Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

GREENWICH — Sarita Hanley, a board member of the Catholic Relief Services foundation, saw the devastation in Haiti after an earthquake claimed 300,000 lives, and she has traveled to Iraq, Ethiopia, Egypt and Lebanon to witness global humanitarian efforts firsthand.

On Wednesday, she brought a message of hope to Fairfield County about what the Church is doing to help the poorest and most vulnerable people of the world, including children in war-torn Afghanistan.

“Thousands upon thousands of people I have seen have benefitted from CRS, which is involved in helping and aiding the poorest of the poor in 114 countries,” she said. “Their lives have changed, and I want to tell the world.”

Hanley of Stamford and Lennie de Csepel, a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena who has been a supporter of CRS for 40 years, hosted a presentation at Riverside Yacht Club, featuring Conor O’Loughlin, the organization’s representative in Afghanistan, where a community-based education program has helped more than 36,000 children since 2003. Some 6,000 are educated daily, more than half of them girls.

“For ordinary citizens in Afghanistan, there is hope,” O’Loughlin said. “Sometimes the perception is that of hopelessness, but there is another side to the story. What CRS is doing is preparing future generations for the future.”

When CRS arrived in the country, only 1 million out of 12 million children were receiving a primary education, from grades one to six. Today, in cooperation with government initiatives, 8 million are being educated. At first, the challenge was to get villagers to understand the importance of education for girls. Today, the challenge is meeting the demand.

“The main barrier to education is remoteness,” he said. “In many of the communities where we work in marginalized areas, parents won’t send their children, particularly their girls, 10 or 15 kilometers away to government schools because it’s not safe.”

CRS is working with the Ministry of Education to integrate its classes into the formal system. These efforts are concentrated in five provinces in the central highlands of the mountainous country, some 10,000 feet above sea level in villages of about 400 people, where there are no public services and little or no electricity, he said.

O’Loughlin told the story of a 10-year-old girl named Marzal, who was the first girl to receive an education in her community. She was also the first person in the village to read and write.

CRS supports 300 classrooms, which are set up in donated spaces. A person with the necessary credentials is trained and certified to teach. A school management committee is selected in each community to oversee enrollment and attendance and deal with problems.
All the school supplies, heating and teacher salaries are paid for by CRS, which is backed by private donations from America, and aid from the United States and Great Britain. He said 93 percent of all donations goes directly to the program.

The cost to fund a classroom of 20 students for one year is under $10,000 or an average of $500 per student.

O’Loughlin recently met three 16-year-old girls who had gone through the program and were applying to the university to study medicine and education.

“They said that without the CRS program, they never would have gotten a primary education and would be still living at home, married, unable to read or write, and never have had an opportunity in life,” he said.

Although Catholic Relief Services, which is based in Baltimore, is a Christian organization working in a Muslim country, there is community acceptance, O’Loughlin said, adding that assistance is provided to the needy, regardless of race, creed or nationality. Of his staff of 380, all but 10 are Afghans.

“They know they are working with a Christian organization,” he said. “They are some of the most dedicated and professional people I have ever worked with. They believe in what we are doing by living out the values of Catholic social teaching.”

He said, “Afghan families want the exact same thing as families in any other country. They want opportunities for their children. They want security, they want healthcare and they want future opportunities for their families.”

After the presentation, Father Michael Boccaccio, diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Office, which oversees CRS, talked about a trip he made last year to Ethiopia and the challenge of providing clean water to the population.

He emphasized the importance of the CRS mission and said, “There is no particular qualification for needing help. CRS does not care about your creed, your color or anything like that. Its mission is to help the most vulnerable and poor.”

Sarita and Greg Hanley, who have lived in Stamford 25 years, support many Catholic programs. Over the past two decades, she has worked with New Covenant Center, Malta House, the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, and the Order of Malta. She is also a founding member of Building One Community, an immigrant center serving the Stamford area, and she has been a board member of the CRS foundation for the past four years.

“In February, I will be going to El Salvador, where CRS is teaching farmers to revitalize their land and adapt to the region’s increasingly extreme and variable climate,” she said.
“This is one of various programs to keep them from leaving their country and becoming refugees.”

Catholic Relief Services is a global humanitarian agency begun in 1943 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which provides assistance to more than 130 million people in 114 countries.

Hanley says that she is filled with hope when she sees the work CRS is doing. “When you bring education to a country like Afghanistan that has so little, you are bringing stability,” she said. “And this is what the Gospel says we should be doing.”

(For further information, go to https://www.CRS.org.)

BRIDGEPORT—All Souls Day Mass will be celebrated in six cemeteries throughout the diocese on Saturday, November 2, 11 am, rain or shine. The Masses, which will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, are open to the public.

More than 1,000 people throughout the diocese attended the outdoor All Souls Day Masses held in six cemeteries last year.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the main celebrant at the All Souls Day Mass held at St. Mary Cemetery in Greenwich. It will be streamed live on the diocesan Facebook page.

November is the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and All Souls Day is a special day in particular during which we pray for those who have died.“When we lose someone, there is a hole we are not totally able to fill. Yet despite the loss, we believe that those who die in Christ are destined for an empty tomb. They will rise from the grave and receive what Christ has promised in His Resurrection,” said Bishop Caggiano at last year’s Mass.

The bishop thanked the pastors and priests who will be celebrating this year’s Mass and encouraged Catholics throughout the diocese to pray that all those who have died may rest in the peace of Christ.

Bishop Caggiano announced the first outdoor All Souls Mass two years ago in the hope that it would become an annual tradition across the diocese. Thousands throughout the diocese have found the Mass a moving and memorable way to pray for the faithful departed.

Traditionally, Catholics visit cemeteries on All Souls Day to remember the dead and pray for their souls. During the Mass, the celebrants will remember in a special way all deceased bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women and lay faithful.

