The older I get, the more I realize you just have to tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may. So here it goes:
I had a serious discussion with my wife Sandy recently. I said, “You missed your vocation. You should have been a cloistered nun. All you do is say your prayers, your household chores, tend your garden and read spiritual books. That sounds like the Benedictine life to me. Or maybe you should have been a Poor Clare so you could spend more time in Adoration.”
Not to be morbid, but throughout history, women entered the convent after their husbands passed into the Great Hereafter. A few even became saints. OK, it’s not something I’m encouraging, but you never know what the future holds. Whenever I tell her, “You missed your calling. You should have been a nun,” she doesn’t disagree. Heck, it’s one of the few things we agree on.
In the middle of the night, she’s on the Hallow app, praying her Rosary—or watching the Hallmark Channel on her iPad, which is something I’m sure they don’t do in the convent. I wish I could say we do that together, but when you’re a guy, if you’ve seen one Hallmark movie, you’re set for life.
However, I urge Hallmark to push the entertainment envelope and make a movie about a young woman who’s rejected what society has to offer and leaves it all behind to become a bride of Christ. After all, there are countless former professional women in the Sisters of Life, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Poor Clares and other orders that are seeing an increase in candidates.
Some of the Church’s greatest saints were women whose spiritual journey took a new direction when their husbands passed. They found new meaning and purpose, and ultimately changed the world.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was 29 and had five children when her husband died, leaving the family destitute. She eventually converted to Catholicism because of her belief in the Real Presence, even though she was ostracized by friends and family members in high society. She founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s to care for the poor and sick and also began the first Catholic schools in the United States.
You’ve probably never heard of St. Monegundis of Chartes, who lived in the sixth century. She married at a young age and had two daughters, who died in childbirth. Grief-stricken, she asked her husband to let her become a recluse so she could live alone in prayer. She built a hermitage in France and became a spiritual director for women who wanted to follow Christ.
St. Paula was a wealthy Roman woman who married at 15 and had five children. When her husband died, she began to serve the poor, and moved to Bethlehem with her daughter, where they began a convent. She became a colleague of St. Jerome and assisted him in translating the Bible into the vernacular.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal married at 20 and had six children. After her husband’s death in a hunting accident, she entered the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, which she and St. Francis de Sales founded. In the following years, she established convents throughout France.
St. Rita was forced to marry an abusive husband, even though she wanted to enter the convent. This torment continued for 18 years. Her husband ultimately repented but was killed in a dispute, and Rita entered the Augustinian convent of Cascia.
Other women have followed the same path to Christ, including St. Louise de Marillac, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Matilda.
Now, I don’t know for sure whether Sandy would be willing to “reinvent” herself, as they say in the professional world. Nevertheless, my point is a simple one. All of us, women and men, should embrace the principles of the religious life as much as we can in this troubled world.
It’s easy to introduce a contemplative dimension into your life, and once you do, you’ll crave more quality time with Christ. Instead of settling for the bare minimum and squeezing Jesus into our weekly schedule, we need to put him at the center of our lives. That means more prayer, more silence, more meditation and more Adoration.
So I’m going to follow the example my wife sets … and maybe I’ll even set aside a little time for the Hallmark Channel.
Six years ago, I finally relented, giving into the pleas of my daughters (and my husband), and agreed to adopt a pet. I never had a dog or cat, rabbit or hamster growing up, the result of my mother’s allergies, so I had been hesitant. However, after an hour or two at the humane society one rainy Saturday that spring, we settled on Juno, a three-year old male rescue cat with a heartshaped nose and a sweet but mischievous disposition. We adored him from the start. Why had it taken me so long to say yes?
Juno quickly became everyone’s favorite, thriving on attention as he lay on the kitchen floor when we prepared dinner, chased his shadow down the hallway, mingled with guests at our Christmas parties, or followed a repairman around the basement. He even sat with us on the couch during the pandemic as we watched Mass each Sunday. And my daughters smothered him with unconditional love, despite an occasional accident on the rug or swipe at their legs. Even for those, like my mother, who weren’t “cat people,” it was impossible not to love Juno.
His sweet but mischievous disposition began to change this summer though, as he became less playful and more lethargic. Happy purrs were replaced by weak meows. Concerned, we brought him to the vet who gave us devastating news: cancer. There was little that could be done, so we took Juno home. Though a shell of his previously energetic self, he persevered, still sitting near us as he bore his suffering quietly. We prayed that the medication added to his food each day would cure him. It didn’t. Patrick found him one morning early this fall, curled on his beanbag chair, motionless. Our lives never seemed so empty.
During times of sadness, as Catholics, we find comfort in prayer, and this time was no different. In memory of Juno, we prayed to St. Francis who loved all creatures. We remembered Noah who cared for the safety of animals. Above all, we thanked God for bringing Juno into our lives, enriching us with his companionship, and entrusting him to our care. That brought us comfort, along with the stories we told of Juno’s happy times and the sympathy we received from those who also loved him.
Soon after his death, I walked by the beanbag chair, now empty, the imprint of his little body still embedded. The girls could not bear to move it. Six years ago, I thought that grieving the loss of a pet would be short-lived, even trivial. Through Juno’s presence, I now understand the power of loving and mourning an animal. As part of our family, he showed us the importance of being playful, displaying compassion, enduring illness, and respecting life, even in death.
When friends ask if we’ll get another cat, our answer is usually the vague “at some point,” knowing this emptiness, though waning, needs to be filled. But the other day, Patrick said his coworker’s cat had just given birth. “Kittens?” Elizabeth asked, eyes wide. “They have kittens?”
Though nothing could ever replace Juno, I don’t think that beanbag chair will be empty for long.
The following is a letter from Bishop Frank J. Caggiano regarding this weekend’s festivities for the Diocese of Bridgeport’s 70th anniversary Masses.
BRIDGEPORT— Three men in formation to become permanent deacons of the Diocese of Bridgeport will be installed to the Ministry of Acolyte by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano on Sunday, October 22 at 10 am at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport. The public is invited to attend.
The three men are Walter Avitabile of Westport, Edward R. Carrillo of Bridgeport and Frank Mantero of Trumbull.
The Ministry of Acolyte includes assisting the priest and deacon at the altar during Mass. Acolytes serve during liturgies, help distribute Holy Communion and purify sacred vessels. Installation to this ministry marks the final step before ordination to the permanent diaconate, which will take place next June, according to diaconate program director Deacon John DiTaranto.
