Living the Cursillo changes lives of local Christians
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — When Deacon Joe Harrington’s friend Jim Orcutt told him about a life changing “retreat” he attended, Joe wanted to share in the experience. Jim and his wife Terry had attended Cursillo, a three-and-ahalf-day weekend where attendees learn the deeper meaning of being Christian.
Cursillo is a Catholic movement that encourages Christians to deepen their faith and become better evangelizers in their communities.
In the Diocese of Fall River, Cursillo is held at the Holy Cross Retreat House in Easton.
After attending the weekend in January of 2000, Joe wondered why he hadn’t gone earlier.
‘‘People had asked if they could sponsor me for at least 10 years; that I should do it. Sometimes it takes a few people to mention it before you go. It opened my mind up to ways I can serve the Lord,” he said.
A few years later, Joe Harrington became a deacon. He attributes living Cursillo as an inspiration in studying to be an ordained deacon.
‘‘I discerned the diaconate through it. Since then, I have been asked to become a team member (a group that helps out during Cursillo retreats) and have sponsored many people over the years.” he said.
He said that Jim Orcott, who passed away in 2023, had a similar experience after attending Cursillo and opened My Brother’s Keeper, a vibrant, welcoming Christian ministry which delivers furniture and food to families in need.
At the recent January men’s Cursillo, Deacon Joe served on the team after being asked by retiring Brother Paul Feeney.
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Bishop speaks out on immigration enforcement
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha S.D.V. | issued the following statement on Friday, January 31, 2025
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35).
At every Cursillo, there are priests and deacons on the team, in addition to lay ministry team members. Sponsorship by a person who has attended is a prerequisite.
Those who have ‘‘lived” Cursillo say it is an experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and caring Christian community, realizing that this can be extended into everyday life.
The motto of Cursillo is to make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ.
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning a short course. It is an abbreviated form of Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course to prepare Christians).
It is not a theoretical course but, an experience that must be lived. It is said to be a life-changing experience, which brings with it the discovery of the basis of Christianity and its fundamental significance to life.
To speak with someone who has lived Cursillo, explaining it to someone who has
A foundational teaching of our Catholic faith makes clear that every person from conception to natural death is made in the image and likeness of God and, as such, deserves to be treated with dignity. It is through this lens that we are called to reflect not only on our own actions but also on those of our society including our government.
In its first weeks, the new Administration in Washington, D.C. has prioritized immigration enforcement through new orders, and an emphasis on the need for mass deportations.
To be clear, our government has the responsibility to secure our borders and to keep its citizens safe. As Bishop Mark Sietz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration wrote last week, “Church teaching recognizes a country’s right and responsibility to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration.”
At the same time, as the Administration moves forward with immigration enforcement
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February 7, 2025
Welcoming doors to the Chapel at the Holy Cross Retreat House in Easton.
Beyond Revival
By David G. Carvalho Diocesan Faith Formation Senior Director dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org
FALL RIVER — As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once put it, “nothing ever happens in the world that does not happen first inside the human heart.”
Any good work of the Church is ultimately an attempt to heal the human heart and draw it to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Truly, when the National Eucharistic Revival first set out, it shared its vision as one “to inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and subsequently sent out on mission for the life of the world.”
no opportunities for adults now having opportunities that were attended.
And then, in September, over 1,100 individuals gathered, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, to worship the Lord and encounter Him. And, too, stories began to come back:
“God was working in me that day to surrender all my fears and pain at His feet”, wrote one attendee afterwards. “I am more grounded in Him and have been praying more whenever tempted or challenged instead of immediately reacting in my own ways. I am asking Him to guide me in His ways.”
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Bishop da Cunha on immigration reform
it is imperative that it proceeds in a humane way, with respect for the law, and with respect for the dignity of all concerned. As Christians, we must be committed to ensuring this. Again, to echo Bishop Sietz, “…we cannot abide injustice.”
In concluding his 1987 papal trip to the United States, Pope John Paul II said. “… America, your deepest identity and truest character as a nation is revealed in the position you take towards the human person.”
This vision for revival could certainly be understood as a continuation of what the Church has always been called to do. But it speaks to an important reality that shouldn’t be forgotten: any attempt to reach those in our current age should begin with those already here.
As the Diocese of Fall River celebrated its own 120th Anniversary in 2024, parishes set out, each in their own way, to first heal, convert, and form those that were here, so as to better seek those who weren’t.
Over 26 weeks, from March through August 2024, 41 parishes in the diocese engaged in Eucharistic Revival and formation efforts.
Over 9,000 prayers for revival were sought from hospitals, nursing homes, parishes and Catholic schools. Adoration chapels in the diocese invited those stopping in for prayer to pray for revival in families and communities.
As prayer and formation ensued, stories began to come back. Stories of individuals who went to Adoration for the first time, although being life-long Catholics; of individuals coming home to Church at a difficult time; of congregations praying together for Eucharistic Revival; of nearby parishes collaborating together on revival efforts; of parishes with previously
February 7, 2025
“The whole day was remarkable and we got to go to confession”, wrote another attendee. [What struck me was] how the Holy Spirit can work inside a person and how to evangelize another. All the priests showing up to show support for the Diocese and Bishop da Cunha…God was present and everyone talked about it.”
Yet, measuring whether or not something was a “success” or “worked” comes with its challenges. Yes, there are the numbers previously shared. But whether or not the fruit borne at the Encounter and through the Revival will last – whether others’ hearts are reached and healed - depends on us.
At the conclusion of the National Eucharist Congress, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, asked “what would happen if each of you thought of one person you know who is currently away from the faith and you decided to pray for them, to befriend them and then to invite them to take one more step closer to Jesus and his Church? What would happen if 70 million Catholics did that?”
Even so, what would it look like if 1,100 Catholics did that in Southeastern Massachusetts? Or if 9,000 people kept praying that others may come to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist?
The Revival was never meant to be an event but rather an opportunity. And various Catholics and churches in the Diocese have taken
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One new executive order authorizes immigration officials to enter schools, healthcare facilities, and churches to conduct arrests. This has caused much fear and anxiety in our communities among citizens and immigrants alike. Some understandably wonder if it is no longer safe to pray in our churches or send their children to our schools to learn. Churches are sacred places, long regarded as a safe refuge where anyone can go to seek God’s comfort and strength. It is my hope and prayer that the protection once afforded our churches, and other special places is not ripped away in the current climate.
Earlier this year, speaking of the need to balance migration governance with regard for human rights and dignity, Pope Francis said, “We are quick to forget we are dealing with people with names and faces.”
The Catholic Church in the U.S. has long welcomed newcomers and provided them with pastoral care and other assistance. I am grateful that this continues today in the Diocese of Fall River through our parishes, schools, ministries, and especially Catholic Charities’ immigration services.
I join many of my brother bishops who are calling for bipartisan, comprehensive, and effective immigration reform that reflects Gospel values. I invite our faithful and all people of goodwill to join me in praying for this. Please also remember the immigrants, refugees, and others among us in search of a safe place to call home, and our country, which has long been a beacon of hope and welcome.
Bishop da Cunha’s statement on immigration is available in Portuguese and Spanish on the Diocesan website at www.fallriverdiocese.org
Bishop Edgar da Cunha preaches to the faithful who attended the Eucharistic Revival last September.
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never experienced Cursillo is not easy. The reason behind the mystery is God. No one can fully explain how God touches each person in His special way throughout the various elements of the Cursillo Movement.
Kevin Kiley, Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer at the Diocese of Fall River, lived Cursillo in 2018 and it changed his life significantly.
Like Deacon Joe, his friend Jim Orcott, who at the time ran the retreat house with his wife Terry, encouraged him to attend.
‘‘That experience changed my relationship with Christ. I always had a relationship, but the Lord was up on a pedestal, and through living Cursillo, Christ became someone that I could talk to and be comfortable with, like a brother or friend,” he said.
Since then, he has been on the team to facilitate the men’s Cursillo on several occasions, with a profound feeling to help someone else as a witness to the experience. He is also involved in the preparation of a Cursillo Convocation the Diocese ofFall River is planning for June of this year.
‘‘Every time I experience Cursillo, I get more out of it. Watching the Lord work is truly amazing.”
His explanation of Cursillo is that ‘‘you come into the weekend one way and leave another way.”
