Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

Entering Canaan – Day of Prayer and Healing will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2019. For information and registration contact the Diocese of Bridgeport Project Rachel Ministry (projectrachel@diobpt.org or call (203) 416-1619).

Click here for more information >>

FAIRFIELD—More than 2,200 Sacred Heart University students received diplomas recently at two separate commencement ceremonies at the Webster Bank Arena. The SHU class of 2019 includes 1,122 undergraduates who earned bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and 1,152 graduate students who earned master’s degrees, professional certificates and doctorates.

In his opening remarks to undergraduates today, president John J. Petillo, encouraged students to take action and not just sit back and wait for life to unfold. “The barometer of your life well lived goes beyond simply wealth and comfort. Attain them if you can, always remembering you also need to be responsible in using them in service for others,” Petillo said. “Infuse your life with action. Don’t simply wait for it to happen. Be insistently curious; curious about who you are, what you are becoming, and why.”

Entrepreneur, inventor and philanthropist, Brian Hamilton ’87, delivered the keynote address to undergraduates. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, degree.

In his speech, Hamilton provided students with four pieces of advice. He stressed the importance of serving others. “It has taken me years to learn that you are never going to get happiness by serving yourself. It is almost as if we are engineered in reverse—by seeking things for yourself, you are guaranteed to be unhappy,” he said.

He told the graduates to find a vocation they love. “This seems so obvious, but sometimes the obvious things in life are true. I’ve been lucky in life to become an entrepreneur— something that I really enjoy. I’ve interviewed and worked with hundreds if not thousands of young college graduates, and it makes me sad to think some of you will be in jobs that you don’t enjoy. By the way, part of enjoying your job is being around people you want to emulate,” he said.

The entrepreneur ended his speech by telling the students that fun is allowed in life and they should seek it often. “It’s like anything else in life, it has to be a goal or it tends to get put on the back burner,” Hamilton said.

After Hamilton’s speech, Petillo presented an honorary degree to Matthew Galligan, a student who passed away from cancer. His parents and brother, also a SHU student, picked up the diploma.

It was then time for the much-anticipated conferral of degrees. Sacred Heart has a commencement tradition—if a graduate’s immediate family member is an alumnus, faculty or staff member he or she can process with the graduate on stage to assist with the awarding of their diploma. It is a tradition many graduates took part in over the weekend including Jean-Luc Sebabi, whose story is a little different than the average grad.

Sebabi, 23, was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He left his country at 13 and completed high school in Nigeria before immigrating to the United States in 2014. He started his career in higher education in Connecticut community colleges and then came to SHU. Today he received his bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. He will work in SHU’s biology department as a lab assistant and volunteer with AmeriCares Free Clinic and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants as he applies to physician assistant programs.

It was the influence of former marketing professor Lorry Weinsten that led Sebabi to SHU. “I told him my ambition of becoming a health-care provider and he recommended I apply to SHU because they had a strong and reputable science curriculum that would prepare me for any health profession,” he said. “Lorry and his wife, Ellie, have been my mentors since I arrived in the U.S. They have guided me all the way.”

Lorry Weinstein passed away earlier this year and it was Ellie who processed with Sebabi across the stage because, as far as Sebabi is concerned, she and her late husband are family.

Nicole Cardarelli, student government senior class president, excitedly addressed her peers after degrees were handed out. “We all never thought this day would come, our parents crossed days off their calendar as we watched the countdown at Red’s. Now that graduation is here, I am both happy and sad to see it go because it means leaving behind professors, staff members and friends who have shaped me and my fellow students’ lives for the better,” she said.

Before Cardarelli led the class of 2019 in the traditional turning of the tassel she told her peers that their “reign” is over and it’s up to the next class to step into their shoes and start their own countdown. “As we embark on our own journey, whether you are going to grad school, starting a new job or taking a gap year, I wish you all the luck and hope that you never forget your days at Sacred Heart. One of my favorite quotes is ‘in life you make the small decisions with your head and the big decisions with you heart.’ Remember to always to go with your ‘sacred’ heart.”

