FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Dear Friends,
 
While it has been an incredibly challenging year for our community and world, I reflect on our many blessings. Countless lives have been touched thanks to the generosity of supporters throughout the Diocese of Fall River—from the Annual Catholic Appeal which supports critical ministries throughout our diocese, to FACE (The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education) which provides vital scholarship funds for families in need, to other important diocesan initiatives and ministries. This support has been truly inspiring.
 
The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts is here to aid you in your charitable giving and I encourage you to reach out to us to learn more about ways to support your parish, a Catholic school, or other ministry in our diocese. With your involvement and with faith as our guide, together we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Blessings for a healthy and happy year ahead,
Miriam Finn Sherman
CEO, The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts



"For it is in giving that we receive" - Saint Francis of Assisi
CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.

CO-DIRECTORS
Patrick Carney
Nicholas M. Christ

MEMBERS
George Agostini
Rev. Marcel Bouchard
Richard L. Lafrance
Bob Long
Christine Long
Rev. John Murray
Maryellen Sullivan Shachoy
Very Rev. Richard D. Wilson, V.G.

HONORARY BOARD MEMBER
Joseph Ciffolillo
Anima Christi Legacy Society Launches

Making a gift in your estate planning to the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts to benefit the Diocese of Fall River, for any of its ministries, schools or parishes is an opportunity to leave a legacy of your faith. The “Anima Christi” Legacy Society has launched to honor those who have made such a gift and to serve as a resource for those who are considering making a planned gift. For more information, including membership, benefits, and resources on deciding how and where to direct giving, click below.
“I have been blessed to serve Christ’s mission as a priest of our Diocese. By leaving a legacy gift,
I feel I am continuing to help our Diocese serve Christ’s mission on earth.”
-Rev. Marcel Bouchard
The 80th Annual Catholic Appeal
“Time to Gather, Time to Heal, Time to Love”

The annual Catholic Appeal will run from May 1 – June 30. Since 1942, the Appeal has been the main source for channeling resources to those in need throughout the Diocese.
 
  • Last year, 16,000 faithful donors provided more than $3.5 million to strengthen and sustain the work of our ministries, programs, agencies, and apostolates.
  • This generosity provided critical funding to assist more than 100,000 individuals and families.
  • This year’s theme is a message of hope, compelling us to gather together in faith, to heal from pain and hardship, and love one another as our Savior loves us.
 
Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come, including an introductory video from Bishop da Cunha and the many ways you can support this year’s Appeal. You can also make a gift to the Catholic Appeal
at any time online.
Each year, The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) raises much-needed scholarship funds to support students attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River. This year, these scholarship funds were even more important as many families were impacted by the pandemic. Over 950 students received a scholarship this school-year thanks to so many generous donors who continued to support FACE and students in need during this critical time.
Click on the video below to view a moving performance of
Lord, I Need You - by the talented Diocesan Schools Virtual Choir featured in the FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner program,
The Show Must Go Online.
FACE PARTICIPATING IN THE
ASICS 2021 FALMOUTH ROAD RACE

We are excited to announce that the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) will participate in the ASICS 2021 Falmouth Road Race. FACE will be part of the Numbers for Non-Profit Program with six (6) entries where each participant will raise funds for FACE student scholarships.



Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has meant a week at the end of January full of fun activities, inter-school competitions, and dress down days culminating with a weekly school Mass. As with most things this year, Catholic Schools Week will have a very different meaning for the 20 Catholic schools of the Diocese of Fall River. Through activities both inside and outside of the classroom, our schools cultivate a lifelong commitment to serving others, particularly the less fortunate among us. 
MASS CARDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

~ The power of prayer for solace during times of loss and prayers for comfort ~

Your loved one will be remembered in prayer by
Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha Bishop of Fall River during his monthly remembrance Mass. 

Send one of our beautiful cards and enroll your loved one for prayers.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” - Matthew 5:4
2 Charitable Tax Breaks Have Been Extended for 2021!

Congress extended the CARES Act to offer charitable-giving incentives through this new calendar year. What does this mean for donors?
 
More people can take a charitable deduction in 2021
Taxpayers who do not itemize their tax deductions — meaning they instead take the standard deduction, a flat amount — can take a deduction of up to $300 for monetary donations made to qualifying nonprofit organizations in 2021. Married couples who file a joint tax return can take a $600 deduction.

The cap on deductible donations is suspended for 2021
Taxpayers who do itemize their deductions are not subject to any caps on the amount of donations they can deduct in 2021. 

*Consult a tax advisor for specific questions.
SAVE THE DATE
More details to come

Virtual Women and Men’s Conference
Featuring ValLimar Jansen
March 20th - 1:00-5:00 PM

FACE Summer Gala at Willowbend Country Club
August 5th