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.
2024 Catholic Appeal
The 2024 annual (83rd) Catholic Appeal letter has been sent to all families. It runs from May 1- June 30, 2024.
The theme for 2024 is “Renew the Face of the Earth.” 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: https://www.catholicfoundationsema.org/ministry-moments/
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 “Make a Donation” button at https://www.catholicfoundationsema.org/catholic-appeal-2024/
All monies are to be sent directly to The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.
My dear friends in Christ,
The theme of our 83rd Annual Catholic Appeal, “Renew the Face of the Earth,” reminds us that our acts of charity and love renew those around us. With each outstretched helping hand, we create a small ripple effect of care. This kindness spreads and allows us to play a part in renewing the face of the entire earth – starting here in our Diocese of Fall River.
All around us are signs of spring, reawakening our surroundings after a long winter. Having just celebrated Christ’s glorious resurrection, our spirits, too, have experienced a rebirth, stepping out of the darkness and into the light.
Through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, God is constantly reaffirming us. In the Book of Genesis, Noah uses a dove to deliver signs of receding floodwaters back to the arc: the promise of a new beginning after a period of trial and adversity. Even then, hope came on the wings of a dove.
How can we be modern-day messengers of renewal? As a united, active Church focused on the Gospel, the teachings, and the presence of Jesus. Together the faithful of the Diocese of Fall River will renew the face of the earth, renew our faith community, renew a spirit of hope and joy, and renew our Church.
This year, we celebrate our 120th anniversary as a diocese. I can think of no better way to mark this historic milestone than by joining together in support of the Catholic Appeal. Should your circumstances allow, please consider making a contribution of any size to help us carry out our mission. When what we believe in our hearts extends to what we do in our everyday lives, we can – and will – make a positive impact on the lives of those in need throughout our diocese.
Holy Spirit, renew our joy. Holy Spirit, renew our faith. Help us renew the face of the earth!
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
Bishop of Fall River