Good Work Around the Diocese

2022 Catholic Appeal

This year’s Catholic Appeal theme is “Journeying Together in Faith and Love.”  Since 1942, the Appeal has helped people in all phases of life – from children, to youth, to parents, to the elderly. Your support sustains the numerous agencies, programs, and ministries providing food and shelter, educating children and adults, and meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands.



In chapter five of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus calls us not just to “love your neighbor” but to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) This may be one of the most difficult things Christ asks of us, but it is also the most important for us as Catholics: to love every person solely because they are children of God, not because of anything they do, have, or profess. The theme of our 81st Annual Catholic Appeal, “Journeying Together in Faith and 
Love” inspires us to bring these verses of Sacred Scripture to life.
We have begun a synodal journey as a Church. In launching this worldwide synod, Pope Francis has bestowed on us a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. He is inviting us to take the lead in listening, learning, and loving while building Christ’s kingdom here in the Diocese of Fall River. 
Just like Jesus, we need to be aware of those around us, to extend an invitation, and be a welcoming community. We are a people meant to walk together with one another and show love to all humanity. Support of the Catholic Appeal is one way to fulfill this promise.
Each year at this time, I ask for your support of the Catholic Appeal. Should your circumstances allow, please consider making a contribution of any size to help us carry out our mission. 
As your Bishop, I hope you can join me on this uncommon journey down a common road. We can show the world how to live peacefully, lovingly, and respectfully together and make this season, in the words of Pope Francis, “a true season of the Spirit.”

To learn more or donate please visit the Catholic Foundation website.

Diocesan Presynodal Gathering
Parishioners from approximately 31 parishes across the Diocese attended the Saturday, April 23rd Diocesan Pre-synodal Gathering, which brought the worldwide Synod process in the Diocese of Fall River to a close. The day began with Mass, celebrated by me, at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth, followed by a morning program at Bishop Stang High School.

I am so encouraged that so many are embracing the Synod process throughout the diocese. In fact, some parishioners have told me this period of consultation and listening has inspired them with hope for our future.

This has been a team effort by many resolute Parish Ambassadors, our Evangelization Office, and the Revitalization Committee. I am grateful to all who are helping us in this important work to support the Diocese’s mission of journeying together. 

Prayer Service for Healing

I invite you to join me, tomorrow, April 28, as we pray for the healing and protection of all children and vulnerable adults. It is part of our observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. This prayer service will begin at noon in the chapel at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River and will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Fall River Facebook page. 

You can learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month by visiting this special webpage created by our Safe Environment Office.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.

The Bishop of Fall River