‘‘Many feel apprehension going into it. Once you go through it, it’s not mysterious, but a profound experience you have to live.”
Movement Background
The first inklings of what later was to become the Cursillo Movement began on the Island of Majorca during World War II. The Spanish Civil War had ended in 1939, and the years after the Civil War were a time of ferment in the Spanish Church. Before the war, a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Compostela had been planned. After being postponed several times by the disruption of war, it was finally rescheduled for 1948.
At first, the Cursillos were just “little courses” (little course is the literal meaning of the Spanish word - Cursillo) which were given by the diocesan council of the young men’s branch of Catholic Action in Spain. They were given to members of Catholic Action groups as a way of forming them so they could become effective apostles.
In 1959, Cursillo spread throughout Texas and to Phoenix, Arizona. In August of that
year the first national convention of spiritual directors was held, and Ultreya magazine began publication. In 1960, the growth of Cursillo quickened in the Southwest, and weekends were held for the first time in the East in New York City and Lorain, Ohio.
Until 1961, all weekends were held in Spanish. That year the first English-speaking weekend was held in San Angelo, Texas. Also in 1961, first weekends were held in San Francisco, California; Gary, Indiana; Lansing, Michigan; and Gallup, New Mexico.
By 1962, twenty-five more English-speaking weekends had been held. Today, it is a worldwide movement with centers in nearly all South and Central American countries, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and in several African countries. Kevin Holland, a lay director for the Fall River Cursillo provided some local history.
‘‘The first Cursillo was held at the Holy Cross Retreat House in Easton, in the late 1960’s. We have 6 Cursillos annually, three for
Upcoming Cursillo Schedule
March 20-23
February 20-23
April 24-27
To learn more, go to www.retreathouse.org/cursillo
women and three for men. With an average of 30 people per weekend, more than 11,000 people have lived Cursillo at the Holy Cross Retreat House.
‘‘I lived Cursillo in March of 2007, and consider that weekend such a gift. I attended 12 years of Catholic school, and feel I learned more about what it means to live as a Christian on the Cursillo weekend than I did in 12
years of school. That’s not meant to disparage my Catholic education, but an endorsement of Cursillo. It was a life-changing experience, and I’ve been involved since.” he said.
‘‘Since living Cursillo I have had a different perspective, where I actively look for Christ in others, all others, and strive to be Christ, by sharing His Love with those I cross paths with. Over the years I’ve been blessed to have sponsored others to live Cursillo, been on team for Cursillo weekends, served as Rector, and now am the co-lay director for the Fall River Diocese Cursillo.”
Hundreds of thousands of American Catholics have lived Cursillo. There are separate weekends for men and women. Non-Catholics may attend as well.
The Cursillo experience begins with a weekend course in basic Christianity. The course gives the participant practical insights into the everyday life of faith and service. The weekend is a back-to-basics experience which often deepens and rounds out what one has learned about Christ earlier in life.
Deacon Joe explained that it is not a silent retreat, but more of a workshop.
‘‘The sacraments are explained in a way that might never had been taught before, especially when most of us learned about them as children.” he said.
The program begins on Thursday evening and concludes on Sunday evening.
The weekend is led by a team of lay volunteers and clergy. They prepare extensively for this three-day course in basic Christianity. There are talks on various religious topics, and each talk is followed by a discussion.
Mass is celebrated each day, and there is an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Morning and evening prayer, as well as a few devotions, are part of the schedule. Meals are hearty, and there are regular breaks in the schedule.
Follow-through is essential to living the Cursillo experience successfully. After the weekend, there are opportunities to meet and pray with others, in order to consolidate what was developed during the three days at the retreat house. The follow-up program is explained in detail during the weekend.
The retreat house staff and the Cursillo team, along with the sponsors, aid the candidates in connecting with other Cursillistas (those who have lived Cursillo).
There are a few stipulations to attend in addition to sponsorship. The candidate should
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By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
Laura Carillo is a native of Franklin, MA and graduated from Franklin High School before earning her B.S. in Marketing from the University of Connecticut and an MBA in Management Science from the University of Massachusetts. She is the Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of Fall River.
What does your job entail? My work is dynamic, always centered on finding ways to better serve people, something I find both engaging and fulfilling. I dedicate much of my time to meeting with diocesan and parish leaders on key initiatives and spend a considerable amount of time out of the office, visiting with our priests and Diocese parishes.
Relationship Building: Building genuine relationships is essential in this work. It allows my office to better serve our priests and parishes as they navigate change.
Interaction with Bishop da Cunha: Although my office is in the same building as the Bishop’s Office, I don’t see the Bishop every day. I do value opportunities to meet in person to connect and discuss recent developments. Since I am right upstairs, its an easy commute.
Busy Schedule: When I have a spare moment at my desk, I stay engaged by responding to messages, keeping up with USCCB updates, analyzing diocesan data and trends, and exploring strategic initiatives other dioceses across the country are using to plan for the future.
Salt, Light and Leaven
my Cursillo as part of
It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen my faith, connect with a beautiful community, and have a lot of fun along the way.
Lessons Learned: I found that the stories and teachings at Cursillo deepened my faith while also reminding me of lessons I hadn’t considered in years. Cursillo also gave me the opportunity to be Christ to others. The women I journeyed with came from different backgrounds and were at various points in their faith, allowing us to support one another and share in the joy of each other’s unique experience.
What is your role with Cursillo now? I am on the team for the upcoming February Cursillo, which means that I am part of a group of women who help support participants and
facilitate discussions throughout the weekend. I am also the Diocesan Liaison to the Cursillo Action Committee, which is a group working to share the Cursillo ministry more directly with the faithful in the Diocese of Fall River. We are blessed to have a terrific location for Cursillo in our Diocese, at the Holy Cross Retreat House at Stonehill College.
Family: My husband, Jorge and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary last October. We were married at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin and now live in Marion with our three children, Isabella and Jorge III (Jay), who are in college, and Olivia, who is in sixth grade.
Pets: Our family also includes two beloved dogs, Papi and Manny, named in honor of our favorite team, the Boston Red Sox.
Higher Ed: As a faculty member at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, I have been teaching 8 am classes at the Gabelli School of Business for the last eight years. Teaching allows me to stay connected with our future leaders, a perspective that is important to my work with the Diocese.
Outside of work: We are often on the go, driving Olivia to activities and cheering her on at Cape Cod Swim Club meets, travel soccer games, Showstoppers vocal performances, school concerts, and whatever else she’s involved in. We also try to get to Isabella and Jay’s campuses for visits as well.
Rest and Relaxation: In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing on the couch and watching local sports with Jorge. We are a household that proudly supports the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins.
What are you reading (or have read lately)? I am reading “If These Walls Could Talk,” which I started after finishing “The Dynasty.” Both books are about The New England Patriots.
Have you seen any of your favorite sport teams in person? I’ve seen them all at least once over many years, but not many lately. Our last in-person game was at Fenway Park when my daughter’s school PTO ran a fundraiser that included discounted tickets. Given how the Sox have been doing lately, I think we could probably find pretty good seats now.
February 7, 2025
Living Cursillo: In April 2022 I lived
Cursillo #378.
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A spiritual enlightment through Cursillo
be at least 25 years of age. While there is no upper age limit, the schedule is challenging, and the candidate must be able to participate in the entire weekend.
Kiley said there were two older men at a Cursillo last year, both in their 80’s.
‘‘Although it is not physically demanding, mentally it can be quite a challenge. Age did not deter these men from participating at all,” he said.
The schedule is a full and demanding one requiring reasonably good health and stamina.
A person applies for Cursillo by way of a sponsor, a friend or acquaintance who has lived Cursillo. Many parishes and recovery communities have Cursillo contact people. If assistance is needed to obtain a sponsor, contact the retreat house. There are forms for the candidate and the sponsor. Space is limited at the retreat house, so only a certain number of applicants can be accepted.
The cost of the weekend (including three nights and nine meals) is $195.
Kiley encourages those thinking about attending to sign up.
Shaun Kerrigan, Records Coordinator for the Diocese, attended Cursillo last year. He went in
with an open mind but had a bit of apprehension not knowing what would happen.
