Fall River Diocese Kicks Off Annual Catholic Charities Appeal

FALL RIVER – The Fall River Diocese has begun its 77^th annual Catholic Charities Appeal.

Proceeds from the appeal, which runs through June 27, will fund the charitable services and ministries that are offered by the diocese throughout Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts.

The theme of the 2018 appeal is “Sharing Faith and Hope.”

“‘Sharing Faith and Hope’ well reflects the work of the many programs, ministries and services sponsored by the Fall River Diocese to provide spiritual and material help,” wrote Bishop Edgar da Cunha in his letter on the appeal.

“Support of the appeal enables faith to be shared in diocesan pastoral care to the sick in all area hospitals, through campus ministry, youth and young adult ministry, prison chaplaincy, faith formation and other pastoral endeavors.

The appeal funds programs including basic needs assistance, food pantries, emergency shelters, transitional housing, adoption services, counseling and more. The diocese also provides outreach to immigrants, individuals with disabilities and those trying to rebuild their lives after serving prison sentences.

“The concept of sharing is central to the focus of the appeal, as it is central to our faith as Catholics who are aware of the obligation not only to recognize the needs of the vulnerable among us, but also to offer them assistance and help,” said Mike Donly, the Catholic Charities Appeal director.

Last year’s appeal raised $4.78 million.

Donations can be made at any diocese parish or online at www.frdioc-catholiccharities.org. They can be made through a one-time donation or through a pledge payable over a 10-month period. Donations can also be mailed to the Catholic Charities Appeal Office, PO Box 1470, Fall River, MA 02722.