Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

The former Rev. Peter John Lynch has been given a dispensation from sacred celibacy and from the obligations connected to Sacred Ordination. On May 20, 2023, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, after having received the report of the Congregation for Clergy, gave his consent to the request by the former priest. The rescript grants a dispensation from celibacy and at the same time, the loss of the clerical state. The notification comprising the grace of the dispensation was transmitted to the former Fr. Lynch on July 22, 2023, when he signed the document in the presence of Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. With the issuance of the Rescript, the dispensed cleric automatically loses the rights proper to the clerical state. However, he is encouraged to take an active part in the life of the People of God “in a manner consonant with his new state, to give edifying example and show himself as a devoted son of the Church, fulfilling useful service to the Christian community.”

FAIRFIELD,—Fairfield University is excited to announce a new name for the School of Engineering: the School of Engineering and Computing. This renaming reflects the steady growth of the various disciplines within computer science.

“The School of Engineering and Computing has been offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science, software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity for many years. With the tremendous success and industry demand from these disciplines, it was only a matter of time until this was recognized,” said Dean Andres Leonardo Carrano, PhD. “We believe this new name will attract prospective students seeking degrees in computing related programs who may not have realized our ample academic offer in these areas.”

The scale of the demand for computer science professionals continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer scientists and researchers is projected to grow 21 percent over the next decade.

Fairfield University is one of the few universities that offer engineering and computer science programs that are rooted in the centuries-old Jesuit educational tradition. A rigorous curriculum based on a humanities Magis core, coupled with our Cura Personalis approach and hands-on curriculum, students are prepared to lead in their fields with the necessary communication skills, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

The School of Engineering and Computing offers a breadth of programs including computer science, data science, and cybersecurity. In addition to programs, the

School has a state-of-the art cybersecurity lab, a fully staffed security operations center, and the Innovation Annex. Besides running a very successful annual coding Hackathon event, the School will open an Artificial Intelligence Lab this fall.

To support this expanding field, the School of Engineering and Computing is onboarding several new faculty in the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning this fall.

This year, through research, innovation, and expertise, the computer science faculty continue to make their mark in the field through publications and grants. Research areas range from augmented reality and artificial intelligence to framework for developing next-gen cyber-aware workforce.

To see more School of Engineering and Computing news, visit fairfield.edu/engineering.

By Emily Clark

FAIRFIELD—Behind a row of bushes, just above busy Kings Highway sits the former rectory of St. Emery Church, now a small, refurbished monastery for two cloistered Carmelites of Mary Ever Virgin. This quiet sanctuary amidst retail buildings and modest residences has become home to Sister Maria and Sister Mary Ruth, where they can quietly and simply continue dedicating their lives to God.

Since their arrival on April 15, the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, the sisters have been embraced by the church community.

“Our parishioners have really adopted them. ‘What do they need? What can we do?’ they ask me,” said Father Sean Kulacz, pastor at Holy Family-St. Emery Parish. “We’re blessed to have them.”

Originally from North Dakota, the sisters spent four years in rural Texas and then several months in New York before Bishop Frank J. Caggiano invited them to create this residence in Fairfield where they hope to grow their community to include eight Carmelites, an order committed to a life of silent prayer, removed from the outside world. According to Father Kulacz, the diocese has not had a cloistered order in decades.

To convert the 100-year-old rectory into a private space for monastic life, Father Kulacz said the Knights of Columbus, parishioners, and diocesan staff painted rooms, removed rugs, and made repairs to the building. A refectory (dining room), individual cells (bedrooms), an office for clerical work, and several other rooms complete what Father Kulacz calls a “beautiful space.” A separate chapel allows for Mass within the small monastery, and soon a fenced-in yard and large trees will give them the opportunity to get outdoors in a private area.

Additionally, there is a sunroom with sliding glass doors where the sisters find joy in greeting visitors for short periods throughout the day. Here, they can remain cloistered behind a screen and still converse openly.

“We are thrilled to be here and are starting to get to know the laity,” Sister Mary Ruth said one recent afternoon. “The bishop understands that a contemplative, cloistered community is an integral part of Catholic life. That is us. That is why we are here. This will be the spiritual powerhouse of the diocese.”

It is that secluded, monastic life–marked by prolonged periods of uninterrupted silence and prayer–that sets the Carmelite nuns apart from other sects and is why creating this separate space for them was so essential. This call, said Sister Maria, requires much psychological stamina.

