Audit confirms diocese compliant with bishops’ charter FALL RIVER —The Diocese of Fall River has been found to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the comprehensive set of procedures adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2002 to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. The finding is the result of an onsite audit conducted in the diocese from July 19-21, 2022, by the independent firm Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y. The audit covered the period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. In a letter to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., StoneBridge Partners stated, “The conclusions reached as to the compliance of your diocese are
based upon inquiry, observation, and the review of specifically requested documentation furnished to StoneBridge Business Partners during the course of this audit. Thank you for your cooperation during this process.” Bishop da Cunha said he was “very pleased with the result of the audit and grateful to all who work each day in our diocese, in our parishes, schools, institutions and programs to help create a safe environment. We must always be vigilant and proactive in our efforts to ensure the protection of our youth.” To ensure accountability to its full implementation, the Charter requires annual audits of dioceses around the nation by an outside independent entity 8 Turn to page three
Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, October 28, 2022
Area faithful carry a statue of the Blessed Mother in a procession out of St. Mary’s Cathedral following the annual diocesan Mass and March for Peace on October 10. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu)
New diocesan Catholic cemeteries website to serve as information hub FALL RIVER — The Diocesan Catholic Cemeteries Office has launched a website to serve as an online resource for information and guidance on Catholic burial options at the 12 cemeteries it oversees and maintains in three cities in the Diocese of Fall River. Diocesan Catholic Cemeteries Director David J. Raposa Jr. explained that the site was “developed to be a means of education and communication” and
that it is “a great place to start” for anyone with questions. The site features sections on burial options including traditional burial, cremation burial and mausoleum entombment; pre-planning; and cemetery locations. The locations section provides an individual page for each cemetery with specifics on burial options, space availability, local contact information and photos. In addition, the web-
site has a calendar of the Remembrance Masses sponsored monthly in three locations by Diocesan Catholic Cemeteries and an online contact form through which a visitor to the site can schedule a consultation session for additional information. “We hear many of the same questions from folks who contact us,” said Raposa. “Questions like, ‘Is there space left at the cemetery where my family
8 Turn to page two October 28, 2022 †
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