BRIDGEPORT—With the “Arise” 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) well underway, it is important that we recognize the hardworking and dedicated Development Department of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The Development Department facilitates funding from generous donors for a variety of programs and ministries throughout the diocese including the Annual Catholic Appeal. Development implements strategies and works with departments within the curia to identify needs and create plans for funding initiatives and ministries that will help to enrich the spiritual lives of individuals and families, continue the Catholic faith and provide for the vulnerable in communities served by the diocese.
For example, the department helped execute the We Stand With Christ capital campaign; supports the three foundations of the diocese, and fundraises for the Call to Renewal and various initiatives such as the Teledoc health program. Their overall focus is to support the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
“We are a small team, explains Joe Gallagher, chief development officer for the Diocese of Bridgeport, “but we are one that works very collaboratively to achieve our mission while serving our donors and supporting the people of the diocese.”
Gallagher, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Armonk, N.Y., explains that his role in the Development Department goes hand-in-hand with that of the greater mission of the diocese. “To do this job effectively, you have to understand and live the mission,” he says. “That is how our donors approach things, as well. Giving is an essential part of the Catholic faith, and it is central to what we do in development.”
The ACA is tied to the essential ministries of the diocese: faith, education and charity. Generous donations made to the ACA benefit the training of seminarians and deacons, caring for retired priests, scholarships for families in need so they can access Catholic education, and providing funding for ministries throughout the diocese.
“We act as a liaison for the bishop, where our job is to listen to our parishioners and make the bishop aware of their prayers, thoughts and concerns,” Gallagher says. “We are blessed, in our diocese, to have numerous generous donors,” says Gallagher. “Thanks to them, we are able to serve those most in need.”
Especially during the pandemic, this funding is crucial to the well-being of people throughout the diocese.
“Our donors are important to us because they allow us to help the people of the Diocese of Bridgeport who require assistance with food insecurity and mental health issues, both of which have been particularly needed during this pandemic,” says Patricia Hansen, director of development operations for the diocese.
Hansen, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield, manages the processing of donations made to the Diocese of Bridgeport, Foundations in Charity and Foundations in Faith. She has developed relationships with donors to the ACA and the We Stand With Christ capital campaign and has managed donor-related events.
A volunteer in her home parish, as well as her experience working in departments throughout the chancery, Hansen has seen first-hand the benefits that arise from generous donations to the ACA. Pat and her husband Glenn have co-chaired their parish ACA for a number of years.
“Without support for the ACA our ministries would suffer,” says Hansen. “Donors support pastoral care, catechesis, our Seminarians and retired priests, as well as Catholic education.”
Pamela S. Rittman, director of development and the Annual Catholic Appeal, describes her work for the ACA as that of service. “The work we do provides for ongoing support of critical services that impact the lives of thousands of people every day and is a humbling responsibility.”
Rittman, who is a parishioner at the Basilica of St. John in Stamford, plans and manages the Annual Catholic Appeal, and other fundraising initiatives. During the We Stand With Christ capital campaign she was instrumental in raising funds for several parishes and working with pastors and donors on executive committees. “I enjoy speaking with parishioners and donors on the phone or at events. Many reach out for prayer and we are honored to pray for them,” says Rittman. “It is wonderful to work with Bishop Caggiano and help him fulfill his vision for the diocese, Rittman says.
“Whether it is inspiring someone to give to a ministry that provides a meal, assisting a seminarian in the discernment process, providing tuition so a family can afford to send their child or children to a Catholic school or other ministries, the work I have been a part of makes it possible,” she says.
“With the help of our generous donors, and anyone who can give a gift, we serve those who need support the most and provide for the future of the Church,” says Rittman. “We are grateful to all.”
Robert O’Brien, We Stand With Christ capital campaign director and major gift officer, builds relationships with donors and informs them about funding opportunities that align with their interests. He also works with pastors and lay leaders to achieve their parishes’ long-term fundraising goals. O’Brien is also highly involved with initiatives related to increasing engagement with the young adults of the diocese.
“Our team’s role is to build relationships with the donors that God is calling to strengthen His Church in Fairfield County,” says O’Brien, who is a parishioner of St. John Basilica in Stamford. “In doing so, we also shine light on the amazing ministries and programs happening throughout our diocese.”
“The ACA gives us the opportunity to support Catholic causes outside of our immediate parishes,” O’Brien says. “By bringing our neighbors closer to Christ, the Annual Catholic Appeal offers a unique option: the chance to make an eternal impact. In a world with numerous other giving opportunities, what can be more meaningful than this?”
Kristen Pluchino, development associate and a member of Our Lady of Grace parish in Stratford, feels that she is contributing to the mission of the diocese through her work by taking her faith and turning it into something actionable. Her work is centered on spreading awareness of the ACA and helping to increase participation in it.
“Supporting the ACA is vital to helping those in need in the community through various programs focused on faith, education and charity,” she says. “The last year has been especially challenging but it has been inspiring seeing firsthand the generosity of those in our Catholic community.”
Rosa Rodriguez, development associate and a member of The Cathedral Parish in Bridgeport, explains that there is so much need, especially in the past year with COVID-19. “As Catholics, we put our heart into what we do,” she says. “We see the importance of supporting faith, education and charity throughout the diocese of Bridgeport and believe that the Annual Catholic Appeal will help us see that those needs are met.”
Janis Baldino, development associate and a member of St. Andrew Parish in Bridgeport, says she is proud to play a small part in this investment for the future of the parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport. “It is part of our commitment to our faith and a sincere desire to serve the needs of the diocese,” says Baldino. “As we count our blessings, it is important to support our neighbors in their time of need. I believe the past and current generosity of our parishioners expresses the love of their parishes and the willingness to make an investment in the Church and its missions.”
(Gifts can be made securely either online on the Annual Catholic Appeal website at 2021ACABridgeport.com donate page tab or by texting the word, APPEAL to 475.241.7849 on a smartphone or calling 203.416.1470. ACA gifts can be mailed to the Catholic Center at 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606.)