Mary Claire Hemmer, 22, of Glen Rock, N.J., received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and plans to keep her education going at SHU to obtain her doctorate in physical therapy. “I have treasured every moment of my time as an undergraduate and I am going to miss it more than anything, but I feel like SHU has given me all the tools I need to thrive in what’s next to come.”

Hemmer said it was “impossible” to put into words what the past four years have meant to her. “I have had countless opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and become a more well-rounded person by getting involved on campus. My biggest takeaway from these four years are the relationships I’ve built with the students, faculty and staff here who have had an enormous impact on my life and who continue to support me in all my endeavors.”

Bianca Melillo, 22, of Danbury received her bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduation, she will intern at Deloitte in Manhattan for three months and then return to SHU for her master’s degree in accounting. Deloitte will reserve Melillo’s position and she will join the team after she earns her CPA. Melillo said graduating is bittersweet. “The last four years at SHU have been the best of my life. I have transformed as an individual and learned more than I could ever imagine about both myself and my profession.”

While Melillo will miss SHU, she said she is ready to move on and start working in the field she spent the last four years studying. “I have become comfortable in the uncomfortable and that’s how I know it’s time to leave,” she said.

Twenty-two year old Trevor O’ Brien from Avon, MA, received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. “While there’s no doubt I am going to miss all of the amazing people and opportunities Sacred Heart has offered me, I feel that I am ready to begin the next chapter of my journey.” O’Brien said if he were to use one word to describe his college career, he would use the word “humbling.”

“Being a very reflective person, I can absolutely say that I’ve been blessed to be here the past four years. All of my interactions with students, faculty and staff have allowed me to grow in so many ways—whether it be socially, academically or spiritually. My appreciation for my time here probably won’t set in until next September when I’m not longer walking on campus,” he said.

Saturday’s festivities celebrated the University’s graduate students and Petillo reminded them to give themselves to others. “Graduates, today’s ceremony is certainly to acknowledge your accomplishments. It is also a moment on your journey reminding you that much has been given to you; so hopefully you, too, will give of yourself. Today is a reminder for each of us, myself included, that our individual journey will be judged not by prominence or prestige but how we have lived for others.”

Keynote speaker Mary Healey-Sedutto, executive director of Hope for a Healthier Humanity, addressed the graduates and also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, degree. She echoed Petillo’s comments about giving back.

“We are here today because we already know how important education is. We all know that diplomas and graduate certificates are often useful in opening doors and positioning us for greater opportunities, but something that is often unrecognized is the intrinsic relationship between education and hope,” said Healey-Sedutto. “Education often gives us the tools to realistically and tangibly chart our course and navigate from where we are to where we want to be, and lacking this pathway to access can easily allow us to slip into hopelessness.”

Healey-Sedutto encouraged the graduates to foster education among people who weren’t fortunate enough to have the same opportunities as them. “Even though many of us may have struggled to achieve the goals we set for ourselves, we did not give up hope, and so again, I ask that you take a moment on this special day of celebration, and consider how you can spread your light on those in greatest need.”

Graduate student Peter B. Johnson was chosen to speak to his peers at graduation where he received his master’s degree in computer science and information technology. He encouraged the group to “press forward” and impart drive and success onto others.

“I came to Sacred Heart seeking a change, to gain mastery over new skills and to open new doors for myself. And while I can safely say, with much gratitude to you all, that much has been achieved, I never imagined I would be standing here on this day, addressing a room full of so much potential,” Johnson said. “With more than 1,000 students graduating today, there is so much here—a plethora of backgrounds, of stories, stretch out before me. Some of you have crossed oceans to be here; others have lived in this place your whole lives. Some are improving upon a long-established career; others are just starting on a new path in life.”

Johnson told the group, that as is Sacred Heart’s intent for all its students, they are now poised to make a difference in the global community. “And that internal spark, a key and precious aspect of yourself, will serve you well in doing just that. So harbor it, fan its flames and always protect it.”

