Called to Be a Priestly People The Stronger Priests Initiative: Year One in Review and the Road Ahead Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, December 5, 2025
Fall River Diocese transitions to digital platforms amid changing media landscape By John Kearns
Director of Communications jkearns@dioc-fr.org
FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River is announcing changes impacting two longtime communication ministries. The changes are in response to the widespread use of digital platforms, changing media habits, and increasing costs across the board. Effective January 2026, the Diocese will discontinue its Television Mass aired weekly on WLNETV, Channel 6. The final TV Mass will be broadcast at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The Diocese has posted information on its website fallriverdiocese. org on accessing Sunday Mass via livestream options and broadcast and cable television. Additionally, the diocesan monthly newspaper The Anchor will transition from a printed publication to digital formats with the launch of a weekly electronic newsletter and new website in
February 2026. “This was a difficult decision to make,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. ‘‘Both the printed Anchor and the Television Mass have well served the Diocese over the past 60-plus years. Times change, however, and after a careful analysis of media usage trends and costs, we think investing in other communication endeavors will help us to better connect with and engage a wider segment of our Diocesan community.” The Anchor will continue to provide all the diocesan news and happenings through its new website and e-newsletter along with feature stories, upcoming events, and local columnists. All of this will be available without cost to everyone. You can sign up to receive the newsletter by email here: https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/sl/wffx0yf Bishop da Cunha is pleased to announce that in these new for8 Turn to page 10
By Matthew S. Robinson, Director of Clergy Support mrobinson@dioc-fr.org
FALL RIVER — Across the Diocese of Fall River, many of us can sense that our priests are carrying more than ever before. There are fewer priests and more parishes, growing health concerns, and increasingly complex responsibilities. In the midst of all this, our priests are still trying to do what they were ordained to do: lead people to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. In response to this reality, Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., launched a three-year path of renewal in 2025 called Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church. The basic conviction behind the initiative is simple: when priests are strong in Christ—supported, healthy, and spiritually grounded—parishes are more alive, vocations are nourished, and the whole Church
flourishes. You can picture the initiative as three concentric circles moving outward. The first year, 2025, focuses on “The Priest Himself,” laying foundations of prayer, health, fraternity, and support. The second year, 2026, will focus on “The Priest with His Closest Collaborators,” equipping parish staff, key lay leaders, brother priests, and strengthening unity with the Bishop so that no priest carries the mission alone. The third year, 2027, will widen the circle to “The Priest in the Local Church,” renewing diocesan life, priestly unity, and our shared mission. This is not a quick “program” or a passing initiative. It is a deliberate, gradual, and adaptable effort to build a stronger Church—starting with our priests. Year One: Strengthening the Priest in Health and Holiness Year One has concentrated on the priest himself: his friendship 8 Turn to page five
Peace, love, joy and hope for Advent December 5, 2025 †
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