September 2025 Anchor

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Consecrated to Saint John Vianney, Diocesan priests called to holiness together

By Matthew S. Robinson Director of Clergy Support mrobinson@dioc-fr.org

FALL RIVER — On August 4th, 2025, our priests did something which captured the attention of the country – they consecrated themselves, their lives, and their ministries to St. John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Priests.

This occurred within the broader context of our three-year (2025-2028) Diocesan ‘‘Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” and coincided with the 100th anniversary of the canonization of that great Saint – the Curé of Ars – whom the Church gives to us as a model of priestly holiness and parish ministry. It also came after nine days of spiritual preparation, in which our priests prayerfully reflected each day upon some aspect of St. John Vianney’s life and priestly example. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the prayerful support of so many across the Diocese.

St. John Henry Newman said that “a grace remembered is a grace renewed.” So, what were some of the graces of that day?

One of the remarkable graces was the prayerful support that we received from Bishop Pascal Roland of Belley-Ars, France. He is the current Bishop of Ars, the place where St. John Vianney lived and labored. Bishop Roland actually wrote a letter to our priests offering

his prayers, encouragement, and support of this incredible consecration. This letter was read to the priests at the end of the consecration by Bishop da Cunha. In that letter, he asked our priests to never forget what St. John Paul II once said: “The Curé of Ars remains for all countries an exceptional model, both in fulfilling the ministry and in the holiness of the minister.” In other words, we shouldn’t see St. John Vianney only as a model of holiness of life, but also as a model of parish ministry and evangelization. St. John Vianney transformed a parish from 200 parishioners to 80,000. In an era rightly marked by calls to evangelization, should we not intimately understand what his pastoral methods were that led to such a remarkable turnaround? Perhaps

that is why Pope Benedict XVI, in a 2009 Letter to Priests, said, “Dear brother priests, let us ask the Lord Jesus for the grace to learn for ourselves something of the pastoral plan of St. John Mary Vianney!”

In that same letter from Bishop Paschal, he writes that he prays for our priests to imitate St. John Vianney as their “elder brother.” What was so remarkable about this line is that the reflection given by Providence Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C. Ss R., at the consecration was about St. John Vianney as an “elder brother.” This remarkable connection was an extraordinary grace given by our Lord, reminding us that He has anointed this moment.

Another grace occurred at the Mass celebrated in Ars itself on

Diocese thrust into national spotlight with priest initiative

By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org

recently gained national attention following a significant event aimed at renewing and strengthening the priesthood. On August 4, the feast of St. John Vianney—the patron saint of parish priests, more than 70 priests and five seminarians gathered at St. John Neumann Church in East Freetown to consecrate themselves to the saint. This momentous occasion, rooted in prayer and fraternity, has been highlighted in a story and an editorial published by The National Catholic Register ‘‘St. John Vianney Priestly Consecration in

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Bishop issues statement on Minneapolis shooting

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., issued the following statement on Wednesday, August 27, in response to the shooting earlier that day in a Catholic church in Minneapolis as children from the parish school were attending Mass.

‘‘In the wake of the heartbreaking violence at Annunciation Catholic Church today in Minneapolis, our hearts are heavy with sorrow. We rightly expect that a church should be a place of sanctuary and peace. What should have been a joyful celebration for Catholic school students to begin a new school year has become the latest tragedy that we now struggle to comprehend. Together with Catholics across the Diocese of Fall River, I mourn the innocent lives lost and pray for healing for all those affected—students, families, educators, and the entire community.

Following the incident, I sent an email to all our parishes, reminding them of the importance of being proactive in ensuring the safety of parishioners and with schools, their students, faculty, and families. I shared that while faith is our foundation, preparedness is a form of stewardship. To help them prepare, the communications included parish safety and security guidance provided to us by our insurance company.

May God bring comfort to those grieving, strength to those recovering, and peace to a community shaken by violence. Let us pray for the safety of all children and school faculty and staff around the country.”

8 Continued from page one Diocesan priests consecration August 4th (the morning of our consecration). At the Mass in the Basilica close to the incorrupt body of the St., the Bishop (speaking in French) asked the congregation to pray for the priests of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, USA. Another beautiful moment of grace, knowing that our priests and Diocese were interceding for so very close to the St. himself.

As mentioned earlier, this consecration garnered national attention, including two articles in The National Catholic Register and an EWTN Radio interview with Bishop da Cunha. It seems this topic and our Stronger Priests Initiative have struck a nerve for many throughout our country and even beyond. What a tremendous grace it is for our Diocese to shine a spotlight on the need to strengthen our priests in holiness and support.

Speaking of holiness, what does this priestly consecration mean for those who are not ordained priests in our Diocese?

It means that we must double our own efforts to

grow in personal holiness.

This is the overarching lesson of St. John Vianney and the example that our priests set for us through this consecration. Ultimately, this is what “supporting our priests” really looks like – growing in personal holiness. That’s what our priests desire for us and, ultimately, gave their lives for.

But let’s drill down for a moment on that notion of holiness, especially in light of St. John Vianney and the priesthood.

Did you know that each one of us is called to live a priestly life?

Have you ever thought of your Baptismal vocation in priestly terms?

Yes, this is called the “common priesthood.”

‘Common’ because all Baptized Christians share it and because it differs in essence from the “ministerial priesthood” (that of ordained priests). Remember that Revelation 1:6 says Christ “made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.”

Being a priestly people means that each one of us is called to offer spiritual sacrifice, proclaim

the Gospel, sanctify the world, and offer prayers of intercession. Let’s look at some examples concretely through the lens of St. John Vianney and translate them for us:

• The Curé’s first prayer when he arrived in Ars was “My God, grant me the conversion of my parish. I am willing to suffer all my life, whatever it may please You to lay upon me; yes, even for a hundred years, I am prepared to endure the sharpest pains, only let my people be converted.” In my common priesthood, am I able to genuinely pray, “My God, grant me the conversion of my family. I am willing to suffer all my life… I am prepared to endure the sharpest pains, only let my family be converted.”

• It's well known that the Curé was in the confessional for up to 16 hours a day. He would give the gravest sinners the lightest penance, doing their harsh penance himself. In my common priesthood, have I truly forgiven those who have offended me most? Can I do some form of penance

for their salvation? When was the last time I went to confession?

