Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

By Brian D. Wallace

BRIDGEPORT— On Saturday,  June 17, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will ordain David Klein of Trumbull to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Bridgeport. The Ordination Mass will be celebrated at 11 am at St. Augustine Cathedral.

Ordination as a transitional deacon is the last step before ordination to the priesthood, which typically occurs a year later after additional pastoral, liturgical and educational preparation.

A native of Trumbull and a Fairfield University graduate, David Klein began his studies and formation for the priesthood in September 2015, when  he entered Redemptoris Mater Seminary, the missionary seminary of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Redemptoris Mater missionary seminaries are under the auspices of the Neocatechumenal Way, a charism in the Church dedicated to Christian formation and the New Evangelization inspired by St. John Paul II. Their purpose is to prepare priests for missionary work anywhere in the world.

“My Neocatechumenal community is extremely important to me because they are the backbone of my journey to faith. I am most grateful first for my community and for the gift of the Neocatechumenal Way in my life, which has brought me to the presence of the Lord. I am grateful for the Seminary, which is forming me into a Christian man and has helped me to recognize who I truly am, and to see the immensity of the love the Lord has for me in my weaknesses,” Klein said.

David Klein was born on September 22, 1993. He grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his parents and four siblings, and attended Trumbull High School. His father is a native of Bridgeport, and his mother is a native of Italy.

Since 2015, he has studied philosophy and theology as a seminarian for the Diocese of Bridgeport. At present, he is in his first year of Theology, working toward a Master’s of Divinity at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y.

In 2017, he finished studies in  Pre-Theology at Sacred Heart University. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Fairfield University.

His missionary experience as a seminarian of Redemptoris Mater includes service in Salt Lake City, Utah; St. Louis, Mo.; and Paterson, N.J.  In July 2018, he was sent in mission to the Pacific Islands- Kiribati, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and Tahiti. From July 2020, he served in missions in Kansas and Missouri. Most recently he has served at St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport.

The Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) Diocesan Missionary Seminary of Bridgeport was established by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano and opened in Stamford in 2015 on the Feast of Immaculate Conception.  It is one of the eight diocesan missionary seminaries in United States sponsored by the Neocatechumenal Way. Recently, Father Ricardo Baptista Comim became the first Redemptoris Mater seminarian ordained for the Diocese of Bridgeport, when he was ordained by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, along with five other diocesan seminarians, at St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull.

Redemptoris Mater Seminary was first located at Sacred Heart Parish in Stamford.  In May 2020, the seminary moved into the former St. John Fisher Seminary at 894 Newfield Ave. For information call, 203-588-1785 or visit www.rmbridgeport.org

BRIDGEPORT—Monsignor Frank C. McGrath, passed away in Naples, Fla., on Saturday,  June 10, 2023 after a brief illness.  He was 78 years of age.

“Monsignor McGrath ministered faithfully to the people of the diocese in many settings as a pastor, a leader of Charismatic Renewal, and a chaplain who had  a particular devotion to providing spiritual support to the men and women of the fire service in our area. He will be much missed and long remembered by many. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor McGrath and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

Francis Charles McGrath was born in New Britain, Conn., on July 20, 1944, son of Francis Joseph and Marion McGuire McGrath. He was baptized August 14, 1944, at St. Joseph Church in New Britain.  He made his First Holy Communion and received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. James Parish in Stratford.

He attended Notre Dame High School in Fairfield and Fairfield University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  Monsignor McGrath received his priestly formation at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn. (Philosophy), and St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, from which he received an M.Div. .

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport by Bishop Walter W. Curtis at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport on May 9, 1970.

Following his ordination, his first assignment was as Assistant of St. Augustine Cathedral. (1978-1983). In June of 1974, Monsignor McGrath was appointed Diocesan Director of the Charismatic Renewal and Spiritual Director of Cathedral Girls High School while remaining in residence as St. Augustine Rectory.  In September of 1976, he was transferred to St. Cecilia Parish in Stamford while continuing to serve as Diocesan Director of the Charismatic Renewal.

