Your generosity to the 2025 Bishop’s Appeal fuels the mission of the Diocese of Bridgeport, ensuring that we can teach the faith, serve those in need, and strengthen our Catholic community. Every dollar you give directly supports Catholic education, faith formation, charitable outreach, and the care of our priests and parishes. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families across the diocese. Join us in this vital mission—make your gift today and be a part of God’s work in our community.
Teaching and Preaching the Gospel
$3,641,500
The Institute for Catholic Formation equips ministry leaders and the faithful with deeper knowledge and skills to accompany others in their faith journey.
Each year, the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to 1,300 students in diocesan Catholic elementary schools, transforming lives across Fairfield County.
The Catholic Academy of Bridgeport offers tuition assistance to inner-city students in need.
Seminarians prepare for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo, St. Joseph, St. John XXIII, and Redemptoris Mater Seminaries, discerning their vocation through rigorous education and formation.
Priests continue their development through graduate studies in canon law, liturgy, music, and Church history to better serve the faithful.
Deacons bring faith, hope, and love to parish communities and ministries. Your gift supports their training and formation in the Diaconate.
Teaching and Preaching the Gospel
Breakdown of Funds
| Area | Funds |
|---|---|
| Institute for Catholic Formation (Face of Prayer, Childhood Faith Formation, Pastoral Support) | $457,250 |
| Ministry for Youth – Post-Confirmation Formation | $143,000 |
| Formation of Seminarians and Priests | $1,041,500 |
| Formation of Deacons | $275,000 |
| Vicar Stipends | $21,500 |
| Bishop Scholarship Fund | $700,000 |
| Catholic Academies of Bridgeport | $300,000 |
| Communications | $643,250 |
| Veritas Catholic Network | $50,000 |
Serving our Community
$1,699,500
Catholic Charities helps the needy and most vulnerable of all faiths to permanently improve their lives and enable families to rise up out of poverty, overcome barriers, and achieve self-sufficiency and independence.
Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs provides academic, spiritual and life skill programs for children and adults with disabilities.
Priests and Deacons provide pastoral care for the sick and elderly in nursing homes and hospitals.
Serving our Community
Breakdown of Funds
| Area | Funds |
|---|---|
| Institute for Catholic Formation (Face of Prayer, Childhood Faith Formation, Pastoral Support) | $457,250 |
| Ministry for Youth – Post-Confirmation Formation | $143,000 |
| Formation of Seminarians and Priests | $1,041,500 |
| Formation of Deacons | $275,000 |
| Vicar Stipends | $21,500 |
| Bishop Scholarship Fund | $700,000 |
| Catholic Academies of Bridgeport | $300,000 |
| Communications | $643,250 |
| Veritas Catholic Network | $50,000 |
Together in Faith
$2,084,000
The Ambassador Program invites Catholics to deeper parish involvement, Sunday Mass attendance, and offers personal support to overcome obstacles to active faith participation.
The Sacred Heart Guild fosters Beauty in the Arts, inspiring encounters with Christ through pilgrimages, workshops, concerts, and talks focused on Sacred Music, Art, Architecture, and Literature, with a special emphasis on youth.
Financially challenged yet vibrant parishes receive emergency assistance.
The Seton Collaborative strengthens parishes and schools by providing expert support, mission-driven personnel, innovative programs, and efficient infrastructure to promote growth and ministerial innovation.
Retired priests receive ongoing healthcare and, at Queen of the Clergy Residence, enjoy a comfortable, prayerful home.
Together in Faith
Breakdown of Funds
| Area | Funds |
|---|---|
| Support of Retired Priests | $1,101,000 |
| Stephen Ministries | $30,000 |
| Seton Collaborative | $166,000 |
| Campus Ministry and Young Adult Support | $135,000 |
| Choir Director | $67,000 |
| Tribunal and Safe Environment | $485,000 |
| Guilds | $100,000 |
| Fundraising Expenses | $575,000 |
Development Office
The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892
(203) 416-1470 | Fax: (203) 371-0410