The Blessed Michael McGivney Society was established by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano to support men discerning the priesthood in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Through financial assistance, mentorship, and community engagement, the Society helps seminarians navigate their formation, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent them from answering God’s call. Members contribute to scholarships, retreats, discernment programs, and pilgrimages, fostering a culture of vocations within parishes and schools.
With the rising need for priestly formation and leadership investment, the Society plays a crucial role in accompanying, encouraging, and sustaining future priests. Twice-yearly gatherings provide opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and connection with those in formation, creating a strong network of support for the next generation of clergy.
Find more information on the Bl. Michael McGivney Society in this Fairfield County Catholic article.
Who is Bl. Michael McGivney?
Father Michael J. McGivney was a central
figure in the growth of Catholicism in
America. Born in Waterbury in 1852 and
ordained in Baltimore in 1877, he was a priest
based in New Haven and founded the
Knights of Columbus.
On May 26, 2020, Pope
Francis approved a decree recognizing a
miracle attributed to the intercession of
Father McGivney.
On Oct. 31 of that year, the
Mass for Beatification was celebrated in
Hartford. He is the third priest born in the US
to be raised to this honor, and the first priest
to be beatified who spent his whole priestly
ministry in a US parish.
Accompanying Young Men in Seminary
There are currently 25 seminarians training to become priests in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Their formation is focused on human, pastoral, intellectual and spiritual growth through:
Minor Seminary
2–4-year program for college seminarians at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, PA and Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Stamford, CT. Catholicism.
MAJOR Seminary
4-year theology program at: St. Joseph’s, Dunwoodie, NY, Pope St. John XXIII, Weston, MA, and The Pontifical North American College, Rome
Our young men need our prayers, mentorship, fellowship and financial support on their journey to become a Catholic priest.
Support the McGivney SocietyOther Ways to Accompany Our Seminarians
For information on the Blessed Michael McGivney Society,
contact Joe Gallagher at jgallagher@diobpt.org