Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

DANBURY—Join Morning Glory on Saturday, June 1 for the Sixth-Annual Morning Glory Breakfast Program Walk-a-Thon. The event takes place at Meckauer Park located at 16 Shelter Rock Road in Bethel, Conn., starting at 9:30 am. All proceeds benefit the Northern Fairfield County Programs of Catholic Charities.  Be one of the first walkers to register and attend, and you will receive a Morning Glory backpack with freebies and coupons to area businesses.

The average homeless person walks three to five miles a day. The Morning Glory Breakfast Program is asking you join them in raising funds to help the homeless and end hunger by taking a walk in their shoes.

Morning Glory Breakfast Program serves a hot and healthy meal to the hungry and homeless of the Danbury area. Operating out of 15 Spring Street in Danbury, the program is conveniently located near the homeless shelters, so as to lessen the burden on clients. The program provides a hot breakfast in a safe and warm environment to the neediest in the area, and we work in collaboration with other agencies to provide education and referrals to clients in order to help end their homelessness. Currently, a multitude of agencies and programs use Morning Glory as a location to reach out to the hardest-to-reach populations. Since opening in October 2007, our program has served over 300,000 meals. There is no cost associated with meals or engagement with agencies; guests are only asked to sign in when they arrive. All participation in services with visiting agencies and programs is voluntary.

(To register for the event online visit: www.givegab.com/campaigns/morning-glory-breakfast-program-walk-a-thon.)

WATERBURY—The Second Annual Mountaintop Mass at Holy Land USA, honoring the life and legacy of Venerable Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, will be held April 28, Divine Mercy Sunday.

Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt will celebrate the Mass, which is cosponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Holy Land USA.

“We are hoping for a beautiful spring day, and this has the potential to be a landmark event,” said Father James Sullivan, pastor of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and organizer of the event. “I believe something truly wonderful is going to come from this and that it will reignite the faith in many people.”

Father Sullivan expects attendance to exceed last year’s Mass, which attracted more than 1000 people from across the state to the former religious theme park, known for its 60-foot illuminated cross, which can be seen for miles from the highway.

Last year, Archbishop Leonard Blair concelebrated the Mass with 13 priests and three deacons on a stage that had a large banner proclaiming, “Welcome to Holy Land USA.” The mountaintop offers a view of the places where Waterbury native Father McGivney was born, baptized, educated and buried for 92 years until his remains were moved to the Church of St. Mary in New Haven, where he began the Knights of Columbus.

During the 1960s and 70s, the park, which opened in 1955, attracted 45,000 visitors a year—they were tourists and pilgrims who went to pray, meditate and recall the events of Jesus’ life, from his birth to his crucifixion, by following a path that circled the hill and led to a depiction of Calvary.

After falling into disrepair, Holy Land closed in 1984. However, in recent years, it has experienced a revival. The roads have been repaved, the hilltop is landscaped, exhibits are being restored and a new gate and arch are being installed at the entrance.

The Mountaintop Mass will held rain or shine at 3 pm, April 28. Praise and worship by the Christian group Hands and Feet will start at 1:30 pm, followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 2:30 pm. There will be shuttles to the event along with refreshments, tents and seating.

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

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, is proud to announce that Anna Argulian and Christopher Rossetti are this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively.

Anna Argulian has attained the highest academic record among her class and will deliver the Valedictorian’s Farewell Address at the close of Commencement on Saturday, June 1. Anna came to St. Joseph High School from Flood Middle School in Stratford, Conn. She is President of the Women’s Studies Club, Historian for the National Honor Society, and a member of the Math, English, and Spanish Honor Societies. In addition, she is an editor for the school’s literary journal, Amaranth, and in 2018, was chosen as a Connecticut Governor’s Scholar. Outside of school, Anna participates in taekwondo, chess, and photography. In the fall, Anna will attend the University of Chicago and plans to major in Neuroscience.

“We are very proud,” remarked Dr. William Fitzgerald, head of school. Anna has chosen the University of Chicago (over Dartmouth), and as a Boston College alum, I’m hoping Chris will choose BC over a number of worthy alternatives. Wherever they go, they will be missed at St Joes. There are not two finer individuals to lead us into this season of reflection on the accomplishments of the great Class of 2019.”

