Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

RIDGEFIELD—Since the pandemic began, Msgr. Kevin Royal, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield, has been sending a “Keeping Us Connected” newsletter to update parishioners along with a video spiritual reflection on matters of faith.

This week he turned the tables and asked long-time St. Mary’s parishioners Ben and Janie Nneji to discuss their experience as African-Americans living in Ridgefield.

“Ben and Janie are people of prayer and hope, and live with a great serenity and faith. Their brief video helps give a little insight into their experiences,” says Msgr. Royal in his introduction to parishioners.

Msgr. Royal began his questions by asking the Nnejis to discuss their experience as African Americans living in a town of approximately 25,000, when just over 1 percent are black.

The couple, who are the parents of four children and have lived in Ridgefield for over 22 years, said they love the town and the parish, but they have occasionally experienced racial profiling. When Ben was teaching his daughter to drive around the neighborhood, a resident called the police on them. When his daughter was walking to school one day, a car slowed to hurl a racial slur at her. Janie, a minister’s daughter and a convert who grew up in white neighborhoods, said that people she meets in groups often assume that she doesn’t live in Ridgefield.

Ben, who is a native of Nigeria, believes we need to better understand who immigrants are as human beings. “Get to know the other” he says, before making judgements. “The face of God is love,” says Janie who believes faith communities can heal divisions.

In his online bulletin Msgr. Royal says, “Knowing one another’s lives and struggles is a step toward reconciliation and unity. I know the topic can make us uncomfortable, but it’s well worth the attention and soul searching regardless of political affiliation.”

He sent parishioners a link to an audio decade of a rosary for racial reconciliation, and a video of an interview with Latasha Morrison who speaks to the issue from a Gospel perspective.

“As if a pandemic and its related issues were not worrisome enough, our country is once again in the midst of turmoil as racial division and tensions flare up over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer,” says Msgr. Royal.

So what can a parish do? What can it contribute?

“Long wordy statements are important, but for me, as a pastor of souls, they are insufficient. For us as a local parish and members of the Body of Christ, a few things for today. Chaos and anarchy are never good for anyone, whereas prayer, truth, soul searching, solidarity, conversion, and repentance are always beneficial,” he says.

Msgr. Royal urges parishioners and people of good will to try to “understand each other’s live so along with people of good will trying to “understand each other’s lives, to discern just systems and unjust systems; to participate in right, just and challenging protesting,” and to resist the temptations of hatred and division that deny our common humanity and being saved together.

“As a pastor of souls, a priest trying to follow the heart and mind of Jesus the Good Shepherd, I urge all of us to shun such temptation Let’s ask the Lord to give us light, truth, and courage. And may our Blessed Mother intercede for her children “in this vale of tears.”

Click here to read Msgr. Royal’s letter and view the video.
Click here for the video link.

DANBURY—Immaculate High School will graduate 113 seniors at its Commencement Liturgy for seniors on Saturday, June 13 at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. The seniors will be recognized for their many scholarships and academic, athletic, arts/music, community service and other awards they earned over the school year, and for their resilience and Mustang spirit in sticking with their studies and commitments during the last few months of virtual school.

Hunter Kirkman of Sandy Hook is the Class of 2020’s valedictorian and Sean Guiry of Danbury is the salutatorian and will be recognized at the ceremony. Of the 113 members of the Class of 2020, 100 percent of those students who applied to colleges and universities were accepted and were awarded college scholarships and grants totaling $30 million. The top ten percent of students achieved a SAT score average of 1365.

Valedictorian Hunter Kirkman will attend Northeastern University in the Honors Program and major in Mechanical Engineering. Hunter is a Distinguished Honors student, a recipient of the 2019 Carson Scholarship, a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist with a perfect SAT math score of 800 and he received a National Merit Corporate Scholarship from Northeastern University. He is also a Harvard Book Award recipient, a member of the National Honor Society, the English National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society. Hunter also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and has served on the Student Council, as President of Campus Ministry, as a member of the Peer Leadership Club, Key Club and Engineering Club and as a Student Ambassador.

Hunter Kirkman was also named Immaculate High School’s Student of the Year for the 2019-20 school year. Hunter earned this honor for consistently demonstrating school spirit and dedication to IHS, strength of character and faith in action through kindness to others, and a passion for learning and going beyond what is expected, including encouraging others to do their best.

Salutatorian Sean Guiry will attend Northeastern University, where he received a Dean’s Scholarship, and major in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. At Immaculate, Sean is a Distinguished Honors student and a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. Sean is a talented pianist and a three-sport athlete, having played varsity soccer, basketball and outdoor track for Immaculate, and was named a Scholar Athlete by the CAS-CIAC and was selected to the 2020 Boys Basketball All-State D1 Team and named by GameTimeCT to the All-State Boys Basketball Second Team. Sean has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Rensselaer Medal for his dedication and excellence in science and math.

