Reflecting with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Purpose

State of the Diocese

Did you know that Catholic Charities of Fall River provides some form of support to more than 27,000 homes in our Diocese? Or that a recently renovated building now offers 26 units of affordable housing for our low-income neighbors? These are just two examples of the wide-ranging impact of the many ministries of the Diocese.

Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, we published the first ‘State of the Diocese’ report. As I celebrate my tenth year as Bishop here and the 120th anniversary of the Diocese, I am pleased to share with you the second State of the Diocese. This report documents the inspiring work of the Diocese over the past five years and how it provides for the spiritual growth of the faithful; housing and feeding those in the greatest of need; caring for our priests; and so much more. I invite you to read the report to learn about the transformative work that takes place throughout the Diocese each day thanks to your generosity.

While preaching the Gospel of Christ and providing Sacraments to the faithful is a primary role of the Church, we also make meaningful contributions to provide for the  temporal needs of the people of our Diocese. The Diocesan Communications Office will soon launch a campaign on our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) accounts sharing some of the accomplishments of the Diocese in the last five years. 

Collaboration, Discussion and Planning: The Fall Bishops’ Meeting

This week, I am in Baltimore, Maryland, with my brother Bishops for the 2024 Fall Plenary Assembly. The annual meeting of Bishops is a time for bishops to collaborate, discuss important matters and engage in strategic planning on issues central to the Church’s mission and the well-being of the faithful. Today’s discussions will be livestreamed here and an agenda of the public session can be found here.

This year’s agenda was quite full with discussions on the progress of Dignitas Infinita, the implementation of Antiquum Ministerium; a discussion on caring for the earth, our common home, and eco-conversion as encouraged in Laudato Si; a follow-up to our 2005 document on lay ecclesial ministry; and the consideration of proposals on liturgical texts. We also heard an update on migration and the 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops. I am particularly interested in hearing about the beatification and canonization of Sister Annella Zervas, O.S.B., and Gertrude Agnes Barber. These are some of the many issues we have or will discuss this week. 

Another highlight of this week was the opening Mass for the Fall Plenary Assembly of the Bishops, when we all gathered at the Baltimore Basilica for Mass, celebrated by more 200 hundred Bishops. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Baltimore Basilica, was constructed between 1806 and 1863, and was the first Cathedral in the United States. Recently, the Basilica underwent a full restoration which was completed in 2006. This is one of the most beautiful church buildings in the whole country.

Catholic Educators Fill Their ‘Spiritual Tanks’

Twice during the academic year, I look forward to celebrating Mass for teachers, administrators, and staff of our 17 Catholic schools in the Diocese during professional development days. The first of such was last Monday at Bishop Feehan High School. After remarks by Superintendent Daniel Roy, international Christian recording artist Ryan Tremblay, who has performed for Pope Francis and Pope Benedict at World Youth Days, spoke and performed with the Bishop Feehan choir. Ryan, who used to live in neighboring Rhode Island, moved to Nashville, Tennessee, a few years ago with his wife Elizabeth and triplet sons to pursue his music ministry. 

After Mass and an ‘On the Road to Emmaus” panel discussion, Liz Pfunder, Catholic musician, songwriter, and speaker, and Deacon Joe McGinley led a discussion on the Healing Power and Grace of Adoration and Confession.

Fourth grade theology teacher Kellie-Jo Duarte from Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton offered an interesting perspective on the day.

“Catholic education allows your children to be who they are in and out of school. Kids should be encouraged to call on the name of Jesus and pray. In school they should be encouraged to always speak the truth. Today’s children deserve better and in Catholic education, we can pray at any time a child needs. It’s a beautiful sight as a Religion teacher to see students asking to go (to the Chapel) just to be quiet for a few minutes with the Blessed Sacrament. That could never happen without religious education.”

These professional development days are integral for our school employees as they fulfill a thirst for spiritual development. That is one of the reasons we offer Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, a reminder that amid the noise of our everyday lives, spending quiet time with Jesus nourishes the soul. One teacher reflected that even Catholic educators need to “fill the tank” and “rejuvenate the spirit, and help strengthen our resolve to continue in our ministry of faith in our schools.” That is a profound and honest summary of the day’s activities. These are some of the many ways we can invite God to be present in our hearts and continue to guide us.

Help Expand Access to Catholic Education

Through our Catholic schools, families throughout the Diocese of Fall River and beyond are offered a choice when choosing an elementary, middle, or high school. Please join us next week for the 30th Annual FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner. The dinner provides an opportunity for supporters of Catholic schools to gather and raise funds to expand access to Catholic education here in our Diocese through scholarships for families who otherwise could not afford a Catholic education. 

This year, we will honor Patricia and Tom Marmen, who served as the FACE Summer Gala Chairs and are longtime ardent supporters of Catholic education. Catholic author, speaker, and filmmaker Matthew Leonard will be our guest speaker. (The deadline to RSVP was November 6, but if you visit this page, you can still order tickets, but please do so today!)

Yours in Christ,

Bishop da Cunha