Inside this issue

2 Leadership Institute launches new programs

25-36 Back to School roundup

Support Puerto Rico Relief Hurricane Maria is the worst natural disaster Puerto Rico has seen in nearly a century. Nearly all of the 3.4 million residents need assistance. Here’s how you can help: Visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org or call 800.919.9338

DISTINGUISHED LEADERS SERIES HOSTED BY EDELMAN’S KATIE BURKE CNBC’s Larry Kudlow at Sacred Heart University Monday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. | Martire Forum 2 October 2017 Diocesan Leadership Institute Leadership Institute surges ahead BRIDGEPORT—Energy someone come to experience pilgrimage and reflection with a abounds in the programs Jesus, or may help to accompany small faith community. arranged by the Leadership another on their journey of faith. After returning from the pilgrim- Institute for the coming months. “So much is happening in the age in January 2018, the group will “We hope that the programs world these days that take our eyes continue to meet, pray and study and online resources we offer off God and onto a screen, large Scripture. Each participant will help those who serve in ministry and small,” said Donovan. “My create a module for the Leadership in our diocese to do so with even hope and prayer is that we can use Institute, so that they can share their more energy and enthusiasm,” those screens to communicate the experience with others. says Executive Director Patrick Gospel message, so that those in St. Andrew’s DRE Sue Donovan. “The institute’s goal ministry feel more confident shar- Baldwin was pleased to learn is to create opportunities for peo- ing their faith with others.” that, through the Leadership ple to encounter the person of Off the screen, the new Institute, Bishop Caggiano has Jesus Christ. We hope that, from CREATING OPPORTUNITIES for an encounter of faith, the Leadership Bishop’s Lecture Series will offer arranged to meet with all cate- that encounter, the call to be a Institute encouraged parishes to re-imagine faith formation during a Formation powerful speakers a few times chists during the fall for a conver- missionary disciple will be awak- Day held in September. each year, starting with Sister sation with him about passing on ened. It then becomes the role of Miriam James speaking on the the faith in engaging ways. the institute to accompany people Impressions,” she said. “I never Beginning with how to prepare Power of Encounter on October “I am looking forward to more on their journey so they, in turn, thought of myself that way. This parents for the baptism of their 11 at St. Catherine of Siena and more and more programs can walk with others.” is not a job, it’s a ministry.” infant and moving all the way Parish in Trumbull. from the Leadership Institute,” Opening the fall programs, The second take-away dove- through welcoming the gift of the Responding to the suggestions of said Baldwin. “Feed me—feed the Leadership Institute hosted a tailed with the first. “Everyone senior members in a parish, this millennial Catholics, a Young Adult my soul!” Formation Day and Workshop for you meet has a story. We have to day was all about finding what Scripture Study program, which will (More programs from the all parish and school administra- minister to each new person who works in faith formation. include a week-long pilgrimage to Leadership Institute will be available tive staff on September 22 at the comes into the office.” The major presentations of the the Holy Land, was designed for in the near future. Check out forma- Catholic Center. The speaker for Quickly following the suc- day included Bishop Caggiano’s young adults in their 20s to fall in tionreimagined.org for additional the day was Mike Patin, an inter- cess of the Formation Day, on keynote address, “People of love with Scripture through study, offerings.) n nationally-known Catholic speak- September 29, a special evening Joy: The Call to Missionary er who has motivated audiences for married couples, “Fall in Discipleship.” across the world for more than Love Again and Again,” gave The Leadership Institute has a three decades. everyone from newlyweds to number of longer-term programs Priest Conclave Susan Baldwin, director of those who had celebrated decades in place. Starting in mid-Septem- religious education (DRE) at St. together a chance to rejoice in ber, they began collecting stories Bishop Frank J. Caggiano is asking for prayers as he and all Andrew Parish in Bridgeport, their chosen life. Featured author about the way people encounter the priests throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport prepare to gath- along with two administrative and national speaker Chris the person of Jesus Christ. “As er at the Fifth Convocation of Priests from Sunday, October 15, assistants from St. Andrew’s, Padgett and his wife, Linda, these brief stories show, we all through Wednesday, October 18. The Convocation, which takes went to the workshop. They presented tips for Christ-centered encounter Jesus in different ways: place every three years, will be held this year in Newport, Rhode appreciated the opportunity to marriages. through the birth of a child; the Island. meet their counterparts from so Casting a wider net, all who loss of a loved one; through The theme of the Convocation is “Of One Heart and Mind: many different parishes around serve in ministry were invit- nature, music, or even travel. Brothers United in Christ.” The purpose of the three-day meeting the diocese. ed to hear Bishop Frank. J. Through joy or sorrow, triumph is to strengthen the fraternal bonds among the priests and to pro- “I was amazed at how many Caggiano’s invitation to lifelong or tragedy,” Donovan said. vide a time of spiritual renewal for them so that they may return people in this diocese are dedi- faith formation in The People of These stories of three to five with an even greater commitment to service. cated to service. Coming together Joy: Formation Day 2017, held minutes will be a part of a new Please be aware that Masses will not be celebrated in parish- like this, we support one anoth- September 30. series: “From Encounter to es throughout the diocese from Monday, October 15 through er. It reaffirms who we are as At that meeting, after more Accompaniment.” They will be Wednesday, October 18; however, members of the Jesuit Catholics,” Baldwin said. than 18 months of work, the available on the website: forma- Community at Fairfield University and religious order priests will She came away from the Catechetical Task Force released tionreimagined.org/from-encoun- be available for sacramental emergencies. Formation Day with two main its report and encouraged par- ter-to-accompaniment and, in “Thank you for your prayers and support for this very import- concepts. “First and foremost, ishes throughout the diocese time, as a podcast. The institute ant event in the lives of our priests and the diocese,” Bishop we are the Ministers of First to re-imagine faith formation. hopes that these stories may help Caggiano told the faithful. n

ON THE COVER | CONTENTS BISHOP CAGGIANO 4 TFAITHFUL TURN OUT FOR 11-13 INVITATION TO LIFELONG FORMATION BLESSES the new Rosary Diocesan Pilgrimage Catechetical Task Force Findings Inside this issue Walk and Garden at the Basilica of the National 6 FIRST RESPONDERS UNITE THE NATION 15 EDUCATING FOR LIFE 2 Leadership Institute launches new programs Blue Mass, 2017 Shrine of the Immaculate Eileen Bianchini of Norwalk Conception in Washington,