Christopher Rossetti, Salutatorian, has earned the second highest academic average in his class and came to St. Joes from Seymour Middle School. He is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Math, English and Spanish Honor Societies. James is also an editor for the Amaranth, plays on St. Joe’s Volleyball Team, is the leader of the Frisbee Club and a member of the Jeopardy Club. Christopher has been accepted into multiple colleges and has yet to finalize his commitment. He is considering a major in either Math or Science.

“We are thrilled for Anna and Chris,” said Dr. James Keane, principal, “not simply because of their academic achievements, but because in terms of character, leadership, involvement, and integrity they represent the best of the very best of St Joseph High School. We could not be more pleased or proud.”

About St Joseph High School

St Joseph High School (SJHS) strives to be the premier college preparatory school in Southern Connecticut. The school provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C.

 (For more information visit  www.sjcadets.org.)

FAIRFIELD—The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality Dinner & Award Ceremony Honoring Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be held on April 12, 2019, in the Oak Room in the Barone Campus Center of Fairfield University. A reception is set for 6 pm with dinner to follow at 7 pm.

“Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality gratefully recognizes Bishop Frank Caggiano’s enthusiastic support of the Center from its very inception. Over the past years, it has been our privilege to collaborate with Bishop Caggiano in the mission entrusted to him,” said Father Gerry Blaszczak, S.J., director of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University.

“We honor Bishop Caggiano for his unflagging commitment to the growth in Christ of the clergy, religious and laity of Diocese of Bridgeport, whom he has served with outstanding wisdom, courage, fidelity and compassion,” said Father Blaszczak.

Rev. Robert Kinnally, chancellor of the diocese and pastor St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan and Deacon Patrick Toole, episcopal delegate for administration, Diocese of Bridgeport, are serving as co-chairs of the event.

The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality offers spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition to guide individuals and groups in their journey toward this encounter, as St. Ignatius did, by “finding God in all things.” As part of this outreach, we also train spiritual directors who can assist in the discernment of God’s direction in their lives.

The Center’s goals are to establish a lasting infrastructure to serve as a repository of the Jesuit values foundational to the culture of Fairfield University. The Center also promotes vibrant expressions of Ignatian spirituality at individual and group levels, both on campus and in parish settings in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

(To make a reservation for the dinner or to learn more, call 203.254.4000 ext.3468 or email mcis@fairfield.edu.)

HARTFORD—Hundreds of Catholics from across the state and beyond gathered at Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford on April 7 for a special Mass commemorating the recent beatification of Blessed Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair celebrated the Mass with concelebrants from the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Diocese of Norwich, and the Diocese of Providence.

“The presence of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart sisters in this metropolitan area is a great blessing for all of us, and we’re happy to rejoice with them at this Mass and give thanks to God for the beatification of Mother Clelia,” Archbishop Blair said in his homily.

Blessed Clelia was born in Forli, Italy, in 1861 and founded the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in May 1894. The cause for Blessed Clelia’s canonization was opened in 1988, and she was beatified on Nov. 3, 2018, at Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy—88 years after her death.

The Mass at Cathedral of St. Joseph marked the fifth and final commemorative celebration held in the United States, where 115 Apostles minister across five states: Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Missouri. In Connecticut, where the U.S. Provincialate is located, Apostles serve in all three dioceses.

Worldwide, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are present in 15 countries.

(To learn more about the Apostles, visit www.ascjus.org.)

The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are consecrated women of the Church. Impelled by the Spirit active in each of us and faithful to the charism of Blessed Clelia Merloni we seek to make the compassionate Heart of Christ better known, loved and served. We do this by personal and communal witness to the Gospel, commitment to growth in holiness, and ministry to the people of God.

NORWALK—On May 4, the Diocese of Bridgeport is hosting a Middle School Youth Rally open to all 6^th, 7^th, and 8th-grade students at All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk.

The day will be kicked off by a local, Catholic band who will lead participants in praise and worship throughout the day. Students will hear from the nationally renowned speaker, Steve Angrisano who will speak about knowing God the Father, building a relationship with Him, and encountering Him in the Eucharist.

Steve Angrisano is undoubtedly one of the most effective and versatile ministry leaders in the Church today. Young and old alike embrace the passionate message of faith, hope and love woven throughout his music and storytelling. Always rooted in a spirit of humility and faithfulness, Steve’s easy, honest style of ministry is born from who he is: a committed witness to the life and love of Jesus Christ.