‘‘I had heard a lot about Cursillo and Paul Brooks, my sponsor, said that this would be a great experience for me. He said it was the ‘best gift he gave himself in his life’ and I should think about doing the same for myself. His passion for it convinced me,” he said.
‘‘From the first night in the Chapel at the Retreat House, I was listening to a meditation with 30 men, none of whom I had ever met. ‘Be still and know that I am God’ is one of my favorite versus in the Bible, and I knew I was in the right place.
‘‘Then I learned their stories and shared mine along with subtle suggestions for them to move forward with in their lives.”
‘‘It was a game changer for me in many ways. I would recommend attending to literally anyone after what I experienced,” Kerrigan said.
‘‘What do you have to lose? You could be called to be there for others,” he said.
For more information, contact one of the Lay Directors for the Fall River Cursillo, Maryann Sullivan Farrell or Kevin Holland. Cursillo@RetreatHouse.org
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER
Mark your calendars and please join us! Cursillistas from all across New England along with adult friends and family interested in learning about Cursillo are invited for this joyous event on the campus of Stonehill College in North Easton.Together we will live a beautiful day in faith and energize all Cursillistas to be the spark of renewal in the Church!
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Ames Sports Complex • Stonehill College 320 Washington Street • North Easton, MA 02357 10:00 am – 5:00 pm • Doors open at 9:00 am
The event will feature welcoming remarks and celebration of the Vigil Mass by the Bishop of Fall River, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.V.D., D.D.
Keynote Speaker Brian Pusateri, shares a life story of faith and resilience with a profound message of God’s mercy.
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February 7, 2025
Editorial
A year ago, the Supreme Court of Alabama brought long-needed attention to the practices, lack of regulation and dearth of ethics in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technology industries. By an 8-1 margin, the Court determined that cryogenically frozen human embryos were to be considered unborn children under Alabama law and that businesses and families that decide to destroy or discard human embryos may be liable to punitive damages. Though the decision was sadly overridden by the Alabama state legislature, it shone a spotlight on the ethical wasteland of the artificial fertility industry, an $8 billion annual business in the United States that manufactures nearly 100,000 children a year, about one of every 40 kids born.
Since 1978, when the first IVF child, Louise Brown, was born, the Catholic Church has been a voice crying in the wilderness about the many ethical issues involved. While the Church affirms the humanity of every baby, however conceived, praises the desire for parents to have children, and compassionately recognizes the enormous suffering involved for parents struggling with infertility, she stresses that children are always a divine gift, not a right to whom parents are entitled.
The Church has catalogued the many moral issues involved: in IVF, children are manufactured, not begotten; women are impregnated not by a husband but by a technician with a pipette; men must masturbate to obtain the sperm for the laboratory insemination; excess embryonic children are created, with some implanted, others deep frozen in huge cryogenic orphanages, and others simply thrown away; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is routinely done to design babies and discriminate among embryos based on sex, eye color, hair color or other qualities; some implanted embryos are selectively aborted; children are often prevented from ever discovering their biological parents’ identity; doctors have surreptitiously substituted their own sperm and become the father of hundreds of children; the surrogacy industry, banned in most countries of Europe for the exploitation of vulnerable women, is enabled; and children are put in a situation of multiple parental claims, from egg mom, sperm dad, surrogate mother, legal (paying) dad(s), legal mom(s) and, with new techniques for the manipulation of eggs, even stranger combinations.
Relatively few have had the courage to confront these issues. Everyone feels immense compassion for couples struggling with infertility and no one wants to offend the dignity or
February 7, 2025
OppOsing iVF and its subVersiOn OF Human dignity
hurt the feelings of the 12 million children fabricated through in vitro worldwide. Abortion supporters recognize that if the humanity of the embryo out of the uterus is conceded, it will have enormous consequences for how embryos are treated within the uterus. Even some abortion opponents, who know well the humanity of the human embryo, express their support for IVF on the basis of “family values” and “children,” without addressing any of the ethical issues involved in freezing and destroying innocent human life, or the abortion-supporting logic that embryos are the “property” of parents who can let their tiny biological children live, die, or be put in the freezer.
That’s why the January 24 pastoral letter by Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, is so important and timely. Entitled The Christian Family, In Vitro Fertilization, and Heroic Witness to True Love, the letter is a bold and compassionate response to couples struggling to conceive children. “Fertility and in vitro fertilization,” the Virginia bishop writes, “are incredibly sensitive topics and deserve to be treated with a spirit of accompaniment, compassion, and understanding.” That’s what he seeks to do and help all Catholics to do with him.
“As priest and bishop,” he writes, “I have heard consistently of the heartache experienced by so many relating to the desire for family. … [Yet] I have observed with pastoral concern the growing acceptance of IVF as an apparent solution to the heartache of infertility. More darkly, I have also observed the growing demand for IVF as an instrumental means to procure a child through surrogacy outside the context of marriage and family life or even to create a child eugenically with specifically desired characteristics while eliminating other children in the process.”
The previous head of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities notes that 82 percent of Americans and, scandalously, 65 percent of American Catholics view IVF as morally acceptable, while clearly stating, “IVF is contrary to justice and remains replete with moral difficulties.” He specifies the “great moral injustice” of the discarding of undesired embryos and freezing unnecessary ones. “Every successful IVF procedure results in a living child with many missing siblings,” he laments, while clarifying, “IVF would remain unjust and morally wrong even if no embryonic children were destroyed or discarded … [because] the natural and loving embrace of man and woman expressed in marital love is effectively replaced
by a laboratory procedure made possible by the subjugation of man and woman to a technological process.”
IVF, he adds, “subverts human dignity by reducing human persons—man, woman, and child alike—into objects of a technical process” and “treats human beings like products or property,” making it possible “for virtually any single individual or unmarried couple, including those practicing lifestyles at odds with family happiness and stability, to obtain a child either directly or by means of an often economically vulnerable surrogate.”
He calls attention to how recently “some in the public square have advocated a greater role of government in providing IVF as an entitlement,” which he labels “a misguided attempt to respond to challenges surrounding marriage, family formation, falling birth rates, and fertility.” He announces that while the Church resolutely “stands in solidarity with all those experiencing infertility and proclaims the dignity of all who come into existence as a result of IVF, … she stands absolutely opposed to any federal or state governmental action that would involve every citizen with a grave moral injustice.”
He calls upon the federal government to play a positive role in supporting the growth and health of American families, encouraging earlier marriage and family formation, and helping families with pregnancy and childbirth related expenses. Presently, he says, the government is incentivizing the opposite: “Tragically, current federal law unjustly promotes sterility by subsidizing contraceptives and even forms of sterilization. Consequently, American law effectively discourages fertility and its procreative consequences. It is simply wrong that federal healthcare policy socializes the cost of sterility while privatizing the basic costs of pregnancy and childbirth or the cost of restorative fertility treatments for conditions like endometriosis.”
He concludes the letter by noting that “threats posed by IVF to human dignity and human rights are … knowable to all” and asking everyone “to engage in greater thoughtful and rational reflection on the costs associated with the IVF industry, which are evident by human reason” and to “come together to work toward the highest good possible to ensure that law is ordered to the good of all human persons and, particularly, the good of the family.”
All people are urged to read his pastoral letter, available on the website of the Diocese of Arlington, and to act on the summons he makes on behalf of the Lord of Life in defense of those made in his image and likeness.
Little Flower is the only Catholic Early Learning Center in Diocese
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
ATTLEBORO — For many parents, the comfort in knowing your child is being lovingly cared for while you are at work is paramount in maintaining life balance. For the families of the 41 infants, toddlers and pre-school age children that utilize Little Flower Early Learning Center, there is less to worry about.
Little Flower provides families with more than just childcare for God’s children from 6 weeks to 3.9 years, they also offer an education geared to preparing children for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Coordinator Donna Paris leads by example to her staff of 14 full-time teachers.
“I love every child who comes through the door. I make it a point to know ther names and to make them feel comfortable. It cian be hard for a little one to be seperated from a parent or guardian,” she said.
Located in Attleboro, it is the only day care the Diocese of Fall River maintains. Since opening in 2019, the facility is also the only school in the Diocese that offers full or reduced tuition based on income.
All financial assistance for early childcare and education is managed through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which provides assistance for those families in need. In order to be eligible for funding, a family must meet certain income and activity requirements.