The permanent diaconate is a distinct ordained ministry of the Church. As sacramental signs of the servant God, fulfilled in Christ, deacons are called to serve the Church and the community in three areas: the ministry of the Word of God, the ministry of the liturgy/worship, and the ministry of charity and justice. Deacons function in all three areas: service in the transmission of the Word, service in the celebration of the sacraments and service in the community’s active love.
Men who seek to discern the diaconate can be either married or single, and should be between the ages of 35 and 60. For more information on the Diocese of Bridgeport’s diaconate program, visit www.bridgeportdiocese.org/diaconate/welcome.
Walter Avitabile and his wife, Gracemary, have three grown daughters and are members of Assuption Parish in Westport. Avitabile currently serves his parish by assisting in the RCIA program and with adult Confirmation. He has also served as a catechist, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Reader, and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Originally from the Bronx, N.Y., Avitabile attended Salesian High School and works as a general construction superintendent in New York City on infrastructure projects.
Edward R. Carrillo and his wife, Glenda are parents to one son, age 19, and three daughters, ages 26 and 23, the third of whom passed away due to COVID-19 in 2021 at age 29. They also have four grandchildren—two of whom they have adopted—with another on the way. Carrillo is a member of St. George Parish, which recently extantly merged with St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport. He has served as Director of Liturgical Music, co-founder of the parish youth group, catechist, and co-founder of the St. George family prayer group. Carrillo earned a Licentiate Degree in Guatemala, Central America. Carrillo has worked as a subcontractor for the Department of Justice as an EOIR interpreter. He has worked as a Certified Spanish Medical Interpreter at Yale New Haven Hospital for the past year and a half.
Frank Mantero is a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull, along with his wife, Angela, and their four children, Marisa (27), Francisco (25), Olivia (24) and Antonio (20). He has served as Deputy Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus St. Catherine of Siena Council and is a trustee for the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Edward Halloran Assembly and a member of the board of directors for Habitat Humanity of Greater New Haven. Mantero, a native of Madrid, Spain, holds a master’s degree in internal relations from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of Georgia. He has held various marketing and communications leadership roles across several industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and others.
When a small group of parishioners, drawn together by a devotion to St. Dominic, began a lay Dominican affiliate at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull in 2018, they could only hope that it would flourish. Now, more than five years later, that small group has become Our Lady of Fatima Affiliate under the St. Mary’s chapter in New Haven. Twenty members strong, it is currently involved in the canonical process of becoming its own chapter.
Eager to attract more of the faithful to a deeper understanding of Dominican spirituality, the group held their annual Inquiry Meeting and Open House on Thursday evening, September 14 in the St. Theresa School gym. Those interested had the chance to speak with some of the lay men and women as well as their religious assistant Fr. Brian Gannon and hear firsthand narratives of the Dominican mission and way of life.
“We are lay people living in the world and supporting the priests and nuns,” formation director Michelle Rowe said in her opening. “We’re a very supportive group who love to pray and study. Come and see what we’re about.”
Rooted in over 800 years of Dominican spirituality, this affiliate has seven fully professed members who have completed five and a half years of formation. Some, like vice president Ginny Silva, said they were looking to find a place of truth and authority, one which was missing in their secular life. What they found is a vocation comprised of four pillars – prayer, study, community, and apostolate.
These essential standards, said President Dave Andreotta, include praying the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina, among others, and studying the Word of God revealed through Scripture. “As a lay community,” he added, “we come together as a loyal fraternity which
strengthens the support we give to and receive from each other.” Through the apostolate, they serve others for Christ and the salvation of souls.
“We are teachers of the faith,” said Sheelah Brown who leads the group’s novice formation. “If you’re curious about following St. Dominic, you might want to consider the lay Dominicans.”
The Our Lady of Fatima Affiliate meets the third Thursday of each month for prayer and study, creating what Rowe calls “a very inviting and homey” atmosphere which welcomes visitors to further Christ’s evangelical mission and pray for priestly vocations. During the yearly inquiry sessions, a theological reflection traditionally follows the Open House. This year’s topic, presented by Fr. Gannon, was entitled “What Is True Conscience?”
Describing conscience as knowledge and action, Fr. Gannon shared doctrine from the Catechism of the Catholic Church which says, “conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed.” It is essential, he said, to apply that conscience and God’s teaching to our lives, for if we subscribe to God’s love, then we will realize our full potential.
“When we’re flying a plane, we rely on gauges,” he told the audience. “Our conscience is our inner gauge. It enables us to take responsibility for our actions. We are responsible for good and evil.”
“A well-formed conscience is what brings out the best in the human person and should help us better ourselves,” Fr. Gannon continued. “It encourages an inner dialogue – not with ourselves but with God.”
Many elements combine to form a true conscience, he said, including understanding church teaching, a knowledge of Christian life, and a personal examination of one’s own
conscience. Also important are daily prayer and the sacraments, which Fr. Gannon said bring us to a deeper relationship with God. “Conversations with God can always have a profound effect on our conscience,” he said.
Having a true and moral conscience leads to a greater spiritual life for those living in secular society and connects seamlessly to the life of a lay Dominican. Rowe said, “This is such an important topic and one so telling for what’s going on the world today.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the lay Dominicans and Our Lady of Fatima affiliate, please contact formation director Michelle Rowe at orapronobis20@gmail.com. “We have an open door,” she said. “Come visit our community.”
BRIDGEPORT — At a Mass to inaugurate the St. Luke Guild for Catholic healthcare workers, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano told them they confront many challenges in a world “that wants to make healthcare a business, but for you it must be a ministry.”
“You know how difficult it is to be faithful to Christ in the modern world,” he said at the Mass on Sunday at St. Augustine Cathedral. “All of you here, who are involved in healthcare in any and every way possible, when you do it in the name of Jesus, you are offering a ministry that is beyond price because you are the face of Christ to those dealing with difficult moments in their life journey. And so we say ‘thank you’ for being instruments of healing and compassion in the name of Jesus.”
The Guild is being created in honor of St. Luke, physician and evangelist, so that Catholics in healthcare “might be fed and strengthened in the work Christ has chosen for them.”
Its mission is to help healthcare workers throughout Fairfield County grow in Christian discipleship through an ongoing encounter with Jesus through prayer, attendance at an annual Mass, engaging in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, formation, reflection and retreats.
