2026 Catholic Appeal Raises More than $4.2 Million

FALL RIVER — Nearly 15,000 donors contributed more than $4.2 million to the 85th Catholic Appeal, providing support for ministries and programs serving Catholics throughout the Diocese of Fall River.

The annual appeal, the Diocese’s largest fundraising initiative, supports a wide range of ministries across Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

This year’s theme, “Peace: Let it Begin with Me,” called Catholics to consider how prayer, generosity and service can help bring Christ’s peace to others.

“Together, let us take responsibility for caring for one another and for advancing the mission entrusted to us,” Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., said.

“May peace truly begin with each of us.”

Among the ministries supported by the Catholic Appeal is the Diocese’s Pastoral Ministry of the Sick, which provides spiritual and sacramental care to patients and their families in seven acute-care facilities throughout the Diocese.

Coordinated by Deacon Robert Craig, the ministry includes priests, deacons and trained lay ministers who accompany people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“The support of our benefactors ensures that chaplains continue to provide compassionate presence, sacramental care and spiritual comfort to thousands of individuals facing illness and uncertainty,” Deacon Craig said.

“Their generosity extends the ministry’s healing presence across the acute-care facilities of the Diocese of Fall River.”

In addition to helping patients receive the sacraments and other spiritual support, chaplains and ministry staff have developed programs designed to assist families and healthcare workers, addressing the spiritual and emotional needs that often accompany illness.

The impact of the Catholic Appeal extends well beyond hospital ministry. Funds raised help support programs that accompany the sick and elderly, assist families, educate and form clergy and lay leaders, and respond to poverty, isolation and other challenges facing individuals and families throughout the Diocese.

Mim Sherman, CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, which coordinates the Catholic Appeal, said the generosity of donors continues to make those ministries possible.

“Each year, I am humbled by the generosity of the individuals, corporations and foundations that respond to our call for support,” Sherman said. “Individuals and families give so willingly and generously to this important cause.”

She said the contributions demonstrate a commitment to sustaining the Church’s work throughout the Diocese.

“They send such a powerful message about sustaining the critical corporal and spiritual works taking place throughout the Diocese of Fall River,” Sherman said, citing ministries in parishes, shelters, food pantries, schools, hospitals and the Vocations Office.

Sherman also noted the longstanding support of corporate partners, including BayCoast Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank and Lemieux Heating, each of which has supported the Catholic Appeal for more than 20 years.

Although the annual campaign has concluded, Catholics may continue to support the ministries funded by the Catholic Appeal throughout the year.

Gifts can be made online or by mail, and the Catholic Foundation also provides information about making contributions through an IRA, donor-advised fund or stock transfer. For more information, go to Catholic Appeal.

The Catholic Appeal’s theme of peace ultimately points back to the responsibility shared by all Catholics to care for one another and put faith into action.

As St. Paul reminds the faithful, “Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).