The Catholic educational child care center utilizes a curriculum based on Gospel values.
Inspired by their patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux, they partner with parents to help each child see the unique gift from God that they are.
The staff provides a warm, nurturing, safe environment where children are valued, respected as important members of the commu-
explore their natural gift of curiosity.
nity. Each child, created by God, is recognized and accepted as an individual with his or her unique qualities, needs, and pattern of growth.
The team of educators is a loving and talented group of professionals within a caring environment that aims to prepare children for life-long learning.
Little Flower
Early Learning Center follows the highest academic standards which allows child(ren) to
“We strive for happy, well-adjusted kids. We are accepting of all cultures, religions and ethnicities. As much as we talk about Jesus and Mary, we are open to other faiths to show that diversity is accepted here at Little Flower. If someone brings in a dreidel, we will talk about the Jewish Faith. We prepare our young people to be ready when they leave here,” Paris said.
Ultimately, their goal is to become an extension of the family by nurturing and caring for child as though they are their own. Many children go on to attend Catholic schools after graduating from Little Flower.
“It’s about socializing the children and teaching them to be kind to others. Our program curriculum is developmentally appropriate which means that we teach in ways that match the manner in which children develop best – through hands-on play,” Paris said.
Little Flower offers programs that allows children to have a routine as well as encounter new horizons. Children try new ideas and materials, imagine, socialize, express themselves, create, discover, sing, dance, help and listen –all important foundations of a lifelong future of learning.
The staff understand that children need warm, empathetic caretakers in order to develop emotionally and intellectually.
For more information about Little Flower Early Learning Center, email Director Donna Paris at directorlittleflowerelc@frd.org.
Above: The exterior of Little Flower Early Learning Center includes a safe, enclosed play area. Below: The classrooms are age-appropriate for children to learn through play.
By Matthew S. Robinson, Director of Clergy Support Diocese of Fall River mrobinson@dfr.org
FALL RIVER — The success of our parishes and Diocese in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and saving souls depends upon the success of our priests. This fundamental reality lies at the core of ‘‘The Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative”, which Bishop da Cunha introduced to the Diocese in his December 2024 pastoral letter, ‘‘A Time for Fortitude”. Put another way, trying to renew a Diocese in holiness, strength, vibrancy, and love for Christ without simultaneously and consistently centering the Church’s attention on the success of our priests will never work. In fact, the Second Vatican Council stated, “The desired renewal of the whole Church depends to a great extent on the ministry of its priests” (Decree on Priestly Training, 1965).
Why? Because a priest’s holiness has a profound impact on the people entrusted to his care, as his holiness literally “absorbs” into others. For example, the Congregation for Clergy says that “a certain osmosis exists between the faith of the priest and that of the other faithful” (The Priest, Pastor, and Leader of the Parish Community, 2002). Father Jean-Baptiste Chautard, O.C.S.O., in the spiritual classic, The Soul of the Apostolate (1946), also articulates this theology when saying, “If the priest is a saint, the people will be fervent; if the priest is fervent, the people will be pious; if the priest is pious, the people will at least be decent; if the priest is only decent, the people will be godless. The spiritual generation is always one degree less intense in its life than the one who begets it in Christ.”
For these reasons, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
February 7, 2025
A New Day Has Come
(USCCB) says, "The priest can give no greater gift to his people than his own resolve to grow in sanctity” (Guide to Ongoing Formation of Priests, 2023). There is no denying that the strength and holiness of our parishes is intimately tied to that of our priests.
Does this mean that priests are more important than anyone else in the life of the Church?... Certainly not. “The ministerial priesthood does not of itself signify a greater degree of holiness with regard to the common priesthood of the faithful,” says the Second Vatican Council. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that “the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. It is directed at the unfolding of the Baptismal grace of all Christians” (#1547). And, of course, St. Paul teaches that we are a Mystical Body with many parts equal in dignity but differing in role, all aligned toward the same mission (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-30).
Priests are clearly leaders, and their leadership is defined as a form of service. However, it is also evident through the natural light of reason, that any organization, whether secular or religious, must consistently support the success of its leaders. We know that teams and organizations cannot exceed the success of their leaders; instead, they reflect them. The Church is no different.
So, the strength, renewal, holiness, and success of priests must be of the utmost concern for the Church but happening simultaneously with other Church missions as well. This is foundational to the success of the Church's mission to save souls in whatever expression that takes (i.e., education, corporal works, hospitals, etc.). But we must still answer the question: why has this reality become a focal point in our Diocese at this moment?
The answer is multifaceted, but as Bishop da Cunha makes clear in
his pastoral letter, "New unprecedented challenges and realities are being imposed on our priests, making it more difficult, perhaps at any time in our Diocesan history, for them to thrive.” Let's look at some of those new challenges that make the success of our priests more difficult than ever before.
The first unprecedented challenge is obvious: too many parishes and too few priests. Please refer to the graph included (on page 17), which illustrates the ratio of priests to parishes since 1920. You will see that from 1920 to 1970, our Diocese averaged about twice as many priests as parishes. From 1980 to 2023, that ratio begins to shrink. By 2020, we have more parishes than available pastors to shepherd them. Currently, approximately 50% of our pastors have what has historically been considered multiple fulltime assignments. And this reality isn’t improving since we have an aging priesthood. For example, we project that we will have twice as many retiring pastors than available pastors to replace them in the next five years.
The downstream effects of this single factor are distressing: inability to assign priest personnel to ensure the best fit, destabilization of the priest/parish community relationship due to each retirement requiring a cascade of priest transfers, priests being in a “maintenance mode” due to having multiple assignments and lack of time to build a proactive community of faith, priests living in isolation in large rectories which historically housed 3-6 priests at a time and created a fraternal support environment, and increases in mental, physical, and spiritual health issues among clergy.
A second unprecedented challenge is that pastoring a parish is much more complicated than it used to be. This factor aggravates the first because not only are priests pastoring multiple
assignments, but pastoring itself has become more time-consuming and challenging than ever before. Financial activities, human resource management, facilities oversight, safe environment, and other administrative matters can consume a pastor's time and attention excessively, creating a “business manager” model of the priesthood rather than a “Spiritual Father” model.
The USCCB speaks to this when saying, “The mounting workload often leads to a frenetic focus on activity and pastoral work, an activism that can drain one’s desire for spiritual intimacy with God and promote superficiality in the interior life.” St. Bernard of Clairvaux recognized this temptation as well: “Unfortunately, the demands of administration often overwhelmed bishops and priests, and the spiritual focus was lost. Sadly, this led too many to become worldly feudal lords rather than good spiritual fathers.” Priests must not be incentivized to hyper-activism; instead, and quite incredibly, the USCCB states that priests are called to “structure their day around interior growth.” As discussed, this is because the holiness of life always produces greater ministerial effectiveness.
A third unprecedented challenge facing our priests is the alarming decline of the Church’s credibility in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is essentially the result of the sexual abuse crisis, which is a self-inflicted wound of historic proportions, and which will take decades of reparations to heal. The abuse crisis combined with the aggressiveness of the secular culture, which increasingly abhors truth, Church Teaching, and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, make preaching the Gospel even more difficult than ever before. This can be an exceedingly discouraging reality.
These are just a few of the new 8 Turn to page 17
The Gift of Giving programs brings joy to area residents in need
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Rose Mary Saraiva, Community Engagement Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River, undoubtedly knows that is true.
For the past four years, she has organized the Gift of Giving initiative, helping families in need by providing Christmas gifts donated by generous people, businesses, schools, churches and organizations in the Diocese.
This past Christmas, more than 453 were served, including 263 children and more than 120 families.
“I started serving eight families that first year. It has become bigger than I ever dreamed of. I thought, ‘how am I going to do this?’ I prayed to the Holy Spirit and donations came pouring in. The way the community is so generous blows my mind,” she said.
The majority of the recipients
Diocese
well
of the gifts are those living in shelters operated by Catholic Charities or families in the community or referred by outside agencies and parishes.
Approximately $8,190 in gift cards and $3,215 in cash and checks was donated as well as hundreds of gifts purchased by those who “adopted a family” or in many cases, adopted multiple families to help.
Saraiva begins the Gift of Giving project in early October by sending out sponsor letters by email, text, church bulletin announcements and in The Anchor. Most of all, she said it is word of mouth that rallies the most interest.
out in places like East Providence, Newport and Tiverton, Rhode Island.”