The following year, Bishop Curtis granted Monsignor McGrath a leave of absence to serve as chaplain to the International Charismatic Renewal in Brussels, Belgium, an organization founded in response to a request from Cardinal Suenens to bring the Charismatic Renewal to Europe.  In 1980, this team moved to Ann Arbor Mich., where he served at the Word of God Community and was the first pastor of Christ the King Catholic Center. This parish has produced over 75 vocations to the priesthood and many vocations to consecrated life.

In 1993, Monsignor McGrath returned to the Diocese of Bridgeport, where he was appointed as pastor of the Assumption Parish in Westport. In 1994, he was appointed as Spiritual Advisor to the Charismatic Renewal Services of the Diocese of Bridgeport while continuing to serve as pastor of Assumption.

In 1999, he was name Director of Clergy Personnel with residence at Our Lady of Peace Rectory in Stratford. While working in this job, he took temporary administration of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield. His next assignment, while once again continuing in Clergy Personnel, was as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Stratford in 2005. He began his last pastorate at St. John Parish in Darien in 2006.

In 2014, Thomas Monahan, Chairman and Founder of Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Fla., invited Msgr. McGrath to serve as the Chaplain of the School. Bishop Frank Caggiano agreed to this request and in September of that year, Monsignor McGrath began his work in Florida, which he continued through his passing this week.

In 2007, Monsignor McGrath received the great honor of being named Chaplain to His Holiness.

Monsignor McGrath had a particular devotion to providing spiritual support to the men and women of the fire service. He served as chaplain to the Westport Fire Department, the Noroton Fire Department and Rescue 1 in New York City. He spent many hours providing spiritual consolation to those working on the Pile after the collapse of the Twin Towers in 2001.

Monsignor McGrath’s body will be received at Saint Matthew Church located at 216 Scribner Avenue in Norwalk on Monday, June 19 at 3:00 pm. and will lie in repose until 7:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, Mass will be celebrated for the repose of Monsignor McGrath’s soul. The principal celebrant will be Monsignor Robert Kinnally, Vicar General. Bishop Frank Caggiano will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 am. Interment will be the Priests’ Circle of Saint John Cemetery in Norwalk.

By Kathy-Ann Gobin

DARIEN – A beacon of faith for almost 100 years in the city of Stamford, St. Mary Parish is poised to get a much-needed exterior restoration thanks in part to a partnership with sister-parish, St. Thomas More in Darien, and grants from Foundations in Faith.

“We are in the process of saving a beautiful French Gothic church,” said Father Gustavo Falla, pastor of St. Mary’s. “St. Mary is spiritually and pastorally vibrant, but we are in need of some financial assistance.”

Father Falla and two parishioners of St. Mary who have been working together to assess the restoration needs of the parish in conjunction with support from Foundations in Faith, which provides comprehensive support to enhance pastoral care for parishes and programs in the diocese, met with members of St. Thomas More to thank them for their financial assistance and update them on the status of the project.

“St. Mary’s is very grateful to St. Thomas More,” Father Falla said during a Finance Committee meeting at the sister church in Darien. “Thanks to your contribution, we were able to move ahead and cover costs to see what the architect can do for us.”

St. Thomas More, at the suggestion of Joseph Gallagher, Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Bridgeport, agreed to donate $48,000 of its 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal overages to the St. Mary Water Infiltration project.

St. Mary’s has been plagued with water leaks and the funding afforded them the ability to properly assess the situation and carefully consider the best way to approach the repairs needed for the church, which was much more than simply replacing the roof.

“Virtually the entire building needs help in one place or another,” said Joe Aulenti, Finance Chairman for St. Mary’s, who presented color-coded architectural renderings to highlight where existing issues are throughout the exterior of the building. Red areas denoted water damage, pink represented flashing or gutter issues and black indicated missing or damaged slate on the historic church.

“With the weekend we just had there is water in the church,” said Aulenti and fellow St. Mary parishioner George Schiff agreed. “The main problem is water infiltration and it’s coming in from everywhere.”

The May meeting followed days of relentless rainfall in Fairfield County.

“Water damage is complicated. It’s not just a roof issue, it’s a multitude of issues contributing to the problem,” said Kelly Weldon, Director of Foundations in Faith. The organization has provided grants totaling $82,000 to study and diagnose the water issue, work with land surveyors, attorneys, planning and zoning experts, and for co-payments for Partners for Architecture drawings and bid documents.

