Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

FAIRFIELD—On Saturday, January 11, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano celebrated a Mass of Dedication at St. Pius X Parish in Fairfield to dedicate the newly restored church and consecrate the altar. With Father Sam Kachuba, pastor of St. Pius X, Father Tim Iannacone, parochial vicar, and other diocesan and visiting priests concelebrating, it was a beautiful Mass to mark this historic event in the life of the parish.

St. Pius X was selected by the diocese to be a pilot parish in the We Stand With Christ capital campaign in 2018. The funds accrued from this campaign went directly toward the Restore All Things in Christ project. Far from being just a renovation, this project was a true restoration of the church to its original beauty, when the church was built sixty-plus years ago. Entrusted to Baker Liturgical Art, LLC, of Plantsville, Conn., the goal of the restoration was to maintain the church’s Colonial style, while enhancing its beauty. Brian Baker, president of Baker Liturgical Art and Wojciech Harabasz, principal of Hara-Arch LLC, achieved this by maintaining the light, brightness and simplicity of the church’s interior, while crafting liturgical elements of high quality. “We wanted to keep it so that as soon as you walked in, you knew that you were in St. Pius,” said Father Sam.

Before consecrating the new altar, Bishop Caggiano spoke about the spiritual significance of the altar, itself, saying it is “the place where heaven and earth kiss…what goes on here is more than meets the eye…because it meets the heart.” The beautifying of a worship space helps to “create a worthy living temple that we might find our way on our pilgrimage to heaven,” he said. His prayer for the parish and those gathered in it that evening was “that this place will resound to the glory of God.” After his homily, Bishop Caggiano deposed the relics of Sts. Pius X, Eugenius, Candidus, Andrew the Apostle, Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney, and Catherine of Siena in the altar and anointed it with sacred chrism.

The proposal for the renovation of the church was put forward before St. Pius was chosen as a pilot parish in the We Stand With Christ campaign. There were many practical needs that needed to be addressed: the pews were 60 years old and starting to crack, the carpet was also old, worn and in need of replacement, the linoleum tile in the floor contained asbestos and the church had not been painted in at least a decade. Once St. Pius was selected to be a pilot parish, Father Sam saw this campaign as an opportunity to go forward with the restoration project.

Work on this restoration project began in September and was finished in time for Christmas Eve. “The miracle of this entire project,” said Father Sam, “was that there was nothing major that delayed anything. Even small things that we needed to address were easily fixed. Everything just went so smoothly—it was fantastic.” There were some complications with the floor, once the carpet was taken up: the concrete base floor in the nave was damaged, and marble in the sanctuary had been ruined by the installation of carpet. “Once we saw that, we were able to repair it. That way, the new floor went on a proper surface,” he said.

A new marble floor has been installed in the sanctuary, and the nave is now porcelain tile. In the vestibule, the floor contains the Coat of Arms of the parish’s patron saint, Pope St. Pius X. The Coat contains the words of the saint’s motto: Instaurare Omnia in Christo, which translates to “Restore All Things in Christ:” the inspiration for the restoration project. This sentiment is echoed throughout the church, especially through one of its original features that has been restored: the altar rail. The altar rail, also referred to as the “communion rail” or the “people’s altar,” is an extension of the altar for the people. While it can be used during Mass for the reception of Holy Communion (parishioners are able to receive the Eucharist kneeling, if they wish), it can also be used as a place for prayer anytime. As Father Sam highlighted in a recent homily to his parishioners, the “rail” component of the altar rail is meant to provide support—physically, as people approach the altar for Communion, and spiritually, as they rely upon the grace, love and mercy of God to sustain them in their lives.

The gate of the altar rail came from a former chapel of an orphanage in Brooklyn that was operated by the Sisters of Mercy. On the gate are the images of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This gate’s original location is particularly meaningful for parishioners, who see it now, as it reminds them of their adoption by God as His sons and daughters, and that, through Jesus and Mary, the rewards of eternal life have been won for them.

The sanctuary area was also restored through the addition of a marble altar, Blessed Sacrament Throne, ambo, side shrines, and baptismal font. The type of marble used is similar to that seen in the liturgical elements in St. Thomas Aquinas Church (also in Fairfield), a symbol of the unity that exists in the Catholic faith, particularly in its churches.

Photos by Amy Mortensen

Elements that are original to the church include the crucifix that is displayed above the tabernacle and the statue of Pope St. Pius X, which is now located in a side shrine to the left of the altar. The Confessionals have also been restored to their original location in the church, instead of the entryway, as a symbol of the constant availability of God’s mercy through the sacrament.

