FALL RIVER — Building on strengths of two long-established, successful institutions, the Fall River Diocesan Central Catholic Schools Board has voted to create a new Preparatory Academy providing an improved curriculum to students at affiliate schools Coyle and Cassidy in Taunton and Bishop Connolly in Fall River in their home high schools.

The new Academy, approved Thursday (Feb. 15, 2019) by the Central Catholic Schools Board, will implement a personalized learning model that addresses the needs of diverse student populations, according to Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Steve Perla. Coyle and Cassidy High School and the Middle School are in the second year of implementing a personalized and blended learning model of instruction, which would be expanded to include Bishop Connolly students. It is a data-driven approach on which the Coyle and Cassidy educational team has been extensively trained by a leading expert, and which uses integrated technology, resulting in significantly higher levels of student achievement.

The Academy grows out of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha’s initiative, “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope!” Included in the improved curriculum will be the introduction of an innovative STEM education program. STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, is a progressive data-driven way to teach research skills, an underserved educational focus in Southeastern Massachusetts. More importantly, the STEM focus will pave the way for our graduates, young women and young men, to be extraordinarily well prepared for their futures, throughout their higher education and careers.

Bishop da Cunha said, “The introduction of STEM education environments into our Diocese, which is happening in Catholic schools across the country, means providing the knowledge and skill set for our graduates to change the world for the better by helping to solve many of the problems facing our world.”

Coyle and Cassidy President Bernard Audette, Ed.D., has achieved great success with a STEM program at a Catholic School in Worcester that became the third school in the state and the first Catholic school in Massachusetts to be accepted as a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM. A learning approach that results in higher levels of academic achievement,  STEM builds critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills resulting from students learning to work collaboratively, applying knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary way to real-world problems.

Central Catholic Schools Board President Roger Sullivan said, “This is an exciting time for our educational community. This new Academy will improve the entire school experience for Catholic secondary education in Taunton and Fall River, including the sharing of talent, building professional learning communities and joining forces to create robust co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for students.”

Perla explained that Kathy St. Laurent would become the Principal and Instructional Leader for the Academy. Bernie Audette would remain as the President for Coyle & Cassidy and Chris Myron would remain as the President for Bishop Connolly.

Perla said, “The Academy, which will allow both schools to maintain their individual identities while working together in important ways, providing families living along the Route 24 corridor with an exceptional school choice at two campuses in Southeastern Massachusetts.”

-end-

For more information, contact Judy Rakowsky at rakowsky@libertysquaregroup.com or by telephone at 617-695-0369 (office) or 617-512-1975 (mobile).

Diocese of Fall River
Catholic Schools Alliance
423 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA 02720
508-678-2828
www.CatholicSchoolsAlliance.org

FALL RIVER — Lent, the forty-day season of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese will mark the start of Lent with the traditional rite of distribution of ashes.

Ashes, symbolic of penance, are blessed and distributed on that day as a reminder that Lent is a time for repentance and spiritual renewal. Ashes are used to mark on the forehead of the faithful the Sign of the Cross, with the reminder: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

“The Church still reminds us, and the readings from the Liturgy during Lent confirm, that the Lord calls us and invites us during this time to a life of change and conversion,” says Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in a Lenten Message to Catholics in the Fall River Diocese. “The Scripture readings speak of beginning anew; of fasting, prayer and almsgiving; of conversion of heart; of forgiveness. They speak of the hardness of the human heart, they challenge us to love our enemies, and remind us that we are called to live a holy life.”

The Church calls for days of abstinence and fasting during Lent:

• Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for those aged 14 and older;
• Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those aged 18 through 59. Fasting is defined as eating only one full meatless meal. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs.

Those who are not obliged to fast or abstain from meat are encouraged to join in those disciplines to the extent that they are able.

Catholics are urged to regard the Lenten season as a serious time for spiritual renewal by intensifying prayer, practicing works of piety, and seeking out opportunities for charity.

Most parishes in the diocese provide additional liturgical services and/or programs as opportunities for spiritual growth during Lent, and in some deaneries -or geographic regions- of the diocese, parishes work together to sponsor multi -day or -evening retreats. Parishioners should check their parish bulletins for listings of such events.

“My prayer and my wish for all of us this Lent is to embrace the spirit of prayer, penance and sacrifice, to recognize our need for continuous conversion, and to pass onto the next generation these same values we received from our parents and grandparents,” says Bishop da Cunha in his message.

Read Bishop da Cunha’s Lenten Message

Bishop da Cunha’s 2019 Lenten Message

Another holy season of Lent is upon us. At this time of the year we look forward to a change of season and await the warmth of spring after a long and cold winter. Lent is a time for deeper reflection on the mystery of our Salvation as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

I am sure many of us feel that Lent is not what it used to be; that some among our Catholic population have lost the true meaning of Lent. We remember with some nostalgia when we were growing up, how Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent were special days of penance, prayer and sacrifice. The Church has not changed its teaching, nor has she lost the spirit of Lent, but our secularized world has influenced and affected our view of Lent.