Students will have the opportunity to socialize with one another and talk about the day during lunch, outdoor games and during their participation in a service project that will take place in the afternoon. Father Eric Silva will lead the group in Eucharistic Adoration and will offer the opportunity for confession, along with other priests from around the diocese.

The cost of the event is $25 per person.

To register your Middle Schooler, visit: http://bit.ly/BRAVE-diobpt.

Haga clic aquí para descargar el formulario de inscripción en Español.

We are also in need of VIRTUS trained volunteers! Sign up at: http://bit.ly/brave-volunteers.

FAIRFIELD—SHU Journey, an extraordinary six-day residential summer experience of faith education, self-discovery and enjoyment for high school youth, will be held on the university campus from Sunday, June 23 to Friday, June 28.

The university is inviting Catholic high school students from rising sophomores to rising seniors who are interested in growing in and becoming leaders in their faith to apply no later than May 1.

“This exceptional week is filled with exciting activities, events, and experiences including faith instruction, small group conversations about real life issues, music ministry, prayer, reflection, liturgy, journaling, community service,” said Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D., chair of Catholic Studies.

Dr. Loris said SHU Journey is a Lily Endowed Summer Theological Institute developed specifically for young men and women who want to become more knowledgeable, effective, confident, faith-filled leaders in their parishes, schools, and communities.

During the week, six Sacred Heart University student mentors will lead an exploration of faith, in small group conversations learning about yourself and real-life issues, in sharing profound prayer, liturgies and excellent music, providing service in the community.

Students will also hear from notable Catholic leaders whose wisdom and experience will expand their understanding of faith. The program includes many fun activities on the beautiful, vibrant spiritually rich and welcoming college campus, Dr. Loris said.

There are no costs for the program, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment, which allows Sacred Heart University to help high school students explore the Catholic intellectual tradition and to examine how the wisdom of the tradition applies to the moral and ethical challenges young people face in the contemporary world, Dr. Loris said.

Each of the 24 high school youth selected to participate in this program will receive a $500 scholarship for attending this Summer Institute. Only 24 high school youth can be accepted for this Summer Institute. Students stay in one of the University’s comfortable residence halls.

Faculty and supervision for the week include SHU faculty and residence hall directors, diocesan youth leaders, students mentors and others.

Applications must be in no later than May 1, 2019. If a group is applying, please have each individual complete a separate application and note on the form the name of the group with whom they are affiliated.

(To apply: www.sacredheart.edu/journeyapply. For further information visit the web: www.sacredheart.edu/shujourney.)

TRUMBULL—The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney will visit the Parish of St. Catherine of Siena on April 29 and 30, 2019.  The Shrine of Ars, France, has entrusted this major relic, which is perhaps the most visual piece of evidence pointing to Vianney’s holiness and sainthood, to the Knights of Columbus for a national U.S. tour through June 2019. The only event of this Relic Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Bridgeport, this is a special opportunity to offer veneration to the major relic of the patron saint of parish priests and confessors, whose holiness and integrity is a model for everyone.

Holy Mass in the presence of the Heart of St. John Vianney will be celebrated on Monday, April 29, at 7:00 pm.  The Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin, Archbishop Emeritus of Hartford, will be the principal celebrant and homilist for this Mass, which will take place on the parish’s patronal feast, the Solemnity of Saint Catherine of Siena. Immediately following Mass, throughout the night, and concluding at 7:00 am, there will be an all-night vigil of prayer in the presence of the Heart of St. John Vianney. Excerpts from his homilies will be read every hour, on the hour. Prayers for priestly vocations, especially in the Diocese of Bridgeport, will be offered. Confessions will be heard from 8:30 pm until midnight. Participants are welcome for any duration of time.

Students from local elementary schools will attend Holy Mass on Tuesday, April 30, at 9:00 am. Father Joseph Marcello, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Parishioners and friends of the parish are also welcome to attend.

“Through prayer, we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the soul and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” – St. John Vianney

St. John Vianney was born in 1786 and served as a parish priest in the French town of Ars. He was noted for his dedication to the poor, his counseling to those in need, for founding an orphanage for girls, but most especially for his work as a confessor. He spent as many as 18 hours a day hearing the confessions of people who traveled from throughout Europe to see the priest who was known for such extraordinary holiness and piety, and to experience the love and mercy of God.  St. John Vianney died on August 4, 1859. His heart, which is normally kept for veneration at the Shrine of Ars in France, is incorrupt.  Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925 and proclaimed him the patron saint of parish priests and confessors in 1929. A century after his death, Pope John XXIII reflected on the life of the saint and what it means to be a holy priest: The pastor of Ars lived a life of great penance, whose “only motives were the love of God and the desire for the salvation of the souls of his neighbors.”