Ryan Walsh, a long-time parishioner of St. Pius and a current college freshman, saw the renovations for the first time at the Mass of Dedication. He said “It was beautiful: different enough to look completely new and familiar enough to let me know that I was at my home parish.” The young people of St. Pius were indeed on Father Sam’s mind, as plans for the renovations unfolded. “This parish will be where the major family events in their family life lives will take place. All these important things will happen here: baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings and funerals. I wanted this church to be something they would look forward to coming back to…something really beautiful for them,” he said.

His hope for all parishioners “is that they would see it (the church) as a place of prayer, where they can consistently encounter the living God who wants to give them grace and blessings, and that as they pray and worship here, they would be inspired to follow Jesus more closely.”

The significance of the church’s restoration is profound in the life of the parish and in the diocese. “In a time when it feels like the church takes ‘second place’ in many lives,” said Father Sam, “I think that this project is a reminder of our very real, legitimate, and serious priorities as a parish community and it’s a witness—I hope—that our faith matters and that this is a community that is looking forward to the future. I hope it’s a testimony that we’re looking to the future with great confidence and hope.”

By Michelle Onofrio

NORWALK—In celebration of the true meaning of the Christmas season, nearly 140 students from All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk recently submitted entries in the Knights of Columbus’ annual Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest coordinated by St Matthew Council No, 14360 in Norwalk

According to the rules of the contest, posters were required to be the original work of the student and to reflect the theme of Keep Christ in Christmas.  “It was extremely difficult for us to single out individual students for their work,” commented Council 14360’s Deputy Grand Knight and KCIC Poster Chairman Chris O’Connor.  We were impressed by the thought and creativity the students put into their posters, and we thoroughly enjoyed judging them.” After much debate, the following students (one per grade level) were honored for their posters by the judging committee

Grade 1: Parker Rosa

Grade 2: Fiona Ward

Grade 3: Niovi Kamargiannaki

Grade 4: Olivia De Leon

Each winner received a special certificate and a gift card to a local movie theater.  The winning entries will be submitted at the state level to be judged

“We would like to thank Mrs. Linda Dunn, All Saints’ principal, and all of the students who submitted entries in this year’s contest,” said Council 14350 Grand Knight, Anthony Armentano.  “Once again, they reminded us what Christmas is truly about.”

The Keep Christ in Christmas Poster contest is a way to promote the true spirit of Christmas in our homes, schools, parishes and communities. This initiative is a great way to spur children’s creativity and participation in the season, while bringing an understanding to the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas.

The goals of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk 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 and 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, visit saintmatthewknights.com.)

DANBURY—Looking for a fun event this Valentine’s Day? The classic silent film, Speedy (Harold Lloyd), will be showing at St. Peter Church at 7:30 pm. Live organ accompaniment will be provided by Boston-based organ virtuoso Peter Krasinski.

Speedy, Harold Lloyd’s last silent film, is a delightful romantic comedy set in New York City. Highlights of the film feature scenes of Coney Island’s Luna Park, and Harold Lloyd speeding through the streets of NYC as they were in 1928. The film also features a cameo by Babe Ruth, and a spectacular car crash at the Brooklyn Bridge (unplanned but left in the film).

Live organ accompaniment to this film will be provided by Boston-based organ virtuoso, Peter Krasinski, on St. Peter’s mighty Peregallo pipe organ. Krasinski is a recipient of a number of prizes including the First Prize in Improvisation from the American Guild of Organists National Competition.

Supported in part by the Danbury Cultural Commission, tickets range from $15 (students and seniors) to $42 (entire families) and are available at Eventbrite or at the door.

(For full details, visit www.stpeterdanb.org/events/speedy-silent-film-with-organ-accompaniment.)

BRIDGEPORT—“On Friday, January 24, people from around the diocese (including myself) will make a pilgrimage to the 47^th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.,” says Maureen Ciardiello, coordinator of Respect Life and Project Rachel Ministry for the diocese.

“Speaking as a veteran attendee, and not just as the coordinator for the Respect Life and Project Rachel Ministry for the diocese, it is truly a unique experience,” Ciardiello explains. “If you have joined us before, I invite to join us again!  If you have never joined us, I would like to extend an invitation to you.”

Ciardiello shares that in all the years she has attended the march she has never heard one person say they were sorry or regretted the decision to attend. “If anything, they have expressed their surprise at the experience and viewed it in a favorable way,” she says.

She encourages anyone who is on the fence about coming to reach out to her. “Sometimes people are not comfortable because they don’t know what it will be like. I would be happy to have a conversation with you and answer any questions you might have.”

Unable to make the March for Life in Washington D.C.? Join us in prayerful solidarity as we gather together for a special Mass with Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at the Cathedral of St. Augustine on Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 pm.

Let us pray for all the pilgrims attending the March, and for our nation and the world to embrace a culture of life from conception to natural death!