The Church still reminds us, and the readings from the Liturgy during Lent confirm, that the Lord calls us and invites us during this time to a life of change and conversion. The Scripture readings speak of beginning anew; of fasting, prayer and almsgiving; of conversion of heart; of forgiveness. They speak of the hardness of the human heart, they challenge us to love our enemies, and remind us that we are all called to live a holy life.

This Sacred season of Lent is a great opportunity for families to spend more time together, to pray together and to teach their children the meaning of Lent, and to teach the importance of cultivating a spirit of sacrifice. I have heard parents say that they don’t want their children to go through what they went through. They want to give their children what they themselves could not have, in many instances because their parents could not afford. However, just because they now can afford to give material things to their children, things that they could not have, does not mean they are doing what is best for them. Parents do a great service to their children when they teach them discipline, show them the value of sacrifice, require them to do their share of work around the house, are able to say no when necessary, know how to put limits on the use of technology, teach them to care for others, and to share their resources with the poor and needy. Children who grow knowing the value of sacrifice, discipline and hard work, will grow to be better citizens and better Christians.

My prayer and my wish for all of us this Lent is to embrace the spirit of prayer, penance and sacrifice, to recognize our need for continuous conversion, and to pass onto the next generation these same values we received from our parents and grandparents. By doing this, we will be teaching future generations how to live and share the same values we treasure. I pray that we all may contribute to build a better world, to live in peace with each other, respecting and loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River

Access the Bishop’s Message in pdf form

FALL RIVER— This weekend (March 9-10), parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, and priests of the Fall River Diocese, were informed that Father Mark R. Hession was placed on leave from active priestly ministry because of conduct inconsistent with standards of ministerial behavior and in direct violation of the Code of Conduct for priests in the Fall River Diocese.  Father Hession was formerly assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church until August 2018, when he was reassigned to duties in the Diocesan Tribunal.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., made the decision to place Father Hession on leave based on complaints he received about inappropriate communications that Father Hession had sent to several adult parishioners.

As a priest placed on leave he is not permitted to exercise public ministry nor present himself as a priest in public settings.

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FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River is pleased to announce it has entered into a unique partnership with Villanova University’s Center for Church Management to offer an innovative two-year, online Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree designed to provide students with a high-level skill set in effective church management.

In addition, a 50 percent scholarship is available to any new students from the Diocese of Fall River.

“In our diocese, the number one priority is ‘Rebuilding in Faith and Hope’ and one of the ways we can do that is by giving our laypeople and clergy access to quality Church management and educational programs,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “I am excited about this opportunity with Villanova and the fruits it will bring. Partnering with Villanova University to provide an affordable Masters in Church Management degree will help us provide even better support to parishes, schools and ministries and hopefully attract additional new talent to work in our diocese.”

Kevin Kiley, Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Fall River will graduate from Villanova’s MSCM in May 2019.

“The program exceeded my expectations,” Kiley recently shared. “I was impressed by the thoughtful and engaging professors, practical yet rigorous content for church leaders, and the convenient on-line format.  It was also great to learn with a cross-section of students from across the globe.”

According to Matthew F. Manion, ’11 MSCM and faculty director for the Center for Church Management, Villanova is “committed to providing education and scholarship in the Augustinian Catholic tradition on strategic, management and temporal matters in service to leaders of Churches and other Christian ministries. It is an honor to partner with Bishop da Cunha, Kevin Kiley, and the Diocese of Fall River to strengthen the pool of leaders who can combine the mission of Jesus with sound management of the Church.”

Recently ranked the #2 online graduate business degree program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the MSCM program at VSB is designed to meet the needs of an international student body of church leaders and managers—including diocesan and parish finance roles, clergy and lay people serving in pastoral ministry roles who would like to provide greater value and support to their parish or diocese, and individuals who have worked in business professionally and want to transition to church work.

It is ideal for professionals who cannot take leave of their positions to relocate and pursue full-time study. The MSCM can be completed online in only two years of part-time study.

Villanova School of Business currently has similar partnership arrangements with the New York and Philadelphia Archdioceses and the Trenton, Paterson, and Camden Dioceses in New Jersey.

The first of its kind in the nation, VSB’s Center for Church Management is dedicated to serving the church through education and research. The Center offers a Master of Science in Church Management as well as several certificate programs and resources for Church management.

For more information, visit www.business.villanova.edu.

FALL RIVER — Every April, child- and youth-serving organizations — including many Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools — participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors from abuse. These efforts are part of the ongoing work of dioceses across the country to carry out the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

This year, the Fall River Diocese will offer a special Mass of Atonement, Prayer and Penance on Sunday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River to commemorate this special month-long observance.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass of Atonement, Prayer and Penance that will offer special intentions for the victims of sexual abuse.

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated April as Child Abuse Prevention month, and one of the highlights is a Mass of Atonement,” explained Deacon Joseph E. Regali, who is director of the Office of Safe Environment of the Fall River Diocese. “Other dioceses may call it another name, but typically the general name is a Mass of Atonement and it is dedicated to the survivors of child sex abuse and clergy sex abuse. I believe this is the first time in our diocese that we will be holding such a Mass.”

