Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT—Summertime is upon us, and while this season brings opportunities for rest, relaxation and recreation, there are also many programs that allow people in the diocese to experience spiritual growth. Vacation Bible Camps provide this and so much more for school-aged children, as well as teen and adult volunteers.
St. Theresa Church in Trumbull has recently wrapped up their fourth Vacation Bible Camp to date, for children in preschool through Grade 5. Rose Talbot-Babey, the camp’s coordinator, has been directing the camp since she came to the diocese.
Open to regional Catholic and non-Catholics, over 100 campers and 70 teen volunteers gathered at St. Theresa’s the week of June 24-28 for the camp, which was led by three Dominican sisters from Mary, Mother of the Eucharist of Ann Arbor, Mich. Each summer, on their way back to their Motherhouse, the sisters who are in formation engage in mission work, including helping at Vacation Bible Camps.
This year’s theme at St. Theresa’s was “Meeting Jesus in the Mass,” and two of the sisters assisted with the teaching portion of the camp, while another, who is also a professional musician, provided liturgical music for the Mass held on the last day of camp.
St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown also held a Vacation Bible Camp this summer. The theme of this year’s camp was “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus,” where the focus was on “the saving power of Jesus’ love,” says camp co-coordinator Laura Brennan. Campers had the opportunity to sing, dance, play outdoors and have time for a snack, while learning about God through all of it. “We refer to it as the happiest week of the year at St. Rose,” says Brennan.
Kathleen Rooney, director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilton, directed this year’s Vacation Bible Camp. The parish has hosted a Bible Camp since the early 1990s and enrollment usually averages around 40-60 children. Each day consisted of a rotation of half-hour sessions, including music, crafts, Bible stories and outdoor recreation.
On the final day, a closing ceremony was held, during which children read Scripture passages that related to the camp’s theme, “Jesus is Our Friend,” and sang songs that they learned throughout the week.
Donna Lane has been helping out with the Vacation Bible Camp at her parish, St. Jude in Monroe, since she arrived in 2001. Each year, they have about 100 campers, as well as a combination of adult and teen volunteers. Most of the teens have already gone through the program themselves and then return as volunteers.
The Bible lessons are told through the stories of different animals, as part of this year’s theme: “Into the Wild.” The last day of camp includes a closing program, which Lane says is one of the highlights. The campers perform songs they have learned for their parents and grandparents, and they enjoy the interactive hand movements.
At St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, children in Vacation Bible Camp learned about the Holy Trinity through the teaching of St. Patrick. One of the camp co-directors, Kiana O’Reilly, hoped that the children would come to “understand the Trinity like a family” and “keep thinking about God every day.” In addition to daily activities, such as music, crafts and Bible lessons, campers were treated to special programs, such as “water day” and shows put on by the parish’s Youth Group Bible Troupe.
Coming from the perspective of a parent, Kiana notes that “we’re all trying to do the best we can in raising them. When it becomes difficult, we can reach out to the Church.” Vacation Bible Camp is one of the ways parents can do that.
Children between ages 3 and 9 attended Vacation Bible School at St. Mary Parish in Bethel from July 8-12. “Led by adult staff and volunteer counselors, VBS offered fun and learning for the whole week,” says Maggie Kent of St. Mary’s Religious Education. Kent says “we look forward to keeping children engaged in the community, having fun and learning about Bible stories that affect their lives and how they can live those out every day!”
Every year, the town of Brookfield hosts an Ecumenical Vacation Bible Camp, a tradition that has been going on for about 50 years. St. Joseph Parish in Brookfield is one of three host parishes, along with two Protestant churches in Brookfield.
The camp is run by parents, college students and high school students, and “has the support of all church leaders,” says Margaret Petta, one of the coordinators.
Through engaging in Bible stories, creating a craft project, playing games outside, working on a science project or enjoying snacks donated from parishioners of the different host parishes, the campers learn about and encounter God as a Christian community, Petta said.
Karen Soares-Robinson is the director of Religious Education and director of the 5-Week Summer Camp at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport. She has led the program for the last four years and notes, “I’m the director and I get excited about it!” The primary goal, she says, is for the kids to have fun and there are plenty of opportunities for them to do so.
On Fridays, they take field trips to various fun spots, such as Lake Compounce, Urban Air or a group hike with pastor, Father Joseph “Skip” Karcsinski. Toward the end of camp, they have opportunities to tie-dye t-shirts, build camaraderie through a field day and even participate in a baking competition (Top-Chef-style, with judges). Even with all of these activities, each day of the camp begins with time for the children to read books and receive spiritual formation.
St. Mark Parish in Stratford hosted their Vacation Bible Camp this year with the theme “Roar,” focusing on how “life is wild but God is good.” Students started the day with song and dance, surrounded by amazing life-size jungle decorations. Children ages K-6 broke up into groups for different activities throughout the day. “It is such a joy to see everyone in the parish come together for this camp every year,” says Patricia Nettleton, director of Religious Education at St. Mark’s. “We have people of every age helping out and wanting to be involved.” This was evident as young and old alike joined in the opening song, “ROAR!”

BRIDGEPORT—We hope you will take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey concerning the overall communications efforts of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

You will find questions about Fairfield County Catholic, our monthly newspaper, along with our website and the growing social media platforms used by the diocese to inform and evangelize.

Your response to the survey will assist us in our mission of evangelization and renewal.

Thank you

Fairfield County Catholic Survey

 

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
By the Grace of God and the Authority of the Apostolic See

Bishop of Bridgeport

DECREE MODIFYING SEAT OF WISDOM DEANERY AND QUEEN ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN DEANERY

Canon 374 §2 establishes that: To foster pastoral care by means of common action, several neighboring parishes can be joined together in special groups, such as Vicariates Forane. These vicariates are denominated Deaneries in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Upon receiving a request from the Pastor of Notre Dame Parish to transfer to the neighboring deanery, and, having consulted with the Deans of the respective deaneries, and, having weighed the pastoral reasons for modification, I, Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, do hereby modify the following Deaneries:

  1. Seat of Wisdom Deanery will be modified so as to exclude Notre Dame Parish.
  2. Queen Assumed into Heaven Deanery will be modified so as to include Notre Dame Parish.

This decree takes effect as of its signing.

Given this 31st day of July, 2019, the Feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, at the Catholic Center of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

FAIRFIELD—Sacred Heart University honored 12 graduates and a professor at its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony recently. The awards recognize people who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their daily lives and use their knowledge, professional skills, creative talents and humanistic strengths to make a difference in their careers and communities.

