Community Announcements
The heart of our community. Celebrations, life transitions, and public notices from your neighbors and local organizations.
Regional Spotlight
Monthly Remembrance Mass at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River
We hold a monthly Remembrance Mass at three of our locations! Please join us at at our Fall River location at the Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel on the last Saturday of the month at 9am for a Remembrance Mass. The post June Mass – Fall River appeared first on Diocese of Fall River Diocesan Cemeteries.
Recent Community News
Monthly Remembrance Mass at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River
We hold a monthly Remembrance Mass at three of our locations! Please join us at at our Fall River location at the Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel on the last Saturday of the month at 9am for a Remembrance Mass. The post June Mass – Fall River appeared first on Diocese of Fall River Diocesan Cemeteries.
Fall River Announces Trash Collection Schedule Changes for December
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Fall River Provides HERO Act Financial Benefits Information for Veterans
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Columbia Street Construction Project Update
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Staying Safe During Extreme Heat: Fall River Tips
With the upcoming heatwave, please take precautions to protect yourself and vulnerable populations. Follow these tips to stay safe. For more information on extreme heat, please go to Extreme heat | Mass.gov.
Cold Weather Tips for Fall River Homeowners
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Fall River Releases 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan Summary
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MassDOT Warns of EZDriveMA Text Message Scams
Reminder: MassDOT Alerts Customers of EZDriveMA Scam Do not open links in text messages which request payment EZDriveMA and MassDOT will never request payment by text BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is once again reminding customers to be mindful of text message-based scams, also known as smishing. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls. MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances. Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances. MassDOT strongly encourages customers not to click the link contained in those messages. MassDOT is underscoring that: EZDriveMA will never request payment by text. All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com The EZDrive “smishing” scam is part of a series of smishing scams which the FBI is aware of. Smishing is when unscrupulous actors send deceptive text messages to get someone to reveal confidential or financial information. The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following: File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov and be sure to include: a) the phone number from where the text originated. b) the website listed within the text. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number at (877) 627-7745. Delete any smishing texts received. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges. MassDOT encourages all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact EZDriveMA at www.EZDriveMA.com with any questions about notifications.
Ordination to Priesthood and Diaconate
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will ordain Deacon Kaique Santos to the Priesthood and seminarian Lucas da Costa to the Transitional Diaconate for service in the Diocese of Fall River. The post Ordination to Priesthood and Diaconate appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Bishop da Cunha Concludes National Pilgrimage with Mass at Fall River Cathedral
Join us for the concluding Mass of the National Pilgrimage within the Diocese of Fall River celebrated by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River. The 12 Noon Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Light hospitality will be offered after Mass behind the Cathedral (weather permitting). Parking lots are available across from the Cathedral, at nearby Santo Christo Parish and a municipal parking lot on Columbia Street. Street parking as available. This event will be livestreamed at https://olfallriver.com/watch. The post Concluding Pilgrimage Mass appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Fall River to Host Major Eucharistic Procession Across City Parishes
Join us for a public Eucharistic Procession in the City of Fall River. The procession will begin at the Church of the Holy Name, stop at Santo Christo Parish, concluding at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption with Adoration and Benediction. There is only street parking available at the Church of the Holy Name. Parking lots are available across from the Cathedral, at nearby Santo Christo Parish and a munincipal parking lot on Columbia Street. Street parking as available. A shuttle will be available between the Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Name from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and following the Noon Mass. The portions of this event that take place at the Cathedral will be livestreamed at https://olfallriver.com/watch. The post Fall River Eucharistic Procession appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Bishop da Cunha to Ordain Priest and Deacon in Fall River Ceremony