All are invited to attend the Mass.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, has revoked the original Decree regarding the closure of St. Anne Parish, Fall River, and has issued a new Decree. View the documents here.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, has decreed that Notre Dame Church in Fall River and Holy Cross and Holy Rosary Chapels, both also in Fall River, be relegated to profane but not sordid use. These actions were taken in accord with the relevant Canons of the Church’s Code of Canon Law. Relegation to profane use is a term used in Church law when a building is converted to secular uses and will no longer be used for Catholic liturgical worship.

To view the decree on Notre Dame Church, please click here.

To view the decree on Holy Cross Chapel, please click here.

To view the decree on Holy Rosary Chapel, please click here.

FALL RIVER — On Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., joined by priests of the Diocese, will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral – a celebration that includes the blessing of oils and the renewing of priestly promises. It will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, and all are invited to attend.

Oil is an ancient symbol of strengthening, healing and preparation and, following the homily in the Mass, Bishop da Cunha will bless the three oils to be used in the sacramental life of the Diocese during the year. The Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens consist of an olive oil and are blessed in the same way holy water is blessed. The Oil of the Sick is used for the anointing of all who are ill and in need of God’s healing; the Oil of the Catechumens is used for the anointing of infants, children and adults who are preparing for baptism.

The Mass takes its name from the third oil, the Sacred Chrism, the most eminent of the three. It is olive oil mixed with balsam, and it will be consecrated by the bishop during the Mass. The bishop will breathe on the oil, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Sacred Chrism is used in baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and the dedication and blessing of churches and altars.

The Chrism Mass is also a time for priests in the presence of the bishop and the faithful to renew their commitment to the ministry to which they were ordained. Bishop da Cunha will then ask the lay faithful present at the Mass to pray for their priests as well as for him in his service as diocesan bishop.

After the Mass, the oils are distributed to all parishes in the Diocese for their use throughout the year.

St. Mary’s Cathedral is located at 327 Second Street at the corner of Spring Street in Fall River.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, will celebrate the Fall River Diocesan Television Mass on Easter Sunday, April 21, at a special time. The TV Mass on Easter will expand to a full hour and will be aired from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on WLNE-TV, Channel 6.

It will be a delayed broadcast of the 10 a.m. Easter Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.

Music for the liturgy will be led by the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of organist Madeleine Grace.

“If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching; empty, too, your faith”
(I Cor. 15:14).

Thanks be to God for Easter!  We need the light, the joy, the Spirit of the Risen Lord to help us move forward in faith and hope.  When we look at the world around us and see violence, discrimination, division, injustice, we may be discouraged by all these evils and the bad news all around us every day.  We may be disappointed by the failings of our leaders, both civil and ecclesiastical; we may also be discouraged by the lack of commitment to the faith on the part of many people, especially the younger generation; we may be saddened by an alarming number who increasingly say that they no longer need to go to church or believe in God or feel the need to practice any religion; we may be disheartened by the suffering around us, maybe in our own lives or in our families and neighbors.  In the midst of all these negative aspects of our imperfect world, we may lose sight of what God has done and continues doing for us.  And so, it is the Resurrection of Jesus that gives us hope.

We may be discouraged by the prospect of a future where planet Earth, our common home, and all the natural resources in it, may be threatened and not readily available for future generations resulting in an unhealthy living environment.  We may be discouraged by a political system that fosters division in our own country; we may feel discouraged by the number of people who are losing their homes, are forced to flee their countries, causing family separation due to violence, war, poverty and political turmoil; people who have become refugees or unwelcome migrants.  In the midst of all these evils we may still find reason for hope because Jesus rose from the dead.

We may be saddened by the closing of our beloved churches, changes in our neighborhoods, the increasing number of deaths by young people from opioid overdose, but in the midst of all this we still can find joy because Jesus rose from the dead.

The Resurrection of Jesus impacts everything we say, everything we do and the way we live.  It reminds us that Jesus is the Son of God, our Messiah and Savior.  It makes Him credible, because everything He said and promised came true.  Let us listen to the witnesses of the Resurrection:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter and Mary Magdalene.  Let them remind us of what Easter is about.

Easter is an invitation for all of us to pass from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to grace, from slavery to freedom.  In the midst of anxieties, fears, disillusions and disappointments, we can find courage because Jesus rose from the dead.  My hope and prayer for all of you this Easter is that our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus will be as strong and as real as the Apostles experienced and proclaimed.

“If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all”
(I Cor. 15:19).

Sincerely yours in Christ

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River

Bishop’s 2019 Easter Message in pdf format

FALL RIVER — The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney will be visiting the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second Street in Fall River, on Easter Monday, April 22.

A special Liturgy to welcome the relic will be celebrated at 7 p.m. by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., followed by viewing and veneration of the relic until 10 p.m.

The relic will remain at St. Mary’s Cathedral for the following morning, April 23, with additional viewing and veneration hours from 7 to 11 a.m.