Back to School WELCOMING THE STRANGER KUDLOW TO GIVE INAUGURAL TALK roundup 7 32 25-36 D.C. More than 2,000 from Support Puerto Rico Sister Mary Ellen Burns SHU Business Leader Series Relief Hurricane Maria is the worst natural disaster Puerto Rico the diocese made the one- has seen in nearly a century. Nearly all of the 3.4 million residents need DISTINGUISHED LEADERSCNBC’s SERIES HOSTED BY EDELMAN’S KATIE BURKE assistance. Here’s how you can help: Larry Kudlow Visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org or call 800.919.9338 at Sacred Heart University Monday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. | Martire Forum day pilgrimage. Photo by 10 GEORGE WEIGEL BOOK SIGNING 34 CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR I Amy Mortensenen At Catherine of Siena in Trumbull Knights of Columbus Museum 3 October 2017 Latest News All Souls Day Masses set for Trumbull & Norwalk TRUMBULL—All Souls Day become an annual tradition all deceased bishops, Masses will be celebrated on across the diocese. More than priests, deacons, November 2 at 11 am at Gate of 150 people attended the inaugural consecrated men Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull Mass. and women and St. John-St. Mary Cemetery “It is my hope that this special and lay faithful. in Norwalk. Mass will be celebrated every The All Souls Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will year and become a new tradition Day Mass held in celebrate the outdoor Mass at St. in the Diocese of Bridgeport,” Norwalk will be John-St. Mary Cemetery, 223 said Bishop Caggiano when he streamed lived on the Richards Avenue in Norwalk. announced the Mass. Plans call diocesan Facebook At the same time, Msgr. for the Mass to be held in a differ- page (Facebook.com/ Thomas Powers, vicar general of ent diocesan cemetery each year. bridgeportdiocese). the Diocese of Bridgeport, will “These Masses will be offered Arrangements for celebrate the Mass at the Gate of for the repose of the souls of all the outdoor Masses Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels the faithful departed. Catholics are supported by Farm Road in Trumbull. are encouraged that day to pray Catholic Cemeteries The Masses will be offered for for all those who died and rest in and the Diocesan all the faithful departed souls in the peace of Christ,” said Msgr. Real Estate Office. the diocese. They are open to the Powers. (The diocese public and will take place rain or Traditionally, Catholics visit sponsors nine cemeter- ALL SOULS DAY MASSES—Outdoor All Souls Day Masses will be celebrated on shine. Both locations will have cemeteries on All Souls Day to November 2 at 11 am at St. John-St. Mary Cemetery in Norwalk (above) and Gate of Heaven ies around Fairfield chair seating and a large tent. remember the dead and pray for Cemetery in Trumbull. “These Masses will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the County. For infor- Bishop Caggiano announced their souls. During the Masses, faithful departed. Catholics are encouraged that day to pray for all those who died and rest in mation on Catholic the first outdoor All Souls Mass the bishop and Msgr. Powers the peace of Christ,” said Msgr. Thomas Powers, vicar general. Cemeteries, call last year in the hope that it would will remember in a special way, 203.416.1494.) n Healing Mass set for Victims of Sexual Abuse BRIDGEPORT—A special James DiVasto, Peggy Fry, stations throughout the state. Mass for those who have been Barbara Oleynick and Peter The first public event spon- sexually abused as a minor and Philipp, all of whom experienced sored by the survivor’s group for family members, spouses and abuse as children and teens. was the Service of Peace, Hope, others who have been impacted “We are so grateful to the and Healing for survivors of by abuse will be held on Sunday, members of the Committee for Clerical Sexual Abuse held at October 29, at 2 pm at St. Healing for having the courage the Egan Chapel of Fairfield Anthony of Padua Church, locat- and commitment to share their University in November 2016. ed at 149 South Pine Creek Road stories. Through their honesty, It was an evening of prayer and in Fairfield. integrity and compassion, they reconciliation that involved the Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will have helped the entire diocese personal reflection of adult men celebrate the Mass, which is the to move forward in a spirit of and women who had experi- second major event planned and healing and reconciliation,” enced clerical abuse. sponsored by the Committee for BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO HEAL—The Healing Mass for those said Erin Neil, director of Safe In addition, the group has Healing of Survivors of Sexual who have been sexually abused as a minor is set for Sunday, October 29, 2 pm at Environments and victims assis- sponsored gatherings at the Abuse group in association with St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield. In powerful and moving witness, the tance coordinator. Bridgeport Public Library at their the diocese. All are welcome to new “Conversation on Hope and Healing” video (above) explores the full range “By sharing their stories, North Branch, 3455 Madison attend. of feelings, challenges and hopes of those who have suffered from sexual abuse. they have helped us to grow in Ave., Bridgeport. This is an “Over the past two years we understanding. It is a very hope- opportunity to meet with fellow have been moving forward with foster reconciliation in the Church. and prevent further abuse, but ful sign for the diocese that they adult survivors of abuse as a a number of events,” said Peter In support of the upcoming also explore the pain and ongoing are willing to forgive and to join minor together with a diocesan Philipp, a member of the survi- Healing Mass and the ongoing suffering victims have felt as they in our efforts to increase aware- victim assistance coordinator. vor’s group. “What we’re trying work of healing in the diocese, come to terms with abuse in their ness and prevent future abuse,” “You are important to us and we to do is to bring people together group members have most own lives and work and seek to said Neil. want to know how we may assist to heal. There are people who recently participated in a video protect others. Over the summer, group you in your journey towards heal- have left the Church over this project produced at Sacred Heart The short video offers a members also served as guests ing,” said Neil. issue. We want the group and University in association with the positive look at the reconcil- on “Thoughts for the Week,” (If you are an adult survivor of its events to be a place of re-en- Safe Environments Office of the iation now under way in the a radio program co-hosted abuse as a minor, and you would like try and a place of belonging, Diocese of Bridgeport. diocese. The longer video, “A by Father Ray Petrucci and to learn more about this Mass, the where people can celebrate their Posted on the diocesan web- Conversation on Hope and Dorothy Riera. The program, upcoming gatherings, and resources baptism.” site and available for viewing Healing,” explores the full range which focused on healing from that are available in our diocese, Philipp said the Healing Mass is (www.bridgeportdiocese.com), of feelings, challenges and hopes abuse, was recorded at Sacred contact one of our victim assistance part of an ongoing series of events the two videos offer a hopeful of those who have suffered from Heart University radio studios coordinators: Erin Neil, LCSW, and resources to reach out to peo- look at what the group and dio- sexual abuse. and aired in August. It will be 203.650.3265 or Michael Tintrup, ple who suffer from abuse and to cese have done to address victims Appearing in the videos are re-broadcast on October 22 on LCSW, 203.241.0987.) n 4 October 2017 Diocesan News Faithful turn out in large numbers for Pilgrimage

By BRIAN D. WALLACE conflict and in need of peace and from the Diocese of Bridgeport to reconciliation. the basilica in more than 15 years. “We come here 1,500 strong,” While more than 1,500 people “Thank you for bringing so Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said to boarded buses in the early pre- many young people with you, diocesan pilgrims who gathered dawn hours in Fairfield County and thank you for bringing us around him for the dedication for the one-day pilgrimage to the hope,” Msgr. Rossi said, nodding to the 60 members of the Diocesan Youth “The message of Our Lady of Fatima’s is as important Choir who were gath- ered behind the altar now as it has ever been. We come here to ask for her to sing throughout the Mass. intercession that she might lead every human heart The Byzantine Romanesque basilica, to answer the question; ‘What is it that you are looking for?’ which opened in 1959 after decades of con- And we will answer it: ‘We are looking for your son, struction, is a massive testimony to the faith and lead us to him.’” of the American Bishop Caggiano Catholic Church. It is the largest church Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the U.S. and one September 23, 2017 of the ten largest in the world. More than of the new Rosary Walk and basilica, an estimated 500 more one million people a year make Garden outside the Basilica of the faithful from the diocese made pilgrimages to the site, which National Shrine of the Immaculate their own way to the national shares the campus of Catholic Conception in Washington, D.C., landmark to participate in the University of America. on September 23. Solemn Mass. During the general inter- The bishop’s words capped They were joined by pilgrims cessions, which were read in another extraordinary moment in from New York City, China and English, Spanish, Vietnamese, the odyssey of prayer and renew- the Philippines for the Mass, Creole and Portuguese, the al that he has brought to the dio- which began at 2 pm and drew refrains from the faithful seemed cese since his installation in 2013. almost 4,000 people. It was to ripple through the space on Bishop Caggiano had called broadcast live on EWTN and a time delay as they made their for the pilgrimage to celebrate was also covered by Catholic TV way from the front to the back of the power of prayer and to com- out of Boston and NET-TV of the huge basilica. memorate the 100th anniversary Brooklyn. “What are you looking for? each of our lives, and one we of the apparition of Our Lady of In his greetings before Mass, What is it that you see?” the bring to this sacred space,” the Fatima to three shepherd children Basilica Rector Msgr. Walter R. bishop said to begin his homily, bishop said, reassuring worship- in 1917. “That message is just as Rossi welcomed those who trav- noting that it was a question that pers that the Blessed Mother important now as ever,” he said, eled from the diocese and noted Jesus asked his disciples. opens a path to the Lord. “We noting that the world is still in that it was the first pilgrimage “It is a question that roots ask her intercession that she may the basilica, completing the entire lead every human heart to answer Rosary in the time it took to the question.” empty the Church. The bishop said that those “The Rosary is a mirror into who go on pilgrimage are also the mystery of her son,” the “carrying others in their hearts”— bishop said, praying that the new often a family member or friend Rosary Garden “stand as a sym- who is struggling spiritually. bol of hope that the world can find He said that those who live peace, happiness and joy, and that entirely by the secular values of the road will ever lead to Christ.” materialism and relativism often “Our Lady of Fatima, pray for end up empty and lost with noth- us. Pray for the whole world!” ing to sustain them. “We bring The new garden is meant to be them to Our Lady so they can ask an oasis of beauty and calm and the questions,” he said, praying an invitation to pray the Rosary that they find love and peace in while visiting the shrine. The the answer that, “Christ is the walkway is a symbolic thread of desire of every human heart.” the Rosary as the path winds its After Mass, the entire congre- way through five granite arches, gation formed a procession to the each with four mysteries. A sculp- new Rosary Walk and Garden ture of Christ crucified marks the alongside the main entrance of beginning and end of the path. n 5 October 2017 Malta House, Norwalk Malta House collaboration with Good Counsel NORWALK—Malta House, family stability.” for residents in Good Counsel a shelter referred me here, and it a Fairfield County landmark giv- Good Counsel Malta House of homes, which are now located has been a true godsend. I have ing hope to pregnant women for Connecticut brings to seven the in New York, New Jersey, and been learning so much about so nearly two decades, has entered number of maternity homes in a Alabama as well. many things—like budgeting, par- a collaboration to expand and widely recognized network that “Our community model of enting, and self-respect.” enhance its help for mothers and was founded in 1985. Petrone broad services—motivated by Autumn gave birth on April their babies. said this new association contin- our faith values to help prepare 22 to Ameerah, who is now one Malta House opened in ues to value the long-standing for birth, parenting, career, and of nine infants in the caring atmo- Norwalk in 1998 to feed and local support from individuals, future independence for the sake sphere “where everybody pitches shelter homeless women from all civic groups and leaders with a of moms and children alike—is in day and night, and no one feels backgrounds eager to keep their vision of expanding services to already in place at Good Counsel alone,” as Autumn put it. She unborn children. In September it more of the state. Malta House of Connecticut,” says she is embracing skills for officially announced a new part- “We’ve been the only home Bell said. parenting her new daughter while nership that renames the home of our kind serving Fairfield One of the current residents, also benefiting from the home’s Good Counsel Malta House of County,” she said. Ten expectant Autumn, says she has appre- shared care-giving, which allows Connecticut. or parenting moms from a range ciated the experience of a true her time to train to be a dental “We’ve formed a collaboration of difficult backgrounds currently home shared by moms, kids and assistant. “I’m learning to be a with Good Counsel maternity reside at Good Counsel Malta staff mentors. The experience of better woman—both for myself homes, already well respected in House of Connecticut in a faith- resources and responsibilities in and for Ameerah.” the tri-state area and beyond, to “I’M LEARNING to be a better based community with 24/7 staff the Fairfield County home started “When maternity homes come extend our community’s mission woman,” said Malta House resident support. when she arrived in March, after together, more options are creat- improving the lives of moms and Autumn, “both for myself and for Christopher Bell, Good she and her ill mother were evict- ed for moms and babies,” Good infants,” said Kim Petrone, chair my baby daughter Ameerah.” She is Counsel’s co-founder and presi- ed from their apartment. Counsel president Bell said. He of Malta House. learning parenting skills while also dent, said the new collaboration “My mother and I were living added, “This collaboration brings “Linked with Good Counsel’s benefiting from the home’s shared affirms the goal to help more out of our minivan, and I was more people from the margins care-giving, which allows her time to network and resources, we’ll train to be a dental assistant. moms and more babies, unborn eight months pregnant and need- into the mainstream.” be able to provide even great- and recently born, in the state. ed help,” Autumn said. “I had (See more details at the Good er access to health services, The goal has long held true not heard of Malta House until Counsel and Malta House websites.) n education, job skills and more health disorders, ensuring that for expectant and parenting no woman who seeks our help mothers,” Petrone said. “Good will ever have to be turned away. Counsel also has the ability to This capability is a win-win for provide care for women with Connecticut and our home in substance abuse and mental support of human dignity and