Under the restoration plan, portions of the slate roof would be replaced with a metal roof and snow guards would be added. New gutters, leads and flashing would also be appropriately placed on the structure to mitigate inclement weather. Aulenti said regrouting is also necessary on some of the masonry on the façade of the church.

The project is currently out-to-bid but once started, it is expected to take eight months to complete in two different phases.

“If we start this summer, we can get the most critical phase done,” said Aulenti.

Phase One is expected to cost $2.2 million, and Phase Two is expected to cost $500,000 to $750,000. The total project for all the exterior work is expected to cost $3.4 million.

The architect has advised that any interior restoration work wait for at least two years to be completed just to ensure all exterior work is successful.

St. Mary’s is exploring options to raise the capital needed for the work, including potentially selling one acre of property that the parish is not using.

“We would not be in this good of a position without the funding from St. Thomas More,” Aulenti said.

The entire renovation project including repairs to the inside is expected to take about three to four years, Aulenti said, noting that many parishioners who are professional contractors in the painting industry are ready and willing to help.

The St. Thomas More finance committee extended an invitation to Father Falla to speak to parishioners at St. Thomas More at upcoming weekend Masses.

In turn, Father Falla welcomed the committee and parishioners of St. Thomas More to not only tour the Elm Street church but to attend the annual carnival fundraiser that will be held in June.

All agreed the nature of the relationship between the sister parishes should be comprehensive.

“You are our neighbors. This is what being a part of the Diocese means,” said St. Thomas More’s pastor, Father Paul Murphy. “We don’t want this partnership to be financial and bricks and mortar but a collaboration of sister parishes working together and incorporating families into that.”

“I think this is one of the best things our parish is doing,” said Joseph Roxe, a trustee for St. Thomas More.

Gallagher agreed, crediting Bishop Frank J. Caggiano with paving the way for this type of parish partnership.

“The community building between the two parishes is paramount,” he said, “It is a prime example of the collaboration between parishes being encouraged by Bishop Caggiano.”

“You’ve set an example for other parishes to come together in this special way,” Weldon said, adding that it is an opportunity for relationship and fellowship building in the diocese. “Thank you to St. Thomas More for joining us in this effort.”

Por Maricarmen Godoy

BRIDGEPORT—Para celebrar la fiesta de Corpus Chirsti durante la misa dominical de las 11:30AM, en la iglesia de Saint Mary (Santa María), la Hermandad guatemalteca de Jesús de Candelaria Cristo Rey, confeccionó una alfombra para que transite el Santísimo, tradición que se remonta a la época precolombina en el país centroamericano y que en esta parroquia eclesiástica cumple su tercer año.

Acorde con el Padre Rolando Torres, párroco de la iglesia, la presencia del cuerpo y sangre de Dios bajo la apariencia de pan y vino, que se conoce tradicionalmente como la fiesta de Corpus Christi, viene siendo celebrada desde siempre en la parroquia, pero desde el año 2021 se unió la tradicional alfombra guatemalteca. Tapiz que en el país Maya incluye también durante la Semana Santa y en fiestas patronales locales.

“Pensamos que hacer la alfombra de aserrín la mejor fiesta para usarla sería la de Corpus Christi y así el grupo (Hermandad Jesús de Candelaria) al que atienden unas 10 personas la confeccionaron”, dijo el P. Rolando, trabajo que tomó todo el día y gran parte de la noche de la víspera del domingo de fiesta.

Lo contrastante de esta tradición guatemalteca en Bridgeport, es que no solo fue un trabajo de los miembros de la parroquia nativos de Guatemala, sino de varios feligreses venidos de México, Puerto Rico y Perú; quienes decidieron unirnse en torno a la confección de esta joya de arte tradicional pre-hispanica.

Tradición que sigue su curso debido a que el mismísimo obispo de la Diócesis de Bridgeport, Monseñor Frank Caggiano, cuando visitó la parroquia en el 2021 y vio la primera confección de la alfombra, “quedó maravillado y dio la idea de que lo hicieran todos los años y así se lleva ya tres años haciendo la alfombra de aserrín frente a las puertas de la parroquia”, recalcó el P. Torres.