The Shrine of Ars in France has made this major first-class relic available for a national tour in the United States.

In Catholic tradition, a relic is an object associated with a saint that may be offered to the faithful for veneration. Since the soul of a saint is united with God in Heaven, an object associated with a saint is meant to draw a person closer to God.

The Knights of Columbus is hosting the tour and welcomes this special opportunity to view and venerate this relic of the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a model for clergy and laity alike.

Learn more about St. John Vianney in this week’s issue of The Anchor.

FALL RIVER–The 78th Annual Catholic Charities Appeal is underway in the Diocese of Fall River. Each year, the Appeal invites parishioners in the Diocese and community supporters to bear witness to the good works that together all make possible through their generous support. This year’s theme, “See All the People,” taken from a well-known nursery rhyme, is symbolic of the countless people who have benefitted from the agencies and apostolates of our Diocese committed to serving anyone in need, regardless of race, creed, nationality, gender, or economic status.

Since its inception in 1942, proceeds from the Appeal have provided the funding for the charitable services and programs sponsored by the Fall River Diocese. The Appeal’s reach is vast: donor support transforms the lives of tens of thousands annually, from Mansfield, Easton and the Attleboro’s, through the Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford areas, and extending all the way to Cape Cod and the Islands. This year’s Appeal runs from May 1 through June 30.

“Sacred Scripture reveals for us numerous accounts of Jesus’ special concern for the sick, the needy, the discouraged, and the disenfranchised,” said Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. In a letter in support of this year’s Appeal, Bishop da Cunha also writes, “When we work together to provide for those most in need in our Diocese, our Diocese grows stronger.”

Through the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Fall River Diocese is able to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in all phases of life – from children, to youth, to parents, to the elderly. The foremost agency funded by the Appeal is Catholic Social Services (CSS), which, since 1924, has been committed to improving the quality of life for those in need. The far-reaching efforts of CSS include basic needs assistance, food pantries, emergency shelters, transitional and supportive housing, adoption services, ESL and GED programs, care for those with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, and much more.

Other services and ministries financed by the Catholic Charities Appeal include ‘round-the-clock hospital chaplaincy, campus ministry, marriage preparation, retreats and programs for youth such as the Christian Leadership Institute and Pro-Life Boot Camp, support for our retired priests and seminarians, and the weekly Television Mass.

Mim Sherman, CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, explained that this year’s Appeal theme exhorts us to remember the Church is an institution that draws strength from people. “When we ‘See All the People’ who are actively engaged in the process of building a community dedicated to worship, fellowship, discipleship, mission, and sharing the good news of the gospel, we become inspired to help our neighbors in need,” she said. “This year’s Appeal theme demonstrates how the Church lives everywhere: in our parishes, as well as in classrooms and playgrounds; at our hospitals; in faith formation experiences; in the depth of experience and wisdom of our elder priests, and in the tangible energy of our young seminarians.”

The Catholic Charities Appeal has historically maintained a low administrative expense ratio: 94 cents of every dollar contributed is directed to the services and programs funded by the Appeal. The 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal raised $4.6 million, the third highest total in its history.

Additional information on this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal is available on its website: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/catholic-charities-2019/, including a video message from Bishop da Cunha and an overview of the many areas supported by the Appeal. All are encouraged to please check back in the days ahead as new content will be added, including a series of video testimonials and inspiring stories about those who have been helped by Appeal-funded services, and a summary of how philanthropic dollars raised through the Appeal have been distributed across the various ministries it supports.

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 www.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.

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointments and transfers:

Reverend Brian E. Albino, Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Fall River to Parochial Vicar of Saint John of God Parish in Somerset, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish and Saint Dominic Parish in Swansea, with residence at St. John of God rectory in Somerset

Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Avila, V.F., Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Falmouth and Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, while remaining Pastor of Saint Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth

Reverend Paul Bernier, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Somerset to Pastor of Saint George Parish in Westport

Reverend Jason Brilhante, Administrator of Saint John of God Parish in Somerset to Parochial Vicar of Saint Stanislaus Parish, Good Shepherd Parish, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, with residence at the Cathedral rectory, Fall River

Reverend Michael A. Ciryak, Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea to Parochial Vicar of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Saint Lawrence Martyr Parish and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford

Reverend David A. Costa, Pastor of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in North Attleboro and Saint Mark’s Parish in Attleboro Falls to Pastor of Saint Louis de France Parish in Swansea, Saint Thomas More Parish and Saint Patrick Parish in Somerset

Reverend James M. Fitzpatrick, Administrator of Saint Louis de France Parish in Swansea to Pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in Assonet

Reverend David C. Frederici, Pastor of Saint George Parish in Westport to Pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish in Dartmouth

Reverend Philip N. Hamel, Pastor of Saint Joseph-Saint Therese Parish in New Bedford to Pastor of Saint John of God Parish in Somerset and Saint Dominic Parish and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea

Reverend Dariusz Kalinowski, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport to Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro

Very Reverend Daniel W. Lacroix, V.F., Pastor of Saint Joseph-Saint Therese Parish in New Bedford, while remaining Pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish in New Bedford