Ordinations Bring Hope and Blessings to our Diocese One of the greatest blessings in the life of a diocese is the ordination of new clergy. It is a reminder that God continues to call men to serve His Church and that those called continue to respond with faith, generosity, and trust. On Saturday, June 6, we will celebrate such a moment of grace as I ordain Deacon Kaique Santos to the priesthood and seminarian Lucas daCosta to the transitional diaconate during an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. For Deacon Kaique Santos, this marks the culmination of many years of discernment, formation, and missionary service. Currently serving at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth, Deacon Santos describes himself as feeling peaceful as his ordination approaches. Born in Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Kaique’s path to the priesthood was shaped by profound loss and deep encounters with God’s grace. After losing a brother and his father as a teenager, he experienced a renewed relationship with Christ through youth retreats that transformed his life and awakened a call to the priesthood. His journey led him through years of missionary service with the Canção Nova Community, time spent in contemplative prayer at a Carthusian monastery, and eventually to the Diocese of Fall River. He will celebrate his First Mass on Sunday, June 7, at St. Anthony Church in East Falmouth. At the same Mass, Lucas daCosta will be ordained a transitional deacon, taking the next important step toward the priesthood. Lucas is the son of Daniel and Fatima daCosta and a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. A graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, he spent a year in Portugal before entering Our Lady of Providence Seminary and studying philosophy at Providence College. He recently completed his priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. Many parishioners throughout the Diocese have already encountered Lucas through his summer assignments at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, St. Joseph Parish in Falmouth, and Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. As he prepares for ordination, Lucas speaks of feeling excitement, gratitude, and hope. His words remind us of the true source of every vocation: trust in God. “My greatest hope comes not from confidence in my own abilities, but from trust in God,” he recently shared. I invite you to join me in praying for Kaique and Lucas during these final days of preparation. May the Lord continue to strengthen them, guide them, and fill them with His grace as they dedicate their lives to His service and to the people of our Diocese. (On Saturday, you can watch the Ordination as it is livestreamed on the Our Lady of Fall River website here.) The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Travel to Our Diocese As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and the continuing legacy of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” will travel through the Diocese of Fall River on June 29 to 30. The pilgrimage, dedicated to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, will journey through 18 dioceses from St. Augustine, Florida, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering opportunities for prayer, Eucharistic processions, Adoration, and Mass. I am so pleased that our Diocese is hosting part of this historic pilgrimage. I strongly encourage our faithful to take part in this Pilgrimage through special events in Easton, New Bedford, and Fall River as we pray for our Church, our Diocese, and our nation. For a complete schedule of events, locations, and registration information, please visit the Diocesan website. Celebrating those Who Share Our Diocesan Mission At the end of May, we held our annual service awards in the Diocese, recognizing employees for their tireless work. I began the program with the celebration of Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, Westport, and lunch and the presentation of the awards followed. It is a pleasure for me to do this each year to honor our employees for their dedicated service and to thank them for their contributions. Regardless of the particulars of their job, each employee is instrumental in helping us to fulfill the mission that is ours as a Diocesan church, and I am grateful. This year, we recognized 13 employees, mostly for five years of service. Within the group, though, we honored one employee for 10 years, another for 30, and one for 55 years! That is dedicated service. In the photo above, I am presenting Deborah LeDoux with her certificate marking five years of service. Deborah is the Director of Family and Respect Life within our Secretariat for the New Evangelization. Next to her is David Carvalho, the Secretary for the New Evangelization, who was also recognized for five years of service. Msgr. Stephen J. Avila is next to him. The Secretariat for the New Evangelization falls under Msgr. Avila in his role as Vicar for Pastoral Services. The Gift of the Eucharist The Feast of Corpus Christi to be celebrated this weekend reminds us of the extraordinary gift of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As Catholics, we are called not only to adore the Lord in the Eucharist but also to carry His love into the world through lives of faith, service, and charity. Sincerely, +Bishop da Cunha The post Gathered in Faith, Sent in Mission: Celebrating Vocations, Service, and the Eucharist appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Two Ordained for Ministry in Fall River Diocese in June 6 Ceremony
FALL RIVER — Two men will be ordained for ministry in the Diocese of Fall River, one as a priest, the other a deacon as Holy Orders are conferred by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in an 11 a.m. Mass on Saturday, June 6, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. Through the sacred rites of the Church, the bishop will ordain Deacon Kaíque Duarte Santos, 31, of Cape Cod to the priesthood and seminarian Lucas D. daCosta, 28, of Acushnet to the transitional diaconate. Deacon Kaíque Duarte Santos Deacon Santos is currently serving at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth. “It has been a joy to minister to both the English-speaking parish community and the Brazilian community,” he shared recently. “As I prepare for ordination, I feel grateful more than anything else. Grateful for my family, for the people who have supported me throughout my journey, for the priests and mentors who guided me, for the friends who walked beside me, and for the countless ways God has shown His faithfulness.” Born in Teofilo Otoni, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, he is the youngest of three children