This year, the University bestowed the following Distinguished Alumni Awards:

Alumni Achievement Award—Judith Lisi ’68, president and CEO of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL. Prior to her time with the Straz Center, Lisi founded the Shubert Opera Company and Opera Tampa, producing 90 full-scale productions. She served on the Broadway League’s executive committee for more than 30 years and was the founding chair of its first education committee. She also founded the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory, which offers professional training and education in the performing arts. In 2012, the Broadway League bestowed its Distinguished Lifetime Service Award on Lisi for her outstanding leadership. Additionally, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2008.

Alumni Association Pioneer Award—Harry Garafalo ’80, owner of Garafalo Markets LLC, better known as ShopRite Supermarkets. Garafalo, of Milford, has grown Garafalo Markets from its initial base in Milford to a chain with six stores in Connecticut, employing 1,350 people. After his graduation from SHU, he earned his MBA with a concentration in management information systems from the University of New Haven in 1988. He has received numerous awards over the years, including the Patriot’s Award from Fisher House Connecticut and recognition awards from Boys & Girls Village and the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, both in Milford. He sits on various boards of directors, including those for the Connecticut Food Bank and the Connecticut Food Association.

Alumni Association Emerging Leader Award—Daniel D. Thomas ’08, real estate broker/investor, ReMax Right Choice. Thomas, of Stratford, is one of the most well-known and respected real estate brokers in Fairfield County, with more than $60 million in closed real estate transactions. He has been featured on the covers of Top Agent Magazine as a “Rising Star,” and of Realtor Magazine as one of the country’s most successful realtors under age 30. In 2018, Thomas was inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. He also started the Daniel D. Thomas Scholarship, which annually awards a $1,000 book scholarship to an inner-city student going to college. Since his own college days as a philosophy major at SHU, Thomas published a work of philosophy and poetry called Love Is the Strongest Force. His motto is, “Live for the beauty in life, work for the betterment of the world, and your journey will not be wasted.”

Alumni Association Emerging Leader Award—Jill Silvestro ’97, ’98, Monroe’s 2018-2019 School District Teacher of the Year. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s in elementary education, Silvestro, of Shelton, started her teaching career at Fawn Hollow Elementary School in Monroe, teaching first- and second-graders. She’s a reviewer for the Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program through the Connecticut Department of Education. She was also a cooperating teacher to 10 SHU student-teachers, mentoring them and helping them experience professional growth. To those pursuing a teaching career, Silvestro says, “Never give up. Teaching is a special gift. You have the power to shape the minds of children and inspire them, to be their role model and the person who made learning fun for them. You can create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year Award—Jason Prevelige ’04, MHS, PA-C, emergency medicine physician assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury. Prevelige, of Fairfield, has been a physician assistant for the past nine years. After graduating from SHU, he earned his master’s in health science in 2009 and is now working toward his MBA. Since 2013, Prevelige has been chief of the Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department, in which he has been a member and firefighter since 2004. He also spent several years as an EMT with the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. He is director of the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants and founding advisory committee member of SHU’s College of Health Professions physician assistant program. He also has been an adjunct faculty member in SHU’s physician assistant program since 2017, teaching courses in pediatrics and emergency medicine.

Bishop Curtis Legacy Award—Betty Lynch ’74, retired banking executive and community advocate. After graduating summa cum laude from SHU with her accounting degree, Lynch rose from a teller to chief financial officer and executive vice president of several Connecticut banks, and eventually to bank president. Now, living in Litchfield Park, Arizona, she is one of the founders and current chair of the West Valley Human Services Alliance—“the go to agency” and largest human-services group in the West Valley. In the community where she resides, Lynch sits on a committee for lifelong learning and understanding, as well as a scholarship committee. Lynch and her fellow community residents offer eight annual scholarships to young people who dream of going to college. Lynch fondly remembers everything Bishop Curtis did for the Sacred Heart community and was honored to receive the Bishop Curtis Legacy Award.

Jack Welch College of Business Alumni Achievement Award—Robert Brezosky ’92, director of Global Mobility & Leadership Development at the Walt Disney Company, Los Angeles. In this position, Brezosky, of West Hollywood, CA, leads his team in support of thousands of relocating Disney employees around the world, so they can focus on their new jobs and families rather than dealing with the stressful logistics of relocation. Brezosky said, “I believe what we do as a company truly makes a difference in people’s lives and in the world—whether it’s through our parks, through ESPN (in Bristol) or through motion picture or television productions.”

College of Nursing Alumni Achievement Award—Bonnie Haupt ’14, DNP, clinical nurse leader in the VA Healthcare System. In 2014, Haupt earned her doctorate of nursing practice—the highest level of education available in the nursing field. She has been a VA Healthcare System nurse for 28 years, during which time she developed and implemented successful programs that help veterans and their families. Haupt, of San Antonio, TX, has written numerous publications in her field, presents her research at various conferences and has taught at VA Nursing Academy and Fairfield University. The SHU nursing faculty awarded her the Nursing Leadership Award in recognition of her many accomplishments. Haupt’s core values are reflected in her practice: “Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”

College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Achievement Award—Amy M. Grant ’99, senior vice president of Broker & Employer Operations at United Healthcare, Hartford. Grant, of Wallingford, has nearly 20 years of operations and management experience in the health care industry. At United Healthcare, she is responsible for the operational oversight, strategic direction and financial management of all customer-facing operations in the employer group markets. This includes responsibility for a global team of nearly 2,500 employees across the U.S., India and the Philippines. Yet, among all her achievements, Grant highlights her personal accomplishments: her marriage to her husband Bob; their first child, Madeline; and their son Jack. Sacred Heart brought her lifelong friends as well: “I’m an only child, but after spending four years at SHU, I left with so many sisters,” she said.

Isabelle Farrington College of Education Alumni Achievement Award—Alan Strauss ’95, ’09, principal, Weymouth High School, Massachusetts. Strauss, of Hartford, is the father of his two beloved children, Taylor—a special education teacher—and Jack, whom he describes as “a special-education, cognitively disabled angel.” Strauss has received numerous Principal of the Year awards from school associations. He’s also a local and national consultant on interviewing, writing résumés and cover letters, and landing a dream job. He’s provided 20 workshops at SHU and has worked one-on-one with close to 400 SHU (Griswold) education students without compensation, “paying it forward” for all the amazing opportunities SHU provided him.

College of Health Professions Alumni Achievement Award—Kyle O’Brien ’11, PhD, DHSc, LCSW, OTRL, assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). O’Brien, of Newtown, earned his PhD in social work from New York University in 2017. He has helped develop two new health degree programs SCSU will offer in the fall and will be co-coordinator of its bachelor of health science program. O’Brien’s extensive research includes developing an innovative way to perform the diagnostic interview, which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Growing up watching and participating in his grandmother’s care following her stroke, he said, “I experienced the importance of contributing toward improving the health and especially the mental health of patients and family caregivers impacted by life-changing circumstances.”