Reverend Robert A. Oliveira, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Administrator of Saint Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford to Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River

Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, Administrator of Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro to Administrator of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport

Reverend Michael S. Racine, Pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in Assonet to Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford and Administrator of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford

Reverend Rodney E. Thibault, J.C.L., Pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish in Dartmouth to Pastor of Saint Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls, Sacred Heart Parish and Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in North Attleboro

Reverend Thomas Washburn, O.F.M., Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Pastor of Saint Stanislaus Parish and Good Shepherd Parish, while remaining Rector of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River

Reverend Riley J. Williams, Administrator of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet to Pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet

Effective June 26, 2019

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of:

Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Fitzgerald, Pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Somerset

Reverend Timothy J. Goldrick, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Falmouth

Reverend Kevin J. Harrington (will begin a 6-month sabbatical on June 26, 2019, and retire on December 26, 2019)

Reverend Arnold R. Medeiros, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth

Reverend Bruce M. Neylon, Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River

Reverend Joseph F. Viveiros, Pastor of Saint Dominic Parish in Swansea

Effective June 26, 2019 

 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointments:

Very Reverend Gregory A. Mathias, Vicar General to Director of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy, while remaining Pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown

Very Reverend Richard D. Wilson, J.C.L., Director of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy to Vicar General, while remaining Pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton and Minister to the Hispanic Community of Taunton

Effective June 26, 2019

FALL RIVER — In his two pastoral letters to members of the Fall River Diocese, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., presented his vision for renewing the Diocese (Rebuilding in Faith and Hope, 2017) and the process through which that would be done (Introducing Strategic Planning, 2018).

“As we move forward, parishes will begin a process of renewal designed to help them rebuild Spiritually and materially,” explained Bishop da Cunha in Rebuilding in Faith and Hope. “Most likely, parishes (especially those within close proximity) will be encouraged to collaborate with one another and perhaps to operate as partners or clusters.”

Last fall that planning began, and to date 29 of the Diocese’s 80 parishes are already engaged in a process that brings them together in small geographic groups to explore ways to collaborate and partner to help ensure a stronger future, together. Over the last six months several hundred parishioners from the parishes in these geographic groups have been planning for their collaborations. It’s enabled informed laity to help plan the way forward for their parishes.

Emerging in these planning groups as a viable administrative option is a model of “linked” parishes that would enable the sharing of resources and expenses while retaining the separate identity of each parish. With a linked structure, the two or more parishes in a particular group remain independent yet operate under one central administration.

Parishes in Falmouth, Somerset, Swansea, and one cluster of three in New Bedford launched strategic planning early on, and their planning teams are in the forefront of the process. These groups already proposed to Bishop da Cunha the administrative linkage of their parishes, and received his initial approval to continue their planning efforts using that structure. As proposed, linked communities of three parishes would be served by two priests, one as pastor, the other a parochial vicar or assistant.

All of this takes a big step forward with the announcement by Bishop da Cunha in this week’s issue of the diocesan paper, The Anchor (May 3, 2019), of his appointments of priests to serve these communities pioneering in this shared model often referred to as a “collaborative” of parishes in other dioceses in the country.

These appointments are as follows:

• Monsignor Stephen J. Avila as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Patrick Parishes in Falmouth while also remaining as pastor of St. Anthony Parish in East Falmouth; (an assistant priest will be named in the coming weeks)
• Father David A. Costa as pastor of St. Patrick and St. Thomas More Parishes in Somerset and St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea; (an assistant priest to be named)
• Father Philip N. Hamel as pastor of St. John of God Parish in Somerset; and St. Dominic and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes in Swansea; Father Brian E. Albino will serve as parochial vicar.
• Father Michael S. Racine as pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Parishes in New Bedford, and as administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New Bedford (Father Racine will be named Pastor of St. Francis when Father Harrington retires after his sabbatical). Father Michael A. Ciryak will serve as parochial vicar.

At the same time, Bishop da Cunha announced appointments for three additional groups of parishes where strategic planning efforts are in earlier stages:

• Father Dariusz Kalinowski as pastor of St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro; Father German Correa Agudelo will remain as parochial vicar
• Father Daniel Lacroix as pastor of St. Joseph-St. Therese Parish in New Bedford while remaining pastor of St. Mary Parish, also in New Bedford
• Father Rodney E. Thibault as pastor of St. Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls and of Sacred Heart and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parishes in North Attleboro; Father John M. Schrader will remain as parochial vicar

All of these appointments will become effective June 26.

In this new paradigm, each linked group will have a central administration with an appropriate staffing structure to assist its priestly leadership. Two key staff positions are proposed in this new model: a lay administrator (could also be a deacon or religious) to oversee temporal needs such as finances, human resources, buildings and grounds, and other non-ministerial administrative tasks; and a pastoral associate to oversee faith formation, parish ministries, evangelization programs, and liturgical planning.

As Bishop da Cunha explained, “This will allow our priests to be priests, freeing them from the day-to-day burdens of administration.”