St. John - St. Mary Cemetery Gate of Heaven Cemetery 223 Richards Avenue 1056 Daniels Farm Road Norwalk Trumbull BISHOP FRANK J. CAGGIANO MONSIGNOR THOMAS POWERS Main Celebrant Main Celebrant

LIVE STREAMING of Bishop Caggiano, follow us on facebook: facebook.com/bridgeportdiocese

These Masses will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed. Catholics are encouraged that day to pray for all those who died and rest in the peace of Christ. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Auda at 203-416-1636 or [email protected] The Masses are open to all who wish to attend. 6 October 2017 Blue Mass First Responders unite the nation

By BRIAN D. WALLACE with the City of Norwalk Public Safety Cadet Program. At a time when the country Firefighter Baez is the lead of is divided, First Responders the Norwalk Fire Department “unite the nation and represent Honor Guard. He is currently the best of what it means to be assigned as Deputy Chiefs Aide. an American, Bishop Frank J. The Norwalk Department of Caggiano said at the 16th Annual Police Service recognized offi- Blue Mass held on September 10 cers Anthony DePanfilis, Officer at St. Matthew Parish. Matthew Nyquist and Officer José The Mass was concelebrat- Silva for their excellent team work ed by Bishop Caggiano; Father and professionalism displayed Charles Allen, SJ, of Fairfield during an extremely dangerous University; Msgr. Walter situation on May 12, 2016. Orlowski, pastor of St. Matthew In remarks thanking “The officers demonstrated Parish; and many of the priests uniformed personnel, courage in the face of extreme dan- who serve as police, fire, and Bishop Caggiano said ger and the use of restraint when EMS chaplains throughout the that the “Great Prayer of receive a plaque. confronted by a potentially life diocese. Thanksgiving” at Mass Officer Maryhelen McCarthy threatening adversary. The officers The bishop said that, at a time was the appropriate way from the Patrol Division of the were able to handcuff the suspect when the country is divided, First to recognize the personal Newtown Police Department is and take him to the hospital for Responders represent the best of sacrifice and bravery of a seventeen-year veteran of the evaluation,” said Father Allen. what it means to be an American. uniformed personnel who Newtown Police Department. Officer Anthony DePanfilis “When there is an emergency, “give of themselves sacrifi- Over the years, she has counseled was born and raised in Norwalk. you don’t ask if someone is a cially and generously.” those suffering from the tragedy of He joined the department on Republican or Democrat, a liberal The annual Blue Mass the Newtown shootings of 2012, February 26, 1999. During his or conservative, an English speak- observance was held on responded to a bomb threat at St. tenure at the Norwalk Police er or not, you serve them because the day Hurricane Irma Rose of Lima Church, and most Department, he has served in the they are brothers and sisters in battered Florida, and the recently led a remembrance a Patrol Division, Special Services need,” said the bishop people of the Gulf area and the so many people down south are Newtown police officer who died and in the U.S. Marshals’ Violent “You remind us what makes Caribbean were very much on the suffering terrible tribulations and of an illness related to his service Fugitive Task Force. Over the us a great nation, and that what minds of the more than 500 in their lives are in peril,” said Father at Ground Zero after 9/11. course of his career, Officer unites us in Christ is greater than attendance at St. Matthew’s. Allen, who delivered the homily. Weston Volunteer Fire DePanfilis has garnered numer- what could divide us because of “It’s ironic that we gather here Father Allen, who serves Department EMT Mark Blake ous awards, medals and citations personal differences.” on such a beautiful day when as chaplain of Fairfield Town is a Life Member of their fire including a Police Service Cross, Emergency Services, said he was department. He has done a Medal of Merit and four Officer of happy to see that many churches great deal for the Weston Fire / the Month awards for outstanding were serving as sanctuaries. Rescue Team and the town over and courageous police work. Reflecting on the Gospel the years. He has been recognized Officer Matthew Nyquist reading, “Where two or three as Firefighter of the Year and joined the department on July By are gathered in my name, there received the Chief and President’s 25, 2013. He holds a BS degree I am,” Father Allen praised the Award. He worked as a logistics in criminal justice from the www.curtissryan.com police, fire and EMTs for “watch- officer for the American Red University of Scranton and an ing out for others,” and treating Cross during the 9/11 attack in MS, also in criminal justice, from those in harm’s way as brothers New York City. He also worked Long Island University. Officer and sisters. He said they save at the L’Ambiance Plaza build- Nyquist is currently assigned to lives through their “skill, strength ing collapse in Bridgeport. Mark the First Platoon. and love.” is the coordinator of Safe Kids Officer José Silva joined the This year’s honorees were rec- of Fairfield County. He has run Norwalk Police Department ognized for acts of bravery, public multiple Safe Kids car seat clinics on March 26, 2015, after work- service and compassion in the in Weston. ing at Pratt & Whitney-United line of duty. Honorees include Norwalk Firefighter George Technologies, building jet engines Officer Maryhelen McCarthy Baez is a ten-year veteran of the for U.S. military fighter planes. from the Patrol Division of the Norwalk Fire Department. Prior He holds a bachelor of science ONE OF CT’S LARGEST VOLUME HONDA DEALERS Newtown Police Department; to his coming to the Norwalk degree in finance from Central Weston firefighter and EMT Fire Department he was a twelve- Connecticut State University. CT’S FIRST ESTABLISHED HONDA DEALER • APRIL 1973 Mark Blake; Norwalk Fire year veteran of the United States Officer Silva is originally from • Open All Day Saturday for Service & Parts Department firefighter George Marine Corps, attaining the rank the Cape Verde Islands off the • Senior Citizen Discount Baez; and Norwalk police officers of staff sergeant. During his years northwest coast of Africa and is Anthony DePanfilis, Matthew in Norwalk he has involved him- a native speaker of Cape Verdean CALL CURTISS RYAN AT Nyquist and José Silva. self with a number of community Creole and Portuguese. Officer Blue Mass Honorees activities. These include working Silva is currently assigned to the 1-800-523-4190 After Mass, Bishop Caggiano with the Jefferson School children First Platoon.

333 Bridgeport Ave • Shelton and Father Allen recognized Blue in their basketball program and The Blue Mass is sponsored M-Th 9am-9pm • Fri 9am-6pm • Sat 9am-5pm 203-929-1484 Mass honorees for their courage at the Briggs/Pathways Academy by the Knights of Columbus and services to the community. High School with their Fire and other generous benefactors NEW & USED VEHICLES • SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • BODY SHOP Each officer came forward to Academy Program. He assists throughout Fairfield County. n 7 October 2017 Respect Life First Responders unite the nation ‘Welcoming the Stranger’

