Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

FAIRFIELD— In his seventh of nine talks on regional collaboration throughout the diocese, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano challenged those in attendance to deepen their own relationship with Jesus, nurture small communities of faith, and find new ways to work together to renew their parishes and the diocese.

More than 125 parish leaders gathered for the morning session at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Center. The meeting included representatives from the Fairfield /Easton region including Holy Family-St Emery Parish, Holy Cross Parish, Notre Dame Parish of Easton, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, St. Pius X Parish , and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

The Bishop began by thanking pastors and priests for serving as spiritual fathers, and expressing his gratitude to lay leaders for the significant role they play in the life of their parishes.

“The parishes couldn’t do it without you. You are the backbone of ministries in parishes, and all of us value your input and time. Together we need to seize this opportunity because we are at a turning point that will lead us to renewal and growth,” he said.

The bishop noted that the Fairfield parishes got together more than a year ago to form the first regional pilot program, a collaboration to provide youth ministry. He said that he believes regional cooperation is essential in this moment in the life of the Church.

“We as a church have to start somewhere and take hold of one question above all others, ‘Do you believe in your heart of hearts that the challenges we face can be better addressed if parishes work together than on their own?’”

Recognizing and supporting small communities that exist naturally within parishes may hold the key to accompanying each other on our faith journey and passing on the faith to the next generation, he said.

“Can we believe the day will come in our own lifetime, when we come to Church, not only knowing each other by name, but by the crosses we carry, and have the guarantee that they will never be carried alone. That kind of accompaniment happens now, but let’s make it intentional as we move forward.”

In his introductory remarks, Bishop Caggiano took aim at the secular culture, which often forms people in the wrong values.

“Increasingly the secular culture is hostile to what we believe in and who we are. It is fundamentally different from the world I grew up in, and it has implications for every aspect of the Church’s life. If we’re not forming people, the secular culture is, and it is leading people further away from Jesus Christ.”

He said that getting back to basics is required at a time of great change and he urged people to focus on the message of the Kerygma, the one-line announcement of salvation, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.”

The Kerygmatic message is ultimately liberating at a time when people are consumed with themselves and also y suffer from an absence of God in their lives. Many adults as well as young people feel that they are unloved and unlovable. “How many of us actually fully completely believe that God loves us without having to earn it or proving to be worthy of it?” he said.

Much of the bishop’s talk was focused on the challenge of catechesis and teaching the faith—not simply to the young but in the ongoing faith formation of adults.

The Bishop said that one commonality in all of the sessions held in deaneries throughout the diocese has been the need for adults to be more involved. He added that that there have been many efforts to renew the catechism since Vatican II, but they’ve often missed the mark.

“We’ve spent 55 years forming young people but haven’t spent 55 years forming adults. If you don’t form adults, how are they going to lead their children.”

The bishop said that faith must be experienced in community, not simply studied. “Just studying the material without a relationship with Christ is like studying trigonometry. We have to invite young people into a relationship with Jesus, and the parents are super important. This idea that religious formation is an academic enterprise does not work. We have to figure out new ways to do it.”

During the listening session that followed the bishop’s remarks, lay leaders came forward to the microphone in the center aisle to share their own faith experience, their concerns for young people, and their hope for the future.

One man said it is impossible to walk in to a protestant churches without being personally welcomed and invited, whereas Catholics do a poor job or welcoming newcomers and each other.

Another speaker said that focusing our relationship on Jesus is not simply personal but requires us to see Jesus in others, particularly migrants and others who may feel unwanted.

A young mother in attendances thanked Bishop Caggiano for speaking about Jesus and said she struggles as a parent to know if she is doing right and correctly raising her children in the faith.

“There are three things I ask of parents, you are witnesses of the faith. I want you to pray with your children every day, come to Mass every Sunday–not for their sake but for your sake–and I want you to live a life of virtue, showing our children what it means to be a Christian in action.”
The bishop concluded with an historical insight into the origins of Christianity and a message of hope.

He said that during life of St. Paul, who died 70 A.D., it is estimated that there were 5000 Christians in the entire world. By the time of Roman Emperor Constantine (306-337), an era of persecution, there were 36 million Christians. Noting that Christianity thrived in the face of adversity, he said he believes we may be approaching a similar era calling for heroic witness.

“This is our moment, the moment for the church to get back to the basics . We must have courage my friends. The best years of the Church are ahead of us.”

Bishop Caggiano said he will regroup with Fairfield pastors to discuss the meetings and move forward. The final regional meetings will be held in Stamford on March 9 at St .Leo’s Parish an in Greenwich on March 16. There is no need for registration.

The following is a transcript and video of Senator Chris Murphy’s remarks about Monsignor Robert Weiss on the Senate floor.

My colleagues, I come to the floor today to celebrate a remarkable man, a really important friend of mine, an irreplaceable member of a community that is very important to me. Monsignor Robert Weiss, more affectionately known as Father Bob, retired last month from his post at at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Connecticut. A Florida native, Father Bob was just a teenager when he heard his calling to join the priesthood. In 1968, he entered St.

Bernard Seminary in Rochester, New York. He was ordained five years later. His first assignment led him to St. Andrew Parish in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and 26 years later, he was assigned to St. Rose in Newtown, Connecticut.

What became his last job in the church? Father Bob gave his final sermon just weeks ago. I’m going to tell you the story in a moment of why Father Bob is a household name in Connecticut. He’s a hero to many of us, forged by fire and tragedy. But that’s not the sum of Robert Weiss, because during his 50 years in the priesthood, he has brought such great joy to the people and the families that he has served.

He is such an easy person to talk to. You just meet him for the first time and you see why. It’s no wonder that over his years of leadership, thousands and thousands of parishioners have sought out his counsel and his advice, confided with him, relied upon him. He has this wonderful smile, a buoyancy to him. He’ll admit that a little bit of that has been robbed from him in the last ten years, but it does just make you feel better just by being around him.

He’s also wise. He has a gravitas about him that he carries with him. It just makes you feel safer, makes you feel cared for when you’re around him. He cares about his church community. He helped grow St. Rose, but he cares about the community beyond the church. Just as heartily, he reaches out and builds bridges between religious institutions, between church and state, between believers and non believers. He isn’t judgmental. He’s a consensus and community builder. He’s an exceptional leader.

