FALL RIVER — For the Diocese of Fall River, this year has had special significance: it marks both the 120th anniversary of its establishment and the 10th anniversary of the installation of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., as its shepherd.

In conjunction with these milestones, the Diocese has published its second State of the Diocese of Fall River Report.

The online report provides an overview of the many ministries, services, and offices within the Diocese of Fall River. It includes details on their mission, a brief historical background, and notable recent achievements, and information from the most recent diocesan financial audit, among other highlights.

“This report highlights the many accomplishments from our first State of the Diocese Report in 2020, as well as additional achievements over the past decade,” explains Kevin R. Kiley, the Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Fall River. “It provides valuable insight into the mission, administrative, and financial aspects of our Diocesan organization.”

The State of the Diocese Report is available on the diocesan website and is being shared electronically through email and diocesan social media channels. The publication of the report, and the link to access it, will also be announced in parish bulletins and the diocesan paper, The Anchor.

The report features a message from Bishop da Cunha reflecting on his ten years of ministry as leader of the Diocese that encompasses the Catholic community across Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. He begins by expressing his “gratitude for the continued faithfulness, resilience, and dedication of the diocesan family” in a journey together “through periods of challenge, renewal, and transformation.”

The Bishop highlights accomplishments in several key areas where the Diocese has expanded efforts and deepened its engagement: clergy support; evangelization; vocational development; Catholic Charities; and Catholic education.

While acknowledging what has been achieved, Bishop da Cunha underscores that there is still much more to do.

The challenges we face are not just administrative or financial but deeply spiritual. We are called to be a Church that listens, a Church that heals, and a Church that continually seeks to reflect the love of Christ to a world in need.”

Bishop da Cunha

Bishop da Cunha asks for continued prayers and support to build on the foundation now in place, noting that contributions of time, talent, and treasure from all members of the diocesan family “remain essential in helping us carry out our mission in the coming years.”

Read the State of the Diocese of Fall River Report 2020-2024

Access the State of the Diocese of Fall River Report 2020-2024 in pdf format here.

A printed copy of the State of the Diocese Report is available upon request. Please email info@dioc-fr.org or write to the Chancellor’s Office, Diocese of Fall River, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720.

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