Kristen Mourao, 23, of Seymour, received her master’s degree in occupational therapy and received her undergrad degree from SHU in 2017. “I will miss the community this school has the most. I always felt part of something when I was on campus and knew that if I ever needed help or assistance, or had any questions at all, there was almost always someone that could help assist me. I have met so many people and faculty that have contributed to my growth as a student, co-worker and future health-care professional.”

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. More than 8,500 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; Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Visit www.sacredheart.edu.     

NORWALK—The Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly No. 100 recently hosted its 3^rd Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday, May 11 at the Knights Hall next to St. Ann Club in Norwalk. The dinner raised over $2,000 for veterans at Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes and the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets. In addition, a portion of the funds raised was will help the Knights of Columbus purchase new t-shirts/supplies for the Cadet Post.

The dinner was a sell-out with around 110 guests which included members of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the Knights of Columbus.  The title sponsor for the dinner was Assembly member Sir Knight AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s Landscaping, LLC.

“I am so appreciative of Brother AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s Landscaping for being a sponsor which helped offset the costs so we can donate more funds to our female veterans,” said Assembly 100 faithful navigator George Ribellino, Jr.

Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS: FH) a program from Homes for the Brave is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their young children. Housed at the Nicholas A. Madaras Home, FS:FH provides ten beds for female Veterans and five beds, when available, for their young children.

Since opening in 2011, the program helps female Veterans by meeting their needs for a safe, secure home and adequate food and by empowering residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent housing, achieving financial stability and working toward greater self-determination. Each resident works with a case manager to develop personal, housing and employment goals. ABRI vocational staff coach residents in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques, computer training and other life skills.

The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home is named in tribute to a young soldier from Wilton, Connecticut. The organization Nick’s family and friends developed in his memory, Kick for Nick, was an integral part of making the vision for FS: FH a reality. Visit kickfornick.org to learn more about Nick Madaras, Kick for Nick and the collaboration that has helped over 100 women Veterans regain their independence to date.

The guest speaker was Homes for the Brave board member and veteran Juliet Taylor. She spoke of her time in the service as well as adjusting to civilian life after being injured in battle and dealing with PTSD. In 2002 Staff Sergeant Juliet Taylor enlisted in the US Army. After her initial training, Juliet was mobilized and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. She was medically retired in 2014. She spends her day working in the community as an avid Veteran Advocate and a Reintegration Support Specialist while earning her degree in Public Health.

Juliet continues to serve her community through several non-profit organizations: Am Vet, Post 43; DAV Chapter 13; Operation Gift Cards; Habitat for Heroes Fairfield Coastal County; Female Soldier Forgotten Heroes: Homes for the Brave; Trumbull Rotary; and VFW Post 10059.

“Many, many thanks to the Knights of Columbus for inviting me to speak at last night’s dinner. The pleasure was all mine. It was an enormous privilege to have been given the opportunity to address this great community which supports Veterans in their need to make a strong transition back to civilian society. The love and admiration I received was overwhelming and inspiring,” said Taylor.

Ribellino had a vision of a fundraiser once a year for a specific Veterans or Law Enforcement Organization when elected to lead the Assembly in September 2016. “One of my goals, when I took over as the Faithful Navigator of the Assembly, was to assist an organization that works and helps our veterans and our law enforcement”, he said.  Assembly member Al Latte was in charge of the catering part of the dinner. Ribellino went on the say “I am so appreciative of Brother Al for being in charge of the kitchen. I am thankful for him and the Brother Knights and members of St. Ann Club who prepared a delicious Italian meal.

In addition, Assembly 100 wanted to do something for the youth and future leaders in our community so they decided to help the young men and woman in the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets Post 1913.

“My daughter is a member of the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets and I see the program has done for her by helping her grow into a disciplined young lady, so we’re thrilled to help such a great group of young adults,” said Ribellino.

The Norwalk Public Safety Cadets assisted with serving and clean up. Ribellino went on to say, “I was so impressed at how the Cadets jumped right in and made the attendees feel right at home. I am so grateful for the help they provided. We were happy to return the favor with the donation of Post t-shirts and supplies for their hard and exemplary work.”

