06.11.21

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Bishop da Cunha and regional bishops to lift the Sunday and Holy Day Mass dispensation Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, June 11, 2021

Bishop ordains new priest for Diocese of Fall River By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — On what is always a joyous day in the diocese, last Saturday was a sun soaked day of celebration and thanks,

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. anoints the hands of newly-ordained Father Peter R. Scheffer Jr. at the cathedral on June 5. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu)

as Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., ordained Father Peter R. Scheffer Jr. The ordination, during the context of a Mass, was celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on June 5, attended by family, friends, brother priests, religious, seminarians and deacons. In his homily, Bishop da Cunha told Father Scheffer, “As a priest, you are to follow Christ and to be like Christ; to do what Christ did; to walk the path He walked; proclaim the Gospel, forgive sins and celebrate His mysteries. “This local Church of Fall River needs you. She needs your faith, your prayers, your service, your fidelity and generosity. She needs all of you, unconditionally.” The bishop reminded Father Scheffer that as of now, his time is no longer his own, but that it must be shared with the Church and the people he is called to serve. “Remember that you are being ordained not for yourself, not for honor and

As of press time, The Anchor has been informed that Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and the regional Catholic bishops have together decided to inform the Catholic faithful that the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation will be lifted on Father’s Day, June 19-20. The bishops saw Father’s Day weekend as an appropriate time to encourage Catholic faithful, especially families, to return to the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, the

center of every Catholic life. The obligation does not apply to those who are ill, recently exposed to COVID-19 or other communicable illnesses, those confined to their homes or other facilities for various reasons, and those who are not able to be vaccinated for specific reasons. Upon official release of the Bishops’ statement, it will be posted on The Anchor website at anchornews.org and the diocesan website, fallriverdiocese.org.

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Annual appeal continues; diocesan seminarians aided by area faithful

FALL RIVER — The 80th Annual Catholic Appeal “Time to Gather, Time to Heal, Time to Love” has raised $2.8 million to date, with less than three weeks remaining in the annual campaign, which ends on Wednesday, June 30. There is still time to make a gift or pledge in support of the many agencies and apostolates that carry out the work of the Church throughout the Diocese of Fall River, assisting tens of thousands each year. Gifts to the Appeal directly support the formation of our devoted seminarians as they prepare for lives as future priests, as well as the work of the Diocesan Office of Vocations, led by Father Kevin A. Cook, director of Vocations, and Father Jack M. Schrader, assistant director of Vocations. In a recent testimonial about his work in the Office of Vocations, Father Schrader 8 Turn to page 15

During the COVID-19 pandemic, seminarians deacons William O’Donnell (left) and Matthew Laird continued their studies remotely and joined the community of Holy Family in East Taunton

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., helps plant in the Laudato Si’ Garden on the grounds of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, following his blessing it. Story June 11, 2021 † Thadeu) 1 on page two. (Photo by Deacon Alan


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