Maureen Ciardiello, Coordinator of Respect Life and Project Rachel Ministry, can be reached at: mciardiello@diobpt.org or 203.416.1445.

TRUMBULL—The annual March for Life will take place this year on January 24 in Washington, D.C. with tens of thousands of pro-life supporters gathering on the National Mall to defend the right to life for the unborn.

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DANBURY—“Research indicates that the most effective Early Learning Childhood education programs, especially those in low-income communities, include parent education,” explained Holly Doherty-Lemoine, executive director of Foundations in Education as she describes the vision of the Christopher Ripp Early Learning Program.

This early intervention program, piloted at St. Peter School in Danbury, was created through a $1 million gift from Peter and Barbara Ripp to Foundations in Education, in memory of their son, Christopher.

The Christopher Ripp Early Learning Program assists parents of three and four year old’s, as the primary educators of their children, by providing them with tools to help nurture social, physical, emotional and academic growth, in a faith-filled, family-centered learning community.

Mary Lou Torre, principal of St. Peter School, is excited to announce that now in its second year, due to its popularity, enrollment in the program is at maximum capacity.

The program runs three days a week after school for multiple six week programs and includes activities such as enrichment in math, literacy, spiritual life, art, movement and community building. Parent sessions occur three times during the six-week session and include family dinner, adult- geared discussions in finance, nutrition and health and family activities partnered with their child. Families and children are supported as they travel together on an academic and spiritual journey.

A grateful parent, Estafania Chin, shared, “Leo learned a lot from the program. I have seen a big change in him. His social skills are impressive. As a family, we love the food! The engagement you guys provide is amazing! Here, the kids teach us. At home, we tell them what to do.”

“The benefits of this program are immense for both children and families,” explained Principal Torre. “This program has afforded our students an opportunity to get a head start on their educational learning pathway. It is heartwarming to watch the excitement and joy the children display.”

(For more information about the Christopher Ripp Early Learning Program or other transformative initiatives provided through Foundations in Education, visit www.foundationsineducation.org.)

WILTON—Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy will hold an Open House on Sunday, January 26th from 2-4 pm and offer prospective students and families the opportunity to meet current students and faculty, take a guided tour and learn about registering for fall 2020.

A Personalized Approach to Learning

Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon, co-educational, accredited institution, the academy offers a successful Personalized Approach to Learning for each student in pre-K3 through grade 8.

Offered since fall 2018, a personalized approach to learning means instruction is fluid and flexible, based the on the needs of the student. The benefit of this approach is that every child receives a tailored education, allowing them to excel in their strength areas, while identifying and receiving added support and attention in areas needing improvement. “A Personalized Approach to Learning allows students to learn in an environment that engages, inspires, and empowers them. Whole group, small group, and one-on-one instructional strategies are combined with cutting-edge learning technologies to provide each student with a personalized learning experience in the classroom. This approach to learning also provides the teaching staff and students with autonomy and empowers them to take student learning to the next level” indicated Principal Stanley Steele. Technology is one of several tools to enhance curriculum and encourages student creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Another tool, the  “station-rotation” model, incorporates teacher directed instruction to small groups based on a student’s needs and student collaboration on a teacher assigned project to create and communicate mastery of skills and knowledge.

Multi-Age Classrooms for Continuous Learning

The Academy also offers multi-age classrooms which allow children spend a longer period of time with the same teacher, resulting in a stronger learning relationship and continuous learning. The classroom dynamic also stimulates mentorship.  Regardless of where a child falls on the learning continuum—younger or older, in need of special attention or gifted, a child will benefit from this approach. Principal Steele noted, “These academic offerings coupled with a STEAM curriculum and small class sizes allow Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy to provide the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, with students achieving excellence beyond standardized testing norms.”

A Nurturing Environment for Your Child and Family

The Academy’s faith-based environment nurtures the whole child and emphasizes strong moral values and respect for self and others, fostering a kinder and gentler learning atmosphere so kids can be kids a little longer.

A hallmark of the Academy is the emphasis on “Service above Self”, with projects and community events scheduled throughout the year. Extra-curricular activities offered include cross-country, field hockey and basketball programs, after-school band, school plays, music performances, and special interest clubs. Parents benefit from a vibrant family community, early morning drop-off and a flexible after-school program available for all grades.

The Academy is located at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897. You can also schedule a tour by appointment by contacting Stanley Steele, principal at ssteele@olfcatholic.org or calling 203.762.8100.

(Visit OLFAcademy.org for additional information.)

DANBURY—The Immaculate High School CyberPatriots placed first in the Platinum Division in the Connecticut Regional National Youth Cyber Defense Competition sponsored by the National Cyber Education Program. This is the fourth time that the team won the State competition, having won the State title in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Additionally, a second IHS CyberPatriots team placed third in the Gold Division at the State competition.