“Y es que hacer la alfombra en honor al Señor en Corpus Christi nos hace ver lo valioso que es celebrar el cuerpo y la sangre del Señor”, afirmó el P. Rolando, porque es una fiesta de profundidad religiosa para el pueblo católico y con un toque latino hace especial al momento porque trae las raíces hispanas a los Estados Unidos, replicó el sacerdote.

Lo curioso de la alfombra, que es confeccionada en aserrín con esmero y sacrificio, no solo por el diseño y trabajo artístico sino por las horas invertidas; es que la única persona que puede transitar por el tapiz es el sacerdote, quien porta al frente la custodia de Jesús Sacramentado; lo que convierte a la tradición guatemalteca en sagrada y solemne.

Renato Monterrosa, guatemalteco, vive en New Canaan, pero asiste desde hace 18 años a la parroquia de Saint Mary, a la que llama “mi parroquia” y él junto a la Hermandad de Jesús de Candelaria, ayudó -un poco- con los retoques laterales en las gurbias del diseño y confección de la alfombra, que artísticamente muestra una pintura en fondo verde con bordes rojos anaranjados empotrados el rostro de Jesús, la hostia, el vino y la frase: ¡Señor Mio! ¡Dios Mio!

Pasado el mediodía al terminar la misa de las 11:30AM., el P. Rolando revestido de una capa sacerdotal tomó con sus manos el Santísimo, pasó por la nave central de la iglesia escoltado por los monaguillos y ayudantes de la misa; pero al salir del umbral de la puerta transitó solo alzando la custodia del Santísimo por la alfombra guatemalteca, mientras los fieles lanzaban flores, cantaban en latín el Tantum Ergo (A tan grande Sacramento) y se arrodillaban ante el paso del Santísimo.

Al salir de la iglesia, a manera de procesión, en cambio, les esperaba -para amenizar el momento- una camioneta con el sonido de un DJs. (disco móvil), que curiosamente no tocaba los tradicionales sones guatemaltecos sino las marchas religiosas peruanas.

La Semana Santa con sus alfombras es Patrimonio Cultural Intangible de la Nación, declarada por el Gobierno nacional de Guatemala.

By Rose Brennan

STRATFORD— “Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf,” reads an excerpt from 1 Corinthians 10. And it was one body in Christ which gathered for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ on June 11, in which representatives from all five of Stratford’s parishes attended Mass, a Eucharistic procession and Benediction at St. James Parish on Main Street.

The principal celebrant of the Mass was Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, who was joined by the pastors of the five Stratford parishes: Father Peter Adamski of St. James, Father Albert Pinciaro of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Monsignor Martin Ryan of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Father Peter Towsley of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lordship, and Father Birenda Soreng of St. Mark Parish.

The Mass was a unique opportunity to celebrate the body of Christ among the Catholic faithful in Stratford. However, the fire of the Holy Spirit among them might have been a bit too strong, as before Bishop Caggiano could finish the Sign of the Cross to begin Mass, the fire alarm sounded. Luckily, it was due to the presence of incense while the windows were closed, and the parishioners didn’t need to evacuate.

“Well, at least we know the fire system works,” the bishop quipped to a laughing congregation.

In his homily, Bishop Caggiano pondered the question of why a solemnity like Corpus Christi existed. The feast honors the True Presence of Christ—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity—in the Blessed Sacrament. But, as the bishop noted, that mystery of faith is celebrated nearly every day in the Church when Mass is said, with the exceptions of Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

“Familiarity breeds mindlessness, comfort, taking something for granted—in this case, one of the great gifts the Lord has given us,” the bishop said. “We often can take it for granted, as we do so many other things in life. And so, in part, it is good and worthy and just that we spend one day in this year focusing and reminding ourselves of what it is and who it is that the Eucharist is.”

The bishop reminded those present of the great miracle that the Solemnity of Corpus Christi celebrates, not only as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but also his institution of the ultimate meal in which believers could partake.

“We come here to the altar because the fathers of the Church taught that heaven and earth kiss on this altar,” he said. “And what is bread and wine becomes, as the Lord said in the Gospel, the bread of everlasting life, so that those who receive it worthily will receive the grace that was won in Christ’s death and resurrection.”