“It’s a capacity for silence and a desire to be alone with the Lord,” she said. “The more you have it, the more you need it.”

Sister Mary Ruth nodded in agreement, adding, “The silence and solitude, living a whole life of withdrawal, eliminates a lot of disruption. It helps us listen to God on another level and enriches our prayer life with a deeper devotion to Him.”

Such devotion is present in all facets of the nuns’ lives, beginning with waking at midnight to pray in the ancient monastic tradition, chanting the hours of the Divine Office, and attending Mass together. They also make time for study, rest, and exercise, all in strict silence and enclosure, as well as preparing meatless meals and attending to administrative work. This includes answering emails and using the internet sparingly to remain in touch with the modern world so they can share word of their vocation. An interdependence exists, said Sister Mary Ruth, between the nuns and the greater community, similar to the Carmelite tradition whose roots were established in cities.

“They give us food and supplies, and we give them our prayers,” she said.

Though the sisters rely on almsgiving for support, they do generate a small income by sewing altar linens, receiving orders from priests interested in corporals, purificators, and palls. While they use a machine for the hems, they hand-embroider a tiny red cross in the center of each cloth. Sister Maria recalls the first order they received – on their first day at Holy Family-St. Emery.

“There was a note from the mother of a young man about to be ordained asking us to sew a pall for him. It was a very busy time since we just arrived, but of course we said yes!” she said, adding that doing so gave them the chance to pray for all of the newly ordained priests.

Though they visit their small chapel daily, the sisters also join the congregation and Father Kulacz to chant at the 10 am Sunday Mass where they sit in a cloistered area on the altar, thanks to a screen constructed by a parishioner. On the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16, Bishop Caggiano celebrated Mass at St. Emery, expressing appreciation to Sister Maria and Sister Mary Ruth for their presence and their prayers.

“We come today to give thanks to almighty God that we have a contemplative order which represents the very heart of Carmel,” the bishop said. Using the metaphor of yeast in baking to represent the Carmelites’ importance to the diocese, he added, “They are our spiritual yeast. You don’t see or hear them. They are hidden, but the sisters are essential, and we are grateful for their presence and for all they do.”

Though their intentions may go unnoticed by most, the sisters’ prayers extend well beyond their tiny community. Thousands of vehicles pass the monastery each day, speeding up Kings Highway, and Sister Maria offers a prayer for each one.

“When I hear a car or a motorcycle go by, I think ‘I need to pray for that person,’” she said. “We hope to reach them all.”

The Carmelite sisters said they plan to have an Open House this fall to welcome the community and let them see “the great things God has done for us in his mercy.”

Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs, is preparing to enter an exciting new chapter filled with growth and change. The Center is on the verge of a promising future, filled with endless opportunities.

The recent retirement of Helen Burland, who served as the Executive Director since 2008, marks the end of an era but beginning of a new chapter. Stepping into the role with confidence, expertise and familiarity is Laura Grozier, previously the Center’s Director of Operations. With a seamless transition of leadership, Saint Catherine Center is poised for continued success and growth under Laura’s guidance. Helen Burland reminds us, “Change is a positive force that brings growth.”

With commitment to constant improvement, the Center is on the verge of completing its Building for the Future Campaign. This expansive project will reimagine the programming and learning experiences offered by the Center.

Strategic renovations and expansion efforts will double the building’s square footage, providing necessary space to accommodate the evolving needs of the community. This transformational endeavor, built upon a solid foundation, will ensure Saint Catherine Center continues to thrive and spread its mission for many years to come. Click here for our latest building project update.

The Building for the Future Campaign not only presents opportunities for enrollment growth and evolving programs, but also promises updated, authentic learning spaces that will meet individual’s unique needs and empower them to grow and excel. Among the remarkable features of the expansion are a hydroponic grow room and a commercial- grade kitchen. These additions will not only facilitate skill-building programs but also offer real-world vocational experiences, preparing individuals for a meaningful life beyond their time at the Center.

To everyone who has been a part of this journey, Saint Catherine Center extends an invitation to join us at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday September 15, at 10:30 a.m. Together, we can create a welcoming community where individuals with disabilities can thrive, achieve, and make meaningful connections.