• When tempted to lust, the Curé would remain chaste, offering it up so that his people could be chaste. In my common priesthood, when I am tempted to lust, am I able to remain pure as an act of love for my family and friends so that they have the grace to be pure?

• The Curé gave away ev erything he owned in imitation of Christ’s poverty. He used his entire inheritance to build an orphanage for girls. He would often say, “My secret is simple: give everything away; hold nothing back.”

Sometimes, when beggars would knock, he would say, “Today, I am poor just like you, I’m one of you.”

In my common priesthood, am I able to be detached from my possessions so that I can allow God to use them as He desires?

• One time, a petition started by corrupt priests began circulating to remove the Curé from the parish. When he saw the petition, he signed it, saying that he wasn’t worthy to hold his office. In my common priesthood, can

I respond to insults with humility, seeing them as an opportunity to carry my cross?

So, let's support our priests, let's support them by living out our common priesthood with virtue just as they’ve been called to live out their ordained priesthood. Let's support them by growing in holiness. Let's support them by volunteering in the parish. Let's support them by evangelizing and bringing people to Mass with us because our parishes will only be full if we make them full.

The Curé of Ars is a saint for all of us because the renewal of the Church will come by faithfully living the priesthood, both ordained and common. Ultimately, that’s what The Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative is all about.

In the coming year and beyond, a first-class relic of St. John Vianney will be making a pilgrimage to each parish in the Diocese. May we join together in asking him to intercede for us, opening the flood gates of grace upon our Diocese, and helping us live priestly lives.

Our HOly Priests are men, nOt macHines.

The editorial below, reprinted in full, appeared online at NCRegister.com on Aug. 13, 2025. It appears with permission from the National Catholic Register.

What our clergy need most is support, both from each other but equally from the lay Catholics who benefit so greatly from the sacrifices of our pastors.

These are very challenging times, for America’s parish priests.

Declining numbers of experienced priests, a shortage of new vocations to replace them as they retire, the forced consolidation of parishes in many dioceses due to diminished church attendance, heavy administrative responsibilities and isolating living conditions are among the serious hardships our priests experience on a continual basis. These issues are compounded by the diminished public esteem for the priestly vocation that is an inescapable consequence of the sexual-abuse scandals of recent decades.

But this situation shouldn’t be regarded by Catholics as a cause for alarm or despair. Instead, it’s a call to action.

Most of today’s priests are good and holy men, who strive faithfully to serve Jesus and his bride the Church as sacramental ministers. And what our clergy need most is support, both from each other but equally from the lay Catholics who benefit so greatly from the sacrifices our pastors accept cheerfully as a necessary aspect of their priestly lives.

A recent example of this kind of support took place in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, via a special

consecration to St. John Vianney that Bishop Edgar da Cunha organized for his priests and seminarians on Aug. 4, the saint’s feast day. The Curé d’Ars, as the famed 19th-century French priest is known, is both the earthly model and the heavenly patron for parish priests.

Like his clerical brethren of today, Father Vianney was no stranger to hardship. As Matthew McDonald’s Register article about the event notes, he “overcame poverty, persecution, conscription, opposition from his father, and learning difficulties to become a priest — only to be sent to a remote village in southeastern France where most people didn’t know much about the faith and didn’t much care about it, either.”

The saintly priest overcame all these obstacles and became a renowned pastor, whose witness of faith resulted over time in a church that was packed every Sunday and whose exceptional gifts as a confessor drew penitents from all over France.

A casual observer might be inclined to believe that he must have employed unusual techniques to accomplish this. Nothing could be further from the truth. St. John Vianney relied on the same instruments that have always centered successful pastors of parishes: prayer, fasting, preaching the Gospel, and living out their priestly identity by accompanying their entire flock through all the joys and travails that are part and parcel of every human life.

But like everybody else, our priests also need the support of other people. They are men, not machines.

That’s why a communal consecration like the one in Fall River, organized on their behalf by their diocesan spiritual father Bishop da Cunha, can provide so much support and solace in terms of reinvigorating pastors so that they can continue to carry out their crucial mission of the salvation of souls at this undeniably challenging moment.

Of course, Fall River is not the only diocese that is taking steps to assist its beleaguered priests. An array of related efforts is underway across the nation, including the Companions of Christ association of diocesan clergy that was founded in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis.

The lay faithful also have a crucial role in terms of assisting our overstretched pastors. The greatest service pastors deliver to their parishes is through their sacramental ministry. While the laity can share in this burden to some degree, through serving in various capacities at Mass, including as lectors and ushers, where they can really make a difference in terms of lightening the pastoral load is by stepping forward as volunteers whenever possible.

One final point: Despite the challenges that are necessarily involved with the parish priesthood, it’s not at all the case that it is painful and unsatisfying. Instead, just as with the vocation to marriage and family life, it’s a joyful calling that generates a host of fulfilling experiences.

But along with the joy, there definitely are difficulties — so let’s do whatever we can to support the holy priests who do so much for all of us.

Reflections from a first-year priest

As part of the July 30 Bishop’s Blog post, Father Bryan Bangs offered this reflection on his first year of priesthood, filled with moments of grace, growth, and joy.

From presiding over funerals and weddings to hearing confessions and administering the Anointing of the Sick, he shares a front-row seat to the pivotal moments in people’s journeys of faith.

Grateful for the gift of the priesthood and the guidance of his family, mentors, and Jesus, he continues to embrace God’s calling with joy and humility.

On June 1st, I celebrated my first anniversary of priestly ordination. As I look back upon this past year, my predominant emotion is that of gratitude.

The first great grace of my priesthood was, of course, my first Mass. Providentially, that Sunday was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi – not only the feast of the Holy Eucharist (what better day to celebrate a first Mass?), but also the feast day of my home parish in Sandwich! It was a beautiful,

nerve-wracking, prayerful, and overwhelming experience, all at once. Carrying on the tradition of the parish, we concluded the Mass with a solemn Eucharistic procession to the Crucifix shrine at the corner of Quaker Meetinghouse and Service Road. What a gift it was to gather with parishioners, family, friends, and brother priests to give thanks to God for the gift of the Eucharist, and for the gift of the priesthood in which I newly shared!

A couple of weeks later, I began my ministry at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth. There, I experienced a series of other “firsts” very quickly. I’m very grateful for the support and guidance of my pastor, Msgr. Steve Avila, during those first few weeks… and continuing through the present!

