Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

WASHINGTON—Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release today of Pope Francis’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Querida Amazonia. The exhortation follows upon the Special Synod of Bishops held in Rome from October 6-27, 2019 that focused on the Amazon region.

Archbishop Gomez’s statement follows:

“Today our Holy Father Pope Francis offers us a hopeful and challenging vision of the future of the Amazon region, one of the earth’s most sensitive and crucial ecosystems, and home to a rich diversity of cultures and peoples. The Pope reminds us that the Church serves humanity by proclaiming Jesus Christ and his Gospel of love, and he calls for an evangelization that respects the identities and histories of the Amazonian peoples and that is open to the ‘novelty of the Spirit, who is always able to create something new with the inexhaustible riches of Jesus Christ.’

“He also calls all of us in the Americas and throughout the West to examine our ‘style of life’ and to reflect on the consequences that our decisions have for the environment and for the poor. Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I am grateful for the Holy Father’s wisdom and guidance and we pledge our continued commitment to evangelizing and building a world that is more just and fraternal and that respects the integrity of God’s creation.”

This message first appeared on usccb.org.

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, announced today that notable radio personality, Anna Zap, host of the Anna and Raven Show, will deliver the keynote speech during their annual Ladies Luncheon event to be held at the Great River Golf Club in Milford, Connecticut on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The event is open to the public.

Anna Zap is an award-winning radio personality, stand-up comedian, and proud mom to two young daughters. The Anna and Raven Show, can be heard weekday mornings on STAR 99.9 FM. Mrs. Zap is a graduate of Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford, with a Bachelors in Communications from Pace University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She is also a former adjunct professor of Public Speaking at Pace University. With roots in stand-up comedy, Mrs. Zap has performed at most of Manhattan’s most prestigious comedy clubs including Caroline’s on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand Up NY.

Mrs Zap has been a staple of morning radio for the last ten years. She has won numerous awards including Moffly Media’s “Radio Personality of Year” (2016, 2018, 2019) and recently, Anna was named to the prestigious “40 under 40” list in Connecticut Magazine.

“We are so excited to host the Ladies Luncheon this year at the beautiful Great River Country Club,” remarked Aimee Marcella, Director of Advancement at St. Joseph High School. “It’s a new venue for us, but once again, we will have fantastic shopping, a delicious lunch, and an engaging keynote speaker; all for a great cause as it directly benefits our students and their post-prom event.”

St. Joseph High School’s Ladies Luncheon is fundraiser and celebration of women. The luncheon will begin with a vendor fair from 11 am – 1 pm, followed by the lunch and keynote portion of the day. Mrs. Zap’s keynote will focus on women and the balancing act of being a mom, wife, friend, and co-worker—and the challenges that come with juggling it all.

All proceeds directly benefit the students by funding a safe and fun post-prom experience at the Sports Center of Shelton at no additional cost to families. Registrations can be made at sjcadets.org/Luncheon.

About St. Joseph High School
St. Joseph High School (SJHS) provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C. www.sjcadets.org

Giving Day is February 27^th

FAIRFIELD—Mark your calendars for Giving Day 2020 on Thursday, February 27.

Saint Catherine Center has participated in the annual, one-day, online fundraising initiative since 2016, attracting new supporters each year. In 2019, we surpassed our goal. This year, in celebration of the upcoming 5th Anniversary of the Adult Program, our Giving Day goal is to raise $25,000 from at least 100 donors.

Funds raised support the many activities of the Adult Program, from TheaterWorks each week with Mr. Matt, to bowling and special outings like the recent Sound Tigers hockey game at Webster Bank Arena. These activities are so important to our young adults, offering the opportunity to learn new things, develop friendships, and be out in the community.

Hosted by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Giving Day sparks friendly competition for donations, but more importantly raises awareness about the important work of nonprofit organizations across Fairfield County. More than 415 nonprofits participated in the event last year.

Please watch for our emails on February 27th. We hope you will participate and encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to join you. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

“Living in Harmony” was Saint Catherine Academy’s theme for Catholic Schools Week. Schools across the U.S. observe the last week in January with Masses and activities that recognize the value of Catholic education. Our classes created collages that reflected living in harmony with our neighbors, through the generations, with the earth, and in our school. Students and staff had fun and got to know each other better by wearing something “favorite” or “funny” each day, from Funny Hat Day to Favorite Sports Shirt Day.

