{"id":46381,"date":"2026-09-16T12:26:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T16:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/?p=46381"},"modified":"2026-09-16T12:26:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T16:26:49","slug":"forming-leaders-celebrating-faith-nurturing-vocations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/es\/bishops-blog\/forming-leaders-celebrating-faith-nurturing-vocations\/","title":{"rendered":"Forming Leaders, Celebrating Faith, Nurturing Vocations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Inspiring a Community of Lay Leaders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In a sure sign that fall is approaching, the Diocese hosted our annual Parish Leadership Convocation on Saturday for catechetical leaders, teachers and volunteers as they prepare to begin a new year of programs in our parishes.  We gathered at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, and it was my pleasure to celebrate Mass to begin the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our Gospel from Luke 6:43-49, the evangelist recounts these words of Jesus to his disciples: \u201cA good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.\u201d I love trees, particularly the majestic sequoia, and I explained that, contrary to what one might expect, these massive trees do not have deep roots. Rather, their roots spread outward over a wide area and intertwine with one another, providing strength and support. Their interconnected root systems help keep these giant trees alive, growing, and strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lesson applies readily to our own lives. None of us is meant to journey alone, nor should we desire to do so. We benefit from being part of a family, a parish, and a community. Through these relationships, we support one another and are ourselves supported. Our interconnectedness helps us remain strong, resist temptation, and endure the unavoidable challenges we face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is usually easy to tell when a tree is healthy and bears good fruit. I told those gathered at the Convocation that, when it comes to living and sharing our faith, we too should be recognized as authentic witnesses. Authenticity cannot be manufactured. St. Paul VI observed that modern people listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. I reminded them that, more than ever, the world needs authentic witnesses who speak from the heart about the values we hold, the dignity of every person, and the faith that sustains us. In doing so, we fulfill the mission entrusted to us at Baptism: to share the Good News with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Convocation program, I had another opportunity to speak, turning to a very different topic: brain lateralization, concerns about our rapidly growing dependence on technology, and the need to preserve genuine human connection and presence. It is too much to summarize here, but you can read about my talk, along with the presentation by Acts XXIX of Detroit, in this week\u2019s Anchor e-newsletter and on its website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrating 60 Years of Faith at Holy Cross Parish<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It was a joy to celebrate Mass with the faithful of Holy Cross Parish in Easton <\/a>as the community marked its 60th anniversary. Since its establishment, the parish has been faithfully served by priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which also sponsors nearby Stonehill College<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am grateful to the parish\u2019s current pastor, Father Brad Metz, C.S.C., and to all who have helped build this vibrant community of faith over the past six decades. May God continue to bless Holy Cross Parish and guide its people for generations to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Called to Serve II: More Reflections from Our Seminarians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Last week, we heard from three of our seminarians about the people, experiences and moments of grace shaping their journeys toward the priesthood. Their reflections reminded us that every vocation unfolds in its own way and in God\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week, we continue the series with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n