I distinctly remember the first time I celebrated the Anointing of the Sick. (In fact, you can see here that I have photographic evidence of this event)! Dorothy, who has since gone home to Our Lord, was a woman of deep faith, and was overflowing with

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September 5, 2025

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments:

Deans

Very Reverend David A. Costa, V.F. –Attleboro Deanery

Very Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, V.F. –New Bedford Deanery

Very Reverend Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., V.F. –Taunton Deanery

Very Reverend Thomas Washburn, V.F. –Cape Cod Deanery

Very Reverend Riley J. Williams, V.F. –Fall River Deanery

Effective: September 1, 2025

September 5, 2025

Diagnosed in 1995 with the most aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme, and given only a few months life expectancy, Dr. Ben Williams, a professor of psychology at the University of California San Diego, summed up his experience this way:

“When I was diagnosed with brain cancer, I knew almost nothing about the disease, other than it was one of the worst medical diagnoses you can get…. I hadn’t even heard of a glioblastoma at that point. I was told it was the worst kind of tumor you could have, and that nobody survived it. … For the first several months, most of my thinking was: I’m going to die — how am I going to deal with it? I thought a lot about death. When you receive a diagnosis that everyone tells you is terminal, that no one survives it, it’s impossible not to become depressed by that information. I look at pictures from that period of time, and clearly I was depressed. It wasn’t until I began doing research that said there was a possibility, that there are things that you can do that would be helpful, that I began to think, ‘Well, this is worth at least making the fight.’”

The bewildering experience of receiving an adverse diagnosis reminds us how personal our physical health is. In a certain sense, nothing could be more intimate or immediate. As we age and start to

a Gift, but WitH an exPiratiOn date

feel poorly, and especially when we struggle with serious or life-threatening illnesses, it can seem that our bodily health is the highest good there is, the summum bonum, almost an “absolute” good. Declining health can trigger feelings of sadness and depression as we sense our life slipping through our fingers, and sometimes can lead to dark temptations like physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. We may fall prey to oft-repeated cultural cliches such as: “I’m free to do what I want with my life and health,” or even, “My life is no longer worth living.”

selves but have received it gratuitously from the Giver of all gifts — a gift with an earthly expiration date. Our health and well-being, marked by fragility, are transient and contingent, and therefore not “absolute goods.”

Life and health are clearly very important goods. They are instrumental goods, enabling us to pursue and partake of other important goods, like interpersonal and familial relationships, employment, recreation, etc. Health and well-being are also “goals” worthy of energetic pursuit to the extent that we have some control over a limited set of variables like exercise and nutrition that affect our health.

While it is good to take steps to improve our health, we are not “entitled” to good health, nor is it a “right” we can lay claim to. We have not originally conferred the state of life or health upon our-

Health challenges, of course, are part of almost every person’s life journey. We may struggle not only with physical maladies, but also with mental limitations like ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression or any number of other agonizing mental conditions that constrict our well-being and livelihood.

As we age and face an expanding list of ailments and infirmities, new opportunities for growth and transformation arise. Contending with weakness and sickness, for example, draws us into connection with other people, as we come to depend on them for assistance.

When we face a worsening health situation, we should earnestly pursue several goals: first, to take responsible steps to restore our health, including doctor visits, medications, surgeries, or other reasonable interventions; second, to seek to reflect more deeply, and in spiritual terms, on the meaning

of our health burdens; and third, to work to accept our situation without fear, desperation, or irresponsible actions like physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia.

Coming to accept our situation, with all its ups and downs, helps us begin preparing for our earthly end, death itself, prompting us to take up core questions about life’s meaning, the survival of the soul, life after death and even the resurrection of the body.

The afflictions we struggle against can lead us actively to surrender and accept where we are, even as we turn to the One who sees all things and knows the specifics of our situation better than we do.

When our lives are marked by good health, vigor and strength, we may hesitate to engage these kinds of core questions in any meaningful way. We tend to look past important transcendental priorities and focus on immediate temporal matters.

Health, then, is an instrumental good, but so is sickness. Both can serve to point us towards higher, more spiritual goods. At some point, we may even be able to see our ailments as a blessing and a gift from the One who better sees the big picture of our life’s journey.

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as Senior Ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

EDITOR; PRODUCTION

Joan d. WaRRen

ADVERTISING

Wayne R. PoWeRs

September 5, 2025

editOrial

The purpose of raising children is not to raise children but adults. The goal of education is, etymologically, to “lead” children from the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge. The aim of formation is, literally, to help “shape” people according toward some predetermined figure.

To do this successfully, parents, teachers, coaches, trainers, formators, society and the Church need to have a clear and healthy sense of the end in mind to which we’re trying to guide the young and the means and methodology adequate to inspire, inform and mold them.

The better the understanding of what it means to be an adult, learned, and mature, the better in general the outcome. The more confused the formators, and the more confusing their messages and materials, the greater the risk that young people not only won’t come to full stature and use their gifts to contribute to the good of all, but instead may choose to use their life and gifts to their own and others’ detriment and destruction.

That’s one of the pivotal lessons that has emerged from the Mass murder at the opening school liturgy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27. Two children, Harper Moyski (10) and Fletcher Merkel (8), were killed and 18 other children and three going seniors were injured when Robin, born Robert, Westman opened fire through a stained-glass window during the responsorial psalm. The 23-year-old then used one of the three weapons he had used and fired the last of 116 bullets at his own head, becoming the third child to die that day and the 24th victim.

Considerable attention has been given to Westman’s gender confusion as he became the second young person claiming to be “trans” in three years to commit Mass atrocities at a Christian school; that, despite the very small percentage in society of those who believe they have a different gender than their biological sex.

But there’s a bigger issue. Westman grew up in a practicing Catholic home. He was for a time homeschooled and later attended three different Catholic schools: Christ the King in Lexington, Kentucky;

† September 5, 2025

carlO, Pier GiOrGiO and rObert/rObin

Annunciation in Minneapolis; and St. Thomas Academy in Mendota, Minnesota. We can presume that his parents, older siblings, teachers, and administrators all tried hard to do their job to form him well. Despite their collective efforts, however, he ended up confused about his masculinity and identity, sold pot for a living and smoked it, gave into racist, anti-Christian and anti-Semitic hatred, indulged in Satanic worship, and grew to become obsessed with, even idolize, mass murders, especially those who committed atrocities in schools or in houses of worship.