Completing the Top Ten graduating senior list are Ryan McNerney of Sandy Hook (Middlebury College), Mackenzie O’Rourke of Brookfield (Marist College), Molly Coyle of Brookfield (The College of William and Mary), Ross Relator of Danbury (UCONN), Olivia Hynes of Danbury (Kenyon College), Keelan Doherty of Danbury (Northeastern University), Gregory Gruerio of Brookfield (Seton Hall University) and Francesca Coppola of Southbury (Fairfield University).

The Immaculate High School graduating Class of 2020 contributed over 6006 hours to a school-wide total of 23,008 hours of community service and many students were honored and/or received scholarships from many local community service organizations and the Diocese of Bridgeport for their service and academic achievements. Seniors received numerous individual athletic SWC and CIAC leadership and sportsmanship recognitions as well as academic and music and art awards, including Commendations from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, Connecticut Association of Schools Fine Arts Awards, Halo Theater Awards and more. Other seniors were part of the CyberPatriots, Brave Engineers Team and Mock Trial teams that won regional, State and other major competitions.

Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, service to others and personal goals.  Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s school system.

RIDGEFIELD—Due to the pandemic, St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield had to postpone this year’s First Communion Ceremony. But Msgr. Royal and Father Damian Pielesz have been making special outside visits to these 120 candidates since June 1.

During these visits, each child receives a special blessing, a beautiful card and special First Communion photo frame for them to make.

Parishioners thanks Msgr. Royal and Father Damian for taking the time to make these special visits and for blessing the children who had prepared to receive their First Communion this year. Parishioners took to social media to thank them for their thoughtful gesture and congratulate all the boys and girls who received this special Sacrament.

“How special, so very thoughtful!” a parishioner commented, “I’m sure this means a lot to these children and their families.”

GREENWICH—Greenwich Catholic School recently celebrated the school’s 2019-2020 National Junior Honor Society and Foreign Language National Junior Honor Society inductions during an online ceremony.

In all, 56 names were added to the long and impressive list of past inductees from the school.

Before the National Junior Honor Society inductees were announced, GCS eighth grade teacher Barbara Ohls explained, “Sixteen students have distinguished themselves in the area of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship, and have therefore been invited to join the National Junior Honor Society.”

Earning the distinction for 2019-2020 and joining classmates inducted in the 2018-19 school year, are 8th-graders Emma Boolbol, Tyler Caputo, Sydney Dettmer, Caroline Hamel and Olivia Plantemoli. Elle Brew, Lily Carroll, Charles Cook, Amy DeCaro, Brendan Galvin, Katie Hayes, William Higgs, Allyson Lunney, Sofia Navarrete, Grace Noone and Kate Robinson are this year’s 7th-grade inductees.

Following the NJHS inductions, GCS World Languages teacher, Senora Rosa Esposito, introduced the National Junior French and Spanish Honor Society Inductees.

Les Jeunes Amis du Français (National Junior French Honor Society) recognizes a student’s interest in the study of French, in promoting high standards of scholarship, creating enthusiasm for an understanding of Francophone cultures and promoting international friendship.

Les Jeunes Amis du Français inductees from Greenwich Catholic School are 8th-graders Jessica Edward, Caroline Hamel, and Keira Merriman and 7th-graders Lily Carroll, Amy DeCaro and Thomas Matzelle.

La Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (National Junior Spanish Honor Society) recognizes the student’s interest in the study of Spanish, while promoting high standards of scholarship, service to school, and service to the community.

This year’s Greenwich Catholic School inductees are 7th-graders Joaquin-Antonio Arteta, Elle Brew, Adriana Cerbone, Charles Cook, Brendan Galvin, Sophia Heitkamp, William Higgs, Hannah Konfong, Allyson Lunney, Julia MacPherson, Sofia Navarrete, Kate Robinson and 6th-graders Chiara Andrade, Jaimie Corpuz, Jackson Gengo, Isabel Hartman, Sofia Henao, Fernanda Herrera Benalcazar, Keira Lash, Quinn Lombardo, John Louzan, Joseph Louzan, Carlita Mannello, William Marchetti, Lylah Martin, Emily McKee, Kaia Novack, Dana Rickens, Keira Rogers, Jack Siders, Oscar Siegel, Alyssa Srdanovic, John Thomas and Pierce Turcotte.

About Greenwich Catholic School
Greenwich Catholic School is a co-educational, Roman Catholic day school located on a 38-acre campus at 471 North Street in Greenwich, CT. GCS serves students in PreK through Grade 8.

(For more information, visit gcsct.org.)

BRIDGEPORT—In light of the events of the past few weeks, people of faith must work to build a more loving and just society that reflects the love that Jesus has brought into the world, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said in his homily during the Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

In his weekly online Mass from the Catholic Center chapel, the bishop issued a powerful appeal for a change of heart and conversion based on the unity and love of the Holy Trinity.