If you would like to assist us in completing the outfitting of the new building, please click here. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

See also: St. Catherine Center Welcomes Summer Interns

From St. Catherine Center’s latest newsletter:

We are excited to introduce our wonderful group of interns who have joined us for this summer season. These interns bring a fresh perspective and valuable support to our programs. We are thrilled to have Patrick Dineen, Lucas Crowell, Michael Pinedo and Sarah Sportini on board as they work to support our mission.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this internship program is the opportunity for our students and young adults to create connections with young people around their own age. These great bonds lead to long lasting friendships,” explains Kim Stevens, Academy Staff.

Patrick Dineen, a student from the University of Scranton, works directly with our Adult Program in Team 3. As an intern, Patrick brings enthusiasm, compassion and dedication to make a positive impact on the lives of our participants.

Lucas Crowell, a student from Chino State University, and Michael Pinedo, a UConn student, have both returned for their third consecutive summer as interns. “The bonds I make with the students are so deep and authentic, it is one of the reasons I continue to come back each summer,” says Michael. The interns’ commitment to our mission is evident as they continue to provide valuable support, peer mentorship, and encouragement to our students. Their presence adds a fresh energy along with familiarity, creating a nurturing environment where our students can thrive.

Sarah Sportini, a student from UConn, is joining us for her first summer. Sarah’s enthusiasm and perspective contribute to the vibrant energy of our summer program.

With the presence of these talented interns, the students are embarking on a summer filled with growth, learning and fun. The friendships formed, lessons learned and memories created will extend far beyond the summer, positively influencing our students and interns alike.

We are grateful to our interns for their contributions and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our community.

See also: St. Catherine Center Starts New Chapter

BRIDGEPORT-Are you a Catholic between the ages of 18 and 35 living in the greater Bridgeport area? Then join fellow young adult Catholics next Wednesday, July 19, for Mass and a social at St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport!

By Joe Pisani

NEW CANAAN — The road to Emmaus was a lonely one for those two disciples who were dejected and disillusioned after Jesus’ crucifixion … until he came up beside them and walked with them on their journey. That was 2000 years ago, but even today, the Road to Emmaus can get awfully crowded.

Monsignor Robert M. Kinnally, vicar general of the diocese and pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, believes that Gospel story shows the importance of accompanying one another on the road of life during times of suffering, crisis or tragedy. And that’s the aim of Stephen Ministry, a one-on-one lay ministry that brings Christ’s healing love to people who are hurting. St. Aloysius recently launched the program with the commissioning of 16 ministers.

Just as at Emmaus, Monsignor Kinnally believes that “people in tragedy and darkness don’t see God because they’re so hurt and overwhelmed that they need someone to help them, and Stephen ministers will pull them out of the darkness.”

“This is about walking together,” he says. “So many people come broken, and they aren’t able to help themselves. Stephen Ministers say, ‘Let’s do this together. You’re hurting, you’re tired, you’re frustrated, and I can help you.’ So when we tell our story and another person listens carefully, together you decide how you continue on this walk. The ministers make it clear they can’t necessarily ‘solve’ anything, but they can tell you where God is in all of this and help you find him.”

Father David Roman, the parochial vicar who co-leads the ministry with parishioner Pat Calanca, described it as “Christ caring for people through people.” Catholic laymen and women have been trained in skills of listening and loving and just being with people in need.

“At its core, Stephen Ministry is about lay empowerment so lay men and women can be ministers of prayer, of accompaniment and agents of God’s love, who reach out to people who are hurting,” he said.

The ministry, which is in more than 13,000 congregations from 170 different denominations worldwide, offers “help, hope and healing.” It trains lay people to provide “one-to-one Christ-centered care,” thereby supplementing the efforts of pastors and priests.

Father Roman, who is entering his fifth year at St. Aloysius, said Stephen Ministry is a natural evolution of the parish’s Wellness Ministry, which he and Calanca started.

“The Wellness Ministry, which is going into its third year, is for people who have chronic illness or for their caregivers. I found there are a lot of people who are suffering, a lot of people who are struggling with, say, cancer, a lot of people who are dealing with grief and loss, a lot of people who are dealing with depression. And it was often the case that people wanted to meet with me all the time, and I said okay, but I realized we needed something here so they can gather in a special way, so people with chronic illness can form a community that can strengthen them.”