The bishop said members from every area of healthcare are called to live their Catholic faith to the best of their ability and recite a daily prayer asking for the grace to “be visible signs of compassion in the world, honoring every person they meet who is in need of healing.”
He said the Guild was being created “so that those who give compassion may receive it and those who need compassion will receive it when they need strength and fortitude. It will let them grow together in pray and formation and walk with each other so they may remain strong and faithful in the ministry that Christ has asked of them.”
Photos by Joe Pisani
The bishop thanked them for the work they do and said the Mass was to celebrate everyone who extends the healing ministry of Jesus — “doctors, physicians, nurses, physician’s aides, healthcare workers, attendants in hospitals, and every single person who allows healthcare to be delivered.”
During his homily, Bishop Caggiano recalled his personal encounters with the healthcare profession years before, when his mother had been diagnosed with “non-small-cell lung cancer” and had to undergo 13 months of treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Upon hearing the diagnosis, he recalled, “I froze, while my mother in her great holiness just sat there with that look of resignation that I knew very well, and so began an odyssey of 13 months — and it was an odyssey that taught me very personally the beauty and power of Christian healing.”
He commended her medical team and said: “As grace would have it, her attending physician and all those who cared for her were deeply faithful Catholics who showed my mother the face of the healing power of Christ. For you see, my friends, they certainly tried to attend to her disease as best they could, but they also recognized from the beginning that my mother and I — and you — are pilgrims for a greater life. They revered her dignity as a child, as a daughter of God, and yet they attended to her spirit, as well, in those moments of doubt and fear and isolation that even the greatest believers have when they face a medical challenge that is deeply grave.”
After his homily, Bishop Caggiano inducted 11 people into the Guild, including board members and founders. They were Thomas Amann, Noelle Amann, Melanie Barnard, Kathleen Berchelmann, Helacio (Eli) Dela Cruz, William Fessler, Mary Beth Fessler, Pat Kelley, Jennifer Kim, Richard Maiberger, and Celeste Perez.
Among the inductees were husband and wife Dr. William Fessler, a Norwalk dentist, and Mary Beth Fessler, a nurse practitioner at the Americares free clinic, who are members of St. Aloysius Parish.
“I think as Catholics we have been isolated, and this is a way to give people — no matter where they are in healthcare — support for what they’re doing,” Ms. Fessler said. She also recounted the trials and stress many of her colleagues endured during the COVID pandemic as they cared for the sick and dying.
“It’s important to support each other,” she added. “Today there are a lot of difficult questions in healthcare, and sometimes it can be hard to stand up for Catholic values.”
Dr. Fessler said, “The Guild will give you a timeout from your work — a chance to huddle and benefit from the support of others.” He, too, spoke of the challenges that healthcare professionals confronted during COVID and added, “It will be good for us to come together as a faith community.”
Steven Filizzola, Special Assistant to the Bishop, said all healthcare workers are invited to join the Guild, whether they are currently employed, retired or in development, including doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, dentists, office workers and general staff “because everyone makes a difference in the care of a patient.”
The Guild was created earlier this year by Bishop Caggiano. It grew out of the annual White Mass, honoring healthcare workers.
“The St.Luke Guild was established for passionate Catholics seeking mutual aid and the desire to work together on a common mission,” Filizzola said. “These two forms of accompaniment will provide support to fellow healthcare workers while encouraging personal growth in Christian discipleship.”
The mission of the Guild is to encourage Catholic healthcare workers within the Diocese of Bridgeport to grow in Christian discipleship through an on-going process of encounter with Jesus Christ.
“With the many evolving challenges facing Catholic healthcare workers, the Guild will form a strong, faithful community of support, as well as a means to discuss issues, experiences and share ideas,” he said.
Guild events in the coming months will include the Annual Healthcare Workers Mass & Breakfast, one-day retreats, and a formational gathering in the spring. The Guild provides a means for Catholic healthcare workers to engage and connect with one another, sharing not only prayers and faith but, via discussion panels, the challenges faced in the healthcare professions.
For further information about membership, email the St. Luke Guild team at SaintLukeGuild@diobpt.com or visit www.bridgeportdiocese.org/stlukeguild/home.
Bishop Caggiano said the St. Luke Guild is the first of 12 that will be formed in the coming years, for educators, attorneys, young parents, first-responders and business professionals, among others. These reflect his vision of The One,“as they create opportunities for accompaniment” and “building communities in which people find support in their faith journeys.
By Rose Brennan
BRIDGEPORT—A rainy day next to a construction site might be a less than ideal setting for an occasion as joyous as the Conferral of the St. Augustine Medal of Service. But, as Bishop Frank J. Caggiano quipped, God chose just that day, “in his infinite wisdom” to honor the faithful gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral on October 14, 2023.
Established by Bishop William E, Lori in 2005, the St. Augustine Medal of Service recognizes men and women from across the Diocese of Bridgeport whose exemplary service to Christ and his Church is lived out in extraordinary service in the parishes, schools and charitable works in the Church across Fairfield County. The medal features an image St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of the diocese, as well as the diocesan seal on its reverse.
This year, 178 men and women received the St. Augustine Medal of Service. Their names were read by Al Barber, retired executive director of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, and Anne McCrory, chief legal and real estate officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The ceremony took place in the context of Daytime Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours—which the bishop noted as the prayer of the Church, and is at all times being recited by someone somewhere in the world.
The day’s prayer included a reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, which read “Let us not tire of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.”
During his homily, the bishop reflected on a story about St. Augustine—the medal’s namesake—in which his parishioners asked him what they were to do about different faith’s presence right next door. And his response, the bishop said, was the reason they were all gathered in the Cathedral that day.
St. Augustine “did not say, ‘Let’s give a series of catechetical talks’ … He didn’t say, ‘Let’s have a fair, let’s have a social event,’ as important as they may be,” Bishop Caggiano said. “He said, ‘Why don’t we sing twice as loud as they do?’”
The bishop described the St. Augustine Medal of Service as a “profound thank you” from every person in the diocese for those honored with it. And that thank you came from choosing to “sing” about God in a world that may not always want to hear it.
“You, my dear friends, sing with your lives, your witness, your words, your generosity,” he said. “You’re able—by the lives you live, the way you speak, the people you are—to sing in such a way that it enters into the hearts of the people around you in ways that you cannot even imagine.”
Bishop Caggiano noted much has changed since the time St. Augustine walked on the earth. But in another way, some things have not changed. And among the things that have remained the same are the people who choose not to “sing” in the way the honorees do.
“Many of our sisters and brothers are not singing; they’re mumbling,” the bishop joked. “Or worse, they stay silent. How many people out there are deaf to the song we wish to sing?”
But even though some of our brothers and sisters choose not to sing—or even to listen, the bishop said that is no excuse not to sing anyway. And to him, wearing the St. Augustine Medal of Service was an example of that decision.
“Take these medals and wear them with the thanks of the people of this diocese, and my own personal thanks,” Bishop Caggiano said. “But don’t just wear them. Keep singing.”
2023 ST. AUGUSTINE MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Gallery of Award Recipients
Mr. Robert DiMatteo
St. Mary Parish, Bethel Nominated by Father Corey V. Piccinino
Ms. Patricia Orsino
St. Mary Parish, Bethel Nominated by Father Corey V. Piccinino
Ms. Lisa Patten
St. Mary School, Bethel Nominated by Mr. Scott Smith
Ms. Katherine Tucker
St. Mary School, Bethel Nominated by Mr. Scott Smith
Mr. Cupertino Mora
The Cathedral Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Arthur C. Mollenhauer
Mr. and Mrs. James Claus
Catholic Charities, Bridgeport Nominated by Mr. Michael Donoghue
Mr. Jim O’Neill and Mrs. Paula Summa
Development Office, Diocese of Bridgeport Nominated by Mr. Joseph Gallagher
Mr. Bui The Cuong and Mrs. Truong Kim Hoa
Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Quasi Parish at St. Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Lanh T. X. Phan
Mr. John and Mrs. Elain Iannarone
Institute for Catholic Formation, Bridgeport Nominated by Dr. Patrick Donovan
Ms. Lisa Matson
Kolbe Cathedral High School, Bridgeport Nominated by Mrs. Camille Figluizzi
Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Jennifer Caron
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Rogerio Perri
Miss Megan Allen
SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Canon Francis X. Altiere
Miss Maria Gallant
SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Canon Francis X. Altiere
Mr. Timothy and Mrs. Susan Jensen
St. Andrew Academy, Bridgeport Nominated by Mr. Gene Holmes
Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Andrea DiPalma
St. Andrew Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Milan Dimic
Mr. Jovan Rhodes
St. Ann Academy, Bridgeport Nominated by Mrs. Patricia Griffin
Mr. Edgar Rodriguez
St. Ann Academy, Bridgeport Nominated by Mrs. Patricia Griffin
Mr. Kenneth Johnson
St. Ann Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Ian M. Jeremiah
Mrs. Lidia Sanchez
St. Ann Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Ian M. Jeremiah
Mr. Raul Ruiz and Mrs. Maria Magdalena Lugo
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Jose A. Vasquez
Mr. Joseph M. Aurilio
St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Peter F. Lenox
Mr. John Tedesco
St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Peter F. Lenox
Mr. Aquilino and Mrs. Valeria Alvarez
St. Mary Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Rolando Torres
Mr. Edmund and Mrs. Janina Konwa
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father Norbert Siwinski, OFM Conv.
Mr. Angel and Mrs. Gloria Perez
St. Peter Parish, Bridgeport Nominated by Father A. Alexis Moronta
Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Kelly Buchalter
St. Raphael Academy, Bridgeport Nominated by Sister Elizabeth Doyle, ACSJ
Deacon Frank Masso
Thomas Merton Center, Bridgeport Nominated by Mr. Michael Donoghue
Ms. Kathleen Olivieri
St. Joseph Parish, Brookfield Nominated by Father George F. O’Neill
Mr. Andy Pacuk
St. Joseph Parish, Brookfield Nominated by Father George F. O’Neill
Ms. Linda Diorio
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield Nominated by Father Shawn W. Jordan
Ms. Adrianna Katz
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield Nominated by Father Shawn W. Jordan
Dr. Roger LaGratta
Catholic Charities, Danbury Nominated by Mr. Michael Donoghue
Mr. Manuel and Mrs. Maria Jose Henriques
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Marcio Antonio Bueno da Silva
Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Carolan Dwyer
Immaculate High School, Danbury Nominated by Ms. Wendy Neil
Dr. Joao Vieira Nunes and Dra. Lenita Celia F. Nunes
Our Lady of Aparecida Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Leonel S. Medeiros
Mr. Jaime Granillo
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Elio Albano Sosa
Mr. Wilber Prieto
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Elio Albano Sosa
Mrs. Marie Fitzgerald
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Norman J. Guilbert
Ms. Patricia Saviano
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Norman J. Guilbert
Ms. Suzanne Curra
St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Michael L. Dunn
Ms. Maria Falcao
St. Gregory the Great School, Danbury Nominated by Mrs. Mary Ann Fleming
Mr. Joseph Ferrara
St. Joseph Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Samuel V. Scott
Mr. Warren Platz
St. Joseph Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Samuel V. Scott
Mr. Norman and Mrs. Crystal Buzaid
St. Joseph School, Danbury Nominated by Dr. Louis Howe, Jr.
Ms. Brenda Parrah
St. Peter Parish, Danbury Nominated by Father Gregg D. Mecca
Mr. Pedro and Mrs. Eday Medeiros
St. Peter School, Danbury Nominated by Mrs. Mary Lou Torre
Professor Jeanette Brown
St. John Parish, Darien Nominated by Father William M. Quinlan
Mrs. Mary Jo Dyer
St. Thomas More Parish, Darien Nominated by Father Paul G. Murphy
Ms. Lisa Sheehan
Notre Dame Parish, Easton Nominated by Father Michael P. Lyons
Mr. Tom and Mrs. Kristen Fugiel
Assumption Catholic School, Fairfield Nominated by Mrs. Stacy Clements
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Maureen Kokorda
Holy Cross Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Alfred F. Pecaric
Ms. Diane Fahey
Holy Family-St. Emery Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Sean R. Kulacz
Mr. Thomas Lanese
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Peter A. Cipriani
Mr. George Szondy
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Dr. Eleanor Sauers
Ms. Nancy Murphy
St. Catherine Academy, Fairfield Nominated by Ms. Laura Grozier
Mr. Peter Carey
St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Samuel S. Kachuba
Ms. Claudia Carpanzano
St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Samuel S. Kachuba
Dr. Edward and Mrs. Ellen Finnigan
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield Nominated by Father Victor T. Martin
Mr. Greg Sargent
St. Thomas Aquinas School, Fairfield Nominated by Mrs. Tracy Strub
Mr. Terence and Dr. Danielle Goodwin
Greenwich Catholic School, Greenwich Nominated by Miss Rebecca Steck
Ms. Candace Hammond
Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Mark D’Silva
Mr. Thomas Spievak
Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Mark D’Silva
Mr. Rob and Mrs. Kristin Chmiel
St. Mary Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Michael K. Jones
Ms. Sue Stone
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Paul D. Holland, SJ
Ms. Lynda Withiam
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Paul D. Holland, SJ
Mrs. Virginia Weir
St. Paul Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Leszek Szymaszek
Ms. Teresa Espinoza
St. Roch Parish, Greenwich Nominated by Father Carl D. McIntosh
Mr. Brian and Mrs. Jana Veo
St. Jude Parish, Monroe Nominated by Father Joseph A. Gill
Dr. William J. and Mrs. Mary Beth Fessler
St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan Nominated by Monsignor Robert M. Kinnally
Mrs. Mary Anne O’Neil
St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield Nominated by Father Robert L. Wolfe
Mrs. Elizabeth Ricci
St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield Nominated by Father Robert L. Wolfe
Mrs. Donna Locke
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown Nominated by Monsignor Robert E. Weiss
Mrs. Mary Jo Pecora-Runkle
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown Nominated by Monsignor Robert E. Weiss
Mr. Stephen Pagliaro
St. Rose of Lima School, Newtown Nominated by Dr. Bardhyl Gjoka
Ms. Susan Fleisch
All Saints School, Norwalk Nominated by Mrs. Linda Dunn
Mr. Joe and Andrea Licek
St. Jerome Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Rojin Zacharias Karickal
Mr. Jorge and Mrs. Roxana Chuchuca
St. Joseph-St. Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Edicson H. Orozco
Ms. Alejandra De Menezes
St. Mary Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father F. John Ringley
Ms. Kristin McClinch
St. Mary Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father F. John Ringley
Ms. JoAnn Esposito
St. Matthew Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Francis T. Hoffmann
Mrs. Jo-Ann Miller
St. Matthew Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Francis T. Hoffmann
Ms. Filomena Diurno
St. Philip Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Sudhir D’Souza
Ms. Patricia Hill
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Ralph Segura
Ms. Lauren Stoops
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk Nominated by Father Ralph Segura
Ms. Martha Radocy
Sacred Heart-St. Patrick Parish, Redding Nominated by Father Terrence P. Walsh
Mr. Steve and Mrs. Lucia O’Hara
St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ridgefield Nominated by Father Alphonse Arokiam
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Janet Hebert
St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield Nominated by Monsignor Kevin T. Royal
Mr. Rich and Mrs. Marcy Miller
St. Mary School, Ridgefield Nominated by Mrs. Rachel Ambrosio
Ms. Flavia Oubina
Greenwich Hispanic Regional Collaborative, Riverside Nominated by Father Miguel A. Bernal
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Robin Magda
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Agnes Parish, Riverside Nominated by Father William F. Platt
Mr. John and Mrs. Shannon Fahey
Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, Shelton Nominated by Mrs. Lisa Lanni
Mrs. Leslie Allaire
St. Joseph Parish, Shelton Nominated by Father Michael F. Dogali
Mrs. Eustolia Martinez
St. Joseph Parish, Shelton Nominated by Father Michael F. Dogali
Mr. William and Mrs. Kelly Farmer
St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton Nominated by Father Ciprian Bejan
Mr. Richard and Mrs. Theresa Janes
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, Shelton Nominated by Father Joseph Cervero
Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Dierdre Breen
Catholic Academy of Stamford, Stamford Nominated by Ms. Patricia Brady
Ms. Boga Davidson
Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Pawel M. Hrebenko
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Linda Milano
Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Luke P. Suarez
Mr. John and Mrs. Janet Roemer
New Covenant Center, Stamford Nominated by Mr. Michael Donoghue
Mr. Frantz and Mrs. Emmanuella Lauture
Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Guy Dormevil
Mr. Lucas and Mrs. Maria Romero
Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Alfonso Picone
Mr. Scott and Mrs. Anne Heekin-Canedy
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Peter K. Smolik
Mr. Wilmer and Mrs. Yaqueline Martinez
St. Benedict-Our Lady of Montserrat Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Gustavo A. Falla
Mr. Leonard Gambino
St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father James K. Bates
Mr. Charles and Mrs. Regina Denner
St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father John P. Connaughton
Mrs. Marie Cordiero
St. Leo Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father James D. Grosso
Ms. Sandie DeFilippis
St. Maurice Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father James K. Bates
Mr. Giuseppe and Mrs. Gina Leale
St. Mary Parish, Stamford Nominated by Father Gustavo A. Falla
Mr. Thich (Charlie) Nguyen
Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Albert G. Pinciaro
Ms. Patricia Varvella
Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Albert G. Pinciaro
Mr. Charles and Mrs. Melissa Lembo
Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford Nominated by Monsignor Martin P. Ryan
Deacon Thomas L. Fekete
Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Peter J. Towsley
Ms. Kate Gloss
St. James Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Peter J. Adamski
Mr. Lap Nguyen
St. James Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Peter J. Adamski
Ms. Jessica Marraffa
St. James School, Stratford Nominated by Mr. Christopher Robertson
Ms. Heidi Prenty
St. James School, Stratford Nominated by Mr. Christopher Robertson
Mr. David and Mrs. Laura Robertson
St. Mark Parish, Stratford Nominated by Father Birenda Soreng
Mr. Tony and Mrs. Amy Pagano
St. Mark School, Stratford Nominated by Mrs. Melissa Warner
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Patricia Silk
Christ the King Parish, Trumbull Nominated by Father Richard J. Gemza
Mr. Eric and Mrs. Patricia Vogel
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull Nominated by Father Joseph A. Marcello
Ms. Maureen Anderson
St. Joseph High School, Trumbull Nominated by Mr. Brian Gavin
Ms. Bonnie Kellog
St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull Nominated by Father Henry J. Hoffman
Ms. Tracy R. Maus
St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull Nominated by Father Henry J. Hoffman
Ms. Irene Bartlett
St. Theresa Parish, Trumbull Nominated by Father Brian P. Gannon
Mr. Cory and Mrs. Angela Brunetti
St. Theresa School, Trumbull Nominated by Mrs. Barbara Logsdail
Mr. Martin and Mrs. Marlane Tubridy
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston Nominated by Father Augustine Nguyen
Mr. Vincent Penna
Assumption Parish, Westport Nominated by Father Cyrus Bartolome
Mrs. Barbara Reilly
St. Luke Parish, Westport Nominated by Father Kumar Xavariapitchai
Mr George Seeberger
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton Nominated by Father Reginald Norman
FAIRFIELD: It was a night to remember, filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of unity that left us all inspired. On Sunday, October 8th, Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs hosted the highly anticipated annual Joy and Gratitude Dinner at the McClinch Family Center at St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull. It was an evening that truly captured the spirit of Saint Catherine’s mission.
On this memorable occasion, we came together to honor two remarkable individuals who have dedicated their time to our mission, celebrate the achievements of the Center, and raise vital funds to support essential programs. This year, our hearts filled with pride as the Leadership Award was presented to Helen Burland and the Volunteer Service Award to Monsignor Robert Weiss to recognize their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions. “Helen Burland’s leadership and tireless commitment to advocacy for the vulnerable among us has been a guiding light, inspiring many,” said Laura Grozier, Executive Director. “Monsignor Weiss’ has been a spiritual advisor to us for many years. His selfless service embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication that is at the core of our mission.”
With over 260 guests in attendance, the gala was a testament to the strong bonds of our community. The event was graced with the presence of individuals who believe in and support the efforts to provide the best care and education for students and adult participants with special needs. It was heartwarming to witness the gathering of like-minded people, all committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
A highlight of the evening was the live auction, skillfully hosted by the incomparable Terry O’Connor. This auction not only added an element of excitement to the evening but also played a significant role in raising crucial programming funds. The generosity displayed by guests was truly awe-inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for all the support.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every single person who played a part in making the night a resounding success. To sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, each person’s contributions are instrumental in ensuring that Saint Catherine Center can continue our mission of meeting each individual where they are and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
As we look back on this beautiful evening, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. It is through events like these that we can continue to provide the love, care, and education for our community. With your unwavering support, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Once again, thank you to everyone for making our Annual Gala a night to remember. Your dedication fuels our determination to work tirelessly toward a more inclusive and compassionate world and grow where we are planted.
The following decree by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano recognizes the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Bridgeport as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful in the Diocese Of Bridgeport.
TRUMBULL- As part of a nine-month pilgrimage across the United States, a major relic of St. Jude the Apostle will make its only Connecticut stop at St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull on Wednesday, November 8. Public veneration of the arm of this beloved saint will occur between 1 pm and 10 pm, with a special Mass in honor of St. Jude celebrated at 7 pm in the church.
Known as the “Apostle of the Impossible,” St. Jude has been regarded since ancient times as one to whom Catholics turn when they are faced with a lost cause and are desperate for hope. One of Jesus’ 12 apostles, he is sometimes called St. Jude Thaddeus, as noted in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Father Carlos Martins, director of Treasures of the Church in Rome, uses such relics of the saints to give the faithful an experience of the living God. This arm, separated from St. Jude’s other remains hundreds of years ago, appears in a wooden reliquary and will be placed before the altar at St. Theresa.
“Relics give Catholics a powerful opportunity to reach back 2000 years and see our faith as something tangible and palpable,” said Father Brian Gannon, pastor of St. Theresa’s. “Today, people are filled with enormous anxiety, so it’s very appropriate that we will have St. Jude with us as he is the saint of lost causes.”
“The Holy Spirit has blessed us with the presence of St. Jude,” added John Angiolillo, a parishioner at St. Theresa and one of the coordinators of the day’s activities. “Come, venerate, and pray for your own personal healing, for the unborn, and for anyone in need.”
According to Father Gannon, back in 2015, when the relics of St. Maria Goretti came to St. Theresa, over 8,000 visitors journeyed to the church to pray before her.
“This too promises to be an incredible day with thousands of people,” he said. “Some people who come may not have thought of prayer for quite a while. This could have a profound domino effect.”
The large turnout is expected in part because this is the only host location in the tri-state area. Protocols will be in place on November 8 to ensure a smooth and reverent experience for all with the arrival of the relic of St. Jude.
“Please be extremely patient,” Angiolillo advised. “We’re trying to make everything as comfortable as possible, especially for the elderly and handicapped.”
Though long lines are probable while people approach the altar, Angiolillo asked for solace and silence, allowing for moments of contemplation. Once they reach the relic, ten seconds will be permitted for veneration and prayer. Before visitors leave the church, they may greet Fr. Carlos and purchase prayer cards, religious articles, and other memorabilia of St. Jude at a table in the vestibule. Angiolillo added that the 24-hour Adoration Chapel, located within the Parish Center next to the church, will be open throughout the day.
“People are encouraged to visit the chapel that day and continue to pray,” he said. “We are so blessed for the many graces to be obtained through the presence of St. Jude.”
Those in line for veneration when Mass begins at 7:00 pm will receive a ticket so they may return to their position once Mass has ended. The doors will remain open until 10:00 pm so all who wish to pray before St. Jude will have an opportunity to do so before the relic moves on to Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Events such as this bring parish together and fill it with God’s graces, Father Gannon said, adding, “It makes our faith very real to see the arm of this holy apostle, one who was a personal companion of Jesus Christ, in our midst.”
DANBURY – Immaculate High School is proud to announce its Honor Roll for the Spring 2023 semester. The school celebrated honor roll students in a special Academic Honors Mass on October 10. Niche has once again ranked Immaculate the #1 Catholic Co-Ed Day School in Connecticut. The school jumped up four spots this year to become the #4 Catholic High School in the state! Niche.com gave Immaculate an A+ grade, putting it in the top 2.5 percent of all schools across the country. It was also ranked #8 Best High Schools for Athletes out of 249 schools in Connecticut.
“This special recognition for our Honor Roll students demonstrates how proud we are of them,” said Principal and Acting President Wendy Neil. “We realize that these students achieve academic excellence while also participating in our many extracurricular clubs, athletics and our service projects. Our goal is to make sure every Mustang develops intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually.”
Students who met the criteria for President’s Honors (4.5 minimum GPA), Principal’s Honors (4.0 minimum GPA) and Honors (3.5 minimum GPA) are named below by town and class year.
Bedford, N.Y. Students
Honors:
Eva Balzano ‘24
Stephen Balzano ‘24
Bethel Students
President’s Honors:
Ryan Beverly ‘26
Jenna Saidman ‘24
Principal’s Honors:
Madison Graham-Thomas ‘26
Carys Osimanti ‘25
Nicholas Paris ‘24
Theresa Paris ‘25
Briana Romano ‘24
Tori Swearingen ‘26
Amalia Tuccinardi ‘25
Honors:
Shea Foscato ‘24
Anthony Salinas ‘25
Brewster, N.Y. Students
Principal’s Honors:
Adrianna Biros ‘25
Brigid Connors ‘24
Carmine Fardella ‘26
Vincenzo Fardella ‘24
Claire O’Hanlon ‘25
Michael Volpe ‘25
Honors:
John Connors ‘26
Bridgewater, Conn. Students
Principal’s Honors:
Deirdre Dwyer ‘25
Brookfield Students
Principal’s Honors:
Ava Heineken ‘25
Cameron O’Rourke ‘25
Gabrielle Yamoah ‘24
Honors:
Eva Lucchesi ‘26
Ryan Sweeting ‘25
Cross River, N.Y. Students
President’s Honors:
Keira Licursi ‘25
Danbury, CT Students
President’s Honors:
Maris Chirayil ‘25
Rebecca Chory ‘24
Sophia DaSilva ‘26
Leanna DeSousa ‘24
Tyler Fahey ‘24
Michael Jimenez ‘26
Liswed Ian Layog ‘26
Carly MacKinnon ‘24
Melanie Riggs ‘24
Jacob Saadi ‘26
William Tucker ‘24
Principal’s Honors:
Sophie Ahlberg ‘25
Raphael Antonios ‘26
Abigail Bacher ‘26
Sarah Caruso ‘25
Elemiah Castro ‘25
Olivia Chila ‘25
Jacey Clay ‘25
Christopher Coelho ‘24
Ryan Colwell ‘24
Paloma Curo ‘25
Riel Bradley Darlucio ‘24
Allan DeAlmeida ‘26
Charles Doran ‘25
Francesca Friscia ‘25
Kelis Gardner ‘26
Emelia Gibowicz ‘24
Isabella Heese ‘26
Colin Hoyt ‘25
Sophia Majoros ‘26
Mary Martin ‘26
Collin McCormack ‘24
Nicole Merritt ‘25
Isabella Oliveira-Pinto ‘26
Daviana Reyes Espinal ‘26
Robert Riego De Dios ‘24
Clara Rodrigues ‘25
Neil Sarkar ‘25
Grace Scalzo ‘25
Margaret Sommer ‘26
Honors:
Charlotte Bouffard ‘25
Ankur Chatterjee ‘26
Samuel Crowe ‘25
Emily Cunha ‘26
Leslie De Leon ‘26
Isabella DeSouza ‘24
Kayleigh Dickinson ‘26
Andrew Falcao ‘26
Michelle Fisher ‘25
Zaraia Fisher ‘26
Ronan Foye ‘26
Amanda Glacy ‘25
Leanna Harrigan ‘25
Aidan Henn ‘24
Ava Kuehn ‘24
Junyi Lu ‘24
Ryan MacKinnon ‘26
Dylan Maravilla ‘24
Ibrahim Omran ‘25
Taylor Pomavilla ‘26
Abigail Ransley ‘26
Charles Roman ‘24
Estrella Roman ‘26
Cynthia Silverman ‘25
Matthew Werner ‘26
Mahopac, N.Y. Students
Honors:
Jozef Bachleda ‘25
New Fairfield Students
President’s Honors:
Kevin Bailie ‘24
Amanda De Oliveira ‘26
Nicole Radliff ‘24
Anabella Tam ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Bonnie Bailie ‘24
Honors:
Joseph Arizzi ‘24
Samuel Crowe ‘25
Nicole DeBartolomeo ‘25
Beirui Lu ‘25
Anna Mietelski ‘25
Karina Soni ‘25
Cullan Sturdevant ‘26
New Milford, Conn. Students
President’s Honors:
David Mitchell ‘24
Elizabeth Mitchell ‘25
Principal’s Honors:
Maria Eduarda Lopes ‘24
Julia Skrzypczyk ‘26
Anna Tallaksen ‘25
Honors:
Marco Dias ‘24
Newtown Students
President’s Honors:
Parker Chieffalo ‘24
Alyssa Wright ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Brooke Crutchfield ‘25
Leah Ghosh ‘24
Abigail McLoughlin ‘25
Honors:
Kaylee Hall ‘25
North Salem, N.Y. Students
President’s Honors:
Callie Miller ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Jack Miller ‘26
Norwalk Students
Principal’s Honors:
Kristina Asmani ‘25
Oxford, Conn. Students
President’s Honors:
Ryan Martin ‘26
Patterson, N.Y. Students
President’s Honors:
Cosette Timmel ‘26
Jonathan Timmel ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Thomas (Brenan) McCabe ‘26
Redding Students
President’s Honors:
Emma Scheckner ‘26
Maya Tedawes ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Seamus Downey ‘24
Anna Hoeing ‘25
Ridgefield Students
President’s Honors:
Katherine Carrasquillo ‘26
Mikayla Hanel ‘26
Molly Miraglia ‘25
Principal’s Honors:
Samuel Allen ‘26
Isabelle Anandappa ‘26
Lawrence Eide ‘26
Audrey Greenleaf ‘25
Madelyn Janik ‘26
Rachel Janik ‘24
Marlena Soni ‘26
Honors:
Thomas Conley ‘24
Joseph LeFebvre ‘25
Colin Murphy ‘26
Margaret Spahn ‘25
Connor Webb ‘25
Sandy Hook Students
President’s Honors:
Alicia Ventresca ’26
Yipeng Zhao ‘24
Principal’s Honors:
Benjamin Haddad ‘25
Siwei Han ‘26
Cole McAloon ‘26
Melena Ventresca ‘25
Honors:
Mia Almeida ‘26
Olivia Lugo ‘25
Tyler Telesca ‘24
Sherman Students
Principal’s Honors:
Isabella DiNatale ‘25
Michael Hatcher ‘24
Ryan Hatcher ‘25
Honors:
Nicolena LeRose ‘25
Faith Weir ‘26
South Salem, N.Y. Students
Honors:
Nathaniel Rendo ‘24
Southbury, Conn. Students
President’s Honors:
Alina Budzynski ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Maria Tapanes ‘24
Stamford, Conn. Students
Honors:
Rick Wang, ‘25
Waterbury, Conn. Students
Principal’s Honors:
Jaelynn Melchor ‘26
Wilton Students
President’s Honors:
Ava Fleming ‘24
Madison Lowthert ‘26
Principal’s Honors:
Collin Lowthert ‘24
Isabella Xocoy ‘26
Woodbury, CT Students
Honors:
Mason McSwiggan ‘25
NEW CANAAN— Parishioners from across the Diocese of Bridgeport gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of collaboration through parish partnerships while encouraging more parishes to connect and pursue goals together.
“We are on the path now of the revival of our Church, to work as a larger parish family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, emphasizing “The One” mission in the diocese, to focus every aspect of the Church on bringing individuals closer to God. “Tonight, we are celebrating walking with each other, as parishes have joined in a friendship with other parishes.”
Parish leaders and parishioners from St. Mary Parish in Stamford and St. Thomas More Parish in Darien previously met in June and were excited to share how their partnership has evolved and helped both parishes flourish in many ways.
St. Mary’s pastor, Father Gustavo A. Falla said he was grateful for the support and guidance not only from sister-parish St. Thomas More but also Foundations in Faith and the St. Francis Xavier Fund.
“St. Mary’s has secured $98,000 in grants that has helped us to cover the study of our church for the work that needs to be done,” said Father Falla about the more-than 100-year-old French Gothic church on Elm Street in Stamford which has been plagued with water leaks and is in need of restoration.
The additional funds needed to get drawings and put the work out to bid came from St. Thomas More, donating $48,000 of its 2021 Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA) overages to the St. Mary Water Infiltration project, at the suggestion of Joseph Gallagher, Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Bridgeport. In June, St. Thomas More made a second donation of $50,000 to offset costs of the renovations starting this fall.
Father Falla was also happy to share that the parish secured $2.225 million in funding in the form of a loan from Fairfield County Bank to begin the restoration work needed which includes fixing roof flashing and gutter issues, replacing missing or damaged slate on the historic church as well as repairing water damaged areas.
The parish is also planning to sell one acre of property it is not using to repay the loan, a project that is expected to begin in mid-October.
As parishes throughout the diocese meet and exceed their ABA goal they are working together to form relationships with other parishes to continue to support the overall mission of the diocese.
“Collaboration has always been a part of the church,” St. Thomas More pastor Father Paul Murphy said. “We are one Church and this is one way of manifesting that.”
Father Murphy said he was grateful for the enthusiastic support of those gathered and noted how worshiping together brings out the best in everyone including how the communities of music and youth ministries are collaborating throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport.
“This is a true collaboration and celebration of the people of God building up the universal Church,” said Father Murphy, adding that an overarching goal is to make the church a better place to be in many different ways including elevating the community, its spiritual leaders and the physical places of worship.
“It ought to be beautiful. It ought to be a place worthy of worship,” Father Murphy said.
Kelly Weldon, director of Foundations in Faith, an organization that provides comprehensive support to enhance pastoral care for parishes and programs in the diocese, said that the number one ingredient for a good partnership is listening.
“We listened to the St. Mary team as it related to their needs. The SFX Committee has been an enthusiastic partner with them and has provided grants in the amount of $65,000 to move this project along,” Weldon said. “Our priests take care of us, and it’s our job to find ways to support them.”
St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport is another example of how parish partnerships, community commitment and support can help faith flourish. St. Charles Borromeo merged with St. George Parish in July.
St. Charles Borromeo’s pastor, Father Abelardo Vasquez, and its Director of Religious Education, Deacon David Rivera, said they are able to serve several different communities speaking four different languages with the support of funding from the St. Francis Xavier Fund, which has allowed them to expand the parish’s Urban Center for everyone to gather.
In fact, they said three years ago they had about 150 students now they have close to 450 students for religious education instruction.
“Our RCIA is flourishing with 63 catechumens and we have 45 kids in the youth group. We are meeting the needs of the Haitian, Brazilian and English communities,” Deacon Rivera said. “We want to show everyone the beauty, culture and reality of what it is to be a Catholic.”
Brian Young, who hosted the event at his home in New Canaan, co-founded SFX with the bishop. Young and Joe Sindelar were presented with blue and white baseball hats with “SFX” embroidered on them as a gift of gratitude for their ongoing support.
Young said he is excited about the good work being accomplished by the St. Francis Xavier Fund and he is pleased to see the progress being made in connecting parishes together.
“It’s so exciting to see where we are,” Young said of the collaborative work being done throughout the diocese. “We need each other. Our kids and our grandkids need to know we are all a part of the universal Church,” he said.
Bishop Caggiano agreed.
“I am grateful for what we have done in 10 years,” Bishop Caggiano said, “and I am hopeful for what the next 10 years will look like.”
As the world watches in dismay after the horror of the Hamas terrorist attacks on the people of Israel, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters here in Fairfield County, many of whom have family and friends directly affected by these unspeakable acts. The images of brutal and senseless death and destruction shake us to the core and challenge our common humanity.
We ask for prayers for the people of Israel, for all families who have lost loved ones in this crisis, and for the hostages taken during the terrorist attacks. The uncertainty about their fate inflicts further trauma on families and escalates the violence. As people of faith, we must join in one voice to condemn these acts, to console all who are suffering, and to pray for peace.
As we vigorously defend Israel’s right to self-defense against these terrorist acts that indiscriminately threaten civilian populations, we also resolutely urge all parties to move forward with a plan that works toward a just, long-term and swift solution that recognizes and respects the rights and legitimacy of all in the Holy Land.
In an impassioned plea for peace, our Holy Father, Pope Francis has said, “Please stop the attacks and the weapons, and understand that terrorism and war do not lead to any solution, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people. War is always a defeat! Every war is a defeat!”
Even in this darkest hour, we must not lose hope that a sustainable peace can be achieved and that we can move away from violence in this and other conflicts across the globe.
Pope Francis calls for attacks to cease as he prays for peace in Israel and Palestine.
By Christopher Wells