Employees at Humphrey, Corvill & Coleman Insurance Agency, Inc. donated $2,000.
Barry Dextraze, Sales & Marketing Manager at the New Bedford insurance agency said giving to children in need was an easy ask of the staff.
wanted these kids to know that there are strangers out there who care and want the best for them. Once I discussed this with our staff, they all wanted to participate,” he said.
Residents at the Sister Rose shelter in New Bedford assembled at least 35 Blessing Bags to hand out that included essentials like socks, toiletries, granola bars and more.
“I had many people reach out after they heard of friends or family members adopting families. We even had people and businesses from outside the Diocese help
represented
“Our staff sponsored 15 families this year. I was the primary influence on the rest of our staff members. My upbringing would not be described as warm or harmonious by most, but I always found joy in the holidays as a child. To me, it meant the world to try and make a difference to those in need. The ultimate goal was to bring hope and joy to innocent children growing up in unstable and challenging environments. I
at March for Life
Various groups and faithful from the Diocese of Fall River attended the March for Life rally in Washington D.C. on Friday, January 24. One group organized by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Seekonk traveled by train and another local group took the bus with a group from the Archdiocese of Boston in Waltham.
Brow Family of Westport attended the
Front row L-R Deacon David Roderick, Ann Fennessey, Maria Ferreira, Carol Medeiros, Father Kevin Cook, Kim Proulx, and Lindsay Allard. Second row L-R: Tim Ramey, Julie Ramey, Kathy Cogan, Kathy Craig, Deacon Bob Craig, Claudia Horsley, Deacon Paul Spearin, Nancy Simmons, Roberta Moriaty, Gina Allard, JR Pimentel, and John Gregorek.
With the cash donations, Saraiva shopped for gifts that were on shelter children’s wish lists. She shopped at Kohl’s, Walmart, Amazon and Old Navy.
“Whatever they asked for, they got. For the most part, they are very humble asks. If there is something we know we can not provide, we let them know beforehand so they are not disappointed if their request is unmet,” she said.
Some of the items on the wish lists included a bicycle, school supplies and a French Bible that Saraiva was able to purchase on Amazon.
Many asked for basic necessities like clothes and shoes.
“In many instances, these families are housed in our family shelters, but some are not. They are living in their cars or barely scraping by couch surfing with family and friends,” she said.
There were 55 families who gave to more than one family and one generous family took on 20 families to buy for.
Students at Dighton Rehoboth Middle School adopted 5 families, The Portuguese Club at Seekonk High School adopted 2 families and the Fall River office of Verizon Union IBEW 2322 donated $405. The youth organization at St. Francis Parish in Swansea held a food drive to support the Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford.
“The outpouring of support exceeded my expectations. When there is a need, people step up,” she said.
The
March For Life rally with the Archdiocese of Boston. They are members of St. John the Baptist in Westport.
Bishop Stang Students Shine in MLK Jr. Creative Expression Contest
DARTMOUTH — Two Bishop Stang High School students earned awards at The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Creative Expression Contest in New Bedford recently. The request for entries encouraged students to share their points of view on bridging the gap of division of people.
Savannah Morris, a sophomore at Bishop Stang High School, recently placed third in the contest.
Marina Franzese, a freshman, earned 2nd place with her original poem, “A Dream of Many Minds.”
Savannah’s artwork was created by selecting, arranging, and melting beads into a giant "Divide Be Gone" disinfectant spray can.
Unity is represented as the beads and the variety of colors melted together to form the artwork.
The can is meant to symbolize the infusion of hope and is decorated with hearts (love) as the means to bridge and eliminate the divide.
Above: Savannah Morris and her 3rd place artwork. Below: Mariana Franzese holds a copy of her 2nd place award-winning poem.
A Dream Of Many Minds
“I have a dream,” he once proclaimed
A world where no one is shamed or blamed
Where every mind can freely roam
And every person finds a home
Yet here we stand, so quick to judge
We nudge the different, hold a grudge
We say they’re strange, we say they’re lost
Forgetting freedom at a great cost
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to all”
So why do we build such towering walls?
We push aside those who don’t blend
And fail to see where hearts could mend
The child who speaks through silent ways
Whose eyes could tell a thousand plays
The girl who spins to her own tune
A world of stars beneath the moon
February 7, 2025
“Darkness cannot drive out dark”
Yet still we smother every spark
We force them into shadowed space
And miss the light within their grace
For the minds that flutter free
The ones who see what we can’t see
Whose thoughts are oceans, wild and deep
Whose secrets dance while others sleep
“We may have come from different ships, but we’re in the same boat now” he often quipped
So why not let each spirit sail, on winds where differences reign
For what is normal but a chain, a way to crush, a way to stain?
We ask them to conform, be still
We clip their wings, deny their will
She shared, ‘‘As a Brazilian/ Cape Verdean student, I am proud to submit my artwork to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of unity and hope.”
In 6th grade, she shared that she also won 3rd place in the same contest, but with an essay. This time around, even though she is an avid writer, she wanted to branch out and challenge herself this year and submit a new type of work - art. Since she was young, she enjoyed making these beaded projects as gifts and rediscovered her love for the art while making this project.
Marina volunteered in the special needs classroom at Quinn Elementary School in Dartmouth and participated in the Unified Sports Program. She was moved to write about neurodivergent people and how we should let them share their light as is, without judgment. A member of the Bishop Stang Poetry Club and school newspaper, she is also a member of the girls soccer and track teams.
To the boy who flaps his hands in glee
Who laughs at things we cannot see
He hums along to calm his fears
And when he’s scared he plugs his ears
So, “Let us not drink from cups of hate”
But rather let our hearts vibrate
With love for those who don’t align
Who paint outside our rigid lines
Let us sing for every soul
For every mind that makes us whole
For who decides what’s right or wrong?
Whose drum decides the marching song?
“The time is right to do what’s right”
To lift them up, to share their light
To change the world, to shift our gaze
And let inclusion blaze new ways
By Oscar Rivera Jr. Director of Youth Ministry orivera@dioc-fr.org
FALL RIVER — The second annual Jamboree, hosted by the Secretariat for the New Evangelization’s CYO program in collaboration with the Office of Vocations, took place on January 20, at Bishop Connelly's basketball court. It truly was a remarkable event that blended faith, family, and friendly competition into one unforgettable day.
The festivities began with the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Shootout, which set the tone for an exciting day of activity. But the highlight of the event was undoubtedly the highly anticipated basketball game: God’s Squad vs. CYO All Stars.
Once again, the game was filled with action, fun, and a healthy dose of competition. The energy in the gym was electric, thanks in large part to the dynamic DJ duo of Pete and Tammy Rivet from Music on Wheels, who kept the crowd hyped up throughout the game. Their son, Simon, a member of the RNow Discipleship team, joined them in leading the charge, while the live music of Vatican III added a lively, jazzy atmosphere to the event.
God’s Squad was truly a sight to behold—composed of priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and even dads and coaches of CYO athletes.
2025 CYO Jamboree
The team served as a living testament to the diverse ways God calls individuals to serve His Church. Among the members of God’s Squad were Team Captain; Fr. John Garbidean (St. John Neumann, East Freetown), Fr. Jack Schrader (Corpus Christi, East Sandwich), Fr. Kevin Cook (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Seekonk), Fr. Matthew Gill (Holy Family, Taunton), Sr. Transfiguration (St. Anthony of Padua, New Bedford), Mother Aeiparthenos (St. Anthony of Padua, New Bedford), Sr. Therese Maria (St. Anthony of Desert, Fall River [Maronite]), as well as seminarians Evan Mello and John Martin, and coaches from St. Stanislaus, Holy Trinity, and St. Francis Xavier. They were coached by Fr. Jay Maddock, (Retired) former Director of CYO. The presence of these faithful men and women on the court was a powerful reminder of the many paths to answering God’s call to vocation.
The CYO All Stars truly lived up to their name, representing all the teams in the league with pride. Despite their season-long rivalries, these young athletes put competition aside to join forces, creating a dynamic team that showcased incredible teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. Their unity was evident in every play, as they passed the ball with precision, supported one another, and worked seamlessly together to secure the
win. Their performance on the court was a beautiful example of how, when we come together in Christ, we can accomplish great things—both in sports and in life. Their victory was not just a testament to their athleticism, but also to the spirit of cooperation and community that defines the heart of CYO.