At the end of the week, participants in the Adult Program prepared a lunch of ziti, meatballs, and salad for everyone in the Center to share together. Lunch was followed by a lively dance party, in which a lot of joy and some surprising dance skills were revealed. We look forward to more events like this where the Academy and Adult Program come together as a community.

“I Had a Good Day”

One of participants in the Adult Program often ends her day saying, “I had a good day.” Sometimes it’s a definitive statement; sometimes it is a question—Did I have a good day? While not all days are perfect, there are many more “good days” at Saint Catherine Center than not.

Perhaps this is because we look at success from the point of view of what can be done, rather than focusing on obstacles. This is not a denial of the very real challenges faced by each student and young adult we serve, but a different way of approaching those challenges—with individual attention, redirection, empathy, creativity, and teamwork.

Making progress in small increments and pausing to recognize that progress is key. Each day, something new happens. Sami swims all the way to the edge of the pool; Frank completes every problem on his math worksheet; Lindsy perfects her Tree pose in yoga class; Nyah types her name on the iPad for the first time; Owen tries the Smartboard. A sense of pride spreads throughout the Center as each individual’s success is shared. That is the feeling of a “good day,” and we are always grateful for them.

DANBURY—Immaculate High School will honor Ralph McIntosh of Newtown and Marie Proverb of Danbury at its 15th Annual Gala on Saturday, March 21 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Both honorees are being celebrated for their vast commitment to Immaculate High School and the community at large. The public is invited to attend; go to www.immaculatehs.org/gala for more information.

Ralph McIntosh, a 1968 graduate and long-term board member of Immaculate High School, will receive the Nancy K. Dolan Leadership Award. The award pays tribute to those special individuals who unselfishly give of themselves to their community, charitable organizations, people in need, house of worship and the education of our youth. Marie Proverb, a beloved Spanish teacher and student advocate, will receive the Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes those who have served in or around the school community in one or more areas and directly aid and support Immaculate High School and its students to reach their full potential.

The event, “A Gala in Wonderland,” features a special evening of fine dining, dancing, games, silent and live auctions and more. The drawing for the $10,000 cash raffle prize (winner need not be present) will also be held that night. To attend the gala, purchase a cash raffle ticket, and sponsor or purchase an ad in the program book to congratulate the honorees, go to www.immaculatehs.org/gala.

Ralph McIntosh served on the Immaculate High School Advisory Board from 2002-2014 and was a major force in overseeing the school building’s major renovations. He also served on the Immaculate Alumni Board to help engage former students and families. Ralph’s other service to the local community includes serving on the United Way’s Resource Development Committee and as a board member for the Danbury Hospital Development Fund and for the Danbury War Memorial. He was a major supporter of the Hanahoe Memorial Children’s Clinic, the Boy Scouts of America and the Danbury Old Timers Athletic Association. A board member for the Savings Bank of Danbury and a past board member and Chairman of the Board for the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, Ralph is the President of Del-Tron Precision Inc. in Bethel, CT.

Marie Proverb’s 24 years of tremendous dedication and service to Immaculate High School’s students has made her a beloved icon at the Catholic school. Marie began teaching Spanish at Immaculate in 1996 and has served as World Language Department Chairperson, Senior Class moderator, National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society advisor, chaperone for student trips to Spain, France, England and Eastern Europe, and as chair of a NEASC committee. Other roles that allowed her to support students beyond the classroom include portraying the lead role of “Abuela” in the IHS Spring Musical production of In the Heights (2013), and serving as Immaculate’s “water girl” for the Varsity Football and Boys Basketball teams.

Immaculate High School, founded in 1962, is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York.

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, announced today the names of eighteen student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent or Celebratory Letters in nine different sports.   

The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a document used to indicate a student’s commitment to participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges and universities in the United States. The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution. The Celebratory Letter (for Division III athletes) indicates that a student has been accepted to and plans to attend an institution.  The following St Joes Seniors participated:

