June 1, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Pentecost Sunday, as we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, Pope Francis reminds us, “The Spirit is peace in the midst of restlessness, confidence in the midst of discouragement, joy in sadness, youth in aging, courage in the hour of trial.”
As the human toll from this terrible pandemic continues to increase in our midst, and I read the prayer requests from our live-streamed Masses, I am aware of the great suffering that a growing number of our neighbors are experiencing. They need our collective help.
Now more than ever the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) allows us to continue the mission of the Church and provide for these new faces of need in our midst. In the last few months, support of the ACA has allowed us to:
- serve an extra 700 meals a day at our soup kitchens and other local non-profit nutrition programs and homeless shelters;
- move 70+ homeless individuals into a Shelton motel where they receive three meals a day;
- meet the demand for counseling services during a heightened time of depression and anxiety;
- provide distance learning to all diocesan Catholic schools and students who remain active in their studies; and teach faith and Sacramental preparation;
- celebrate Masses and liturgies online;
- support Hospital Chaplains and deacons on the frontlines where they are bringing Christ to patients and families who are in crisis and often all alone.
I am deeply grateful for your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal and I ask for your help so we can continue to provide essential services and comfort for those in need during this emergency appeal. To make your gift, please visit www.2020ACABridgeport.com. You may text the word APPEAL to 475.241.7849. If you have already made your gift, thank you.
Please be assured that you and your family remain in my prayers with the hope and love of our Risen Lord.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