He seemed at pains to assure his parents and siblings not to conclude they were the cause of his atrocities. In a note to them and his friends, he wrote, “Please do not think you have failed as parents. I was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is.” Life for him, he stated, had become “pain,” the pain of suffering, fighting addictions, constant bills, unpleasant jobs and people, injustices and a fear of cancer. “Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world, … [which] has been in the back of my head for years.”

What happened on Aug. 27 was the culmination of what he termed a long process of worldly “corruption,” a series of failures to train him how to deal with the confusion and pain that had left him despondent and hateful toward life. That was his unjustifiable justification for succumbing to the desperate, diabolical temptation to take his life — during Mass — and to slaughter as many innocents as possible on his earthly exit.

Some aspects of the “corruption of this world” to which he alluded are not difficult to identify. The depravity that glorifies violence on social media sites and abets it by allowing the mentally ill so easily to gain access to weapons that can be used for mass murder. The degeneracy that affirms one’s gender confusion rather than tries to remedy it. The delinquency that pushes drugs and other forms of escapism and addiction. The decadence that fails to help the young deal with pain and the inevitable sufferings of life, that forgets that the

human person has a transcendent nature and, therefore, that someone without a friendship with God is handicapped before the difficulties of life.

Westman was sadly — and calamitously — formed more by the corruptions of this world than he was by the integrity of his Catholic faith, which has profound and compelling answers to the questions that plagued him. As a result, he was left depressed, suicidal and homicidal. Sadly we cannot go back and remedy those defects. But we can learn from them and face head-on the question of the formation of our young people so that they will not be similarly corrupted but receive what they need: an integral formation that integrates body and soul, prepares them for life’s challenges, and orients them in the real world created, redeemed and accompanied by God.

Part of that formation involves introducing the young to relatable, inspiring role models. This Sunday Pope Leo will canonize two of them, Pier Giorgio Frassati (1921-25) and Carlo Acutis (1991-2006). In each of their cases, the causes have been pushed primarily by youth across the globe, who find in them precisely the types of young heroes they hope to emulate.

Each has much to offer individually, but those devoted to them recognize that they have in common far more than their age and Italian citizenship. We can focus on a few of the things they teach us that every young person needs in his or her formation.

The first thing is about how to relate maturely to the reality that God is truly with us in the world. Both were committed to prayer, to daily Mass and to Eucharistic adoration. Even amid the brief physical sufferings that would claim their lives, they knew that God was with them. Carlo famously said, “Non io, ma Dio,” focusing not on himself but on God. Pier Giorgio prioritized God over his sleep, often spending nights adoring the Lord. They both lived for God and were formed according to the divine image.

The second thing both teach us is about the importance of friendship.

Both made friends easily and were great friends to many. They were fun, present, sacrificial. Pier Giorgio used to lead his friends on exhilarating hikes in the Italian Alps, challenge his friends to card games betting them that if they lost they’d need to come with him to pray, and otherwise seemed to love the feast of life. Carlo would play with friends Pokémon, soccer, and video games. He’d help his friends with homework and defend them against bullies. Both recognized that God had made them to exist in communion with others and both, like Christ, prioritized friendship. They show a far different possibility than the isolation that sadly came to define Westman late in life.

Third, they were both young men for others, excelling in charity. Pier Giorgio belonged to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick, sacrificing time and resources for them. When he discovered he was dying but didn’t want to distract his family from caring for his sick grandmother, he entrusted to his sister the book listing the many people he was helping so that they wouldn’t be neglected after his death. His funeral a century ago was so full of people he had somewhat secretly helped that his parents couldn’t fathom it. Carlo used to sacrifice his allowance to care for the poor, bringing them sleeping bags, blankets and thermoses full of warm liquids. He gave his piggy bank to poor classmates and regularly turned down his parents’ offers for new clothes and sneakers asking that he be permitted to use the money to buy outfits and shoes for others. Against every temptation toward objectification and dehumanization, such that one could remorselessly end the lives of the innocent, they saw Christ in others and sought to love and care for him.

As we approach their canonizations this Sunday, the whole Church should seek to make them better known, especially among the young who might not yet be aware of them. Their example not only can mitigate and remedy the “corruption of this world” and show what the goals of Catholic formation ought to be, but their intercession for young people in need might prove to be their most valuable charity of all.

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8 Continued from page 3 Reflections from first-year priest

joy and gratitude when she learned that she was the first person I had anointed.

My first wedding came soon afterward – only two weeks after arriving at the parish, in fact (thankfully, the couple was excited about this, rather than nervous)! It was beautiful to be able to encourage the new husband and wife to embrace their calling, so soon after I had made the leap of faith into the priesthood.

One of the great joys of my priesthood has been the opportunity to hear confessions. It is truly amazing to be an instrument of God’s mercy, allowing Jesus to work through me to free people from the weight of their sins. It is especially powerful when people come back to confession after years or even decades away from the sacrament, in order to experience Jesus’ forgiveness and healing. It is truly a privilege to witness this moment firsthand!

need to do what He is asking of me at that moment.

There have been many other beautiful moments during my ministry over the course of the past year. Some have been more difficult – like presiding at the funeral of a woman who died unexpectedly in her mid-50’s in September of last year. (I remember I wasn’t sure what to say in the homily, until I realized that the date of the funeral – September 14th – was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.) Other moments have simply been occasions of joy – like giving a talk about confession to middle schoolers, or traveling with a group of young adults to the SEEK conference in Utah last January. Whatever the occasion, whether it was challenging or easy, joyful or sorrowful, I feel that God has always given me the grace I

And that’s the bottom line –during this first year of priesthood I have clearly seen God’s grace at work, in my own life and in the lives of those to whom I minister. Even with the extensive preparation I received in my seminary studies, and even after walking alongside priest-mentors during summer assignments, I still have been surprised by the powerful workings of God’s grace. Although I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Because whether I’m celebrating a Funeral or a Wedding, hearing a confession, or administering the Anointing of the Sick, I am privileged to have a front-row seat at pivotal moments in people’s journeys of faith. I always like to say that as a priest, I am called to show up, and then let God do the heavy lifting! It’s amazing how He is able to work, even in spite of my human failings and imperfections.