Ian Argento– Volleyball – Pennsylvania State University – Division I
Kayla Clark– Track – Elon University – Division I
Charlie Horton– Softball – Fairfield University – Division I
Lily Ivanovich– Lacrosse – Monmouth University – Division I
Bella Moore– Crew – Bucknell University – Division I
Mike Morrissey– Football – Central Connecticut State University – Division I AA
Davee Silas– Football – Sacred Heart University – Division I AA
Schuyler Tomey– Gymnastics – Quinnipiac University – Division I
William Diamantis– Football – Stonehill College – Division II
Payton Doiron– Softball – Bentley University – Division II
Ashley Collins– Soccer – Western New England University – Division III
Cole daSilva– Football – Union College – Division III
Gabriella Gatto– Tennis – Union College – Division III
Sean Keane– Lacrosse – Clark University – Division III
Michael Mulligan– Lacrosse – Catholic University – Division III
Ryan Novitski– Baseball – Bowdoin College – Division III
Cayden Porter– Football – Western New England University – Division III
Louis Tuccio – Track – Tufts University – Division III

“This is our largest mid-year signing period,” remarked Kevin Butler, Assistant Principal for Athletics. “We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes who have demonstrated hard work and dedication both in the classroom and on the field.”

As part of their NLI, prospective student-athletes agree to attend the institution full-time for one academic year and the institution agrees to provide athletes financial aid for one academic year.

About St. Joseph High School

St. Joseph High School (SJHS) strives to be the premier college preparatory school in Southern Connecticut. The school provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St. Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C.  www.sjcadets.org

WILTON—Connor Bowron and Lauren Davis, two students from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy in Wilton, were honored recently during the 13^th Annual Tyler Ugolyn Memorial Basketball Tournament.  The tournament is named in memory of 1993 OLF graduate Tyler Ugolyn, who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attack.

A major highlight of the tournament is the Tyler Ugolyn Awards ceremony.  The awards are given to one female and one male basketball player who have displayed exemplary character and sportsmanship on the court, on the campus of the school, and in the community.  Recipients of the award exemplify the traits for which Tyler Ugolyn was best known: compassion, teamwork, love of the game, and spirituality.

“The tournament and these awards are a very special tradition at OLF.  Connor and Lauren join a long line of past recipients who keep Tyler’s amazing spirit alive,” said Athletic Director Rob Benedetto, who added that over 40 teams had participated in this year’s tournament.

After graduating from Fatima in 1993, Ugolyn attended Ridgefield High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society.  He was a McDonald’s High School All-American Basketball nominee and was ranked as one of the top 250 high school seniors in the country.  After being recruited to play basketball at Columbia University, Tyler founded Columbia Catholic Athletes and ran an inner-city basketball league for Harlem youth.

A portion of the Tournament proceeds will be donated to the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation. Established after Tyler’s death, the Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting youth basketball programs and the refurbishment of inner-city basketball courts. Courts have been renovated in Tyler’s memory all across the country in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four, including cities such as San Antonio, Detroit, Indianapolis and Houston.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy is located at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897. Tours are also available by appointment by contacting Stanley Steele, principal at ssteele@olfcatholic.org or calling 203.762.8100.

(Visit www.OLFAcademy.org for additional information.)

SOUTHBURY—SJCA students in grades K-8 enjoyed a beautiful and chilly day observing Bald Eagles at the Shepaug Dam Eagle Observation Area in Southbury. Students were able to view both adult and juvenile eagles. They witnessed eagles skimming the water and actually standing in the shallow water near the far bank. Two adult bald eagles, easily distinguished from juveniles by their snow-white heads and tails, could be seen perched next to one another on the same branch in a nearby tree. Several of the facility staff speculated that they were a mated pair that successfully raised three chicks last winter and spring on the Housatonic River. Students were able to use excellent binoculars and telescopes provided by First Light to enhance their viewing experience.      

There were about five adults and at least three juveniles in the area during our visit. Students were able to see the juveniles soaring and perched and were amazed to see how well the youngsters blend into their environment due to their excellent camouflage of brown-black feathers, minus the white head and tail. One highlight was watching three juveniles soaring high above our heads as they enjoyed full bellies after their morning feast of fish.

Students were surprised by a presentation from a naturalist from the Audubon Society. She introduced the SJCA students to a rescued screech owl, red-shouldered hawk and a barn owl named Millie. Students were in awe as they learned about raptor flight, diet, senses, body description, range, nesting, raising, fledging and how the birds came to be in their care.  The children were very engaged as the birds were only a foot or two from them.

Students were able to listen to and compare recorded calls of the bald eagle with that of the red-tailed hawk. Participants learned that the eagle call is frequently replaced by the hawk call in movies and television shows because some think the eagle call is “wimpy” compared to the intimidating screech of the hawk. Students were free to read interpretive signs inside the blind and explore the area outside.