Families came together to support their loved ones—whether they were cheering for their child, their priest, or a future priest or religious sister. The excitement in the gym was palpable as fans rooted for their team, creating a true sense of community and joy.
On the court, the game lived up to the anticipation. The standout players of the day were Sr. Transfiguration, who earned the MVP title for God’s Squad, and Marcus from the CYO All Stars, who each scored an impressive 20 points. The game was filled with moments of laugh-
ter, friendly competition, and even some push-ups—adding a lighthearted spirit to the intense action.
In the end, the CYO All Stars emerged victorious for the second year in a row, securing a 71-65 win. Although God’s Squad ran out of steam in the final minutes, their effort was a beautiful reminder of the importance of living out one’s vocation with dedication and passion. The true victory of the day wasn’t just in the score, but in the inspiring witness of how our faith calls us to serve one another in so many different ways.
The Jamboree proved to be more than just a basketball game— it was a celebration of vocation, family, and community.
And it was a powerful reminder that the call to serve God can take many forms, whether it’s through the priesthood, religious life, or simply being a devoted parent and coach.
Free Throw Championship Winners Left to Right: Sean Trendowski, Gaven Ashley, Jordell Hightower, Areana Carreiro, Ella Allison, Cole Moreira, Issac DaSilva, Prince Jason Cantilano and Aubry Ferreira.
Father Jay Maddock offers a blessing before the big game.
Members of God’s Squad consisted of priests, seminarians, religious sisters, as well as parents and coaches of CYO athletes.
St. Joseph School celebrates Jubilee Year
The faculty, staff and students at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven celebrated the Jubilee Year 2025 ~ Pilgrims of Hope. Assistant Superintendent Denise Peixoto was in attendance.
Deacon Maurice Ouellette read the proclamation from the prophet Isaiah, announcing a year of favor from the Lord. He blessed the “Holy Doors” leading to our school’s “chapel-torium.”
The symbolic candles of red, yellow, green and blue were brought up in procession as each color’s significance was explained.
Fr. Maiki Kamauoha, parochial administator, quoted Pope Francis, “We need to be people and children of HOPE; may our FAITH be JOYFUL and our CHARITY be enthusiastic. May each of us be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready
listening ear, a good deed, knowing that in the spirit of Jesus, these actions can become RICH SEEDS OF HOPE to those who receive them.”
A video called “Pilgrims of Hope” was shown. It explained the meaning of a Jubilee Year and the significance of its celebration. Another video played the Jubilee theme song.
Fr. Maiki prayed the blessings as Deacon Ouellette blessed the students with holy water.
Catholic Schools Week ~ January 26 - February 2
Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Fall River was an opportunity for those interested in a Catholic Education for their children to visit one or more of the 20 schools in the Diocese. At St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro, fourth grade students pose for a photo. They are: Standing L - R Ryan McNally, Simone Rocheleau, Marley Souza, Isabella Scaramuzzo. In front L - R Kendall Delpape Kendal Paquette. At St. Teresa of Calcutta School in New Bedford students helped at the school’s open house. They are: L - R Kendal Pinzinho, Sophia Magalhaes, Leo Papas, Ella Leiesque, Owen Sousa, Juliet Tavares, Olivia Rosas, Elizabeth Frasier, and Cali Zwacki.
Left to Right: Sister Muriel Labeau and Deacon Maurice Ouellette at the ”Holy Doors”. School Principal Tara Frost, Fr. Maiki Kamauoha, SSCC, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Diocese of Fall River Assistant Superintendent Denise Peixoto and Sr. Muriel Lebeau. Students filed through the doors during the Jubilee Year festivities.
8 Continued from page two
that opportunity to strengthen their parishes beyond a set period of time, instead continuing to build upon the initial fruit they bore during this year.
To this end, several parishes planned additional studies or ongoing formation efforts to continue to feed Catholics and create opportunities to invite those not there.
For instance, Bill Kearney and Paul Hodge of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Seekonk shared that after “a fantastic 7 weeks of the National Eucharistic Revival series” concluded with Holy Hour and Benediction, “Several people wanted to know what is next?” As a result, they are putting together a plan for small group study going forward.
Similarly, after hosting the “Jesus and the Eucharist” series in the Spring, the parishes of St. Mary in Norton, St. Mary in Dartmouth, and St. Gabriel in New Bedford continued offering a new series in the Fall.
In particular, for St. Mary in Norton and St. Gabriel in New Bedford, the series became a launching off point for adult formation in the parishes moving forward. After a successful showing at their Eucharistic series, St. Gabriel’s created a study series based on the “Chosen” film series that continued good momentum into the Fall. St. Mary’s, for their part, planned to offer the series a second time, after reaching capacity in the Spring, incorporating adult formation opportunities into their 100-year Anniversary in 2025.
Still other parishes grew existing Eucharistic efforts. Holy Name in Fall River, for instance, increased first Friday Adoration hours to be overnight Adoration in the Church. For their part, Holy Redeemer in Chatham used the Revival to build up their small
Eucharistic Revival continues throughout Diocese
groups, which were launched in 2024. George Lane, who helps coordinate the small groups at Holy Redeemer, explained that “today we are a small group community comprising 8 small groups who meet weekly or bi-weekly, including a group that meets monthly at the Victorian Assisted Living Residence in Chatham.”
While they began with prayers and hope that this endeavor would work for their parish, George shared that now the parish is hearing the fruit that was borne in the lives of parishioners. “Our parish needed something like this,” said one parishioner. “I’ve made some new friends for life,” said another. “Trust and bonding have rooted in our group,” said a small group member.
With a new year now here, the National Revival is set to concludes its 3-year time frame, finishing its “Year of Mission” in June 2025. Yet, the Revival was never about a time
frame. To seek healing, to foster encounter with Christ, and to speak to human hearts will always be a necessary part of a Catholic’s work.
A recent study, for instance, from Lifeway Research (2024) revealed that despite declining attendance in American churches, 56% of those who didn’t typically go to church during Christmas said they would’ve considered attending if invited by someone they knew (https://research.lifeway.com/). And, so, even if a person or parish did not engage in the immediate work of the Eucharistic Revival, the opportunity certainly remains.
All that is needed is to commit to the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: begin by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you will be doing the impossible.
While they weren’t sure how their effort to build small groups at Holy Redeemer would go, Lane shared that, “Our small group community will forever remember and be thankful for the final session of Jesus and the Eucharist, when we came together as Christ-like ministers to help a member who had become very ill and who later commented, “I cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness. In an ironic way, the last session of our church event, with its prayer and faith-sharing, was finalized as the community came together to help me.”
Don’t be afraid to fail. Ask God to put someone in our path who needs Him. Speak to the human heart. Share how you encountered Christ and how he has healed you. Invite someone to take a next step toward Christ.
And when we do this, we help move the Church toward mission. As one Encounter attendee shared: “[We] plan to engage others with the spirit we received.”
Pope Francis pens autobiography
“Hope,” the autobiography of Pope Francis, hit the shelves of Italian bookstores in January and is now be on sale in more than 100 countries, including the United States.
The book marks the first time a pope has provided a first-person narration of the episodes that have marked his entire life, in this case from his childhood in Argentina in a family of Italian immigrants to becoming the successor of St. Peter.
Published by Random House in its 320page English edition, the book is the result
of six years of work and was written with the collaboration of journalist Carlo Musso, who helped the Holy Father tell his story.
In addition to his memoirs, in the book the pope takes up issues such as war and peace, immigration, the environmental crisis, social policy, sexuality, and the future of the Catholic Church. All of this under the rubric of hope, a theme that is also being highlighted during the 2025 Jubilee.
In a recent interview, Pope Francis said the book was originally planned to be published
following his death.
“But since I’m not dying (he laughs), they’re afraid that it will lose relevance and they decided to do it now,” the Holy Father explained last December in a conversation with Argentine journalist Bernarda Llorente.
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Parishioners from Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham at a recent church gathering.