By PAT HENNESSY American soil. ic person and demonstrate that But not to legal protection. their skill level is needed in that When Sister Mary Ellen “I spent 11 years in limbo, with- capacity,” said Sister Mary Ellen. Burns’ great-grandmother immi- out papers. It was like I wasn’t “The chances that someone in grated to this country in the a person. In high school, I tried Africa will know of an American 1860s, the 16-year-old girl faced to hide my status. I didn’t really firm needing their skills are slim a lonely, harsh and frightening see any point to keep going. I to none.” EXPLAINING THE ISSUE and countering misconceptions, Alex Arévalo, journey from County Tipperary wouldn’t be able to get a job after The challenge for a fami- immigration counselor for Catholic Charities of the Diocese, and Sister Mary in Ireland. I graduated.” ly-based visa is equally daunting. Ellen Burns, ASCJ, founder of Apostle Immigrant Services in New Haven, She left all that she knew and Thanks to the encouragement From certain countries, it is near- spoke at “Welcome the Stranger,” a lecture on immigration sponsored by the loved to escape the poverty and and guidance of the late Msgr. ly impossible. “For a Mexican- diocesan Council of Religious. political oppression in Ireland. Frank Wissel, Arévalo—now a born man, now a U.S. citizen, “But as soon as she put her foot U.S. citizen—was able to grad- the waiting time to bring his son on the shore in New York, she uate college and now is certified to this country is over 60 years,” was legally present in the United to assist more recent immigrants. she said. States,” said Sister Mary Ellen. His office has served people from “This is such an important Sister Mary Ellen, ASCJ, a more than 25 countries. Many are issue,” said Father Chris Samele, Yale graduate, worked for 19 working toward or have become pastor of St. Stephen Parish in years as a legal services lawyer U.S. citizens or legal permanent Trumbull. “I came here tonight in New York City before found- residents, obtained employment because I’m just as ignorant as any- ing Apostle authorization one about this topic, and I feel that Immigrant documents, it’s part of my vocation as a priest Services in “We can learn about or applied to learn what I can and make my New Haven. for family parishioners aware of it.” The organiza- this, we can look reunification St. Stephen’s is starting a ser- tion is a recent relief. vice group in October, and Father expression of at it and ask, ‘What With the Samele plans to take the informa- the mission of recent can- tion he gathered back to them. the Apostles can we do?’ We have celation of “We can learn about this, we can of the Sacred the DACA look at it and ask, ‘What can we Heart of Jesus, to live our faith.” program, do?’ We have to live our faith.” who came to Arévalo is On September 27, the morning this country also working following the symposium, Pope over a hundred years ago to work with 160 DREAMers in this dio- Francis welcomed Caritas rep- with struggling immigrants in cese for protection from depor- resentatives to officially launch New Haven. tation and removal. DREAMers the “Share the Journey” two- Sister Mary Ellen and Alex is a broad name for people who year campaign aimed at raising Arévalo, immigration counsel- were brought to this country as awareness about the plight of or for Catholic Charities of the children and grew up here. He migrants. The campaign aims to Diocese of Bridgeport, spoke at told the group that most of the challenge negative perceptions “Welcoming the Stranger,” a young people he works with regarding migrants through social justice lecture on immigra- come from local parishes. “With websites featuring the stories of tion sponsored by the diocesan no legal status, they have no individuals and explanations of Council of Religious. It was Social Security, no work—often Church teaching on the culture of held at the Catholic Center in not even a drivers’ license. All encounter. Bridgeport on September 26, the these possibilities are denied This is exactly the exploration day before Pope Francis initiated them.” the “Welcome the Stranger” his “Share the Journey” initiative “Many of these young peo- lecture hoped to begin, and that This Scripture Puzzle is sponsored by: and a week after the Catholic ple would be torn from the only Father Samele plans to present to bishops of Connecticut issued country they have really known his parishioners. their statement in response to and be sent to countries for which Opening his arms wide in a the pending elimination of the they hold no memories,” the powerfully symbolic gesture in St. Deferred Action for Childhood bishops’ statement noted. “Many Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, Arrivals (DACA) program. would lose their educational, “Christ urges us to welcome our Alex Arévalo’s description of work and military service oppor- brothers and sisters with our arms his passage to the United States tunities that would make them truly open, ready for a sincere speaks to the far different recep- contributing members of our embrace, a loving and enveloping tion of immigrants in today’s society.” embrace.” America. He, also, was 16 when The lecture at the Catholic (Participating U.S. organizations his father sent him with a strang- Center, in addition to showing have launched a website, www. er on a harrowing journey to the disparities in this country’s sharejourney.org for ideas and tools the U.S. to escape a violent civil immigration policies, helped to for participation in the campaign. To war in his home country of El counter misinformation about the learn more about the Pope’s initiative, Salvador. Surviving days without immigration process. go to cnstopstories.com/2017/09/27/ food and suffering violence from “For an employment visa, share-the-journey-embrace-migrants- robbers, who once put a gun to a specific employer in the U.S. refugees-pope-says/ or www.youtube. the boy’s head, he made it to must request the visa for a specif- com/watch.) n 8 October 2017 EDITORIAL EDITOR’S CHOICE Stretch Toward the end of September, Pope Francis encouraged the Church to reach out to migrants and refugees through the Share the Journey program. “The Church” means us. No matter how well intentioned we are, most Catholics in Fairfield County don’t know any refugees. So how can we start to follow the Pope’s initiative? Maybe sharing, like charity, begins at home. Or at church, or at the grocery store. Once you start thinking that way, there are lots of oppor- tunities to reach out. Actually look at the people whose hand you shake during the Sign of Peace at Mass. Recognize that they are nice folks. Smile. Smile again at the grocery store clerks. They might not be as sim- ilar to you and me as the people we stand beside at Mass, but they are good people too. It is absolutely, scientifically proven—really—that when your face stretches into a smile, your heart stretches, too. Pope Francis is asking us to grow bigger hearts. To get outside our comfort zone. Maybe when we stretch our prayers and hearts at home, we’ll be able to stretch out our arms CLERGYAPPOINTMENTS to welcome the stranger when he finally comes our way. The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, Renewed in Prayer has made the following clergy appointments in the Diocese of Bridgeport: What a remarkable day for those who traveled to Washington, D.C., on Pastor for the Tribunal of the Diocese reside at the Catherine Dennis of Bridgeport, to Director of the Keefe Queen of the Clergy September 23 for Solemn Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate FATHER JEFFREY W. Pontifical Mission Societies Office Residence in Stamford. Conception and the dedication of the new Rosary Walk and Garden! COUTURE, from temporary in the Diocese of Bridgeport. More than 2,000 faithful from the diocese answered the bishop’s call to Parochial Administrator, Saint Effective date was August 31. Episcopal Deacon Chaplain pilgrimage and prayer. They were young and old, individuals and families. Gregory the Great Parish, Some parishes, like St. Charles Borromeo in Bridgeport, even filled buses DEACON JOHN DiTARANTO, Danbury, to Pastor of Saint Hospital Chaplain with parishioners who journeyed together. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston, to Episcopal Deacon Chaplain to One highlight of day was the appearance of the Diocesan Youth Choir, Effective date was September 30. FATHER RAYMOND M. Notre Dame High School, Fairfield. which sang throughout the Mass behind the celebrants on the main altar. SCHERBA, from Parochial Vicar, Effective date was August 15. “I was delighted and humbled to see so many young people and fami- FATHER MICHAEL L. DUNN, Saint Gregory the Great Parish, lies from our diocese travel to Washington to pray and celebrate this great from Pastor of Saint Francis of Danbury, to Part-time Parochial The following priests day together. Thank you for your sacrifices, witness and joyful celebration Assisi Parish, Weston, to Pastor Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, have been appointed to serve of our Catholic faith,” said Bishop Caggiano. of Saint Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury and Assistant Chaplain at on the Presbyteral Council: At the dedication of the Rosary Walk following Mass, Bishop Danbury. Effective date was Danbury Hospital. Effective date FATHER FRANCISCO GOMEZ- Caggiano prayed before the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. “No matter September 30. was September 30. FRANCO—representing priests what challenge you and I face, the Lord will lead us through it, through ordained 0-14 years the intercession of his mother, and as you and I struggling to be disciples, Parochial Vicar FATHER MARCEL SAINT FATHER WILLIAM M. she is our model and guide.” FATHER JAIME MARIN- JEAN, from Assistant Chaplain QUINLAN—representing priests At a time when many people are divided and entangled in contentious CARDONA, from part-time at Danbury Hospital, to Assistant ordained 15-29 years social issues, our bishop has shown us the way forward in renewal: he Parochial Vicar, Saint Charles Chaplain at Norwalk Hospital. urges us to keep our focus on Christ and the sacraments, to serve others, Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport Effective date was September 30. FATHER COREY V. and to ask the Blessed Mother for help along they way. That is a pilgrim- and part-time Parochial Vicar, Father Saint Jean will remain Part- PICCININO—representing priests age worth taking. Saint Mary Parish, Bridgeport, time Chaplain at Saint Joseph’s ordained 30+ years (not retired) to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Manor, Trumbull. MONSIGNOR WILLIAM J. Lifelong Formation Parish, Bridgeport. Effective date SCHEYD, P.A.—representing Retirement was September 30. retired priests The need to improve catechesis was foremost in the mind of synod del- MONSIGNOR JOSEPH W. egates in 2014 and 2015, when they gave it the highest priority in their list Director PEKAR, from Pastor, Ss. Cyril and of recommendations. FATHER MICHAEL A. Methodius Church, Bridgeport, Father Joseph A. Marcello This fall, the Leadership Institute has more than answered that call with BOCCACCIO, from Defender of to retirement. Effective date is Vicar for Clergy the launch of a wide range of programs and online opportunities for people the Bond and Promoter of Justice October 7. Monsignor Pekar will October, 2017 throughout diocese to learn more about their faith and share the gift with others. The Catechetical Task Force Findings & Recommendations Report, Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano Advertise highlighted in this issue, offers a blueprint going forward. The report is a sin- Publisher gular call to re-imagine faith formation in the diocese by making it a lifelong To place an ad, contact Ralph Lazzaro: 203.667.1622 journey of encounter and accompaniment within the context of the parish Brian D. Wallace Executive Editor [email protected] community. It outlines best practices and recommendations for sacramental Circulation preparation, effective pastoral ministry, marriage prep and more. Office Pat Hennessy Every registered Catholic household “Everything’s on the table,” said institute director Patrick Donovan at of Communications Managing Editor [email protected] in Fairfield County is entitled Diocese of Bridgeport to a subscription. To cancel, change or add recent meeting with parish ministers, in which he unveiled the new report. Renée Stamatis an address, please email: [email protected] Beginning with the understanding that the classroom model of religious 238 Jewett Avenue Art Director [email protected] Annual Subscription Price Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892 Ralph Lazzaro education is no longer enough, the report serves as an invitation to create $20 (within diocese) telephone | 203.416.1461 Advertising Manager [email protected] more welcoming parishes where people “encounter Christ” through com- fax | 203.374.2044 $50 (outside diocese) munities of faith and service. email | [email protected] Brian A. Wallace In the coming weeks, Bishop Caggiano will continue this Graphic Designer [email protected] Postmaster web | www.bridgeportdiocese.com send address changes to: “Conversation with Catechists” to discuss the report and outline the path www.facebook.com/BridgeportDiocese John Grosso www.twitter.com/@DOBevents Fairfield County Catholic to missionary discipleship “one person at a time.” Social Media Leader [email protected] 238 Jewett Avenue USPS no.: 12-117. Periodical Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892 The Leadership Institute is off to a great start, bringing new energy postage paid at Bridgeport, CT 06601, Ronnie Lazzaro and vision to the task of lifelong faith formation. To learn more about the and additional mailing offices. Copy Editor (Consultant) © Copyright 2017, Diocese of Bridgeport exciting and challenging initiatives, visit www.formationreimagined.org. n 9 October 2017 Editorial Visiting the Imprisoned