Strategic planning within parish groups extends beyond administration to include new shared approaches with regard to worship and sacraments, adult formation, youth ministry and formation, and community outreach, and partnerships.

Within each newly created collaborative, a Coordinating Council with an equal number of representatives from each of the linked parishes will be assembled to advise the pastor and to help implement all of the goals of the entire strategic plan.

Bishop da Cunha has expressed his gratitude to all those who are contributing so much of their time and energy  to this extensive planning process, both clergy and lay alike, and he emphasizes that continued efforts are necessary to move from planning to implementation.

“This transformation in our Church will only happen if we are all in this together, building on our strong parish traditions and consolidating our human and financial resources,” he said in his communications with planning teams in the participating parishes.

While not all that common, neither the linked model nor a shared relationship between parishes is new to the Fall River Diocese. Four parishes were linked last fall to comprise the still evolving Central Catholic Community of Fall River and several parishes like those in the Attleboros have shared a pastor and some elements of their administration in recent years.

Learn more: Bishop da Cunha addresses priest transfers and retirements in this Q and A in this week’s issue of our diocesan paper, The Anchor

Read the complete list of clergy appointments, transfers and retirements here.

ACUSHNET — Diocesan seminarian Steven A. Booth (in photo) will be ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in the context of an 11 a.m. Mass this Saturday, May 11, in home parish church, St. Francis Xavier, in Acushnet.

As a deacon, he will be able to assist the priest at Mass and be an ordinary minister of the Eucharist, proclaim the Gospel and preach, baptize, and minister at other services.

His ordination to the transitional diaconate will begin the final leg of his journey toward the priesthood. It is anticipated that he will be ordained a priest next year.

Booth, 26, grew up in Dartmouth and is the son of Harry and Mary Ann Booth of that town. He is a graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School.

He has prepared for the priesthood at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, R.I. during which time he attended Rhode Island College and Providence College. Since his graduation from the latter, he has continued his studies at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. As a seminarian, he served summer assignments at St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis, and St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul Parishes in Attleboro.

Those interested in attending the ordination are urged to call the St. Francis Xavier Parish office at 508-995-7600 to get a ticket or leave their name, as space is limited.

FALL RIVER —Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will present the Pope Saint Pius X Youth Award to 56 young persons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese in the context of a prayer service at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River.

The annual award, named for the pontiff who created the Fall River Diocese in 1904 and presented for the first time in 2001, recognizes teens who serve their parish community with selflessness, commitment and dedication.

Nominated for the honor by their pastor, recipients are active in a variety of ministries and programs within their parishes. Some are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, teachers in parish religious education programs; others are altar servers, leaders in youth groups, and members of retreat teams.

Pope St. Pius X Youth Award recipients must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be at least a sophomore in high school and not older than 19. Recipients will participate in the award prayer service, offering readings, intercessory prayers and reflections.

Those honored with the 2019 Pope St. Pius X Youth Award and their parishes are listed below by deanery.

Attleboro Deanery

Grace A. Brown, Sacred Heart Parish, North Attleboro; Megan Connolly, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro; Matthew A. Correia, St. Mark Parish, Attleboro Falls; William Dalpe, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk; Bella DePietro, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro; Jacob M. Loncar, St. Mary Parish, Mansfield; William Smith, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Attleboro; Richard T. Stanton, St. Mary Parish, Norton; and Juliette J. Welter, St. Mary Parish, North Attleboro. 

Cape Cod  & Islands Deanery

Karissa Alfreres-Schoonmaker, St. Patrick Parish, Falmouth; Trever Blaze, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville; Christopher Bresnahan, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Max Cho, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Joshua Devlin, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; Kevin Duarte, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee; Aidan J. Goddu, St. Anthony Parish, East Falmouth; Emmanuelle M. Holmes, St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish, Nantucket; David Howell, Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich; Samantha Landry, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, North Falmouth; Keiran Norton, Our Lady of the Cape Parish, Brewster; and Killian Powell, St. Pius X, South Yarmouth.

Fall River Deanery

Ryan N. Affonso, St. John of God Parish, Somerset; Hanna M. August, St. John the Baptist Parish, Westport; Ashley A. Banalewicz, St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River; Christy Bogan, Holy Name Parish, Fall River; Nathan A. Botelho, Santo Christo Parish, Fall River; Miriam Cabral, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fall River; Reaghan Cadorette, St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset; Tory R. Durand, St. Louis de France Parish, Swansea; Avery Gluchacki, St. Bernard Parish, Assonet; Allyson M. Holding, Good Shepherd Parish, Fall River; Luke R. Johnson, Holy Trinity Parish, Fall River; Nathaniel Klein, St. Joseph Parish, Fall River; Caleb Martin, St. George Parish, Westport; Pedro Navarro, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Parish, Fall River; and Zachary Rogers, St. Michael Parish, Fall River.