That’s who he was before December 14, 2012. That’s who he’s been after December 14, 2012. But that’s the day, whether he likes it or not, that defines his career. It started out like any other day for Father Bob. He went to his favorite diner in Sandy Hook.

He ordered his usual french toast. He was going to spend the morning wrapping Christmas presents. He didn’t have a mass that day. And then he got a call from the Newtown Police Department. A gunman had opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

He told the administrators at St. Rose School, the church affiliated with the school affiliated with his church, to put students in lockdown. And then he drove to Sandy Hook. He stopped at the firehouse where parents and teachers and kids were waiting. He went to the parking lot of the school.

A state police officer on the scene asked him if you would bless the children, the 20 bodies that lay on the floor of that school and the six educators who laid on the floor as well, all waiting to be identified. And so he stood at the front door of that building knowing that those children of those educators were no longer living on this earth. And he prayed for them. And then he went back to the firehouse, where he stayed for the rest of the day and held the hands of these parents as they waited to find out whether their child was in that school dead or somewhere alive. He had officiated the weddings of these parents.

He had baptized these children. These parents had confessed their regrets and their fears to him.

By 03:00 p.m. Governor Malloy had alerted the families that remained at that firehouse about the fate of their children. But Father Bob’s day wasn’t done. He led an impromptu service at St. Rose that evening.

Senator Blumenthal and I were there. It is maybe the most emotional night of my life with Father Bob, with no time to prepare, stood up in front of thousands who had come to grieve that tragedy at his church because that’s where so many of the families belonged. And he told the crowd that evil visited us today, but we have to get through it, and we have to find some good. Even after the service, Father Bob didn’t stop from there. He joined the state police until one or 02:00 a.m.

In the morning so that he could be there when the final body identifications were made and he could be there with the parents when they were given that final, awful, tragic news. The following week, Father Bob officiated eight of the 26 funerals. They were all students at St. Rose’s religious education program. He wrote eight homilies.

He picked three lessons from each of their short lives that the community could learn from. It is hard for me to explain to you what Father Bob meant to that community in those days, in those weeks and months after. In many ways, he was the emotional sponge for that entire community, not just for his parishioners. He was so unbelievably generous with himself, with his time and with his heart in one on one time with those that were grieving in big groups who needed to hear some spiritual guidance, who needed one of the preeminent religious leaders in the community to make sense of what happened. And on television, where Father Bob would speak for the community, relieving that burden from so many others who weren’t yet ready to process and talk about what all of this meant, he did it all, the one on one handholding, the group counseling, the spokesman for the community.

The Catholic Church requires bishops retire upon their 75th birthday. But when Father Bob’s 75th birthday was around the corner in September of 2021, he realized he wasn’t ready to be done. In his resignation letter, he requested a very rare extension to stay on at St. Rose of Lima for two more years because he wanted to mark the 10th anniversary of Sandy Hook. He wanted to see through that journey the first decade after this tragedy that had ripped a hole in the heart of the community that he loved so much.

I remember talking to Father Bob at that moment when he decided to stay on. He acknowledged what he had gone through, how much pain he had experienced, how different he was from the man that took that job. But he still knew that he had to see that finish line at least the first decade after the tragedy. Father Bob may have celebrated his final mass as pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, but he will remain a pillar of this community.

We will never, ever forget how in the days, weeks and years after that tragedy in Sandy Hook, he led with his heart on his sleeve. He helped heal a broken community. More than anyone else, he bore the burden separate. And aside from the families who bore the majority of that burden, Father Bob’s career would have been remarkable even if December 14, 2012 never happened. But what he did that day, what he did in the days and the weeks and the years that follow, that makes him a legend.

I yield the floor.

STAMFORD–On Saturday, February 24, the Irish American Cultural Society of Stamford (IACSOS) hosted the Grand Marshal dinner for the 2024 Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade at the Italian Center’s Serafina. Kathleen A. Silard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Stamford Health System (SHS), was honored as this year’s Grand Marshal.

Entertainment for the evening included the Stamford Police Honor Guard, Fairfield County Police Pipes and Drum and Anam Cara Irish Dance School.

Along with Ms. Silard, Ellen Riemer was honored for her role as Building One Community’s Board of Directors Chair. Dignitaries in attendance included Mayor Caroline Simmons and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 2 pm in downtown Stamford. With participation from more than 100 community marching units, pipe bands, dancers and school organizations, the Parade is Stamford’s premier spring event and is the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Fairfield County. The Parade and its associated events are run by the IACSOS which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit www.stamfordstpatricksdayparade.com.

By Kathy-Ann Gobin

NORWALK – When Immacula Bercy felt alone, the soon-to-be single mother found Malta House. It not only changed her life for the better, but put her son on the road to success.

That was 12 years ago. Now, her son Rafael will be attending Notre Dame High School in Fairfield on a partial arts and academic scholarship.

“I was blessed to find Malta House and to experience good people at Malta House,” said Bercy, who immigrated from Haiti many years ago. “Malta House is where I gained the skills to survive in the United States.”

Bercy said having a child without family support was tough.

“Malta House was that family for me that supported me and my son,” she said.

Malta House is a welcoming place of refuge, empowering homeless and at-risk pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths, and provides a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills.

Malta House is a non-profit organization supported by the generosity of volunteers, communities, donations and fundraising efforts.

Next month, award-winning Christian music artist Mark Schultz will perform a benefit concert for Malta House at Fairfield University’s Quick Center on March 15 at 7 pm.

The contemporary Christian music artist has ten #1 hit singles and has sold more than two million records in a career that spans two decades. Schultz, adopted at the age of two weeks and raised by loving parents, has performed more than 200 concerts to benefit crisis pregnancy centers, orphanages and adoption agencies across the country.

Schultz will be playing new music along with his many hits, which include “He’s My Son,” “I Am,” “Remember Me” and “Everything to Me.” His hit single, “Everything to Me,” is about his life and gratitude to his birth mother.

“I wanted to write a song for birth mothers, so that they could hear how grateful I am to my own birth mom and how she made the choice to give me life,” he has stated in previous interviews.

Schultz performed at Fairfield University last year on an invitation from Deacon Stephen Hodson, of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston.

Hodson, who enjoys Christian music, happened upon Schultz’s music while searching for other Christian artists on YouTube.

“Mark is more than just a performer,” Hodson said. “His story aligns so perfectly with what Malta House does,” adding that Schultz’s efforts have raised awareness and financial support for crisis pregnancy centers.

