-24 and will officially be launched with commitment weekend on March 2-3. The Catholic Appeal is a critical source of funding for dozens of year-round faith-based ministries, from addiction recovery and nursing programs to youth ministry programs and Catholic education.

The appeal has created a video, entitled "This is Our Church," to accompany the launch that features the stories of those who benefit from the support of the 2019 Catholic Appeal.

The video, available at the appeal's website, BostonCatholicAppeal.org, includes the following ministry stories:

-- Addiction Pastoral Recovery Services, supporting those in the grips of alcohol and opioid abuse

-- Faith Community Nursing, where trained volunteers offer support to the elderly and homebound

-- Permanent Diaconate Program, highlighting the ever-increasing role of the laity in the Church

-- Life Teen Youth Ministry, supporting teens at a pivotal point in their lives

"The kindness and support of more than 48,000 generous donors who support the Catholic Appeal are an inspiration to all of us working in central ministries," said Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley. "The generosity of those who have come before us planted the seeds of these ministries, and it's now our responsibility to help sustain and nurture their future growth. When we put our faith into action and work together in mission, we can have a profound impact in our parishes, our communities, and those in need throughout the archdiocese."

The Catholic Appeal serves 1.9 million Catholics in our archdiocese. Among the many programs it supports are:

-- 51 ministries serving 288 parishes

-- 37,000 students in Catholic schools

-- 117,000 youth learning the faith

-- 64 trained volunteer parish nurses

-- 164 deacons serving in parishes

"The theme of the 2019 Catholic Appeal, 'This is Our Church,' focuses on the extraordinary work of the laity and in ministries that really do change lives," said Kathleen Driscoll, secretary for Institutional Advancement. "This work in so many ministries would simply not be possible without the generous support of our parishioners, the clergy, and our many other benefactors."