New Bedford Deanery

Mikayla Amada, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, New Bedford; Taylor M. Alves, St. Julie Billiart Parish, Dartmouth; Athena Borges, St. Joseph Parish, Fairhaven; Eric Cardoza, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford; Claricela Carranza, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Bedford; Isaac Cowen, St. Mary Parish, Dartmouth; Jennifer E. Dias, St. Mary Parish, Fairhaven; Elayna R. Fernandes, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford; Jillian Fernandes, St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, New Bedford; Veronica C. Furtado, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford; Austin T. Lopes, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; Catherine A. Russo, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; and Erik G. Zine, St. Patrick Parish, Wareham.

Taunton Deanery

Abigail L. Cabral, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton; Thomas Canuel, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Martin Caron, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton; Michelle E. Gurley and Rosemary Gurley, St. Mary Parish, Taunton; Caitlyn C. Joyce, Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton; Joseph R. O’Connor, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; and Madeline Peckham, Holy Cross Parish, Easton.

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will ordain nine men to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the Fall River Diocese on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.

The deacon candidates come from various areas of the diocese. All work full-time in a variety of occupations, and, with the exception of one, all are married and have children.

They are members of the ninth class to be ordained as permanent deacons in the Fall River diocese, which encompasses Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

Those to be ordained are Richard J. Bisson, Sr., Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Keith R. Caldwell, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Gary L. Donahue, Holy Cross Parish, Easton; Kevin P. Gingras, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; David O. Harum, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro; George E. Hults, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Antonio M. Pimental Jr., St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; Paul D. Spearin, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; and Matthew T. Sweeney, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Attleboro.

They have been preparing for their ordination for the past five years.

“It has been a wonderful experience to witness the growth, joy and enthusiasm of the men in diaconate formation over the past five years,” said Father Robert A. Oliveira, who along with Deacon Frank R. Lucca is a co-director of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese.

“Navigating the waters of theological, spiritual and personal preparation has been demanding and the road of discernment is a lifelong process.”

Deacon is taken from the Greek word diakonia meaning service, and once ordained the new deacons will serve the diocese in various ways, depending on the nature of their assignments by Bishop da Cunha

“Service is the call, and I am confident that each of our new deacons has a heart filled with a deep sense of love and commitment to the Lord and His church,” said Father Oliveira.

“In the demanding times that we face as a church, I rejoice with great hope in the future ministries that each of our candidates will commit themselves to as they become generous ‘foot washers’ in the Lord’s service. We thank them for their courageous ‘yes’ to the Lord’s invitation to serve.”

Liturgically, deacons can officiate at baptisms, weddings, wake services and burial rites, proclaim the Gospel and preach, and distribute Holy Communion as an ordinary minister of the Eucharist.  Depending on the individual deacon’s abilities, he can be assigned to parish ministry or a particular field of service. Deacons are active in a variety of ministries including those to prison inmates, the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, and the youth.

The diaconate ordination on May 18 will be in the context of Mass, following the Gospel. It will include the rites of Calling and Presentation of Candidates for Ordination.

After ordination, accomplished by the laying of the bishop’s hands on the head of each candidate and a prayer of consecration, a member of each of the ordinand’s family will bring his vestments to the altar.  At the altar the vestments will be handed to assisting priests or deacons, who will then vest the new deacons.

The Fall River Diocesan Choir under the direction of Erik Thompson will provide music for the Mass. Family members of the newly ordained will bring up the gifts during the Offertory of the Mass.

Tickets have been distributed for the event; open seating space will be limited.

The Second Vatican Council recommended that the diaconate be restored as a permanent order in the modern Church.  Shortly after, Pope Paul IV declared that he would restore the diaconate in those countries that wished it, and in August of 1968, at the request of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he approved the permanent diaconate in this country.  In 1977 then Bishop Daniel A. Cronin began a deacon formation program in the Fall River diocese and in 1980 the first class of deacons was ordained. There are currently 48 active permanent deacons in the diocese and an additional 38 who though officially retired are involved in some ministry.

Brief biographical information on the candidates follows below:

Richard James Bisson, Sr., is a parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich. He and his wife, Rose Ann, have two sons. He is self-employed as an electrical contractor.

Keith Robert Caldwell is a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville. He and his wife, Janice, have two sons. He is a teacher at Barnstable High School.

Gary Leonard Donahue is a parishioner of Holy Cross Parish, South Easton. He and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters. He works as a lawyer with the U. S. Department of Justice.

Kevin Philip Gingras is a parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Taunton. He and his wife, Allison, have two sons and one daughter. He is a senior information analyst at Medical Information Technology.

David Olaf Harum is a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro. He and his wife, Kathleen, have one daughter. He works as a software systems manager.

George Eugene Hults is a parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich.  He and his wife, Mary, have one son. He works as a nuclear reactor operator at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station.

Antonio Mano Pimentel, Jr. is a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet.  He and his wife, Karen, have one son and one daughter. He is a senior director of risk technology at Santander Bank.

Paul David Spearin is a parishioner of St. Ann Parish, Raynham. He and his wife, Josephine, have one son and one daughter. He is an outpatient liaison at Community Counseling of Bristol County.

Matthew Thomas Sweeney is a parishioner of St. Theresa of the Child of Jesus Parish, Attleboro, and is single. He works as a Water Project Engineer at Pawtucket Water Supply Board.

