NORWALK—“There is not other purpose for tonight than for me to say, Thank You,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano last night at a reception to express his gratitude to donors who contributed between $2,500 and $10,000 to the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) last year.
“When I look out into this gathering, I’m looking at family,” the bishop told guests. “Your generosity makes our diocesan family possible—your support for the parishes, schools and charities.”
More than 80 donors, many of them couples, turned out for the reception at the Masterpool Great Room of St. Matthew Parish in Norwalk.
“The present is a very exciting time,” said Bishop Caggiano, who told the donors that while the diocese faces many challenges, there is much good going on through new programs such as The Face of Prayer,” and other initiatives of the Leadership Institute.
Through the Face of Prayer program, people throughout the diocese have received over 500,000 text messages, and weekly prayer reflection videos have reached 80,000 people.
The bishop told donors that the diocese will be taking 20 young adults between the ages of 21 and 29 to a Dominican-led retreat in Jerusalem in January.
“Our future is with the young people. There are signs of hope everywhere,” said the bishop. “I pray that many blessings come to you and your family—blessings because of your faith, generosity and joyful witness.”
The ACA funds the major ministries of the diocese including schools, charities, religious education, and other programs and services.
The reception was hosted by the staff of the Annual Catholic Appeal and the diocesan development office. There’s still time to make a gift to the 2017 appeal. Call 203.416.1470 or visit online at: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/aca/donate.