He said the great suffering of the poor during the pandemic and the senseless killing “of a man begging to breathe” have forced us to look at the social and economic inequality that leaves so many struggling with racism and “standing on the edge of hunger and poverty.”

Reflecting on the Gospel of John (3: 16-18), “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,” the bishop said that the gift from God is love, not necessarily as the world defines it, but rather as “a self-giving that expects nothing in return,” and sacrifices all for the good of others.

“For disciples of the Lord it is not enough simply for myself to live a loving life. You and I must become agents so that the very world in which we live and society we are a part of must also reflect God’s love. That is why society exists to give honor and glory to the God of us all.”

The bishop said we are living in a world where we are divided and polarized, and there is much inequality of opportunity based on the color of someone’s skin, the language they speak or the country they come from.

“Where is the love in all that? How does it reflect the one who created us?” the bishop asked pointedly, saying that people must work to change things.

“The time has come for real action, real repentance, real conversion, real commitment to effect justice, equality, charity, understanding, dialogue, respect and peace-making in every corner of our society, regardless of race, creed or color. “

The bishop began his homily by noting that one benefit of sheltering in place for him during the pandemic was the time he found to look at the science channel, particularly the discussion of scientists about the origin of the universe.

He said that even preeminent physicists and astronomers come to a place where they are “lost for words when they speak of the depth, breadth, order and beauty of all creation,” and that some “stumble on words like ‘creator’ and then correct themselves” as they wrestle with the concept of infinity.

The bishop said that as believers in Jesus, people can find answers in their faith and that God revealed in the Trinity is a “community of love.”

“You and I are made in image and likeness of the Trinity and are called to be agents of love. If we are truly to worship this one true God, this is the moment, when we are coming out of the pandemic and looking at one man, George Floyd, who represents the tragic death of so many other of our brothers and sisters in this society.”

“We must rebuild our society one living brick at a time based on what God has revealed about himself. He calls us to dream of a world that we will build that is color blind, race blind and economic-strata blind, where all God’s children will have opportunities to live in in peace and justice.”

The Bishop said such a vision may sound utopian, but it is the obligation of all Christians to work to fulfill God’s love in the world.

“You and I will begin to see this dream become reality, one choice at a time, one person at a time, one day at a time. For if it is not now, when? If it is not you and me, then who will do it?As we honor the most Holy Trinity, let us honor him in word, let us honor him in deed.”

To join in the Bishop’s Sunday Mass, live-streamed weekly, click this link or visit the YouTube Mass Playlist.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano invites the faithful to join together on Sundays and Tuesdays in the Summer to pray the Rosary as we pray for an end to the pandemic and for our country.

According to Dr. Patrick Donovan, Director of the diocesan Leadership Institute, there will be many opportunities to connect to the prayer gathering. Options for joining include Zoom, YouTube Live, or by Phone.

Earlier this year, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced that the U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on May 1 in consecrating the two nations to the care of the Blessed Mother under the title “Mary, Mother of the Church.”

“This will give the church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus,” said Archbishop Gomez in a letter to the U.S. bishops. Each year, the church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May.

“This year, we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic,” he said.

This consecration reaffirms the bishops’ previous consecrations of the United States to Mary.

To join via Zoom (link active at 7:30 pm): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85329493207?pwd=RzFVRXlSY1A0TzV4anA0QUxBODAwQT09

To view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLPXluXSvSd-b6jSP2ix8wYbPUJWH_Zf

(To volunteer to lead or to find the link to join, please visit https://formationreimagined.org/summer-sunday-rosary/. No computer? No problem. If you do not have access to a computer but still wish to join, please call 301-715-8592, 845-737-3993, or 312-626-6799, and enter this ID number when prompted: 853 2949 3207 If you call in a few minutes early, you should hear some music until we begin.)

DANBURY – Volunteers at St. Joseph Church gave curbside pick-up a whole new meaning in May.

As vehicles pulled into the entrance of the Main Street church, they popped open the trunk or back door of their car or SUV and volunteers eagerly picked up bagged non-perishable items being donated to those in need.

St. Joseph Church and Catholic Charities partnered for the 3-hour event (May 23) to collect and later distribute food items and other essentials that are in high demand.

“It’s so encouraging to know our parishioners care about those in need,” said Pastor Reverend Samuel Scott, as he stood alongside volunteers, greeting each person with a wave, a smile and a few heartfelt words. “We have a sense of belonging in Danbury and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to help those in need.”

Dozens of cars arrived at the church despite the persistent rain and occasional downpour. They were greeted by cheerful volunteers who were also undeterred by the soggy afternoon.