The diocese has announced the following locations and celebrants: St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury: Fr. Peter Towsley; St. Mary Cemetery, Greenwich: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano; St. John-St. Mary Cemetery, Norwalk: Msgr. Walter C. Orlowski; Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull: Fr. Brian Gannon; St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford: Fr. Alexis Moronta; St. John Cemetery, Darien: Fr. Paul Murphy

The Masses will be celebrated rain or shine under large outdoor tents. Arrangements and logistics for the day are supported by Catholic Cemeteries and the Diocesan Real Estate Office.

The diocese sponsors nine cemeteries in Fairfield County. For information on Catholic Cemeteries, call 203.416.1494.

BRIDGEPORT— Foundations in Education is delighted to announce the appointment of Megan Quinn as assistant director of development.

“We are happy to have Megan join our team,” commented Executive Director Holly Doherty-Lemoine. “As a product of Catholic Education she has a deep understanding for our mission. Coupled with her vast fundraising experience, we anticipate great strides in outreach to our community and in advancing our cause to support student tuition assistance and innovation in the classroom.”

As assistant director of development for Foundations in Education, Megan is tasked with managing a comprehensive development program including annual giving, grants, events, donor cultivation and stewardship.

Megan is originally from Omaha, Neb., where she attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic Grade School and Marian High School. After receiving a bachelor of Journalism at the University of Missouri, she moved to New York City to begin her career in the non-profit sector. She has held development positions at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., The Library of America and The Actors Fund. Prior to joining Foundations, she worked for the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as development coordinator and most recently in the admissions office at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Conn.

Megan and her family are very active in their hometown of Fairfield and in their church, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.

“I am honored to join the Foundations in Education team and eager to bring my skills to support the teachers, families and especially children in Fairfield county,” remarked Megan. “As a product of a Catholic education and the daughter of Catholic school educators, I know how formative the experience can be in a child’s life.”

The mission of Foundations in Education is to strengthen and transform Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport by supporting innovation in academic and extra-curricular programs, fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders in innovation and leadership and providing scholarship assistance to families in need.

(For more information about Foundations in Education, please visit www.foundationsineducation.org)

STRATFORD—“I am the man I am today because of the McGivney Center,” said Shaquille Epps, a student at Housatonic Community College and McGivney Center alumnus.

Over a hundred and fifty supporters and friends of the McGivney Center gathered at Vazzano’s Four Seasons Restaurant in Stratford on Wednesday, October 30 for their third annual celebrity breakfast, featuring investigative and sports journalist Armen Keteyian.

Previous breakfasts have featured MLB greats David Cone and Carl Pavano.

“Thank you for investing in the youth of Bridgeport. Thank you for investing in me,” said Epps, who is currently studying mortuary sciences in his undergraduate studies, as well as interning at a New Haven funeral home.

The morning started with a short greeting from Robert O’Connor, board president, who welcomed everyone gathered, while also extending his best wishes to Sarah Motti, the director of development of the McGivney Center, as she begins her new job at the Shehan Center. O’Connor then turned the microphone over to Epps, who shared his experience growing up in Bridgeport and the opportunities afforded to him because of the McGivney Center.

Before Breakfast, Lorraine Gibbons, executive director, shared an update about the many ongoing initiatives of the McGivney Center, including a youth council, financial literacy training, their extensive facilities upgrades and their annual Christmas store.

As guests began digging into their bacon and eggs, featured speaker Armen Keteyian took the podium.

“I am a storyteller at heart,” he quickly proclaimed, captivating guests with fascinating stories about legendary golfer Tiger Woods, college football coach Nick Saban and Super Bowl Champion Head Coach, Bill Belichick.

“I’ve told stories lasting 15 seconds on an NFL sideline to 90 minutes for documentaries on Showtime,” shared Keteyian.

Keteyian also shared stories from his time at Sports Illustrated, “60 Minutes” and more recently, the sports website: The Atheltic.

Afterwards, he thanked all present for their service and dedication to the McGivney Center.

The McGivney Community Center has been fulfilling its mission to provide stimulating and enriching programs that foster academic success and self-esteem to the youth of Bridgeport for the past 27 years. The McGivney Center’s After School Program includes tutoring, gym, computers, arts & crafts, cooking, game room, Friday clubs and Teen Program.

The McGivney Center, located 338 Stillman Street on the grounds of St. Charles Parish, is an agency of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

(For information visit www.mcgivney.org or call: 203.333.2789.)

DANBURY—Immaculate High School presents the Immaculate’s Got Talent! Show on Wednesday, November 6 at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown at 7 pm.  The show features various singing, musical and entertainment acts designed for the whole family to enjoy.  

The talent show has been so successful that this year Immaculate moved it to a bigger venue at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. There will also be raffles and a bake sale. Immaculate’s Got Talent! is a fundraiser for the IHS Fine Arts Department.  Ticket prices are: premier/front 3 rows $20, students $10, adults $15. Order tickets by going to www.immaculatehs.org/igt.

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% 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.

NORWALK—For the last 11 years the Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 have assisted or sponsored various events for Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) in Norwalk, which has included the agency’s annual foster care picnic and sponsored outings to Bluefish games, a day of painting with teens and seniors, and the child & family development picnic. The council rolled up their sleeves and got their mops and cleaning supplies to help with the semi-annual deep cleaning of Family & Children’s Agency’s Community Connections Center in South Norwalk.

“We are so grateful to the Knights of Columbus for spending time over the weekend cleaning the Community Connections Center and donating hygiene products for our clients experiencing homelessness. As clients work to regain self-sufficiency, having the support of the community and a clean and welcoming environment is vital. The Knights are a dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers and we appreciate their partnership in our work,” said director of community connections.

The council performed a deep cleaning on all of the chairs and tables as well as the baseboards, computer area and all the windows inside and out. Knights also mopped up the main area of the center. The council started the semi-annual cleanings of the center last year and plans to do this every year going forward. “Our Knights council truly loves to put faith in action. Although we do fundraisers to donate funds to various organizations, our brothers love to be hands-on with our outreach,” said George Ribellino, past Grand Knight and council liaison with FCA.