The Catholic Church teaches that a relic is offered to the faithful for veneration, but neither the relic nor the saint is worshipped. Veneration recognizes the fact that God has worked through the saint.

The shrine and the Knights of Columbus had discussed a relic tour, which began at the Knights’ birthplace in New Haven, Conn. last November, before the church’s sexual abuse scandals broke the summer of 2018. After the scandals broke, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said: “We now welcome as providential this opportunity to invoke the intercession of the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a singular model for clergy…St. John Vianney offers an example to help the church heal and rebuild.”

All are welcome to venerate the relic of this great, humble saint, a true model of holiness. To pray for holiness for our priest and bishops. To pray for reform. And to pray for personal holiness for yourself, family and loved ones.

(For more information about St. John Vianney and the Relic Pilgrimage, please visit www.kofc.org/vianney.)

The Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena warmly welcomes anyone who is new to our area, anyone who is searching for the truth, or anyone who is looking for a spiritual home. We are joyfully and faithfully Roman Catholic in belief and practice – a community of faith, worship, service, and formation – and with open hearts we invite all our brothers and sisters into a living and saving friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ, in the communion of His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We are conveniently located at 220 Shelton Road in the Nichols area of Trumbull.

BETHEL—More than 150 items that once belonged to various saints will be on display Thursday at St. Mary Church.

The traveling exhibit, called “Treasures of the Church,” features one of the largest pieces of the cross where it is believed Jesus Christ was crucified. Another highlight is the part of a veil that is believed to have belonged to the Virgin Mary.

The display also includes sacred relics from St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas and other saints.

Father Carlos Martins, who runs the exhibit, will give a presentation at 6:30 pm. Afterward, attendees will be able to view and pray with the relics for the rest of the night, the church said.

Martins has brought “Treasures of the Church” to almost 200 Catholic dioceses in various countries, according to its website.

By Julia Perkins   |   NewsTimes

NORWALK— Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 continued its relationship with Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) in Norwalk. The council rolled up their sleeves and got their mops and cleaning supplies to do a Spring clean up the Family & Children’s Agency Community Connections Center in South Norwalk. The council did a deep cleaning on all of the chairs and tables as well as cleaning all the base boards, computer area, and washed windows and mopped the main area of the center.

“I want to thank the group for cleaning– everything looks great and so happy you all came to Community Connections Center,” said Chris Jachino, FCA Community Connections director.

Lisa Habasinski, manager of Community Engagement reached out to past Grand Knight and FCA liaison George Ribellino to see if they would be interested in doing a deep cleaning of the Community Connections center back in October. “When Lisa called and asked, I said our council would love to help.  A bunch of us did the cleaning. I asked Lisa if she would like us to come back in the spring and she was excited about that opportunity. We pride ourselves on putting Faith in Action and not only do we raise funds for our parish and various organizations such as FCA, but we roll up our sleeves and get to work, said Ribellino

In addition, the council did a collection of supplies at their last meeting for the clients which included travel sized items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant and shampoo.

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

Ribellino went on to say, “We are so honored and blessed to assist FCA with their various programs. They do so much for the local community and they are non-profit so anything we can do to ease their burden is so rewarding. ” The council plans on making this a bi-annual project.

Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leading, nonprofit human service organization committed to building better lives by increasing the social and emotional well-being of our clients. We provide strength-based, solution-focused services that meet the needs of our clients throughout the life cycle including children, families, youth, adults and seniors. Our acquired knowledge and skill has enabled us to be responsive to the changing needs in the communities we serve.

Each day, the agency’s more than 200 highly skilled and dedicated full and part-time staff members, along with volunteers, and high school and college interns work diligently to improve the lives of those in our community who need it most; the children and families in our adoption, foster care, counseling and parenting programs; youth in our ASPIRE after-school program; homeless adults and women in our Community Connections and recovery programs and seniors and their families who benefit from our Home Care services. For more info go to: familyandchildrensagency.org

The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk is to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges.

 (For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.)

