Faith that Endures, Faith that Inspires

A Celebration of Catholic Education and the Generosity that Makes it Possible

Last Thursday, I joined supporters of Catholic education for the annual FACE Summer Gala on Cape Cod. As you know, FACE, which stands for the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, raises funds to provide need-based tuition scholarships that help students attend Catholic schools throughout our Diocese. The Summer Gala is a critical fundraising event for FACE, and I am pleased to report that it was sold out. The venue was filled with many familiar faces as well as newcomers. I joked with attendees that next year, we will need a bigger room.

Now in its 29th year, the Summer Gala is intentionally designed as a relaxed evening in a beautiful setting, featuring a reception, a delicious dinner, and both a silent and a very lively live auction. The program itself is brief but significant, as we present the Al Makkay Sr. Award to recognize an individual for outstanding contributions to Catholic education on Cape Cod. This year’s recipient was Patricia Marmen, whose long list of accomplishments I wrote about last month. In short, her life exemplifies a deep commitment to Catholic education and to ensuring that it remains accessible to all students who wish to benefit from it.

It was my pleasure to present Pat with the award in the presence of her husband, Tom, her children, and many members of the St. Pius X School community in South Yarmouth, where she served as the founding principal. As I said at the Gala, Pat embodies everything that makes Catholic education meaningful and transformative.

The program also featured reflections on the Catholic school experience from two sisters: Maria Roncelli, a ninth-grade student at St. John Paul II School in Hyannis, and Luiza Roncelli, a first-grade student at St. Pius X School.

It is important to remember the profound impact FACE has had on Catholic education in our Diocese and on generations of students. Today, FACE awards approximately $1 million in scholarships each year to more than 1,000 students. Since its founding 35 years ago, the organization has distributed more than $22 million in tuition assistance. Those numbers represent not only financial support, but also opportunities that have helped thousands of young people receive a faith-filled Catholic education.

Renewed in Prayer with My Brother Bishops

Last week, I had the blessing of joining my brother bishops from throughout New England for a retreat at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island. The retreat is an annual gathering that I look forward to each year amid the busy traveling of summer. While not every bishop was able to attend, approximately 15 of us gathered for a peaceful and enriching time of prayer, Mass, reflection, and fellowship.

Our retreat preacher was Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., who led us in reflections focused on what he called “Letters from the Chair of Peter.” Drawing from the letters of Saint Peter in the New Testament and the teachings of the successors of Peter, Cardinal Wuerl offered us much to reflect upon as we prayed together and renewed ourselves in our shared ministry.

The retreat was also a wonderful opportunity simply to be together, to share spiritual reflections, and to strengthen the bonds of fraternity among the bishops of New England. I returned grateful for this time of renewal and for the reminder that, before we can serve others, we must always make time to deepen our own relationship with the Lord through prayer and reflection.

A Century of Faith on Martha’s Vineyard

Last weekend, I had the joy of making a pastoral visit to Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard, where I celebrated Masses at each of the parish’s three churches and had the opportunity to connect with so many members of the island community. The weekend included a special celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Edgartown, with a centennial anniversary Mass celebrated on Sunday, August 16. I was also blessed to celebrate Mass with the Brazilian community on Saturday evening.

During the centennial Mass, I reflected on the faith of the many people who built St. Elizabeth’s Church a century ago and on the generations of parishioners who have continued to pass on that faith. In the Gospel last weekend, Jesus tells the woman who approached Him seeking healing for her daughter, “How great is your faith,” reminding us of the power of a faith that trusts in God. That same faith has sustained the people of St. Elizabeth’s for 100 years, and it is now our responsibility to continue sharing that gift of faith with the next generation.

My time on Martha’s Vineyard was a truly beautiful experience. Visiting and celebrating Masses at each of the three churches of Good Shepherd Parish, celebrating with the faithful, and spending time with the people who call the island home was a wonderful reminder of the vibrant faith communities that make up our Diocese. I am grateful for the warm welcome and for the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with the people of Martha’s Vineyard.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha