September 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is with deep appreciation that I write to you today, asking for your support during this time of continuing uncertainty and suffering. Since the first days of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the diocese has served those in urgent need because many people like yourself responded with generosity, personal service, and prayer.
In the past six months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who came to our outreach programs seeking food, housing, educational assistance, psychological support and spiritual consolation. Many have lost family members, found themselves without jobs, are suffering ill health and unable to return to work or unable to meet their family’s basic needs. This human suffering will not end anytime soon. In many respects, it continues to grow.
The help that the Church’s ministries have provided has been truly lifesaving. For example, Catholic Charities has served over 500,000 meals from March through August; two to three times the number regularly served. Counseling services have increased as families and individuals needed to address their acute anxiety and depression concerns over the future; and our school students successfully transitioned to continue their education on-line.
Given the fact that many of our neighbors and friends continue to face urgent need, I write now to ask for your help. My goal is to raise $1.5 million to meet the increased demand for our ministries that will help people to survive the challenges they face. I know I can always count on you when I ask you to help the Church reach out to those who are most vulnerable.
Thank you for your gift. Please make your gift online at www.2020ACABridgeport.com or text the word APPEAL to 475-241-7849. Our generous donors are the hands of God reaching out to those in need; all donations of whatever amount will help us to help them.
Please stay in touch, be generous, and help us connect with those who have nowhere else to turn.
With every best wish and prayers, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
P.S. If you have already made your gift, thank you.