So I am truly grateful – grateful for the gift of the priesthood; grateful to my parents, family and friends who supported me on the journey; grateful to the many wonderful priests I have known who have exemplified the priesthood and provided spiritual guidance. Most of all, I am grateful to Jesus, the great High Priest. Without spending time with Him in His Eucharistic Presence, I would never have heard the calling to the priesthood, nor would I be able to live it out as He would want me to. With Him, I have everything I need to live out this calling with deep joy. To Him be glory and praise forever!

~ Father Bryan Bangs

8

Fall River” and ‘‘Fall River Diocese Launches Priestly Renewal Initiative” and featured in a special interview with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha S.D.V., on EWTN’s Register Radio.

Bishop da Cunha’s interview sheds light on the spiritual and pastoral urgency behind this consecration, which is part of the Diocese’s ongoing ‘‘Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” launched in late 2024.

The consecration drew further significance with the participation of Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski C.Ss.R., of the Diocese of Providence, who delivered a homily during the service. His presence underscored the spirit of collaboration among neighboring dioceses in addressing the challenges faced by priests today.

This national attention comes at a critical time, as many dioceses confront the realities of overworked clergy, diminished support systems, and the need for renewed priestly holiness. The public and prayerful recommitment to the priesthood by the Fall River Diocesan presbyterate has resonated widely, offering a model of spiritual renewal that others across the country are observing closely.

Locally, the event inspired faithful parishioners to unite in prayer and support, sending hundreds of messages of encouragement to their priests. While the national spotlight affirms the Diocese’s efforts, Bishop da Cunha continues to focus on fostering a deeper, sustained renewal within the local Church, emphasizing that “a stronger Church begins with stronger priests.”

Find Diocesan news at the national level

To hear the interview with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha on EWTN’s Register Radio, go to www.ncregister.com/audio/register-radio-august-16-2025

To read the article published by the National Catholic Register, go to www.ncregister.com/features/st-john-vianney-priestly-consecration-in-fall-river

Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated for St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD — On Friday, August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford. The liturgy marked the final Mass for the parish, which officially closed June 30.

Founded in 1928 to serve the Italian-speaking Catholic community of New Bedford, St. Francis of Assisi Parish has long been a place of worship, fellowship, and deep devotion.

The Mass was a time of prayerful remembrance and heartfelt gratitude for the many blessings God has poured out upon this community over the years.

In his homily, Bishop da Cunha gave thanks for the generations who built, sustained, and nurtured this parish family. Acknowledging

the sorrow that accompanies such a significant transition, he invited all ”to place their trust in God’s providence”.

As parishioners of St. Francis now continue their faith journey within the Whaling City Catholic Community - at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Martyr Parishes - the legacy of devotion and community spirit will live on.

The Bishop noted that the Feast of the Assumption offered a poignant reminder that, as Mary was assumed into heaven with faith and trust in God’s plan, so too are we called to center our lives on faith and hope. The Church is not merely a collection of buildings, but a living Body of Christ, made up of the faithful who carry its mission forward. In this, the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi Parish endures.

Talbot Apartments reopen after $3.5M renovation, a milestone for affordable housing in New Bedford

By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org

NEW BEDFORD– A crowd of about 50 dignitaries, stakeholders, and community members gathered August 20 for the ribbon cutting and blessing of the newly renovated Talbot Apartments, a historic Queen Anne-style building located on Acushnet Avenue in the city’s North End.

The ceremony was highlighted by a blessing from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., signifying a new beginning for the affordable housing complex, which had been severely damaged in a fire in November 2022. The blaze forced the displacement of all residents and left the iconic building temporarily uninhabitable.

Owned and managed by Community Action for Better Housing (CABH), a ministry of the Diocese of Fall River, the 124-year-old building underwent an extensive

$3.5 million renovation beginning in fall 2023. The project not only restored the building’s function as affordable housing, but also preserved its historical integrity. CABH collaborated with the City of New Bedford’s Community Preservation Committee to ensure key architectural features were maintained. Notably, the Committee contributed approximately $255,000 toward the restoration of the building’s historic windows. Now fully rehabilitated, the Talbot Apartments will provide 26 single-occupancy units, each equipped with a kitchenette, living area, and private bathroom. Two of the units, located on the first floor, are fully handicap accessible. On-site laundry facilities are also available. The building is expected to welcome its first residents next month.

"The reopening of the Talbot Apartments is not just a restored building—it’s a restoration of dignity, community, and opportunity for those who need it most," said Jeff Sherman, Executive Director of CABH. He went on to acknowledge and express gratitude to several organizations and individuals for their critical support of the restoration project.

CABH currently oversees 150 affordable housing units across New Bedford and Fall River. With housing availability a growing concern in the region, the reopening of the Talbot Apartments marks an important step forward in increasing the local supply of quality, affordable housing.

The Talbot Apartments are listed in the State Register of Historic Places, a testament to the building’s architectural and cultural significance since its construction in 1901.

September 5, 2025

FACE Summer Gala shines with faith, friendship, and support for Catholic Education

By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org

OSTERVILLE — The 28th Annual FACE Summer Gala, held August 7 at the picturesque Wianno Club in Osterville, was more than just a sold-out fundraiser; it was a vibrant celebration of community, commitment, and the enduring value of Catholic education.

With breathtaking views of the Atlantic as the backdrop, guests gathered in full support of scholarships that help make Catholic education accessible for students from kindergarten through high school across the Diocese of Fall River. The spirit of generosity and faith filled the air as attendees mingled on the oceanfront patio, enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The evening’s opening prayer was offered by Deacon Peter Schutzler, new principal at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth.

Graciously welcoming guests were Event Chairs Tom and Pat Marmen, joined by enthusiastic student ambassadors from St. Pius X and St. John Paul II Schools, in South Yarmouth and Hyannis, respectively. Their presence highlighted the very mission of the evening, supporting the next generation through scholarship opportunities.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Al Makkay, Sr. Award, honoring outstanding contributions to Catholic education on Cape Cod. This year’s recipient, Alan Lynch, was recognized by Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. for his remarkable 35-year career as a Spanish and Theology teacher and campus minister, many of those years spent inspiring students at St. John Paul II School.

Lynch’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. In 1989, his passion for faith and service led him to Ecuador, where he brought his first group of students to serve with Rostro de Cristo. The experience, he said, taught students that

dignity and honor are defined not by material wealth, but by faith and respect for others.