of Marizete and Aldair Burmann. His teenage years were marked by profound loss, losing a brother in a tragic accident and experiencing the death of his father two months later. Left spiritually adrift, he looks back on a 2010 youth retreat as a significant turning point, leading to a profound experience of Jesus’ love and a personal encounter with Him. Another retreat in 2011 awakened a vocational calling. His journey of discernment and formation included time with the Brazilian Canção Nova Community where for ten years he lived a missionary life dedicated to evangelization and service, and a 30-day retreat at a Carthusian Monastery. A friend introduced him to the Diocese of Fall River and Bishop da Cunha, also a native Brazilian, and he was welcomed into the Diocese in 2023. Once in the U.S., he continued his priestly formation at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. He was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop da Cunha last December and then began his ministry at the Falmouth parish where he served last summer as a seminarian. He will celebrate his First Mass at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 6, in St. Anthony Church in East Falmouth. As his ordination to the priesthood approaches, Deacon Santos described himself as feeling “peaceful.” He went on to say that “Becoming a priest does not feel like something that will suddenly happen on one day. In many ways, I feel that God has been preparing me for this moment since He first called me as a teenager. The ordination will be the moment when the Church confirms sacramentally what God has been patiently forming in my heart for many years.” Seminarian Lucas daCosta The ordination of daCosta as a transitional deacon will begin the final leg of his journey towards the priesthood. He is the son of Daniel and Fatima daCosta. He has one older sister, Ariel Moniz. Raised in New Bedford, his family later moved to Acushnet and his home parish is St. Francis Xavier in that town. He is a graduate of New Beford Vocational Technical High School. After high school he spent a year in Portugal where he was able to become proficient in the Porgtuguese language. He entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary upon his return and began studies at Providence College from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2021. He then continued his formation at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. While on summer breaks, he has assisted at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River; St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth; and Holy Family Parish, East Taunton. “I am grateful to God for calling me to serve Him in this vocation and for sustaining me throughout these years of formation,” said daCosta. “I am also grateful to Bishop da Cunha, the priests, seminarians, parishioners, family members, and friends who have supported me with their prayers and encouragement along the way. “My greatest hope comes not from confidence in my own abilities, but from trust in God. Knowing that Christ is actively at work in His Church gives me great peace and confidence as I prepare to serve as a deacon and, God willing, one day as a priest, where I will be able to share that hope with others.” You can watch the Ordination to Priesthood and Diaconate as it is livestreamed on the Our Lady of Fall River website. The post New Priest, Deacon to be Ordained for Diocese appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Detected in Massachusetts Mosquitoes
The Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has recently been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts. Please take appropriate measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites and follow these important tips:Downloadable PDF --> Updated EEE - Mosquito Fact Sheets
Route 79-Davol Street Corridor: Northbound Reopens, Southbound Shifts July 28
What Is Happening? MassDOT will reopen Davol Street Northbound between Route 79 Northbound and Turner Street on or about July 28. Drivers who wish to turn onto Turner Street will now either use Davol Street Northbound or Route 79 Northbound to turn right onto Turner Street. Additionally, on or about July 28, Route 79-Davol Street Southbound at the Veterans' Memorial Bridge ramp will shift into its final configuration. This new configuration shifts Route 79 Southbound to the east before the Route 6 Eastbound (Veterans' Memorial Bridge) ramp. How Will This Affect You? Traffic traveling on Route 79 Northbound will stay to the right and either use Davol Street Northbound or Route 79 Northbound to turn right onto Turner Street. Traffic traveling south on Route 79 Southbound will permanently shift east before the Route 6 Eastbound (Veterans’ Memorial Bridge) ramp. View a map. Anticipated Start Date: July 28, 2025Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change, but we will do our best to keep you updated.Travel Tips During this construction phase, traffic in impacted areas will remain open. Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted. About the Project Davol Street and Route 79 run along the Taunton Riverfront in Fall River. Currently, access between the neighborhoods and the waterfront is limited and the corridor lacks bicycle accommodations. MassDOT is redesigning the mile-long corridor to improve mobility, connectivity, and safety along and across Route 79 and Davol Street. The corridor will be transformed into a multi-modal urban boulevard, connecting the neighborhoods to the Taunton River while promoting economic growth by creating new development parcels to contribute to economic development.Stay Informed You can find more details about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project by visiting the project website at https://www.mass.gov/route-79-davol-street-corridor-improvements. If you have questions about this project, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected]. If you have been forwarded this message and would like to receive email updates about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project, please sign up here.
