FALL RIVER — The 80th Annual Catholic Appeal has raised $3.7 million of its $4 million goal to date, with less than one week remaining in the campaign, which ends on Wednesday, June 30. There is still time to make a gift in support of the many agencies assisting those in need throughout the Diocese of Fall River.
Each year, the Appeal invites parishioners of the diocese and community supporters to bear witness to the good works their gifts make possible. Since 1942, the Appeal has helped meet the Spiritual and Corporal needs of individuals and families throughout the diocese: from the Attleboros, Mansfield, Taunton, and the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas, to Cape Cod and the Islands.
Catholic Appeal testimonials: Ministry moments from across our diocese —
“Whatever you did for one of these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me” (Mt. 25:40).
“The past year has been unique in terms of what the world has dealt with. However, our diocesan community’s commitment to helping those most disadvantaged has remained unparalleled, as evidenced by the generosity of our donors. At Catholic Social Services, we have made significant efforts to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 for our shelter guests and staff. We expanded our operational capacity at the Solanus Casey food Pantry, and we shifted to a takeout model at the Sister Rose Soup Kitchen. While we understand that every year brings its own set of challenges, we rely on donor support to be able to meet those challenges, and we are eternally grateful for that support.”
— Rui Rosa, chief financial officer, Catholic Social Services.
“Over the last few years, I have had the great pleasure of working with the chaplaincy team at the Barnstable County Prison. There’s a great group of people there who have weekly prayer meetings; we have semi-annual retreats to bring the residents together to reflect on their faith in a deeper sense; I make weekly visits, along with a deacon who also makes weekly visits. All of this allows us to help the residents of the jail, who have lived sometimes very difficult backgrounds, to realize despite everything else that has happened in their life, God’s love is still there for them. I’d like to thank everyone who supports the Catholic Appeal because it is your support that allows us to do this. God bless you for your support and thank you for your continued prayers for the Prison Ministry and for many other ministries around the diocese.”
— Father Riley Williams, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet.
“When I think about the future for my children, I want them to have a Church that is flourishing, and I want the same for all 288,000 Catholics here in our diocese. Every donation to the Catholic Appeal helps our work: to reach families and young people in parish Faith Formation programs, establishing youth ministries, helping with the Rite of Christian Initiation with Adults, and helping adults learn how Christ is calling them to a life of discipleship. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you.”
— David Carvalho, senior director for Youth, Young Adult, and Family Life Ministries.
“Because of your donations, we are able to help those experiencing loss through our Office of Faith Formation’s Bereavement Program. Participants meet in regular weekly support groups. There is a great need in the community for this program and anything you can give makes a big difference.”
— Rosemary Saraiva, Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
There are many ways to support the Catholic Appeal during its home stretch. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal may be made as a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges.
Donations may be mailed directly to the Catholic Foundation office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, 02720; made online at www.givefrdiocese.org/2021, or dropped off at any parish in the diocese. Contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.