Public Safety Cadet advisor, Norwalk Police Officer Chris Holms acknowledged the crew of cadets by having them come up to the podium while he spoke of the program and how proud he is of the hard work and dedication they give to the program and community.

The Public Safety Cadet program is a shared program between the Norwalk Police and Fire Departments for youth ages 13-20. This program gives youth the opportunity to learn about both departments while participating in community service and learning leadership.

At the end of the evening, Ribellino presented a check for $1500 to Taylor and Elizabeth Gorenbergh from Homes for the Brave.

“Homes for the Brave is so proud of board member Taylor, who gave an awesome presentation as the guest speaker for the Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly’s Patriot Day Dinner. In addition, we are incredibly grateful to Bishop Fenwick Assembly for this remarkable contribution to our Female House, the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home for Female Veterans and for the Assembly’s amazing support of our organization throughout the year,” said Vince Santilli, CEO of Homes for the Brave.

Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, has been based in Norwalk, Conn., since 1914. The Fourth Degree is the outgrowth and culmination of the desire of the members to manifest their love for country and pride in their Catholic American heritage. In 1882, the Reverend Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus to provide mutual aid and assistance to its members and their families. At that time the Order had only three degrees, exemplifying the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. In compliance with the wishes of the body as a whole, the national board of directors met in August 1899 and approved the addition of a Fourth Degree to the work of the Knights of Columbus. The new ritual was adopted on the 9th of December that year and went into effect in 1900 with its primary purpose to foster the spirit of patriotism through the demonstration of one’s love for its country and by responsible citizenship. It is the highest Degree in the Knights of Columbus, giving a greater knowledge and appreciation for our Catholic heritage.

(For more information, go to Assembly100.org.)

WASHINGTON (CNS) — When the elderly men and women at the Jeanne Jugan Residence for senior care pray the rosary with Sister Constance Veit, they see her as more than one of the caregivers at the facility.

Though this nun with the Little Sisters of the Poor is many years their junior, these seniors think of her as their spiritual mother, a term often used by popes when they refer to women religious.

More than one of those residents said they were going to honor Sister Constance May 12, just like they would any other mother on Mother’s Day.

Pictured: Sister Constance Veit, a Little Sister of the Poor, collects rosaries from elderly residents following prayers at the Jeanne Jugan Residence for senior care in Washington March 25, 2019. Sister Constance is considered a spiritual mother by many of the residents, who said they will honor her on Mother’s Day. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) See MOTHERS-DAY-NUN April 26, 2019.

Pope Francis has called on women religious to “be mothers, as a figure of Mary … and of mother church. It is impossible to understand Mary without her motherhood; it is impossible to understand the church apart from her motherhood and you are icons of Mary and the church.”

Sister Constance has answered the pope’s call and embraced the role of spiritual mother.

“Our motherhood is exercised by loving those whom God puts in our path, those to whom he confides to us to care for,” she told Catholic News Service in a March interview. “In my case, we care for the elderly. I look at myself as a spiritual mother to the elderly, because I try to nurture them, to protect them from harm and to educate them spiritually.”

Though most of the elderly who reside at Washington’s Jeanne Jugan Residence arrive with a strong spiritual core, Sister Constance says part of her role is to enrich and further their understanding and love of God.

“The recognition of spiritual motherhood is a recognition of a supernatural order alongside the natural one,” said Dominican Sister Maria Veritas Marks, a member of the Religious in Residence program at The Catholic University of America in Washington. “In this order, it is also possible to give persons’ life, supernatural life, to help them share the divine life of grace. Consecrated religious women are called to this motherhood in a particular way through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.”

According to the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy’s document “Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Maternity,” “the vocation to be a spiritual mother … is largely unknown, scarcely understood and, consequently, rarely lived, notwithstanding its fundamental importance. It is a vocation that is frequently hidden, invisible to the naked eye, but meant to transmit spiritual life.”

In his 1988 apostolic letter, “Mulieris Dignitatem” (“On the Dignity and Vocation of Women”), St. John Paul II said that for consecrated women who live according to the charism and rules of the various apostolic institutes, spiritual motherhood “can express itself as concern for people, especially the most needy: the sick, the handicapped, the abandoned, orphans, the elderly, children, young people, the imprisoned and, in general, people on the edges of society.”