Team 1 reached the State competition by placing first in the qualifying round—Platinum Division and then taking first place in the second round, and will now compete in the regional competition on January 25. The top 25 teams from the regional round advance to the National Competition.

“Immaculate High School has a strong STEM program and commitment to students who wish to learn more about technology, engineering and science,” said Dave Cirella, IHS Director of IT and the CyberPatriot’s advisor. “This commitment shows in the success of our CyberPatriots, who consistently win important competitions in the area of cybersecurity, a very important need in our modern world. The dedication and hard work of these students is commendable,” he noted.

Team 1 members are: James Mok ‘20 of Sandy Hook, Logan McAloon ‘21 of Sandy Hook, Kolbe Mosher ‘21 of Newtown, Ethan Goodman ‘21 of Newtown, Kieran Doolabh ‘20 of Danbury and Aiden Doolabh ‘23 of Danbury.

Team 2 members are: Anish Nanda ‘22 of Danbury, Ricky Lawlor ‘22 of Bethel, Lauren Manning of Bridgewater ‘22, Steven Reese ‘22 of Newtown, Perry Ghosh ‘21 of Newtown and Andrew Riotto ’20 of Pawling.

CyberPatriots is a program created by the Air Force Association, and its National Youth Cyber Defense Competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with “finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities within and hardening an IT system while maintaining critical services.”

Immaculate High School encourages students to find success in academics, athletics, fine arts and clubs and is ranked in the top third of all high schools in the State of Connecticut by NICHE. One of the more affordable private high schools, Immaculate High School is also among the highest ranked Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport and continues to attain the highest SAT scores in the Diocese. Immaculate High School students, a representation of area public, private and Catholic schools, seek academic challenges, discover leadership and engage in progressive learning opportunities and have high success rates: 100 percent of the Class of 2019 were accepted to choice colleges and universities and were awarded college scholarships and grants totaling $27 million.

In addition to a college-preparatory academic program that offers over 33 Advanced Placement classes and a STEAM curriculum featuring advanced technology, a CISCO certification program, renovated science labs and engineering classes and a Certified Nursing Associate program, Immaculate High School has an award-winning Fine Arts program, a student career internship program, athletic teams that have won SWC and State Championships, 44 clubs and a Campus Ministry and community service program that instills faith, compassion and reverence for others. 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.

Diocesan Statement on Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona

On Monday, January 6th Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona was arraigned in Danbury on charges related to allegations of abuse of a juvenile. Fr. Marin-Cardona is being held on a bond.

On Friday, January 3rd, in cooperation with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona, 51, turned himself into the Danbury Police Department upon learning that they had a warrant for his arrest. Fr. Cardona has been charged with three counts of both sexual assault in the 4^th degree and risk of injury to a minor.

On December 11^th, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona was placed on Administrative Leave by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano after being informed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that it had substantiated allegations of abuse against him after an investigation.

This is a moment of great disappointment in light of the steps the diocese has taken to safeguard children. However, it is important to note that the diocese brought the allegations against Father Marin-Cardona to the Danbury Police after the Department of Children and Families initially declined to accept the case. DCF subsequently took over the investigation and arrived at a finding of substantiation regarding the allegations. The diocese fully cooperated with both the Danbury Police and DCF throughout the investigation. This incident underlines the significance of being aware of the warning signs of possible abuse and the vital importance of observing our Safe Environments Policies.

We recognize how this deeply impacts and further wounds survivors of abuse.  This news is also deeply distressing to all members of the Church and those who have been wounded by the abuse crisis. However, it will not be a setback to our commitment to end the scourge of abuse in every form, continue to educate regarding the signs of potential abuse and to create a safe environment that protects children throughout the diocese.

The diocese urges anyone with concerns or information to come forward immediately by calling the office of Safe Environments at (203) 416-1406; Diocesan Victims Assistance 203-650-3265/203-241-0987; the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (800)-842-2288; the Survivor and Witness Hotline: (833) 990-0004 or emailing www.lighthouse-services.com/diobpt. All calls are confidential; however, all allegations of abuse of a minor must be communicated to civil authorities.

Statement from Bishop Frank Caggiano

On Monday, January 6th Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona was arraigned in Danbury on charges related to allegations of abuse of a juvenile. Fr. Marin-Cardona is being held on a bond.

On Friday, January 3rd, in cooperation with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona, 51, turned himself into the Danbury Police Department upon learning that they had a warrant for his arrest. Fr. Cardona has been charged with three counts of both sexual assault in the 4^th degree and risk of injury to a minor.

My heart breaks for the victims, survivors, and their families who are struggling with this betrayal of trust and authority.

