FALL RIVER–The 78th Annual Catholic Charities Appeal has raised $3 million to date, with just two weeks remaining in the annual campaign, which ends on Sunday, June 30. There is still time to make a gift in support of the many agencies assisting those in need throughout the Diocese of Fall River.

Each year, the Appeal invites parishioners of the Diocese and community supporters to bear witness to the good works that all make possible, together, through their generous support. This year’s theme, “See All the People,” is symbolic of the countless people who have benefitted from the agencies and apostolates of our Diocese committed to serving anyone in need. Since 1942, the Appeal has helped meet the spiritual and corporal needs of individuals and families throughout the Diocese: from the Attleboro’s, Mansfield, Taunton, and the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas, to Cape Cod and the Islands.

This year people have the opportunity to see a series of videos on specific ministries receiving much-needed support through gifts to the Appeal. The series continues this week with a video dedicated to faith formation, featuring Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), a six-day program offered each summer at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown. Parishes and Catholic high schools throughout the Diocese can submit applicants for CLI, which is open to any teen demonstrating exceptional maturity and leadership, as well as the potential to take on key roles within their schools, parishes, and communities. Participants in CLI develop skills and a deepened commitment to their faith, so they can become our next generation of leaders within the Church. Donations to the Catholic Charities Appeal help defray the cost to attend CLI.

The video features Mikayla Amadi, a Bishop Stang High School student and parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford. A participant in last year’s CLI, Mikayla talks about the importance of faith formation in the lives of young people. A webpage telling Mikalya’s story, along with 2018-2019 statistics for faith formation and the video, can be viewed on the Appeal website: catholicfoundationsema.org/mikayla. Please visit the website for more Appeal news and highlights in the weeks ahead.

Contributions to the Catholic Charities Appeal may be made either through a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. Donations may be mailed to the Catholic Charities Appeal office, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720, made online at givefrdiocese.org/cca19 or dropped off at any parish in the Diocese. Please contact the Catholic Charities Appeal office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River