Bags containing pasta, peanut butter, cereal and other important items such as face masks, hand sanitizer and puzzles and books, filled the Catholic Charities “Morning Glory” van in the parking lot.

“It’s wonderful to see a good turnout like this,” said Heather Ely, Director of Catholic Charities’ New Heights Wellness and Recovery Center.

Ely said there are a lot of people who are at-risk, who need help now more than ever. They are paralyzed by the pandemic with anxiety or stress of isolation. Many cannot go out to the store due to health concerns or they have issues getting transportation to and from the store.

“The need is so great and we are trying to find some small way to fill the gap,” said Sandy Cole, LCSW, Vice President & Senior Director of Catholic Charities. “We wanted to have a collaboration with our parishes and the community.”

Volunteers for Catholic Charities have coordinated efforts to deliver groceries to people who are unable to shop or who cannot come to Catholic Charities to pick up the items.

“We realized we had all these supplies in our pantry (at the beginning of the state shut-down in March) and we didn’t want it to go to waste,” Ely said. “This has challenged us to see what we can do and how we can reach people now.”

Demonstrating the need in the community, as a steady stream of cars arrived at the church to donate goods, there were a few who stopped by seeking to be the recipient of food donations.

“It’s sad how much the need has grown in such a short period of time,” said Michael Donoghue, Executive Director of Catholic Charities.
“We’ve seen a tripling of demand,” he said. “Service workers and hourly workers are really struggling right now to provide food for their family. Although this is a very difficult crises, we’ve really seen an outpouring of support.”

The parish established in 1905 has a vibrant volunteer population participating in different ministries within the church and the surrounding communities.

The food drive was a parish family affair, as multiple members of families took on different roles with young children holding food drive signs at the entrance of the church parking lot and adults unloading cars.

“It works well. People don’t have to get out of their cars. It’s very safe,” Donoghue said of the organized food drive, one of several Catholic Charities has collaborated on with parishes in the area.

The generosity of the community filled the commercial-sized van twice. The opportunity to help others and see familiar faces, such as Reverend David Franklin who offered blessings and bulletins to parishioners and people who stopped by with donations, elicited a sense of joy, as face coverings could not quite conceal the smiles and laughter.

“St. Joseph in the spirit of giving, wanted to make a difference in our community,” said Lynn Smierciak, Director of Religious Education at the Parish, who was volunteering alongside her family. “It is traditionally a very generous parish.”

BRIDGEPORT—Seventeen years ago, when the clergy sex abuse crisis began hitting the news, a prison chaplain at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution approached Father Lawrence Carew about developing a healing retreat for victims of abuse, to help lead them out of the darkness from what seemed were wounds that could never be healed.

Father, who had a healing ministry in the prison system, undertook the project with Methodist minister Dr. Gail Paul. What they created was a six-session retreat titled, “Disregarding the Shame, Reaching Out for the Joy,” which has touched hundreds of victims of not only sex abuse, but also physical and emotional abuse, and is being used in Latin America and other parts of the United States.

The retreat is based on a simple creed that says: “Jesus Christ is not only able to heal the wounds and scars of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, but longs to, right here, right now.” In this moment. And whenever he gives the retreat, Father Carew has seen evidence Jesus is doing just that.

“The healing ministry of Jesus, which he exercised during his three years of ministry and also in the early church with the apostles and missionaries, was always meant to be a central part of the mission of the Church,” Father Carew said. “From time to time, healing prayer gets lost in Church tradition, but then it gets renewed and revived. We live in a period where it is getting renewed and revived.”

That means Jesus is today healing people of what some consider “ineradicable wounds.”

“Starting in 1996, the Lord brought me into some experiences of his healing presence, which left me with a whole new trust in his desire to bring deep and lasting healing in the lives of the sexually and emotionally abused in the here and now,” Father Carew said.

One of the first experiences occurred when he was asked to assist Rev. Gail Paul, chaplain of the Danbury facility. She called down to the cellblock, and a half-hour later, a man in his 60s entered the room. He barely looked at the priest. The inmate had been repeatedly sexually abused as a boy. They asked to pray with him so “the Lord could do something fresh and new in his heart to release him from all the pain and woundedness that had been there for so very long.”

Rev. Paul placed her hands on the man’s shoulders and they prayed quietly for ten minutes. Then, he looked up and said, “Chaplain, I feel connected to you, and I haven’t felt connected to anybody since I was abused as a little boy.” He turned to the priest and said, “Father Carew, I feel connected to you too.” He felt the same for the 700 or so people in the facility and then said, “There are people in this chapel we can’t see, and I feel connected to them.”

Several more times, they prayed with the man, and during one session he had a vision of the priest who had molested him. The priest was on his knees, weeping for what he had done.
“That was an invitation for him to pray for this priest, which he did,” Father Carew recalled. “He prayed for forgiveness for him.” Within three months, the survivor of abuse returned to the Church.