That apostolic letter continued by saying just as the motherhood of Mary extends to all, so is the spiritual motherhood of consecrated women characterized by “ongoing intercession, care and maternal solicitude for all souls.”

Mary has been an inspiration to Sister Constance throughout her vocation as a Little Sister of the Poor, calling her the most beautiful ideal and model in motherhood.

“I’ve always appreciated the fact that Mother’s Day occurs during the month of May, a month the church dedicates to Mary,” she said. “I think it’s a way of making a connection between our blessed mother and mothers, both physical mothers and spiritual mothers.”

In her role as spiritual mother in a care facility for the elderly, Sister Constance believes her priority is to remind the seniors that they too continue to have a mission in this world and to help foster their purposefulness.

Another priority is to help them prepare for eternal life, Sister Constance said.

“For us, the ultimate of spiritual motherhood is being midwives of souls, as they prepare to leave this world,” she said. “A physical mother brings children into the world at the beginning of their lives. We’re there at the end of people’s lives to help them to be born to eternal life with God forever. I think that’s just a beautiful way of looking at it.”

By Chaz Muth Catholic News Service

DANBURY—Forty years ago on a cold winter night, Alberto Boyer and his wife Hilda showed up at the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Danbury, holding a battered statue of the Blessed Mother. The 300-pound lead statue of Our Lady of Miracles had been damaged and defaced … and discarded in a garbage dump.

Father Jose Fernandez took the statue for his small faith community, who promised to build her “a little house.” In the history of his parish, he later wrote: “The fact is that Mary in her image was crucified as her Son was. He on the cross, and she in a dump.”

At the time, the Spanish-speaking community celebrated Mass in the lower-level chapel of St. Joseph Church in Danbury. Their first collection took in $67.

The mission was named after Our Lady of Guadalupe because, as Father Fernandez wrote: “The Virgin of Guadalupe was our guide and patron, the Mother of the Americas, who appeared in 1531 to Juan Diego and said, ‘Go to the bishop and ask him to build a chapel on this very spot from which I can demonstrate my maternal vigilance and give compassionate assistance to those who ask for it.’ Maybe the echo of Mary’s petition was heard here after 450 years. Perhaps Mary wanted to have a sanctuary in this town.”

Many believe Father was correct. They had given a home to the Virgin, whose statue had been tossed aside in a garbage dump, and she in turn has blessed them. Eventually, families from the surrounding communities, who came from Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, El Salvador and Ecuador began to join them.

Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish has its own church and rectory. Six weekend masses are packed with worshippers from towns in Fairfield County and Westchester and as far away as the Bronx.

The fourth pastor, Father John Perez, who is a native of Colombia, says the attendance is so overwhelming that the parish’s greatest need is a larger parking lot. That first collection of $67 has increased immeasurably through the generosity of the people. The original goal for Our Lady of Guadalupe in the We Stand With Christ capital campaign was $542,000, and thus far they have raised more than $1.1 million, with one man giving Father a check for $12,000. More than 50 parishioners helped him with the campaign, reaching out to others to spread the word.

“They did this because they love their parish and they love their community,” Father said. “They show an amazing faith in God and the Blessed Mother. The campaign helped me to see clearly that there are so many people who love the Church in the midst of difficult times. They believe in the Church, in the priests, the bishops and the pope. They are a faithful people.”

Father Perez, who has been pastor for six years, previously served at St. Benedict-Our Lady of Monserrat Parish in Stamford. He is from a family of 16 children and felt a vocation to the priesthood from the time he was young, but it was difficult for him to enter the seminary in Colombia so he went into the food services industry. God, however, led him back to the priesthood and through the efforts of Monsignor Christopher Walsh, he came to Connecticut. In 1999, he entered Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and was ordained in 2003 by Bishop William Lori.