Father Roman believes Stephen Ministry promotes the spirit of Vatican II, which encourages lay engagement. It is also focuses on a favorite theme of Pope Francis, which is “accompaniment,” whereby we accept people where they are in their faith journey and walk with them.

“It’s a great gift to the Church for lay people to step forward and embrace their pastoral authority, to embrace the fact they are sons and daughters of the Father who can bring healing and hope to their brothers and sisters,” Father Roman said. “This will be a huge help to the priests because it will let us refer people to the trusted men and women who’ve gone through an extensive formation process.”

Father Roman says there is a need for the ministry at St. Aloysius, along with a great openness and receptiveness to it by parishioners. After he mentioned the ministry to Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, “he was totally on board with us going down the path of introducing it to St. A’s.”

Calanca, the ministry’s lay leader, said the difficulties people are dealing with can include the loss of a loved one, a separation or divorce, illness, relocation, financial or family problems, loneliness and depression. As one of the five Stephen Leaders, she is responsible for administering the program and training parishioners to be Stephen Ministers, who will meet regularly with a “care receiver.” Their relationship will last as long as necessary and be entirely confidential.

Calanca also believes the ministry will help lessen the demands on the clergy. She recalls the day she was in the rectory, when several people wanted to talk with Monsignor or pray with him about difficult situations. At his request, she did some research and discovered Stephen Ministers, which also exist at St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield. As a first step, five people were trained as leaders and brought the training to those who wanted to become ministers.

Stephen Ministries is an independent, not-for-profit Christian organization founded in St. Louis in 1975 by psychologist Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk. It was named after St. Stephen, one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to help members of the early Christian community by offering charitable aid and distributing food, according to the Acts of the Apostles.

“Our culture as Catholics is to go to the priests in our distress, whether it’s a mosquito bite or a volcano, but in this case, the priest will ascertain whether to recommend a Stephen Minister,” Calanca said. She is then contacted and refers the “care receiver” to a minister.

In promoting the ministry, the church told parishioners: “At times we can experience significant difficulties leaving us feeling isolated and alone. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a difficult life situation — such as the loss of a loved one, medical crisis, divorce, family issues, job loss, or caregiving challenges — please consider reaching out to a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers at St. Aloysius are extensively trained lay Catholic men and women who accompany people emotionally and spiritually through difficult situations. A Stephen Minister will meet one-on-one with anyone who is in need to provide a confidential and non-judgmental listening ear.”

The recently commissioned parishioners are Leaders Kevin Shanley, Tracey Carriera, Robert Kretzman, Michael Crane and Pat Calanca, along with Stephen Ministers Nancy Shullman, Judy Gilroy, Kristen Hall, Melissa Lopez, Patricia Pagano, Michelle Lavelle, Collette Gardner, Anne Merwin, Meg Mehos, MaryAnn DeFelice and Mike Giambra.

For further information, contact Father David Roman at frdavid@starr.com or Pat Calanca at patcalanca@outlook.com

Monsignor Kinnally said he was grateful to the ministers who took the time to go through the training and are willing to accompany their fellow parishioners.

“The coordinators have done a great job, along with Father David who is helping to facilitate the ministry from the clergy,” he said. “It will make an amazing difference in the life of our parish.

By Emily Clark

BRIDGEPORT-After twice injuring her ACL playing basketball, Destiny Lawson was grateful for the support of her physical therapists, doctors, and all those who offered inspiration during her rigorous recoveries. In an effort to give back, Lawson, now a professional golfer from Florida, hoped to bring the same message to others in similar situations.

That ambition was realized Monday morning when Lawson and two other members of the LPGA/Epson Tour visited patients at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, just days before they tee off in the first round of the tournament in Milford. With both laughter and moments of reflection, they shared stories of perseverance, insight, and courage in the face of challenge.

As the tour’s title sponsor, Hartford HealthCare, of which St. Vincent’s is an affiliate, was excited to welcome these players, said Lori McCabe, Institute Marketing and Communications Manager for Hartford HealthCare, Connecticut Orthopedic Institute. “The mission of Epson perfectly aligns with our mission and values as well,” she added.

Accompanying Lawson were Camden Morrison of Massachusetts and Hannah Arnold of Texas who all emphasized the importance of support – physical, emotional, and spiritual – during times of recovery.

