Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

By Emily Clark

Which ones to choose? Maybe a few cinnamon spice snowballs and a chocolate chip bar? Or some M&M cookies and pieces of peanut butter fudge? That was the sweet dilemma for parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Shelton last weekend as the Women’s Devotional Group held their annual Cookie Walk fundraiser. With 41 varieties of cookies and a holiday-themed raffle, this event drew scores of people after each Mass looking for some special treats for Christmas.

Members of the women’s group as well as several others each baked 10 dozen homemade cookies for guests to purchase at the Cookie Walk. According to parish trustee Mary Jane Paris, the women outdid themselves this year, breaking their own record of 22 varieties last year.

“We baked like gang busters!” she said. “Each year it keeps getting better, and everyone looks forward to it.”

Before getting in line to choose their cookies, parishioners received gloves and plastic bakery containers donated by Inline Plastics. They then began the “walk” around the outside perimeter of large rectangular tables, all adorned with holiday décor, mini Christmas trees, and poinsettia garland. Deciding which cookies to choose was the hard part though each tray of sweets included a small sign indicating the cookie name. When finished, guests weighed their treats and checked out. “It’s a wonderful event and very popular with the parishioners,” Paris said. That was evident as crowds surrounded the tables Sunday morning, making their selections.

Though the Women’s Devotional Group has been in existence for over a decade, the Cookie Walk began just a few years before the coronavirus pandemic. Paris and the other members credit Fr. Michael Dogali, pastor at St. Joseph, for helping the group – and the event – become rejuvenated.

“Father is and has been our biggest supporter, spiritual guide and terrific leader through our good times and challenging times,” Paris said. After Mass, she said he told the congregation that he had blessed all the cookies, then joked, “And there are no calories!”

Photos by Patrick Clark

With funds raised from the Cookie Walk, the group is able to offer Fr. Dogali a substantial donation for improvements throughout the parish, including new curtains in the hall, reupholstery for chairs on the altar, and updated security locks. Paris said, “All of our fundraising efforts and profits are used for on-going special projects.” Approximately $2,700 was raised from last year’s event.

Cookie Walk chairs Elaine Gaetano and Gloria Wardell were hopeful this one would also be a success. “It’s a joy working all together and baking for the good of the parish,” said Wardell.

In addition to this annual event, the Women’s Devotional Group holds spiritual and social activities throughout the year, all connected to their mission of “sharing faith in action through prayerfully planned activities and fundraiser events in support of our parish and our pastor.” Monthly meetings promote spiritual growth and personal development, bringing women into a closer relationship with Christ. Past activities have included talks from the sisters of the Apostle of the Sacred Heart and from priests at St. Jude Church in Monroe. Next spring, they are planning a one-day retreat. “It’s a great team of women we’ve got here with great leadership,” said Paris.

Begun as a cupcake fundraiser for the church years ago, the Cookie Walk is now a favorite among Women’s Devotional Group members and parishioners alike, said Wardell adding, “It’s a treat for everyone.”

By Joe Pisani

GREENWICH — It was “a celebration of light and life” for 200 people who gathered at St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery to place ornaments in memory of their loved ones on a 12-foot-tall Tree of Remembrance that will stay lit throughout the Christmas season.

“We had returning faces and new faces, which was wonderful,” said Jenine Berardesca, Family Services Director of Catholic Cemeteries, who organized the event for the second year with her colleagues in Greenwich. “We had families from many different denominations. It was a time for people to come together, and it transcended many things and showed us that our common belief in Christ and the Resurrection can bring everyone together. It was more of a celebration of light and life than of loss.”

Fr. Michael Jones, pastor of St. Mary Church in Greenwich, blessed the tree and shared his thoughts about Christ, the Light of the World, and as the tree was lit, a father-son duo of trumpeters played “Joy to the World.”

Berardesca said many people were touched by the ceremony, which gave them an opportunity to remember their deceased family members and friends, no matter where they are buried.

After the event had ended and they were leaving, a young mother pulled up with her three small children.

“We invited them to come and put ornaments on the tree. Each child made an ornament for their sister, who they said was in Heaven,” Berardesca said. “It truly touched me. You never know who you are impacting and how important it can be. Grief affects all ages, and this was a wonderful opportunity for people to come and honor their loved ones at Christmas.”

She said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers, the staff of Catholic Cemeteries, Castiglione Funeral Home and Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, which partnered with the cemetery to sponsor complimentary refreshments from Cafe Bon.

“We enjoyed having the support of the funeral homes,” she said. “It was great to partner with them and provide something for families that will help them get through the season. It was a group effort that brought the community and out staff together because it is with joy that we hold these events, which are about good will toward men and people supporting one another.”