MASSACHUSETTS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
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Braintree, MA 02184
617-746-5630

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A Statement of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts

The Massachusetts State Legislature will consider passing into law two deeply troubling bills this legislative session. They are identical in text but differ slightly in their titles. The first, (HB 3320) is “An Act removing obstacles and expanding access to women’s reproductive health”. The second, (SB 1209) is “An Act to remove obstacles and expand abortion access”. Combined they share the same acronym – ROE.

The supporters of these bills argue the proposed changes to Massachusetts law are simply intended to protect a woman’s right to an abortion in the event the United States Supreme Court overturns the 1973 decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. However, in reality these bills would create a significant expansion of current Massachusetts state law. More specifically, ROE would:

• Allow abortions during the nine months of pregnancy for virtually any reason.
• Eliminate any requirements that abortions be performed in a hospital.
• Eliminate the requirement that provides medical care to a child who survives an abortion attempt.
• Eliminate the requirement that a minor under the age of 18 have the consent of a parent, guardian, or the courts.
• Provide state funding for women who cannot afford the procedure.

In order to understand the serious moral questions raised concerning the protection of human life, the specific wording of the bills must be examined closely. For example, that examination is particularly significant while considering the language that would allow for an abortion in the third trimester of a pregnancy. The two bills state in part:

A physician, acting within their lawful scope of practice, may perform an abortion when, according to the physician’s best medical judgment based on the facts of the patient’s case, the patient is beyond twenty- four weeks from the commencement of pregnancy and the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or physical or mental health, or in cases of lethal fetal anomalies, or where the fetus is incompatible with sustained life outside the uterus. Medical judgement may be exercised in the light of all factors – physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the person’s age – relevant to the well-being of the patient.[1]

In just these two sentences, the bills would make extreme changes to Massachusetts law. In addition to aborting infants with fetal anomalies or where the fetus is incompatible with sustained life outside of the uterus, it allows physicians to perform abortions up until birth for a myriad of undefined reasons (ie: physical, emotional, psychological, familial, age) to protect a woman’s life, physical health or mental health. The result would become abortion on demand for the full term of pregnancy.

The Catholic Church has always upheld the dignity of human life and spoken out against abortion at all stages of pregnancy. As Bishops we are encouraged by the most recent statistics which clearly indicate that the rate of abortions in both this state and across the country has significantly decreased over the past 40 years. In fact, the rates today are 50% lower than the rates in 1980. However, at a time when the overall number of abortions have decreased, society cannot now accept such an egregious attack on human life as these bills would provide.

Therefore, we, the Roman Catholic Bishops of the four Dioceses of Massachusetts, call on our elected officials to carefully consider the consequences that these bills would bring to the lives of infants, parents, families and the citizens of the Commonwealth. We urge all people of good will, regardless of what faith they practice, to vigorously oppose these extreme measures.

His Eminence Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap.            Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Archbishop of Boston                                                 Bishop of Worcester

Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski                      Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Springfield                                                  Bishop of Fall River

[1] HB 3320, lines 27-33; SB 1209, lines 25-32

View letter in PDF-file format

Joseph Branco

NEW BEDFORD — Joseph Branco, a current assistant principal and former teacher and technology specialist in the Chesapeake (Virginia) Public Schools system, will become the new principal at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford, effective July 1.

His appointment was announced by Fall River Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Stephen A. Perla.

Originally from Tiverton, R.I., Branco served in the United States Marine Corps for 22-years before beginning teaching at the elementary level in Chesapeake in 2002. From the third- and later fourth-grade classroom he then moved into educational technology within the system, working with teachers to incorporate technology into their daily instruction. In 2010, he was named an assistant principala, first at Southeastern Elementary then the George W. Carver Intermediate School, where he now serves. In his capacity as assistant principal he has had as areas of focus special education and the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program for students with cognitive disabilities.

In an introductory letter to parents of Holy Family-Holy Name students, Branco said he is “humbled to have the opportunity to serve a school with such a rich Catholic education tradition!”

He explained his intention to continue the school’s “focus on spiritual development, character education initiatives, the use of data to drive instruction, and to provide the consistent implementation of a rigorous core skills curriculum so that we continue to increase the achievement of all students.”

Superintendent Perla is excited to welcome Branco to the Holy Family-Holy Name School community.

“Given Joe’s deep commitment to education and his extraordinary leadership abilities, we are confident that the school will continue to grow and provide a faith-filled and rigorous academic program for the children and families it serves,” he said.

Branco has also been very involved in religious education in and around the Chesapeake area, teaching various grade levels at two parishes and serving as a senior catechist in programs in the Richmond, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina dioceses.

He holds a master’s degree in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership-Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

He is married and the father of three.

At Holy Family-Holy Name School, Branco will succeed interim principal Marianne McGlynn who will return to her previous assistant principal post.

Diocese of Fall River
Catholic Schools Alliance
423 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA 02720
508-678-2828
www.CatholicSchoolsAlliance.org