Supporting Impactful Catholic Education and Praying for Vocations

A Night of Gratitude and Giving: Celebrating and Increasing Access to Catholic Education

This year’s Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) Summer Gala on Cape Cod  was a resounding success, helping us  in our ongoing commitment to expand access to Catholic education in the Diocese.  With perfect weather and a sold-out crowd, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the many people who made this evening possible and who continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of so many students.

Since its inception as the St. Mary’s Education Fund in 1991, FACE has provided scholarships to children attending Catholic schools across the Diocese. Each year, FACE awards over $1.2 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students throughout southeastern Massachusetts and the islands. The Summer Gala helps to raise much-needed funds for those scholarships, helping make Catholic education more accessible to families throughout our Diocese.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Al Makkay Sr. Friend of Catholic Education Award to Alan Lynch from St. John Paul II School. His dedication to the school and community is remarkable. Alan’s career in Catholic education spans decades, beginning in 1973 at schools in the Archdiocese of Boston. Over the years, he has been a theology and Spanish teacher, as well as a campus minister. His passion for service and faith led him to Ecuador, where in 1989 he took his first group of students to work with Rostro de Cristo. This experience shaped the lives of countless students, teaching them that dignity and honor are not determined by wealth but by faith and respect for all.

At St. John Paul II School, Alan’s impact was felt by students and staff. He joined the school in its second year of operation and quickly became a beloved member of the community. His influence continues to resonate with students, many of whom have shared how their lives were changed by his lessons on compassion, humility, and faith. Alan retired from teaching this year, but his dedication to serving others, particularly in developing countries, remains strong. His selfless devotion truly embodies the spirit of the award and it was an honor to present it to him this year.

We were also honored to hear from Maria Roncelli, a student from St. Pius X School who will be entering the 8th grade at St. John Paul II School this fall. Maria fondly spoke about her experiences in Catholic education and how it has shaped her faith and academic journey. Her words were a powerful reminder of the profound impact that our schools have on the lives of young people, guiding them not only in their studies but also in their spiritual growth.

A very special guest joined us once again this year. Mary Cashin, a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. We wish Mary and her family continued blessings, love, and happiness as she marks this beautiful milestone. It was a joy for us to honor her with a bouquet of flowers. (See the first collage of photos above for a picture of Mary.)

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Gala Chairs, Pat and Tom Marmen, and the entire Gala Summer Committee for their leadership and dedication in making this evening possible. I also wish to acknowledge all of the teachers, administrators, clergy, students, parents, and school communities that attended. They are the heart of our Catholic schools, and I am deeply grateful for the vibrant, compassionate, and faith-filled environments they help to create!

As we continue to generate support for our students and families, we keep them in our prayers and remain committed to providing the opportunities for them to thrive in their faith and education. Together, we are all making a lasting impact on these students. 

May God continue to bless the work of our Catholic Schools and the students we serve.

Let’s Build a Diocesan Community that Prays for and Supports Vocations

I know you received a Vocations Update card at your parish at Mass this past weekend. I want to echo the invitation you received to pledge to pray for vocations to the priesthood for our Diocese. Our Vocation directors are busy implementing a new “Vocation Pathway” strategic plan to increase vocations to the priesthood for our Diocese, and you have an important role in it. Please pray for our seminarians and men who are considering priesthood. As we learn in Matthew 9:38, the first thing that the Lord tells us to do when seeking more shepherds is to ask the master of the harvest to send more workers to the harvest. You can learn more here: fallrivervocations.org/pray. I’ll be sharing more on our Vocation Plan in the coming weeks, but for now, please keep this in mind: behind every vocation is a supportive community.

Feast of the Assumption: A Day of Faith and Inspiration

This Friday, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a significant Holy Day in the liturgical calendar. This feast not only honors Mary’s assumption into heaven but also holds a special place in the hearts of all who belong to our local Church. Under her title of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Patroness of our Diocese of Fall River.

As we mark our Patronal Feast Day, let us reflect on Mary’s unwavering faith and dedication to God’s will. Her example of trust, obedience, and discipleship serves as an inspiration for each of us to deepen our own commitment to following Christ.

I invite you to join me in prayer this Friday for our Diocese, asking for the intercession of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Sincerely, 

+Bishop da Cunha