Following Mass, the bishop and the Stratford pastors led a procession in Stratford’s historical district, which served as a public display of the Catholic faith, as well as the display of the cornerstone of one of its most important institutions: the Eucharist.

As the faithful followed in the Eucharistic procession, they were led in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Once they arrived back at St. James from the half-mile procession, the bishop led those gathered in Eucharistic Benediction.

Bishop Caggiano was particularly enthused by the cooperation of the five Stratford parishes, lauding them as an example of the parish collaboration he liked to see. However, it wasn’t the first time they came together to see how they could best serve the Catholic faithful in the town. Previously, the pastors developed a new Sunday Mass schedule, making it so nearly every half hour beginning at 7:30 am, another Mass would begin at one of the five Catholic parishes.

But this time, they came together to celebrate the Mass, on a day that commemorated the Eucharist that stands at its center. And for that, the bishop couldn’t have been prouder.

“St. Augustine once said we receive the Body of Christ to become the body of Christ, so that what unites us in grace is greater than what could ever divide us,” Bishop Caggiano said. “You are making a Eucharistic statement: that in this moment in the life of the Church, while we are all different communities with our own strengths, our own histories, our own gifts and ministries, we are also one Church. We are one body in communion with one Lord.”

DANBURY – Old, worn and forgotten pews gathering dust in the basement of St. Peter Parish now have a new life and purpose thanks to the woodworking talents of a parishioner.

“It was a labor of love,” said Patrick Palmieri, about creating several tables and an adjustable height music stand for the church.

“It was a challenge but it has sentimental value because the wood was being reused from the church,” said Palmieri, who became a parishioner of St. Peter’s and a member of the choir after moving to the area about six years ago.

It was while singing in the choir he learned of the old oak pews that were disassembled and sitting in the basement of the church. The pews were originally used in the sacristy where daily Masses were held in the 1970s during the energy crisis because it was more economical to heat the smaller space than the cavernous Neo-Gothic-style church. The pews were relocated to the basement in 1996.

Father Gregg Mecca, St. Peter’s pastor, said Palmieri surprised him with the music stand for the church earlier this year and decided to ask Palmieri if he could possibly make two long vestibule tables to replace the two old worn tables that were there.

“It was quality wood. It was a shame to throw it away,” Palmieri said, adding that he had to recondition, sand, scrape and recut the wood.

Palmieri, who uses his two-car garage as his woodworking shop, said he accomplished his goal to finish the tables before Holy Week this year but after placing them in the vestibule, Father Mecca, fearing they might be scratched, removed them and ordered custom glass tops to protect the tables.

The tables are now in place in addition to a new table for the Gifts which Palmieri made, at the request of Father Mecca to replace the low wobbly table that was previously being used. Now all three tables match.

“We are so grateful to Patrick for these fine, unique pieces which add beauty to our church,” Father Mecca said.

“Patrick is very, very skilled,” Father Mecca said. “The design is beautiful,” he said of the quatrefoil inlay design that Palmieri made himself to match the design in the stained-glass windows throughout the Main Street church.

Decades ago, woodworking became a hobby for Palmieri after a kitchen cabinet making business venture with his brother did not work out. Following a successful career in the computer industry, Palmieri picked up his woodworking tools again in earnest and his hobby is a labor of love.

The retiree keeps busy these days with projects for himself and his family including building a wooden canoe, entertainment center, millwork for windows and other projects.

Although Palmieri no longer sings in the choir, he wanted to continue to contribute his talents to the church.

A couple of years ago he worked with the men’s society to assist in refurbishing the outdoor creche for Christmas.

“I wanted to give to the church in another way, so I started these projects,” said the 87-year-old parishioner. “It’s exciting. They still have the music stand on the altar.”

And Father Mecca and the congregation are very appreciative of his work.

“He’s very creative and wants to contribute to the church,” Fr. Mecca said. “It’s better than anything we could buy, especially when it’s made by a parishioner.”

BRIDGEPORT—The Farm Stand at St. Vincent’s Medical Center has officially kicked off its 2023 season, offering healthy produce, blood pressure screenings and medical counseling.