Route 79 U-turn Closes December 5; Detours Begin
Project Advisory: Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Permanent Closure of the Temporary Corey Street U-Turn Starts December 5 What Is Happening? MassDOT is scheduled to permanently close the temporary Corey Street U-turn and begin the construction of the permanent Davol Street northbound and Brightman Street on Thursday, December 5. Construction work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Detours will be in place 24 hours a day from Thursday, December 5, 2024 until April 2025. How Will this Affect You? Traffic will no longer be able to use the temporary Corey Street U-turn. Detour routes will be clearly signed and marked. Vehicles seeking to cross the temporary Corey St U-turn should use the following detour: - Davol Street northbound to Davol Street southbound- Continue on Davol Street northbound and Route 79 northbound for approximately 1 mile- Take the North Main Street/N Fall River Exit- Take a left onto North Main Street and continue north for approximately 0.2 miles- Take a right onto the Route 79 South on-ramp to Newport/Providence RI- Continue on Route 79 southbound and Davol Street southbound for approximately 1.2 miles- Continue to your destination- Davol Street southbound to Davol Street northbound- Proceed south on Davol Street- Turn left onto President Avenue- Turn left again onto Davol Street northbound- Continue to your destination Anticipated Start Date: December 5, 2024 Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change, but we will do our best to keep you updated. Travel Tips During this construction phase, traffic in impacted areas will remain open. Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted. About the Project Davol Street and Route 79 run along the Taunton Riverfront in Fall River. Currently, access between the neighborhoods and the waterfront is limited and the corridor lacks bicycle accommodations. MassDOT is redesigning the mile-long corridor to improve mobility, connectivity, and safety along and across Route 79 and Davol Street. The corridor will be transformed into a multi-modal urban boulevard, connecting the neighborhoods to the Taunton River while promoting economic growth by creating new development parcels to contribute to economic development. Stay Informed You can find more details about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project by visiting the project website at https://www.mass.gov/route-79-davol-street-corridor-improvements. If you have questions about this project, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected]. If you have been forwarded this message and would like to receive email updates about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project, please sign up here.
Route 79-Davol Street Final Traffic Configuration Begins August 15
What Is Happening?This is an update to a previous advisory that noted the traffic configuration of Davol Street Northbound would be in place between Turner Street and Pearce Street. This final configuration will be in place from Turner Street and President Avenue, beginning today, August 15. More details are included below. MassDOT will implement the final configuration of Davol Street Northbound between Turner Street and President Avenue on August 15. The new configuration for Davol Street Northbound will slightly shift traffic to the west. Traffic will then continue north along the newly constructed portion of Davol Street Northbound and Route 79 Northbound toward Brightman Street.How Will This Affect You? Traffic will be shifted slightly west on Davol Street Northbound between Turner Street and President Avenue. Traffic will then continue traveling on the newly constructed portion of Davol Street Northbound and Route 79 North bound toward Brightman Street. View the map.Anticipated Start Date: August 15, 2025 Weather and unexpected circumstances make all construction activities subject to change, but we will do our best to keep you updated. Travel TipsDuring this construction phase, traffic in impacted areas will remain open. Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted. About the ProjectDavol Street and Route 79 run along the Taunton Riverfront in Fall River. Currently, access between the neighborhoods and the waterfront is limited and the corridor lacks bicycle accommodations. MassDOT is redesigning the mile-long corridor to improve mobility, connectivity, and safety along and across Route 79 and Davol Street. The corridor will be transformed into a multi-modal urban boulevard, connecting the neighborhoods to the Taunton River while promoting economic growth by creating new development parcels to contribute to economic development. Stay Informed You can find more details about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project by visiting the project website at https://www.mass.gov/route-79-davol-street-corridor-improvements. If you have questions about this project, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected]. If you have been forwarded this message and would like to receive email updates about the Route 79-Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project, please sign up here.