Jen Graziano, co-owner of Coxe & Graziano & Fred D. Knapp Funeral Homes, said she hoped the event would continue each year because it “provided an opportunity for those who grieve to find comfort at the start of the Christmas season.”

“In the darkness of night, symbolic of the darkness of grief, there was light,” she said. “As families gathered to place the ornaments commemorating their loved ones, they were reminded of their presence among us. Father Jones also offered comforting words and prayers.”

Joseph A. Murray, manager of the Castiglione Funeral Home, said, “We are very honored that we get to be a part of this amazing event that St Mary-Putnam Cemetery puts on every year, coordinated by the wonderful family counselor, Jenine.”

He praised her work “helping these families through a difficult process and the continued caring they receive long after the services are concluded, as evident in this holiday event that started with her at the helm….We are looking forward to being a part of it for years to come, and possibly planning future events to continue showing our support to this great community.”

Next year, Catholic Cemeteries plans to bring the Tree of Remembrance to other cemeteries and locations throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport. This year, a ceremony was also held at St. Joseph’s Center in Trumbull.

The tree, which is in the chapel, was blessed by Father Nick Pavia, chaplain of the nursing care facility and of the Bereavement Ministry of Catholic Cemeteries, during a ceremony November 29.

Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement and organizer of that event, said, “Hanging an ornament with the name of a person you love who has died can be so healing. It can take a hard time and transform it into a healing moment, not just for you but for other members of your family.”

DANBURY, CT – Immaculate first-year student Chelsea Phaire of Danbury was just featured on Nickelodeon for her huge heart! The network reached out to Phaire to cover Chelsea’s Charity, the non-profit she founded which provides art supplies to children in need. (www.chelseascharity.com) She appeared on its Nick News show on December 20.

Phaire is no stranger to the spotlight though. So far she has been featured on a staggering number of national television shows including: Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, the Tamron Hall Show, The Steve Harvey Show, the Disney Channel and Amazon Prime’s Regular Heroes show. Plus, she appeared on The 15th Annual CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute as its Young Wonder Award winner in 2021. Chelsea was also written about in TIME magazine, Highlights magazine and graced the cover of TIME for Kids magazine.

Phaire credits her parents for being exemplary community service role models, but knew she wasn’t old enough to do the volunteer work they did – so she started her own charity when she turned 10. “I wanted to start a charity focusing on the arts, because I used art a lot when I lost my grandfather at four and when I lost my favorite swimming teacher when I was eight,” Phaire said. “And when I found out that other children may not have access to art materials to use when they’re upset like I did, I knew I had to do something. So in 2019, for my 10th birthday, I asked for art supplies in lieu of birthday presents to get my charity started.”

It took off. The most surprising thing has been how many people were willing to pitch in and help. As Chelsea’s Charity got more news coverage, donations started pouring in. “From college kids giving up their Starbucks for crayons, to artists donating brand new art supplies and lessons, thousands of people have been able to help out in some way and that’s why we’ve given over 34,000 art kits in four years!” Phaire said.

Phaire felt that Immaculate High School’s commitment to giving back was one of the reasons it was the perfect place for her. “Honestly, I loved how dedicated Immaculate is to service and kindness. I thought it was really great that I saw how much IHS worked to normalize kindness and lift up their students and encourage peer empowerment,” Phaire said. “I also realized that my charity work and desire to help others wouldn’t be lost at IHS because it’s encouraged for us to all do our part to help our communities!”

As part of the school’s Opus Fidelium requirement of a minimum of 25 hours of community service, students volunteer at organizations across the region and beyond. The same message has greeted students in Immaculate’s entrance for decades – respect, responsibility and reverence – reminding them of their responsibility to be leaders and to help others. Principal Wendy Neil praised Phaire for inspiring other students.

“We are so proud of Chelsea for taking the initiative to make a difference in the lives of so many who are less fortunate,” said Neil. “She truly embodies our Mustang spirit and we’re thrilled to have her as part of our community. Keep up the great work Chelsea!”

BRIDGEPORT— Bishop Frank J. Caggiano prayed for peace and thanked employees for their service at the Annual pre-Christmas Mass for the Diocesan Curia at the Catholic Center.

The Mass brings together Catholic Center employees, priests and deacons with Bishop Caggiano serving as the principal celebrant.
Fr. Peter Lenox, Vicar for Liturgy and Worship, delivered the homily on the Gospel of Luke (1:39-45), the account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Fr. Lenox said that both Elizabeth and Mary were prepared to believe because they put their faith in God and not in the things of this world. He added that people too often look toward answers and behaviors that offer false promises that will not sustain them.
During the universal prayer those in attendance prayed, “Universal Prayer, “Lord Jesus, come to us in love. Help us set our hearts where they will find fulfillment and not betrayal.”

