Two churches four miles apart are uniting in a common mission and exploring opportunities to partner with each other.
Inspired by the efforts of St. Francis Xavier Fund, representatives from St. Peter Church in Bridgeport and St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield gathered for lunch and fellowship recently at St. Peter’s and discussed ways they could work together.
“The St. Francis Xavier Fund is built upon the power of partnership,” said Kelly Weldon, program officer for the SFX Fund. “Cultivating opportunities like this gathering is at the heart of our work. By bringing parishes together in friendship and shared purpose, we support Bishop Caggiano’s commitment to The One and strengthening the bonds that unite us as one Church.”
St. Peter’s, in partnership with Foundations in Faith and the St. Francis Xavier Fund, hosted the gratitude lunch on June 15 with St. Anthony of Padua, Weldon said. Father Alexis Moronta welcomed the group of 20 as friends gathered in fellowship. Following introductions and prayer, they talked and enjoyed a meal together.
Father Alexis expressed gratitude for past financial support for his youth music ministry, which has grown into a vibrant choir with full instrumental accompaniment, Weldon said.
He invited members of St. Anthony of Padua to brainstorm ways the two parishes might create opportunities for deeper human connection, suggesting their shared love for music ministry could be a natural place to begin.
Eleanor Sauers of St. Anthony of Padua was enthusiastic about strengthening the relationship. She first met Father Alexis five years ago when he served at St. George Parish, and that connection continued after his assignment to St. Peter Church.
The group toured the interior and exterior of St. Peter’s, Weldon said. Many had never visited before and were in awe of the church’s stained glass windows, statues, sacred art and a monstrance that Father Alexis brought back from Mexico.
“The afternoon left the group energized and hopeful,” Weldon said. “As fellowship gives rise to friendship, the four miles between these two parishes will not stand in the way of their shared call to unity.”
For more information, contact Kelly Weldon, Program Officer, St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Fund for Missionary Parishes, Foundations in Faith, at [email protected].