members of the social community. North Avenue is a Category them, help them deal with their oman s oice It especially stressed the need for 1-4 male facility with a popula- “reality,” and encourage them to A W ’ V community-based substance abuse tion of about 800. Many inmates be free interiorly. I remind them are awaiting their court appear- that some on the outside are not By Sister Nancy Strillacci, ASCJ programs to reduce recidivism and the warehousing of those ances. Some cannot afford to free. Inmates are very ordinary with addictions in correctional bond out. Some have already people. One could be a neighbor, Sister Nancy Strillacci is the institutions. These would allow been convicted and are waiting a work colleague, a relative. Episcopal Delegate for Religious addicted persons in treatment to for sentencing. Some, sentenced, I find it difficult to watch for the diocesan Office of Clergy remain in jobs and with families. soon go to another CT facility, anxious family members of the and Religious and moderator The bishops also said, “Physical, program or half-way house. It is a imprisoned in the lobby, not of the Council of Religious. behavioral and emotional healing mixed population of varied ages, knowing what to do, in particular happens sooner, and with more races, ethnicities, of first timers if this is their loved one’s first lasting effects, if accompanied by and repeat offenders. I make “time in.” The impact of impris- arly this year Bishop Frank First, prison ministry is part of spiritual healing.” them laugh when I say that min- onment on family members, J. Caggiano asked me if I the Catholic Church’s fostering Bridgeport jail’s Chaplains’ istry there is similar to my former especially on dependent children, would like to work in the a Culture of Life, in which every Office regularly includes experience as campus minister is terrible. Often inmates decline EBridgeport Correctional human is recognized as having Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and at a secular university… You jail visiting to spare loved ones Facility on North Avenue. I had God-given dignity. Second, Jesus Islamic chaplains. Imam Nasif never know who will show up at the experience. Some tell their been volunteering for eight years taught his followers (including us) Muhammad is the facilitator, a session and whether you will kids on the phone that they are doing Communion services, so he by his own actions to have a prefer- having ministered there for 40 see them again. But in the jail away at school. Re-entry after knew I had an interest. ential option for the poor and those years. It has been a pleasure you have a captive audience! It is release can also be worrisome for I now go in Tuesdays and on the margins of society. Third, sharing our spiritual lives in pro- very humbling to have Scripture inmates with few resources on the Wednesdays through the one of the corporal works of mercy fessional dialog. They have been sharing and discussion in groups outside waiting for them. Department of Corrections (DOC) is visiting the imprisoned. more than kind in getting me or conversation with individual The Catholic community can Professional Partnership with the The U.S. Council of Catholic accustomed to the prison sched- prisoners. They share personal urge for prison reform and pray diocese. I am grateful to our bish- Bishops emphasized in their ule and protocol, although after stories of poor choices, their faith for those in State facilities, their op and Rev. Charles Williams at 2000 document “Responsibility, having volunteered there for years and insights, and lay out their families coping with complicated the DOC Religious Services Office Rehabilitation and Restoration” I had the advantage of knowing plans for the future that with emotional and financial situations to have this opportunity. that the Church stands in soli- some of the buildings, correction God’s grace they hope to achieve. and those who serve and care for Why is this work necessary? darity with the incarcerated as officers and inmates. It is a privilege to journey with the detainees. n All are welcome at Norwalk’s Little Manger

all are survivors of domestic a home for pregnant women. come to him with the idea of violence. This is not a feel-good He took the idea to his spiri- opening a home for mothers A Dad’s View factory. Lives are at stake. tual director, Father Benedict and babies in the Diocese of In September, Good Counsel Groeschel, who was well-known Bridgeport. By Matthew Hennessey announced a new partnership in the New York area but years “You guys need to meet Chris with an old friend: Norwalk’s away from becoming an inter- Bell,” said Father Gerry. They little manger, Malta House. Bell national Catholic celebrity got together in Norwalk at a helped found the 10-bedroom via EWTN. The charismatic former convent on East Avenue, Matthew Hennessey maternity home 20 years ago. Franciscan urged him to go for it. across from St. Thomas the and his family are parishioners It’s a happy homecoming “To my amazement he said, Apostle. Bell was impressed—and of St. Aloysius in New Canaan. to Fairfield County for Bell. A ‘I’ll help you,’” Bell recalled. “It a little emotional. Long Islander, he graduated really sounded to me like God “They told me what they from the University of Bridgeport was saying ‘I’ll help you.’” wanted to do. They said they ou know what they stay,” he told me recently. That’s in 1979. He wasn’t always the The Groeschel connection thought the Order of Malta would say about pro-life not idle talk. Good Counsel oper- best Catholic in those years, he opened doors for Bell, who head- support it and my mouth dropped Catholics. We only ates a 24-hour hotline and has admits, but he did strike up a ed out on the parish speaking open,” he said. “I was humbled Ycare about babies “an open intake policy. If there fateful friendship with campus circuit, giving talks and “begging because I felt like I was coming before they are born. Tell it to are no beds in one house, we will chaplain Father Gerry Devore. for money.” Bell has charisma back home to the Bridgeport Chris Bell. find you a bed in another house.” Degree in hand, Bell joined of his own, and the donations Diocese. I don’t know if I men- Bell has done more than just The average stay is one year. Covenant House, the Hell’s started trickling in. Hoboken tioned, but I didn’t go to Mass as about anyone to help women During that time mothers are Kitchen field hospital for home- was the location of the first often I should have at college.” and babies over the last 30 years. given job training, help finding less youth. He got a street-level Good Counsel Home. Two more Malta House was born in Since founding his first crisis an apartment, and parenting look at the life of a vulnerable opened in 1987, one in Spring 1998, and the Order of Malta pregnancy center in 1985, Bell classes. Bell estimates that over young woman in the early 1980s. Valley, N.Y., and one on Staten did support it, though it was up has seen 1,090 children born at the course of three decades, he “I was appalled,” he said. Island. A fourth opened in the to Bell, O’Rourke, Carter, and his network of Good Counsel and his colleagues have provided “These women needed help and South Bronx in 1991. scores of volunteers to run the Homes. He now runs seven in 600,000 nights of shelter to more all we could offer them was a Sometime in the mid-nineties, place. Eventually they decided four states, providing new moth- than 8.000 women and children. night in a welfare hotel. That still Bell got a call from his college to spin Malta House off from the ers shelter and comfort during the Many of the women who happens in New York.” spiritual director. Father Gerry rest of the Good Counsel net- hour of their greatest need. come are mothers already. One Bell was moved by the despair told him that two Fairfield work. There wasn’t any drama. “We take any woman who in five is an immigrant. Roughly he witnessed at Covenant House. County Catholics—Hope Carter Sometimes small nonprofits need is pregnant and needs a place to half have had an abortion. Nearly He felt God calling him to open and Michael O’Rourke—had ➤ continued on page 16 10 October 2017 St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull George Weigel to offer talk and book signing TRUMBULL—George­ “All Masses during this week- Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Weigel, New York Times best- end will be Memorial Masses Archbishop of Krakow. It is selling author and St. John Paul of St. John Paul II, by special normally housed at the Saint II’s biographer and personal permission of Bishop Frank J. John Paul II National Shrine, friend, will visit the parish of Caggiano of Bridgeport,” said which is administered by the St. Catherine of Siena for a talk Father Joseph Marcello, pastor Knights in Washington, D.C. and book signing on Saturday, of St. Catherine. “We’re honored The site was designated a nation- October 21. and excited that Mr. Weigel’s al shrine by the U.S. Conference The event will take place only Connecticut appearance will of Catholic Bishops. It features in the McClinch Family Center at be at St. Catherine’s. This is an a 16,000-square-foot, state-of-the St. Catherine’s, beginning at 5:30 event that is open to the entire art exhibit on John Paul’s life pm. It is open free of charge to all. diocese and we welcome all.” and legacy. In conjunction with the book Weigel’s book, Lessons in Hope: (For more information, signing, a First Class Relic of My Unexpected Life with St. John visit the St. Catherine website: the still-liquefied blood of St. Paul II (Basic Books; September www.stcathtrumbull.com. or call John Paul II will be present at 19, 2017), is a book of stories 203.377.3133.) n all Masses at St. Catherine’s about a saint who bent the course George Weigel on Saturday, October 21, and of human history by the biogra- Sunday, October 22. The relic pher who knew him “from the that reveals the rich personality of who, through their influence and will be available for public ven- inside.” the emblematic figure of the sec- insight, shaped his own perspec- eration following the 10:30 am In this new book, distinguished ond half of the twentieth century tive on foreign affairs and human Mass on Sunday. Mass times Catholic scholar George Weigel and sketches his own journey to rights and, most importantly, his are Saturday: 4 pm and 7:15 pm; amplifies his bestselling two-vol- becoming the Pope’s biographer admiration and respect for John Sunday: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 ume biography of John Paul II by and friend. Weigel recounts sig- Paul II. am, and 12 noon. offering an album of memories nificant encounters with people The relic of St. John Paul is similar to one displayed at the April 27, 2014, canonization of Pope John Paul in Rome. It consists of a vial of his blood that was entrusted to the Knights of Columbus for the Saint John Paul II National Shrine by his longtime personal secretary Najam, Queen of Clergy chef George Najam, chef at the Catherine Denis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence, died after being hit by a car on August 16 on the way home from work. He had recently returned from a vacation with his wife, Linda. Najam, 68, grew up in Danbury and was a graduate of Danbury High School, Class of ‘66. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, cooking on several air- craft carriers in the Tonkin Gulf. He completed his formal education after returning from Vietnam and was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Najam had been the executive chef for 25 years for the Sisters at the Congregation of Notre Dame, then in Ridgefield, before becoming chef to Queen of the Clergy. The Liturgy of the Resurrection was celebrated for George Najam on August 22 at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury, with Father Naji Kiwan, pastor, officiating. Interment followed in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. n St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull AN INVITATION TO LIFELONG FORMATION Diocese of Bridgeport