In brief remarks following Mass, the Bishop thanked Catholic Center staff members for the work they do throughout the year to support the mission of renewal in the diocese. He encouraged Catholic them to count their blessings during Christmas, and to seek rest that restores them.

“There is a time for work and there’s a time to rest. Please God these days will be a time of rest for you, spending it with your family and just really enjoying the blessing of the Lord’s birth.”

The Bishop finished his remarks by urging people to pray for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.

“As we gather closer and closer to Christmas, my heart and my mind just cannot escape the fact that in the place where the Prince of Peace was born, there are so many people who are suffering from war and violence. It breaks our common hearts. Let’s continue to pray for peace in the land that we called Holy, the land where the Lord chose to be born into the world, where his death and resurrection have given us hope. Let us pray that by next Christmas, all those who suffer there will have the same blessings we are about to enjoy with our families, that they can live their lives in peace and enjoy the great gift of the Prince of Peace.

Liturgical Musicians for the Mass were Dr. William H. Atwood, Diocesan Director of Music Ministry and Laura Intravia, Canto, who sang beautifully throughout the Mass including Gesu Bambino, the Communion Solo.

FAIRFIELD—“O Jesus Christ, we sign Thy birth around the Christmas tree, And mark Thy Life once lived on earth, Thy Cross and victory,” is the first verse of this new Christmas hymn by Catholic author and song writer Anna Bendiksen of Fairfield.

“It is designed especially to be sung in the home in the presence of a Christmas tree,” she says. “I love composing for the Catholic home. I believe that we are in the early stages of an American Catholic Renaissance. Families can get ready by making music together.”

Anna earned degrees from Bryn Mawr College (A.B. in Russian summa cum laude), where she served as director of the Bryn Mawr-Haverford Russian Choir, and Yale University (M.A., M. Phil. in Slavic Languages and Literatures). She is also trained in teaching English to speakers of other languages (certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University). A convert to Catholicism from Anglicanism, she is a Fairfield resident along with her husband and son, and member of the Parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull.

For more information about Anna Bendiksen’s Christmas composition, visit: www.annabendiksen.com.

Listen here:

Join the Diocese of Bridgeport to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

The diocese is home to 77 parishes, which will each celebrate Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Please note the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve are both celebrated on December 24 this year. This listing only includes Masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For services for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, please consult your parish bulletin.

Masses are celebrated in English unless otherwise notes. Special liturgies (Family Masses, Solemn Masses, etc.) are also indicated.

We can’t wait to see you and your loved ones at Mass this Christmas!

The Cathedral Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (with Bishop Caggiano); 4 pm (Ásụ̀sụ́ Ìgbò, at St. Patrick Church); 7 pm (Tiếng Việt); 7 pm (Español, at St. Patrick Church); 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7 am; 8:30 am (at St. Patrick Church); 10 am; 11:30 am (Español); 2 pm (Tiếng Việt)

Our Lady of Aparecida Parish, Bethel
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm (Português)
Christmas Day Masses in Portuguese will be offered at 9 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and St. Peter Parish, both in Danbury.

St. Mary Parish, Bethel
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (in Bethel Middle School auditorium); 4:30 pm (sign up required); 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7 am; 8:30 am; 11 am

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (Español); 5:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 10 am (Español); 11:30 am

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 9 pm (Português)
—Christmas Day: 9 am (Português); 11 am

St. Andrew Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 11 am

St. Ann Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (Children’s Mass); 6 pm (English/Español bilingual)
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 9:45 am; 12 pm (Español)

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm (Kreyòl); 7:30pm (Português); 9 pm (Español, at St. George campus); midnight (English/Español bilingual)
—Christmas Day: 10:30 am (Español, at St. George campus); 10:45 am (Português); 11 am; 12:45 pm (Español); 5 pm (Kreyòl)

SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: Midnight (Latin)
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am (Latin, Low Mass); 10:15 am (Latin, High Mass)

St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 9:30 am (Italiano); 11 am

St. Mary Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm; 7 pm (Español)
—Christmas Day: 11 am (English/Español bilingual)

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; midnight (Polski)
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am (Polski); 10 am; 11:30 am (Polski)

St. Peter Parish, Bridgeport
—Christmas Eve: 8 pm
—Christmas Day: 10 am; 12 pm (Español)

St. Joseph Parish, Brookfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (Children’s Mass); 6:30 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 11 am

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 11 am

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 6 pm; 11 pm (Português)
—Christmas Day: 9 am (Português); 11 am

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 6 pm (Español); 8:30 pm (Español)
—Christmas Day: 9 am (Español); 11:30 am (Español)

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 4:30 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 11 am

St. Joseph Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 11 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