In an emotional speech, Lynch reflected on the honor:

“I am feeling a little overwhelmed getting a reward for doing something you love,” he shared humbly, giving heartfelt thanks to his colleagues and especially to his wife, also a teacher, “whose coattails I’ve been riding on for years.”

Among those in the audience was one of Lynch’s former students, Father Christopher Hughes, administrator at Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville, and Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, and last year’s award recipient.

“I had him for theology all four years,” said Fr. Hughes. “He was an incredible teacher who took the time to get to know us. He showed us very real support and encouraged us to ask questions.”

schools and are thriving today.”

Callahan reflected on her teaching years with pride: “Three of my former students became priests, one is a deacon, and another a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain. Although it wasn’t a Catholic school, many of my students were Catholic and they still check in with me to this day.”

The pair, now close friends, first met at Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville.

The evening’s magic was further elevated by voices from the community, including Maria Roncelli, a student at St. Pius X who will begin 8th grade at St. John Paul II this fall. Maria spoke passionately about how her Catholic education has shaped both her academic life and spiritual growth, a moving reminder of the evening’s purpose.

In attendance were two beloved lifelong educators, Maureen Sullivan, 91, a retired Catholic school teacher originally from Brighton, and her dear friend Mary Callahan, 95, who taught first grade in the Watertown public schools for 36 years.

“As a former Catholic school teacher for 37 years, I fully support raising money to help kids go to our schools,” said Sullivan. “My own children attended Catholic

Adding a truly heartwarming moment to the evening was the presence of Mary Cashin, a cherished parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Mary was honored with a bouquet of flowers and warm wishes for continued blessings, love, and happiness.

The night was filled with opportunities to give — from sponsorships and exclusive raffle items to a silent auction and an energetic live auction, hosted by the ever-charismatic John Terrio, serving as Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer. The live auction featured unforgettable prizes: a private dinner for six with Bishop da Cunha, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Dromoland Castle in Ireland, and tickets to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins.

One of the most impactful parts of the night was the Fund-a-Scholarship portion, which alone raised over $137,000, with contributions ranging from $10,000 to $100, a true testament to the community’s generosity.

A total of nearly $250,000 was raised from the event through sponsorship and donations.

Since its founding in 1991 as the St. Mary’s Education Fund, FACE has awarded over $1.2 million annually in scholarships, supporting more than 1,000 students each year across southeastern Massachusetts. The Summer Gala continues to play a vital role in sustaining this mission — one scholarship, one student, and one story at a time.

Hope shines bright throughout Diocese thanks to thousands of Catholic Appeal donors

By Shawna E. Florio Director of Major Gifts and Grants

The

Catholic Foundation

More than 14,000 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 corporal 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.

chusetts Miriam Sherman echoed Bishop da Cunha’s remarks. She shared, “The Catholic Appeal’s donors help to create a beautiful

individuals, the Appeal’s cause also has earned the support of organizations and agencies including BayCoast Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank, Cape Cod Healthcare, Fisher Bus Company, Stonehill College, and Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

In his thanks to donors, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., stated, “You play an important role in ensuring our diocesan programs and ministries are ready and able to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort whenever and wherever it is needed.”

CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massa-

quilt of kindness, opportunity, and compassion each year. Each square represents a tangible difference to be made in the lives of so many and the resources made available through our donors’ generosity. We are both proud and humbled to partner with our priests, parishes, and parishioners each year to create this opportunity for giving as we all come together to advance the Catholic faith in action here in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.”

In addition to the support of

During the course of the year, the Diocese of Fall River’s many agencies, ministries, and programs strive to meet significant needs; the demand for them remains strong. The faithful may continue to support their brothers and sisters at any time by making a donation through visiting the Appeal’s website at www.catholicfoundationsema.org/appeal/ where they can also learn how to make a gift through an IRA, Donor Advised Fund, or stocks. Donations via mail can be sent to the Catholic Appeal office at 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720. Donations may also continue to be dropped off at any parish in the Diocese. In this Jubilee Year, the bright beacon of hope continues to shine its light across the Diocese of Fall River.

September 5, 2025

In

Your Prayers

Please pray for these bishops, priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

Sept. 5

Rev. Napoleon A. Messier, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1948

Sept. 7

Very Rev. James E. McMahon, V. F., Pastor , Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs, 1966

Rev. Raymond Pelletier, M.S., La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 1984

Sept. 8

Rev. Thomas Sheehan, Founder, Holy Trinity, Harwich Center, 1868

Sept. 9

Rev. Thomas Halkovic, C.S.C., Campus Minister, Stonehill College, 2017

Sept. 10

Rt. Rev. Felix S. Childs, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1969

Sept. 11

Rev. Joachim Shults, SS.CC., Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1987

Rev. Cyril Augustyn, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1997

Rev. Francis E. Grogan, C.S.C., Superior, Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2001

Rev. Martin Grena, Retired Missionary, 2004

Rev. Terence F. Keenan, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 2010

Sept. 12

Rev. John J. Galvin, STD, Assistant, SS. Peter and Paul, Fall River, 1962

Most Rev. James L. Connolly, Sc.H D, Fourth Bishop of Fall River, 1951-70, 1986

Rev. John R. Folster, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1995

Sept. 13

Rev. Antonio Felisbesto Diaz, 1866

Rev. Charles A.J. Donovan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1949

Rev. Isadore Kowalski, OFM Conv., Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven, 2003

Sept. 14

Rev. Stanislaus J. Ryczek, USA Retired Chaplain, Former Pastor Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1982

Sept. 15

Rev. Henry J. Mussely, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1934

Rev. Brendan McNally, S.J., Holy Cross College, Worcester, 1958

Rev. John J. Casey, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1969

Sept. 16

Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jean A. Prevost, P.A., P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1925

Sept. 17

Rev. Thomas F. McNulty, Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1954

Cardinal Humberto Sousa Medeiros, Archbishop of Boston, 1970-83, Pastor of St. Michael, Fall River 1960 -1966, 1983

Rev. Felix Lesnek, SS.CC., Former Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1991

Sept. 18

Rev. Luke Golla, SS.CC., Seminary of Sacred Heart, Wareham, 1945

Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edmund J. Ward, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1964