February 7, 2025
Feb. 8
In Your Prayers
Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:
Rev. Raymond P. Monty, USAF Retired Chaplain, 1996
Feb. 9
Rev. Francis Tuite, 1916
Rev. Msgr. John J. Kelly, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1963
Rev. Peter J. McKone, S.J., Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1972
Rev. Vincent R. Dolbec, A.A., Assumption College, 1985
Feb. 10
Rev. Edward L. O’Brien, Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1966
Rev. Lucien A. Madore, Retired Chaplain, Mount St. Joseph School, Fall River, 1983
Feb. 11
Rev. John O’Connell, Founder, St. John Evangelist, Attleboro, 1910
Rev. John J. Sullivan, S.T.L., Retired, Former Pastor, Holy Rosary, Fall River, 1961
Rev. William J. McMahon, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans, 1987
Rev. Christopher (Leo) King, SS.CC., 2013
Rev. John J. Perry, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory, Centerville; Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville, 2020
Feb. 12
Rev. Stanislaus Bernard, SS.CC, Retired Founder, Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1961
Rev. Richard Lifrak, SS.CC., 2021
Feb. 13
Rev. Richard R. Gendreau, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 2015
Feb. 14
Rev. Charles E. Clerk, Pastor, St. Roch, Fall River, 1932
Rev. Msgr. Francis McKeon, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1980
Feb. 15
Rev. Joseph G. Lavalle, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1910
Rev. James C. Conlon, Pastor, St. Mary, Norton, 1957
Feb. 16
Rev. Alphonse J. LaChapelle, Assistant, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1983
Rev. Joaquim Fernandes da Silva, CM, 2001
Feb. 17
Rev. Louis R. Boivin, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, Former Pastor, St. Theresa, South Attleboro, 2010
Feb. 19
Rev. Andrew J. Brady, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1895
Rev. Leopold Jeurissen, SS.CC., Pastor, Sacred Hearts, Fairhaven, 1953
Feb. 20
Rev. James H. Fogarty, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1922
Rev. Raymond M. Giguere, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1986
Rev. Thomas E. Morrissey, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton, 2006
Feb. 21
Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford, 1997
Feb. 22
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jovite Chagnon, Founder, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1954
Rev. Albert A. Croce, C.S.C., 2014
Feb. 24
Rev. Edward F. McIsaac, Retired Chaplain, Rose Hawthorn Lathrop Home, 2002
Feb. 25
Rev. Leo J. Ferreira, V.G., Pastor, St. Mary, Brownsville, Texas, 1988
Rev. William T. Babbitt, Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1998
Feb. 27
Rev. Philip Gillick, Founder, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1874
Rev. Joseph N. Hamel, Founder, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1956
Rev. John G. Carroll, Retired Pastor, St. Margaret, Buzzards Bay, 1995
Rev. Roland B. Boule, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 2005
Feb. 29
Rev. Msgr. James Dolan, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1980
March 1
Rev. James F. Masterson, Founder, St. Patrick, Somerset,1906,
Rev. Msgr. P L. Damase Robert, P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame, Fall River, 1948
Rev. John McCarthy, C.S.C., Stonehill College, North Easton, 2003
March 2
Rev. Antoine Berube, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1936
Rev. James J. Brady, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1941
Rev. Tarcisius Dreesen, SS.CC., Sacred Hearts Monastery, Fairhaven, 1952
Rev. Alphonse E. Gauthier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1962
Rev. J. Omer Lussier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1970
March 3
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. Sweeney, LL.D., Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1960
March 5
Rev. James McGuire. Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1850
Rev. Deacon Manuel H. Camara, 1995
Rev. James A. McCarthy, 2007
March 6
Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1906
Rev. John W. Quirk, Founder, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1932
Rev. Bernard P. Connolly, S.S., St. Charles College, Maryland, 1932
Rev. Antoine Lanoue, O.P., 1996
Rev. Jerome Lawyer, C.S.C., 2006
March 7
Rev. Arthur P.J. Gagnon, Pastor, Holy Rosary, New Bedford, 1958
February 7, 2025
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the Diocese to attend a meeting on Saturday, February 22 from 9 am11:30 am at St. Anthony Parish, 126 School St., in Taunton.
The presenter will be Debbie Zane, who will speak on Remaining Spiritually Active and Connected Throughout Our Life.
Light refreshments will be served. Individuals are invited to bring a friend. They are looking for raffle prize donations.
For questions, please call Ann Marie Melanson at 508-631-0533 or email frdccwannmarie@gmail. com.
Around the Diocese
"What Next?" Young Adult Retreat
A retreat for young adults will take place Saturday Feb. 14 - 16, at LaSalette Retreat Center in Attleboro.
As 20 - and 30 - somethings, careers, living situations, and relationships are always changing. The Catholic faith gives tools to reflect on the past and move forward with courage and grace, although the future is often uncertain.
The "What Next? Finding Answers with Faith" Retreat is for those in their 20s and 30s. Take time away to reflect with others, listen to the experiences of a young adult team, and spend time with Christ in the Eucharist. For more information, contact Deacon Frank Lucca at 508-999-8872.
Special Mass and Prayer for Consecrated Life
All are welcome to attend a special liturgy on Saturday, February 8, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption at 4 p.m. to recognize the selfless dedication of men and women who have dedicated their lives and work to God through religious vows and to recognize their countless contributions.
During this Mass, a recognition of the anniversaries of those celebrating milestone years of service will be observed.
The annual observance was started by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997. May the men and women religious of the Diocese of Fall River continue to inspire us to zealously live out our own faith with fervent pride.
The Finest Wine Event for the Sacrament of Matrimony
Come celebrate the Joy of the Sacrament of Matrimony on Saturday, February 15, 5 pm until 8 pm beginning with a Vigil Mass and Renewal of Vows at Saint Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington Street, N. Easton.
Immediatly following will be a catered dinner & fellowship presentation on the Wedding Feast at Cana offered by Craig & Amy Dyke in the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, N. Eastonfrom 6 pm until 8 pm
The cost is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Space is limited; please register early, as last year sold out.
For more info, please contact Michelle at mission@hcfm.org.
February 7, 2025
and unprecedented realities that illustrate an urgent need to adapt the Church in Fall River to face the new challenges of our day head-on, and that’s precisely what ‘‘The Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” does. Foundational improvements will be made to set up our priests for success for decades to come. (The specifics of the initiative can be viewed at www.fallriverdiocese.org.) Under the Bishop's leadership and vision, we assume our God-given right to “play offense” and design our Diocese according to the Holy Spirit’s wishes, not the world’s, since it is the Church that sets the tone, not the world.
Join us in fortitude and hope, but especially in prayer. Pray the Rosary every Thursday (the day traditionally remembered for the Priesthood and the Eucharist since the Last Supper was on a Thursday). Pray in all your ministries and groups. Have Masses offered (especially on Thursdays). Call cloistered religious houses and ask them to pray. Prayers should always be
FACE Scholarship Applications
FACE applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Returning student applications must be completed by March 31, 2025.
Now is the time to apply for FACE need-based scholarships. Please be sure to complete an application online to be considered for FACE tuition aid. If you or someone you may know would like to apply, please complete the application by March 31st.
Applicants can go to online. factsmgt.com/aid to register and apply. Returning students must have an updated FACTS application submitted each year.
Annual FACE Summer Gala
Please mark your calendar and save the date for the 28th Annual FACE Summer Gala on Cape Cod
The Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative
for the sanctification and protection of our priests and an increase in vocations to the Diocesan priesthood. The success of our parishes and Diocese in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and saving souls depends upon the success of our priests. May every evil stronghold attempting to hinder this mission be in fear. A new day has come.
to be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Wianno Club in Osterville from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. The evening will be hosted by Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. with a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and a fantastic program. Event Chairs Tom and Pat Marmen and the FACE summer committee will be working on the event over the next few months. During the gala, the Al Makkay Sr. Award will be presented to the honored recipient, and guests will have the opportunity to participate in the Live Auction, Silent Auction, Fund A Scholarship and Gift Raffle with Master of Ceremonies and renowned Auctioneer, John Terrio, of Auction Knights.
FACE Runs Falmouth Road Race for the 5th Year
The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education is looking forward to participating in the 53rd Annual Falmouth Road Race. This upcoming August will be the 5th year for FACE to participate in the 2025 Numbers for Non-profits program.