“That was the first amazing experience of witnessing Jesus’s profound healing in somebody who had been so terribly betrayed and abused,” he said.

Father Carew, a native of Boston, grew up in Stamford and was ordained in 1966. He then went on to serve as parochial vicar at St. Peter Church in Danbury, St. Teresa’s in Trumbull, St. Joseph’s in Danbury and Christ the King in Trumbull, where he was pastor until his retirement in December 2016.

He has been active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1971 and was named spiritual adviser to the renewal in 1997. He has also served in several leadership positions in the national Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

He continues to be involved in voluntary prison ministry and spiritual renewal outreach, including serving as spiritual adviser to the diocesan Magnificat ministry and offering masses of healing and hope as well as inner healing workshops.

He is the author of the book “Healer of Hearts, Healer of Minds,” and several healing workshops, including “Six Simple Steps Into Healing Prayer” and “Healing the Shepherds” for people in full-time ministry.

Father Carew says that through healing prayer we invite Christ to the places inside of us that are in pain, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is based on a trust that the Lord cares about those things and that there can be a solution through our relationship with him.

Father said that an estimated 90 percent of inmates were seriously abused in childhood and that the majority of cases he has encountered were not abused by clergy but teachers, Scout masters, people in authority and family members.

“When I meet with victims of abuse, I will talk with them about how healing prayer is a part of Christ’s help and I will pray with them, and they almost always have a sense that the Lord is there, blessing them, and that something good is happening inside of them.”

At the end of the session, he tells them that he has no power of himself but he is asking Christ to use his prayer and the touch of his hands on their head to be a conduit of his healing love. He also encourages them to spend five or ten minutes every day to talk to the Lord about their hurt and ask him to pour his healing power more deeply into them.

The retreat, which is on DVD, is based on six talks, followed by six healing prayer exercises, a period of music and opportunities for individual prayer.

“Disregarding the Shame” can be presented over two or three days or one session a week for six successive weeks.

Father said, “‘Disregarding the Shame’ is a tool. Presenters will need to rely primarily and persistently on the Holy Spirit, and not the text.” (For more information about the retreat and to obtain a DVD and manual, visit communityofthecross.com.)

Some people do the retreat privately on the recommendation of a therapist and Father Carew has given copies to inmates in his prison ministry.

When he developed the retreat, he consulted Dr. Timothy Lock, a Catholic psychologist with a practice in Brookfield. Dr. Lock, who is on the faculty of Divine Mercy University and has expertise in the area of sexual abuse, said, “I found that he had a tremendous insight into the human heart from a spiritual and psychological perspective and has been able to understand the pain these folks have gone through.” He regularly recommends it for his patients and gives copies to victims of abuse, including clergy.

“This retreat is part of the answer to the wounded Church,” he says. “Father Carew’s talks are inspiring for anyone. When people hear the talks, there is a sense that this is really medicine for a broken heart. The Lord works through him, and it is a healing balm for those who experienced abuse.”

WHAT: Sacred Heart University’s College of Arts & Sciences, department of Catholic studies and Center for Catholic Studies present Heart Challenges Hate—A Discussion Series: Wrestling with the Legacy of America’s ‘Original Sin.’ Racism is woven into the fabric of American culture and society. As a nation we must address the legacy of this ‘original sin’ which is rampant and virulent in our country today. The panel will address the following questions: What do we need to do as a nation? Can we change? Can we achieve racial justice?

WHO: Featured panelists and moderator include:

  • Crystal M. Hayes, M.S.W. — Clinical assistant professor of social work
  • Elizabeth Johnson-Tyson, M.S.W. — Clinical assistant professor of social work
  • Gary MacNamara — Executive director of public safety and government affairs
  • Candace Parrish, Ph.D. — Director and assistant professor of strategic communications and public relations online
  • Daniel Rober, Ph.D. — Advanced lecturer, department of Catholic studies
  • Moderator: Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D. — Associate dean in the College of Arts & Sciences and chair of Catholic studies

WHERE: Free and open to the public. Join the discussion on YouTube.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, at 7 pm

SPONSOR: College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Catholic Studies, Center for Catholic Studies

PRESS: Media coverage is welcomed. Please contact Deb Noack at 203.396.8483 or noackd@sacredheart.edu for further information.

All it takes is a decent parking lot or green space, some creativity, and a few dedicated volunteers.

As churches around the United States prepare to welcome congregations back after two or three months of coronavirus precautions, many are finding a “halfway” solution by holding services outdoors.

This Sunday, which is Pentecost, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is having Catholic Mass outside, permitting up to 250 people to be present. Confession will also be available.

In Ridgefield, Connecticut, the Parish of St. Mary began holding Mass in its parking lot on May 24 and plans to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. About 120 people attended the first liturgy, sitting in cars spaced out in the church parking area.

