Support for Catholic Education and Strengthening the Church’s Mission

Celtics’ Hayward Shares His Journey of Faith at FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner

Last week, we had a wonderful and successful FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner. It’s an annual event to support FACE – the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education- and its mission to provide financial assistance to families who want to attend a Catholic school in our Diocese. Its assistance is critical in ensuring that financial hardship does not become a barrier for families to access a Catholic education here. Response to the Fall Dinner was very positive, both sponsorship and attendance were up and to date, $300,000 has been raised!

I think everyone enjoyed guest speaker former Boston Celtics player Gordon Hayward, who shared not only experiences from his basketball career but also how his faith has been an integral part of his life. He recalled his mother saying, “don’t forget who you play for” and for him, he played for the glory of God. He also talked about how his faith got him through the aftermath of the serious injury he suffered in his first game as a Boston Celtic. His journey of faith included a decision to convert to Catholicism as an adult, and he openly discussed his initial concerns but ultimately how a growing understanding of the Eucharist was key to his decision.

Gordon is now the father of five, with four enrolled in a Catholic school in his home state. At the dinner, he lauded the work of FACE to provide an opportunity for a Catholic education to more children.

It was a good night all around, but I want to share two other highlights. It was my honor to recognize the years-long dedication of the Makkay family of Cape Cod to Catholic education with the Timothy J. Cotter Friend of Catholic Education Award. To list the many ways the late Al Makkay and his wife, Maureen, and now their children, have supported FACE and Catholic schools is too long for this blog, but it can be described collectively as outstanding. Finally, the dinner program also featured a reflection from one of our Catholic school students, Leeza Rebello of Espirito Santo School, Fall River. It was gratifying to hear Leeza speak of her school as an extended family. She also credited FACE for working to alleviate some of the tuition costs of a Catholic education, ensuring that she and her brother, as well as other kids, have the chance to attend.

Faith, Service and Solidarity: Reflections from the Bishops’ Committee Meetings

I arrived in Baltimore on Friday evening for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual gathering. Before the assembly began, the weekend was already full with several critical committee meetings. These smaller working groups are where much of the Church’s ongoing ministry takes shape, through discernment, collaboration, and shared commitment to serving those in the greatest need.

My first meeting was with the Subcommittee for the Church in Latin America, which I chair, where we approved 193 pastoral projects totaling nearly $5 million in grants. This year’s funding placed a special emphasis on addressing the pastoral needs in Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba, where the Church continues to serve amid severe political and economic hardship. We also discussed the situation in Nicaragua, where government restrictions make direct support nearly impossible.

Next, the Committee on the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers addressed the needs of those constantly on the move. This includes airport and seaport workers, carnival employees, and others. We also discussed the challenges faced by missionary priests with visa issues. Above all, we remain committed to accompanying migrants and advocating for just policies.

Finally, the National Collections Committee reviewed the stewardship of national collections that support mission efforts in the U.S. and abroad. These collections are vital to sustaining the Church’s outreach to those in need and we are incredibly grateful to the faithful that support these collections. 

In next week’s blog, I’ll share more information on the General Assembly of the Bishops in Baltimore and some of the highlights of the Plenary Session and a statement on caring for immigrants and their families.

Sincerely, 

+Bishop da Cunha