Stronger Priests and the Season of Giving

A Time for Fortitude: Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church

We recently learned of the passing of a 33-year-old priest in Iowa, Father Dennis Conway, who tragically took his own life. Father Conway was reportedly struggling with mental illness, but this news reminds us of the challenges some priests face: loneliness and exhaustion. Priests, in particular those who serve tirelessly in their parishes, are committed to being present in our lives, but without the proper care and support, that commitment to serving the faithful can take an overwhelming toll on them. Amid this news, the Diocese was already developing a plan to better care for our priests. We acknowledge that we must take action to respond to the changing realities facing our priests.

At Masses this past weekend, pastors shared with the faithful of the Diocese a new pastoral letter I just bublished. I introduced the letter to our priests at a gathering last Wednesday. This pastoral letter, A Time for Fortitude, announces a new endeavor to care for and strengthen the ministry of our priests and our parishes. This “The Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative,” is a three-year effort to strengthen the diocesan priesthood and direct diocesan and parish resources towards these ambitious goals. 

Our priests experience many transformative moments in their ministry. Amid those joys are also struggles. They work tirelessly to provide spiritual care for the faithful. 

However, these realities do not mean we shouldn’t look clearly and courageously at some of the severe struggles and trials many priests face. It is naïve to view priests as individuals alone without reference to the broader context of priest morale, ecclesial relationships, and the community. Not only are humans social by nature, but, more importantly, we are connected as the Mystical Body of Christ – the Church (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-31).

There are several struggles our priests endure. They include:

1. Repercussions from their own unhealthy family dynamics. They enter the priesthood with their own life struggles and family woundedness.
2. Priest shortages and higher workload and stress.
3. Often unrealistic expectations to fulfill their ministerial responsibilities
4. Isolation. 30 years ago, priests would live in a fraternal setting offering mutual support. Due to the priest shortage, priests often live alone in isolation. 
5. Trends in the Church such as declining Mass attendance
6. The lingering impact of the sexual abuse scandal
7. Continued secularization

“Having taught priests over 30 years, having lived with priests, and having labored for them, loving them and suffering with them – no words I can use would be too strong to state that the Catholic Priesthood needs prayer and sacrifice as never before since Calvary. One saint after another has declared that the devil’s principal target on earth is the Catholic Priest. Priests need, Lord how they need, special graces from God.” -John Hardon, S.J.

As I wrote in the Pastoral Letter, doing nothing is not an option. The purpose of this effort is to meaningfully address organizational and individual obstacles impacting the successful and healthy ministry of our priests through six priorities between 2025 and 2027. They include:

Diocesan-Centric:

1. Pastoral Planning
2. Parish Ministry
3. Presbyteral Culture

Priest-Centric:

1. Priestly Well-being & Holiness
2. Personal & Ministerial Training and Standards
3. Vocations & Seminarian Formation 

We are launching this initiative because we believe priests who thrive personally and ministerially can lead thriving and vibrant parishes. Such a process will result in priests prepared for success for years amid a new positive ministerial environment where the faithful can encounter Christ more readily.

The faithful have an explicit role in this effort, and I pray and hope you will respond. 

First, embrace fortitude for the process. Secondly, pray for the success of this effort by participating in a Spiritual Bouquet for its intention. Finally, take leadership and action through participation in this initiative and supporting priests through the Spiritual Bouquet. Visit this page on the Diocesan website for more information – in English, Spanish, and Portuguese –  or to indicate how you will support your priests.

As we begin the A Time for Fortitude: Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church initiative, my visits with the priests of the Diocese remind me of the need to support those who have dedicated their lives to Christ and His Church. I welcome these opportunities to spend time with our priests, learning about their vibrant parishes, fulfilling ministries, and the challenges they encounter. 

Father Conway’s passing was indeed a tragedy. Together, let’s work to provide and care for our priests and ensure they thrive in their ministry and their lives so that your parishes may also thrive. 

Saint John Vianney, pray for our priests, seminarians, and those in formation.

Serving the Shepherds and Those in Need

Amid the shopping during Advent and Christmas, many include support for local charities. Here are two Diocesan charities for your consideration.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River: Gift of Giving Program 

Poverty, food insecurity and housing challenges persist for many in our area. Families in need throughout the Diocese need your help.The Gift of Giving Program sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River returns for Christmas this year to provide these families some help during the Christmas season. The goal for this year is $17,500 which provides the child of each family in a Catholic Charities program a $50 gift card from Amazon, Target or Walmart.. You can also adopt a family – more than 70 have already contacted Catholic Charities asking for assistance –  including those who will spend Christmas in a shelter. 

These gift cards will be shared with local families in need so they may purchase those items they actually need. We’ve referred to this as affording families “the dignity of choice.” 

If you are interested in donating a gift card or adopting a family, please contact Catholic Charities by Sunday, December 15. You can also make a donation on Catholic Charities’ website. Gift cards can also be dropped off or mailed to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fall River, 1600 Bay St., Fall River, MA 02724.

Serving the Shepherds Fund

This fund was launched to support all priests through donations, prayer or expressions of appreciation. Donations to the Serving the Shepherds Fund provide resources, mentorship, and financial assistance for priests, ensuring they have the support they need to bring Christ to the faithful. 

Your support of the Serving the Shepherds Fund also supports seminarians’ education, professional development for active clergy, and resources for retired priests who are also burdened by rising living and healthcare costs. The Fund, administered by the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, invites parishioners to honor the past, present, and future of the priesthood. To learn more, visit the website or contact the Catholic Foundation at 508-675-1311.

Thank you for considering families in need and our priests and seminarians during this season of giving.

Sincerely,

Bishop da Cunha