“The spirit of those who came, from the emails I got and from what I could just tell looking through the car windows, the spirit was just beautiful,” said Msgr. Kevin T. Royal, pastor. “A number of people mentioned how powerful and touching it was to see the reverence with which people got out of their cars to come up to receive Communion.”

Asked if he was happy to have a congregation again after the pandemic lockdown led to suspension of public Mass throughout the country, Msgr. Royal exclaimed, “Oh Lord! I keep thinking of the phrase of St. Paul in Philippians, ‘As God is my witness, how I long for you with the affection of Christ.’ I think it’s all of us: we want to be together, to worship, to pray, to receive the Lord.”

So all the preparations to hold Mass outdoors were well worth it, he said. Those preparations included decorating a flatbed truck that a local car company lent the parish for use as a sanctuary area; determining where cars could park; painting lines on the pavement to direct people coming forward to receive Communion, and setting up the technology for transmission of the audio of the Mass to car radios.

“We had a number of parishioners volunteer to drive their cars into the lot a couple of days before in order to see how we were going to space out the cars,” the pastor said. “One purpose was for visuals, to make sure people could see the altar, and secondly, so we knew people would be spaced far enough apart so people could get out of their cars and receive Communion in a safe way.”

A parishioner named Steven Y. Lee, who recently started a local Catholic radio station, Veritas Catholic Radio, arranged for the audio of the Mass to be broadcast to people’s car radios, though people could also tune into that on their phones, as the Mass was also being streamed live on Facebook.

St. Mary’s is among several parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, to hold outdoor Masses, after Bishop Frank Caggiano urged pastors to do so if possible. The diocese offered to get FM transmitters for each parish. But, according to Msgr. Royal, the devices were coming from China and were delayed.

Meanwhile, in Milton, Florida, the Parish of St. Rose of Lima held Mass outside for three weeks in a row, beginning on Mother’s Day, May 10.

“So people could get back to the sacraments, we decided that this was the best way we could do it here, because we have all this property that we use for our annual festival,” said Msgr. Michael V. Reed, pastor.

Between 150 and 200 people came out for each of the three weekend English Masses, in addition to a few dozen who attended the Spanish Mass, which was by then being allowed back into the church itself.

“They were very happy, thrilled, to have Mass again,” said Msgr. Reed, who doubles as chancellor of the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese.

The priests of the parish celebrated Mass on a permanent stage that is used for the parish’s annual festival. Rather than cars, St. Rose invited parishioners to bring lawn chairs and sit in spots that were marked off so that they could maintain a safe distance. The parish rented portable toilets and set up a hand-wash station, in addition to having volunteers offer hand sanitizer at the designated entrances to the fair grounds. It printed disposable song sheets to reduce the risk of virus transmission from multiple people handling books.

“We encouraged people to wear masks; we didn’t require them,” Msgr. Reed said.

But for Pentecost, all the Masses will be going back into the church, as the weather on Florida’s panhandle is getting hot and muggy, and gnats and No-See-Ums are making it “a little bothersome and unpleasant,” Msgr. Reed said.

The church recently got a new air conditioning system, and it comes with an automatic filtration system that will purify the air of any particles that could be hazardous, he added.

With the move indoors, the parish is doubling the number of Masses so that the parish can abide by a current 50% capacity rule and people can maintain the social distancing protocol.

Mother’s Day was also the occasion for outdoor Mass at at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie, Louisiana. A total of 1,300 people filled out the parking lot for three liturgies, celebrated by Fr. Timothy D. Hedrick, pastor. Along with Deacon Don Richard, he presented yellow carnations to mothers in attendance.

But now Mass congregations at St. Catherine’s are back inside again, and since Phase 1 of the local reopening plan allows for 25% occupancy in churches, there can be no more than 250 people at each Mass. So the parish website has a new feature: an RSVP button for those planning to attend one of the six weekend Masses at the Metairie church.

by John Burger   I   Aleteia

BRIDGEPORT— The diocese plans to begin the next school year in September with in-person classes and the ability to make a fluid transition to distance learning if it becomes necessary, Dr. Steven Cheeseman, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in a video to parents, teachers and students.

Diocesan plans also call for a blended learning option for students who for any reason are unable or concerned about returning to the classroom, he said.

In the video Dr. Cheeseman said that the diocese is ending the current schools year “in a way that no one could have imagined when it started.”

He said a diocesan “Return to School” taskforce is preparing for a back-to-school season that will be unlike any other,” but that the schools will be ready to provide student-centered learning that focuses on the personal, spiritual and academic development of students.

Dr. Cheeseman said that diocesan schools are prepared to transition from the “crisis distance learning program” they began in March to an improved remote learning process, if it is required at any time in the future.