Hodson invited Malta House Founder Michael O’Rourke to the concert last year and the two decided to collaborate for a benefit concert this year.

“Mark told a story about every song,” O’Rourke said. “He was engaging. He was real. He makes it easy for you to listen to him.”

Both O’Rourke and Hodson hope the concert will bring awareness to Malta House and the need to help pregnant women and their children in crisis.

Malta House has helped hundreds of mothers and their children, much like Bercy and her son Rafael, on the path to healthy successful life.

“She’s always been devout,” O’Rourke said of Bercy. “She’s always been a beautiful woman inside and outside, and it doesn’t surprise me that her son is turning out to be a wonderful young man.”

The concert fundraiser for Malta House focuses on music about faith and family.

That family of support is growing for Bercy and her son as he prepares to graduate All Saints Elementary School in Norwalk and attend Notre Dame High School in Fairfield.

“I understand what a blessing Malta House has been to this family, and we are thrilled Raphael wanted to come to Notre Dame,” said Notre Dame principal Dr. Christopher Cipriano, adding that he met Rafael at an honors reception and was impressed with the eighth-grader’s maturity and professionalism.

“He is the type of student we love to have at Notre Dame,” he said.

Cipriano said about 20 percent of the incoming freshman class receive an academic scholarship and about 10 percent receive an arts scholarship. It’s that scholarship and financial aid assistance that has made all the difference for Bercy.

“I thought it was impossible and it happened,” Bercy said. “For me, it was a dream, but there’s nothing God cannot do.”

Reflecting on her journey, Bercy said, “Things were very difficult for me. I said, ‘I will not have an abortion. I will raise my son so people can count on him.’

“Malta House is a place God wanted me to go and experience,” Bercy said. “That experience impacted my son and the world.”

Mark Schultz will perform a Christian music benefit concert at Fairfield University’s Quick Center on March 15, 2024 at 7 pm. There will be a private Meet & Greet for sponsors from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Green room within the Quick Center. Tickets cost $50 for general seating and $30 for seniors, veterans, & students at https://fairfield.evenue.net/events/REN0315 or by phone by calling 203.254.4010.

By Steven Filizzola

BRIDGEPORT—Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus accompanied two disciples on their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, walking with them in their grief, offering hope and finally revealing himself through the breaking of the bread.

From this Gospel account, often cited by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano as he seeks to renew the diocese, comes the diocesan 2024 Eucharistic Procession to be held this spring.

Over the past several months, Bishop Caggiano and diocesan leaders have been planning the diocesan Eucharistic Procession, which is a leg in the larger National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concluding in the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress from July 17 to 21, 2024, in Indianapolis. It will be the first national congress held since 1941.

On May 19—Pentecost Sunday—the Blessed Sacrament will arrive in Bridgeport from the Archdiocese of Hartford. Thus begins the joyful and passionate 14-day celebration of the Holy Eucharist in our diocese.

Hundreds of faithful will march through the city of Bridgeport with Bishop Caggiano on the 19 to launch the procession in the diocese. There will also be Corpus Christi-style Eucharistic Stations and Adoration at five parishes.

Over the ensuing three days, the Blessed Sacrament pilgrimage will move through Fairfield, Ridgefield, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich, and it will inspire a movement of Catholics who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Beginning on Thursday, May 23 and for the nine days that follow, special events for all parishes will occur in every region within the diocese, including Adoration, Masses and processions. All parishes will have the opportunity to sponsor their own events or join in the regional celebrations.

More specifically, the diocesan procession will proceed through seven towns and 15 parishes, with days, afternoons and nights filled with Masses, local processions, Holy Hours, and Overnight Adoration. A Rosary procession will be held at St. John Cemetery in Norwalk and at St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport. Local town processions will take place in Ridgefield, Norwalk and Stamford, and several parishes will host processions on their campus. Each morning begins with the celebration of Mass, each evening ends with Overnight Adoration.

Events are designed to inspire all church faithful to attend and will engage school children, young adults, and all ethnic groups.

Throughout these two weeks, other events will take place to promote communal and individual prayer and offer opportunities to encounter the Holy Eucharist and experience truth, beauty, and goodness. Every parish and deanery, especially those that will not host the national procession, will sponsor their own spiritual events celebrating the mystery and beauty of the Eucharist.

The 14-day celebration will culminate on Saturday, June 1 with a Corpus Christi Eve Mass at Fairfield University. Over 3,000 religious and faithful are expected to attend this Mass celebrated by Bishop Caggiano. Further details will be announced as they become available.

National Eucharistic Procession
After the Eucharistic Procession departs the Diocese of Bridgeport, the national pilgrimage will continue through New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlotte, N.C., Washington, and then cross the Appalachian Mountains into Pittsburgh, Ohio and Indiana. At the same time, three other processions will be underway from California, Texas, and Minnesota.

This Eucharistic Procession consists of the four processions travelling a combined 6,000 miles. Each procession will proceed through various dioceses, visit holy sites, shrines, cathedrals, and Catholic universities. After 60 days of travel, the four pilgrimages will converge in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. This five-day event begins on July 17, with over 80,000 Catholics expected to attend.

“The One”
While the Eucharistic Procession concludes on June 1, in our diocese, it will serve to highlight the most important reason we have begun our work in support of “The One, ” Our goal is to provide growing opportunities for each of us to encounter the Lord through truth, beauty and goodness, fostering communities that accompany their members in personal discipleship and lead every believer to attend Sunday Mass each week. Very simply, “The One” is our commitment to focus every aspect of the Church on bringing individuals closer to the Lord and to know, love and serve him more deeply.

Through encountering our Lord Jesus Christ, and by embracing the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith, we will, together, fall in love with God in the ultimate encounter with Christ: the Holy Eucharist and Sunday Mass. The three years that follow will be even more profound, as we accompany one another in the truth, beauty and goodness of our faith and draw ever closer to Our Lord.

Programs and ministries for school and parish leaders and faithful will be announced in the coming months. Guilds for various professions and ministries will be created, including catechists, ambassadors, and teachers. The new diocesan Assisi Center for Environmental Stewardship will be established, as will our Life Center and the St. Jerome Center for Preaching and Biblical Studies.

For more information on the Eucharistic Procession and the bishop’s “The One” (Eucharistic Renewal) please email: Sfilizzola@diobpt.com

Please save the date and plan to attend the St. Joseph Parish Spring Concert in honor of all Parish volunteers.

