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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.
F riday , June 26, 2015
New board hopes to address ‘vocations crisis’
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff
TAUNTON — Acknowledging that vocations are a “crucial thing in the life of the Church,” Father Kevin A. Cook, director of vocations and seminarians for the Fall River Diocese, said it is imperative that we all respond to the will of God in some way. “Without vocations, everything falls apart,” Father Cook said. “Without vocations to the priesthood, you don’t have priests and you don’t have the Sacraments. Without the vocation of Marriage, the family falls apart. Without vocations to consecrated life, you don’t have that profound witness of a total gift of life to the Lord.” To that end, Father Cook said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recent-
ly asked him to organize and oversee topher M. Peschel, associate director a Diocesan Vocations Board comprised of vocations and seminarians for the of priests, deacons, religious and mar- diocese; Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., ried lay people who “have all shown in Episcopal Representative for Religious different ways a and associate dipassion for vocaithout vocations, ev- rector of vocations,” he said. erything falls apart,” tions; Father Jay This newlyMello, former formed, 10-mem- Father Cook said. “Without voca- associate direcber board has been tions to the priesthood, you don’t tor of vocations; meeting since the have priests and you don’t have Father Arnold beginning of the the Sacraments.” Medeiros; and year and held Father David its most recent Pignato. brainstorming Rounding out the group is Deasession at Holy Family Parish in East con Rick Varieur of St. Theresa of the Taunton, where Father Cook serves as Child Jesus Parish in South Attleboro; pastor. John and Paula Wilk, members of St. In addition to Father Cook, the Patrick’s Parish in Wareham; and Phil board is comprised of Father Chris- Martin, chairman of the Theology De-
“W
partment at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. In speaking with Bishop da Cunha, Father Cook said he expressed a desire to have a diverse group with representatives from different walks of life who have each responded to their own vocations in different ways. While the priests have an obvious vested interest in vocations, it’s equally important to get input from members of the diaconate, religious orders, and married lay people as well. “There hasn’t been another group like this (in the diocese) in recent memory,” said Father Peschel. Father Cook said he remembered around the time of his ordination that Father Craig Pregana had attempted Turn to page 18
UMD Campus Ministry seeks to aid as young students ‘Embark’ on new life By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor
The St. John’s Eagles Wings Relay for Life Team participated in the recent annual Greater Attleboro Relay for Life at North Attleboro High School. The SJ Eagles Wings brought in $9,270.29 to help the American Cancer Society in their fight against cancer. From left: Judy Little, David Erwin, Father Riley Williams, Sandy Kelley, Seamus Sutula, Sheila Cryan, Barbara Kelley (obscured), Melissa Quaglia, Lisa Brochu, Jayne Conroy, Rita and Tom Turgeon, and Sheryl Singh.
Promoting vocations in the diocese and beyond By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent
WAREHAM — Two priests and three seminarians from New York biked 1,400 miles up the East Coast earlier this month in order to promote vocations. Their effort to highlight the importance of responding to God’s call mirrors the everyday efforts of Catholics in the Diocese of Fall River. From May 17 to June 14, the Biking 4 Vocations team pedaled from St. Augustine, Fla. to Rockville Centre, N.Y. traversing as many as 85 miles in a single day. The pilgrimage spanned 11
states, and the men made many stops at parishes to meet with youth groups and discernment groups. They also attended Mass and prayed the Liturgy of the Hours five times each day. They wore white T-shirts with Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all nations” emblazoned on the back. Afterward, the men — who represent the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Rockville Centre — talked about the physical challenges they faced on their arduous journey, adding that at particuTurn to page 18
NORTH DARTMOUTH — “Any transition is difficult in life,” said Father David C. Frederici, diocesan director of Campus Ministry and chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College, and pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset. And he should know, having made the journey from high school to college to seminary to the priesthood, where one can, and usually does, wear many hats. Another who knows a bit about change is Deacon Frank Lucca, a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. Lucca also made the trek from high school to college, to the business world, to being a father and husband, then embracing the challenges of preparing for the permanent diaconate and all that ministering as a deacon entails. With such vast experience in facing and accepting change, the two are offer-
ing area students who will be entering college within the next few months an overnight program to help them prepare for the biggest changes most will encounter yet in their young lives. “We’re offering a program for firstyear students focusing on transition,” Lucca told The Anchor. “It’s for any student, not just those planning on attending UMass Dartmouth.” “And,” Father Frederici added, “it’s not just for those who will be moving away to campus. It’s also for those who will be commuting. They too, are experiencing a major transition in their lives, and transitions are disruptions.” The free overnight program will take place on the peaceful grounds of the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham beginning with registration at 12:30 p.m. on August 4, ending at 1:30 p.m. on August 5. “When freshmen students begin that Turn to page seven
Bishop da Cunha’s father dies at age 91
FALL RIVER — As The Anchor went to press, it was learned that Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha’s father, Manoel Antonio de Cunha passed away in Brazil June 23 at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his family, including Bishop da Cunha.
Mr. da Cunha is survived by his wife of 68 years, Josefa, his 13 children (including the bishop), 36 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren. The Anchor will have full coverage in next week’s edition.