Sept. 19

Rev. Henry E.S. Henniss, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1859

Msgr. Arthur W. Tansey, Retired, Former Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1985

Rev. John J. Yorco, SS.CC., Former Pastor, St. Boniface, New Bedford, 2010

Sept. 20

Rev. Simon A. O’Rourke,USN Chaplain, 1918

Rev. Omer Valois, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1958

Rev. Austin T. Nagle, SS.CC., 2017

Sept. 21

Rev. George Pager, Founder, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1882

Rev. George Jowdy, Pastor, Our Lady of Purgatory, New Bedford, 1938

Rev. William H. Crane, SM, Superior at National Shrine of Our Lady of Victories, Boston, 1988

Rev. Vincent Burke, S.V.D., 2017

Sept. 23

Rev. Antoine Charest, SM, Former Assistant, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 2001

Sept. 24

Rev. Joseph E.C. Bourque, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955

Sept. 25

Rev. Robert J. Woodley, S.J., Missionary, Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, 1857

Rev. Deacon Robert B. Raymond, 2007

Sept. 26

Rev. John J. Donahue, Assistant, St. William, Fall River, 1944

Rev. Flavius Gamache, SMM, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1996

Rev. John C. Martins, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 2008

Rev. Clement E. Dufour, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 2009

Sept. 27

Rev. John W. Greene, S.J., Former Teacher, Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1991 Sept. 29

Rev. J.A. Payan, Founder, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1899

Rev. Roman Chwaliszewski, O.F.M. Conv., Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 2012

Sept. 30

Rev. John J. Griffin, Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1963

Rev. George Taraska, O.F.M. Conv., Parochial Vicar, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1993

Rev. Deacon Paul G. Metilly, 2013

Oct. 1

Most. Rev. William O. Brady, S.T.D., Archbishop of St. Paul, 1961

Oct. 2

Rev. John D. O’Keefe, 1916

Rev. Joseph E. Sutula, Pastor, St. Casimir, New Bedford, 1961

Rev. Rene R. Levesque, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1999

Rev. Msgr. Stanislaus T. Sypek, St. Adalbert, Hyde Park, Mass., 2011

Rev. Deacon Dennis G. O’Connell, 2021

Oct. 3

Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Considine, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1991

September 5, 2025

St. Julie's Parish Women's Conference to be held on September 6th

The Ladies Guild of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth invites women of the parish, the surrounding area, and the Diocese of Fall River to join them in the second Catholic Women’s Conference to be held in the St. Julie Parish hall on Saturday, September 6, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Registration is $50 The cost includes morning pastry and lunch. To register, go to www.saintjulies.org

Wanted:

Marriage Ministry Mentors

Are you a Catholic married couple ready to inspire others? Become a Marriage Ministry Mentor in the Diocese of Fall River. Receive training, formation, guidance, and resources and help prepare engaged couples for their Sacrament of Matrimony.

If interested, please contact Family and Respect Life Director Deborah LeDoux, dledoux@ dioc-fr.org 508-658-2956.

Around the Diocese

Italian Heritage Celebration

Come out for an afternoon of Remembrance, Song, and Prayer to celebrate Italian heritage on Sunday, Sept. 21, 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington St., N. Easton.

Cultural stories will be shared; Anne DeSanto will offer music. Refreshments will be served at the free event. Visitors are warmly welcome. This is a rain or shine event.The celebration is hosted by Father Leo Polselli, C.S.C. Registration not required. Questions? Email: Mission@ HCFM.org or call 508-238-4095.

Young Adult Retreat

October 24-26th

The Young Adult Retreat is open to college students and young adults. It is sponsored by the Diocesan Newman House and will take place at La Salette Retreat Center in Attleboro.

Led by their peers, young adults will be accompanied in exploring their relationship with God and encounter who the Risen Christ is, all while building community with other young adults.

Register at www.umassdcatholics.com/retreats.html.

Contact Deacon Frank Lucca at 508-999-8872 or flucca@umassd.edu with questions.

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women meet September 13

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the Diocese to attend their meeting on Saturday, September 13 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mt. Pleasant St. in New Bedford.

Guest speaker will be Eileen Magdalen Ross, a canon lawyer for the Diocese of Fall River, who will be present an introduction to the Code of Canon Law, and the Catholic Church’s legal system. Light refreshments will be served.

Any questions please contact Ann Marie Melanson at 508-6310533 or email at frdccwannmarie@gmail.com.

The 16th Annual Walk for the Poor September 27

The 16th Annual Walk for the Poor, sponsored by the Fall River St. Vincent de Paul organization, will be held on Saturday, September 27 at the former Bishop Connolly High School,  273 Elsbree Street, Fall River.

The walk raises funds and awareness for individuals and families struggling with poverty. Funds raised go directly to assist with needs such as rent, utilities, food, and other emergency assistance for local residents.

Registration starts at 8.30 a.m. The walk steps off at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

All are welcomed to participate. Please contact Victor Alves@774 301 5349 with any questions.

† September 5, 2025

Readings † September 6 — October 3

Sat. Sept. 6: Col 1: 21-23: Ps 54: 3-4. 6 and 8: Lk 6: 1-5

Sun. Sept. 7 :Wis 9: 13-18b: Ps 90: 3-4. 5-6. 12-13. 14-17 (1): Phlm 9-10. 12-17: Lk 14: 25-33

Mon. Sept. 8: Mi 5: 1-4a or Rom 8: 28-30: Ps 13: 6ab. 6c: Mt 1: 1-16. 18- 23

Tues. Sept. 9: Col 2: 6-15: Ps 145: 1b-2. 8-9. 10-11: Lk 6: 12-19

Wed. Sept. 10: Col 3: 1-11: Ps 145: 2-3. 10-11. 12-13ab: Lk 6: 20-26

Thurs. Sept. 11: Col 3: 12-17: Ps 150: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6: Lk 6: 27-38

Fri. Sept. 12 :1 Tm 1: 1-2. 12-14: Ps 16: 1b-2a and 5. 7-8. 11: Lk 6: 39-42

Sat. Sept. 13:1 Tm 1: 15-17: Ps 113: 1b-2. 3-4. 5a and 6-7: Lk 6: 43-49

Sun. Sept. 14: Nm 21: 4b-9: Ps 78: 1bc-2. 34-35. 36-37. 38: Phil 2: 6-11: Jn 3: 13-17

