Gifts to the Catholic Appeal help fund more than a dozen agencies and apostolates that assist and minister to more than 100,000 individuals and families across the Diocese of Fall River. An overview of some of these agencies and their important work follows.
Catholic Charities
Since 1924, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River has been committed to improving the quality of life for those in need by providing comprehensive social and human services including basic and emergency needs, homelessness, assistance with immigration issues, housing and residential services, mental health ministry, foreclosure help, citizenship services, and much more. Catholic Charities works with persons of all faiths and cultures in the Spirit of God’s universal love to advance human dignity and promote social justice, truth, and solidarity in our community.
Bereavement Support Group
Catholic Charities offers a Bereavement Support Group to help people cope with the loss of a loved one. Group meetings provide an opportunity for those who wish to share their experiences, feelings, and emotions with others who are on the very same journey. As people share with one another, they often discover new ways to cope and to find new strength and hope.
Mental Health Ministry
Catholic Charities and the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (catholicmhm.org) have partnered to provide a much-needed Mental Health Ministry within our diocese. This ministry’s main purpose is spiritual accompaniment – reminding parishioners impacted by mental health issues that they are not alone. The ministry provides education and awareness; creates a welcoming, accepting environment; offers companionship for those affected by mental health issues; supports family members and caregivers; and provides advocacy and referrals for therapy, counseling, or clinical treatment.
Guild for the Blind
The Guild for the Blind, a program of Catholic Charities, helps visually impaired individuals across the Diocese keep, strengthen, and recover their faith through prayer, support, and fellowship. The Guild offers telephone-based Rosaries twice a month. Following the Rosary, participants take part in discussions that help reduce feelings of isolation and offer suggestions for easing commonly-shared, everyday challenges.
Community Action for Better Housing
Since 1995, Community Action for Better Housing (CABH) has provided safe, comfortable, and affordable housing and related facilities and advancement resources to families and individuals who are lower income, homeless, disabled, or elderly. Anchored in the Gateway Cities of New Bedford and Fall River, CABH’s mission is to steward resources responsibly, lead with transparency, and honor the dignity of every person served. Through respectful service and strategic collaboration with both public and private partners, CABH advances the Church’s mission while fostering stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.
Catholic Schools Support
Our Catholic Schools offer our students the chance to grow and prosper spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially – putting them on the path to becoming the people God created them to be. They teach respect for the dignity of every person. By infusing religion throughout the curriculum, our schools help our students become well-rounded, faith-filled individuals who contribute to society in a variety of ways. Gifts to the Catholic Appeal support financial assistance for families and help fund the important work taking place in the Catholic Schools Office.
Pastoral Care for the Sick
The Office of Pastoral Ministry to the Sick ministers to the sick and dying in seven acute-hospitals in the diocese. A network of full- and part-time chaplains provide coverage for these hospitals, offering much-needed support in the form of visits, distribution of Communion, and assistance with the administration of the Sacrament of the Sick to thousands of individuals. The Ministry is a source of comfort for many patients feeling the pain of isolation from family and friends. The Ministry not only nurtures the spiritual well-being of patients, but also foster a supportive environment for families and enhances the resilience and morale of healthcare professionals.
Secretariat for the New Evangelization
The Secretariat for the New Evangelization serves our parishes, schools, and college campuses by equipping Catholics of the Diocese of Fall River to play active roles in an invigorated Church. The office’s vision is for people of all ages to engage as disciples of Jesus; for Catholic communities to be evangelically capable; for married couples and families to live as the domestic Church; and for every human life to be protected and loved from conception to natural death. The Secretariat works to achieve this vision through parish evangelization, consultations and general support, talks and workshops, and life-long formation efforts across several ministries including Campus Ministry, Family and Respect Life, and Adult, Youth and Child Discipleship.
Support for our Priests and Deacons of Today and Tomorrow
The Catholic Appeal supports the Office of Vocations, offering critical support for seminarians as they begin their education and journey to the priesthood. Additionally, the Diaconate Program supports more than 60 deacons presently serving in parishes and in other ministries in the Diocese. The Office of Clergy Support offers priests spiritual support through prayer and fasting, pastoral care for our shepherds, health and wellness initiatives, and professional development resources. The Appeal also benefits the diocese’s retired priests, many of whom continue to serve our parishes and people: celebrating Mass, assisting our pastors, visiting the sick, administering the sacraments, and educating and guiding the individuals and families of our community in their faith.