Parish Leader Convocation
Each September, the Convocation kicks-off the start of the parish catechetical year, serving as commencement and development for all Parish, Catechetical, and Ministry Leaders, as well as catechists and volunteers, ahead of Catechetical Sunday. Leaders and volunteers gather for Mass with our Bishop, keynote speaker, resources, and community, so as to set and receive vision as the Fall begins.
Save the Date for the next Parish Leader Convocation on:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
St. John Neumann Church, E. Freetown
9 AM – 2:30 PM
Parish Leader Dinner
The Parish Leader Dinner first serves to thank all the “co-workers in the vineyard”. It also serves as the mid-year development day each January for parish leaders, offering development in the area of parish ministry, evangelization and catechesis.
Cohorts & Coaching
Parish leaders can join cohorts spanning catechesis, youth ministry, RCIA, and marriage. These groups of leaders meet throughout the year for ongoing networking, idea sharing, support, and prayer with colleagues and Secretariat staff. To get connected with a group, contact the persons listed below. Additionally, individual check-ins and support are regularly offered, especially to new personnel.
Attleboro Deanery Catechetical Leaders:
Email Elaine Corvese – transfigurationreled@gmail.com
Fall River & Taunton Catechetical Leaders:
Email David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org
New Bedford Catechetical Leaders:
Email Beni Costa-Reedy – beni@stmarysdartmouth.org
Cape Cod Catechetical Leaders:
Email David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org
OCIA & Adult Formation Leaders:
Email Dcn Chris Paul – cpaul@dioc-fr.org
Youth Ministry Leaders:
Email Oscar Rivera – orivera@dioc-fr.org
Catechetical Materials
The USCCB publishes and updates a “conformity list” of catechetical materials, which have been found (or are under review) to be in conformity with the Catholic Church’s teachings. Click below to access their recent list
Parishes can review a list of publishers on the Parish Resources page.
Our team aids parishes discern and select the right models, methods, and materials for, in keeping with the Vatican and USCCB’s vision and guidance for Evangelizing Catechesis. Email dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org or cpaul@dioc-fr.org to start a conversation.
Media & Communications
The Secretariat releases a weekly e-update with upcoming items, updates, and resources.
EquipCatholics
Visit our Youtube Channel to access over 24 hours of content, including interviews on a variety of Catholic topics, trainings on parish evangelization and catechesis, and webinars to help grow ministry work.
Planning Guide
Our planning guide provides you with background, steps, prompts, and resources to help you in your planning process.
The guide speaks to areas of baptism preparation, family and children’s ministry, ministry to young people, and adult and RCIA ministry.
Parish Resources
Below is a resource packet on how parishes can utilize social media and bolster hospitality efforts to welcome individuals back.
For questions or to request help, contact: David Carvalho – dcarvalho2@dioc-fr.org