“Everyone has their own journey, and sometimes you can feel very isolated, but you’re never really alone,” said Lawson. “Like all of us, these patients want to get back to their sport, their job, their life. It really makes a difference having someone there for you.”

For Morrison, that someone was her sister who tore her ACL just before Morrison did. “She was a huge factor in helping me. I was frustrated with my body but was very lucky for the support,” she said. As one who is passionate about promoting mental health awareness, Morrison appreciates “doing talks and visits like this outside of golf.”

Lawson agreed, saying, “Here, we can see that we have an impact beyond golf. Golf is what I do, not who I am. It has enabled me to do things like this.”

Arnold, whose father is a retired OB-GYN, grew up within a hospital setting where she saw how sometimes, patients themselves were not always in control of their own recovery and faced struggles. “God is our beacon of light. With support, we trust that we’re going to get through,” she said.

Though celebrities like these women are often viewed as being inspirational, they all commented that it is the people they meet who inspire them, such as Mehmet Binal who was recovering from spinal surgery. From his bedside, this Southport resident talked and laughed with the women during their visit. Though an artist not a golfer, he understood their message of accepting challenges and moving beyond the temporary pain to pursue his love of drawing just as they pursue their love of golf. Binal said he was honored to meet these athletes, adding, “I never expected anything like that!”

Reflecting on this experience, Lawson commented that as golfers and as patients themselves, “This the perfect opportunity to give back – helping others and supporting women’s golf. We’ve really come full circle.”

BRIDGEPORT- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport has received a grant of $1,159,910 from Lilly Endowment Inc., to help establish the First Witnesses Project, which will be managed by the diocese’s Institute for Catholic Formation.

The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children.

First Witnesses is a comprehensive approach to supporting parents and parishes to work collaboratively to stem the tide of disaffiliation. Research tells us parents have incredible influence when it comes to their children choosing to remain engaged in religious practices. Birth to age three is the most precious time in a child’s life, when the appropriation of ritual and language is strongest. First Witnesses seeks to combine the latest research with practical resources and opportunities for parents and congregations to build a culture of faithfulness.

The desired outcome of First Witnesses is to change the culture of our local parishes and create vibrant centers of worship with a growing demographic of young families. We anticipate parents and caregivers who are better able to articulate their faith, well-informed, and confident in the practice of rituals and other faith-centered activities in their homes.

“Parents are the first witnesses of the faith,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano commented in the application for the grant. “If, however, those parents lack the language to articulate the faith, if they lack the inspiration to ritualize the faith, and if they lack the support at the parish level, there is often little that gets passed onto the next generation. The generous grant from Lilly Endowment recognizes and supports the work of renewal in our diocese to build vital communities of faith that engage the young and accompany all in their journey of faith.”

The Diocese of Bridgeport is one of 77 organizations that are receiving grants through this competitive round of the Lilly Endowment initiative. Reflecting the diversity of Christianity in the United States, the organizations are affiliated with mainline Protestant, evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox Christian and Pentecostal faith communities. Many of the organizations are rooted in Black church, Hispanic and Asian Christian traditions.

“We’ve heard from many parents who are seeking to nurture the spiritual lives of their children, especially in their daily activities, and looking to churches and other faith-based organizations for support,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These thoughtful, creative and collaborative organizations embrace the important role that families have in shaping the religious development of children and are launching programs to assist parents and caregivers with this task.”

Lilly Endowment launched the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative in 2022 because of its interest in supporting efforts to help individuals and families from diverse Christian communities draw more fully on the wisdom of Christian practices to live out their faith fully and well passing on a vibrant faith to a new generation.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J. K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

About the Diocese of Bridgeport
The Diocese of Bridgeport includes more than 460,000 Catholics in Fairfield County, Connecticut, representing 45 percent of the total population. Geographically it encompasses all of Fairfield County and it includes 72 parishes and 82 churches. Mass is celebrated by 222 priests in 14 languages every weekend, reflecting the diversity of the region. In addition to serving more than 7,000 young people in its system of elementary and high schools, the diocese reaches out to more than 30,000 young people through its religious education program. The diocese also sponsors the Cardinal Sheehan Center and the McGivney Center for inner-city children in downtown Bridgeport, and Catholic Charities, the largest private, non-profit provider of social services of all faiths in Fairfield County. The work of the diocese is supported by Foundations in Faith, Foundations in Education, and Foundations in Charity, which provide funding for innovative programs and renewal initiatives. For more information, visit www.bridgeportdiocese.org.