The Farm Stand, which runs every Tuesday through November, is sponsored by St. Vincent’s Mission Services and through an ongoing membership with the Bridgeport Farmer’s Market Collaborative. Killam & Bassette Farmstead in South Glastonbury provides fresh-picked produce, free-range eggs, honey, jam, relishes, canned goods and more.

In addition to the farm fresh items, the Farm Stand offers free blood pressure screenings and medical counseling. Patrons with elevated blood pressure are provided free blood pressure cuffs to monitor their blood pressure at home.

St. Vincent’s Community Health Team is available at the Farm Stand to offer diabetes risk assessment, counseling and resources about diabetes. The Community Health Workers also conduct social determinants of health screenings and provide information and counseling related to transportation, housing, food and other community resources.

The Farm Stand takes place outside of the main entrance at St. Vincent’s Medical Center at 2800 Main Street in Bridgeport every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons can use SNAP/EBT to double their credit in order to purchase more food or take their tokens to one of the other eight markets in Bridgeport. The farmer also accepts FMNP, WIC and Senior checks.

Once a month, patrons can catch a local chef doing a cooking demonstration and offering cooking tips using the fresh produce. Contact Edna Borchetta for more information at 475-210-6393 or edna.borchetta@hhchealth.org

By Joe Pisani

NORWALK—The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents will hold a one-day spiritual retreat for anyone who has lost a child, on Saturday, June 24 from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm at St. Pius X Parish at 834 Brookside Drive in Fairfield.

The retreat is sponsored by the Bereavement Ministry of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport. To get more information or to register, visit EMFGP.org or call Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement, at 203.404.0023. Since space is limited, early registration is encouraged; there is no fee for the event.

Killian said the retreat is for “parents who have lost a child of any age by any cause, no matter how long ago.”

“This is a retreat run by grieving parents for grieving parents who have lost a child. We want to reach out and support people who are in pain,” Killian said. “Grieving parents suffer a lifetime of pain. We recognize that signing up for this retreat may be an incredibly difficult thing for people to do, but we are here to support them.”

Research has shown that the loss of a child is “one of the greatest and most enduring stresses a person can experience.” Parents can suffer from emotional, health and social challenges even up to 20 years later, and they have a higher incidence of “prolonged grief.” By age 70, more than 15 percent of parents in the United States have experienced the death of a child.

“Many parents are suffering around us because they have lost a child,” Killian says. “Often, their friends and family won’t talk about it because they are terrified it could happen to them. There is also a sense of social awkwardness, which means grieving parents can be totally isolated in their grief.”

Killian says there is a saying in the Emmaus Ministry that “when your child dies, you have to rewrite your address book.” Many people who were your close friends fall away because they don’t know how to deal with this intense grief.

The retreat gives parents an opportunity to meet others who are suffering the same way they are. Killian stresses this is a spiritual retreat and not a support group.

“People are not required to introduce themselves and tell their story,” she said. “They are invited to attend sessions that are offered, as well as prayer services and Mass, but what they participate in is completely their decision. One part of the retreat involves lighting a beautiful memorial candle in memory of their child.”

Even though the purpose of the retreat is to serve the spiritual needs of parents, it is open to people of all faiths or no religious belief.

“Very often, grieving parents turn to God or run from God,” she said. “Intense grief impacts your relationship with God. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are on their faith, or grief, journey.”

The retreat is conducted by Charley and Diane Monaghan, founders of The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents, whose son Paul died unexpectedly in his 20s. The couple have spent two decades ministering to other people who have lost a child, no matter how old (from before birth to any age) and regardless of the cause of death. The couple are authors of the book Sorrow Like No Other: Supporting the Grief of a Parent Whose Child Has Died.

Since its beginning, the ministry has served more than a thousand parents from 26 states, Canada and Ireland. Killian said that further evidence of the need for this ministry is the repeated requests they have had to bring the program to grieving parents in other areas.

FAIRFIELD—Sacred Heart University graduate Eric Patrick Cameron ’23 is already making a name for himself in the film industry.

A month before Cameron earned his degree at SHU’s May 14 commencement exercises, he premiered his documentary, The Space Western of the Southwest, a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

He started the documentary during his junior year while he studied abroad at SHU’s campus in Dingle, Ireland and completed the editing process throughout his senior year. He premiered the film in April at the Féile na Bealtaine, which has been described as Dingle’s largest arts festival.