(To learn more about our STEM programs at St. Joseph Catholic Academy, contact Admissions Coordinator, Lisa Sweeting, at: lsweeting@sjsbrookfield.org, 203.775.2774 or schedule a private tour online at www.sjsbrookfield.org.)

FAIRFIELD—“As believers, we form a community, each of us a living brick held together by mortar that is divine, that is the Holy Spirit in our midst, ” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at the recent Catholic Business Forum Mass and Brunch held at Fairfield University.

The bishop addressed business leaders and aspiring business leaders representative of the diocesan community and Catholic Schools.

“Every human person is bound together in the community we form, made in the image and likeness of God,” the bishop continued with his analogy of brick and mortar, explaining that “that community also has mortar, that which links us together in our common good, in our common will.”

“We are living in a time when that mortar is beginning to fall apart,” the bishop said. “You can see how our society is fragmenting, dividing, polarizing…”

“As we come here this morning as business leaders and aspiring business leaders, all of us believers, we have come here to recognize the fact that the mortar that should hold humanity together is not something but is Someone. It is He who has called us here, the one who has redeemed us, the one who gives us the power of His Spirit,” said Bishop Caggiano.

He continued, “It is the one who has given us Good News to proclaim to the world. For whether the world knows it or not, it is Christ’s life and teaching, His presence and Spirit that ultimately is the hidden ingredient that is meant to hold all God’s children together in peace, and prosperity and justice and righteousness.”

“We come here as Catholic business leaders to head the great challenge that Jesus tells us,” the bishop said. “He says, ‘you are the light of the world.’”

“And that means we are to bring the light of truth to wherever the mortar that holds us together is fraying,” the bishop explained. “To be able to proclaim that at the heart of what holds us together in our common humanity are the very principles of our social teaching as a faith—the dignity of the human person, the respect for community, the stewardship of God’s creation…all of that that flows through the Good News of Jesus.”

The bishop addressed the gathered, “my friends, we are to bring that truth into the world and we are not only to enlighten minds but we are to enlighten hearts.”

Following the Mass, brunch was served in the Oak Room at Fairfield University, where attendees heard from guest speaker Robert A. Nalewajek, executive vice president of CAPP-USA and past director of FCAPP-Vatican.

“It is our responsibility to change the world through Catholic Social Teaching,” said Nalewajek of the purpose of CAPP (Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice).

Nalewajek explained, “Catholic social teaching is quite useful as a guide for living in and creating a civil society. It is first and foremost Christian teaching.” Quoting Pope St. John Paul II, Nalewajek continued, “It proclaims God in His mystery of salvation in Christ to every human being and for that very reason reveals man to Himself.”

“Catholic social teaching assumes we are inherently social, reflecting our Trinitarian God in whose image we are created,” said the speaker.

“We are in possession of a gift…do we keep it hidden?” Nalewajek proposed a challenge to the gathered—“what’s needed from us Catholic is faith, hope and ingenuity. Faith in our identity as Roman Catholics; hope in the Holy Spirit; and ingenuity to engage, with resolve, the secular world.”

Photos by Amy Mortensen

“We must insist on a vibrant, publicly assertive, moral cultural order. We must demand a dialogue with society. A dialogue unashamedly based on Catholic social teaching,” said Nalewajek.

The speaker addressed the high school students in attendance—“What do we need to do?” he asked of them. “It is our special task to order and throw light upon all the affairs of the world in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ…that is our unique and special mission.”

Attendees were given the opportunity to participate in the mentoring program which is to continue post-event. At each table at the brunch was a place-card, which interested attendees could fill out in order to participate.

The purpose of the forum was threefold: educational-the integration of Catholic social teaching and business, formative-Catholic social teaching in action, and mentoring–students will be mentored by members of the CAPP community post-event.

Students were given pre-read material and were asked to come prepared with questions. Post-event, the facilitators from each school will work with CAPP to assign a mentor to their group.

Students will be encouraged to meet with their facilitator and mentor post-event to discuss potential projects that could be proposed based on what they have learned.  If the facilitator believes a particular project has merit and would like to move forward with implementation, there may be an opportunity for the students to apply to Foundations in Faith for a grant up to $5,000 to help fund their project.

The ultimate goal of the forum was for local business leaders and students to make materially present Catholic social teaching in action within the local community.

(For more information on CAPP visit: capp-usa.org.)

