FALL RIVER – Last year, the Diocese of Fall River launched the Serving the Shepherds Fund, which is a fund designated to support priests. Instead of reaching out to the Diocesan faithful and inviting year-end gifts to support the Diocese generally, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is directing our attention toward the support of the priests of our Diocese.  The Serving the Shepherds appeal allows the community to show gratitude to the priests of the Fall River Diocese by donating to the fund, offering a prayer, or expressing gratitude to the priests who have made a mark on our lives. The Fund helps ensure that the Diocese of Fall River priests receive the necessary resources, mentorship, and financial assistance at every stage of their vocation.

The call to the priesthood is a sacred calling to live a life dedicated to God, serving others through sacraments and spiritual guidance, and representing Christ in the world. We must clear the path for those called to serve so they recognize the invitation and actively support those who have already dedicated their lives to the church as priests. Today, active priests carry increased responsibilities, sometimes serving multiple parish communities and performing other Diocesan duties. Retired priests continue to serve and are incredible resources for the Diocese– giving their time, talents, and dedication to mentor new priests, support active priests, and continue to share Christ’s love with all the faithful of our Diocese.

Gifts to the Serving the Shepherds Fund assist all stages of priesthood. Support to the Office of Vocations work serves its critical mission to reach out across the Diocese and beyond to help young men hear the call to the priesthood.  The Fund assists in providing for the education expenses of seminarians preparing for ordination in the Diocese of Fall River.  Additionally, it funds opportunities for active priests to develop professionally and strengthens the vital work of the Office of Clergy Support in boosting priests professionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  The increased living costs, housing, and healthcare we all experience also affect retired priests. It is both merited and necessary to provide for these men who have dedicated their lives to serving the diocese. 

It is critical to continue to pray and offer gratitude for these incredible servants.  Gifts to the Serving the Shepherds Fund will also help meet the cost of supporting these men who have committed to serving the Diocese of Fall River.

Supporting the Serving the Shepherds Fund sends a powerful message to a caring community that stands behind us at every stage of our faith journey. It is an opportunity for parishioners to dedicate a gift to the past, present, and future of the priesthood.

The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts administers this campaign on Bishop da Cunha’s behalf. For more information or to give to the Serving the Shepherds Fund online, please visit www.catholicfoundationsema.org/shepherds or contact the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts at 508-675-1311.

Allison Gingras
FR Diocese
Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications