FALL RIVER — For the 2023-2024 school year, FACE -the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education- awarded over 1,000 need-based scholarships to support students attending a Catholic school in the Diocese of Fall River.

Making a Catholic education a reality for local families who desire one for their children is at the heart of the mission of FACE, and an upcoming special collection will benefit the foundation and help it continue its critical outreach.

A second collection for FACE will be taken up at all parishes in the Diocese of Fall River at September 14-15 weekend Masses.

Since the opening of its first school, it has been the desire of the Diocese of Fall River to make its Catholic schools accessible to all families who wish to provide a Catholic education for their children. Toward this end, in 1991, the Diocese established the St. Mary’s Education Fund. In 2015, the St. Mary’s Education Fund changed its name to the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education or FACE to convey its mission more clearly.

FACE wants to meet the challenges of serving diverse populations, while addressing the increase in the demand for financial assistance for families striving to send their children to a Catholic school in the Diocese.

“Nearly 40% of students who attend Holy Name School [in Fall River] receive some form of financial aid,” explained Megan Santos, who is principal of the school.

“Meeting the financial needs of our families would not be possible without the assistance of FACE. FACE has made it possible for families to access a Catholic education at Holy Name School where students learn in a faith-filled and academically rigorous environment. Those who support FACE are directly impacting the lives of students and their families.”

Principal Andrew Raposo of Espirito Santo School, also in Fall River, concurs.

“The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education has been a crucial partner to the success of our school,” he said. “The support that they offer our families to obtain a Catholic Education is so very important. The families that I speak to are so thankful that the FACE scholarship program exists and continues to do the great work that it does. The need continues to be great.”

FACE supports students attending one of 18 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Fall River, where they receive a values- and faith-based education in a high-quality environment dedicated to helping them reach their God-given potential.

Parishioners are asked to please consider supporting the 2024 FACE collection in their parish to help bring a Catholic education within the financial reach of additional families in the Diocese.

“Know that we are thankful for the support of our mission to educate the whole child,” said principal Raposo.

To make an online donation or to learn more about FACE, visit www.FACE-DFR.ORG.

John Kearns
John Kearns