He thanked all those who participated in recent focus groups and asked parents to participate in a planning survey that will be available within a few days. The information will be used to develop “school-specific plans” that will be shared with parents.

To learn more about Catholic elementary and high schools available throughout Fairfield County, visit: https://www.dioceseofbridgeportcatholicschools.com/find-catholic-school-fairfield-county-ct/

WILTON—“We need to recognize that we are all God’s children and He loves all His children regardless of who we are or what we have,” Father Reggie Norman addressed all those who marched in the recent Walk for Peace and an End to Racism held in Wilton.

Members of the Wilton Clergy, the Wilton Police Department and Wilton Town Officials all spoke to participants who gathered in the parking lot of Our Lady of Fatima Church for an outdoor service which included short remarks, interfaith prayers and a lighting of luminaries.

“We are all in this together,” said Father Reggie, “and we need to work together to change this world that we live in.”

“We must listen, we must pray, we must put down the hatred and the fighting and come together because until all of us are taken care of none of us are good,” Father Reggie said.

Wilton Chief of Police John Lynch addressed the gathering, “Our department has worked really hard to come together to treat people with respect and we are all appalled by what we saw. We have a lot of work to do, and we will work harder to accomplish this.”

The crowd was asked to hold silence for eight minutes (the amount of time a knee was held on George Floyd’s neck). In a jarring demonstration, young and old alike took a knee, raised their signs and bowed their heads in solidarity.

Reverend Shannon White of Wilton Presbyterian Church said, “it is not any person of color’s job to teach white people about racism. We need to reflect and have conversations and to convict each other and then go and have honest and real collaboration.”

“I’m calling us to accountability…to do the hard work,” said White. “We have to face this. We have to look at why it is difficult for people of color to live in this town. We need to be able to ask the hard questions and confront each other and then be in conversation with one another. ”

Protesters came forward to light luminaries in honor of names or concepts that they wanted to keep in mind and hold in prayer. A woman came forward to light a luminary for her son Noah, who is eight years old. “Society has decided that this boy would not see his 25th birthday,” she said, “I ask for all of you to cast that down because he will.”

A young man came forward to light a luminary for people of color who are diagnosed with autism and do not have the same resources available to them. He explained that he lost his speech when he was younger but was able to get it back through therapy. “This balloon is for all those individuals of color who don’t have the same resources or access to therapy like I did,” he said.

Rev. Shannon White wished everyone a safe return to their cars. “Be careful. Officers are going to take care of you. Thank you very much to the Wilton Police Department.”

The group began marching at 5:30 pm on the sidewalk down Route 7 to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church’s parking lot for the outdoor service. Participants then walked back to their cars at the train station.

Participants wore masks and maintained social distancing according to CT State and Wilton Town guidelines during this time of pandemic.

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Father Reggie Norman reflects on recent murder of George Floyd, subsequent protests

WILTON—“The history of our Church is rooted in social justice,” said Father Reginald Norman, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima and episcopal vicar for the Apostolate of African American Catholics. “We have always done our part and always preach that life is sacred.”

Father Reggie explained that he has spoken to his congregation about this topic in light of the recent murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman and the subsequent protests following the tragedy.

“The Catholic Church is one of the few churches that takes care of everyone regardless of race or religion,” explained Father Reggie.

When asked about the Church’s response to recent events, Father Reggie explained that many of our United States Bishops have spoken, including a message from the USCCB and Bridgeport Diocese’s Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, whose statement can be read here. Father Reggie also said that the Offices of Black Catholics and other clergy are involved in peaceful protests.

“We are broken-hearted, sickened, and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our very eyes. What’s more astounding is that this is happening within mere weeks of several other such occurrences. This is the latest wake-up call that needs to be answered by each of us in a spirit of determined conversion,” reads the statement from the USCCB.

“The problem for the black community,” explains Father Reggie, “is that we didn’t come [to America] on our own. We had to fight harder for assimilation.” Father Reggie explains that even though America is made up of people who came from many different countries, the black community did not have the same choice and that makes their experience unique. “When this injustice happens we all have to speak up now—that’s what it’s going to take to change this,” Father Reggie said.

In his Pentecost Sunday homily, Father Reggie told his parishioners, “We are best when we are working at our best level possible—that is God. We remember that the followers of Jesus were given the ability to speak in different tongues so that all might hear the message of Christ…who wants to redeem all of his children.”

When asked what suggestions he has for people who want to help but don’t know how, Father Reggie said, “Well first is to pray.” He also said that one must speak up within their own family and circles when they see injustice happening, remain educated and have empathy for those whose lives are directly impacted every day. “Because unless you are black you don’t have any idea what it is like. We’ve been conditioned—we don’t understand the struggle.”

Father Reggie gave examples of times when people of color have to be wary—“driving while black,” being under surveillance while patronizing a store, others being nervous when they are in an enclosed space with them, just to name a few. Father Reggie explained that these are things non-POC’s have never had to experience, and empathy is crucial.