CATECHETICAL TASK FORCE FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

A MOMENT OF RENEWAL My Dear Friends,

In accord with the mandates of the Fourth Diocesan Synod, the Catechetical Task Force was established in October 2015. Over a period of eighteen months, the committee met to recognize the good work happening in faith formation in our parishes and schools and to recommend new models of ministry to achieve the renewal called for in the Synod’s instructions.

This is not a moment of judgment in the history of our diocese–but a moment of renewal. What can we do better to bear great fruit? What can we do better together?

Let us pray for the courage to take an honest look at how we communicate the faith with others. Let us pray for the wisdom to see beyond what we have always done and look to what is possible. Finally, let us pray for strength to make changes where change is required.

Only then will we truly be renewed.

NAMING THE PROBLEM FINDING THE SOLUTION While it is true that many parishes are doing faith formation well, few If we are to be instruments of change in this world and in the lives of parishes have taken faith formation beyond the standard classroom model. those around us, we must rethink everything. Not our core Catholic beliefs, For generations, the current model of religious education assumed that the of course, but how we live and share those beliefs. This goes far beyond the faith of the family unit was alive and well. Religious education, be it in the hour many of us spend at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and asks how faith parish parochial school or in the parish religious education program, was informs our head and motivates our heart. To do this, we have to challenge intended to supplement the faith practices at home, not replace them. the culture of the status quo that exists in many of our faith communities. The Task Force recognized several issues: Phrases like, “We’ve always done it this way” and “Why do we have to change?” have no place in this new reality. As Pope Francis reminds us in • The classroom model is not all that effective in helping young people retain Evangelii Gaudium, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the faith, but this is how our buildings and textbooks are structured, so (this) complacent attitude.” Indeed, the Holy Father invites “everyone to be how do we meet that challenge? bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.” (EG, 33) • Families have changed over the last several generations. More and more families are what society would name, “nontraditional.” The Task Force rejected that term but wanted to be sure to identify the unique living situation that many families face.

• The cultural milieu has changed. Pluralism and relativism reign supreme and facing that reality is on the minds of parents and teachers as they seek new ways to share the faith.

• Life in Fairfield County provides its own challenges. We welcome the very wealthy and the very poor to our parish communities. For some leaders, we must find the balance between attitudes of entitlement among some and the choice to feed a child or educate a child among others.

• Every parish is different. Every family is different. How do we reimagine faith formation while recognizing that one size will never, ever fit everyone? ABOUT CULTURAL DIVERSITY INITIAL CONCLUSIONS One of the ways we hope to achieve lifelong formation is to build communities • An active, comprehensive ministry to young people enlivens a parish, where diversity is welcomed and valued and where the faithful are seen as equal therefore, more should be done by the diocese to help parishes develop partners in the Gospel message. This is best reflected in the text that follows, ministry teams that can make this happen which is part of a formation plan offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The program is called Intercultural Competencies and will be • Parishes that have pre-school ministry are three times more likely to report offered in the Diocese of Bridgeport in the coming months. that these families attend Mass “regularly”

Therefore, to serve effectively, parishes might consider: • Revised sacramental guidelines for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation were requested by more than half of respondents • Articulating a vision of ministry based on ecclesial integration and inclusion; • The diocese should offer more formation for religious educators, catechists, and youth ministry leaders • Fostering the inculturation of the Gospel in all cultures;

• Planning with the people, not for the people; • The diocese should create an online community where ministry leaders can share ideas • Broadening your understanding of ministry groups, programs, and structures, and cast a bigger net; • The Task Force should make recommendations that allow parishes to tailor suggestions to their own unique realities • Empowering people from different cultures and ethnicities into leadership positions. • The diocese should offer resources specific to every stage of faith Source: USCCB, Intercultural Competencies formation

More resources available online at www.formationreimagined.org • Improve communication between the diocese and parish leaders

• The Task Force should create indicators and recommendations for parishes SURVEY BACKGROUND to use in assessing and reinvigorating their faith formation efforts The Catechetical Task Force Survey was developed to obtain a better understanding of the needs of Directors of Religious Education/Faith Formation throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport. Online you can read more on the following topics in the A telephone survey was drafted, reviewed, modified and approved by the CTF. Interviews were conducted via telephone from May to August 2016. Lifelong Formation, Catechetical Task Force Findings & Recommendations report: Fifty-six of 78 (72%) parishes participated in the first survey. More than 80% of our parishes were represented in the second survey, conducted in • This Document’s Framework November 2016. • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Baptismal Preparation • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Pastoral Ministry: MAJOR FINDINGS Early Childhood Parishes reflect a wide range of student enrollment at all levels. There are • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Pastoral Ministry: Childhood also variances in the types and lengths of programs provided, the curriculum • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective First Reconciliation used, etc. In other words, there is no single “persona” to define a “typical” Preparation parish. • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective First Communion Nearly twice as many parishes report decreased student enrollment overall Preparation (45%) versus those that report an increase (25%). • Indicators for Effective Pastoral Ministry: Early Adolescents • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Pastoral Ministry: Adolescents • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Confirmation Preparation • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Pastoral Ministry: Adults Increasing • A Word About Young Adults / The Wisdom of Age 25% • Indicators for Effectively Welcoming New Members (RCIA) Decreasing • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Marriage Preparation 45% • Indicators/Recommendations for Effective Pastoral Ministry: Families • Answering the Call The Same • Expectations 30%

Where enrollment is increasing, in nearly every case it is due to a direct action by the parish in creating/revising programs or parish clergy taking an active outreach role.

www.formationreimagined.org

To help illustrate the path to missionary discipleship, the Leadership Institute has created an infographic outlining this lifetime relationship. Copies are available. Please email [email protected]. 14 October 2017 Parish News Relics of Padre Pio visit Bridgeport diocese

