BRIDGEPORT—After a long period of dialogue, discussion, and discernment over the past twelve months, Bishop Caggiano formally signed two decrees today. One decree will merge the Parish of St. Gabriel with the Parish of St. Cecilia in Stamford to create the newly named Parish of St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel. The other decree merges the Parish of St. Agnes in Greenwich with St. Catherine of Siena in Riverside to create the Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes. All four worship sites will remain open. These decrees go into effect on July 1, 2019.
The decision to merge has come about after extensive consultation with local parish leadership, led by Bishop Caggiano and facilitated by the Director of the Office of Strategic and Pastoral Planning. In addition, the Council of Priests were consulted for their views. These mergers are intended to address pastoral trends including; diminishing Mass attendance, fiscal sustainability in the face of declining offertory income, decreasing sacramental celebrations, and clergy availability.
Decree for Merger of St. Cecilia and St. Gabriel in Stamford
Decree for Merger of St. Catherine of Siena in Riverside and St. Agnes in Greenwich