MBTA Begins South Coast Rail Test Trains; Safety Precautions Urged
Test Trains to and from Middleborough to Fall River and New Bedford Test trains are now running along the South Coast Rail Right-of-Way. The MBTA will test with Commuter Rail trains to and from Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River, and New Bedford. As testing continues, trains are travelling at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, much faster than current freight trains at 25 mph. Please remember: • Practice caution when crossing the tracks; this applies to residents, pedestrians, and drivers • DON’T walk on or along the tracks; it’s both illegal and life threatening • When driving, DON’T stop (or park) on tracks at grade crossings or anywhere - make sure you have space to clear the tracks before proceeding across the tracks
Fall River Opens Public Review for Revised Electricity Aggregation Plan
Date: December 4, 2024 Contact: Ann M. O’Neil-Souza Phone: 508-324-2600 Email: [email protected] MEDIA RELEASE City of Fall River Opens Public Review Period for Revised Electricity Aggregation Plan Fall River, MA – (December 9, 2024) - The City of Fall River is holding a 30-day public review period for its revised aggregation plan for Fall River Community Electricity Aggregation. Fall River CEA is our City’s official electricity supply program, active since 2016. The aggregation plan describes how our electricity program is structured and operated. Fall River secured approval for our original aggregation plan from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in 2015. In July 2024, the DPU issued new rules for aggregation plans, called “Guidelines for Municipal Aggregators”. The Guidelines expand local authority for cities and towns concerning the operation of their programs and increase public transparency about program operations. The revisions to our aggregation plan ensure that the plan aligns with the new Guidelines. The revised plan will not impact Fall River CEA’s current electricity supply options and prices which are fixed until November 2025 through our supply contract with Constellation. No action is required by existing participants to continue receiving the current pricing. On the program website, MassCEA.com/Fall-River, you can review both the revised plan and the current plan. You can also watch a short video describing the revised plan and read the DPU Guidelines. The program website has a comment form to provide written comments, or you may email “[email protected]” with the subject line “Fall River Plan Comments.” Good Energy is the consultant that developed and manages our program on a day-to-day basis. The public review period is open until January 13, 2025.Media Release - Revised Aggregate Plan City of Fall River - Immediate ReleaseRevised Aggregation Plan (PDF)
Installation of Acolytes
Eleven candidates studying for the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Fall River will be installed as Acolytes by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. The Ministry of Acolyte is the second of two ministries which candidates must receive and exercise as part of their preparation for ordination as a permanent deacon. The post Installation of Acolytes appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
Monthly Remembrance Mass at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River
"We hold a monthly Remembrance Mass at three of our locations! Please join us at at our Fall River location at the Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel on the last Saturday of the month at 9am for a Remembrance Mass. The post June Mass – Fall River appeared first on Diocese of Fall River Diocesan Cemeteries."
Bishop da Cunha to Ordain Priest and Deacon in Fall River Ceremony
" Ordinations Bring Hope and Blessings to our Diocese One of the greatest blessings in the life of a diocese is the ordination of new clergy. It is a reminder that God continues to call men to serve His Church and that those called continue to respond with faith, generosity, and trust. On Saturday, June 6, we will celebrate such a moment of grace as I ordain Deacon Kaique Santos to the priesthood and seminarian Lucas daCosta to the transitional diaconate during an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. For Deacon Kaique Santos, this marks the culmination of many years of discernment, formation, and missionary service. Currently serving at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth, Deacon Santos describes himself as feeling peaceful as his ordination approaches. Born in Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Kaique’s path to the priesthood was shaped by profound loss and deep encounters with God’s grace. After losing a brother and his father as a teenager, he experienced a renewed relationship with Christ through youth retreats that transformed his life and awakened a call to the priesthood. His journey led him through years of missionary service with the Canção Nova Community, time spent in contemplative prayer at a Carthusian monastery, and eventually to the Diocese of Fall River. He will celebrate his First Mass on Sunday, June 7, at St. Anthony Church in East Falmouth. At the same Mass, Lucas daCosta will be ordained a transitional deacon, taking the next important step toward the priesthood. Lucas is the son of Daniel and Fatima daCosta and a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. A graduate of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, he spent a year in Portugal before entering Our Lady of Providence Seminary and studying philosophy at Providence College. He recently completed his priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. Many parishioners throughout the Diocese have already encountered Lucas through his summer assignments at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, St. Joseph