His parents, Jaime and Rimirez are very proud of him, and he says, “For my mother, it is the greatest marvel in the world to have somebody in the family who is a priest. And now, one of her grandsons is also studying for the priesthood.”

Father Perez says the commitment and devotion of his parishioners are the secret of his parish’s success. Most of the 1,500 families are from Ecuador and the Dominican Republic with a number from several other Latin American countries. Almost 600 children are enrolled in the catechism program and that the enrollment increases every year. The parish has groups devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Good Success from Ecuador, along with people who are charismatics and Cursillistas.

“This is a very vibrant church,” Father Perez said. “I have 250 volunteers who help me — Eucharistic ministers, lectors, choir members, ushers, 62 catechists and almost 40 altar servers.” He is assisted by Father Edicson Orozco, the parochial vicar, and Deacon Rafael Regus.

“We have a lot of services here, and people invite others to come,” he says. “When people find a church that has its doors open for their needs, they feel comfortable. People from Ecuador have very pious lives and if they decide to have a procession, especially dedicated to the Blessed Mother or Baby Jesus, they know our doors are always open to them.”

In his history of the parish, Father Fernandez, who later retired to New Jersey, wrote, “In the beginning, most of the men worked 70 to 80 hours a week in diners and restaurants without health insurance, paid vacations or other benefits. Life was a bit hard. The mission fostered finding better jobs, fomenting small businesses and especially urged them to purchase their own homes. By 1989, there were about 50 families who lived in their own homes. In 1990, there were 21 businesses run by Spanish-speaking residents. The parish also promoted scholastic and occupational learning.”

The faithful began a campaign to build their own church with the slogan, “WITH GOD WE CAN.” Several woman approached Father Fernandez and said, “Father, if we all put a dollar in each time we enter the church, something can be done.” Each month, people donated an additional $5, $10 and $15 and held other fund-raising activities. “Even with all this, faith and God had to complement our human limitations,” Father wrote.

In 1983, they found a 5-acre parcel of land, which they purchased for $70,000, and on June 3, 1985, Bishop Walter W. Curtis blessed the cornerstone, and Father Fernandez was named pastor. A year-and-a-half later, the church was completed. Some companies worked for reduced fees, many parishioners donated their time and talents, and one contractor let them use excavators free of charge.

The church was finished on December 12, 1986, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and on Sunday December 14, the first Mass was celebrated.

Ten years after Alberto and Hilda Boyer brought the damaged statue of Our Lady to the priest, the parish fulfilled the promise to build her a shrine called “Little House of Mary.” On June 25, 1989, Bishop Edward Egan joined the faith community and blessed the shrine, which had the inscription, “Mary, Mother of Peace.”

Father Fernandez recalled the event in his history and wrote: “There are many faithful who on their way to work or at lunch hour stop a few moments before the image to find in her powers, consolation, help, a place among humans or tranquility in their families or peace of the souls … because Mary is the Mother of Peace.”

OSSINING, NY—The Dominican Sisters of Hope joyfully announce the election of their new leadership team.

The election took place on Sunday afternoon, April 28, in Tarrytown, NY. Catherine (Cass) McDonnell, Vice Chancellor for Urban Ministry and Planning for the Diocese of Paterson, NJ, was elected Prioress. Patricia Magee, a Special Education Coordinator at Mid-Hudson Regional Early Education Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., ConstanceLynn Kelly, currently on the leadership team, Margaret Anderson, currently on the leadership team, and Elizabeth Menard, formerly Regional Director of Christian Formation for the Ogdensburg Diocese, were elected councilors.

The new leadership team will transition into their roles on June 22, 2019. They will serve a five-year term.

Nancy Sheridan, SASV and Monica (Nicki) Verploegen expertly facilitated the Chapter, themed Sojourners Embracing Communion. Jo Ann Timmerman, OP facilitated prayer and ritual for the sisters and associates. Following the election, the Sisters of Hope, along with associates, facilitators, and friends, held hands and sang their original song, Rivers. Joy and thanksgiving filled the room.

The Dominican Sisters of Hope are grateful to the present and newly elected leadership teams for their willingness to serve. The community looks forward to continuing to joyfully preach the transforming power of Hope to the world.

