01.21.22

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Child protection, healing, reform is primary focus for Fall River Diocese FALL RIVER — In January 2002, the Boston Globe began publishing a series of Spotlight articles that would lead to a firestorm of revelations of clergy abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston, throughout our U.S. Catholic Church, and ultimately our world. The two decades that followed have been painful for all Catholics — lay, religious and clergy alike — as more allegations, investigations, lawsuits, and grand jury reports continue to unfold. Yet these revelations give us only

a small understanding of the depth of pain and suffering endured by survivors. Just as Jesus drove out the moneychangers who defiled the temple, the Church is undergoing a necessary cleansing. Has any good emerged? Is there reason for hope? What has changed? In the coming months The Anchor will publish a series of articles that seek to honor the experience of survivors and highlight the ongoing efforts in child protection, healing, and reform 8 Turn to page 11

Local Synod news - Page nine

Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, January 21, 2022

Diocesan schools have much to celebrate this Catholic Schools Week FALL RIVER — The topic of education continues to be highlighted in the media as the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced and changed every aspect of life. Despite all schools offering in-person learning for the 202122 school year, many families continue to choose to send their children to a Catholic school for many reasons. Celebrate Catholic Schools Week provides a platform for Catholic schools to communicate their uniqueness and encourage new families to discover the “Catholic school difference” first hand. For many students attending one of the 15 Catholic elementary schools or four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Fall River, this year may be their first exposure to the unique qualities of Catholic education that cannot be found in any secular educational experience. Enrollment in the Diocese of Fall River Catholic elementary schools has increased nearly three percent compared to last school year; and

most Catholic elementary schools have a wait list. Celebrate Catholic Schools Week focuses on the many aspects of Catholic education valued by families for decades: a robust and balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life; the value of serving others; as well as preparing students to be productive citizens and future leaders. Each day presents a different theme in order to highlight the many facets that are touched by a Catholic education. The 2022 themes for the week are: • Celebrating your parish; • Celebrating your community; • Celebrating Catholic school students; • Celebrating your nation; • Celebrating vocations; • Celebrating faculty, staff and volunteers; • Celebrating families. “Celebrate Catholic School Week 8 Turn to page three

Newly-instituted diocesan secretariat hit the ground running By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER —On July 1, 2021, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., established the diocesan Secretariat for the New Evangelization whose mission is to assist parishes, schools, college campuses in providing area Catholics

of all ages with the tools needed for the Church’s New Evangelization. A few months later, Bishop da Cunha released his fourth pastoral letter since coming to the diocese, “Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith & Hope.” The bish-

op’s latest letter provided steps for diocesan faithful to become sources of

invitational witness to the faith, and the Sacramental life and vocations to which

each individual is called. upon them. The new ministry Selected to captain the involved the restructuring new ship was David Carof the Office of valho, the former diocesan Faith Formation, Senior Director for Youth, Campus MinisYoung Adult and Family try and Pro-Life Life Ministries. Carvalho is Apostolate. The now the Secretary for the Secretariat was to New Evangelization. not only continue the fine “The mission of the work of these important Church to proclaim Christ ministries, but expand 8 Turn to page 13 January 21, 2022 † 1


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