FAIRFIELD—After completing his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1985 James J. O’Connell, MD, spent his first two months as a physician soaking the feet of homeless men and women in Boston.

His first assignment came as a surprise and a life-changing revelation of the meaning of service and an insight into the loneliness and isolation of the homeless.

“Something as simple as soaking the feet of the homeless reverses the power structure. You are sitting at their feet providing comfort,” said Dr. O’Connell to almost 100 people who gathered for Twenty-Sixth Annual White Mass Breakfast at Brooklawn Country Club.

The breakfast followed the White Mass to honor healthcare workers, which was attended by hundreds of faithful at St. Augustine Cathedral. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano served as the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass on the 5th Sunday in Lent.

Dr. O’Connell, who is President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and who has earned national recognition for his care of people living on the streets of Boston, said that the nurses who ran the health care clinic when he began work there told him the only way to serve the homeless was to listen, to get to know them and to build trust.

“The homeless often don’t hear their name called with any dignity for months or even years at a time,” said O’Connell, who made a point to call his patients by their first name.

The Harvard Medical School professor and winner of the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award said that working with the homeless has taught him the contradictions of American life and healthcare.

“The death rate for the homeless is 12 to 20 times higher than for any other group. The leading cause of death of people on the streets is cancer,” he said. “Many go untreated though they live in the shadows of the best healthcare in the city.”

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Medical School, Dr. O’Connell said the health problems of the homeless are compounded by their loneliness, particularly when they are seriously ill and need prolonged care. As a result, he created the nation’s first medical respite program for homeless and marginalized populations.

He told the story of one homeless woman who surrounded herself with rotten food so that no one on the street would come near her. He worked with her to get help for her alcoholism and prepare her for surgery.

“Can you take my picture?” she asked on the day before her surgery. Dr. O’Connell was stunned to see her all made up and wearing a new dress for the photo. “Are you afraid of dying?” he asked her in return.

“She said that after living on the streets for 28 years, she wasn’t afraid. But she had two estranged daughters and if they ever saw her picture, she wanted them to think that their mother looked like someone to be proud of,” he said, emphasizing the humanity and dignity of homeless patients.

Dr. O’Connell said that he has worked in Haiti and Africa and witnessed abject poverty, but people were often surrounded by their family and children. In contrast, the homeless of the U.S. suffer from severe and dangerous isolation and loneliness.

During the breakfast, Bishop Frank J Caggiano presented the Fr. Ruffin Compassionate Care Awards to Greenwich Hospital nurse Maureen McLaughlin, RN, and Patricia Stockdale for her compassionate service as a hospital chaplain and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Photos by Amy Mortensen and Lucinda Ames

A native of New York City, Patricia Stockdale was one of the first female lectors at St. Patrick Cathedral, and since moving to Connecticut in 1992, she has taught CCD, led prayer groups and participated in outreach to the poor and homebound. After becoming certified as Catholic Chaplain in 1996, she has served at St. Joseph Manor in Trumbull and St. James Church in Stratford, where she also offers the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sickly weekly.

Maureen McLaughlin earned her nursing diploma at Saint Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Brighton, MA, and a BS in Nursing from Sacred Heart University. As a full-time home health and hospice nurse, she coordinated end of life care and support for patients and families. She currently serves in the ambulatory care unit of Greenwich Hospital. She is an active member of the St. Matthew Parish Nurse program and cooks meals for the Parish seniors and the Martha Hospitality Committee. Maureen and her husband Barry and son Michael are parishioners of St. Matthew Parish.

Dr. William J. Fessler, DDS served as Master of Ceremony for the breakfast and Fr. Thomas Lynch delivered the invocation.

White Mass

At the White Mass preceding the breakfast, Bishop Caggiano said that healthcare professionals are witnesses to people’s suffering, but also share in the healing mission of the Church.

“Entering into the mystery of suffering and death is disconcerting and frightening. We all have the fear of stepping into the unknown, even if our loving and beautiful God is at the heart of it,’ he said in his homily.
The Bishop thanked doctors, nurses, technicians and all healthcare workers for “serving as agents of God’s mercy and witnesses to his Kingdom that will conquer death.”

He said that doctors and nurses see patients in “their most vulnerable moments and darkest hours,” and help to bring hope and healing.

“You share in the ministry of the Kingdom of God, not simply by healing broken bodies, but you are also healers of broken hearts and spirits,” the Bishop said in praise of healthcare professionals.