Hope Shines Bright Throughout the Diocese Thanks to Thousands of Catholic Appeal Donors
The faithful of the Diocese of Fall River have again answered the call to support the annual Catholic Appeal and propel the work of ministries and apostolates shining the light of Christ to all corners. In doing so they have helped to raise nearly $4.2 million and spread hope to thousands of individuals and families in need, providing sustenance to corporeal and spiritual works and strengthening the Church in our region. “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).
For more than 80 years, this proud history of giving has been a sustaining force. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (formerly Catholic Social Services), the Secretariat for the New Evangelization, the Office of Pastoral Ministry for the Sick, and the Catholic Schools Office are a few of the benefiting entities. Together, they provide services from addressing hunger and homelessness, to diaconate and seminarian education, to TV mass offerings for the homebound, to comforting those who are infirm in our area hospitals, to support for retired clergy, to educating the next generation, and more.
“The Catholic Appeal’s donors help to create a beautiful quilt of kindness, opportunity, and compassion each year,” shares CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts Mim Sherman. “Each square represents a tangible difference to be made in the lives of so many and the resources made available. We are both proud and humbled to partner with our priests and parishes each year to create this opportunity for giving and uniting to advance the Catholic faith in action here in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.”
The Diocese of Fall River’s many agencies, ministries, and programs strive to meet significant needs. Over the course of the year, the demand for them remains strong. The faithful may continue to support our brothers and sisters at any time.
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
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.
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.