In addition, the council collected supplies and toiletries for the clients at a recent council meeting. All of the items collected will help the center assist the clients in need during the winter months. “Our council wanted to do something in addition to the cleaning so I reached out to FCA and they mentioned it would help if they could have some of the necessities for the clients over the winter months,” Ribellino said. “The council was very happy to assist.”

Family & Children’s Agency’s Community Connections Center in South Norwalk provides a safe and supportive environment for adults experiencing homelessness. Men and women connected with the center can also receive one-on-one case management and services to develop the skills they need to re-establish themselves, become self-sufficient and transition into stable, independent housing. The agency’s dedicated staff of social workers and case managers work with the men and women in the program to help them gain access to medical and behavioral health services that they may need, as well as community resources to assist them while transitioning from homelessness to independent living. The center offers a variety of classes and skill-building activities such as computer skills, laundry, and daily breakfast. In addition to these activities, the Community Connections Center offers case management and referrals and linkage to community-based services.

We are blessed to partner with such a great organization in FCA. I am proud of my brothers for not only showing up bright and early on a Saturday morning but to also help bring much-needed supplies for them to use as well,” said Council 14360 Grand Knight Anthony Armentano.

Lastly, Council 14360 will be partnering with FCA for the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids distribution on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at their offices at the Ben Franklin Center in Norwalk. The council, along with other local Knights of Columbus councils, will be distributing around 150-175 brand new coats, scarves and knitted hats and toiletries to those in need. The Knights of Columbus launched the coats initiative (designed to keep kids warm in harsh winter climates) in 2009. With many families with young children struggling in tough economic times, there was a clear need to provide warm winter coats to children in their communities. And so, the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program was born. Since the program’s inception, the Knights of Columbus in the United States and Canada has given around 500,000 coats to children in need. Last year over 5,000 coats were distributed in various areas in Connecticut. Approximately 2,000 local Knights of Columbus councils have participated in their communities around the world.

The goals of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint 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 & 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.)

STRATFORD—St. Mark School in Stratford, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, recently “turned their blue ribbons pink” in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year marked the 10th year the school has hosted a cut-a-thon and invited a hair salon to help promote their cause.

Stylists from CKC Salon in Fairfield set up a mini-salon in the school gym. Three girls cut their hair and three boys shaved their heads to promote cancer awareness. Forty-five girls purchased pink hair extensions and the entire school community dressed in pink and rallied together in the fight against cancer.

This year, $1,557 was raised for the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport and over $21,000 was collected in the last ten years.

Lyn McCarthy, executive director of the SWIM Foundation, attended the cut-a-thon to show her gratitude to the school community. She remarked, “Each year I look forward to getting the invitation to the St. Mark Cut-A-Thon. It is so inspiring to witness children making a real difference against cancer!” Motivated by the students, McCarthy vowed to cut her hair at next year’s cut-a-thon.

St. Mark Principal Melissa Warner commented that October is an important time of the year for community service as the school also hosted a Halloween costume drive and a Zappos Soles4Souls shoe drive. Students collected 25 Halloween costumes for Sterling House Community Center in Stratford and 415 pairs of shoes to be distributed to the impoverished across the United States and to countries around the world.

Mrs. Warner commented, “I am so impressed by the active involvement and generosity of our school community. Our faculty, students, and families understand that the joyful ministry of service can be a measurable benefit to both the people who are being helped and the helpers.”

FAIRFIELD—The Catholic Church must address climate change as a moral and spiritual issue because it is already having an impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people around the globe, said Jose Aguto, associate director of the Catholic Climate Change Covenant in Washington, D.C., at Red Mass Breakfast held at Fairfield University.

Members of the Jesuit community of Fairfield University joined Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in celebrating the Red Mass honoring members of the legal profession in the Egan Chapel.

“We’re in a crisis of epic proportions,” Aguto said to 100 lawyers and others who gathered for the Annual Red Mass. “The Church must bring the same strength to the environmental issue that we have brought to pro-life and immigration,” he said. “Our moral power can turn the nation’s consciousness toward climate action.”

Aguto, who has worked on climate and energy issues with Native American communities on and Catholic environmentalists, said that Laudato Si, the 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis, received a “tepid reception” by many Catholics and is a seldom discussed topic by Church leaders.

However it is a message that has galvanized Catholic youth on college campuses and has the ability to bring young people who identify as “nones” back to the Church, Aguto said, adding that the Church is facing a “crisis of legitimization” with young people.

“The issue is a source of great vitality and spirituality. Catholic youth want to work for climate change in a faith-filled way,” he told the men and women who had gathered for breakfast in the “Dogwood” Room of the student center.

Aguto, who is father of four children and a parishioner of the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, Virginia, said that the two previous popes, St. John Paul II and His Holiness Pope Benedict, have spoken out about our responsibility for environmental stewardship.

“It was John Paul II who coined the term ‘ecological conversation,’” Aguto said. “And his holiness Pope Benedict has consistently taught our obligation to care for creation.”

Aguto said climate change is already having a devastating effect on farmers in India who face crop failure and starvation as a result of continual droughts.

He cited recent research that found that 67 percent of all American believe climate change is occurring and 53 percent understand it to be a man-made problem as a result of burning of fossil fuels.

Yet the climate debate in the U.S. has people locked into opposing sides and the country is about to withdraw from the Parish Climate Accord, he said.

“Pope Francis has defined climate change as ‘moral and spiritual crisis’ and he has a desire for us to be in dialogue in faith. We as Catholics should be able to talk about it. We must be humble and patient.”

Aguto said when Pope Francis met with oil and gas executives, he asked a question, “What kind of world do you want to leave to your children and grandchildren?”

“The challenge is moving the national and collective conscience toward climate action and the Church can be a leader,” he said.

During the breakfast Attorney John L. Altieri, Jr. of Fairfield was presented the 2019 St. Thomas More Award by Chief Legal Officer Anne McCrory for his distinguished legal career in which he used his litigation talents to protect human rights, freedom of speech and the environment, often on a pro-bono basis.

In particular Altieri was recognized for his work as former chairman of the board of Malta House in Norwalk, a residence for homeless, pregnant and parenting single mothers. Along with his late wife, Maudie, Mr. Altieri helped to guide and develop the Malta House program and to lead the effort to move Malta House to its new location in the former convent of All Saints School in Norwalk. He is member of St. Pius X in Fairfield.

“He is being honored for what he has done to give back. He is an example of what giving back is all about. His service has been a gift to the Church and it is a gift to know him,” said Anne McCrory, chief legal officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport who presented the award along with Malta House founder Michael O’Rourke.

“No one person made the women and children served by Malta House feel the love of God like John. He is thoughtful humble, loyal, kind and unselfish,” said O’Rourke.

In accepting the award Mr. Altieri said, “I have so much to be thankful for. Maudie and I never thought of what we were able to do it as a sacrifice. For us, there we so many blessings, so much joy.”

In his homily bishop said the challenge for both civil and Church law is to be fair and just, and ‘blind to privilege.”

“So much divides us into camps, status levels and the hierarchy between haves and have-not.” All we do must harken back to equality. We are all equal in the eye of God and we are all have-nots without him.”

The bishop thanked all those in attendance and reminded them of their sacred duty to work for justice.

“You come here as legal professionals and also as people of faith. Your vocation is important and also sacred because God is the supreme lawgiver,” the bishop said. “We pray for you.”

For most Catholic funerals, the Mass of Christian Burial is chosen. The normal place for its celebration is the parish church of the deceased. As with the planning of any Mass, many decisions must be made about options for aspects like music and readings or persons taking a part in one way or another. Several of these components would also be considered for a funeral outside of Mass. These decisions are usually made in consultation with parish staff.

Readings
The readings from Scripture “provide the family and the community with an opportunity to hear God speak to them in their needs, sorrows, fears and hopes” (Order of Christian Funerals, No. 22). There are four readings for a Catholic funeral. Parish staff usually supply family with copies of the readings from which they can make their decision. The first reading is typically one of seven options provided from the Old Testament. The exception to this is when the funeral takes place during the Easter season, in which case a first reading is chosen from one of five options found in either Acts of the Apostles or Revelation. The responsorial psalm may be recited, but is most typically sung. There are 17 options for the psalms that may be chosen. Typically there are several different musical settings for each, so that can be discussed with the parish staff. The second reading most typically comes from one of St. Paul’s letters, although there are two of the 17 New Testament options that come from the first letter of St. John. There are 24 options to choose from for Gospel readings, most of which are from the Gospel of St. John. In addition to all of the options of readings above, which are aimed at funerals for adults, there are two other sets of readings for funerals of children, either before or after baptism.

Prayers
The orations of the presiding minister address God on behalf of the entire Church in their prayer for the deceased. In addition to general orations (either inside or outside the Easter season), there are a variety of options that may be suited to more specific circumstances — such as for a young person, for one who suffered a long illness, or one who died suddenly, etc. There are five options for the preface of the Eucharistic prayer. And Eucharistic prayers 2 Resources for the Order of Christian Funerals | Diocese of Bridgeport 1-4 have special inserts for a Mass on the day of burial. The special insert for Eucharistic Prayer 3 is particularly poignant.

Music
The music chosen for a Christian funeral “should express the paschal mystery of the Lord’s suffering, death and triumph over death and should be related to the readings from Scripture” (OCF, No. 30). As a resource to those planning funerals, many parishes will often have a list of hymns appropriate for use at a funeral from which to select. “The music at funerals should support, console and uplift the participants” (OCF, No. 31).While it might differ based on parish custom, there are normally three hymns chosen for use at the entrance, preparation of the gifts and at the reception of Communion. There is also what’s called the song of farewell, sung at the end of the funeral Mass during the final commendation. This is also something to discuss with the parish staff if you are interested in options. Both the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals suggest the importance to incorporate an element of silence at the Mass, and this is no different for funerals. Moments of silence “permit the assembly to reflect upon the word of God and the meaning of the celebration” (OCF, No. 4).

Liturgical ministers
It is natural to want to include at the funeral various family and friends of the deceased. Because many of these roles are liturgical, great care must be taken to ensure that these ministers all well-trained and suitable. You may wish to choose readers for the first and second readings, to present the gifts at the offertory or to serve the Mass. Perhaps those with musical talents might be able to utilize them in consultation with the parish staff. In addition to liturgical ministers, there might be the need for pall bearers (usually six) or representatives of the family or close friends to place the pall and Christian symbols on the casket or near the cremains.

By Michael R. Heinlein
Source – Our Sunday Visitor News © 2018

As we mark the promulgation of revised funeral norms for the Diocese of Bridgeport, we will be publishing these helpful resources curated by the Leadership Institute weekly.

BRIDGEPORT— “Discipleship is a journey of the heart,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said at the St. Augustine Medal of Service prayer service and awards ceremony.

Hundreds filled the Cathedral on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for the service in which the Bishop conferred medals on 156 men and women throughout the diocese. People came forward individually and as couples to be recognized for their service—often over a lifetime—to parishes, schools and diocesan ministries.

See the medal recipients here →

Recipients were accompanied by their pastors as they received their medals, which bear the likeness of St. Augustine on one side and the Seal of the Diocese of Bridgeport on the other.

The conferral of medals became an inter-generational celebration as nearly 100 members of the Diocesan Youth Choir under the direction of Mary Higgins, sang hymns of praise during the prayer service.

Speaking directly to the awardees, the bishop said that in an increasingly “divided, cold, and hard world when many are tempted to close their hearts to others, the medal represents your choice to serve, to be a conduit of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to others.”

The bishop said that all hearts get broken over a lifetime as a result of suffering, pain or loss, but “surrendering your heart to the Lord Jesus is the path to eternal life.”

“Thank you for your service, courage, generosity, and witness,” the bishop said in his homily. “I’m sure like all of us you have been tempted to be hard of heart, but you continued to work in service. You sacrificed and did not look for something in return. You learned that only the Sacred Heart of Jesus can bring us joy and peace.”