By JOSEPH PRONECHEN The timing to visit the Diocese “the laborers were comparing of Bridgeport was right because their lives and forgot to look to By early morning on Sunday, 2017 brings together the 130th God, the author of all goodness September 24, people were anniversary of Padre Pio’s birth and love.” already arriving at St. Theresa and 15th anniversary of his can- The bishop tied a major lesson Church in Trumbull to view and onization. from the gospel into the life of venerate the relics of St. Pio of For two days previously— Padre Pio. “Whatever we receive Pietrelcina—beloved Padre Pio. September 22-23—the relics of is meant to be given…To love They were open to view an hour Padre Pio were at the Basilica not expecting in return…To love before the first Mass at 7:30 am. of St. John the Evangelist until everything is given away. As the day progressed, the in Stamford. Msgr. Stephen That mystery did not escape unusually hot, humid weather DiGiovanni, the pastor, said that Padre Pio.” didn’t deter droves of everyone 6,000 people came to venerate the “It is true he wore in his phys- from ardent Padre Pio devotees relics during those two days. The ical body the stigmata of Christ,” to those who were simply in awe fruits were obvious. Bishop Caggiano observed. “More of being able to venerate the relics “Most people already had an importantly, he was a man who of a well-known saint. The Saint attachment,” he said, “and this wildly loved everyone he met.” Pio Foundation, the official spon- was strengthened by the great There were also seminarians much, people were constantly Padre Pio knew that only by sors of this visit in the United spiritual fruitfulness for the fam- from Yonkers, from the Catskills, coming in,” he noted, keeping the presenting the truth could he States, brought for display and ilies that came, many whom I and a variety of religious order lines in the basilica long and full. help “the people entrusted to his veneration St. Pio’s glove, crusts have never seen before.” priests who came with their sem- Masses were packed. On care.” That was for their healing of his wounds, cotton-gauze with They came to St. John’s inarians. “It was surely great to September 23, “There was stand- of body and spirit. The saintly the saint’s blood stains, a lock of from long distances. Msgr. see,” said Msgr. DiGiovanni. ing room only, with 1,400 people friar founded the state of the art Padre Pio’s hair, a handkerchief DiGiovanni said that all week the For the three priests at the at the Mass on the feast day.” hospital at Pietrelcina. soaked with his perspiration only parish got calls from people in basilica, “We were all very Then, on Sunday at the 10:30 Padre Pio loved and sacrificed hours before he died, and his Texas, Arkansas, the Carolinas, moved by the presence the relics am Mass, St. Theresa’s, which and we’re challenged to do the friar’s mantle. All but the mantle Massachusetts, New York and and the fervor of the people,” seats 1,200 comfortably, was same thing. were in exceptionally large reli- New Jersey. They came from all said Msgr. DiGiovanni. nearly completely filled with a “You can’t do it on your own,” quaries. over Connecticut, too. “For two full days pretty spillover into the choir loft. With Bishop Caggiano said. Necessary the relics left front and center is the power of the Holy Spirit. in the lower sanctuary, Bishop Plead with Christ: “Help me to Frank J. Caggiano celebrated do what I cannot do on my own. Puerto Rico relief Mass. Concelebrating with him Help me, Lord, to be your disciple were Father Brian Gannon, the and love to the end.” When Hurricane Maria pastor, Father Carl McIntosh and “And if we, my friends, are made landfall in Puerto Rico Father Harry Prieto. willing to do that,” affirmed on September 20, its 155-mph During his homily, Bishop Bishop Caggiano, “Padre Pio winds knocked out electricity Caggiano began by highlighting is not the only one to be able to to the entire island, leaving its the words of St. Paul from the work miracles. So will you, and 3.4 million people in the dark. second reading, “For to me life is so will I.” The situation could last up to Christ and death is gain.” After Masses, 3,500 faithful six months, officials said. He remembered those words from individuals to families with “This is an event with- spoken by his friend Peter, a several children, from tots being out precedent,” Puerto Rico seminarian knowing he would carried in their parent’s arms to Govenor Ricardo Rossello said die before his ordination. The teenagers looking happy to be in a statement. He called for classmates were with him in the there, filled St. Theresa’s main additional assistance as resi- hospital room a week before ordi- aisle and continued outside and dents deal with not just the loss based in New Haven, has raised “Charity has always been nation. “Peter recognized he was up to the rear of the church. of power, but a lack of drink- more than $2.8 million as part of the defining characteristic of dying,” Bishop Caggiano said. Father Gannon saw countless able water, fuel and numerous an ongoing national appeal “that the Knights of Columbus, and Instead of a vista opening after fruits during the day. Among necessities. builds on the donations and relief people—both those in distress ordination, there was this instead. them, he said, “For our own Catholic Charities USA has work of Knights themselves.” In and those who want to help— Bishop Caggiano stressed how parish, all the volunteers coming sent $1 million in emergency aid a September 26 news release, the have placed a great deal of trust “God’s love is everlasting…God’s together and being so sacrificial to assist Caritas Puerto Rico, Knights announced that it has in us,” said Knights’ CEO Carl love is given not for transitory and self-giving with their time the Catholic Charities agency donated $100,000 to Puerto Rico Anderson. “The outpouring of good but for eternal life.” and having so much joy about it, on the island, as it begins the to aid victims of Maria and an generosity to our appeal by our And what God gives is “wild- was a blessing. And the incredible work of recovery, the agency additional $100,000 to Mexico for members and others has been ly different between us. But not patience and calm of hundreds told Catholic News Service on victims of the earthquakes that greatly appreciated.” unfair. He is wildly in love with of people waiting in the heat was September 27. The national have struck that country. (Catholic Charities USA each one of us.” another testimony to the faith of network of Catholic Charities In addition to financial sup- (CCUSA) is the official domes- Turning to the gospel of the people and the thirst for holiness.” agencies collected the money port, it said many Knights have tic relief agency of the U.S. laborers being called to work in Father Gannon also saw a from thousands of donors across helped to rescue stranded neigh- Catholic Church. To donate, the vineyard at different hours major fruit for priests with this the United States in response bors and provide assistance, call 800.919.9338 or visit www. of the day, then all receiving the visit. He explained, “Padre Pio to damage done by hurricanes which has included the distribu- catholiccharitiesusa.org. One hun- same wage, much to the displea- is forever a reminder to us priests Harvey, Irma and Maria. tion of more than $720,000 in dred percent of funds raised are sure of the earliest workers who of the need for personal sanctity The Knights of Columbus, food, water and other necessities. going to those affected.) n felt unfairly treated because they and faithfulness to our Lord’s had labored longer, he noted, teachings.” n 15 October 2017 Gospel of Life Society Educating for life

By PAT HENNESSY was fact based, verifiable, and groups knew they weren’t alone. would expose the hidden lies and The Gospel of Life Society was “When Eileen Bianchini deceits.” there to help.” agreed to head the Gospel of Life “For the ‘Culture of Life,’ With the guidance and sup- Society, her aim was to inform you’re trying to build up an port of sympathetic local legis- and educate people about Respect understanding of the entire cul- lators, GOLS members learned Life issues,” said Maureen ture—of the dignity of life in all to effectively utilize a fact-based Ciardiello, director of the Respect its aspects,” said Father Markey. approach to persuading CT’s Life office of the Diocese of “Eileen had senators, she had lawmakers on life and family Bridgeport. “She brought in congressman, she invited people issues. Many times they’re called speakers from every spectrum of involved in the abortion issue and to respond to urgent legislative BUILDING UNDERSTANDING—Eileen Bianchini, stepping down as director of the Gospel of Life Society after 11 years, was honored in June to the Culture of Life.” healing in the aftermath of abor- issues in Hartford. her efforts to build up the Culture of Life. (l-r) John Waite, president of the CT Bianchini, who stepped down tion, speakers on Natural Family A prime example of this was Right to Life Corp.; Eileen Bianchini; Father Richard Cipolla, pastor St. Mary as director of the Gospel of Life Planning, end of life issues, sui- Bianchini’s role on the proposed Parish in Norwalk; and John Juhasz, new director of the GOLS. Society after 11 years at the helm, cide, the death penalty.” Physician Assisted Suicide leg- was one of the strongest pro-life Participants in the GOLS have islation in Connecticut. Her voices in Connecticut. In June, heard from nurses and doctors, testimony at a CT Public Health that that the success of the Gospel to assume leadership of Gospel of she was recognized with an professors, parents of children Committee hearing, March 30, of Life was largely the fruit of Life Society. “There is a rich ros- award from the CT Right to Life with Down Syndrome, specialists 2103, included statistics, reports the membership in their active ter of speakers for this season,” Conference for her courageous in teenage mental development. and information from a simi- participation, interest in learning Juhasz said. “At our October and effective leadership. John “Some were famous nationwide, lar bill passed in Oregon. The the truth about complex issues 14 meeting, the speaker will be Waite, president of CT Right others were dynamic speakers report noted, chillingly, that in and effective use of evidence in Measi O’Rourke, executive direc- to Life, presented the award at who most people didn’t even Oregon, after four years of assist- persuading others. tor St. Joseph’s Parenting Center the June Gospel of Life Society know exist,” said Father Markey. ed suicide, there was a decline in As she put it in her last meet- in Stamford.” meeting. One critical strength of the end-of-life pain control. Equally ing with members as president, The title of O’Rourke’s talk is “Eileen was ahead of the rest Gospel of Life Society is that it distressing, after the Oregon law “The Gospel of Life is successful “How God Uses Broken Things: of us in recognizing the threat brings together parish Respect was enacted, referrals for counsel- because of you. You were given Protecting All God’s Children.” and acted forcefully and effec- Life groups, the CT Right to Life ing for fragile patients dropped. the ball and you ran with it. (The Gospel of Life Society meets tively to educate both legislators Society, and pro-life professionals That data came from the Oregon Please keep it up. Connecticut at St. Mary’s the second Saturday of and the public,” said Waite when and elected officials. “One of its Department of Health annual needs you.” the month from September through making the award. goals is to encourage people,” reports. When she stepped down as June at 10 am. To be put on the The Gospel of Life Society said Father Markey. “It’s dis- The Connecticut bill died in director, Bianchini asked one of mailing list for future meetings and meets the second Saturday of couraging to be the only Pro Life committee. her long time collaborators, John newsletters, contact John Juhasz: the month after the 9 am Mass voice. Through the society, parish For her part, Bianchini noted Juhasz, a St. Mary’s parishioner, [email protected].) n at St. Mary Parish in Norwalk. Members read a section from St. John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae and to pray for a culture of life. Then, most Healing and Hope months, a speaker will address By MAUREEN CIARDIELLO do you need to do in order to If you need help on the group on current issues affect- be forgiven? Pope Francis said, your journey, Project ing the culture. There are many out there “When we become aware, we Rachel is here to assist “Eileen really brought a who think that abortion is an find the mercy of God.” you. Project Rachel whole new facet to the Gospel unforgiveable sin. Our Catholic Where do we find that mercy? offers women support of Life Society,” said Father faith teaches us, instead, that First of all, we find it in the through our Days of Greg Markey, who was pastor God forgives anyone who is Sacrament of Reconciliation. In Prayer and Healing of St. Mary’s when the GOLS repentant and truly sorry. confession you meet the Lord in and Hope and Healing first made its home there. Father Pope Francis put it so beau- person, through his priest, and he weekends, and we can Markey had been looking for a tifully in a statement he made will absolve you of your sin right connect you to others lay leader to take over the GOLS on May 29, 2013, “The Church then and there. That is where who have experienced in 2005 and Bianchini, a Third is the great family of the chil- your healing journey will begin. similar journeys so that you know my mother or father reacted the Order Franciscan, generously dren of God. Certainly, it has The Lord is always ready to you’re not on this path alone. way they did.” “Now I know took on the task. human aspects from the mem- forgive, but healing—particularly Men can also find help through why mom was so over protec- Education was Bianchini’s bers who comprise it, pastors from the loss of a child through Days of Healing, time dedicated tive.” “I can see why they were goal. Research and information and faithful. They have defects, abortion—is a journey. Women especially for them. In addition, emotionally distant—caught up were, and remain, critical to the imperfections, sins. Even the undergo an abortion during a there are many kind and compas- in their own feelings.” effectiveness of the Gospel of pope has them—and he has time of crisis, when abortion sionate priests we can connect Sibling retreats are geared Life Society. When Bianchini many—but what is beautiful is seems to solve the problem in the you to. for adults over 18. assumed leadership, GOLS that when we become aware moment. In that crisis, women— We offer support not only for (If you or someone you know evaluations pointed to a lack of that we are sinners, we find and men—can’t think about the women and men but for siblings has experienced the wounds of abor- critical pro-life education in the the mercy of God. God always effects down the road. In the as well. Abortion affects the tion, Project Rachel offers support state. “So we did more research forgives. Don’t forget this. God aftermath, they get stuck with the entire family, and can have an on your journey to healing. For and decided to have speakers in always forgives.” fear and the shame. impact on other children. When more information contact the con- our meetings,” she wrote in the You heard him, right? He Christ is the divine healer. He siblings become aware of a par- fidential phone line: 203.895.3554 letter announcing her retirement. said it not once, but twice, wants to restore us; he can make ent’s abortion experience, they or 203.416.1619 or email projectra- “Our search was for critical pro- “God always forgives.” What us well. may say, “Now I understand why [email protected].) n life educational material that 16 October 2017 Obituary Father Seraphim Rohlman, 52 Father Ralph Seraphim Father Seraphim was ordained in 2009. He celebrated his first Rohlman, former director of the to the priesthood on October 5, public Mass in this diocese at St. Propagation of the Faith, died on 1990, at Saint Nicholas Church in Theresa Church, Trumbull, on October 2 in Bridgeport. Father Nondalton, Alaska. January 2, 2010. Seraphim was born on July 13, During his years in Alaska he In the Diocese of Bridgeport, 1965, in Bridgeport, and attend- traveled throughout the Aleutian Father Seraphim served as direc- ed area elementary schools and island chain and along the Yukon tor of Community and Prison Father Ralph Seraphim Rohlman Central High School. and Kuskokwim rivers, perform- Outreach. He was assigned in He was attending the ing funerals and marriages, bap- 2012 as parochial vicar at St. October 5, and a funeral service family, was the celebrant. University of Bridgeport on a tizing and celebrating the Divine Andrew Parish and Our Lady was celebrated for him that eve- Father Seraphim is mourned full music scholarship when Liturgy. He founded a hospice of Good Counsel Chapel in ning. The following morning, the by his wife, Catherine, and their he heard a missionary bishop program in Anchorage and set up Bridgeport. He was appointed Melkite Rite Divine Liturgy was daughter, Evgenia. Condolences speak in his home parish of St. the first chaplaincy program at director of the Office of the celebrated, with Bishop Frank may be sent to their address: 40 Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox the Bureau of Indian Affairs hos- Propagation of the Faith in 2015, J. Caggiano presiding. Father Tesiny Circle, Bridgeport, CT Church. Inspired by that talk, he pital there. a post he held until his recent Michael K. Skrocki, pastor of 06606. Please pray for the repose prepared for the priesthood in His next call was to Hawaii, retirement due to poor health. St. Ann Melkite Greek Catholic of the soul of Father Seraphim, the American Carpatho-Russian where he served in a tiny mis- Father Seraphim was a tal- Church in Danbury, a close and for the consolation of his Orthodox Church at Saint sion parish. He was later sent to ented linguist, able to preach friend of Father Rohlman and his family. n Herman Theological Seminary in Texas to teach at a seminary, and in Native Alaskan languages, Kodiak, Alaska, While complet- to New Mexico, Montana and Romanian and Slavonic. He was Hennessy from page 9 ing his six years of study there Nebraska. also a trained vocalist and writer to step out on their own. Bell and turn people away. It boosts the he met his future wife, Catherine He was received into full of icons. Father Groeschel stayed on the “success rate” in their glossy bro- Anelon. Following Orthodox communion with the Catholic Father Seraphim was Malta House board of directors. chures. Chris Bell won’t hear of it. guidelines, they were married in Church, and was incardinated received into St. John the Baptist “Now, a few years have gone All are welcome; that’s his policy. 1988, before his ordination. in the Diocese of Bridgeport Byzantine Catholic Church on by, and the Good Counsel and The cases Bell and his Malta House boards have decided staff take on can be complex. that we can do better together,” Substance abuse, mental illness, said Bell. The rechristened home and the long, slow breakdown of FUNERAL GUIDE is Good Counsel Malta House of the family in urban communities Connecticut “Hopefully we can make it more so. Sometimes NEIL F. HARDING grow. We’d like to open another women leave without saying Director/Owner Collins house in the state if we can.” where they’re going. Often they Funeral Home About half of the women who don’t come back. come to Good Counsel Homes “We obviously can’t force peo- 92 East Avenue • Norwalk leave with a job and an apartment. ple to stay and take the help we 866-0747 If that sounds low, remember the offer,” Bell told me. But they try. William A. Skidd William G. Lahey, Jr. open-door policy. Some outfits With God’s help they try. n William R. Kelley William P. Skidd

