Diocese celebrates two years of Mental Health Ministry with special Masses for National Mental Health Month Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, October 3, 2025
New Parish of Divine Mercy brings unity and hope to Westport Catholic community
By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — This October, the Diocese of Fall River is marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to mental health awareness: the second anniversary of its Mental Health Ministry. Initiated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River, the ministry aims to support individuals affected by mental health and substance use causes while working to reduce the stigma often associated with these issues. In recognition of National Mental Health Month and to further emphasize the importance of mental health within the faith community, the Diocese will offer two special Masses in observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10. These Masses will highlight the need for open con-
versations about mental health and addiction and offer a time of remembrance for those who have tragically lost their lives to suicide or substance use-related causes. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will celebrate over the Masses, which are intended to foster healing, support, and empathy across the Diocese. The Masses are scheduled as follows: October 11, at 4:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi Church, East Sandwich and October 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Fall River. A special Book of Remembrance will be presented during the Masses, offering a moment to honor those who have died by suicide or due to mental health and substance use-related causes. Those wishing to include the names of their loved ones are encouraged to submit them by
Members of the Strategic Action Committee, along with Fr. Dariusz Kalinowski (far right), submitted a formal letter to Bishop Edgar da Cunha (far left), regarding unification and offering several name suggestions for the new parish. By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
WESTPORT — A new chapter in the Catholic life of Westport began in June 2025 with the official establishment of Divine Mercy Parish, uniting three historic faith communities: St. George, Our Lady of Grace, and St. John the Baptist Churches. The reorganization was a response to ongoing challenges facing the Church — including a shortage of priests, declining Mass attendance, and financial strain. While the transition has brought understandable grief and uncertainty, parish lead-
ers are embracing the opportunity for renewal and growth. “The Bishop could have closed these three church buildings,” said Cathy Poisson, a longtime St. George parishioner and member of the new parish council. “But together — with support from Laura Carillo and Deacon Joe Harrington of the Diocese’s Strategic and Pastoral Planning Office — we found a way to keep all three churches open.” The seeds of this new parish were planted over a year earlier, in May 2024, when the Diocese of Fall River initiated a strate8 Turn to page two
Fr. Rijo Johnson, SDV, Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham, seated: parishioner Mary Peabody, Mental Health Ministers Nancy Barry and Sheila McGlinchey, standing, parishioner Robin Rumbolt at a recent parish picnic. 8 Turn to page 13 October 5, 2025 †
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