Drawing inspiration from an open letter about human dignity penned by Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine last December, the archdiocese's 2026 Annual Campaign theme is “Where There Is Dignity, We Are There.”

Maribel Mayorga, director of communications and media relations, said the appeal goes beyond just affirming this principle. It also demonstrates the importance “of living it out completely through care, listening and accompaniment.”

Where last year’s campaign reaped $670,000, this year's goal is $1 million. But highlighting the monetary target is not the motivation of this drive, said Mayorga.

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“The focus for us is to really encourage (support for) all the community work that the diocese and many other offices are doing through and for the parishes so that these services can continue to grow and reach more people in need,” she said.

Video features are at the heart of this effort. The archdiocese produced six profile stories to highlight the steadfast efforts of longtime volunteers serving in the youth, marriage and family, pastoral home care, cultural communities/migration, street ministry/homeless and pastoral personnel vocations.

Sr. Natalia Vazquez, the coordinator for the human and spiritual accompaniment of Archdiocese of Montreal priests, is featured in one of the videos serving 30 priests living in the Angus residence. She and her team ensure these priests reach their medical appointments, access the sacraments and receive spiritual support from other clergy, while also keeping each pastor’s loved ones informed about their well-being.

“I’m fully dedicated to this mission,” said Vazquez in the video. “From the moment I arrive each morning, for example, through my prayers, everything is for the mission and praying for the priests and for their sanctification.”

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Mayorga said what is appealing about the videos is the power of witness and faith being exhibited.

“You see in action what is really happening in the hearts of all these people through, of course, God's presence,” she said.

Not only does Mayorga gain an intimate glimpse of the archdiocese’s impactful work through the videos, but she also gets a close-up view through her visits to the parishes.

“Whether it's cultural committees, youth, family life or any department, I can see how they're close to people, how compassionate they are and how they can really make a difference in people's lives,” said Mayorga.

Lepine underscored to the faithful how they, too, can make a difference by choosing to support the campaign.

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“Every gesture, every presence shared, every word matters,” he wrote in a letter. “Through your generosity, the Catholic Church in Montreal can continue its mission to welcome, serve, accompany and bear witness to God’s love. Your support sends a clear message to those we accompany: 'You matter. Your life is invaluable.' ”

Visit diocesemontreal.org to learn more.