Click here for guest speaker Robert Nalewajek’s presentation.

BRIDGEPORT—For the third year, parishes and churches throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport are invited to apply for funding that will innovate and re-energize religious education programs, youth ministry initiatives or other faith formation projects that target underserved groups.

Responding to Bishop Caggiano’s invitation to lifelong formation, in February 2018, parishes were invited to reimagine faith formation at every level by announcing the Saint John Paul II Fund for Religious Education and Youth Ministry, which offered grant opportunities to assist their efforts.

The grants were specifically designed to help diocesan parishes/organizations serve those populations they may not have been able to serve before and to fund significant changes in the very fabric of their outreach to the faithful in their parishes. They ranged from $500 to $10,000 in total. Proposals that sought widespread reform were preferred over smaller proposals. Requests in excess of $5,000 were to be so innovative that they sought to change the very fabric of formation in a given parish.

All applications will be submitted online and are due by April 2, 2020.

(Go to www.foundationsinfaith.org for grant information and the application link.)

DANBURY—Brian Hayes, Immaculate High School’s long-running cross country and track coach, was recently chosen to receive the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Award for Outstanding Coach of the Year for Girls Cross Country.

This is Coach Hayes second big honor in two years, as last year he was named the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association’s Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year for Connecticut. Coach Hayes has led Immaculate girls and boys cross country, indoor track and track and field teams to many victories including State championships since he began coaching there in 2004.

“I am very honored to be chosen for this award, which is selected by a committee of my peers. The success I’ve had as a coach is because I have been able to work at a school—Immaculate—that supports my program 100 percent,” Coach Hayes said. “The girls who come out for the team are the most dedicated, hard-working young ladies I have ever seen. It doesn’t matter if they are #1 or #10, they sacrifice daily for the cross country team’s success and it makes my job so much easier. I can honestly say that every day I’m around them makes me want to work harder to ensure they achieve all that they deserve,” he added. Coach Hayes has also been a Danbury police officer for 22 years.

“We are very proud of Coach Hayes and his many achievements throughout the years with our cross country and track programs. He has invested a great deal of time developing student-athletes not only as runners but as highly regarded young men and women who proudly represent Immaculate High School,” said Nelson Mingachos, Immaculate’s athletic director. “Coach Hayes’ dedication to the program and students has helped many athletes achieve their goals to compete successfully at the college level, many on Division 1 teams,” he added.

The 2019 Immaculate girls cross country team was Patriot Division champions and SWC runner-ups. The Lady Mustangs also finished second in the Class “SS” State Championship race. Since he started coaching at Immaculate in 2004, Coach Hayes has led the Immaculate Cross Country and Track runners to the following victories:

Girls Cross Country:  SWC Champions in 2011, 2013 and 2018 (runner-ups 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2019); Class S Champions in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017; Class SS Champions in 2016 and  2018 (runner-ups 2010, 2011 and 2019)

Boys Cross Country:  Class SS Champs in 2018 (runner-ups 2017)

Girls Indoor Track: SWC Champs in 2012 (runner-ups 2014), Class S Champions in 2017 (runner-ups in 2018)

Boys Indoor Track: SWC Champs in 2016, Class S Champs in 2016

Girls Outdoor Track: Class S runner-ups in 2017 and 2018

By Joe Pisani

BRIDGEPORT- Oftentimes we are tempted to do more during Lent. For Lent 2020, why not focus on being. Allow Lent 2020 to be a season of emptying, opening, and decluttering of schedules, minds, and hearts to make room for what God has in store for us through the fruits of the Holy Spirit – which is always immeasurably more.

The poster is available in both English and Spanish. Request the poster here! You can request printed copies or a digital download.

Please note that the deadline for requesting physical copies is February 15, 2020.

“You learn through immersion. Like going to another country to learn a language, being fully immersed you learn so, so much,” said Katie Curry, one of the first Fellows accepted into the Aquinas Fellowship Program (AFP).

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano had launched the Aquinas Fellowship Program in November of 2018 with a challenge: “Are you ready to take up the Lord’s call to be a missionary disciple by serving as a Catholic educator? If you are, then the Aquinas Fellowship Program is waiting for you.”

AFP is designed to form spiritually strong educators who are committed to Catholic education. The Fellows work towards a cost-free master’s degree at Fairfield University while teaching full-time in a diocesan school. They receive an annual living allowance of $15,000 and are given encouragement and spiritual support as they balance life, college and teaching.

The program took active life on August 15, 2019, when the first three Fellows, Katie Curry, Nicole Rabito and Tiffany Tubby, entered the doors of St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Brookfield to begin the new school year.

“We couldn’t be happier,” said Pam Fallon, director of education at St. Joseph’s. “They are Fellows and therefore academically excellent, but more than that, they’re awesome disciples to these students. They are witnesses to their faith.”

Each participant accepted into AFP lives in community with other Fellows. These first three live in the former convent on the grounds of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Danbury. Participants commit to a minimum of four years—two years as a Fellow as they live in community and complete their degree and two as a paid employee of the diocese thereafter.

This demanding schedule is assisted by the support given by the AFP’s structure. “The balance of school and teaching can be overwhelming,” noted Curry, who is teaching social studies and English language arts at St. Joseph’s. “If I were alone, I don’t think I could handle the stress. It’s great having one another. Being able to come home when I’m stressed out and there’s someone else who is going through the same thing—we can talk to one another.”

The program also provides mentors and spiritual support. Program Coordinator Danielle Cheeseman sees the Fellows every other week. “She always brings us a home-cooked meal,” Curry said.

Father Michael Dunn, pastor of St. Gregory’s, is their spiritual advisor and is always on hand for community dinners, and their house has a chapel that they use regularly for prayer and relaxation and sharing.

The three Fellows came to the program from very different paths.

Katie Curry is originally from Long Island. She graduated from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s in communication and had an internship in social media. She has always been active in campus ministry; at Fairfield, she was co-leader of Campus Ministry, head of Lectors, and co-president of Students for Life. As part of her service she ran a drama club for middle schoolers and realized that she wanted to be a teacher.

“I love that age group,” she says of her middle school students. “I think they’re hilarious.” She remembers being that age all too well “It’s hard being 12 or 13. You don’t like yourself at that age. I want them to know that I care about them as persons. It’s hard for kids to see young people who are excited about your faith. I’m close in age to them. I’m able to play off that.”

Tiffany Tubby, also from Long Island, graduated from Queens College, N.Y., in 2010 with a dual major in media studies/sociology. Sharing her gift of media and art, she has worked in after school and summer programs, art therapy, assistant teaching, mentoring and facilitating anti-bullying workshops. For the last year and a half, she lived in Dorchester, Ma., serving at Project Hope, a Catholic organization that assists immigrants and underserved women and children.

“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said Tubby, who teaches art and is an assistant counselor not only at St. Joseph’s but at St. Gregory the Great School and Immaculate High School, both in Danbury. She is currently part of the new MSW program at Fairfield.

Nicole Rabito is Danbury born and bred and graduated from St. Gregory the Great School. She had been active in faith activities, co-directing Bible Vacation Camps and teaching religious education at St. Gregory. When she went to a liberal arts college in New Hampshire, people around her did not participate in a life of faith. For a while she stopped going to church, but “I felt like something was missing and a piece of me was gone.”

When she began going to Mass again, she felt whole. Even though she was majoring in film, she realized teaching was her calling. “It brought me true happiness. Working with and watching children grow is what I love to do and have a passion for.

At St. Joseph’s she has the chance to explore two different areas of interest: assistant teacher in grades K-1 and religion teacher for grades 6-8.

“When the middle schoolers see us and they know that we’re filled with faith and want to participate in the Catholic Church—it’s vital for them to see that,” she said. “They should not be ashamed of or ever feel alone like I did in the beginning of college without any support. I want them to know that participating in their faith is fun and will make them feel closer to God and his presence in their lives every day.”

As the school year progresses, Rabito has found herself increasingly drawn to working with the younger students. “My goal is to teach Kindergarten or First Grade after this program. I want to make them want to learn. My assistant teacher position in their K-1 classroom at St Joseph’s is so beneficial and I am learning a lot.”

Professional development, a sense of community and spiritual growth are integral to the Aquinas Fellowship Program. “We have support and love and guidance and listening all rolled up into one,” said Curry. Through the AFP, these talented, faith-filled teachers, and those to follow, will renew and transform Catholic school classrooms.

(The window for applying to the next Aquinas Fellowship cohort opened October 1. To see details or to apply, visit dioceseofbridgeportcatholicschools.com/aquinas-fellowship-program. For any questions, email afp@diobpt.org.)

By PAT HENNESSY