The Diocese of Fall River, MA has taken a step in FAITH and HOPE to formally establish an independent, charitable foundation responsible for raising, managing and distributing philanthropic funds to provide long-term, sustainable support for the parishes, schools and life-changing ministries across its Diocese. (click on image for more information)
The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts comes as a direct outgrowth of a six-month planning process that brought together over forty women and men from across the Diocese, who served on a taskforce and seek to discern how a Foundation may help us to fulfill God’s will for REBUILDING the Church in Southeastern, MA.
Notably it includes the annual Catholic Appeal. Other funds: Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), Cathedral Fund, Diocesan Planning, Retired Priests Fund, Seminarian Fund, The Shepherd’s Fund, Catholic Social Services, Catholic School Teacher’s Salary Initiative, Catholic Foundation General Fund, or you can establish your own fund.
The Foundation is incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, fully endorsed by the Diocese of Fall River and its Bishop, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. This legal structure ensures that all gifts will be used for their intended purposes and provides a level of efficiency, accountability and transparency that will earn the respect and confidence of donors as well as the pastors/parishes, schools and ministries it serves.
2025 Catholic Appeal
The 2025 annual (84th) Catholic Appeal letter has been sent to all registered families from the diocese. The Appeal runs from May 1- June 30, 2025. The theme is “Hope Lights the Way.” We encourage you to support the Appeal as generously as you can. You can make a one-time gift, or a pledge with convenient payments throughout the year. You can give by mail, use a contribution card located in Church, or make your gift or pledge securely online by clicking the “Donate or Pledge Online” button at https://www.catholicfoundationsema.org/appeal/ as well as IRA distributions, donor advised funds, gifts of stock or matching funds. When you make gifts or pledges totaling $1,000 or more to the annual Catholic Appeal and/or the Serving the Shepherds Fund within an Appeal year, you are recognized as a member of The Cornerstone Society. Learn more at the website.
All monies are to be sent directly to The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, P.O. BOX 237 KENSINGTON, CT 06037-0237 (Please include your home parish details.) Do not return your pledge to the Parish Office. Thank you!
Since 1942, the Appeal has helped people in all phases of life – from children, to youth, to parents, to the elderly. Your support sustains the numerous agencies, programs, and ministries providing food and shelter, educating children and adults, and meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands. The Diocese of Fall River spans from Mansfield, Easton and the Attleboros, through the Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford areas, and extends all the way to Cape Cod and the Islands. See your generous donations at work in our diocese:
With a heart full of gratitude and hope, we have embarked on the 84th Annual Catholic Appeal, “Hope Lights the Way.” This theme reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, the light of Christ continues to guide us and inspire us to be instruments of His love and mercy in the world.
In this Jubilee year, we are called by Pope Francis to be Pilgrims of Hope. Hope dwells in each of our hearts, with the desire and expectation of good things to come despite uncertainty about the future. That uncertainty can be a source of anxiety and discouragement, overshadowing the many ways Jesus showed us to be the light for those around us. God challenges us to move away from the darkness by nurturing hope in our hearts and minds and to follow Jesus’ example by sharing that hope with others. Even in times of unrest, we are stronger individually and as a community when we embrace and proclaim, “Hope Lights the Way.”
Throughout our Diocese, the ministries and programs supported by the Catholic Appeal are beacons of hope to those most in need, and gifts to the Appeal make this work possible. The Diocese and its ministries work tirelessly to serve our neighbors, build a stronger and more compassionate community, and bring Christ’s message of love and hope to all corners of our Diocese. Pope Francis reminds us of all that we are called “to imitate the God of love, opening up glimmers of light wherever we can, with whomever we meet, in any context.”
The contributions from so many Diocesan faithful enable a broad range of initiatives that provide services to priests, parishes, and schools and care, comfort, and opportunity to countless individuals and families. By helping us spread the love of Christ through evangelization, offering food to the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, supporting priests, or strengthening catholic education, your contribution lights the way for those struggling.
Your donation, regardless of size, helps us continue this vital work. By giving, you are joining a community of believers committed to shining Christ’s light across our Diocese. Your generosity will touch lives, restore dignity, and offer hope to those who need it most.
I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this year’s Catholic Appeal. As you do, remember that your gift is not just a donation – it is an expression of love that will help light the way for many facing hardships. Together, we can continue to bring hope to all we serve in Christ’s name.
With deep gratitude and blessings,
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
Bishop of Fall River