Faith that Connects Us and Calls Us to Care

Connected to God and One Another

Last Saturday, we held our annual Catholic Youth Day here in the Diocese of Fall River. It brought together hundreds of young people from parishes across the Diocese for a full day of guest speakers, prayer, music, games, food, and fellowship. The event gave our junior high and high school students a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate their faith. The day had palpable energy and enthusiasm, and I enjoyed being part of it.
 
I celebrated Mass to begin the day and, in my homily, focused on the need to be “Connected,” the theme of this year’s program.
 
I explained that the human brain has two hemispheres or sides, each associated with different functions. The left hemisphere is generally linked to analytical reasoning, while the right is more often associated with creativity, intuition, and relationships. I acknowledged that I was simplifying a complex subject in order to make a broader point: we need to engage both sides of our brains to flourish. I then asked the young people: Which side of your brain is working harder these days?
 
I suggested that constant engagement with cell phones and screens often favors analytical and information-processing functions, with significantly less time for personal interaction, prayer, creativity, and other important aspects needed for full human development. I encouraged them to nurture these capacities as they mature. Talking with family and friends, appreciating the beauty of the world around us, attending church, and practicing our faith all help us remain connected to God and to one another.
 
I am concerned that, for all of us, young and old alike, there is a growing temptation to be connected only virtually. Yet growing in faith, deepening our relationship with God, and building strong family bonds and friendships require genuine human encounter. Without such real-life connection, we risk becoming emotionally disconnected from one another.
 
At the beginning of my homily, I asked the Youth Day participants to remember four words from St. Paul that appeared in the first reading at Mass: faith, love, thanks, and wisdom. Later, I returned to those words, noting they would be associated with right side brain functions. These words reflect qualities that develop and thrive through connections; through relationships with God and others. More importantly, they must be essential elements of our lives and our journey of faith.

A Time of Payer and Renewal for Our Priests

This week, I am gathering with my brother priests from across the Diocese for our Presbyteral Convocation. Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston will lead our reflections on “Fashioned After His Own Heart: A Reflection on the Riches Hidden in the Heart of Jesus.” This gathering gives us time to pray together, strengthen our bonds as brother priests, and renew ourselves for the ministry entrusted to us. Please keep us in your prayers during these days. I look forward to sharing more about our time together in next week’s blog.

Faith at the Heart of Learning

Last week, I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass with the Bishop Stang High School community. Each fall, I like to visit each of our high schools and offer Mass for the students, faculty and staff. Later this week, I’ll be at St. John Paul II School and in November at Bishop Feehan High. Visits to our Catholic schools remind me of the difference an education rooted in the Gospel can make in a young person’s life. They also remind us of our shared responsibility to make Catholic education accessible to more families who want it for their children.

FACE Fall Dinner Reminder

With November only a few days away, I invite you to support the FACE Fall Dinner and its work to help families afford a Catholic education. Your generosity makes a difference for students across our Diocese. I hope you will join us for an evening in support of this important mission!

Gathering to Pray for Those Impacted by Mental Health

Our next Mental Health Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 24, at 4 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. All are welcome as we pray for those living with mental health challenges, their families, and those who care for them. Please join us in offering prayer and support to those who may be struggling.

Thank you for following my blog and know of my blessings for you and your loved ones.

+Bishop da Cunha