BRIDGEPORT—As Director of the Bishop’s Appeal, Pamela S. Rittman has met many people who want to support the ministries and charities of the diocese, and many more who give generously in appreciation for what they’ve been given. They all share Bishop Frank J. Caggiano’s vision that we are “One in Christ.”
“Our parishioners and donors are special because they see the value of our diocesan programs and how they affect people and change lives,” she says. “They see the Universal Church accomplishing what Christ asks of us in Matthew 25:35-36: ‘For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’”
Rittman, who has worked in the diocese for 16 years, is President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Fairfield County. She said that when she first learned about the Bishop’s Appeal, she was inspired “to help advance the mission of the overall diocese that works to plan, support and provide for the future of our faith for our families and friends.”
“I knew in a small way I was now part of something bigger that would make a profound impact on the spiritual lives of individuals in addition to the programs that support the day-to-day needs of those struggling, discernment for seminarians preparing for ordination, Catholic school education, sacraments and so much more,” she said. “I felt honored that my gift in some way would accomplish this.”
Those are values shared by donors who contributed to the Bishop’s Appeal, including Richard and Elisabeth Dobbins of St. Mary Parish in Norwalk; John and Joanne Eppolito of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield; and Rich and Michelle Ruggiero of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Ridgefield.
The Dobbins family is especially grateful for Catholic education, the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and Bishop Caggiano’s support of their parish. They are parents of three girls and three boys, one of whom graduated from Regina Pacis Academy on the St. Mary campus. This year, they made an extra effort to give even more to the Appeal because they recognize they are part of a “network of charity,” whose needs extend beyond their parish.
“As Catholics, we have a moral obligation to give and the bishop keeps our Catholic Church vital,” Elisabeth said. “We love our parish, and we raised our children there for the last 15 years. We could not have found a better place, and I am eternally grateful to the Lord for that. It has become a home outside of home for us. We also teach our children that we are not alone as a parish but joined together with all the other parishes in the diocese in a bond of mutual charity, like the early Christians, who helped each other in their material needs.”
Richard, a teacher at Brunswick School, was educated for eight years at St. Lawrence School in Huntington and four years at Fairfield Prep, and he’s an ardent supporter of Catholic education.
In addition, the formation of young men for the priesthood has always been a primary concern of his, since throughout his life, he has been influenced by committed priests, who were his friends, teachers and spiritual mentors. Richard has high praise for their pastor, Father John Ringley and seminarian Juan Colon from the parish, along with the former pastor Father Richard Cipolla and his lifelong friend, Monsignor Christopher Walsh, who wrote a letter of recommendation for him to Yale.
“I am privileged to have known remarkable priests,” Richard said. “And to support the next generation of priests is a tremendous privilege. Our lives have been touched in countless ways by these men.”
Despite the challenging economic times, he and Elisabeth were committed to giving even more to the Appeal this year.
“We are genuinely grateful to feel a part of this larger ‘network of charity’ and to contribute to the work of the diocese in some small way,” he said. “And the bishop’s ongoing solicitude for the spiritual welfare of our parish is what makes this yoke so easy and this joyful burden light.” When he thinks of the Appeal, John Eppolito calls to mind the inscription on the gravestone of the legendary Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Twenty-five years ago, he left corporate America and began working in a non-profit. It was a change that prompted him and his wife Joanne “to rethink our priorities in terms of how we would spend our time, talent and treasure.” He says that going to Mass on Sunday is an obligation but becoming engaged in your parish “enriches your life and opens you up more to the graces of God.” “We became more involved in our parish life,” he said. “We embraced tithing. We participated in Bible studies. Joanne joined the parish women’s group, and I joined Men’s Ministry.” He also participated in fundraising drives, served on the finance council, became a greeter and usher, and assisted pastor Monsignor Kevin Royal with the church’s 125th anniversary celebration in addition to serving on the boards of Foundation in Education, Foundations in Faith and the We Stand with Christ capital campaign.
“The diocesan experience showed me the need for support beyond my parish,” John said. “The diocesan effort complements and expands our parish mission. Bringing together support from all corners of the diocese multiplies the impact. The funds are used more efficiently and effectively.”
For example, he said, support for St. Mary School from the parish and diocese has enabled it to thrive and grow. In addition, the Appeal supports the formation of seminarians and the care of retired priests who dedicated their lives to minister to the faithful.
“The Bishop’s Appeal is essential to reach those in need beyond the scope of the local parish,” he said. “I hope parishioners realize their contributions make a real impact on communities and people who they may never meet but who are grateful for their generosity.”
Rich Ruggiero said the Appeal’s theme “One in Christ” spoke to him and his wife Michelle, parishioners of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. The parents of 13-year-old twins, they recognize the importance of being part of an individual faith community but also realize the Appeal adds “a totally different dimension to us serving the larger diocese.”
“The lens through which the diocese looks is broader and takes into account what people need across a larger area,” he said. “Most organizations have a narrowly tailored mission in terms of what they want to accomplish and where, but the diocese looks through a different lens so it can support many people in a tough economic environment.”
Rich attended one of Bishop Caggiano’s sessions on his vision of “The One” and said, “I was struck by his idea for this diocesan renewal, which will extend long beyond his tenure. You have to view it that way. It also extends to the larger faith community in the Church and in the world, and as members of his diocese, we have to ask what we can do to live that vision.”
As a reader in his parish, he kept abreast of the progress of the Appeal and believes that in addition to achieving their financial goals, parishes should strive for increased participation.
“It is super important that almost everyone participate on some level based on their individual circumstances,” he said. “And the idea of wider participation is inherent in the theme of being ‘One in Christ.’”
When Bishop Caggiano launched the 2023 Appeal, he said: “I ask you to consider the many ways the Appeal unites the diocese in service, compassion and faith. It is my prayer to bring our sisters and brothers together to encounter ‘The One’ and embrace the power of Jesus in our lives….In this year of Eucharistic Revival, please join in an effort that heals wounds, gives us hope and brings us together as one family in Christ.”
Rittman said: “We are grateful for each and every one, who out of their sacrifice help us continue the variety of ministries that make a difference in the lives of so many. Without them, we cannot advance the future of our faith. We thank and celebrate them and are pleased to highlight several individuals and families who, like you, give. Thank you.”
(The Bishop’s Appeal is at 94 percent of goal and it is critical we meet the overall budget to fund all the ministries. If you have not made your gift, please prayerfully consider a gift that that is within your means and know that your sacrifice, no matter the size, will make provide for the future of our Catholic faith and the most vulnerable in our communities. You may make your gift online at 2023BishopsAppeal.org or by calling 203.416.1470. Thank you for your generosity.)
