With a heart full of gratitude and hope, we have embarked on the 85th Annual Catholic Appeal, “Hope Lights the Way.” This theme reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, the light of Christ continues to guide us and inspire us to be instruments of His love and mercy in the world.
In this Jubilee year, we are called by Pope Francis to be Pilgrims of Hope. Hope dwells in each of our hearts, with the desire and expectation of good things to come despite uncertainty about the future. That uncertainty can be a source of anxiety and discouragement, overshadowing the many ways Jesus showed us to be the light for those around us. God challenges us to move away from the darkness by nurturing hope in our hearts and minds and to follow Jesus’ example by sharing that hope with others. Even in times of unrest, we are stronger individually and as a community when we embrace and proclaim, “Hope Lights the Way.”
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Throughout our Diocese, the ministries and programs supported by the Catholic Appeal are beacons of hope to those most in need, and gifts to the Appeal make this work possible. The Diocese and its ministries work tirelessly to serve our neighbors, build a stronger and more compassionate community, and bring Christ’s message of love and hope to all corners of our Diocese. Pope Francis reminds us of all that we are called “to imitate the God of love, opening up glimmers of light wherever we can, with whomever we meet, in any context.”
The contributions from so many Diocesan faithful enable a broad range of initiatives that provide services to priests, parishes, and schools and care, comfort, and opportunity to countless individuals and families. By helping us spread the love of Christ through evangelization, offering food to the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick, supporting priests, or strengthening catholic education, your contribution lights the way for those struggling.
Your donation, regardless of size, helps us continue this vital work. By giving, you are joining a community of believers committed to shining Christ’s light across our Diocese. Your generosity will touch lives, restore dignity, and offer hope to those who need it most.
I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this year’s Catholic Appeal. As you do, remember that your gift is not just a donation – it is an expression of love that will help light the way for many facing hardships. Together, we can continue to bring hope to all we serve in Christ’s name.
With deep gratitude and blessings,
Most Reverend Edgar M. da
Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
Bishop of Fall River
WAYS TO GIVE
DONATE OR PLEDGE ONLINE
Make a one-time donation or monthly pledge using a credit card or bank transfer quickly and securely.
DONATE BY CHECK
Please mail to:
CATHOLIC APPEAL –
DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER
P.O. BOX 237
KENSINGTON, CT 06037-0237
Include your home parish details
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO GIVE
IRA DISTRIBUTION
For an IRA Distribution to provide maximum advantage to donors, it must come directly from the financial institution to the Catholic Appeal.
Critical information the donor will need to provide to their financial institution:
Tax ID: 04-3000709
Legal name: ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF FALL RIVER
Fund to direct gift: Catholic Appeal
Address to direct check: 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Donor Advised Funds (DAF) allow you to support the Catholic Appeal with the benefits of tax deductions and flexibility.
Critical information the donor will need to provide to their financial institution:
Tax ID: 04-3000709
Legal name: ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF FALL RIVER
Fund to direct gift: Catholic Appeal
Address to direct check: 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
Please include Home Parish details.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Though your broker will be making the transfer, it is important that you to notify us about your donation by visiting www.catholicfoundationsema.org/gifts-of-stock and completing the electronic form or downloading and completing the PDF form and emailing to cduggan@catholicfoundaionsema.org to ensure that we track and acknowledge your gift properly.
Legal Name: Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
EIN: 82-5093066
DTC Participant #: 0015
Foundation Account #: 569-014500
Gift instructions: For the benefit of (“FBO”) the Catholic Appeal
MATCHING GIFTS
If you’ve made a gift to the Catholic Appeal, you may be eligible to apply for a matching gift through your employer or your spouse’s employer. Some companies even match retiree donations. Check with your human resources office for details.
CATHOLIC APPEAL VIDEOS
JOIN THE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY
When you make gifts or pledges totaling $1,000 or more to the annual Catholic Appeal and/or the Serving the Shepherds Fund within an Appeal year, you are recognized as a member of The Cornerstone Society. Through their loving support, society members provide the Diocese of Fall River with much-needed funds to advance our mission of carrying out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy for all those in need.
Members of The Cornerstone Society take a leadership role in upholding all of our important ministries, programs, and apostolates while embodying the great virtues the New Testament calls for in all Christians: faith, hope, and love. They receive a variety of offerings to welcome them into a circle of supporters for whom we are incredibly grateful:
$10,000+ Tower of Joy
Members receive invitations to a special Mass and dinner with Bishop da Cunha as well as to the annual Chrism Mass; a special message from Bishop da Cunha with a thank-you gift; an acknowledgement letter recognizing membership in the society; and Christmas greetings from Bishop da Cunha.
$5,000-$9,999 Parapet of Love
Members receive an invitation to the annual Chrism Mass; a special message from Bishop da Cunha with a thank-you gift; an acknowledgement letter recognizing membership in the society; and Christmas greetings from Bishop da Cunha.
$2,500-$4,999 Beam of Hope
Members receive a special message from Bishop da Cunha with a thank-you gift; an acknowledgement letter recognizing membership in the society; and Christmas greetings from Bishop da Cunha.
$1,000-$2,499 Pillar of Faith
Members receive a special message from Bishop da Cunha with a thank-you gift and an acknowledgement letter recognizing membership in the society.
To learn more about The Cornerstone Society, please email: giving@catholicfoundationsema.org
or call 508-675-1311.
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR GIFT?
The Catholic Foundation team is here to answer any questions you may have about giving.
Email info@catholicfoundationsema.org or call 508-675-1311.