FALL RIVER — With a mission to provide educational access to the Diocese of Fall River’s Catholic schools by offering financial support, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) will engage thousands of donors and supporters in parishes throughout the Diocese over the next few months.
On August 17 FACE will hold one of its longest standing and most cherished events: the Summer Gala. Co-Chairs Pat and Tom Marmen are working with a committee of Cape Cod parishioners and volunteers to make this 26th annual fundraiser a memorable evening for all who join them at the Wianno Club in Osterville. The Al Makkay Sr. “Friend of Catholic Education” Award honoree is Jim Remillard from St. John Paul II School (High School Division). Remillard, Science Department Chairperson and Technology Coordinator, is retiring after a 16 year career at St. John Paul II School. In addition to being an exemplary teacher, remarks in his nomination included, “Mr. Remillard is one of the kindest, most caring, and faith-filled teachers one could meet. You see him at weekly Mass in our chapel, leading our seniors every year on a spiritual retreat, and participating in faith formation at Christ the King Parish.”
Also in August, eight runners are lacing up their sneakers to participate as a team in the 51st ASICS Falmouth Road Race Numbers for Non-Profits Program. The FACE team includes mother-daughter participants Jane and Cassandra Robin as well as father-son participants David and Father Mathew Laird. While the official Race Day is August 20, runners can again choose the Virtual At-Home Edition from August 12-19.
Shortly after the runners cross the finish line, planning will be underway for the annual FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner, to be held on November 9 at White’s of Westport. Dr. Ernie Collamati, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Regis College, is the featured speaker. In addition to being a beloved professor, Dr. Collamati is a parishioner in the Diocese of Fall River. Dr. Collamati and his wife Sue, a former Bishop Feehan High School teacher, are parishioners of Transfiguration of the Lord Church, North Attleboro.
Nearly 1,000 children will begin school year 2022-23 with financial support from FACE. Shortly after they are welcomed back to Catholic schools across the Diocese, parishes will be holding a Second Collection to help raise these critical scholarship dollars. This is the second year that such a collection will take place for FACE. Donations can be made in pew and online the weekend of September 9 and 10. A link and QR code will be provided to support this important initiative.
FACE’s mission is as important today as it was when it was founded in 1991 as the St. Mary’s Education Fund. Annually, thanks to the generosity of all of its supporters, FACE ensures that children with financial need can receive a high-quality education in faith-faithed environments dedicated to helping them achieve their God-given potential.
More information about FACE can be found at: www.face-dfr.org