“Ticket to the World”
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Featuring The Fairfield University Glee Club
Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell, Conductor
Beth Palmer, Accompanist

St. Joseph Church 50 Fairmont Place
Shelton, Connecticut
A free will offering will be accepted.
Proceeds will benefit the ongoing maintenance of the Parish church pipe organ.
R.S.V.P. at rectory@sjcshelton.org by April 1st
Light reception to follow in the Herman M. Pastore Parish Hall

—

The Fairfield University Glee Club, under the direction of Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell, conductor, and Beth Palmer, accompanist, is the largest and oldest club on Fairfield’s campus.

Founded in 1947 under the direction of Fr. John Murray, S.J. and musical director Simon Harak, the Glee Club became the first student organization formed by the first ever incoming class of Fairfield University.

Today, the mixed chorus of about 70 students, has performed in churches, schools, and concert halls throughout Europe, singing from Galway to Rome and Florence to London. The choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Westminster Cathedral in London, the Aula Paolo VI at the Vatican, and the U.S. military academies at West Point and Annapolis.

The Glee Club performs a varied repertoire of early, classical, and contemporary music in numerous engagements with other choruses, and with festival and symphonic Orchestras.

The mixed chorus is the parent organization of three additional ensembles: the Chamber Singers; the Men’s Ensemble, now known as the Bensonians, and the Women’s Ensemble, known as Sweet Harmony.

NORWALK—Six years ago when Nancy Mecca’s beloved husband Nick of more than 30 years died, she was so overwhelmed with grief, she didn’t think she could go on. Her world was turned upside down and nothing seemed to make sense.

“I signed up for the New Day bereavement program, and I can’t believe the difference it has made,” she said. “After such a life-changing loss, I never imagined that one day I could feel joy or happiness again.”

As she looks back and reads what she wrote during the program, she realizes now much healing had taken place.

“I tell my friends who have just lost their husbands, ‘You may think you can’t even mention your husband’s name without being overcome by emotion, but this program will really help you,” she said.

Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement of Catholic Cemeteries in the Diocese of Bridgeport, said a series of New Day programs are scheduled throughout the diocese for this spring and summer.

“New Day is so effective because it addresses the practical, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of grief,” Killian said. Some examples are:

Practical: How am I going to do everything my spouse, parent, brother and sister or friend used to do? Who’s going to host Thanksgiving dinner?
Physical: Is my trouble sleeping due to grief? Is my recent medical issue somehow connected? Why can’t I focus anymore? Am I going into early dementia?
Emotional: Am I going to burst into tears like this forever?
Spiritual: How could God let this happen to me? I always went to church every Sunday, why did my husband die?

Killian said New Day has distinguished itself for decades as a highly successful faith-based, small group support program, which provides a structured pathway so people can have an opportunity “to find a place of healing and feelings of peace and comfort.”

“We have seen young people and old people in deep grief,” Killian said. “We’ve seen many, many parents who have lost children. There are so many people struggling to figure out how to go forward with incredible loss, and this offers a way to see where God is in their grief journey.”

The nine-week program meets once a week for 90 minutes. The format includes prayer, Scripture reading, journaling and sharing responses to directed questions in a confidential setting. It is based on “The New Day Journal” created by the late Dominican Sister Mauryeen O’Brien.

The participants are guided to accept the reality of the loss, experience the pain of grief and find a way to remember the deceased while embarking on the rest of life’s journey, Killian said.

“We rely on the comfort provided by our Lord, and the compassion extended by fellow participants, to meet the life-changing challenges presented by loss,” she said.

“The New Day Journal,” with materials in English and Spanish, is based on a textbook written by psychologist J. William Worden, a foremost authority on grief. Sister Mauryeen O’Brien, who had decades of experience as a grief counselor, put his work into a Catholic framework and developed “The New Day Journal: A Journey from Grief to Healing.”

The author of several books, Sister Mauryeen was the longtime coordinator for the bereaved at the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

In addition, Killian hopes to offer another Emmaus retreat for grieving parents. The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents is solely focused on the pain a parent feels at the loss of their child. Unlike most recovery programs, the Emmaus Ministry believes there is no healing without God.

Since its inception, this ministry has helped participants initiate, regain, and/or reinvigorate their relationship with God, and so begin their healing process. The retreats are offered by Emmaus Parent Companions, working with Catholic Clergy, Deacons, Pastoral Associates, Bereavement programs scheduled and Spiritual Directors.

The bereavement ministry of Catholic Cemeteries also offers daily reflections for those who are grieving. Each morning, a Healing Journey message is sent by email to support people with their grief. The messages are not only for the newly bereaved but also those who have been struggling a year or many years after the loss of a loved one.

(For more information or to sign up to receive the free service, visit www.ctcemeteries.org/bereavement.)

The following nine-week bereavement programs are offered by Catholic Cemeteries

People are urged to register soon because the sessions fill up quickly. For further information, they should visit ctcemeteries.org/bereavement or call Carolyn Killian at 203.404.0023.

St. Catherine of Siena & St. Agnes Parish, Riverside, March 5 – April 30, Tuesday afternoons 3:30 – 5 pm
Assumption Parish, Westport, March 6 – May 1, Wednesday afternoons 2 – 3:30 pm
St. Peter Parish, Bridgeport, March 6 – May 1, Wednesday evenings 7 – 8:30 pm
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich, April 3 – May 29, Wednesday afternoons 1-2:30 pm
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield, April 11 – June 6, Thursday afternoons 2 – 3:30 pm
Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford, April 16 to June 11, Tuesday mornings 10 – 11:30 am
St. Thomas More Parish, Darien, May 7 – July 9, Tuesday afternoons 2:30 – 4 pm

BRIDGEPORT—With months of formation and perhaps years of discernment behind them, close to 200 men and women assembled at St. Augustine Cathedral on Sunday, February 18 for the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, assisted by Deacon John DiTaranto, celebrated this final step for those preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation. During the Easter Vigil, they will fully enter into the life of the Catholic Church.

“You, my dear friends who are the Elect—the catechumens and the candidates—you have been discerning what the Lord wants from you, and I am so thankful that you have followed the prompting of the spirit in your heart,” Bishop Caggiano told them.