Pioneer Club Athletic Alumni Award—Gustavo Netto ’06, associate partner at IBM. Netto, of Astoria, NY, came to SHU from Brazil on a full soccer scholarship. At that time, he was also expanding his GN Web Solutions company, consulting for businesses globally. While at SHU, he had the opportunity to join JetBlue Airways in its People Department and leadership program. He also interned at GE Energy Financial Service as functional IT leader and was executive associate at an elite group of international management and leadership consultants in Greenwich. In 2007, he joined GE through its information technology leadership program. Ten years later, he joined IBM iX (Interactive Experience) as an executive consultant. There, he works with leaders from well-known companies around the world, helping them transform their businesses through the use of digital technologies.

Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award—John Gerlach, associate professor and executive in residence at Sacred Heart University. After graduating from the Wharton School, Gerlach joined the consulting firm of Booz, Allen and Hamilton. He then started a venture capital firm that invested in 19 companies, including Woodmark, with a market value that exceeded $500 million. Gerlach, of Stratford, was elected president and chief operating officer of the Horn & Hardart Company and spent time in corporate finance with Bear Stearns. In his business career, Gerlach has been elected to serve on boards of directors of numerous companies and nonprofit organizations. Academically, Gerlach has taught at Drexel University and co-authored two books. He was named the first full-time director of SHU’s MBA program, where he is a full-time faculty member and founder of an investment club for MBA alumni in the U.S. and Luxembourg.

“I had a business career for 20 years and an academic career for 25 years, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” Gerlach said.

PHOTO CAPTION: Sacred Heart University Alumni Award 2019 honorees are (top, from left) Judith Lisi ’68, Harry Garafalo ’80, Daniel D. Thomas ’08, Jill Silvestro ’97, Jason Prevelige ’04, MHS, PA-C, and Betty Lynch ’74. Bottom, from left, are Robert Brezosky ’92, Bonnie Haupt ’14, DNP, Amy M. Grant ’99, Alan Strauss ’95, ’09, Kyle O’Brien ’12, PhD, DHSc, LCSW, OTRL and Gustavo Netto ’06.

 

About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 384 Colleges–2019 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best 267 Business Schools–2018 Edition. Sacred Heart has a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater www.sacredheart.edu

WESTPORT—St. Luke Youth teens have long been recognized for their faithful witness, joyful enthusiasm and willingness to share their time and talents with the parish. Now, a new internship has been created allowing teens to contribute to parish communications ranging from writing Gospel meditations to pitching stories to local media.

“This idea originated after a conversation with Deb Toner who is the youth minister for St. Luke’s,” shared Jennifer Coffman, mentor for the SLY Communication Interns. “I saw such joy in the SLY teens and would often say to Deb, ‘I wish we could simply unleash the teens into the world and let their special brand of enthusiasm change the culture.’ After saying this a few times, Deb and I decided to create an outlet to harness the evangelical spirit of the teens.”

Building on the post-synod focus on areas of evangelization, family life and community, St. Luke Church set out to redesign its website and rethink the way in which it communicated the Gospel with parishioners and the broader Westport community, especially by sharing the “good news” of what is happening at St. Luke’s. The internship was established to connect the communication and social media expertise of parish youth with the evangelical needs of the church.

Currently four teens—Allie D’Angelo, Chelsea Fox, Gabriel Sargent and Emma Van Riper—have volunteered to meet twice weekly to discuss upcoming parish programs and to brainstorm communication strategies for each initiative. Successes have already been noted with increased participation in fall and Advent activities and with increases in charitable fundraising efforts benefitting local charities. In addition, the percentage of opened emails and texts has doubled from Advent to Lent.

One SLY Communication Intern, Gabriel Sargent, has updated the website and written and designed several Flocknotes—including Gospel meditations and interviewing staff to highlight the work of parish volunteers. “Being a part of this mission has been such a powerful experience for me because it’s amazing to see how our work engages our parish,” Gabe shared.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this internship is the gift of watching these young teens blossom and seeing their faith deepen with each meeting,” noted Deb Toner. “The teens gain important skills in strategic planning, marketing and communications, presenting to parish advisors, while growing in their Catholic faith. They are learning how to become active Church members wherever they go to college or the workplace.”

SLY Communication Interns Emma Van Riper and Chelsea Fox agreed. Emma commented, “I love how the communication internship has allowed me to combine my passion for writing and my future communications major with my faith. Being able to explore this within the church has also enabled me to find my role in the youth group.”

Chelsea added, “I really love being a part of the internship program because I also want to pursue communications in college and maybe as a career, so it gives me a great opportunity to learn about different communication techniques while connecting to my faith.”

Since the inception of the program in October 2018, the teens have worked on many communication projects, including website design, parish-wide communications using Flocknote, event and activity promotion, Gospel reflections, traditional public relations including press releases, blog posts, event photography, social media assistance and parishioner tech support and tutorials for Flocknote.

SLY Communication Intern Allie D’Angelo added, “I have had the ability to go into groups within the church, such as the Men’s Group, to help them sign up for Flocknote and increase membership within the parish. The internship is a great way to incorporate faith into my passion for communications.”

“As a pastor, communications is a big part of my vocation,” shared Msgr. Andrew G. Varga. “It has been a joy and an enormous help to include the teens in this ministry. I would not have been able to keep the website updated, custom-design weekly Flocknotes and submit event language for local media promotion. I can bring my ideas to the interns and they work with Deb and Jennifer to create the best strategy and implementation plan. Personally, I look forward to Monday afternoons when the team gathers at the rectory dining room table and discusses the Sunday Scripture readings and upcoming Church events.”

There is a wonderful quote attributed to Saint Ignatius of Loyola that illuminates what is happening with this program: “Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.” When parish leaders invite our teens to join them in sharing the Gospel and accompany the teens in their faith journey, Jesus takes it from there.

(To see the SLY Communication Interns’ work firsthand, visit the parish website at: www.saintlukewestport.org and receive updates by texting slwestport to the number 84576 or go to flocknote.com/SaintLukeWestport.)

BRIDGEPORT—St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Marathon will be celebrating 32 years on Saturday, August 3, 2019, as approximately 100 swimmers, accompanied by a fleet of 65 escort boats and 20 law enforcement boats, will swim across Long Island Sound to raise money and support for the thousands of people who are battling cancer and their families.

As the swimmers make their way across the Sound, supporters are invited from 2–6 pm to cheer them on as they make their final approach to Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, CT. The dockside celebration is free and open to the public. The maritime amusement center will be alive with music, entertainment, vendor booths, and the boardwalk shops and restaurant will be open, too. Children of all ages can partake in face painting and balloon art.

Swimmers come from towns across Connecticut, our surrounding states, and as far away as Texas, Tennessee and Florida. The fastest swimmers are expected to start crossing the finish line at approximately 2:30 pm, depending on the weather. Things will really heat up after 4 pm when the bulk of the swimmers will finish.

St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Marathon is recognized as one of America’s Top Open Water Swims. Swimmers from all over the world have participated in the annual Marathon. At 15.5 miles, the SWIM is one of the longest challenges on the World Open Water Swim Association (WOWSA) Top 100 list. The Marathon, which begins at West Beach in Port Jefferson, NY, and culminates at Captain’s Cove, includes solo swimmers, two-person relays, and 4-6 member relay teams. Universities and corporations also form relay teams.

This year, Sacred Heart University(SHU) student Victoria Catizone and her team, “SHU Swim,” will participate in their first SWIM marathon on Saturday. The teammates are all rising seniors at Sacred Heart University and members of its Division I swim team, so they are no strangers to competition. “We come from Long Island and Massachusetts, and go to school in Connecticut,” says Catizone. “So, not only is this marathon a fitting location for us, we are excited to be swimming for such a great cause.”

The SWIM Marathon is more than just an exciting open-water sporting event. Individual swimmers and relay teams raise a specified minimum amount of money in order to participate. Swimmers raise money through pledges from friends, families, and businesses to help provide cancer patients and their families with financial support and care for needs that health insurance does not cover. Boat captains donate their time and fuel for the day to escort swimmers or serve as perimeter boats. All net proceeds are used to help individuals and families who are battling the multi-faceted challenges of cancer.

Catizone, 21, who will be swimming in memory of her grandparents and in honor of a close friend, has witnessed the challenges of cancer firsthand. “I’ve seen the stress that cancer can place on an individual and their family,” she explained. “This event is a great way to show support for cancer patients and survivors, as well as their loved ones.”

Ann Gorton agrees. As captain of the “ED (Emergency Department) Code Blue Fish” team from St. Vincent’s Medical Center made up of a physician’s assistant, two nurses and three ER technicians, they have all witnessed the devastating effects of cancer. “We are medical professionals…we are not swimmers,” explains Gorton, who will be swimming in her eighth marathon. “But, we swim to support the cause. Our patients and our community are very important to us and we want to show them how much we care about them as individuals. We are here to support them for more than just their medical needs.”

The ED Code Blue Fish raised more than $6500 with their annual Basket Raffle at the Medical Center, and have surpassed their fundraising goal of $7500. In honor of our first responders and military, the team will wear suits designed with the American Flag. “We always swim in honor of our patients and our family and friends that are fighting cancer,” said Gorton. “However, this year we have decided to also swim in honor of our first responders and military who continue to protect and care for others, even while they are personally battling cancer.”

The SWIM Marathon presents a unique opportunity for swimmers to challenge their own stamina and achieve new goals. Like the SHU Swim team and the ED Code Blue Fish, many swimmers and boaters choose to participate because cancer has affected their lives, or their family and friends in some way, and they want to help others with the struggles cancer brings.

St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound provides cancer education, screening, and prevention programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific needs, such as the funding of wigs and prostheses, payment of utilities or rent, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information on the SWIM, visit www.SwimAcrosstheSound.org.

 

About St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound
St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Since 1987, the SWIM has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer brings with it. The SWIM serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing 44 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information, contact the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at 203.576.5451 or visit www.SwimAcrossTheSound.org.

In 1950, the fabled Seven Gables Book shop in Manhattan printed a special Christmas card of 500 copies. The card contained three printed pages. The first had an introduction by the scholar Thomas H. Johnson.

Johnson, who would become the editor of the Harvard edition of Emily Dickinson’s work, wrote “Casual readers as well as critics have always been struck by the curious resemblance in the verses of Emily Dickinson and John B. Tabb.”

Today’s reader might be curious why Tabb, a Catholic priest and poet teaching in St. Charles College in Ellicott City, a suburb of Baltimore, was compared to Dickinson. Yet, in 1950 it wasn’t an outrageous comparison to link Dickinson’s lyrical genius with the lapidary brilliance of Fr. Tabb’s poems.

In fact Johnson was generous in praise of Fr. Tabb. He explains that they both experimented with form in the decades after the Civil War, and there were other grounds of comparison too. “Both were acutely sensitive to nature and religion, and wrote in a manner that allies them with Seventeenth Century Metaphysicals… Both are intense, epigrammatic, cryptic, paradoxical.”

Today the pairing of the two would draw immediate puzzlement; everyone knows Emily Dickinson, but who is Fr. John Tabb?

The obvious question is what do the poems of John Banister Tabb, a one-time Southern soldier in the Civil War, Episcopalian- born aristocrat from a prominent slave holding family, convert to Catholicism and Catholic priest have in common with the Belle of Amherst?

Born into one of Virginia’s oldest and wealthiest families on March 22, 1845 (he died in November 1909) John Tabb’s life took in a lot of territory of American history and ended at the doorway of the modernists movement of the early 20th century.

One of Dickinson’s connections with Tabb is that they both had major work published in 1894, and both books shot from the obscurity of their authors to national acclaim and curiosity.

Emily Dickinson’s posthumous fame continued to grow so that she is now one of the celebrated figures of world literature, while John Banister Tabb has become an obscure footnote to the era. He poked some good-natured fun at himself in this wry poem “Too Late Sighed a poet when his fame/ After fifty winters came/ And the editors were asking for his rhyme…”

As late as 1950 Fr. Tabb’s admirers still had high hopes that he would ascend to his rightful place as a poet for the ages. There is no doubt that many of his readers were part of the emergent Catholic audience of late 19th and early 20th century America. There was already a large system of schools in place and a very well-educated clergy and lay readership. His audience had crossed over to the larger Christian audience fascinated by his sometimes stunning and intricate little poems.

Fr Tabb, a bit of a recluse himself, found his literary star at age 49 after years of obscurity teaching in a Catholic school. He was proud of his work (and his sales) and kept close tabs on his reviews. His literary celebrity was small but growing.

One of Fr. Tabb’s enigmatic little poems wasn’t written as a commentary about him and Dickinson but it serves to set up their peculiar resemblance.

“Discrepancy”

One dream the bird and blossom dreamed
of Love, the whole night long:
Yet twain its revelation seemed
in fragrance and in song.

Like all of Tabb’s work (and Dickinson’s too) you might have to read it twice before it opens up in your mind.

Tabb was stunned by what he called “The All in All”, and Dickinson gave it the name “Circumference” in her intensely personal vision. Both of them believed that the poet could re-create that experience in words. Words shared in eternity too. Every shining moment was an open door to God and wonder and the surprises of the Universe.

I discovered Fr. Tabb’s poems in the Fairfield University library a few years back and he has been a constant companion ever since. His Catholic voice and its concerns still speak powerfully. Call it a sacramental vision if you like; a way of viewing the world that conceives of God as present in all things and in all moments.

Here is Tabb at his best in a meditation of his own double vocation as priest and poet. It has the lyrical, verdant tone of the Psalms when the name of God was new upon the world. It could only have come from long and silent watching and a profound disposition of priest and poet.

“In Solitude”

Like as a brook that all night long
Sings, as at noon, a bubble-song
To sleep’s unheeding ear,
The poet to himself must sing,
When none but god is listening
The lullaby to hear.

Tabb’s solitude is happier than Dickinson’s because he spends it with the intuition of God’s eternal presence. There is always more to Dickinson because her doubts about the Almighty opened up metaphors and extended her poems into dark corners and terrible silences. Tabb knew that same silence, but in it he heard the song of God and was comforted.

They were both poets of the soul who celebrated the shining, transient radiance of nature. Both were blinded by mere existence and overpowered by moments of mystical affinity with Creation and what it implied about God and man.

Fr. Tabb had once been the hope of many in the Catholic community to notch one of their own voices into American literature and to remain a clarion call to the ages. Why after such lofty beginnings did Tabb’s poetry fall into obscurity? What does his rise and fall say about Catholic culture and the hope for a catholic literature in the American tradition? Was it his good luck to be paired with Dickinson or a comparison to hang around his neck?

Fr. Tabb isn’t a poet for the ages, unless the ages retain an interest in the history of American poetry and the story of the Catholic voice in the New World. Tabb’s claim for his poetry is less grand than Dickinson’s, more monkish, and at ease with its role.

Because he believes that God really is present in our lives and listening, he can sing in the dark. At noon everyone can freely hear the song of the brook, but in the evening the brook sings to the lone priest in his solitude. So too the priest/poet must sing to God. What he sings is a lullaby, a child’s song of faith and comfort – and the embrace of a loving parent.

Barry Wallace, a retired English teacher and former Department Chair at Fairfield Prep, is writing a book on Fr. John Tabb.

Father Christopher Ford:
As it often happens, Father Christopher Ford felt the call to the priesthood as early as second grade…and it was a call that never really went away. He even went so far as to fill out an application during his senior year of high school, but never got around to handing it in. It wasn’t until after attending college at Southern Connecticut State University and beginning a master’s degree at Kent State University that a priest friend of his challenged him on why he never pursued further the call he felt to be a priest.

“I didn’t have any answer for him except to listen to him and start to take my discernment and call seriously,” says Father Ford. That conversation inspired him to speak with then vocation director, Father Robert Kinnally and enter the seminary.

Father Ford recalls the summer he spent at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha among his most memorable experiences in formation. IPF is a program for diocesan seminarians that gives them deep, meaningful formation especially in the spiritual life and in personal growth. “Throughout my summer at IPF, I was invited and challenged to new depths in my relationship with God, to really learn to receive His love and presence in my life as His beloved son, so that I was more prepared to be able to take on this new role as a spiritual father,” shares Father Ford.

Father Ford’s first assignment as a newly ordained priest finds him at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Danbury which is, coincidentally, where he was assigned as a deacon, both last summer and on weekends during his last year in seminary. “The community here is so welcoming and supportive and I have been blessed with a great pastor, Father Michael Dunn, who really is more of a mentor and a friend than just a boss,” Father Ford explains. “We also have a terrific school that I really enjoy being involved with, being present to the students, the teachers and the parents. They are all a lot of fun. I really couldn’t be more excited to begin my ministry here at St. Greg’s.”

For a new priest, life after ordination can often be a time of great joy as well as one of great challenge. For Father Ford, being able to offer Mass and administer the sacraments is something he has been looking forward to throughout formation. Being challenged and pushed to grow in so many ways since his ordination, Father Ford explains, “I have been experiencing firsthand the truth that ‘the priest is not his own!’ Even with all the craziness, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God is so good.”

Father Ford has already noticed the way his priesthood has touched people who have been in his life long before he even entered seminary. “Being asked to anoint or celebrate the funerals of friends’ loved ones or being asked to bless their boat before we head out for the afternoon, or even just hear a quick confession before we go out to dinner—these are the experiences I never could have imagined, but have been so moving. To be able to minister not only to the people of my parish community, but even to my friends and family in new and powerful ways is truly a blessing,” he says.

When asked what he looks forward to most about the priesthood, Father Ford expresses that he is now doing every day most of what he was looking forward to throughout his time in formation. “I think for right now, though, I’m just looking forward to really getting to know the lives and stories of the people that God has called me to serve, to really learn who they are and where they come from and what they are going through, so that I can truly be a presence of Christ to them, wherever they find themselves on this crazy journey we call the Christian life.”

Father David Roman:
Father David Roman always thought he would be a teacher. And he was. He taught at St. Joseph in Danbury after attending Western Connecticut State University. Little did he know that this calling would lead to finding his vocation. “I always say it was because of my students that I decided to be a priest,” Father Roman says.

In fact, it was when he was teaching a lesson on vocations that he had to come to terms with his own. Father Roman explains, “It was at this time in my life that I was feeling this emptiness and at that moment I realized what that emptiness was.”

Father Roman shares about an impactful moment in his career. It was at the time of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, and St. Joseph in Danbury was put on lock-down, due to its proximity. “I was able to take the statue of Our Lady and we prayed the Rosary together for people that are hurting in the world,” says Father Roman. He remembers feeling that he would surely lay down his life to keep his students safe. He could feel the Lord saying to him, “David, if you can love these kids with such intensity, I want you to love all my people with the same intensity.”

It was moments like these, moments of the human encounter, that made Father Roman know he was called to the priesthood. There were moments of spiritual affirmation throughout his formation including teaching catechetical sessions at Malta House, bringing the love of God to those who had not previously known it, as well as being a healthcare chaplain at Bridgeport Hospital, that helped to shape Father Roman’s spirituality along the way. “I learned how to pray with people, walk with people and really be with people in their suffering,” shares Father Roman.

Life after ordination finds Father Roman at St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, where he has jumped right in to life at this very active parish, being able to give first blessings to parishioners, blessing local businesses, getting involved in their youth ministry program, as well as making plans for future young adult initiatives. He has recently performed his first anointing, been able to go into nursing homes, bring people Communion and “to love people where they are,” he says. “Through my unworthy hands, Jesus is made manifest in the Eucharist. I am the most unworthy person and Jesus uses me as a conduit for His love,” says Father Roman.

Father Roman shares a standout moment for him as a new priest. He recently gifted a priestly prayer card to a parishioner who was suffering from terminal cancer. On her death bed, she gripped this prayer card, holding it with her every day, looking at the image of the crucified Jesus. She made it her mission, on her death bed, to pray for Father Roman, who eventually got to go and meet her. Father Roman shares, “It was so humbling that this woman who didn’t know me was thinking about praying for her new priest. I was able to do the wake service for her.”

It is moments like these that Father Roman looks forward to for the future of his priesthood. “This is what we’ve been looking forward to. We’ve prepared for six years to be able to bring God’s love and mercy to people. Being able to hear confessions…people coming to us with their sins, their challenges. We are able to be the conduit of God’s mercy. We have a loving and merciful God. People are craving for that message again and again. Across the age spectrum, we all need to be reminded of that message.” Father Roman looks forward to seeing what that love is going to do in his own priesthood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(The “Disregarding the Shame, Reaching Out for the Joy” retreat will be held August 3 and August 10 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Oratory of the Little Way at 8 Oratory Lane in Gaylordsville, Conn. For more information, call 860. 354.8294.)

David D’Andrea believes God has blessed him with miracles in his life. He was cured of polio as a child. He overcame the trauma of clerical sex abuse. And he survived stage 3 cancer, which was diagnosed in 2014.

He credits his recovery to Our Lady of Lourdes through the efforts of his cousin, Monsignor Joseph Giandurco, pastor of St. Patrick’s in Yorktown Heights, NY, who celebrated a healing Mass for him and brought holy water from Lourdes to bless him when he began his treatment for cancer.

D’Andrea still has that bottle of holy water and continues to share it with others who are suffering or ill. And while he has never gone on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, he knows Our Lady was instrumental in his recovery.

For those who need a physical or spiritual healing but cannot travel to France, D’Andrea reached out to bring the Lourdes experience to the Diocese of Bridgeport. A “Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience” will be held Saturday, September 21 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Church on 566 Elm Street in Stamford. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will attend and offer a Eucharistic blessing.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers will coordinate the program, which will feature a candlelight rosary, holy water from the shrine and rocks from the grotto at Massabielle, where the Blessed Virgin appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl, in 1858.

Every year, 6 million pilgrims travel to Lourdes, one of the most revered Marian shrines in the world, to pray to Our Lady. Many go in the hope they will receive a healing at the spring the Blessed Virgin revealed to St. Bernadette. In the 160 years since the apparitions, thousands of people have been healed in the waters, and 70 have been recognized as miraculous cures by the Church.

The volunteers of the Lourdes Hospitality association bring seriously ill and disabled people to the shrine and also share the message of Lourdes by conducting the Virtual Pilgrimage for those who cannot travel to France. Their mission is “To extend the invitation of the Immaculate Conception as given to Bernadette in the Grotto at Lourdes, to serve the sick and suffering at Lourdes and at home, following the loving example of St. Bernadette in simplicity, humility and obedience.” More than 3,000 members of the North American Volunteers have served at Lourdes.

The Virtual Pilgrimage experience, which lasts about two hours, is held at parishes, schools, prisons, nursing homes, universities and convents. Since it began in 2004, more than 165,000 people have taken part in 44 states and 19 countries. The Virtual Pilgrimage began in Kansas, when three pilgrims brought it to Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park. Those who participate will receive a plenary indulgence granted by papal decree of Benedict XVI.

The event will recreate a pilgrimage to Lourdes. “This experience draws pilgrims nearer to God in the company of Our Lady as they are guided through a prayerful visit to the Grotto, the experience of water, prayer in a rosary procession and a Eucharistic blessing,” organizers say.

A lifelong Greenwich resident and parishioner at St. Roch Church, D’Andrea approached Bishop Caggiano with the idea of bringing the Virtual Pilgrimage to Stamford and received his support. Father Gustavo Falla, pastor of St. Mary’s, agreed to host the event at his church, which can seat up to 900.

“We are reaching out to people who need God’s help and a blessing from Mother Mary,” D’Andrea said. “This will be a significant event for our diocese. I have seen miracles in my life, and I’m trying to pay back for what I have received. There is going to be a miracle on that day, I am sure.”

There is no fee although a free-will offering is requested. For more information about the volunteers, visit www.LourdesVolunteers.org. To learn about the Stamford event, call David D’Andrea at (203) 918-9089.

Download printable flyer (PDF)

By Joe Pisani

Washington D.C., Jul 25, 2019 / 03:15 am (CNA).- Churches, shrines, and monasteries in the Middle East are not only pilgrimage destinations, but also places of sanctuary, identity, and hope for local Christians who are suffering existential threats, local religious leaders said.

“Christ dwelt among us in Bethlehem, in Egypt, in Galilee, and, of course, in Jerusalem. And by His Holy Spirit, he has continued to be present down the ages in Jerusalem, the Middle East, and to the very ends of the earth,” Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem said. “Our holy sites tell the stories of God’s history with us.”

“Few can deny that this region, the place of divine-human encounter in sacred history, is in fact the center of the earth,” the patriarch stated of the Holy Land at a side event of a global religious freedom gathering in Washington, D.C. last week.

Patriarch Theophilus III addressed an audience of priests and civic and religious leaders at an event on “Christian Holy Sites and Holy Places in the Middle East” on the side of the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, hosted by the U.S. State Department from July 15-19 in Washington, D.C.

The Ministerial was attended by religious and civic leaders from around the world, including delegations from 106 countries, meeting to discuss religious persecution and strategies to advance religious freedom.

Thursday’s event on the “Holy Sites” was sponsored by the International Community of the Holy Sepulchre and the Hudson Institute’s Working Group on Christians and Religious Pluralism in the Middle East.

Speakers focused not only on the spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites throughout the Middle East, but on their central importance to the Christians who live there.

Patriarch Theophilus is the 141st patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, the most senior Christian leader in the Holy Land. At last week’s event, he warned that “attacks from radicals on Church properties in Jerusalem continue,” and that the groups “know only too well that every attack against a holy site poses another threat to our Christian identity.”

The holy sites are threatened on multiple fronts, he said, including vandalism, “intimidation from radical settlers,” and hostile policies in Israel’s Knesset legislature.

These policies would allow the municipal taxation of church-owned property in Jerusalem like hospitals and schools, which could “bankrupt” the churches, the patriarch said; another bill would have allowed the state to confiscate land sold by churches to private groups supposedly for the defense of the tenants.

These policies were at the heart of the decision by Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian leaders to temporarily close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in February of 2018.

“Enough was enough, and it was time to draw the line,” the Patriarch said of the closure. “Forces beyond our control threatened the sanctity and integrity of our holy sites.”

“To keep just one pilgrim” out of the church “is a tragedy,” he said, but he added that the solidarity of millions around the world with the churches was heartening.

The church was reopened after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened in the efforts to impose the tax policy, and the city backed off on the proposals. When the “solution was found,” the patriarch said, “the light of the Resurrection shone bright.”

The Patriarch stated his gratitude to Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin for their efforts to protect the Holy Sites, as well as “the continued and faithful custodianship over the holy sites” of King Abdullah II of Jordan, and legislators in the U.S. and the UK for their support.

He drew attention to the July 11 prayer vigil attended by other patriarchs and heads of churches at Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate, in the wake of the Israeli supreme court ruling against the Greek Orthodox Church in a controversial land deal that dates back to 2005.

The deal involved the sale by the Church, later disputed, of hotels just inside the Christian Quarter of the city to Israeli settlers, a transfer of property that the patriarch said could affect the “integrity” of the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, and possibly impede access of pilgrims to the holy sites.

A joint statement of the patriarchs and heads of local churches in Jerusalem called the deal “underhanded” and said it threatened the Status Quo agreement of the city.

Patriarch Theophilos said he has asked local officials to join in support of Netanyahu and his work “to keep the pilgrim route open to all, and to maintain the historic, multiethnic, multicultural and mutireligious fabric of our great city Jerusalem.”

Preservation of holy sites in the Holy Land as well as Syria, Iraq and Egypt was discussed at last week’s event.

Fr. Alexi Chehadeh of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, told of how holy sites “all over Syria” have been destroyed during the country’s ongoing civil war. Hundreds of churches and monasteries have been fully or partially destroyed, with billions of dollars needed to rehabilitate or reconstruct them.

The symbolic importance of the reconstruction of holy sites cannot be ignored, he and other Christian leaders insisted.

Many holy sites of the Patriarchate are churches dating back to the second or third century, he said. To rebuild them is “caring for the roots of Christianity,” Fr. Chehadeh said, but it would also be “a sign of a peaceful environment” for Christians to return to Syria. Around half of Syria’s Christian communities left Syria during the civil war.

Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, gave orders to start the rebuilding process in Iraq’s Nineveh region by focusing on the homes of the Christian genocide survivors, Fr. Salar Kajo, a priest in Teleskov, Iraq, said.

Yet “the people insisted to start with the holy places, the churches and the monasteries,” Fr. Salar said. “This is the only sign of hope that we have, and we will return because of these places.”

In Egypt, after the 2011 overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood: “came after the churches,” Nermien Riad, founder of the group Coptic Orphans, said.

Why did they target the churches? “We recognize that there’s a gradual shrinking of public space for Christians in Egypt,” Riad said, as extremists want to remove public icons and statues; the exclusion of Christians from public spaces has reportedly even reached sports, as Christians have reported discrimination in joining soccer clubs and in making the national soccer team.

Thus, “churches have become the nucleus of the Christian community,” she said, and “serve as a vital support center” for Christians and a “place of refuge” for them “from the insidious messaging” of them as “second-class citizens.”

“Most importantly,” she said, “it is the last remaining vestige that we exist.”

By Matt Hadro | CNA

WASHINGTON—The July 25 announcement by the Justice Department that it is reinstating the federal death penalty for the first time in 16 years was unwelcome news for Catholic leaders who have advocated against capital punishment.

“The United States’ death penalty system is tragically flawed. Resuming federal executions—especially by an administration that identifies itself as ‘pro-life’—is wrongheaded and unconscionable,” said Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, a group that champions restorative justice and an end to the death penalty.

The execution of five inmates on federal death row will take place from December 2019 through next January.

Attorney General William Barr said in a statement: “The Justice Department upholds the rule of law — and we owe it to the victims and their families to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.”

The last time there was a federal execution was in 2003.

In 2014, President Barack Obama directed the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a review of federal capital punishment cases and issues surrounding the use of lethal injection drugs. According to the July 25 announcement, that review is complete and the executions can proceed.

Currently, there are 62 inmates—61 men and 1 woman—on federal death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Most of the federal death-row prisoners are at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Inmates in the group include convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Charleston, South Carolina, church shooter Dylann Roof.

In a July 25 statement released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, said that Pope Francis in 2015 called for “the global abolition of the death penalty,” which he said the U.S. bishops also have supported for many years.

“In light of these long held and strongly maintained positions, I am deeply concerned by the announcement by the United States Justice Department that it will once again turn, after many years, to the death penalty as a form of punishment, and urge instead that these federal officials be moved by God’s love, which is stronger than death, and abandon the announced plans for executions.”

Sister Helen Prejean, a Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille, who is a longtime opponent of capital punishment, tweeted a brief reaction to the July 25 announcement saying that as she was about to “board a plane to Alaska to join the celebrations of 62 years without the death penalty in that state” when she learned “the federal government plans to restart executions later this year after a 16-year hiatus.”

“The DOJ regresses as the rest of our country evolves,” she added.

Other church leaders also reacted on Twitter to the announcement.

In a July 25 tweet, Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich called Barr’s announcement “gravely injurious to the common good, as it effaces the God-given dignity of all human beings, even those who have committed terrible crimes.”

He also pointed out that last year that Pope Francis ordered a revision to the Catechism of the Catholic Church to say that capital punishment is “inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

The Sisters of Mercy called the Justice Department’s decision “tremendously disappointing” and said in a July 25 tweet that they would continue to uphold Catholic social teaching regarding the dignity of human life with education and advocacy efforts to “continue to work for the death penalty’s abolition.”

In a statement released the afternoon of July 25, Sister Prejean described the Justice Department’s announcement as a “seemingly measured statement,” which “belies the fact that this is a rush to kill: They plan three executions in one week using a new, untested—and not yet approved—lethal injection protocol.”

She also said it is “disheartening that the administration has chosen to follow the death road, when the life road calls us to work for justice for all.”

Sister Prejean, echoing a message she has said before, added: “The death penalty is deeply flawed, with a terrible history of racism in its implementation and an equally terrible history of errors, resulting in many innocents on death row. We also know that it does not offer the healing balm to victims’ families that is promised.”

Federal death penalty cases are authorized by the Department of Justice in consultation with local U.S. Attorney Offices.

Vaillancourt Murphy said in her July 25 statement that in the 16 years since the federal government executed a death-row prisoner, the American public has changed its collective thinking on the death penalty. Last October, she said 49% of Americans said they believed the punishment is applied fairly and currently, 25 states have distanced themselves from the death penalty in some capacity, most recently, California, with its governor-imposed execution ban in March and New Hampshire’s repeal of capital punishment by legislative veto override in May.

Hannah Cox, national manager of Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty, offered a similar response saying the reinstatement of federal executions “goes against the trend we have seen in states across the nation, where executions and sentences are at historic lows.”

She also pointed out that a growing number of conservative state lawmakers “realize that capital punishment goes against their principles of valuing life, fiscal responsibility and limited government, and that the death penalty does nothing to make the public safer.”

Vaillancourt Murphy reiterated that the Catholic Church’s teaching is very clear on capital punishment, noting the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls it “inadmissible” in all cases “because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

She said the Justice Department’s announcement “flies in the face” of American values of equality and fairness “and for Catholics, above all, a belief in the sanctity of all human life.”

She said the decision also “promotes a culture of death where we so desperately need a culture of life.”

GREENWICH—The Principal and Board of Directors of Greenwich Catholic School announced today that Mr. Patrick Ledley has been appointed as Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Mr. Vincent Mascola has been appointed as Dean of Students, effective July 1, 2019.

The Assistant Principal and Dean of Students positions are new to the GCS Administrative Team, and were created in alignment with the Strategic Plan for Greenwich Catholic School: Innovate & Inspire 2021.

Assistant Principal Ledley comes to Greenwich Catholic from The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, NY, where he served as a Department Chair and Teacher, and was a member of the school’s Strategic Planning Committee for Fostering a Growth Mindset. Previously, he was a Teacher at St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City, and was the recipient of the Ignatian Educator Award.

“Mr. Ledley’s experience in teacher development, data-driven instruction, and curriculum mapping is impressive,” said Mario Gaztambide, Chair of the GCS Board of Directors. “His background, combined with his approachable demeanor and focus on student achievement, will be an asset to Greenwich Catholic School.”

Speaking about his commitment to Catholic education, Assistant Principal Ledley said, “As a product of Catholic education, and in building my career in Catholic schools, I see the value of enthusiastic and dynamic teaching, and look forward to fostering the education of the students at Greenwich Catholic School.”

Mr. Mascola joins Greenwich Catholic from the Guilford Public School system, where he served as an Administrative Intern, Classroom Teacher, School Safety Team Leader, and was a member of the School Culture and Climate Committees. As Dean of Students, Mascola will have oversight of discipline, enrichment, after-school and athletics programming, and dining.

“Mr. Mascola is committed to developing students of character, in partnership with the GCS administration, faculty, and parents,” said Patrice Kopas, Principal of Greenwich Catholic School. “We are confident that his expertise will have an immediate and positive impact on the student experience at Greenwich Catholic School.”

When asked about his role as Dean of Students, Mr. Mascola commented, “I am excited to be joining the GCS community, and look forward to working with all GCS stakeholders to continue promoting our core mission and values, while striving to continuously improve the academic and social/emotional growth of our entire student body.”

Parents were informed of the addition of the Assistant Principal and Dean of Students positions as part of a Strategic Planning Update from the Board of Directors in April. Additional initiatives presented at the Strategic Planning Update included plans to form Student Advisory Groups and hire additional teachers in the Math and World Language Departments.

About Greenwich Catholic School

Greenwich Catholic School is a co-educational Roman Catholic day school located on a 38-acre campus at 471 North Street in Greenwich. GCS includes Kindergarten through 8th grade students, as well as a Pre-Kindergarten program for 3 and 4 year-old children. For more information, please visit www.gcsct.org

FAIRFIELD—Last year was the inaugural year for the Catholic Charities Rugby Cup. The event was the idea of Board Member Pete Maloney who was looking for a fun and unique way to raise money for the agency’s programs and gain awareness from a new population of supporters. Pete turned to Mike Pappa from Fairfield Yankees Rugby for assistance. Together they came up with the idea for a charity rugby tournament.

This year’s event was even more successful than last year. The Catholic Charity Rugby Cup took place on June 15 within Rafferty Stadium on the Fairfield University Campus. In addition to Fairfield University, the event was sponsored by the Friends of Fairfield Rugby Club, OKC Automation, O’Keefe Controls Co., Ryan Dental, Soccer & Rugby Imports, Grace O’Malley’s Fairfield and Sacred Heart University.

The end result of a long Round Robin Tournament produced the following victors: Fairfield U12, Westport PAL U14, Staple High School, New Haven won the Women’s Division, and Fairfield Yankees won the Men’s Division.

Director of Development Bob Donahue hopes this event will continue next year stating “The proceeds raised from this year’s event will benefit both the Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport and our Behavioral Health services.” The event raised $4,500.

(If you are interested in learning more about becoming involved in next year’s Rugby Cup, please contact Bob Donahue at rdonahue@ccfc-ct.org.)

BRIDGEPORT—Reducing hunger and providing nutrition to those in need is central to Catholic Charities’ mission. As the largest social service agency in the diocese, their soup kitchens serve those most in need, as Fairfield County ranks first nationally in income inequality when compared to the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas and where the cost of living is high.

Two of the agency’s largest initiatives are The Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport and New Covenant Center in Stamford. The soup kitchen at the Thomas Merton Center offers breakfast, lunch and a day shelter to about 300 people Monday through Saturday. Its Eat Smart Marketplace Food Pantry serves over 600 families from inner-city Bridgeport monthly. New Covenant Center operates the only soup kitchen in Stamford, open every day of the year and the city’s largest food pantry. The soup kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to approximately 350 daily. The food pantry serves over 525 households monthly. Last year, New Covenant Center served 3,600 unduplicated individuals and over 600,000 meals. There is an urgent need for these programs.

Recently, both programs were beneficiaries of a grant through Bank of America to introduce a food education initiative at their sites—the Food Insecurity Education Program.  “As the relationships among diet, health and disease prevention have become clearer, nutrition education and the promotion of healthy eating behaviors and lifestyles continue to receive increased attention,” says Bill Colson, operations manager at the Thomas Merton Center. New Covenant Center Executive Director John Gutman states, “Many factors influence behavior and successful nutrition education uses a systematic approach and strategies that include a variety of activities to help make behavior changes. Effective nutrition education and promotion includes multiple components such as skill-building and integrated initiatives to build personal and community support. It helps consumers select and consume healthy and enjoyable foods by improving awareness and motivation.”

It is with this understanding that the Thomas Merton Center and New Covenant Center initiated the Food Insecurity Education Program (FIEP) to meet the nutritional awareness needs of their respective communities. This program focuses primarily on the school-age population and seeks guidance and development from local dieticians or nutritionists based out of local colleges such as Sacred Heart University, Fairfield U or the University of Bridgeport, with other options including professionals from the local public school systems, or local chefs or culinary teachers/students. The programs can also access additional partners to including secure food providers such as CT Food Bank, Food Rescue, Trader Joe’s, Reservoir Community Farm, Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Fairgate Farm. In addition to young families of both the Thomas Merton Center and New Covenant Center, the target audience is drawn from local parishes, schools and community youth groups, as well as students currently involved in volunteer opportunities at each site. Programming is based on monthly workshops or clinics designed to educate using both hands-on, and presentational, formats involving such topics as: learning the language of the kitchen, touring a food provider facility, preparing healthy and nutritious meals, and planning, planting and harvesting a working outdoor garden.

Each program worked separately at their individual sites during the grant cycle with their own cohort groups following the Food Insecurity Education Program. They prepared sustainable gardens, learned about healthy and nutritious meals, worked in the gardens and harvested vegetables. The groups ended the grant cycle preparing a healthy and nutritious dish from the vegetables the harvested and shared the meal during a celebration. Catholic Charities is looking forward to continuing its relationship with Bank of America and growing this program at both the Thomas Merton Center and New Covenant Center.