“Being able to not only premiere this movie in front of an audience, but to do it in Dingle, was amazing. Going back to Dingle was the best experience ever,” said Cameron.

The Space Western of the Southwest documents the making of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which was filmed in Dingle. It features testimonies from residents about witnessing the production and from the crew about their experiences in town. The film also includes an exclusive interview with The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson, a two-time Academy Award-nominated writer.

“I would say a huge challenge was getting Rian Johnson in the movie. He’s at the height of his career right now. He’s grown to be one of the biggest names in directing,” Cameron said.

Cameron, who majored in media arts with a concentration in film and television, has been a Star Wars superfan and self-proclaimed film buff throughout his life. When he was considering which college to attend, SHU’s overseas learning opportunities especially appealed to him. “The reason I chose Sacred Heart was because of the study-abroad program, and that gave me the best experience of my life,” he said. “It was my first time outside of the states, so it was my first time experiencing another culture. It sparked a new love for not just traveling, but world traveling.”

Fellow grad provides original music

The Space Western of the Southwest features an original score by another recent SHU graduate, Paul Richard Keegan ’23, who double-majored in media arts with a concentration in film and television, and theatre arts with a concentration in acting.

Keegan praised the University for supporting him and Cameron throughout the filming process. “I think it speaks to how supportive so much of the faculty at SHU is,” he said. “Everyone just kind of rallied behind Cameron and supported him and said, ‘You want to make this movie? OK, do it. We’ll help you how ever we can.’ I think so many faculty members here, especially in the media department, really care about everyone.”

He believes the faculty’s go-for-it attitude pushes students to explore their creative talents. “It promotes students to want to try projects like this, and it helps make success possible because people have your back,” Keegan said.

Cameron credits SHU for connecting him with Keegan. “Sacred Heart gave me this incredible collaboration with Paul that I would not have had otherwise. I think it’s a collaboration that’s going to last a lifetime. As long as I get to keep making movies, I hope he gets to keep making the music,” said Cameron.

Both Cameron and Keegan have exciting plans for the future. “Every movie you make, you make in order to make the next one. So, I’m hoping that the year-and-a-half I worked on this leads me to the next movie,” said Cameron.

Cameron will attend New York University’s cinema studies graduate program where he will continue making films. He also welcomes the opportunity to return to Ireland, noting his “deep love for the country and its history.”

Keegan will continue his work with music and composition. “I want to keep writing and keep scoring music. It’s just what I absolutely love to do,” he said.

A trailer for The Space Western of the Southwest can be viewed on Cameron’s website.

FAIRFIELD—A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Fairfield University’s new Austin, Texas campus was held at the new facility located at 7951 Shoal Creek Blvd. The event introduced the new campus to the local community, including Texas-based Fairfield University alumni, and community partners, who toured the 21-bed simulation center, and simulated rooms for ICU, obstetrics, pediatrics, and med-surg, an operating room, home care suites and skill labs.

The expansion of Fairfield University and the Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies to Texas establishes an additional nursing pathway through Fairfield University, and addresses the needs of the national healthcare system. Fairfield’s Austin campus initial program offering will feature Fairfield Egan’s full-time, 15-month accelerated second-degree baccalaureate nursing (SDNU) program, which provides a unique opportunity for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree in an accelerated format. Employment opportunities for nurses in the next decade are projected to grow 15 percent, faster than all other occupations.

The ribbon cutting featured speakers were Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD; Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies Dean Meredith Kazer, PhD, APRN, FAAN; Alumni Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President Father Gerald Blaszczak, S.J.; Austin Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Economic Development Charisse Bodisch; and Ascension Texas Chief Nursing Officer and Regional Hospital President Steven Brockman-Weber, DNP, RN, MS (HSA), FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP.

Father Blaszczak offered the invocation and cited a reflection by Pope Francis on the crucial and indispensable role of nurses as today’s Good Samaritans.

President Nemec shared that as a 21st century, modern Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield “seeks to be a model for others…to find broader student populations in ever more innovative ways” and “to seek those populations where the need is great, and the population is growing.”