After the prayer service that included song and the reading of Psalms, the bishop blessed the medals before presenting them to recipients.

“Confer within these men and women the gifts of Your Spirit, that they may continue to service Your Church in strength of will and sincerity of heart. Bring us all one day into the peace of Your kingdom,” he prayed.

Al Barber, Chief Executive Office of Catholic Charities, read the names of the medal recipients who came forward to receive the medal and be photographed with the Bishop. Patricia Hansen of the Director of Development Operations, and Patricia Zaccone, Director of School Finance, delivered the readings.

After the ceremony recipients celebrated with family and friends at a reception held in the Kolbe Cathedral High School gymnasium, where they proudly displayed their medals for well-wishers.

The Bishop also thanked Elizabeth Auda, Executive Assistant to the Vicar General and the Episcopal Delegator for Administration of the Diocese, for her efforts in planning and coordinating the prayer service.

The St. Augustine Medal of Service was instituted in 2005 to recognize the “unsung heroes” who unselfishly give of their time and talents to build up parish communities. On one side of the medal is an image of St. Augustine of Hippo, patron saint of the diocese. The reverse features the coat of arms of the diocese.

(For further information contact Elizabeth Auda 203.416.1636, email: eauda@diobpt.org.)

Photos by Amy Mortensen

Saint Mary Parish, Bethel: Mr. Robert & Mrs. Debra Nelson
Nominated by Reverend Corey V. Piccinino, Pastor

St. Mary School, Bethel: Mrs. Eleanor McClellan
Nominated by Mrs. Kate McDonald, Principal

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport: Ms. Isidra Gonzalez
Nominated by Reverend Joseph J. Karcsinski, Parochial Administrator

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. George Alberto
Nominated by Mr. Albert Barber, President

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Tony Giobbi
Nominated by Mr. Albert Barber, President

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Jose Rivera
Nominated by Mr. Albert Barber, President

Development Department at the Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Elena Schlegel
Nominated by Deacon Patrick Toole, Secretary of the Curia and Episcopal Delegate for Administration

Kolbe Cathedral High School, Bridgeport: Mr. Joshua & Mrs. Allana Zepeda
Nominated by Mrs. Camille Figluizzi, Principal

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Bridgeport: Mrs. Alzira Alves
Nominated by Reverend Rogerio Perri, Parochial Administrator

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. James Moss
Nominated by Deacon John DiTaranto, Pastoral Administrator

Saint Andrew Parish, Bridgeport: Ms. Denise Lauoie
Nominated by Reverend Eugene Szantyr, Pastor

Saint Ann Parish, Bridgeport: Ms. Linda Teja
Nominated by Reverend Elio Albano Sosa, Pastor

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Marius Paul
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Christopher J. Walsh, Pastor

Saint George Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Juan Carlos Cuevas
Nominated by Reverend Pedro A. Sosa, IVE, Parochial Administrator

Saint Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport: Mr. Art Falco
Nominated by Reverend Giandomenico, Rector, and Deacon Donald Foust, Administrator

Saint Mary Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Julio & Mrs. Maria Pineda
Nominated by Reverend Rolando Torres, Pastor

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Ludwik Mudry
Nominated by Reverend Norbert Siwinski, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor

Saint Peter Parish, Bridgeport: Ms. Daisy Flores
Nominated by Reverend Jhon J. Gomez, Pastor

St. Ann Academy, Bridgeport: Mrs. Yves-Marie Morisset
Nominated by Mrs. Angela Pohlen, Head of School, and Mrs. Patricia Griffin, Principal

St. Augustine Academy, Bridgeport: Ms. Kamara Moodie
Nominated by Mrs. Angela Pohlen, Head of School, and Cheryl Tokarski, Principal

The Cathedral Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Cuong & Mrs. Trac Nguyen
Nominated by Reverend Michael Novajosky, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Brookfield: Ms. Barbara Anderson
Nominated by Reverend George F. O’Neill, Pastor

St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Brookfield: Mr. Pat & Mrs. Jen Conlon
Nominated by Mrs. Mary Maloney, Head of School, and Mrs. Pamela Fallon, Director of Education

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield: Mr. Scott & Mrs. Darleen Senete
Nominated by Reverend Shawn W. Cutler, Pastor

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Danbury: Mr. Joao & Mrs. Isaura Verissimo
Nominated by Reverend Jose Brito-Martins, Parochial Administrator

Immaculate High School, Danbury: Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Nancy Sedensky
Nominated by Mrs. Mary Maloney, President, and Mrs. Wendy Neil, Principal

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury: Mrs. Angela Osorio
Nominated by Reverend John Jairo Perez, Pastor

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury: Mr. Emil & Mrs. Karen Cerno
Nominated by Reverend Peter J. Towsley, Pastor

Saint Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury: Mr. Mark & Mrs. Theresa Grube
Nominated by Reverend Michael L. Dunn, Pastor

St. Gregory the Great School, Danbury: Mr. John & Mrs. Julie Poklemba
Nominated by Mrs. Suzanne Curra, Principal

Saint Joseph Parish, Danbury: Mr. Mark Azzara
Nominated by Reverend Samuel V. Scott, Pastor

St. Joseph School, Danbury: Mr. Peter & Mrs. Kale Gibowicz
Nominated by Mr. Louis Howe, Jr., Principal

Saint Peter Parish, Danbury: Mr. John Gogliettino
Nominated by Reverend Gregg Mecca, Pastor

St. Peter School, Danbury: Mrs. Velva Posca
Nominated by Mrs. MaryLou Torre, Principal

Saint John Parish, Darien: Mr. Tom & Mrs. Janet Griffin
Nominated by Reverend Francis T. Hoffmann, Pastor

Saint Thomas More Parish, Darien: Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Patricia Sandor
Nominated by Reverend Paul G. Murphy, Pastor

Notre Dame of Easton, Easton: Mr. Charles & Mrs. Mary Welch
Nominated by Reverend Michael P. Lyons, Pastor

Holy Family Parish, Fairfield: Mr. James Fitzpatrick
Nominated by Reverend Norman J. Guilbert, Pastor

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield: Ms. Kathleen Raiselis
Nominated by Reverend Peter A. Cipriani, Pastor

Assumption Catholic School, Fairfield: Mrs. Cynthia Doak
Nominated by Mr. Steve Santoli, Principal

Saint Anthony of Padua, Fairfield: Mr. Fredric & Mrs. Monica Wheeler
Nominated by Dr. Eleanor Sauers, Parish Life Coordinator

Notre Dame High School, Fairfield: Mr. William & Mrs. Melanie Trutt
Nominated by Mr. Christopher Cipriano, Principal

Saint Emery Parish, Fairfield: Mr. Robert Adriani & Mrs. Colleen Kearney
Nominated by Reverend Milan Dimic, Pastor

Saint Pius X Parish, Fairfield: Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Lynn Dolan
Nominated by Reverend Samuel S. Kachuba, Pastor

Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield: Mr. Jeff & Mrs. MaryJo Dunne
Nominated by Reverend Victor T. Martin, Pastor

St. Thomas Aquinas School, Fairfield: Mr. Fiore & Mrs. Carmela LoStumbo
Nominated by Dr. Patrick Higgins, Principal

St. Catherine Academy, Fairfield: Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Carrie Sindelar, Jr.
Nominated by Mrs. Helen Burland, Executive Director, and Mr. Eric Spencer, Director of Education

Sacred Heart Parish, Georgetown: Mrs. Ewa Ojarovska
Nominated by Reverend David C. Leopold, Pastor

Greenwich Catholic School, Greenwich: Mr. Mario & Mrs. Maria Elena Gaztambide
Nominated by Mrs. Patrice Kopas, Principal

Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich: Mr. Luis & Mrs. Isabel Santana
Nominated by Reverend Bose Raja Selvaraj, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Greenwich: Mrs. Ana Gregori
Nominated by Reverend Cyprian La Pastina, Pastor

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich: Mr. Peter & Mrs. Barbara Ripp
Nominated by Reverend Ian Jeremiah, Pastor

Saint Paul Parish, Greenwich: Ms. Catherine Lesta
Nominated by Reverend Leszek P. Szymaszek, Pastor

Saint Jude Parish, Monroe: Mr. Raymond & Mrs. Regina Schwartz on behalf of the Finance Council
Nominated by Reverend Henry J. Hoffman, Pastor

Saint Aloysius Parish, New Canaan: Mr. Michael Musilli
Nominated by Reverend Robert M. Kinnally, Pastor

St. Aloysius School, New Canaan: Mrs. Adriana Heger
Nominated by Dr. John Alfone, Principal

Saint Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield: Mr. Don Mallozzi
Nominated by Reverend Nicholas A. Cirillo, Pastor

Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown: Mr. Anthony Rowan
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, Pastor

St. Rose of Lima School, Newtown: Mrs. Lisa Ghosh
Nominated by Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka, Principal

All Saints School, Norwalk: Mr. Bruce Gall
Nominated by Mrs. Linda Dunn, Principal

Saint Jerome Parish, Norwalk: Mrs. Judith Donnehy
Nominated by Reverend Rojin Karickal Mammachan, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Norwalk: Mr. Efrain Vargas
Nominated by Reverend Peter F. Lenox, Pastor

Saint Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk: Mr. Paul & Mrs. Debbie Soos
Nominated by Reverend Juan Gabriel Acosta, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Norwalk: Ms. Carolina Demenezes
Nominated by Reverend F. John Ringley, Jr., Pastor

Saint Matthew Parish, Norwalk: Mr. Carl & Mrs. Christine Lecher
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Walter C. Orlowski, Pastor

Saint Philip Parish, Norwalk: Mrs. Constance Keavney
Nominated by Reverend Sudhir Dsouza, Pastor

Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk: Mrs. Anne Marie Walsh
Nominated by Reverend Miroslaw Stachurski, Pastor

Saint Patrick Parish, Redding Ridge: Mr. Joseph Bonomo & Mrs. Janet Storace
Nominated by Reverend Joseph Cervero, Pastor

Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ridgefield: Mr. Victor & Mrs. Jody Lampasso
Nominated by Reverend Joseph Prince, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Ridgefield: Mr. Bernard & Mrs. Janie Nneji
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Kevin Royal, Pastor

St. Mary School, Ridgefield: Mr. Dayan & Mrs. Sherry Anandappa
Nominated by Mrs. Anna O’Rourke, Principal

St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes Parish, Riverside: Mr. Edward & Mrs. Patricia McCulloch
Nominated by Reverend William F. Platt, Pastor

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy School, Shelton: Mr. Fred Santore
Nominated by Mrs. Lisa Lanni, Principal

Saint Joseph Parish, Shelton: Mr. Paul Gaetano
Nominated by Reverend Michael Dogali, Pastor

Saint Lawrence Parish, Shelton: Ms. Gail Donnelly
Nominated by Reverend Michael K. Jones, Pastor

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, Shelton: Mr. Tom & Mrs. Debbie Jensen
Nominated by Reverend Ciprian Bejan, Pastor

Cardinal Kung Academy, Stamford: Mr. Leon & Mrs. Nancy Grimm
Nominated by Mrs. Barbara Logsdail, Principal

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford: Mr. Piotr Brakoniecki
Nominated by Reverend Pawel M. Hrebenko, Pastor

Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Kathryn King
Nominated by Reverend Luke Suarez, Parochial Administrator

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Margaret Broderick
Nominated by Reverend Piotr K. Smolik, Pastor

Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford: Mr. Leonard D’Andrea
Nominated by Reverend Alfonso Picone, Pastor

Saint Benedict-Our Lady of Montserrat Parish, Stamford: Ms. Rosaura Gomez
Nominated by Reverend Gustavo A. Falla, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Stamford: Ms. Patricia Umile
Nominated by Reverend Gustavo A. Falla, Pastor

Saint Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford: Mr. Hans & Mrs. Marylou Bosse
Nominated by Reverend Edward McAuley Jr., Pastor

Saint Cecilia-Saint Gabriel Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Victoria Alton
Nominated by Reverend John Connaughton, Pastor

Saint Clement of Rome Parish, Stamford: Mr. Doug Melillo
Nominated by Reverend Carlos Rodrigues, Pastor

Saint Leo Parish, Stamford: Mr. John J. Kennedy
Nominated by Reverend James D. Grosso, Pastor

Saint Maurice Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Donna Hughes
Nominated by Reverend Alfred A. Riendeau, Pastor

The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Sue & 
Ms. Diane Kremheller
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni, Pastor

The Catholic Academy of Stamford, Stamford: Mrs. Keri LaRa
Nominated by Ms. Patricia Brady, Head of School, and Ms. Christine Wagner, Principal

Trinity Catholic High School, Stamford: Mrs. Sue Oates
Nominated by Ms. Patricia Brady, Head of School, and Mr. Scott Smith, Principal

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford: Mrs. Maria Mucciacciaro
Nominated by Reverend Albert G. Pinciaro, Pastor

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford: Mr. David & Mrs. Elizabeth Christiansen
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Martin P. Ryan, Pastor

Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford: Ms. Barbara Moroson
Nominated by Reverend Nicholas S. Pavia, Pastor

Saint James Parish, Stratford: Ms. Noranne Donovan
Nominated by Reverend Arthur Mollenhauer, Pastor

St. James School, Stratford: Mr. Mark & Mrs. Toni Piazza
Nominated by Mr. Jack E. Lynch, Principal

Saint Mark Parish, Stratford: Mrs. Christine Pfeiffer
Nominated by Reverend Birendra Soreng, Pastor

St. Marks School, Stratford: Mr. Ryan & Mrs. Jennifer Tayman
Nominated by Mrs. Melissa Warner, Principal

Christ the King Parish, Trumbull: Mr. Ronald & Mrs. Karen Laracea
Nominated by Reverend Terrence P. Walsh, Pastor

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull: Mr. Salvatore Spadaccino
Nominated by Reverend Joseph A. Marcello, Pastor

St. Catherine of Siena School, Trumbull: Mrs. Tracy Ferreira
Nominated by Mrs. Rachel Ambrosio, Principal

Saint Stephen Parish, Trumbull: Mr. Gerard Agoglia
Nominated by Reverend Christopher J. Samele, Pastor

Saint Theresa Parish, Trumbull: Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Sheelah Brown
Nominated by Reverend Brian P. Gannon, Pastor

St. Theresa School, Trumbull: Mrs. Susan Turotsy
Nominated by Mr. Salvatore M. Vittoria, Principal

St. Joseph High School, Trumbull: Mr. Richard & Mrs. Cynthia Andrzejewski
Nominated by Dr. William F. Fitzgerald, President

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston: Mr. Michael & Mrs. Christine Purdy
Nominated by Reverend Jeffrey W. Couture, Pastor

Church of the Assumption Parish, Westport: Mrs. Gloria Licari
Nominated by Reverend Cyrus M. Bartolome, Pastor

Saint Luke Parish, Westport: Ms. Alice Davidson
Nominated by Reverend Monsignor Andrew G. Varga, Pastor

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton: Mrs. Nicole Wampler
Nominated by Reverend Reginald Norman, Pastor

Our Lady of Fatima School, Wilton: Mr. Gerry & Mrs. Clara Taveras
Nominated by Mr. Stanley Steele, Principal

STRATFORD — The President of Catholic University told more than 400 people at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary gala that in the fight over religious liberty, the goal of Catholics should not simply be to win court battles but to evangelize their opponents.

“We cannot practice or proclaim the faith in a crouched position,” John H. Garvey said. “In our battles about religious liberty, we should aim not simply to defeat our antagonists in the courts or to carve out government concessions that leave us alone. Our goal is to make them disciples.”

Garvey, an ardent defender of Catholic principles in higher education and in public life, said he was not suggesting that fights in the political sphere should be abandoned.

“But when the society we live in increasingly finds our religion abhorrent, we are less likely to win in court, and we are farther than ever from converting our antagonists, so our aim should not be our freedom, but their conversion,” he said.

Garvey and Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who served as Permanent Observer to the United Nations, were honored by the Stamford seminary.

Father Marco Pacciana, the rector, praised them as men of strong faith known for upholding Catholic values in a secular world.

“Archbishop Auza upholds the values of the Catholic faith, and his work at the United Nations is very important when you consider everything that is going on in the world,” Father Pacciana said. “And President Garvey is a man who gives witness to the Catholic truth in the world of higher education.”

During the event, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano announced that an anonymous donor had given $100,000 for the seminary. He praised the seminarians and Father Pacciana for his “great leadership.”

“These seminarians are growing in faith, and they are growing into young men of diligence and zeal because they are following your example and good guidance, so continue to do your great work,” he said.

Archbishop Auza, who on October 1 was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, said that in this new role he will be 17 minutes away from where the Neocatechumenal Way began in 1964 on the outskirts of Madrid among the poor.

A native of the Philippines, he was ordained in 1985 and has been a member of the Holy See’s diplomatic corps since 1990, serving as nuncio to Haiti, in the nunciatures in Madagascar, Bulgaria, and Albania, and in the diplomatic section of the Secretariat of State in the Vatican.

“The [Neocatechumenal] Way is not a stranger to me,” Archbishop Auza said. “I have known it for many years and have been a guest at so many of your seminaries.”

Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) seminaries are under the auspices of the Neocatechumenal Way, a 55-year-old charism in the Church dedicated to Christian formation and the New Evangelization.

Archbishop Auza also pointed out that in the 441-mile corridor from Washington D.C. to Boston, there are six Redemptoris Mater seminaries and said that the United States and Spain have the most with nine each.

He stressed the importance of the missionary role of the seminaries and the Neocatechumenal Way and said, “This mission has become more urgent in our times, and that is why it is very important that we wake up to this call and respond as effectively as we can. It doesn’t mean a new message. It means a new method, expressing our faith with a renewed enthusiasm and joy for the Gospel.”

He added, “In you, we see the missionary zeal that characterized the Apostolic Church. In our time, many would say that the Church has lost its ardor and zeal for proclamation, that its life has been diminished….May your ardor and freshness spread like wildfire and burn us all in Spirit and embolden us just as it did the Apostles at Pentecost.”

Redemptoris Mater international seminaries were inspired by St. Pope John Paul II’s call for a “New Evangelization.” The first seminary opened in 1987 in the Diocese of Rome, and today there are 127 on five continents and in cities such as Denver, Manila, Philippines, Brasilia, Brazil, and Medellin, Colombia. The first one to open in the United States was in Newark in 1990.

Since they began, more than 2000 men have been ordained to the priesthood, and some 1,500 seminarians are in formation worldwide. Even though they have an international character, they function as diocesan seminaries with the same theological formation, except that the young men are also sent out to do mission work for two years.

Four years ago, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano opened the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Stamford to prepare prepare priests for missionary work anywhere in the world — from China to the streets of Bridgeport.

Father Marco said 11 seminarians from seven countries are being formed for the Bridgeport Diocese and that four new men will be coming for the Archdiocese of Hartford.

In his comments, President Garvey cited a speech by U.S. Attorney General William Barr at the University of Notre Dame earlier this month, which was widely criticized in the secular media. Barr said that “moral values must rest on an authority independent of men’s will. They must flow from a transcendent Supreme Being.” He criticized society’s turn toward what he called “macro-morality.”

“The new secular religion teaches a macro-morality gauged not so much by private conduct but rather whether you are committed to political causes and corrective actions,” Garvey said.

“The reaction to growing illegitimacy is not sexual responsibility but abortion,” he said. “The reaction to drug addiction is not temperance but safe injection sites. The solution to the breakdown of the family is that the state set itself up as an ersatz husband for the single mother and an ersatz father for children.”

Among the critics of Barr, one columnist called the speech a tacit endorsement of theocracy and another said it was the language of witch hunts and pogroms and “sounded remarkably like America’s most unhinged religious zealots.”

“That I think is an overreaction,” Garvey said. “The attorney general was merely suggesting that we practice chastity, temperance and fidelity, and I think that would be a good idea. It is not an endorsement of theocracy.”

Garvey, who became the 15th president of the Catholic University of America in 2010, is a nationally acclaimed expert in constitutional law, religious liberty, and the First Amendment. He has authored and co-authored numerous books, including What Are Freedoms For?; Religion and the Constitution; and Sexuality and the U.S. Catholic Church.

As president, he has emphasized that a Catholic approach to scholarship enriches every school and discipline. He is a prominent voice in the media on issues such as higher education, culture, law, Catholicism and religious liberty.

About the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of Bridgeport

The Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Stamford opened in December 2015 under the direction of Father Alfonso Picone, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. It was the ninth in the United States. Today there are 11 men there from seven different nations. They are under the direction of Father Marco Pacciana, the rector, and Father Giandomenico Flora, the spiritual director and also rector of St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport.

BRIDGEPORT—Today marked Foundations in Education’s third annual Leaders of Tomorrow Breakfast Reception at the Catholic Center. A record high of 53 students were honored this year.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano thanked all in attendance for being there, saying, “We come here to celebrate the great gift of Catholic education, which brings us all together.”

“You are here because God wants you to use everything you have been given to change the world,” the bishop said to the students.

He thanked them and encouraged them “never to take for granted the gift God has given you in the education you are receiving.”

“Your future is bright and there are many doors that will be opened to you. And when I and the rest of us here grow old and we pass on the leadership of our country and our Church to you, it will be in the best of hands,” said the bishop.

The bishop commended Foundations in Education on its great work, thanked and applauded the board and its members, and expressed sincere gratitude to the generous donors.

“As a sponsor and a donor, you are investing in the goals and dreams of these students to be the best possible version of themselves through Catholic education,” said Patricia Zaccone, director of school finance and Leaders of Tomorrow sponsor, speaking of the importance of Catholic education.

This year’s Leaders of Tomorrow student, Liz Arantes, who is in the fourth grade at St. Andrew Academy in Bridgeport was able to share her experience in Catholic schools.

“I think learning about the Catholic faith helps us to be kinder, more respectful toward each other and our teachers and helps build our school community,” Arantes said, thanking all the Foundations in Education and the generosity of its donors. “My wish is for your kindness to spread so others might be inspired to be kind too, and that this opportunity can be available to more children like me.”

Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) represent students from diocesan elementary schools who were identified by their principals as students of strong academics, good character and leadership potential.

Sponsors of Leaders of Tomorrow help subsidize the cost of a Catholic elementary school tuition, providing a life-enhancing gift that helps transform the lives of our students.

This year’s Leaders of Tomorrow:

About Foundations in Education

Foundations in Education is a non-profit initiative created to assist the Diocese of Bridgeport’s ongoing mission to support Catholic education in Fairfield County. The primary purpose of Foundations is to raise money to support Catholic education through student scholarships, innovation and leadership grants for the professional development of elementary school teachers, and other education-based initiatives. Our goal is to provide students with the necessary resources and support to enable their success, growth and character development in elementary schools, thereby providing the foundations for their success in high school, higher education and life. Through its work, Foundations will help Catholic schools in Fairfield County remain at the cutting edge of academics, to excel in leadership development, provide financial aid to needy families and create a best-in-class school system within our diocese. Ultimately, we aim to transform lives through a strong educational foundation.

The Leadership Institute creates a poster for Advent, Lent, and Summer. Our 2019 Advent Poster is almost ready! It includes 25 ways to use the season of Advent, with all its waiting and hoping, to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. A great resource for families and parishes, it will be available in English and Spanish beginning November 1, 2019.

All requests for physical printed copies must be made by November 1st. After that, only the digital download will be available.

The digital download will be emailed in English and Spanish to everyone who requests it on November 1st.

Request copies here – as many as you like – and share with those you love and those you are called to serve.