2017 Catholic Charities Appeal Raises Record $4.78M Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 4 Aug 2017 Share FALL RIVER — For the third consecutive year of his tenure as Bishop of Fall River, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has presided over a record-breaking Catholic Charities Appeal. The faithful of the Fall River Diocese have responded to the challenge of “Whatsoever you do…” with commendable generosity. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 remind us to see anyone in need as an opportunity to express our faith in action. The final result of the Catholic Charities Appeal was another record amount to fund the social ministries of the diocese. The books have closed on the 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal for the Diocese of Fall River and the results were $4,785,415.89! The total was the highest in the 76-year history of the Appeal. This total was $155,000 more than last year’s record, which increased by $300,000. This means that Bishop da Cunha’s three years have seen an increase of more than $500,000 to the annual Appeal. Although figures for the number of donors in each of the 82 parishes are not yet complete, it appears that more than 32,000 individuals and businesses were moved to support the diocese. The Appeal proved compelling enough to inspire sacrificial giving once again. “We are enormously grateful for the hard work and week-by-week advocacy that our pastors and parish leaders put into this annual appeal,” said Jim Campbell of the Catholic Charities Appeal office. “Without their example and the strong message of encouragement from our bishop, we would have had far less success.” The results of the Appeal showed some strong accomplishments across the diocese – 39 parishes had increases over their Appeal total from last year, with seven parishes exceeding 10 percent increases, and two more than 40 percent. St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield became the first parish in the history of the diocese to raise more than $200,000. They finished at more than $204,000 – a six percent increase! “There are several factors that distinguish our Appeal in the mind of our donors,” Campbell added. “Once again Bishop da Cunha narrated each Appeal video in three languages, bringing a personal touch that matters to many of our faithful. We also based our message around a Scriptural theme and tried to make the video more of a visual sermon. This is based on feedback we received from previous Appeals. We also used social media and the Internet more than ever before to spread our message. “There is genuine respect for the work being done on behalf of the poor by the Diocese of Fall River in meeting the needs of those it ministers to. The agencies and apostolates are well-received and highly-regarded in their communities. As always, our pastors are the most important link in connecting Catholic social teaching with the imperative to help. Lastly, we are very proud of the sound stewardship which has always been a benchmark of the Appeal.” Bishop da Cunha, as he reflected on this wonderful result, commented: “I am so proud of our priests and the lay leaders in every parish who worked so diligently on behalf of the poor. These results, along with the progress we have made in securing philanthropic support for our schools, indicate the well of generosity is deep and plentiful among our people. The response of a great number of people, parishes, and businesses in the Diocese of Fall River to our annual Appeal demonstrates an abiding love of neighbor expressed in prayer and action.” Visit the Catholic Charities Appeal Website for the Listing of Parish Appeal Totals Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Uncategorized Related Posts In the News 16 Jul 2015 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal Raises Record $4.5 Million Feed the Hungry, Shelter the Homeless, Comfort the Sorrowful, in His Name: It’s What We Do was selected as the theme for the 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal, and donors responded … Read More In the News 21 Jul 2016 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal Raises Record $4.6 Million FALL RIVER– Once again the faithful of the Fall River Diocese have responded with extraordinary generosity to the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal. With the Vatican Year of Mercy as the … Read More In the News 26 Apr 2016 75th Catholic Charities Appeal Begins withInvitation to Open Your Heart to Mercy FALL RIVER – As the Church worldwide responds to Pope Francis call for a special Year of Mercy, the Fall River Diocese begins its annual Catholic Charities Appeal on May … Read More