Inspired by a mission to carry forward the work of the Society of Jesus, Fairfield was animated “to come to a region where there is not a Jesuit Catholic work of higher education,” explained President Nemec. “Fairfield is bringing to this community a first-class clinical education. One that brings health professionals to the highest standards of inquiry and knowledge—but it also brings with it a Jesuit way of proceeding.”

“As a mission-driven University, we knew the world needed nurses, we knew the world needed Fairfield nurses and we could impact healthcare beyond our northeast regional influence,” said Dean Kazer, referring to the University’s decision to lead its geographic expansion efforts with nursing. She expressed gratitude for the collaboration among clinical partners, the board of nursing, real estate professionals, architects, builders, program directors, faculty, staff and students. “Because of you, Texas is our new home.”

Charisse Bodisch of the Austin Chamber of Commerce welcomed Fairfield to Austin, and highlighted the critical need for nurses in the Austin metro region. “What you are doing with the Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies is very important to our entire region, our residents and our companies…We need more entering these fields and the work and education you do here will have meaningful impact.” Bodisch shared that in the Austin metro region there are currently 82,300 total workers in healthcare occupations, and 51, 300 are employed as healthcare practitioners or in technical healthcare occupations. Another 31,000 are in healthcare support occupations. “We anticipate the annual growth in healthcare will continue. Projections over the next 5 years are 2.8% healthcare practitioners and technical occupations and 3.3% healthcare support occupations—faster than the 2.5% growth in jobs overall.”

A warm welcome by Dr. Brockman-Weber was extended on behalf of Ascension Seton, one of Fairfield Egan’s clinical partners. “We look forward to working with the faculty and staff to provide excellent clinical experiences in our world-class hospitals and clinics as we grow the next generation of nurses to care for the people of Austin and surrounding cities.”

The nursing curriculum at the Austin, Texas-based facility builds on the University’s successful Fairfield, Conn. baccalaureate offerings. The first cohort of students were admitted in May 2023, with a second cohort to begin in January 2024.

In addition to Ascension Seton, Fairfield Egan’s clinical partnerships include Baylor Scott & White Health, and Central Texas Veterans Health Care Systems.

At the completion of this program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become registered nurses. The SDNU program has been in existence at Fairfield Egan for more than two decades and is fully accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Among many national distinctions, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Fairfield’s Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies among the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs. The Egan School was ranked in the top 11 percent nationally at #76 (tied) out of almost 700 schools. It was also ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools among the Best Nursing Schools that offer Master’s degrees (tied at #73) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees (tied at #74). According to Niche’s 2023 Best Colleges for Nursing in America, the Egan School was ranked #29 out of 762, in the Top 5%.

STRATFORD — Members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Stratford stepped into their second hundred years by marching in the town’s parade on Memorial Day. Carrying a banner that proclaimed “Celebrating 100 Years-1923-2023,” parishioners wore T-shirts of purple and gold, traditional colors to honor a centennial anniversary. Leading the group, the Knights of Columbus hoisted flags for the Church and the United States.

Father Albert Pinciaro, Holy Name’s pastor, shepherded his flock down Main Street and said, “Our parish is growing with an influx of new members in search of home, community and faith. To celebrate our diversity, we made and wore flags for our different cultural heritages.”

Holy Name of Jesus is beginning a year-long celebration “to frame the future on the foundation of faith.” The march was the first of many events planned for the year.

On June 3, which marked the founding of the parish in 1923, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano joined hundreds of parishioners to celebrate the centennial anniversary, blessing the restored facade and urging them to “throw open the doors and invite those who once were with us to come back and discover a new way.”

The anniversary celebration began with a concert that featured former and current musicians, soloists and choir members. Parishioners then went outside as Bishop Caggiano blessed the restored facade. Upon returning, the liturgy for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity was celebrated. Afterward, parishioners gathered in the parish hall for a reception that featured food from the many nationalities represented in the parish.

Holy Name was the second Roman Catholic parish founded in Stratford and was established by the then-Diocese of Hartford to serve the growing Slovak immigrant community. The new parish worshipped in the former St. James Church on Broadbridge Avenue and then moved to a wooden church on Barnum Avenue in 1923.

On March 23, 1941, the current English Gothic church was dedicated, and the wooden church was moved nearby and became the parish hall. It supported an elementary school from 1957 to 1991.