In light of these developments, I want to reiterate that the Diocese is unshakably committed to combating the sexual abuse of minors, which is both a crime and grave sin, wherever it is found. We remain committed to standing with the victims and survivors of sexual abuse and to assist with healing in any way possible.

I also want to take this opportunity to commend the continued vigilance of the parents and all involved who initially reported their concerns to the Diocese. This incident underlines the significance of being aware of the warning signs of possible abuse and the vital importance of observing our Safe Environments Policies.

While this news is deeply distressing for other victims of abuse, all the members of the Church, and all those who have been wounded by the abuse crisis, it will not be a setback to our commitment to end the scourge of abuse in every form, continue to educate regarding the signs of potential abuse and to create a safe environment that protects children throughout the diocese.

I wish again to offer my profound and heartfelt apology to all who have suffered abuse, and to all those who have lost a sense of trust or feel betrayed by the Church.  My personal commitment is to do whatever is humanly possible to eradicate this evil from our midst.

BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano recently announced the formation of the Youth Advisory Council to coordinate and enhance parish, school and diocesan ministry on behalf of youth and young adults in the diocese.

At the second formal meeting of the full 36-member council held this past Saturday, Bishop Caggiano remarked, “There is already leadership in youth and young adult ministry throughout our parishes. Our goal with the Youth Advisory Council is to empower that leadership, and to connect it so that we can learn from each other and plot a course for the future of youth ministry in our diocese.” The council had their inaugural meeting in early October.

“I am deeply grateful to all who have stepped forward to serve on the Youth Advisory Council,” said Bishop Caggiano. “Through better communication and shared best practices, we can move forward with  creative initiatives to evangelize, catechize and form youth in the life of faith.”

The council will seek to create a formational community of leaders “that will coordinate their efforts to form, teach, engage and empower young people and young adults as committed disciples in the life of the Church. It will also foster their accompaniment through the creation of mentoring relationships on the local level,” he said.

Plans call for the full council to meet only three times a year to receive reports from each of the working committees and to discuss global ministerial issues.

Council members will be drawn from each deanery, the ecclesial communities and movements, diocesan high schools, directors of religious education, the diocesan committee on scouting, one newly ordained priest, one Focus missionary teaming serving western Connecticut State University, a young adult from Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, one representative from the Catholic Service Corps and six diocesan officials.

Each of the council members will be asked to sit on one of the five committees: a benchmark committee that will manage data regarding youth and young adult ministry, an events committee to plan events on the diocesan level, a social media committee that will be responsible for developing a plan to use social media to evangelize and build community, the service committee, which will look at youth service opportunities and the Liturgy committee what will plan and organize special liturgies and Holy Hours for youth.

The bishop said that members of the council will work with the common goals of coordinating and enhancing parochial ministry for both youth and young adults and creating a network of communication within the parishes.

“You are a group of individuals whose major purpose is to connect the dots,” the bishop addressed the council at their recent meeting. Expressing his hopes for the future of the council, he shared, “I want to see the principles of truth, beauty, and goodness in everything that we do.”

The bishop said he will attend all Youth Advisory Council meetings. The group will be coordinated by an executive committee, which will meet monthly.

BROOKFIELD- Have you ever wondered if you were being “called” to discern the diaconate?  Has someone, your pastor, a priest or a deacon ever mentioned to you that they can see you as a deacon someday? Do you feel that God calling you to live your faith differently, perhaps as a deacon?  Want to learn more about how to sort this all out? Join us for a Diaconate Discovery Evening on January 9th @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys in Brookfield.

Join Deacon Tim Bolton and explore some of these questions and others that you may have about the Diaconate.  Diaconate Discovery Evenings are a consistent space to wonder, explore, pray and share with other men of faith regarding serving the Church as a Permanent Deacon.

• Be with other men of faith who are wondering if God is calling them to serve as a deacon.
• To have an opportunity for prayer and reflection.
• To form relationships and build community.
• Meet deacons from around the diocese witnessing their ministries and journeys of faith.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please feel free to contact Deacon Tim Bolton, Coordinator of Diaconate Vocations, dnbolton@diobpt.org. For more information, please visit the Diaconate homepage.

“War brings only death and destruction.”

Pope Francis spoke those words of warning on Sunday, following the Angelus prayer.

Without referring to any specific countries, the Pope said there is a “terrible air of tension” in many parts of the world.

“I call upon all parties to fan the flame of dialogue and self-control, and to banish the shadow of enmity,” he said.

The Pope then invited everyone to pray in silence for a moment for this intention.

US – Iran tensions

Pope Francis’ appeal comes on the heels of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, after a US airstrike killed a top Iranian general in Iraq.

General Qassem Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, the wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for military activities outside Iran.

His death on Friday in Baghdad raised the threat of direct confrontation between the US and Iran.