During this ceremony, traditionally held on the First Sunday of Lent, the bishop welcomes the catechumens (those who are not baptized) and the candidates (those who are baptized but have not received Holy Communion or Confirmation), along with their godparents and sponsors. They demonstrate their wish to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church through a series of questions and responses before the congregation, including pastors, friends, and family.

For many of them, like Confirmation candidate Kevynn Lima, family was the inspiration that prompted this decision.

“My family is my role model,” said the young man from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport. “They always go to church and take me with them. Now it’s my turn. I’m getting closer to God each time I pray.”

Following a reading from the Gospel of Mark which told of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert, Bishop Caggiano in his homily said that despite that temptation, Jesus refused to be separated from his father.

“In his heart, there was no question, no doubt, only one singular desire to be faithful whatever the cost,” he said. “His heart was pure in that one great desire that nothing could change.”

The bishop related the Gospel to the period of formation that the catechumens and candidates have experienced with the support of their parishes and families.

“You have gone through a process of purification to learn the truth of the faith and to dedicate yourselves to deliver the truth every moment of our lives,” he said. “You are also trying to purify your will so you may see goodness and to live a life of virtue obedient to follow the example of Christ himself.”

Focus on one thing only, the bishop told these men and women: “To love God above all things and to love him by loving your neighbor. This is a lifetime of work.

“I commend all of you who are here, for God has chosen you,” he continued. “He has elected you before you are elected by us. He has chosen you, not because you are perfect, but simply because he loves you.”

At the conclusion of the homily, Deacon DiTaranto read the names of the 73 catechumens and 103 candidates. Bishop Caggiano then invited the catechumens, standing beside their godparents, to declare in both English and Spanish their wish receive the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. To the godparents, he said, “You spoke in favor of these catechumens. Now continue to sustain them in your loving example.”

Upon the bishop’s recognition of the candidates, they responded, “Thanks be to God.” To their sponsors, the bishop asked several questions, including, “Have they advanced in a life of love and service to others?” to which the sponsors answered, “They have.”

Candidate Chris Santana from Bridgeport said he is grateful for the guidance that his sponsor—a special aunt—has given him.

“I am very ready for this and feel blessed for the opportunity,” he said. “I am lucky to have this gift of life, and I want to serve. I will take this opportunity that God gave me and serve others.”

In closing, Bishop Caggiano thanked the many people who have assisted these elect on their journey, including spouses, siblings, friends, pastors, sponsors, and godparents as well as the deacons, seminarians, and those in the music ministry who made this celebration especially joyous.

He said, “Together as brothers and sisters, reborn in the sacraments of Easter, let us show the world what a life can be lived when a heart is given to Jesus.”

By Emily Clark

List of Candidates and Catechumens

Cathedral Parish, Bridgeport

• Catechumens: Lizangel Almonte, Adonis Cruz Velverde, Marelyn B. Morocho, Miguel Angel Lugo
• Candidates: Karolis Almonte, Jose de la Cruz Espinoza, Crecencia Morel, Agustin de la Cruz Santos, Brayan Casarrbias, Wilda Luz Guzman, Madelena Aline Texeira, Alberto Joel Mendoza, Valentine Yauri, Sandra Yauri Dubon, Citalli Cabrera Hernandez, Abigail Cabrera Hernandez, Rene Maldonado Garcia

Our Lady of Good Counsel Quasi-Parish, Bridgeport

• Catechumen: Ashley Monplaisir

St. Ann Parish, Bridgeport

• Candidates: Nicolas Ascencio, Martina Marcos Bautista , Pablo Oswaldo Torres, Maria Yolanda Rosas

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport

• Catechumens: Ademir Miranda daSilva, Fernando Alves Sena Neto, Jean Araujo Dos Santos, Carlos Melara, Keilyn Erazo, Lino Chumbi, Lucila Funes, Roger Ortiz, Waldemar Rodriguez, Centauri Cotes
• Candidates: , Lavinia Gabriela de Almeida, Riberio, Amanda da Silva Santos Souza, Henry Gusma Pavie, Keynn Edward da Silva Lima, Alberto Piedro, Angel Cruz, Blanca Soto, Carmen Alvarez, Olga Castro, Tomasina Martinez, Victor Garcia, Christopher Santana, Santiago Santos, Higinio Cuya

St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport

• Candidate: Nancy Kidwell

St. Mary Parish, Bridgeport

• Catechumen: Alberto Munoz Flores
• Candidates: Maria Maldonado, Daniel Sanchez, Arianna Serrano, Camila Serrano

St. Peter Parish, Bridgeport

• Catechumens: , Jennifer Barahona, Hyacinth Saunders, Saif Benjamin Huaracha, Ariana Huaracha, Leonardo Arroyo Cortes, John Coyt
• Candidates: Jose Manuel Veliz, Brenda Ayora, Daisy Ayora, Angel Cabrera

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury

• Catechumens: Anna Amorando, Martin Watson
• Candidates: Jamie Merlo, Amanda Cullmer

St. Joseph Parish, Danbury

• Catechumens: Douglas Nadig, Heavenlee Maldonado
• Candidates: Brenda O’Shea, Emily Palmer, Lindsey Orozco

St. Peter Parish, Danbury

• Catechumens: Sypaseuth Khounvongsa, Alyanna King, Mixli Suarez

St. John Parish, Darien

• Catechumens: Charlotte Huang, Sally Cohen
• Candidates: Kate Pongracz, Christian Holdt

St. Thomas More Parish, Darien

• Candidate: Jonathan Joseph Vranesh Neal

St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield

• Catechumen: Clara De Jesus
• Candidates: Hannah Peck, Nicole Proffitt, Linda Versea

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield

• Candidates: Aliaina Seccura, Felicia Seccura

St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan

• Catechumens:  Delia Pettu, Maddox Hoffman, Samul Omari, Amy VanBuren
• Candidate: Brandon Ferraro

St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield

• Catechumens: Reed Oetinger, Julia Oetinger, Nicole DeRocco, Johanna Pedersen, Margaret Simonsen
• Candidates:  Matthew Greco, Jennifer Correia, Nicolas Correia

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown

• Catechumens: Roberta Avila, Pedro Gonzales, Rachel Grudenizi, Andrew Kaplan, Thomas Lajoie, Keith Neidig, Carter Wallace
• Candidates: Ethan Hanna, Rodney Smith, Johanna Perry, Jennyfer Julca

St. Joseph-St. Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk

• Catechumens: Adeli Chaco, Dina Lopez, Geyry Zuleta
• Candidates: Elio Rosa, Nelson Acevedo, Keilin Aguilar, Raymundo Agusto, Jorge Aspajo, Kevin Figueroa, Candy Garcia, Marlon Sciamarelli, Guadalupe Reyes, Blanca Garrido, Jennifer Alvarado, Olga Gutierrez, Hector Gonzalez, Jonathan Duran, Joel Reyes, Anthony Gomez, Marco Contreras, Beatriz Aristizabal

St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield

• Catechumens: Farah Fehring, Steve Stromberg, Laura Maher
• Candidates:  Scott Johnson, Megan Salamone

St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton

• Catechumen: Mark Cameron
• Candidates: Lori Vano, Jennifer Naylor, Jeffrey Winslow, Raymond Boratko, Chloe Martin

Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Quasi-Parish, Stamford

• Catechumens: Love Darlie Joseph, Clijovesky B. S. Clerfond, Braensley L. T. Clerfond
• Candidate: Ralph Labarre

Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford

• Candidates: Candido M. Molina, Michael A. Ajila, Stephanie Hernandez, Gustavo A. Lopez

St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford

• Candidate: Darrell Lansiquot

St. Leo Parish, Stamford

• Catechumen: Camille Woodbury

St. Mary Parish, Stamford

• Catechumens: Edwin Elias, Chelsea Valenzuela, Jonathan Ayala, Marling Arauz, Sofia Moreno
• Candidates: Sabrina Giron, Jorge Ramirez, Chloe Tolentino, Lauren Tolentino

St. Maurice Parish, Stamford

• Catechumen: Heriberto Rios Jr.

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford

• Catechumen: Sarah Pickel

St. James Parish, Stratford

• Catechumens: Ashley Singer, Shanel Rankin, Stephen Wideman, David King

St. Mark Parish, Stratford

• Catechumen: Shanelle Davila

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull

• Candidate: Evan Cartell

St. Theresa Parish, Trumbull

• Candidates: Amanda Babb, Karen Valentino, Jessica Young, Jessica Henry, Jessica Torelli

Assumption Parish, Westport

• Catechumen: Ariana Gonzales

St. Luke’s Guild is a diverse group of healthcare workers and faithful, practicing Catholics throughout Fairfield County. The Guild exists to encourage Catholic healthcare workers within the Diocese of Bridgeport to grow in Christian discipleship through an on-going process of encounter with our Lord, Jesus Christ, and communal accompaniment. Our mission is to help Catholic healthcare workers grow in Christian discipleship by adhering to the Guild’s spiritual disciplines and inviting its members to be accompanied in faith through periodic gatherings of its members for prayer and formation.

Membership in the Saint Luke Guild is spiritual in nature and open to all healthcare workers who:
• Strive to live their Catholic faith to the best of their ability
• Pray for the Guild and its members by reciting the Guild prayer each day
• Attend the Annual Mass
• Attend formational gatherings offered for members

For more information on St. Luke’s Guild or to sign up for membership,
visit: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/stlukeguild/home or email: saintlukeguild@diobpt.org

NEW CANAAN—Forty years ago, Bill Fessler and Mary Beth O’Brien met in remote area of the Dominican Republic on a medical dentistry mission. He was in his last year at Georgetown University School of Dentistry and she was a nurse practicing at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after graduating from Georgetown.

Their time in the Dominican Republic was the beginning of their life together, a life of putting their faith into action through service for others.

“God put us together,” Dr. Fessler recalls. “Within an hour of meeting Mary Beth, I knew we were meant to be together. I was struck by how beautiful she was. The first day we were working on the same team … and I was in love.”

As soon as he got home, he told his father he met the woman he was going to marry … and his prediction came true. They were married the following December in 1984 and that was just the beginning of their commitment to raising a family and a lifetime of service.

Today, Dr. Fessler has a private practice in Norwalk, and Mary Beth is a nurse practitioner at the Americares clinic in Danbury. The parents of four children, they are members of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan. Mary Beth and Bill were among the initial inductees into the Saint Luke Guild and currently serve as Board Members and leaders of the Communication & Planning Team.

With much energy and passion, they have worked tirelessly to help grow the guild. and founding members of the diocesan St. Luke Guild for healthcare professionals. The couple also continues to do service work locally, at soup kitchens, Malta House, ABC House and the Norwalk Smiles program. In addition, in 2012 they established a state-of-the-art dental center outside the capital of Honduras, which has cared for thousands of patients, most of them children.

Since founding the One World Surgery Holy Family Dental Center, the Fesslers have returned 20 times to provide care for the surrounding community and the more than 400 children at the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), a home for orphaned and abandoned children that shares the grounds with the dental center.

“We believe that we have been tremendously blessed—as most Americans are—and when you are blessed, you give back,” Ms. Fessler said. “You cannot imagine the poverty … unless you experience it, and Honduras is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.”

In 2011, while they were on a mission project with their daughter Erin, who was a student at the University of Notre Dame, the Fesslers witnessed firsthand the need for dental care, and it moved them to begin their project. Many of their patients did not have access to care and had never seen a dentist.

“It is a tremendous resource to the community,” Dr. Fessler said.

Their daughter’s roommate at college was from the family that started the One World Surgery, which is a “a medical mission organization that treats a variety of orthopedic conditions and focuses on local partnerships and high-quality care.”

As a result of that trip, Dr. Fessler said, “Mary Beth and I decided to build a state-of-the-art dental clinic. I was going to buy everything brand new and bring it down there and set it up. It took us a long time to get it going, but the doors finally opened in 2017.”

Originally, they operated out of a makeshift dental facility, but they wanted to create a first-world center that would allow them to do advanced work, including comprehensive general dentistry, root canals and oral surgery.

Of course, once you create a world-class center, you need dentists. A year after opening, they hired Dr. Karen Chan, a Honduran dentist who works full-time at the center. Because of the Fesslers, the children at the orphanage and people in the community have access to the latest technology in dentistry in a facility founded as a Catholic mission.

“Our onsite local dentist, Dr. Karen Chan, and the team provide high-quality preventative and restorative dental care to the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos children and local communities year-round from Monday through Friday,” Dr. Fessler said.

Each year, the center provides some 2,250 dental consults and 4,000 minor dental procedures with the local team and volunteer dentists and hygienists. Their procedures include cleanings, fillings, fluoride treatments, extractions, root canals, crowns and minor surgery.

The Fesslers visit the center to work twice a year, in the winter and in the fall. While there, Ms. Fessler sees patients in the primary care unit of One World Surgery. Throughout the year, others in the dental profession from the United States volunteer and often bring their families who are provided residence on the campus of One World Surgery.

“We want to reach out to people who have this sort of calling so they can contribute to a well-run organization,” Dr. Fessler said. “It is 100 percent non-profit. We have housing and great food and take care of the families of the volunteers. It sets a great example for the kids of the next generation to serve. Every time we do this, we always come back strengthened because they give you something you can’t get anywhere else. We go down there to serve, but we get so much in return that it makes us feel alive.”

“When you get outside your comfort zone and your neat little world, it will make a difference in your life,” Ms. Fessler says. “And if you’re not in a position to physically go and serve in Honduras, you can do it in your local community. But we ask you to help us with your treasure so that we can make this a reality in Honduras.”

(The Fesslers had a fund-raiser for the center in September 2022 and are planning another this spring. For further information, contact Mary Beth Fessler at fesslers6@gmail.com or Dr. Fessler at wfess58@gmail.com or to donate visit www.oneworldsurgery.org/dental-celebration.)

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School is proud to announce the date for their second annual “Still Hungry” Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive. The drive will take place on the school’s campus (2320 Huntington Turnpike in Trumbull) on Saturday, February 24 from 8 am to noon. The school invites community members to share donations of non-perishable food items to benefit six local food pantries: The Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Sterling House Community Center, The Thomas Merton Center, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Mercy Learning Center, and Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry.

“During the holidays, food pantries are stocked from the generosity of the community during Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives,” remarked Deacon Jeff Font, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph High School. “But during the long winter months, many of our local pantries find their shelves bare and are in desperate need of replenishment.”

St. Joseph High School has created a website for those who wish to participate in the Stuff-a-Bus event, regardless of their affiliation with the school: www.sjcadets.org/stuffabus.

“The best part is, there are so many ways to participate in this initiative,” remarked Deacon Font. “You can simply drive by our food drive on February 24 and our students will unload your car for you. You can go online and donate a supermarket gift card. You can even order directly from our Amazon links and have food shipped to the school. We truly want this to be a community event, not just a St. Joes event.”

In 2023, St. Joseph High School held its first annual food drive and provided four local pantries each with a busload of donations. In addition, this year, three local schools have partnered in the initiative: St. Mark’s School (Stratford), Holy Trinity Catholic Academy (Shelton), and Assumption School (Ansonia) who are hosting their own food drives to contribute to the event.

To participate or learn more, visit sjcadets.org/stuffabus to find a list of non-perishable food items that may be donated to the pantries.

Join the Diocese of Bridgeport to observe Ash Wednesday and officially begin the Lent season!

Services are celebrated in English unless otherwise noted. Special liturgies (ie: Family Masses, Solemn Masses, etc.) are also indicated.

We can’t wait to see you and your loved ones this Ash Wednesday!

“Drop-in” locations for ash imposition in the Diocese of Bridgeport

• St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport: 9–10 am; 11 am–6 pm
• St. George Church, Bridgeport: 12–1 pm; 3–7 pm
• St. Joseph Parish, Brookfield: 6 am
• St. Thomas More Parish, Darien: 7–7:30 am
• St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan: 6–7 am; 1:30–2:30 pm
• St. Matthew Parish, Norwalk: 6 am–7 pm
• St. Matthew Parish “Ashes to Go” Bus Stops
  • Norwalk City Hall: 9–9:30 am
  • Briggs Tire, Norwalk: 9:45–10 am
  • Norwalk Fire Department: 10–10:30 am
  • St. John Cemetery, Norwalk: 11–11:15 am
  • Total Look Salon, Southport: 1–1:20 pm
  • Stamford Lincoln Ford: 2–2:15 pm
• St. Philip Parish, Norwalk: 6:30–7:30 am; 9–10 am; 11 am–12 pm; 4–5 pm; 6–7 pm
• Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford: 5:30–6:30 pm
• Stratford Metro North Station (southbound platform): 5:30–7:30 am
• Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford: 11 am–1 pm (with Adoration)
• St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull: 12–1:30 pm; 5–6:30 pm
• Assumption Parish, Westport: 3–5 pm

The Cathedral Parish, Bridgeport
Masses at St. Augustine Cathedral: 9 am (School Mass); 12:10 pm (Bishop’s Mass); 8 pm (Tiếng Việt)
Masses at St. Patrick Church: 7 am; 5:30 pm; 7:30 pm (Español)

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Aparecida Parish, Bethel
Masses: 7:30 am (Português); 5 pm (Português); 7 pm (Português)

St. Mary Parish, Bethel
Masses: 9 am; 12:10 pm; 5 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 7 am; 7 pm

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 5:30 pm; 6:30 pm (Español)
Ash impositions: 7:30 am; 12:15 pm

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 8 am (Português); 12 pm (Português); 7 pm (English/Português)

St. Andrew Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 9 am; 12 pm; 7 pm

St. Ann Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 8 am; 7 pm (English/Español)
Prayer service with ashes: 12 pm

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 6 am (Español); 7:30 am; 6 pm (Español); 7 pm (Kreyòl, lower church); 7 pm (Español, at St. George campus); 7:30 pm (Português); 8 pm (Español, lower church)

SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 7:30 am (Latin, Low Mass); 6 pm (Latin, Solemn Mass)

St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport
Masses: 8:15 am; 12:15 pm

St. Mary Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 8 am; 12 pm (Español); 5 pm; 7 pm (Español)

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 8 am (Polski); 7 pm (Polski)

St. Peter Parish, Bridgeport
Masses: 8 am (English/Español); 7 pm (Español)
Ash distribution: 12 pm

St. Joseph Parish, Brookfield
Prayer service with ashes: 12:15 pm; 7 pm

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield
Mass: 8:30 am

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Danbury
Masses: 9 am; 7 pm

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury
Masses: 9 am (Español); 7 pm (Español)
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm (Español); 3:30 pm

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury
Masses: 7:30 am; 7 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury
Masses: 8 am; 9:30 am; 5:30 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm; 7 pm

St. Joseph Parish, Danbury
Masses: 12:05 pm; 4:05 pm; 7:30 pm

St. Peter Parish, Danbury
Masses: 7:30 am; 9 am (School Mass); 12:10 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 5 pm; 6 pm (Español)

St. John Parish, Darien
Masses: 8 am; 12:15 pm; 6 pm

St. Thomas More Parish, Darien
Mass: 9 am
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 4:30 pm; 7 pm

Notre Dame Parish, Easton
Mass: 7:30 am
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm

Holy Family-St. Emery Parish, Fairfield
Masses: 7 am (SE); 8 am (HF)
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm (HF); 5 pm (HF); 7 pm (HF)

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield
Masses: 7:30 am; 9:30 am (School Mass); 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairfield
Masses: 9 am; 6 pm

St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield
Masses: 8:30 am; 12 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ashes: 7 am; 5:30 pm

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield
Masses: 7 am; 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm

Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich
Masses: 7 am; 12:15 pm; 6:30 pm

St. Mary Parish, Greenwich
Masses: 9 am; 12:05 pm; 5:30 pm; 7 pm (Español)

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich
Masses: 9 am; 6 pm
Ash imposition: 12 pm

St. Paul Parish, Greenwich
Masses: 9 am; 12:15 pm; 6:30 pm

St. Roch Parish, Greenwich
Masses: 12 pm; 7:30 pm
Ash imposition: 9 am; 5:30 pm

St. Jude Parish, Monroe
Masses: 9 am; 7 pm
Service with ash imposition: 7 am; 5:30 pm; 8:30 pm

St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan
Masses: 7 am; 8:15 am; 12:15 pm; 5:30 pm; 7 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 4:15 pm

St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield
Masses: 9 am; 5:30 pm (ashes will be distributed until 7 pm)
Ashes only: 7:30 am; 4 pm

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown
Masses: 6:45 am; 9 am; 12 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Jerome Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 9 am; 7 pm
Outdoor ash service: 12:15 pm; 4:30 pm

St. Joseph-St. Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 7:30 am (Español, SL); 12 pm (Español, SJ); 7 pm (Español, SJ); 7 pm (Español, SL)

St. Mary Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 8 am (Latin); 12:10 pm; 7 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 6 pm (Español)

St. Matthew Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 7 am; 12:10 pm
Prayer service with ashes: 5 pm

St. Philip Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 7:30 am; 12:15 pm; 5:30 pm; 7 pm

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk
Masses: 7 am; 12:10 pm; 6 pm

Sacred Heart-St. Patrick Parish, Redding
Masses: 8:30 am (SH); 8:30 am (SP); 6 pm (Latin, SH); 6 pm (SP)
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm (at Meadow Ridge)

St. Elizabeth Parish, Ridgefield
Masses: 8:30 am; 12 pm; 7 pm
Prayer service with ash imposition: 4:45 pm

St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield
Masses: 7 am; 9 am; 12 pm; 7 pm

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Riverside
Masses: 9 am; 12:05 pm; 5:30 pm; 7 pm (Español)

St. Joseph Parish, Shelton
Masses: 7 am; 12:05 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton
Masses: 7 am; 9 am; 12:10 pm; 7 pm

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, Shelton
Masses: 7:30 am; 9 am
Service with ashes: 12 pm; 7 pm

Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Stamford
Masses: 8 am; 12:10 pm
Ashes only: 7 pm

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford
Masses: 12:15 pm; 7 pm (Polski)

Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford
Masses: 7:30 am; 5:15 pm; 7 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm

Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford
Masses: 8 am; 12 pm

Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford
Masses: 7 am

St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford
Masses: 7 am; 7:30 pm

St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel Parish, Stamford
Masses: 7:30 am (SC); 8:30 am (SC)
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 4 pm (SG); 5:30 pm (SC)
Note: If the school has a delayed opening because of snow, the school Mass will be moved to 10:30 am. In that case, there will be a priest available to distribute ashes at St. Cecilia Church between 8:30 and 9 am.

St. Clement of Rome Parish, Stamford
Masses: 7:30 am; 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Leo Parish, Stamford
Masses: 8:30 am; 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm; 7:30 pm

St. Mary Parish, Stamford
Masses: 9 am; 5:30 pm; 7 pm (Español)
Prayer service with ash imposition: 7 am (Español); 8 am; 9 am; 12 pm (Español); 8:30 pm (Español)

St. Maurice Parish, Stamford
Mass: 12 pm

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford
Mass: 6:30 pm (ashes will be distributed until 8 pm)
Morning prayer with ash imposition: 7:30 am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford
Masses: 9 am; 12 pm
Family prayer service with ash imposition: 6:30 pm

Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford
Masses: 8:30 am; 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm

St. James Parish, Stratford
Masses: 8 am; 9 am (School Mass); 12:10 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Mark Parish, Stratford
Masses: 8 am; 5:30 pm
Prayer service with ashes: 12 pm; 3 pm

Christ the King Parish, Trumbull
Mass: 9 am
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 12 pm; 5:30 pm

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull
Masses: 7:30 am; 7 pm
Liturgy of the Word with ash imposition: 9 am; 3 pm

St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull
Masses: 9 am; 5 pm
Prayer service with ash imposition: 12 pm; 7 pm

St. Theresa Parish, Trumbull
Masses: 7:30 am; 12 pm; 5:30 pm
Scripture service with ash imposition: 4:15 pm; 7:30 pm

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston
Masses: 7:30 am; 12 pm; 7 pm

Assumption Parish, Westport
Masses: 7:30 am; 9 am; 12:15 pm

St. Luke Parish, Westport
Masses: 8 am; 12:15 pm
Prayer service with ash imposition: 4 pm; 5:30 pm; 7:30 pm

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton
Masses: 9 am; 6 pm
Prayer service with ash imposition: 12:15 pm; 4 pm

2024 LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES
February 20, 27 & March 5 at 7:00 PM
St. Joseph Parish
50 Fairmont Pl, Shelton, CT 06484
In the Main Church

Tuesday, Feb 20
Reverend Ryan Lerner
Chaplain, St. Thomas More
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Almost one week in…how’s Lent going for you so far?

Tuesday, Feb 27
Dr. Nancy A. Dallavalle
Director, Canter for Catholic Studies
Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT
Seeking a Lent That is Already Here

Tuesday, March 5
Rev. Carlos Castrillon Castro
Pastor, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, Derby, CT
Cuaresma, Camino Pascual

The Sarcrament of Reconciliation will be offered each night from 7:30-8:00 PM.