Mon. Sept. 15: 1 Tm 2: 1-8: Ps 28: 2. 7. 8-9: Jn 19: 25-27 or Lk 2: 33-35

Tues. Sept. 16: 1 Tm 3: 1-13: Ps 101: 1b-2ab. 2cd-3ab. 5. 6: Lk 7: 11-17

Wed. Sept. 17: 1 Tm 3: 14-16: Ps 111: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6: Lk 7: 31-35

Thurs. Sept. 18: 1 Tm 4: 12-16: Ps 111: 7-8. 9. 10: Lk 7: 36-50

Fri. Sept. 19: 1 Tm 6: 2c-12: Ps 49: 6-7. 8-10. 17-18. 19-20: Lk 8: 1-3

Sat. Sept. 20:1 Tm 6: 13-16: Ps 100: 1b-2. 3. 4. 5: Lk 8: 4-15

Sun. Sept. 21: Am 8: 4-7: Ps 113: 1-2. 4-6. 7-8: 1 Tm 2: 1-8: Lk 16: 1-13

Mon. Sept. 22: Ezr 1: 1-6: Ps 126: 1b-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5. 6: Lk 8: 16-18

Tues. Sept. 23: Ezr 6: 7-8. 12b. 14-20: Ps 122: 1-2. 3-4ab. 4cd-5: Lk 8: 1921

Wed. Sept. 24: Ezr 9: 5-9: Tb 13: 2. 3-4a. 4. 7-8: Lk 9: 1-6

Thurs. Sept. 25: Hg 1: 1-8: Ps 149: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6a and 9b: Lk 9: 7-9

Fri. Sept. 26: Hg 2: 1-9: Ps 43: 1. 2. 3. 4: Lk 9: 18-22

Sat. Sept. 27: Zec 2: 5-9. 14-15a: Jer 31: 10. 11-12ab. 13: Lk 9: 43b-45

Sun. Sept. 28: Am 6: 1a. 4-7: Ps 146: 7. 8-9. 9-10 (1b): 1 Tm 6: 11-16: Lk 16: 19-31

Mon. Sept. 29: Dn 7: 9-10. 13-14 or Rv 12: 7-12a: Ps 138: 1-2ab. 2cde-3. 4-5: Jn 1: 47-51

Tues. Sept. 30: Zec 8: 20-23: Ps 87: 1b-3. 4-5. 6-7: Lk 9: 51-56

Wed. Oct 1: Neh 2: 1-8: Ps 137: 1-2. 3. 4-5. 6: Lk 9: 57-62

Thurs. Oct 2: Neh 8: 1-4a. 5-6. 7b-12: Ps 19: 8. 9. 10. 11: Mt 18: 1-5. 10 Fri Oct 3: Bar 1: 15-22: Ps 79: 1b-2. 3-5. 8. 9: Lk 10: 13-16

St. Joseph Church 391 High Street Central Falls, RI

FAMILY FESTIVAL 2025

Friday, September 5 ~ 6 PM to 12 AM Saturday, September 6 ~ 6 PM to 12 AM Sunday, September 7 ~ 12 PM to 6 PM

Attractions Include: Polka Bands Polish Homemade Food American Food Various Booths

Everyone is welcome!

September 5, 2025

October Respect Life Month Annual Mass and Conference

The Respect Life Month Annual Mass and conference will to take place on Sunday, October 12.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the his year’s annual Diocesan Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. The Mass is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Following the Mass, will be the Annual Respect Life Conference at White’s of Westport.

In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning to the end of their lives, and at every point in between.

During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human. Each year the Family and Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Fall River

strives to showcase relevant and important topics in the fight for a culture of life.

This year’s speaker, Dr. Joseph Meaney, will discuss ‘Ethics at the beginning of life’.

This Conference will be especially valuable for to doctors, nurses, dating, engaged, and married couples, teachers, students, priests, deacons and faith formation leaders, parish staff, ministry leaders, and respect-life committee members.

Meaney received his Ph D. in bioethics from the Catholic University

of the Sacred Heart in Rome. Its doctoral program was founded by the late Elio Cardinal Sgreccia and linked to the medical school and Gemelli teaching hospital. His dissertation topic was Conscience and Health Care: A Bioethical Analysis.

Meaney earned a master’s in Latin American studies, focusing on health care in Guatemala, from the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from the University of Dallas with a BA in history and a concentration in international studies.

The Benedict XVI Catho-

lic University in Trujillo, Peru, awarded Meaney an honorary visiting professorship. The University of Dallas bestowed on him an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters in 2022.

The conference will begin at 12:00 p.m. at White’s of Westport, and includes a buffet lunch.

Tickets are $40 per person. Group registration

is available (Half table, four seats for $140). Registration is open now until September 11st. If you have questions about this event, please contact the Family and Respect Life Office at dledoux@dioc-fr. org

Direct Link to register: https://pci.jotform.com/ form/250925454628160 Or visit https://www. fallriverdiocese.org/

Memorial Service for Victims of Abortion

Please join the local Pro-Life Community for the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children on September 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery (near St. Mark’s), Towne St. and Stanley St. North Attleboro.

Pro-life Americans will honor the memory of the more than 65 million unborn victims of abortion.

Solemn prayer services will be held simultaneously at gravesites around the country where abortion victims have been buried, as well as at many other memorial sites dedicated in their honor, including the one in North Attleboro. Last year there were over 225 services around the country.

The 50-minute service we include prayers for all mothers, fathers, grandparents, abortion doctors, staff etc. involved in devastation of abortion. Everyone attending will be invited to lay a flower in memory of the aborted babies on a Knights of Columbus headstone that honors the Unborn. Bring your own flowers or roses will be provided. Women who chose abortion will share their past abortion stories and how they found healing and forgiveness.

To learn more about this nationwide event, please visit: https://NationalDayOfRemembrance.org

TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel

Sunday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Francis Xavier Church, East Providence ***

Sunday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford ***

Sunday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Anthony of Padua Church, Fall River ***

Sunday, September 28 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, New Bedford ***

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6

Sunday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Christopher D. Hughes, Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville, and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville.

Sunday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Christopher M. Peschel, Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford

Sunday, September 21at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Peter Scheffer, Pastor, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans, and Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wellfleet

Sunday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, Pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Assonet, and St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown

September 5, 2025