Iraqi concern

The Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Cardinal Louis Rafaël Sako, on Saturday expressed the Iraqi people’s shock at the event.

“It is deplorable that our country should be transformed into a place where scores are settled, rather than being a sovereign nation, capable of protecting its own land, its own wealth, its own citizens.”

He also called on all nations to exercise moderation, act reasonably, and sit down to seek understanding.

By Devin Watkins | Vatican News

I’ve often wondered what kind of grandparents St. Anne and St. Joachim were. Though their Feastday is not celebrated until July 26, they serve as a model for all grandparents every day of the year and particularly in the Christmas Season when we reflect on the Christ Child.

Did St. Anne dote over Jesus because he was her only grandchild? Did St. Joachim slip him a piece of candy when Mary and Joseph weren’t looking? Did they spoil him with gifts at Hanukkah? Did they babysit?

Grandparents play an important role in the development of every child — even the Christ Child — and although their efforts were never recorded by the Gospel writers, you can be sure Anne and Joachim did their part and can serve as an example for Catholic grandparents everywhere. After all, look at the outstanding job they did raising Our Lady.

With Baby Boomers among the growing ranks of grandparents, it’s more important than ever to step up to the plate and set a good example the way that their predecessors in the Greatest Generation did. My daughters still amuse themselves with stories about my mother and father. I only hope I can do as well, although sometimes I have my doubts.

Grandparents are fundamental to family life now that both parents are often in the workforce. I recently got stuck behind a school bus and noticed that boys and girls were getting picked up by smiling grandparents. I guess grandparents are an inexpensive resource in a competitive job market. I know from firsthand experience because my wife, Sandy, and I regularly watch our 3-year-old grandson Gabriel, although I confess it’s more work than play, and by the time we get home, I’m ready for a nap … and so is the dog.

Both my parents worked to support our family, and for a number of years I lived with my grandmother on the East Side of Bridgeport. She was an Italian immigrant who was widowed in her early 40s. She raised nine kids during the Great Depression with no safety net, and she raised them by herself. During the years I lived with her, she would take me across the street to St. Mary Church for daily Mass, which was celebrated in a mysterious language called Latin that I couldn’t understand.

Every afternoon at lunchtime, I would lie on the floor of her apartment in front of the stove with my coloring book and crayons, while she baked two sweet potatoes, one for her and one for me. Then, she sat nearby in her rocking chair, praying the rosary. Very often, she would doze off but miraculously wake up just in time to take the potatoes out of the oven.

Years later, I still remember that simple pleasure and those moments together. And years later, I still have a devotion to the rosary because of her. Even now, in anxious and frightening times, I’ll whisper to her, “Please pray for me,” because I’m convinced of the intercessory power of her prayers. Appropriately, her name was Angelina, which means “little angel.”

Back when our children were young, our oldest daughter would stay with my parents on the weekend because four kids could be a little overwhelming for us. My mother, who was the director of religious education in her parish, would take her to Mass and make sure she knew her prayers and catechism. And every May, she had our daughters participate in the crowning of the Blessed Mother.

I confess that I could be a better power of example for my grandchildren — Lennox, Mason and Gabriel — but they tend to bring out the last vestiges of the child in me, and sometimes, it’s all about toys, candy and fooling around.

Gabriel, 3, recently told me that broccoli was his favorite food, if you can believe that — and I couldn’t. He loves broccoli so much that at a dinner party, he stole some off his uncle’s plate when he wasn’t looking. That peculiar obsession ended, however, when I introduced him to Mike and Ike candy. He would have eaten the whole box if I didn’t stop him.

Then, I asked, “What do you like better, broccoli or Mike and Ike?” His response was instantaneous — “Mike and Ike!” Hey, that’s what grandfathers are for.

I’m really proud that his parents are teaching him to say his prayers, and whenever we go out to dinner, we let him lead us in grace, to the amusement of other people in the restaurant.

Of the many things grandparents can do — from helping with college tuition to buying First Communion dresses and babysitting — the most important is setting a strong example of faith. It’s something that grandchildren will always remember.

As we begin the New Year, St. Anne and St. Joachim, please pray for us grandparents and our families.

Joe Pisani is a columnist for Fairfield County Catholic and other publications throughout the state.

DANBURY—In selecting our first Businessperson of the Year, the Westfair Communications editorial team carefully weighed such factors as presence in and impact upon our region and beyond; potential for further growth; managerial savvy; and reputation.

While there were a number of worthwhile candidates, it is difficult to think of someone who has had a greater impact on the regional landscape over the past 12 months than Dr. John Murphy.

The longtime Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) president and CEO was instrumental in that group’s merger with Health Quest Systems. First announced in 2018 and finalized in April of this year, the merger created Nuvance Health, a $2.4 billion, seven-hospital juggernaut that will serve an area with 1.5 million residents across Connecticut and New York and be staffed by more than 12,300 employees.

Murphy, whose main office remains at Danbury Hospital, is Nuvance’s CEO. He also is a founding member and serves on the board of the Value Care Alliance (a group of independent Connecticut hospitals); is chairman of the executive committee of the Connecticut Hospital Association; and regularly advocates on behalf of the health care industry on the local, state and national levels.

On Dec. 12, he spoke with Fairfield County Bureau Chief Kevin Zimmerman to discuss his background, where Nuvance is today and where both it and health care in general are headed over the next few years.

Although it took a little over a year to be consummated after it was first announced, the merger that created Nuvance appeared to be relatively painless as these things go, at least from the outside.
“I’m delighted that that’s how it looked (laughs). When you’re dealing with hospitals and an organization that has a long history of being independent, there are a lot of factors involved on both sides. There are patient expectations, physicians’ expectations, financial pressures and the whole question of making health care affordable while maintaining a high quality of care. There are a number of assessments necessary to determine if there may be a better way than doing what you’ve been doing.

“Another thing to consider was the advantages and disadvantages involved, in determining whether this was the right thing to do for the communities we serve. It took a lot of time to do it carefully and thoughtfully. Ultimately, that’s how we got here.

“I remember in the early going, eight of our board members — four from WCHN and four from Health Quest — went to a restaurant for dinner and floated the idea (of the merger), laid out the reasons why it made sense. It was a two-, maybe three-hour dinner. And at the end of it all eight of us signed the menu — which I still have — and said, ‘Let’s do this.’ From there it was trying to put the pieces together.”

There were some unusual provisos involved in getting regulatory approval to create Nuvance. There is the cost growth cap, which links health care cost growth to the consumer price index as a means of slowing the rise of health care prices. And there is a requirement for Nuvance to expand its use of alternative payment models to provide incentives for physicians to lower costs and improve outcomes for the treatments they recommend. Were those provisos expected, or did they come at you out of the blue?
 “They were something of a surprise. But I talked with a number of administrative and legislative leaders and got the sense that they were coming at it from a responsibility perspective. They recognized that for the economy of the state of Connecticut, and on the New York side, this was going to create a major economic engine. We are the single largest employer in most of our communities.

“And, of course, the cost of health care is a concern for everyone, as you’ve seen in the (presidental) debates. There is a sense of ‘somebody’s got to tame the cost side of this.’

“We also have an independent monitor that was required by the state Office of Health Strategy, to report on how we’re honoring those commitments. I thought it was intrusive and overreaching — but on some level it’s just responsible governance. We want to try to be an actual part of the solution.”

How has life changed for you from running the three-hospital WCHN (Danbury, Norwalk and New Milford) to the seven-hospital Nuvance (which now also includes Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck; Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel; Sharon Hospital in Connecticut; and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie)?
“I’m the face of the organization and I’m responsible for its culture as well as carefully defining its values and standards. What do we want to look like in five years? How do we get there, and what values do we want to live by?

“As CEO, I need to make sense of the world outside. There are so many changing dynamics in our environment. The regulatory environment alone is so large — at any given time we have 42 different agencies telling us what to do. And there is a wave of new competitors trying to get into health care, from digital and retail competitors to large physicians’ groups and other hospitals. The nature of the competition is changing, to the point where in some cases we’re now cooperating with people that we have a history of only competing with.

“I’m out advocating on behalf of the health care sector to governments on the state and federal levels. Then I come back and say, ‘Here’s what’s happening. Now we need to create a strategy to succeed and compete in this environment.

“It’s a matter of balancing the short- and the long-term. I feel like I’m wearing a pair of bifocals. I need to look at what 2020 has in store and at what this will look like in five years.”

How is that manifesting itself?
 “It’s easy to say, ‘We’ve always done it like this,’ but we need to recognize that there are people and organizations out there who can do a better or more efficient job in some areas. We’re trying to expand our presence in the home-care space, since more and more people have a preference for being treated at home, and we’re partnering with more and more retail providers. People can get their flu shot at CVS instead of having to come to the hospital.”

How often do you travel to each of the seven hospitals? And how do you deal with 12,000 employees? I’m guessing you’re not walking down the hall and saying, “Hi, Sam!” all the time.
“I need to get out more. I struggle with how to get to all the places they expect me to be. I’m hoping to travel to each hospital at least every quarter.

“But as far as the staff is concerned, what’s most important is maintaining the terrific teams we already have and attracting new people as well. We said at the time the merger was announced that there wouldn’t be any significant reduction of staff and I see no reason for that to change.

