FALL RIVER–The 78th Annual Catholic Charities Appeal, which supports the many agencies assisting those in need throughout the Diocese of Fall River, has reached its halfway point. As of the end of May, the Appeal just passed the $2 million mark, with one month remaining in the annual campaign.

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.

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 the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD), a program of Catholic Social Services. The OPD assists persons with disabilities, their families, and caretakers throughout the Diocese of Fall River. They serve people of all ages and all types of disabilities, through case management, advocacy, referral and information services, benefits applications, and more.

The video features Jerry Smith, who was paralyzed in a car accident in his twenties and turned to the OPD for help. A webpage telling Jerry’s story, along with statistics for the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the video, can be viewed on the Appeal website: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/jerry/. The website is updated regularly, so please visit it 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