Office of Multicultural Ministry

Join us this Black History Month as we explore and celebrate the intersection of race and religion by honoring and praying for the canonization of six remarkable individuals on their path to sainthood. This special observance serves as a profound reminder of the rich heritage and enduring faith within the Black Catholic community. As we reflect on the contributions and the spiritual journeys of these six candidates for sainthood, we recognize the significant impact they have had on the Church and the broader world. This month, let us come together to pay tribute to their legacies and advocate for their rightful recognition in the canon of saints, acknowledging the vital role of the African diaspora in shaping Catholicism's history and present.

From St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the Church's most influential theologians, to Venerable Pierre Toussaint, a former slave who became a leading philanthropist in early American society, the legacy of Black Catholics is deeply woven into the fabric of our faith.

We encourage our community to engage in this celebration by exploring the following resources, which provide valuable insights and educational materials on Black Catholic history and contributions:

• Formation Reimagined: Black Catholic History Month
• National Association of Black Catholic Administrators
• National Black Catholic Congress

Together, let's embrace this opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diverse and dynamic history of Black Catholics.

The Office of Multicultural Ministry aims to celebrate the diversity of cultures and traditions within our diocese and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our ministry, including worship, education, and service to those in need.

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By providing opportunities of understanding, dialogue, comradery, and solidarity among people of different backgrounds and beliefs, we are able to work together to build a just and compassionate society.

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We seek to foster spiritual growth and formation among all our members, and inspire them to use their gifts and talents in service to others, and to pass on the faith. We are called by Christ to be a light to the world and to witness to the love of God in all that we do.

Here at the Diocese of Bridgeport we envision a community where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed, and where everyone is welcomed, and treated with dignity and respect. We see a future where the unique perspectives and experiences of diverse individuals are valued, and together, we work to pass on the faith.

By integrating this idea into all aspects of our diocese, we hope to create a sense of belonging and connection within our community. We strive to be a model guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Bridgeport is blessed to have a rich multicultural population. Many historic parishes throughout Fairfield County were founded by immigrants and members of ethnic communities, just as today many parishes are being revitalized by recent immigrants who have come to this country as our brothers and sisters in faith.

In recognition and celebration of this diversity, the Diocese of Bridgeport has created the Office of Multicultural Ministry to provide support and recognition to all multicultural and ethnic communities and advance the unity of all believers as the diocese continues to grow as one family in faith.

To achieve this goal, the diocese has launched a 3-step initiative to ensure its completion:

• Naming Episcopal Vicars: Giving each community a name, identity, and structure
• Creation of the Office of Multicultural Diversity: Plan and facilitate diverse, community building programs across the Diocese
• Diversify its Leadership and Advising Boards: Provide a more equitable and inclusive view point to decisions made across the Diocese

Together we strive to affirm, encourage and support diversity within our diocese by empowering all to share their gifts and talents; fostering collaboration; becoming more welcoming; and promoting a sense of belonging rooted in our shared worship and the experience of Christ’s love in our parishes and diocesan activities.

Holy Land & Jordan Eleven Day Pilgrimage
with Fr. Cyrus Bartolome
November 2-12, 2023
Included: Roundtrip airfare from JFK • First class hotel accomidations (dbl occ) • Breakfast and dinner daily • Daily Mass • Professional Christian Guide
Click here to download full internary and more information

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Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Aparecida Parish and Rite of dedication of the Church
October 12, 2023
Join Bishop Caggiano at Our Lady of Aparecida Parish, 42 Vail Road, Bethel at 7pm.

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Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
September 29, 2023
Chuseok is a harvest festival similar toAmerican Thanksgiving, whichcelebrates nature's bounties andhonors ancestors. Families uniteduring this period, with theirgatherings, to express gratitude during the harvest.
Click here for more information

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Diocese of Bridgeport Black Catholic Apostolate invites everyone for
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
Monday, June 19
Blessed Sacrament Parish
273 Union Ave, Bridgeport CT
Holy Hour: 6PM - 7PM
Juneteenth Program: 7PM - 8PM
Come & join us to celebrate the day of freedom of African Americans!

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The Filipino-American Association of Western Connecticut Annual Spring Dance
with a Special Program by the Hiyas Ng Silangan Dancers
Filipiniana and Philppine Traditional Folk Dance
Saturday, April 29, 2023 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Amber Room Colonnade • 1 Stacey Road in Danbury
Donation: $55/adult, $35/child 6-12 years old, Free/child 0-5 years old
Please RSVP by April 14th, contact Matty Bautista
mattybautista@charter.net or call 203-241-8439
You are invited to dine, dance, and see the show!

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Celebrating Our Diversity Speaker Series
Lunch and Learn with Guest Speaker Shannen Dee Williams
Thursday, March 30 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 839 6454 3953
The Diocese of Bridgeport continues its "Celebrating Our Diversity" speaker series! Join Shannen Dee Williams for a virtual Lunch and Learn on March 30!

Church of the Assumption Lenten Mission
Topic: Rules of Discernment of Spirits
with Fr. Josemaria M. Barbin
Monday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 21
7:00 PM in the Church
Click for more information >

Lent: A Time for Spiritual Renewal
An Evening of Reflection with Fr. Joel Lopez
Monday, March 27, 2023 • 7:00 PM
Church of the Assumption

More events to come!

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The Secret Society of the Great Dismal Swamp
Discover the significance of Juneteenth and its historical impact. Thanks to all who participated in the commemoration of freedom and unity at our Juneteenth celebration!