FALL RIVER — Two weeks into the 81st Catholic Appeal of the Diocese of Fall River, and, as of press time, the annual campaign has surpassed $1 million on the way to its $4.8 million goal.

Each year, donations to the annual Appeal meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of tens of thousands of individuals and families in the Diocese. The largest beneficiary of funding through the Appeal is Catholic Social Services (CSS). CSS serves and ministers to 40,000 individuals across the Diocese of Fall River each year, working with persons of all faiths and cultures in the Spirit of God’s universal love to advance human dignity and promote social justice, truth, and solidarity in our community.

Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the need for the programs and services CSS provides has skyrocketed – including a significant increase in the number of individuals facing homelessness and in need of emergency housing. Donor support of the Catholic Appeal helps CSS in its efforts to provide safe, secure housing for women, men, children, and families that have been displaced due to numerous social and economic situations such as domestic violence, substance abuse, unemployment, and foreclosure.

The individual homeless, emergency assistance, and overflow shelters across the Diocese provide shelter for hundreds of individuals each year. Among them is St. Kilian’s House in New Bedford, a shelter for young men ages 18-25. In addition to offering eight beds for homeless and displaced youth, the program offers a path to secure employment and permanent housing. The staff at Kilian’s also includes an outreach manager who travels across the Diocese of Fall River providing information and resources for both men and women experiencing homelessness.

The Catholic Foundation, which oversees the Catholic Appeal, recently sat down with Jaime, a young man who has received a fresh lease on his life through his time at Kilian’s House. The following excerpts were taken from that conversation.

“I am 21 years old. I have been staying at Kilian’s House for the past two years. I got my driver’s license recently and I am currently finishing my schooling. After school, I plan to move into a job with the ultimate goal of finding my own place. I’m working with my case manager at Kilian’s to help me achieve these goals.

“I first came to Kilian’s when I was 19 years old. When I arrived here, I wasn’t sure what I wanted out of life. I was just living…I had no real direction. Kilian’s has helped me become independent. I have grown during my time here. A person who comes here and really wants to move on – they do succeed in moving on with their life. The key is to have your own vision and goals, along with the help that Kilian’s provides.

“We have two curfews (at St. Kilian’s House) – at 7am and 3:30pm. You leave the house at 7am and can come back at 3:30pm. A typical day for me includes studying and my schoolwork when I get back to Kilian’s in the afternoon. Or other times, I meet with my case manager. I like that there are fewer distractions in the house (such as TV, entertainment); it helps on the road to personal progress.

“At school, I am learning about career preparation and training. My chosen track is construction. I’m on an internship where I am learning how to work on a job site. Before graduating, we learn about mental toughness, visualizing a dream, achieving that dream, and finally succeeding. Kilian’s has provided me help with housing, how to handle personal finances, and life lessons that will help me when I take the next step toward independence.

“This experience has taught me how to think further about what I want to do with my life. When I am out there, I will be able to handle it.”

Contributions to the Catholic Appeal, which runs through June 30, may be made either through a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. Donations may be mailed to the Catholic Appeal office, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720, made online at www.GiveFRDiocese.org, or dropped off at any parish in the diocese. Please contact the Catholic Appeal office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River