BRIDGEPORT—Young adults ages 18-35 recently joined Bishop Frank J. Caggiano for a virtual town hall meeting.
The event, co-sponsored by The Leadership Institute and the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council, was an opportunity for young adults to share their prayers, their anxieties and their hopes with their bishop as we all navigate these uncertain days.
“The purpose is to walk in faith together, that’s really our goal tonight,” the bishop assured those who were gathered.
Mike Falbo and Devon McCormick, co-chairs of the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council facilitated the event.
Facilitators posed the questions: In what ways are you being shaped by God right now in your life? What new spirit is being formed in you, especially in this time of anxiety and uneasiness?
“This period that we have lived in,” the bishop used the Scripture as an example, “we are on the boat with the apostles amidst the storm, not a clue where the boat is going…we know the Lord is here but he is not giving clear direction as to where it is going.”
The bishop explained that to make the decision for the public suspension of Mass was the most difficult decision he had to make. “Even though I am the bishop, I am not in charge…the Lord is.” For me it is a learning process…learning to trust the Lord,” the bishop said.
The bishop explained that the current mandate for the state of Connecticut does not allow for drive-in Mass because right now only ten people or less are allowed in an assembly, and out of concern for the health and safety of both parishioners and clergy in regards to the distribution of Holy Communion.
The bishop gave assurance that the health and safety of the clergy and the faithful are of the utmost concern at this time. “My great fear is that we will have to do this all over again,” he said. “We have gone through an incredibly fearful time…if we were to be shut down a second time, that would be a catastrophe.”
Young adults praised Bishop Caggiano’s transparency and how he is open to hearing and answering questions of the faithful.
When asked what we can learn from this time “in the desert” young adults gave uplifting answers. Cait explained that the fact that we have so much more free time presents us with the opportunity to grow closer to God and spend more time with him in prayer. Javier commented that this time has made us all the more hungry for time in prayer and adoration, for the Eucharist and the Mass, and has helped us realize the need for community
Tiffany compared this time of uncertainty and the unknown to that of Holy Saturday. The bishop expanded upon this saying that Mary Magdala stayed when everyone else left. “She knew the Lord would keep His promise and she is one of the patron saints that we can draw close to in this time of waiting,” he said.
“St. Thomas speaks of three paths—truth, beauty and goodness,” said the bishop. “Everyone has to ask themselves how they can come to know God more deeply in these ways…together, those three help us to learn the faith.”
Young adults discussed their appreciation for all essential workers without whose jobs we could not live—grocery store workers, doctors and nurses, and delivery workers…just to name a few. The gathered shared stories of loved ones who are working in the medical field and the things they are experiencing, reflecting on the importance that we all stay home and do what we can now out of respect for all life, and prayers were promised for all.
