Answering the Call: How Laity are Supporting Priests and Parishes

The Value of Parish Councils: Lay Leadership

Over the past several weeks, I have been encouraged by the energy and dedication at the four Parish Council Workshops held across the Diocese. These gatherings brought together 190 parish leaders from 50 parishes, united in a common effort to better serve Christ and His Church through parish councils.

What is a parish council? It is a lay advisory body that assists the pastor in supporting the life and mission of the parish. These councils help pastors recognize and understand the needs of the parish community, providing invaluable support in planning, communication, and accountability. There are actually two kinds of parish councils,  Pastoral Councils and Finance Councils. 

The parish council members who attended these workshops explored ways to better support your priests and parishes. They were valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. And that is exactly what happened. In each training, the work of the Holy Spirit was evident as inspired lay leaders committed to the strength of their own parish communities, but also to the wider Church throughout the Diocese. These councils play an essential role in parish life and recognize that the pastor is one person who does much in his ministry to the people of his parish, but welcomes lay assistance and support.   

One attendee who attended the Attleboro/ Taunton Workshop shared, “The parish workshops create great opportunities for people in their specific parish to exchange ideas with other parishes to see what has worked elsewhere and to see how they can make their own parish more vibrant. All of us now realize that our Pastors can’t do it all. They need faithful lay people to bring a different mindset and cooperation to make parish life alive and prosperous.”

Likewise, an attendee of the New Bedford workshop reflected, “One take away…no one had ever thought to ask our pastors what keeps him up at night and how we can help. The idea of a more accessible and visible council was well received where parishioners can raise issues, questions and concerns…many times it is easier to raise an issue with a fellow lay person. The idea of collaboration with other councils and more sessions like these were also raised by our group.” 

I am convinced that the parish community benefits in significant ways  when parish councils are meaningfully engaged with the parish and pastor. These recent workshops demonstrated the commitment of council members, and I am grateful to our pastors who encouraged their lay leaders to participate. I would also like to thank our Diocesan staff who planned these training sessions.

Let us continue walking together, guided by faith and committed to excellence, as we strive to fulfill our mission of proclaiming the Gospel and building up the Body of Christ here in the Diocese of Fall River.

One Step Closer to the Permanent Diaconate Ordination

Last evening, I was very pleased to install 11 men  into the Ministry of Reader at St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth. It was an important celebration for both these men and our diocesan church. The men are in formation for the Permanent Diaconate and have spent the past three years preparing for this moment.

The Ministry of Reader entrusts the candidates with proclaiming the Word of God as they continue their journey toward ordination. They will now begin the final two years of formation, growing in faith, knowledge, and in service to the Church.

I ask you to join me in praying for these men, their families, and those who support their call to serve. May the Lord bless them as they continue this sacred path:

Paul Edward DeMeo, St. Joseph Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth

Peter DeTerra, St. Joseph’s Parish, Fairhaven

Mark Paul Fanzoni, Holy Cross Parish, Easton

Juan Christian Galli, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford

James Ian Johnston, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown

David Brian Lima, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton

George Joseph MacKoul, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee

John Ross O’Neill, Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, North Attleboro

Marcos Xavier Echevarria-Parrilla, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Bedford

Mariano Manuel Pimentel, St. John of God Parish, Somerset

Joseph Michael Sollecito, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton

A Final Appeal to Help Those in the Greatest of Need

As we enter the final week of the Catholic Appeal, I want to take a moment to thank all who have already given so generously. Your support makes it possible for our diocesan ministries to serve those in need and share the love of Christ across Southeastern Massachusetts. If you haven’t yet made a gift, I invite you to join us in this important mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide for those in need and strengthen our parishes and our diocesan family.

Sincerely,

Bishop da Cunha