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.
2026 Catholic Appeal
The 2026 annual (85th) Catholic Appeal letter has been sent to all registered families from the diocese. The Appeal runs from May 1- June 30, 2026. The theme is “Let It Begin With Me.” 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.
All monies are to be sent directly to:
CATHOLIC APPEAL – DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER 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!
For more than 80 years, this proud history of giving has been a sustaining force. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (formerly Catholic Social Services), the Secretariat for the New Evangelization, the Office of Pastoral Ministry for the Sick, and the Catholic Schools Office are a few of the benefiting entities. Together, they provide services from addressing hunger and homelessness, to diaconate and seminarian education, to comforting those who are infirm in our area hospitals, to support for retired clergy, to educating the next generation, and more.
“The Catholic Appeal’s donors help to create a beautiful quilt of kindness, opportunity, and compassion each year,” shares CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts Mim Sherman. “Each square represents a tangible difference to be made in the lives of so many and the resources made available. We are both proud and humbled to partner with our priests and parishes each year to create this opportunity for giving and uniting to advance the Catholic faith in action here in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.”
The Diocese of Fall River’s many agencies, ministries, and programs strive to meet significant needs. Over the course of the year, the demand for them remains strong. The faithful may continue to support our brothers and sisters at any time.
See your generous donations at work in our diocese: unable to load the diocesan videos on this page … please see https://www.catholicfoundationsema.org/appeal/ to watch the 3 videos on “Our Priests,” “Education and Evangelization,” and “Mental Health Ministry.”
You should have received the video from Bishop da Cunha in your email from the Appeal titled: Support the Annual Catholic Appeal – Peace: Let it Begin with Me!
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