FALL RIVER — Now in its third year, the Diocese of Fall River’s Serving the Shepherds Fund continues to gain momentum, offering parishioners an opportunity to support the priests who serve communities across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Introduced during a season traditionally associated with reflection and gratitude, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., invites the diocesan faithful to offer gifts, gratitude, and prayers in support of this annual appeal, which acknowledges the countless ways our priests pour out their lives in service. 

“I invite you to consider a gift to our Serving the Shepherds Fund,” Bishop da Cunha said. “Your generosity will help sustain the shepherds who have devoted their lives to serving God’s people, so that together we can continue bringing the light of hope to a world that longs for it.”

The initiative encourages the faithful to consider the dedication of priests working in parishes and diocesan ministries, many of whom have spent decades nurturing the faith of their communities. In addition to financial contributions, the fund seeks prayers and personal tributes for priests; these messages are shared through the diocesan Clergy Office. All gifts directly support seminarians as well as active and retired priests.

Priests throughout the Diocese play a pivotal role in guiding Catholics through life’s most challenging moments. From offering spiritual counsel to grieving families to celebrating Funeral Rites and praying for the deceased, clergy often stand alongside parishioners during times of sorrow and transition. Diocesan leaders say this compassionate service deepens the faith of countless individuals and underscores the importance of supporting those who have devoted their lives to ministry.

The Serving the Shepherds Fund complements the Diocese’s broader three-year initiative, Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church, launched last year. The effort has already garnered more than 18,000 prayers for priests. Under the leadership of Matt Robinson and the Office for Clergy Support, several programs have been established to enhance the mental, spiritual, and physical well-being of clergy—efforts that have been warmly received across the Diocese.

Funds raised through Serving the Shepherds play a vital role in strengthening the entire arc of priestly ministry. Contributions help support discernment programs through the Vocations Office, cover educational costs for seminarians, and sustain ongoing formation for active priests, including programs connected to the Stronger Priests initiative. The appeal also provides essential assistance to retired priests, particularly in areas such as housing, healthcare, and overall quality of life.

Households throughout the Diocese recently received mailings with information about the fund, including an envelope for contributions. Donations may also be made online at catholicfoundationsema.org/shepherds or mailed to the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.

Even for those not making a financial gift, diocesan officials encourage the faithful to visit the Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church page on the diocesan website to offer words of gratitude to the priests who have accompanied them in their own journeys of faith.

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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