Parish in Falmouth, and Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. As he prepares for ordination, Lucas speaks of feeling excitement, gratitude, and hope. His words remind us of the true source of every vocation: trust in God. “My greatest hope comes not from confidence in my own abilities, but from trust in God,” he recently shared. I invite you to join me in praying for Kaique and Lucas during these final days of preparation. May the Lord continue to strengthen them, guide them, and fill them with His grace as they dedicate their lives to His service and to the people of our Diocese. (On Saturday, you can watch the Ordination as it is livestreamed on the Our Lady of Fall River website here.) The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Travel to Our Diocese As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and the continuing legacy of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” will travel through the Diocese of Fall River on June 29 to 30. The pilgrimage, dedicated to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, will journey through 18 dioceses from St. Augustine, Florida, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering opportunities for prayer, Eucharistic processions, Adoration, and Mass. I am so pleased that our Diocese is hosting part of this historic pilgrimage. I strongly encourage our faithful to take part in this Pilgrimage through special events in Easton, New Bedford, and Fall River as we pray for our Church, our Diocese, and our nation. For a complete schedule of events, locations, and registration information, please visit the Diocesan website. Celebrating those Who Share Our Diocesan Mission At the end of May, we held our annual service awards in the Diocese, recognizing employees for their tireless work. I began the program with the celebration of Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, Westport, and lunch and the presentation of the awards followed. It is a pleasure for me to do this each year to honor our employees for their dedicated service and to thank them for their contributions. Regardless of the particulars of their job, each employee is instrumental in helping us to fulfill the mission that is ours as a Diocesan church, and I am grateful. This year, we recognized 13 employees, mostly for five years of service. Within the group, though, we honored one employee for 10 years, another for 30, and one for 55 years! That is dedicated service. In the photo above, I am presenting Deborah LeDoux with her certificate marking five years of service. Deborah is the Director of Family and Respect Life within our Secretariat for the New Evangelization. Next to her is David Carvalho, the Secretary for the New Evangelization, who was also recognized for five years of service. Msgr. Stephen J. Avila is next to him. The Secretariat for the New Evangelization falls under Msgr. Avila in his role as Vicar for Pastoral Services. The Gift of the Eucharist The Feast of Corpus Christi to be celebrated this weekend reminds us of the extraordinary gift of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As Catholics, we are called not only to adore the Lord in the Eucharist but also to carry His love into the world through lives of faith, service, and charity. Sincerely, +Bishop da Cunha The post Gathered in Faith, Sent in Mission: Celebrating Vocations, Service, and the Eucharist appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River."
Atlantis Charter School K-6 Newsletter - May 2026
"Dear Atlantis Families, Happy May, Triton Families! The sun is shining, and the end-of-year excitement is officially here. We have a month packed with fun, learning, and community spirit. Our Fun Run fundraiser is officially underway! Families are invited to come and cheer on their students during the event on May 14th. Sign Up: Register your student online at MyBooster.com Kickoff: The in-school fundraiser kickoff begins May 5th Get ready for the most energetic day of the year! Our Lower School Field Day is scheduled for June 9th (Rain Date: June 10th). Volunteer: You can support our field day as a volunteer by signing up to run a station using this link: Sign Up Genius Requirements: All volunteers must have a valid CORI check on file with the school. We look forward to a great end of the school year! K-6 Field Day Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Rain Date – Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Grade K–2 Field Day Pizza Lunch Time: 9:00am – 11:00am Grade K – Wear Green Grade 1 – Wear Blue Grade 2 – Wear Red Grade 3–6 Field Day Pizza Lunch Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm Grade 3 – Wear Yellow Grade 4 – Wear Blue Grade 5 – Wear Purple Grade 6 – Wear Green Important Note To create the safest possible environment for our students, spectators will not be allowed. Thank you for your understanding. Only approved CORI-checked volunteers (who signed up through SignUpGenius) will be able to attend. Upcoming Events/Important Dates May 11th Panchero’s Fundraising May 13th Early Dismissal May 14th ACS Fun Run (Grades 1-6) May 15th Re-enrollment Form for all current ACS Students returning for 2026-2027 May 15th Kindergarten Field Trip- Roger Williams Zoo May 15th Grade 3 Mastery Martial Arts Demonstration Sponsored by the Feinstein Foundation May 18th Grades K-2 Junior Achievement Program May 20th Grades 3 and 4 Field Trip- Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium May 22nd K-6 Memorial Day Dress Down Day May 25th No School- Memorial Day June 3rd Grade 6 Field Trip- Camp Watchaug June 3rd and 4th– Grade 4 Taste of the Nation Event June 5th Early Dismissal Day Reminder: Attendance Matters! Resolving Conflict with Kindness On testing days especially, it is vital that students arrive on time. Our testing sessions