FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2026

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
By the Grace of God and Authority of the Apostolic See Bishop of Bridgeport
DECREE MANDATING THE PROMULGATION OF THE DIACONATE PERSONNEL MANUAL

On January 1, 1983, my predecessor, the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, following the Third Synod of the Diocese of Bridgeport, published the Pastoral Book that contained all policies and procedures of the Diocese.

I promulgated a revision of the Diaconate Personnel Manual for the Diocese of Bridgeport on December 2, 2018, which was to be observed for a period of one year after which no changes were made. A further revision of the Deacon Personnel Manual was promulgated on December 8, 2023.

Now having taken into consideration additional modifications needed to address the changing circumstances that we have faced over the last few years, I the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, the undersigned Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, do hereby declare and decree;

That this Diaconate Personnel Manual shall be in effect for all deacons serving in the Diocese of Bridgeport and assigned to diaconal ministry by me or my successors effective June 30, 2026.

All norms found in any subsequent revisions of the Pastoral Book of 1983, as well as the Manual promulgated on December 8, 2023, are superseded by this updated Deacon Personnel Manual.

I order that the provisions of this decree have firm and stable effect, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, even if worthy of special mention, and that they be promulgated by inclusion in the official diocesan newspaper, The Fairfield County Catholic, entering into force on June 30, 2026.

Furthermore, I order that the present provisions be duly communicated electronically and/ or by ordinary mail to al! pastQl’.S, adrr::iiJJiS􀁤Tators or clerics in charge of diocesan parishes, quasi-parishes, shrines, oratories and chapels·that are subject to these provisions.

Given this 24th of May of 2026:; the Solemnity of Pentecost, at the Catholic Center.

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