TEAM FACE will consist of eight team members who will raise a minimum of $1,200 each. Last year, TEAM FACE raised more than $10,000 for Catholic education.
Save the Date for the In Person Race on Sunday August 17, 2025, and the At-Home Edition from Saturday, August 9 through Saturday, August 16, 2025. Please contact Jane Robin, Team Captain if you’re interested in joining the team or for more information at jrobin@catholicfoundationsema. org
Learn more about FACE at www. FACE-dfr.org
The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education raises money for scholarships to assist with the costs of a Catholic education. They work very closely with every Catholic school in the Diocese of Fall River to help make a Catholic education a reality.
Bring The Anchor on your next trip and take a picture with it in front of a church, statue or other religious setting. The only stipulation is that the person(s) photographed must be from the Diocese of Fall River and the location be outside the Diocese. Let’s see how far The Anchor can travel! Send submissions to joandwarren@anchornews.org.
Pictured: Jane and Joe Perkoski took The Anchor with them on a recent trip to Florence, Italy and had their photo taken in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. They are parishioners at St. Margaret’s Church in Buzzards Bay.
February 7, 2025
Fall River Diocese Priests and Parishes 1920-Now
Daily Readings † Feb. 8 — March 7
Sat. Feb. 8: Heb 13: 15-17. 20-21/ Ps 23: 1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6/ Mk 6: 30-34
Sun. Feb. 9: Is 6: 1-2a. 3-8/ Ps 138: 1-2. 2-3. 4-5. 7-8 (1c)/ 1 Cor 15: 1-11/ Lk 5: 1-11
Mon. Feb. 10: Gn 1: 1-19/ Ps 104: 1-2a. 5-6. 10 and 12. 24 and 35c/ Mk 6: 53-56
Tues. Feb 11: Gn 1: 20 2: 4a/ Ps 8: 4-5. 6-7. 8-9/ Mk 7: 1-13
Wed. Feb. 12: Gn 2: 4b-9. 15-17/ Ps 104: 1-2a. 27-28. 29bc-30/ Mk 7: 14-23
Thurs. Feb. 13: Gn 2: 18-25/ Ps 128: 1-2. 3. 4-5/ Mk 7: 24-30
Fri. Feb. 14: Gn 3: 1-8/ Ps 32: 1-2. 5. 6. 7/ Mk 7: 31-37
Sat. Feb. 15: Gn 3: 9-24/ Ps 90: 2. 3-4abc. 5-6. 12-13/ Mk 8: 1-10
Sun. Feb. 16: Jer 17: 5-8/ Ps 1: 1-2. 3. 4. 6 (40: 5a)/ 1 Cor 15: 12. 16-20/ Lk 6: 17. 20-26
Mon. Feb. 17: Gn 4: 1-15. 25/ Ps 50: 1 and 8. 16bc-17. 20-21/ Mk 8: 11-13
Tues. Feb. 18: Gn 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5. 10/ Ps 29: 1a and 2. 3ac-4. 3b and 9c-10/ Mk 8: 14-21
Wed. Feb. 19: Gn 8: 6-13. 20-22/ Ps 116: 12-13. 14-15. 18-19 / Mk 8: 22-26
Thurs. Feb. 20: Gn 9: 1-13/ Ps 102: 16-18. 19-21. 29 and 22-23/ Mk 8: 27-33
Fri. Feb. 21: Gn 11: 1-9/ Ps 33: 10-11. 12-13. 14-15/ Mk 8: 34 -- 9: 1
Sat. Feb. 22: 1 Pt 5: 1-4/ Ps 23: 1-3a. 4. 5. 6/ Mt 16: 13-19
Sun. Feb. 23: 1 Sm 26: 2. 7-9. 12-13. 22-23/ Ps 103: 1-2. 3-4. 8. 10. 12-13 (8a)/ 1 Cor 15: 45-49/ Lk 6: 27-38
Mon. Feb. 24: Sir 1: 1-10/ Ps 93: 1ab. 1cd-2. 5/ Mk 9: 14-29
Tues. Feb. 25: Sir 2: 1-11/ Ps 37: 3-4. 18-19. 27-28. 39-40/ Mk 9: 30-37
Wed. Feb. 26: Sir 4: 11-19/ Ps 119: 165. 168. 171. 172. 174. 175/ Mk 9: 38-40
Thurs. Feb. 27: Sir 5: 1-8/ Ps 1: 1-2. 3. 4 and 6/ Mk 9: 41-50
Fri. Feb. 28: Sir 6: 5-17/ Ps 119: 12. 16. 18. 27. 34. 35/ Mk 10: 1-12
Sat. March 1: Sir 17: 1-15/ Ps 103: 13-14. 15-16. 17-18/ Mk 10: 13-16
Sun. March 2: Sir 27: 4-7/ Ps 92: 2-3. 13-14. 15-16/ 1 Cor 15: 54-58/ Lk 6: 39-45
Mon. March 3: Sir 17: 20-24/ Ps 32: 1-2. 5. 6. 7/ Mk 10: 17-27
Tues. March 4: Sir 35: 1-12/ Ps 50: 5-6. 7-8. 14 and 23/ Mk 10: 28-31
Wed. March 5: Jl 2: 12-18/ Ps 51: 3-4. 5-6ab. 12-13. 14 and 17/ 2 Cor 5: 20 -- 6:2/ Mt 6: 1-6.16-18
Thurs. March 6: Dt 30: 15-20/ Ps 1: 1-2. 3. 4 and 6/ Lk 9: 22-25
Fri. March 7: Is 58: 1-9a/ Ps 51: 3-4. 5-6ab. 18-19/ Mt 9: 14-15
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel
Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford ***
Sunday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Michael Church, Fall River *** Sunday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Francis Xavier Church, East Providence
Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Providence
February 7, 2025
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Sunday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Andrew Johnson, Retired Priest of the Diocese of Fall River in residence at Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich
Sunday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Monsignor John J. Oliveira, Director of the Diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and a Retired Priest of the Diocese of Fall River
Sunday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Laurent M. Valliere, Administrator, St. Julie Billiart Parish, Dartmouth
Sunday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Christopher Hughes, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville, and Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville
Rev. Robert J. Powell
Rev. Robert J. Powell, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Arthur E. Powell and Violette E. (Duval) Powell.
Fr. Powell was a graduate of Bishop Stang High School, class of 1967. He entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary making his first vows in August 1968. He graduated from St Mary’s College, Winona, MN with a major in philosophy and minor in music. He went on to attend graduate school at The Washington Theological Union in Washington, DC.
In addition to receiving a Masters of Divinity degree, he also received training as a group counselor at the Washington Psychiatric Foundation and took courses at Catholic University in counseling. He completed a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit at the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institution, Columbia, SC.
He took his solemn vows in California in 1975 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1976 by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven.
He was assigned to the West Coast province as a teacher at Damien High School in California for three years followed by retreat work and spiritual direction for two summers at the United Institute of Bethlehem, CT. He became a member of the West Coast Association of Spiritual Directors and director of the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Gallup, NM for two years.
He then went on to become assistant director of the Newman Center at the University of
California, Davis and vocation director for the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts followed by assistant novice master.
Fr. Powell earned a certificate in Formative Spirituality at the Institute of Religious Formation, St. Louis, MO. Seeking a life of deeper prayer and solitude he transferred his vows to the Camaldolese Benedictine Monks of Big Sur, CA where he spent nine years living as a hermit monk. Due to ill health, he took a leave of absence returning to his home Diocese of Fall River. He served as parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth, and St. Mary Parish in Seekonk. At that time he also served as Chaplain at Sturdy Hospital, Attleboro. He was made temporary administrator at St. Mary Parish in North Attleboro. Fr. Powell served as pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, for eight years. His final assignment was as pastor at St. Lawrence Parish in New Bedford. He retired on July 1st, 2018 while remaining active in helping at various parishes throughout the diocese.
He leaves his brother, Thomas; his two sisters, Susan Powell and her partner Angie Markwell, Laurie Kinney and her husband, John Kinney; his nephews Jeffrey Powell, John Kinney and his wife Ali; niece Audra Kinney, and sister-in-law Mary Powell. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Powell.
His Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Julie Billiart Church on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford.
Departs Boston April 21th - May 1st 2025
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February 7, 2025