For more information on the Institute for Catholic Formation, please visit www.formationreimagined.org.

DANBURY – Sharing the light of Jesus was the theme of the 20th anniversary breakfast meeting of the Magnificat chapter in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

The Triumphant Heart of Mary Immaculate chapter of Magnificat celebrated its milestone anniversary in April at the Ethan Allen Inn in Danbury, the location of the first breakfast meeting 20 years ago.

“It’s great to meet other women and other people and listen to their testimony. It’s uplifting,” said Carol Flynn, chapter coordinator. “New people keep coming,” she said. “It’s great to see all the new faces. Twenty years later we are still reaching more people.” There are more than 500 registered members in the diocese and about 100 attend every breakfast, she said.

Those gathered at the breakfast meeting in April said the first decade of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, while the room was aglow with the light of battery-operated candles.

The theme of the breakfast focused on John 8:12, “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Guest speaker Fran Karpiej, who was instrumental in founding the THMI Chapter of Magnificat in the Bridgeport Diocese, shared her experiences of following the light of Jesus during the darkest of times.

“It was a blessing to share my experiences and it was an extraordinary challenge for me,” she said explaining that just four weeks before this year’s Magnificat breakfast she had knee replacement surgery, which came on the heels of the one-year anniversary of losing her husband to cancer, her grandson to suicide and her mother’s passing.

“I’m standing there empty,” she said. “All I could do is share in some way my brokenness mixed with the hope of faith. I was coming from the point of view that I needed more light because I was going through such cloudiness. But I am not unique.”

Karpiej said she draws strength from the Book of Sirach in the Bible, specifically Sirach 2; 1-11: “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity.”

Accept whatever befalls you, she said adding that faith can continue to grow through life’s trials.

“We may not understand why things happen,” she reflected. “You don’t always have an answer. Sometimes we have to be okay with not knowing. That is the ultimate in trusting God.”

Father Larry Carew, the spiritual director of THMI Chapter of Magnificat since its beginning said he has been impacted by the heartfelt testimonials of the speakers and one of the most memorable testimonies was from Karpiej.

“The Holy Spirit gives a strength beyond our own strength to endure even when we think we cannot endure,” he said adding how her testimony and strength inspired him.

Father Carew said every speaker at the biannual breakfast meetings offers an element of surprise, insight and practical wisdom that really touches people.

“We’ve had a variety of speakers over the years and they are all coming from an experience of conversion in some way and the awareness of the intercession of Our Lady has been a part of that conversion for them,” Father Carew said. “The Holy Spirit has gifted them with a special gift to share their experience with others who may be going through similar struggles.”

Karpiej said everyone experiences hurt, sadness, pain and grief through different types of losses and encouraged people to rely on the strength of Jesus.

“The more I feel desperate, the more I prayed,” she said, adding action is necessary too. “Our action is not just prayer.”

Karpiej has been in ministry since the 1980s. She is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order and a respected Retreat Facilitator in the state and around the country, through Sharing Christ Ministry. She has been involved in Healing Prayer for over 40 years, giving Days of Recollection and Renewal, Parish Prayer Services and workshops on topics of faith and evangelization. As a leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1978, she believes in the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the common good of the Church. She and her husband, Joe, were known for leading Pilgrimages to the Holy Land and religious shrines around the world.

“The light that we share is our hope and once we truly take action and ask God to help us, we should let him do it and be patient. His grace and mercy is sufficient,” she said.

Father Carew said Magnificat is a blessing.

“You’ll find yourself really touched and inspired and wanting more of a deeper relationship with our Lord through Our Lady with the intercession of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “It’s spreading all over the world we are privileged to be a part of this gift to the Church that is being given through Magnificat.”

There are 100 Magnificat chapters worldwide in over 10 countries. Attendees at this breakfast received a pocket prayer shawl, Magnificat book and a real candle as a symbol of sharing the light.

Karpiej said the sisterhood of service is welcoming to all.

“I think the local chapter has a lot to give in the future,” she said. “We need to continue to get the word out for more people to come and experience Magnificat. There is something for everybody and it can go farther as long as we are faithful.”

The next Magnificat breakfast will be held in November at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.