begin promptly in the morning. If your child is late, they may have to wait until a make-up session to test, which can be more stressful for them. Let’s work together to get everyone here and ready to go by 8:15 am! Dean’s Corner Digital Safety and Monitoring As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to check in on our students’ digital habits. We strongly encourage families to keep children off social media and away from viral “TikTok challenges” that can often be unsafe or inappropriate for elementary-aged children. If you choose to give your student a personal device, please remember that active monitoring is essential. Being a “digital co-pilot” helps ensure your child avoids difficult situations and stays focused on positive interactions. Let’s work together to keep our Tritons safe online! Use Shared Spaces: Keep devices in common areas, not in bedrooms, to make monitoring easy. Tell an Adult: Immediately report if a game, video, or message feels scary or strange. All K through 6th grade students will be required to complete a summer reading and math assignment to reinforce and maintain skills over the summer months. Be on the lookout for an individualized email to be sent out (similar to report cards) before the last day of school (June 18th for grades 1-6 and June 11th for Kindergarten). Entering Grades 1 & 2: Summer Choiceboard Entering Grades 3 – 6: Summer Reading Book & Math Google Forms Atlantis Charter School Stores Atlantis Charter School offers convenient online stores where families can purchase approved school apparel and items that showcase Triton pride. From daily uniform pieces to active wear and spirit gear, our stores provide options for students, families, and fans to represent ACS throughout the year. Uniform/Dress Code Approved shirts, sweaters, and outerwear that meet ACS Dress Code Guidelines for everyday classroom use. Athletic Apparel: Performance-based gear designed for PE, practices, and active school events. Tritons Spirit Wear: Branded clothing and accessories in Triton colors, perfect for games, events, and community pride. Daily WearActive WearSpirit WearACS SCHOOL CALENDAR 2026-2027 VIEW HERECheck out our Recent Posts K-6 Newsletter – 4/6/2026 Gallery K-6 Newsletter – 4/6/2026 Show us your Spirit Photo SubmissionUpcoming Events Soccer ClubJune 1 @ 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm The post K-6 Newsletter – 5/6/2026 appeared first on Atlantis Charter School."
Fall River Diocesan Walk for Life
" Walking for Life, Witnessing to the Dignity of Every Person Last Friday, I celebrated Mass as part of our third annual Fall River Diocesan Walk for Life. I was pleased with the number of participants, including students from two of our high schools, Bishop Stang and Pope John Paul II. It was organized by our Secretariat for the New Evangelization and took place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro. While I was only able to join them for the Mass because of other commitments, the Walk was one part of a program that also included adoration, the praying of the Rosary for Life, and a guest speaker. You can read more about it in this week’s Anchor e-newsletter. The Church’s commitment to the protection and defense of human life flows from her teaching that all human life is made in the image of God and is therefore sacred. As believers, then, when we look at ourselves, when we look at each other, we must see the image of God imprinted within us, within all of us, in our beings, in our souls. Yes, this is a gift and a privilege to see God in others; but it’s also a big responsibility. It demands that we respect every person we meet along the way.In my homily at the Mass, I spoke of the need for consistency in our defense of human life. Pope Leo XIV underscored this in a video message shared at a recent conference at DePaul University, saying that each human life, from the moment of conception to natural death, is sacred and needs to be protected. The Right to life is foundational to all other human rights. We must be consistent in applying this across the spectrum of human life. We start with the unborn but cannot stop there. We cannot defend some life or aspects of it, and not others. We must go forward embracing a consistent defense of life as we approach any brother or sister, no matter the behavior of that person, no matter what happens to that person. I encouraged those at the Walk of Life -and indeed all our faithful people – to continue to work and pray for the protection of life, and to witness by their words and deeds the beauty, dignity, and value of every life in all stages. Imagine a world if everyone respected all life. What a profound impact it would have! A Prayer for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is this Sunday, a time to give thanks for the gift of mothers. During this month of May, we also honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose love reflects the beauty of motherhood. Loving God, we thank you for the gift of mothers, for their unconditional love and compassionate care. Bless those who are mothers, those expecting new life, and those mothers who are no longer with us. Surround them all with your peace and love. Amen. Help Make a Difference Through the Catholic Appeal As we reflect on the call to “let it begin with me,” I invite you to take part in the Catholic Appeal, which brings Christ’s love to life through ministries serving those most in need across our Diocese. Every gift, no matter the size, helps make that peace real in our communities. Please consider donating today and be part of this shared mission. Sincerely, +Bishop da Cunha The post Walking for Life and Celebrating the Gift of Mothers appeared first on Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River."
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