St. Peter Parish, Danbury
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am (Português); 10:30 am; 12 pm (Español)

St. John Parish, Darien
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in parish center); 6 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 11:30 am

St. Thomas More Parish, Darien
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in parish hall); 6 pm (Family Mass); 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 8:45 am; 10 am (Family Mass); 11:30 am

Notre Dame Parish, Easton
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm
—Christmas Day: 10 am

Holy Cross Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4:30 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 10 am

Holy Family-St. Emery Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (HF); midnight (SE)
—Christmas Day: 8 am (HF); 10 am (SE)

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (overflow in parish hall); 5:30 pm; 11 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 11:30 am

St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am; 11 am

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (with Children’s Nativity); 8 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 12 pm

(For the Georgetown Oratory’s Christmas schedule, please see Sacred Heart-St. Patrick, Redding)

Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10 am

St. Mary Parish, Greenwich
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in chapel); 5:30 pm; 7:30 pm (Español); 10 pm (Solemn Mass)
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 10:30 am (Solemn Mass); 12:15 pm

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Greenwich
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 5 pm (at St. Timothy Chapel); 6 pm; 9 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 11 am (at St. Timothy Chapel); 12 pm

St. Paul Parish, Greenwich
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Roch Parish, Greenwich
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (English/Español bilingual)
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 12 pm (Español)

St. Jude Parish, Monroe
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 5:30 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Aloysius Parish, New Canaan
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 5:30 pm; 7:30 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7 am; 8:30 am; 10 am; 11:30 am

St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in Sherman School cafeteria); 6 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 11 am; 12:30 pm

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (at Newtown High School, with children’s Christmas pageant); 6 pm, 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Jerome Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am

St. Joseph-St. Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 7:30 pm (Español, SJ)
—Christmas Day: 10 am (SJ); 12 pm (Español, SJ); 12 pm (Español, SL)

St. Mary Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; midnight (Latin)
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am (Latin); 12 pm (Español)

St. Matthew Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

St. Philip Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 11 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 12 pm

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am; 11:30 am

Sacred Heart-St. Patrick Parish, Redding
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (SH); 4 pm (SP); 6 pm (SH); 6 pm (SP); 11:30 pm (SP); midnight (Latin, SH)
—Christmas Day: 7 am (Latin, SH); 8:30 am (SP); 9 am (SH); 10:30 am (SH); 10:30 am (SP); 12 pm (Latin, SH)

St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ridgefield
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield
Please note Christmas Eve Masses at 3 pm, 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm require registration. Please register at smcr.org
—Christmas Eve: 3 pm (in Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center); 4:15 pm; 4:30 pm (in school cafeteria); 5:30 pm (in Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center); 7 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am; 12 pm (in Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center)

St. Catherine of Siena-St. Agnes Parish, Riverside
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (Family Mass, SA); 5 pm (in Lucey Parish Hall); 5 pm (in St. Catherine Chapel); 5 pm (SC); 5 pm (Español, in St. Catherine School gym); 10 pm (Solemn Mass, SC)
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am (SC); 9 am (SC); 10 am (SA); 10:30 am (SC); 3 pm (Hangugeo 한국어, in St. Catherine Chapel)

St. Joseph Parish, Shelton
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in gym); 6 pm; 10:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, Shelton
—Christmas Eve: 4:30 pm (upstairs); 4:30 pm (downstairs); 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 10 am; 11:30 am

Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10 am; 12 pm

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: Midnight (English/Polski)
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am (Polski); 10 am; 11:30 am

Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm
—Christmas Day: 7 am; 9 am; 11 am

Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 7 pm (Español); midnight
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 10 am (Italiano); 11:30 am; 1 pm (Español)

St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (Family Mass)
—Christmas Day: 8:30 am; 11 am

St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (SC); 4 pm (SG); 6 pm (SG); 10 pm (SC)
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am (SC); 9 am (SC); 11:15 am (SC)

St. Clement of Rome Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 5:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10:30 am

St. Leo Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 10 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 11:30 am

St. Mary Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm (at St. Benedict campus); 8 pm (Español); midnight
—Christmas Day: 10 am; 12 pm (Español)

St. Maurice Parish, Stamford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10:30 am

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10 am

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 11:30 am

Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford
—Christmas Eve: 4:30 pm; 9 pm
—Christmas Day: 10 am

St. James Parish, Stratford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am

St. Mark Parish, Stratford
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in parish center); 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

Christ the King Parish, Trumbull
—Christmas Eve: 5 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm (in Family Center); 6 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 11 am

St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 5:30 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

St. Theresa Parish, Trumbull
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 10 am; 12 pm

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 10 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 11 am

Assumption Parish, Westport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 4 pm (in school gym); 7 pm; 11 pm
—Christmas Day: 8 am; 10 am; 12 pm

St. Luke Parish, Westport
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 10:30 pm
—Christmas Day: 7:30 am; 9 am; 11 am

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton
—Christmas Eve: 4 pm; 6 pm; 7:30 pm; midnight
—Christmas Day: 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm

By Joe Pisani

FAIRFIELD — By his own admission, Paul Piorek, the chief meteorologist at WICC and fifth-grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School, hasn’t worked a day in his life. Well almost.

