Diocese of Fall River. (WJAR) Officials said parishioners at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish are encouraged to join either Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or St. Lawrence, Martyr.

The Diocese of Fall River has announced parish closures and mergers in New Bedford and Westport due to low attendance. Here's what we know.

By Adam Sennott and Rita Chandler Globe Correspondent, Updated July 15, 2025, 6:19 p.m. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha of the Diocese of Fall River Diocese of Fall River ...

A Fall River Catholic priest accused of sexual misconduct has been removed from priestly duties, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River announced, a year after the allegations first came to light.

On July 1, the diocese announced the end of a yearlong investigation into allegations made against Mello, the former pastor of St. Michael and St. Joseph parishes in Fall River’s north end.

A former priest in Fall River abused his position of power and engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners, an investigation found. Father Jay Mello “will not be returning” as pastor to ...

FALL RIVER — Jay Mello, the former pastor of St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s parishes in Fall River, is restricted from returning to priestly duties after an investigation by the Diocese of ...

The Attleboro and New Bedford parishes will be closing on June 30, according to the Fall River Diocese. Westport’s new parish will be established on June 20.