In the photo: The newly elected leadership team. From left: ConstanceLynn Kelly, OP, Patricia Magee, OP, Catherine (Cass) McDonnell, OP, Margaret Anderson, OP, Elizabeth Menard, OP.

DANBURY—Please join Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Danbury in this tenth year of the Annual Global Rosary Relay for a Day of Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests on Friday, June 28, 2019.

Worldpriest was established by a group of lay people to support various aspects of the priestly ministry. Also, Worldpriest seeks to “unite priests and laity so that everyone can come into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”

The Rosary Relay is a world-wide event. Shrines and churches offer their rosaries at specific times so that prayers are offered for priests throughout the day.

Adoration that day, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, will begin at 8:30 am at Sacred Heart Parish, in the church, following Mass at 8 am and the recitation of the rosary. Adoration will continue until 8 pm.

In the evening, at 7 pm, there will be a rosary and prayers offered for priests.

Also, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Secular Franciscan Fraternity hosts a Holy Hour for Priests every fourth Saturday at 9 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Everyone is invited.

 Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish is located at the corner of Cottage and Stone Streets in Danbury.

 (For more information, call the parish office at: 203.748.9029 or visit their website at: www.sacredheartdanbury.org. For more information on the Annual Global Rosary Rally, including additional locations, visit: www.worldpriest.com.)

NORWALK – On Saturday, May 4, one hundred middle school students from twenty-one parishes around the Diocese of Bridgeport and New York gathered at All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk for the first Middle School Youth Rally. The theme of the day was BRAVE–Be Ready and Vigilant Every day.

The day opened with prayer and music provided by the band from St. Rose of Lima in Newtown. Nationally renowned speaker and musician Steve Angrisano led the participants in ice breakers, singing and dancing to “Lean on Me,” and spoke about how God works through each of us to build one another up, challenging participants to be bold even when it may not be the “cool” thing to do. Emma Ryder, the coordinator of The Face of Prayer and emcee for the day said, “As we were breaking for lunch, one of the participants exclaimed ‘That guy is awesome!’ and then asked me where the line was for confession. It was amazing to see the participants so enthusiastic and enjoying the day within the first few hours.”

The day continued with lunch, an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and games led by Rodd Blessey, coordinator of Fan the Fire youth event at St. Rose of Lima, including a relay race and a water balloon toss. Angrisano continued speaking to the participants about friendship and the deep love of Christ. He told each participant that they have special gifts given to them by God and it’s up to them to do God’s work in their unique way because no one else can. He left them with the task of being courageous witnesses of Christ’s love to one another each and every day.

Father Eric Silva, chaplain at St. Joseph’s High School in Trumbull, spoke to the participants about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the power God has to work in our hearts. He then brought the Blessed Sacrament into the auditorium for adoration. The band played music as Father Silva processed through each row of the auditorium. Rose Talbot-Babey, coordinator of Religious Education for the Diocese of Bridgeport said, “It was beautiful to see our young people kneel and be present before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It gave me great hope to our young Church alive and well!”

The day’s events were coordinated by the Office of Faith Formation and a small committee of youth ministers including Rodd Blessey, Jenna Donovan and Shari Garcia.

WASHINGTON—Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s tragic shooting at the STEM School Highlands Ranch near Denver, Colorado.

The full statement follows:

“Yesterday, tragically just seven miles from Columbine High School, a shooting took place at the STEM School Highlands Ranch. There are reports of multiple critical injuries including at present, one fatality. This shooting comes just after the community marked the 20th anniversary of the tragic shooting at Columbine. This shooting reminds us yet again that something is fundamentally broken in our society when places of learning can become scenes of violence and disregard for human life. As Americans, we must deeply examine why these horrific occurrences of gun violence continue to take place in our communities. Action is needed to attempt to reduce the frequency of these heinous acts. I call on Catholics around the country to pray for the dead, injured and for the loved ones left behind and for healing in the community.
May Jesus who came that we might all have life in abundance, bring consolation and healing at this time of great sadness.”