DANBURY- At the Redemptoris Mater Seminary’s annual gala, held at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Sunday June 4, the St. Serra Vocations Ministry of Bridgeport was honored for the work we have done since our chartering in 2015 in supporting vocations within the diocese.

Spreading the word about vocations, supporting seminarians and religious in their formation, and assisting those ordained and professed is the mission of Serra. We also pray fervently for these same individuals as well as an increase in the number of those who answer God’s call to serve.

While we were honored to be recognized for our work, we know there is much to be done. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to raise awareness among the laity of the diocese, encouraging them to support vocations, not only by joining our Ministry, but also within their own parishes.

Deacon Dave shared the following reflection at the gala:

Vocations, vocations, vocations.

The three primary factors to sustaining our sacramental life for us Catholics are: vocations, vocations, vocations.

Vocations are why we are here this evening.

There is no disagreement that the number of vocations is declining. One reason for the predicament we are in, I think, is because young men and women are not being asked if they have ever considered a vocation to the priesthood or the religious life.

Each of us can do something about that! It takes a little bit of courage to ask someone, “Have you ever thought about being a priest? Have you thought about being a sister?” I liken it to a boy at a dance where a girl has caught his eye but he’s afraid to ask her to dance. What he needs is a good friend to give him the confidence and a nudge to ask her.

That is what Serra does. It is that friend who encourages you to ask that young man and woman if they’ve thought about joining that vocational dance. The priesthood or the religious life may be the life-long partner they’ve been seeking.

The Serra I am talking about is spelled S – E – R – R – A. It is not to be confused with the Sierra Club. Both are concerned about the environment but different kinds of environment.

Serra is named after St. Junipero Serra, an 18th century Franciscan missionary who introduced Catholicism to the indigenous people in California. During the 13 years he served the people in what is now California, he established almost a dozen missions. A number of those missions grew into major cities that are familiar to all of us: San Diego, Carmel, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, and Santa Clara.

St. Serra was a tireless defender of the indigenous people. Several times he walked from California to Mexico City to advocate for their rights. That walk covered over 1,500 miles. He was a very committed priest!

Junipero Serra was chosen as the patron by the first Serra club that was organized in Seattle in 1935. Those first members strongly believed there was a need to encourage and support vocations. Since then, it has grown into an international organization with over 20,000 members in more than 1,100 clubs spread across 46 countries. Serra’s mission is to encourage vocations and to help form the spiritual life of its members.

On April 28, 2015 the Serra Club of Bridgeport was charted by Bishop Caggiano in a Mass celebrated at St. Pius X in Fairfield. That same year on September 23, Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in a Mass celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.

Attending that Mass was a young student from the Catholic University of America, who was struggling over whether he had a vocation to the priesthood. At the canonization Mass, something moved his heart, that convinced him of his calling. The following year he began his priestly formation and, on this day, last year that young man, Fr. Colin Lomnitzer, was ordained by Bishop Caggiano at St. Augustine Cathedral. What a profound witness that was of St. Serra fulfilling his role as our patron saint!

A few years ago, Bishop Caggiano celebrated Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Jude in Monroe. During his homily he said, “when we enter the Sacred Heart of Jesus something profound happens”. He didn’t explain what that something is though. He sort of left us hanging. But this weekend by the grace of God I came across a message from the Catholic Company that listed the twelve promises Jesus told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque that He makes to those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart. Number 10 is, “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”

We need good holy priests who can touch and soften the hardness of our hearts. Serra’s mission and specifically ours here in the Bridgeport Diocese is to help our bishop and pastors invite men and women to start the dance that will take them into Christ’s Sacred Heart and stay there.

There are a number of things our Serra vocation ministry does for that, but there is much more that can be done which would be possible if we had more hands whose hearts are committed to encouraging and supporting vocations. Our desire is for more, many more priests and religious to honor at events like this in the future. Please seek us out if you, too, share that desire.

Our Serran community is deeply grateful to Fr. Kukielka for honoring us tonight. Redemptoris

Mater has been a good friend to us over the years, inviting us to pray with them, eating with them and grieving with us when we’ve lost a loved one.

We pray God will continue to bless Redemptoris Mater with many vocations who will touch and heal harden hearts. You’ve certainly touched ours.

If someone has caught your eye, who you think might be a good priest or religious, please ask them to join the vocation dance. We wish all of you Godspeed.