“The pandemic is teaching us what is really important,” said Father Reggie. “A communal effort is far greater than our individual goal.”

Father Reggie stressed the importance of educating ourselves and of maintaining a rapport with law enforcement to ensure that lasting change is made. “If we have the ability to speak about it things can get better. The important thing is to let people have a voice.” Father Reggie did explain that we cannot resort to violence, saying that “it is not okay to fight a crime with another crime.”

“The Catholic Church teaches that life is sacred from conception to natural death,” said Father Reggie. “But we often forget those who are in the middle. We have to speak up for them just as much. Because all life is sacred.”

Father Reggie shared, “We all have a past but we have to make sure that we don’t repeat history.”

By Elizabeth Clyons

NORWALK—When Sister Lucie Monast at Notre Dame needs help she knows who to call. Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council 14360 got the lawn mowers, rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows and went to work. On Saturday, May 30, the “Council 14360 Landscaping Service” cut the grass, mulched, and trimmed hedges on the expansive five acre property.

“I check in with Sister Lucie once a week and she asked if we could help with cutting the lawn and sprucing up the property due to her maintenance staff working long hours due to the COVID pandemic,” said Past Grand Knight and project chairman George Ribellino.

Over the last nine years, the council assisted grounds keeping work which included adding fresh mulch to shrub areas on the outside grounds, power-washing statues and garages, washing of the center’s windows, cleaning of basement and painting.

“Whenever Sister Lucie and Sister Frances need our help, our Brothers are ready to help especially during these challenging times” Grand Knight Anthony Armentano. Armentano went on to say, “We are so glad to help so Sister Lucie and he staff focus on treating the patients.”

Council member and owner of AJ’s Landscaping donated the equipment and mulch to help the council do the job. “A big thanks to Brother AJ for his generosity in donating his equipment and mulch,” said Ribellino. “This helped us finish the job in a timely manner.”

In addition, the council has donated masks for the staff, sent food to the staff to thank them for their service and presented a check for $1,200 to the center to help with PPE for the staff. The funds donated were raised from the council’s Sword & Shield Charity Golf Classic last year.

“I am so proud of our council. Our wonderful men always step up when our community needs us. Sister Lucie has always been supportive of us and it is an honor return the favor,” said Grand Knight Anthony Armentano

Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 60-bed residence, including six private rooms, and located on five landscaped acres in Norwalk is operated under the loving sponsorship of The Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Their goal is to optimize the quality of life for the chronically ill and convalescent elderly. Notre Dame offers services skilled nursing, rehabilitation, dementia and memory care, post-acute care, recreation therapy, hospice care and discharge planning. Notre Dame has been awarded five stars, the highest ranking from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has been named by US News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes in CT. For more information go to ndhrehab.org.

The goals of Council #14360 are to perform acts of charity. Providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Council members work together to foster the founding principles of our order; Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism. Our goal as a council is to continue to identify specific needs in our community and muster support and help to alleviate these challenges and hardships to the best of our abilities and resources. For more information go to saintmatthewknights.com.

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

DANBURY—Immaculate High School invites the public to view its Virtual Fine Arts Festival, a new and unique program that will showcase the artistic and musical talents of IHS students and allow you to immerse yourself in galleries of original art, music, skits, magic and more. The Virtual Fine Arts Festival will be an all day event on Tuesday, June 2 at 7 pm, and can be viewed at that time or anytime afterwards by going to this link: immaculatehs.org/festival.

This new event is available to everyone, and a great way to enjoy the arts for free from your home. The IHS Virtual Fine Arts Festival will offer participants the ability to see and hear actors, musicians and singers perform, as well as enter virtual galleries where you can see student works of art and learn about their process by clicking on individual artwork. Some of the highlights include:

The Drama Showcase features songs, skits, monologues, movies and magic. The Music Band Gallery and Art of Making Music Gallery shares performances by IHS band members, musicians and singers. Many genres and artists will be represented including piano covers, rock songs and electronic music, as well as original music from students including Immaculates’ Sound Design class and music video projects.

The Graphic Design Gallery displays the original artwork of Graphics I, Graphics II, Graphics III (UCONN ECE) students, along with students’ comments about their process. The Fine Art Gallery exhibits Fine Arts students’ artwork through a series of linked galleries in which visitors can click through each room and on individual pieces to see them in detail and learn about each individual piece of art.

“The IHS Virtual Fine Arts Festival highlights our students’ own personal tastes and individual voices and talents. Though some of the artwork and music was created during social distancing from their homes, the entire festival is a representation of the hard work students have put in over the entire school year, and all of it is a testament to their spirit, talent and dedication to their craft,” said Samantha Kohler, IHS Graphic Arts teacher and Chairperson of the Fine Arts Department.