You see, as he tells his students, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” And he clearly loves what he does in his career, which has been a convergence of three lifelong passions for meteorology, teaching and radio.

Seven days a week, Piorek broadcasts the weather for WICC 600 AM and 107.3 FM — five of those days he does it live from his fifth-grade classes at St. Thomas Aquinas, where he is known for inspiring his students with a love of science and mathematics.

Piorek’s own story began when he was a student at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield. With his diploma barely in hand, he set out for adventure and told his parents he was pursuing a career in radio. They told him he was crazy. Well, he was just crazy enough to drive downtown Bridgeport and knock on the door of the city’s premier radio station, WICC, and ask for a job. And he got one.

“I always wanted a career in radio or TV, so I went to WICC on State Street and knocked on the door, and told them, ‘I’d love to be on the air.’ I was 18,” he recalls.

The stars must have been in alignment (Piorek also loves astronomy), because the station manager said, “You’re in luck — our overnight host is leaving, and you can start on Monday.”

“So I went home and told my father and mother, and they were in shock,” he said.

That was back in 1978. In his new job, Piorek got to the station at 10 pm to prepare and was on the air from midnight to 6 am, playing records and engaging nocturnal fans on the phone in discussions about rock ‘n’ roll and timely events. It was the beginning of his radio career. He worked there from 1978 until 1986, until returning a year ago to do the weather sevens days a week.

Piorek also had an acclaimed career in television as the long-time morning meteorologist at News 12 Connecticut, where he was honored to receive a New York Emmy in 2007, five Emmy nominations, and the Associated Press Broadcasters’ Association award for Best TV Weathercast in Connecticut four times, along with two Communicator Awards of Distinction.

Piorek’s other great love is teaching. He taught at Greenwich Catholic Elementary School from 1990 to 1995, and in 2016, he started at St. Thomas Aquinas School.

“I love every minute of it,” he says. “The best part is that I teach science and math. I have a love for all things science — geology, earth science, physics, and weather,” he said. “When you bring that passion to the classroom, students can recognize it. And I tell them they can make a career out of this too because if you do what you love and love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Piorek also enjoys teaching religion because faith is a fundamental part of his life. A lifelong member of St. Pius X Parish in Fairfield, he had the distinction of being baptized in the church just days after it opened in 1958 and was a member of the first class to attend all eight grades at St. Pius X School from 1964 to 1972. Over the years, in service to the parish, he has been a lector, a catechist, an usher and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

One of his fondest memories was working with the renowned Dr. Mel Goldstein, a meteorologist who was revered by his colleagues around the state. Piorek describes him as “the best and most well-respected meteorologist in Connecticut.”

“I learned meteorology from Dr. Mel at Western Connecticut State University,” he recalls. “Then, he hired me as an on-air broadcast meteorologist at WCSU for a host of radio stations, which ultimately led to my position at News 12 Connecticut.”

He was also responsible for typing the very popular weather column by Dr. Mel into the computer and sending it to newspapers statewide for many years. He credits Dr. Mel with giving him the inspiration to start his own weather blog, titled, “Paul’s Local Weather Journal for Southwestern Connecticut” at (www.localweatherjournal.blogspot.com)

So, you might ask, where does he get his weather? Piorek formulates his own forecasts and starts working on them early in the morning.

“I get up at 4:15 and use my own weather models to put together my forecasts,” he says. “When I’m asked about how accurate I am, I say, ‘I do it to the best of my ability.’ I don’t do any percentages, and I am wary of 10-day forecasts.”

So if you want to hear him broadcasting live from St. Thomas Aquinas, tune in to WICC 600 AM or 107.3 FM during the week at 7:46 am, 8:16 am and 8:46 am.

Editor’s note: The following was originally published by Vatican News on December 18, 2023, in order to explain the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans,” which permits blessings for couples in “irregular situations,” including same-sex couples.

When two people request a blessing, even if their situation as a couple is “irregular,” it will be possible for the ordained minister to consent. However, this gesture of pastoral closeness must avoid any elements that remotely resemble a marriage rite.

This is what is stated the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” on the pastoral meaning of blessings, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope Francis.

The document explores the theme of blessings, distinguishing between ritual and liturgical ones, and spontaneous ones more akin to signs of popular devotion. It is precisely in this second category there is now consideration of the possibility of welcoming even those who do not live according to the norms of Christian moral doctrine but humbly request to be blessed. 23 years have passed since the former “Holy Office” published a Declaration (the last one was in August 2000 with “Dominus Jesus”), a document of such doctrinal importance.

“Fiducia supplicans” begins with the introduction by the prefect, Cardinal Victor Fernandez, who explains that the Declaration considers the “pastoral meaning of blessings,” allowing “a broadening and enrichment of the classical understanding” through a theological reflection “based on the pastoral vision of Pope Francis.”

It is a reflection that “implies a real development from what has been said about blessings up until now, reaching an understanding of the possibility “of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.”

After the first paragraphs (1-3) that recall the previous pronouncement of 2021 that is now further developed and superseded, the Declaration presents the blessing in the Sacrament of Marriage (paragraphs 4-6) stating as inadmissible “rites and prayers that could create confusion between what constitutes marriage” and “what contradicts it,” by avoiding any implication that “something that is not marriage is being recognized as marriage.” It is reiterated that according to the “perennial Catholic doctrine” only sexual relations between a man and a woman in the context of marriage are considered lawful.

A second extensive part of the Declaration (paragraphs 7-30) analyzes the meaning of different blessings, whose recipients are people, objects of worship, and places of life. It is recalled that “from a strictly liturgical point of view,” the blessing requires that what is blessed “be conformed to God’s will, as expressed in the teachings of the Church.”

“When a blessing is invoked on certain human relationships” through a special liturgical rite, the Declaration notes, “it is necessary that what is blessed corresponds with God’s designs written in creation” (par. 11). Therefore, the Church does not have the power to impart a liturgical blessing on irregular or same-sex couples. It is also necessary to avoid the risk of reducing the meaning of blessings to this point of view only, expecting for a simple blessing “the same moral conditions for a simple blessing that are called for in the reception of the sacraments” (par. 12).

After analyzing blessings in Scripture, the Declaration offers a theological-pastoral understanding. Those who ask for a blessing show themselves “to be in need of God’s saving presence” in their lives by expressing “a petition for God’s assistance, a plea to live better” (par. 21). This request should be received and valued “outside of a liturgical framework” when found “in a realm of greater spontaneity and freedom” (par. 23).

When seeing them from the perspective of popular piety, “blessings should be evaluated as acts of devotion.” Those requesting a blessing “should not be required to have prior moral perfection” as a precondition, the Declaration notes.

Exploring this distinction, based on the response of Pope Francis to the dubia published last October that called for discernment on the possibility of “forms of blessing, requested by one or more persons, that do not convey an erroneous conception of marriage” (par. 26), the Declaration affirms that this kind of blessing “is offered to all without requiring anything,” helping people feel that they are still blessed despite their mistakes and that “their heavenly Father continues to will their good and to hope that they will ultimately open themselves to the good” (par. 27).

There are “several occasions when people spontaneously ask for a blessing, whether on pilgrimages, at shrines, or even on the street when they meet a priest and these blessings “are meant for everyone; no one is to be excluded from them” (par. 28).

While it is not appropriate to establish “procedures or rituals” for such cases, the ordained minister may join in the prayer of those persons who “although in a union that cannot be compared in any way to a marriage, desire to entrust themselves to the Lord and his mercy, to invoke his help, and to be guided to a greater understanding of his plan of love and of truth” (par. 30).

The third part of the Declaration (paragraphs 31-41) opens then to the possibility of these blessings that represent a sign for those who “recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help—do not claim a legitimation of their own status, but who beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed, and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit” (par. 31).

These blessings should not necessarily become the norm, the Statement notes, but entrusted to “a practical discernment in particular circumstances” (par. 37).

Although the couple is blessed but not the union, the Declaration notes that what is blessed is the legitimate relationship between the two people: in “a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance—but also God’s light and strength to be able to fulfill his will completely” (par. 38).

Also clarified is that to avoid “any form of confusion or scandal,” that when a couple in an irregular situation or same-sex couples ask for a blessing, it “should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them. Nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding” (par. 39). This kind of blessing “may instead find its place in other contexts, such as a visit to a shrine, a meeting with a priest, a prayer recited in a group, or during a pilgrimage” (par. 40).

In conclusion, the fourth chapter (paragraphs 42-45) recalls that “even when a person’s relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God” and desiring a blessing “can be the possible good in some situations” (par. 43).

By Rose Brennan

FAIRFIELD—The United States is home to just under 62 million Catholics, who make their homes in 175 American dioceses. And each diocese is home to one to two cathedrals that serve as the bishop’s seat in that area.

And here in the Diocese of Bridgeport, one man is on a mission to visit every single one of them.

But Andrew Masi isn’t planning on stopping there. No, he’s also planning on visiting each of the basilicas in the United States as well. And he’s stopping at quite a few shrines along the way, too.

To date, Masi has visited 102 cathedrals and 59 basilicas. He reached lucky number 100 over Veterans Day Weekend, traveling to Missouri to visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, as well as the Cathedral of St. Joseph in St. Joseph.

It sure is becoming a whirlwind tour, but it all began for Masi in 2014, when he attended an Easter Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J. It was only a few weeks following the death of his grandmother Josephine, whom Masi cites as a major model of the Catholic faith in his life. And as he sat in the cathedral, he began to think.

“In the middle of Mass, I’m gazing at the cathedral and looking at its magnificent structure and the stained-glass windows, and I’m just in awe of the beauty of it,” he said. “And then a thought ran into my head: ‘Hey, I wonder if every cathedral in the United States looks just as gorgeous and magnificent as this one does.’ And that’s when the idea came in to go out there and see for myself.”

While he sees the beauty of each cathedral and basilica he visits, Masi isn’t above playing favorites. So far, the one structure that stands out most in his pilgrimage is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in Missouri—at which he was captivated by the intricate mosaics decorating the sanctuary.

“When you walk into that cathedral, your eyes are drawn to the ceiling and the beautiful mosaics … that were put in piece by piece very delicately. It took so long to put them in,” he said. “It just made them more magnificent and more beautiful. It’s like walking into one of the cathedrals in Rome.”

This isn’t the first pilgrimage Masi has undertaken, however. He faced a similar challenge in 2004, when then-Bishop William E. Lori challenged him to visit every parish in the Diocese of Bridgeport, which he completed in just 11 months. Among them, Masi designated St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport and the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford as his favorites.

Now, of course, Masi’s widened his scope to the entire country. But he’s not putting the camera down once he’s visited every cathedral and basilica in the United States. Once this pilgrimage is done, he wants to visit major cathedrals and basilicas across the world, notably in Canada, Europe and Asia.

“The cathedrals have withstood the tests of time, especially Notre Dame in Paris,” Masi said. “It nearly burned down a few years ago, but thank God, Our Lady watched over it and spared the cathedral any major damage.”

When Masi visits the cathedrals and basilicas, he is often filled with gratitude for the opportunity to undertake this pilgrimage, as well as the way it’s helped deepen his Catholic faith.

“It makes me closer to God, and I thank him for giving me the great opportunity to do this wonderful pilgrimage,” he said. “God gave me the sign to do this, and I answered the call with a ‘yes.’”

Masi knows his ability to visit each of the country’s cathedrals isn’t one everyone has. And the photographs he takes almost become an act of service to those who might never see the beauty of the sanctuaries in person—including the homebound and elderly, and those who are otherwise unable to travel.

“It’s a way to give them the opportunity just to see the church, even though it’s virtual,” he said. “People have told me, ‘I feel like you’ve taken me on a virtual tour.’”

Masi noted he’s received a lot of support from clergy both in the diocese and around the country. He cited his major supporters as Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Archbishop Lori, Cardinal Timothy J. Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston and Father Peter Cipriani, the pastor at Masi’s home parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Fairfield—who gives him a blessing prior to each trip he takes to photograph the cathedrals.

“They all see my pictures and they praise them, and they give me their prayers of support,” Masi said. “Like, ‘Keep on going, Andrew; get to the finish line!’”

Editor’s note: The following is a joint statement on anti-Semitism by the four bishops of the State of Connecticut.

ROME—Sister Maria Iannuccillo, SSND, along with several other members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, had an opportunity for a private audience with Pope Francis on November 13 during their 25th General Chapter meeting in Rome.

The Pope told the nuns to continue being “courageous witnesses of evangelical solidarity at a time when many are experiencing fragmentation and disunity,” and invited them “to discern how you can more effectively bear witness to the joy of the Gospel,” especially through their educational apostolate and service.” Sister Maria called the experience “a moment I will treasure forever.”

To read more about the Pope’s audience with the School Sisters of Notre Dame, visit https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-school-sisters-of-notre-dame.html

Today we remember the lives of the children and educators who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School 11 years ago today, on December 14, 2012.

We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims, for healing and peace for their loved ones and survivors, and for an end to all violence in our community, especially for an end to gun violence in our country and across the world, and for the children who deserve childhoods filled with joy and free from violence and terror.

We remember

Charlotte Bacon, 6
She wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up, and liked practicing Tae Kwon Do with her father and brother.

Daniel Barden, 7
He loved to ride waves at the beach and played drums in a band with his brother and sister.

Rachel D’Avino, 29
She was a hard worker and a risk-taker, and did everything with confidence, but never arrogance.

Olivia Engel, 7
She would lead the family in praying grace before dinner, and loved riding on her grandfather’s boat.

Josephine Gay, 7
She loved peanut butter and would use a new spoon for each mouthful. Her parents would find the spoons all around the house.

Dawn Hochsprung, 47
She made going to see the principal fun, and dressed as the Sandy Hook Book Fairy” to encourage reading.

Dylan Hockley, 6
He adored his big brother and liked to play tag with his neighbors at the bus stop.

Madeleine Hsu, 6
She would wear flowery dresses that matched her personality and loved her two sisters.

Catherine Hubbard, 6
She was known for her bright red hair and her love for animals.

Chase Kowalski, 7
He was a Cub Scout who loved to play baseball and run in races.

Jesse Lewis, 6
He loved playing with his toy soldier, and had an infectious and radiant smile.

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
She loved to sing and never walked anywhere, preferring to dance from one place to another.

James Mattioli, 6
He was great at math, and his big brown eyes followed everything his big sister did.

Grace McDonnell, 7
She loved painting and would draw peace signs in the bathroom mirror when it fogged up after a shower.

Anne Marie Murphy, 52
She had four children and enjoyed the arts and walking in the great outdoors.

Emilie Parker, 6
She loved the color pink and filling notes with all her drawings.

Jack Pinto, 6
He loved the New York Giants and enjoyed wrestling during the football off-season.

Noah Pozner, 6
His favorite food was tacos, and he loved playing Super Mario on the Wii.

Caroline Previdi, 6
She loved art and dance, and some of her favorite words were, “Isn’t that WONDERFUL?”

Jessica Rekos, 6
She loved horseback riding, writing, and playing with her little brothers.

Avielle Richman, 6
She loved horses, Harry Potter, the color red, and running around without shoes on.

Lauren Rousseau, 30
She was known for her exuberance, her love of family and children, and her ever-present smile.

Mary Sherlach, 56
An avid Miami Dolphins fan, she loved helping her students overcome any problem.

Victoria Soto, 27
She had an infectious laugh and loved The Little Mermaid, flamingoes and the New York Yankees.

Benjamin Wheeler, 6
He was a strong swimmer, and enjoyed The Beatles, lighthouses and taking the 7 train to Sunnyside, Queens.

Allison Wyatt, 6
She would tape her drawings up all over the house and loved to make her parents laugh.

TRUMBULL — Students at St. Catherine of Siena School, from preschool through eighth grade, recently took part in a holiday tradition that began three decades ago, and decorated “Trees of Hope,” which will be raffled off to support children and families at Ronald McDonald House in New Haven.

According to Laura Hurley, director of marketing and enrollment, the school began participating in the annual event some 30 years ago at the request of Mrs. Lane Whitmoyer, a kindergarten teacher, who had a relative staying at the Ronald McDonald House. She asked Mrs. Patty Schickler, the seventh-grade teacher and student council moderator, to have the students work in their classes and make trees to donate.

This year, each tree decorated by the students had a different theme. The pre-school tree was Curious George; kindergarten was Crayola; first grade was First Responders; second grade was Beavers; third grade, Sports; fourth grade, Taylor Swift; fifth grade, Sweet Treats; sixth grade, Star of Bethlehem; seventh grade, Hawaiian; and eighth grade, Space.

The school financed the trees and the materials. The room mothers purchased the materials and worked with the classes to create the decorations.

“Trees of Hope is such an important tradition at SCSS because it gives the children a hands-on opportunity to participate in charity, said Tara Craig, second-grade room mother. “By engaging them in the process, we are able to open up a conversation about why we, as a school, do these trees and who the Ronald McDonald House benefits. It can be difficult for children to not be able to keep something they work hard on creating, but when they hear what good their gift can bring, a lesson in generosity is learned.”

Since 1990, the Trees of Hope benefit has been an annual event sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. The 34th Annual Trees of Hope will be held December 2 to 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Maritime Center at 555 Long Wharf Drive in New Haven.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature more than 150 holiday displays donated and sponsored by individuals, businesses and community organizations. Raffle tickets are sold for $1 each, and attendees will be able to distribute their tickets towards the displays they would like to win. The proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut is at 860 Howard Avenue in New Haven, close to Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. The facility has 18 guest rooms and two respite rooms to serve families with children undergoing specialized medical treatment at hospitals and healthcare facilities around the state. (There is another house in Springfield, Mass.)

When the Connecticut facility opened in 1985, it was a 12 guest room house. In 2017, a new house opened as “a home away from home” for families of children who are being treated at nearby hospitals, including Yale-New Haven, the Hospital of St. Raphael and Bridgeport Hospital, among others.