FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River is announcing changes impacting two longtime communication ministries. The changes are in response to the widespread use of digital platforms, changing media habits, and increasing costs across the board.

Effective January 2026, the Diocese will discontinue its Television Mass aired weekly on WLNE-TV, Channel 6. The final TV Mass will be broadcast at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The Diocese has posted information on its website fallriverdiocese.org on accessing Sunday Mass via numerous livestream options and broadcast and cable television.

Additionally, the diocesan monthly newspaper The Anchor will transition from a printed publication to digital formats with the launch of weekly electronic newsletter and new website in February 2026.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Both the printed Anchor and the Television Mass have well served the Diocese over the past 60-plus years. Times change, however, and after a careful analysis of media usage trends and costs, we think investing in other communication endeavors will help us to better connect with and engage a wider segment of our Diocesan community.”

The Anchor will continue to provide all the diocesan news and happenings through its new website and e-newsletter along with feature stories, upcoming events, and local columnists. All of this will be available without cost to everyone. You can sign up to receive the newsletter by email here:

Bishop da Cunha is pleased to announce that in these new formats The Anchor will partner with OSV News, a national Catholic news and information service and evangelization resource, to augment its local news reporting. This will greatly expand and enhance its content and coverage with international and national Catholic news, Vatican updates, a variety of inspirational stories, profiles, and ways to nourish one’s journey of faith.

For many years, broadcast TV was for the most part the only way to access a Mass for those unable to go to a church, but other options are available now.

“Almost half of parishes in the Diocese now livestream their Masses on their websites and in some cases use Facebook Live or parish YouTube channels,” said Diocesan Director of Communications John Kearns. “In addition, the dominant cable television providers in the region both carry Catholic TV and EWTN, two Catholic networks that each provide multiple Masses every Sunday in English and Spanish.”

Information on accessing parish livestreamed Masses along with options for Masses available on cable TV is available here.

“It is my hope that our faithful people will understand the reasoning behind these transitions,” Bishop da Cunha said. “We are grateful to all who have supported our TV Mass Apostolate— participating clergy, WLNE-TV Channel 6, technical personnel, donors, and especially the viewers. I ask for their patience and support as we explore new ways to reach out and celebrate our Catholic faith with more people in what is now a very busy and complex world.”

Helpful Links

Sign up for The Anchor Newsletter

Bishop da Cunha’s Letter to Anchor Subscribers

Options for Livestreamed & Televised Masses

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications