BRIDGEPORT—Fr. Frank Gomez was installed as the new Dean of the City of Bridgeport (Deanery A) by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano last Saturday in a Mass held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Bridgeport, where he serves as pastor.
The installation featured Mass celebrated in four different languages, a completely packed church, and the attendance of every member of the large and enthusiastic St. Charles Youth Group!
“I’m just filled with gratitude for the support and love that the Parish showed on Saturday. Particularly to the Youth Group who all 137 members attended and to the people who help me to organized the Liturgy and the reception,” said Fr. Gomez.
“It is the support of the other priests and the laity that makes my role a great joy to undertake. I am humbled to be asked to serve as Dean to my brother priests,” he said.
The new Deanery model, introduced by Bishop Caggiano last April, replaced the former vicariate structure related to the territorial organization of the diocese. Deanery A includes the 11 parishes and St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport.
The deaneries are designed to assist the Bishop and priests in regional planning and decision-making, and improve collaboration between parishes.
“May you become another sign of unity and fraternity in the Diocese,” the Bishop said as the new dean stood before him for the installation oath.
During his homily Bishop Caggiano challenged the faithful to be prophets, who go out and proclaim the truth. He said that in able to do so, people must be enlightened by the light, who is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Fr. Frank Gomez was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, and was ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ for the diocese of Bridgeport, CT, on May 16, 2009.
Bishop Caggiano appointed him pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, the largest parish in the city, in April 2015. He also serve as the Episcopal Master of Ceremonies/Secretary to the Bishop of Bridgeport.
The bishop said the new deanery structure better corresponds to the territorial areas of the diocese and should foster “greater collaboration between parishes and renewed fraternity among clergy.”
On February 2, the Bishop signed a decree that replaced the six Vicariates with nine Deaneries, reconstitutes the membership of the Presbyteral Council and replaces the Assignment Board with the Council of Deans.
St. Charles Parish was founded in 1902 by the Irish. It is now the home of a large Spanish-speaking, Brazilian, and Haitian community. The upper church, dedicated in 1925, seats 1,400 worshippers, making it one of the largest in the diocese. It is located at 1279 East Main Street in Bridgeport. For more info visit: www.stcharlesbridgeport.org