“What is changing is some of the skill sets involved — a couple of years from now some employees may be doing things in addition to what they did when they started. We’re building a data analytics team, which means adding jobs.

“The other night we dedicated a new OR site at Danbury Hospital to provide a suite of robotic cardiac surgery services. The suite is designed specifically to allow procedures that we never thought we’d even be doing 10 years ago. And talented physicians see those kinds of improvements and want to work here because of the kinds of investments we’re making.”

So there are no widespread redundancies involved?
“Most of the savings are through the supply chain. When you’re buying for an organization of this size, you’re more likely to get a discount on purchased items we all use — IV solutions, pacemakers, joint implants. And you’re also more likely to get a discount on the insurance that you purchase.

“In other cases, do you really need two IT systems? We’re in the process of making that one. And if we feel that one neonatal ICU can serve several regions, you don’t need to spend 10 billion bucks on another one.”

Presumably you’re pleased about the new, seven-year settlement between Connecticut and the hospitals regarding the hospital tax and Medicare reimbursement rates?
“I’m delighted that we reached a solution after four years. It’s good for the state of Connecticut, it’s good for the hospitals and ultimately, it will mean better care for people of low to modest incomes who enrolled in Medicaid when it was expanded. It invests in the provision of services that patients expect and deserve.”

What kind of metrics do you look at when trying to map out Nuvance’s next five years?
“Quality, safety and patient satisfaction are the key drivers. If we can’t provide that, we shouldn’t be in the business.

“We will continue to work to find the safest, least expensive place to deliver care — what’s most convenient for the patient instead of the doctor.

“We need to keep an eye on finances. Making investments in the right services and technologies will help us attract and retain talent, which ultimately reduces the cost of care. We can’t get trapped in what we’re doing this year. I want this place to still be here 50 years from now.

“How engaged are our employees? It’s fine to make these great statements, but if you turn around and it looks like nobody’s on the bus, what are you doing? We want this to be an exciting place to work, where they get respect and a feeling of joy in their work.

“How engaged are our physicians? There are a lot of pressures out there, from learning new procedures and technologies to lawsuits — and they’re all palpable and legitimate. We want to be an incredible place where people are eager to come and practice their art and craft.

“I met with 15 docs the other night and we talked about how it’s still a privilege to be a physician.”

What led you to a career in health care in the first place?
“When I was in high school (in New Milford, New Jersey), my father was hoping that, as the sixth kid, I’d take on the mechanical engineering business he’d built. My brother was into Chinese anthropology, so my father figured, ‘That’s not the guy!’ (laughs). And my sisters were on their own paths. So, he was kind of banking on me.

“But I was taking an anatomy and physiology course in high school and I was reading books like “Arrowsmith” (By Sinclair Lewis) and “Dear and Glorious Physician” (By Taylor Caldwell) and I was really taken by the notion of what a physician could do and what a gift that is.”

And we should note that the “Dr.” in your title is hardly just an honorific — you still practice.
“Yes. I see underserved patients monthly at the local neurology clinic. Serving other people has always been something I find very satisfying.”

What do you do when you’re not being a CEO, or traveling to Hartford or D.C. on business?
“I love to exercise, at least five days a week. I love to swim and to read. And my wife and I recently became grandparents for the first time, so we spend a lot of time with family. There’s not time for much else.”

What are the challenges Nuvance Health faces?
“Integrating the organizations is still going to take a lot of time. Properly navigating that process while keeping an eye on our key priorities is important. Eight months in, we’ve accomplished a great deal. And we’re looking to add some network-wide client initiatives — heart, cancer, neuroscience programs.”

What about the health care business at large?
“We will be influenced by the presidential election, regardless of who wins. Health care makes up about 20% of the national economy, over $3.5 trillion. The Medicare growth rate is projected to be 6% per year through 2022, which is a large part of the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund.

“Spending on Medicaid is breaking states’ coffers.

“And there are certain efforts to essentially repeal every element of the Affordable Care Act with block grants. (According to remarks made by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, should the Trump administration succeed in gutting the ACA, “20 million people will lose their health insurance, insurers will once again be able to charge you more because you have a pre-existing condition, or your kid has cancer, or you’re a woman.” Block grants and per-capita caps would threaten health care access for the nearly 75 million low-income and disabled people enrolled in the Medicaid program, according to that program.)

“I don’t think Medicare for All will play well on Main Street — it’s not ‘salable.’ We need to come up with a solution where we can step in and tame the increases in the cost of health care services. I think Medicare for All is a bridge too far.”

Is there any more M&A activity on your horizon?
“(Laughs) I’m always looking and thinking about acquisitions, but we have so much value in front of us that we need to deal with. I think that will keep us busy for the next couple of years.”

Dr. John Murphy is a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown and a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.

By Kevin Zimmerman | Westfair Online