Harding Andrew D. Skidd Deceased Clergy of the Diocese FUNERAL HOME Family owned for four generations of Bridgeport October 8—November 11

October 12 Deacon Michael Wolfer...... 2013 Pre-need Funeral Planning 14 Msgr. Raymond H. Guidone...... 1965 15 Msgr. William Schultz...... 2013 Matthew K. Murphy, 16 Msgr. John V. Horgan Kung...... 2009 Funeral Director 17 Msgr. Benedict Tighe...... 2004 18 Bishop Walter W. Curtis...... 1997 203/227-3458 267 Greenwich Avenue 19 Rev. Cornelius J. Looney...... 1974 22 Msgr. David F. Bannon...... 1979 FAX 203/227-1420 Greenwich, CT 06830 Rev. Louis Dytkowski...... 2016 203-869-0315 Deacon Donald Fonseca...... 1989 27 Rev. Robert C. Franklin...... 1991 210 POST ROAD EAST Msgr. Thomas J. Whalen...... 2012 WESTPORT, CT 06881 28 Deacon John Kucera...... 2007 “Quiet Dignity Without Extravagance” 29 Rev. Michael A. D’Elia...... 2000 Affordable Direct Cremation 30 Msgr. Leo M. Finn...... 1960 Title XIX Welcome 31 Rev. Francis D. McKenna...... 1989 November 3 Msgr. Joseph A. Heffernan...... 1989 Deacon Thomas P. Freibott...... 2002 6 Rev. Bernard Dolan...... 2010 9 Rev. Stephen A. Grinvalsky...... 1972 Z Family owned for three generations Z Handling every detail Deacon Domingo Reverón...... 2014 Z Call for free informative brochure Z In home arrangements 10 Rev. Gerard C. Mason...... 1993 Z 203-254-1414 or 800-542-0218 Z Memorial service facility 11 Msgr. Victor J. Torres-Frias...... 1995

18 October 2017 Column: Thomas Hicks The depth of things

ity standing beneath or beyond their neon signs and some street way. When an interviewer said ordinary events. lights gleaming in the wet dark to Rahner: “I have never had Potpourri The Protestant theologian Paul fell away. The man said he felt a an experience of God,” Rahner Tillich speaks of God as “the “holy sadness” and some yearn- retorted, “I don’t believe you, I By Thomas H. Hicks ground of our being.” God is the ing for the eternal. just don’t accept that. You have ultimate ground to our existence. Another man told of the ingre- had and will have an experience Tillich, too, would challenge dients of an incident that had of God, and I am convinced that us to keep looking deeper for lodged in his memory. He was this is true of every person.” Thomas Hicks is a member the hints of something that lies standing at a train crossing wait- People can have the experi- behind or beyond. There is a ing for the train to pass. He felt ence but miss the meaning, as of St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull. great mystery that surrounds us. the sun, then heard the shriek of T.S. Eliot put it. The experience There is another dimension about the train whistle, felt the vibration may invite them, but also unsettle which we can have moments of of the ground as the cars rushed them. They turn away from any arl Rahner, the major undergirds all. This is a fascinat- illumination. They may be brief, by, then there was the scent of the intense encounter with depth. theologian of the ing idea. perhaps flickering moments. breeze combining the smell of the People may not want to be 20th century, never As Rahner saw it, there is Rahner further taught that there close-by lake and the fresh smell aware of their transcendental Koffered any traditional always more to our experiences are situations in which God clearly of watered grass. These were experiences. Life may be simpler “proofs” for the existence of God. than we might think. Reality comes to the fore. The world opens the ingredients of what he was if they ignore them, do not open He pointed out that God is not an is richer and deeper than we out. An encounter with transcen- willing to call a “transcendental themselves to them. object among objects, and, there- generally realize. There is dence may be quite transparent. experience.” Rahner insists that in every life fore, is never known in the way more going on than meets the He felt that in every life there are One more: there are the intimations which that objects are known. eye. The human situation can special moments like this—sudden, A man in a park heard from lure people, some sense of an Rahner thought that the way always open out beyond itself. unexpected, breakthrough experi- a nearby dock the blast of a ferry invisible world which interpene- human beings come to the mys- All our experiences can involve ences. Rahner insisted that in every horn, distant, melancholic, fol- trates the one we see, some sense tery of God involves the fact an encounter with the mystery life there are these special moments lowed by the squabble and cry of of being grasped by something that there is no human experi- of God, with the one in whom that catch one by surprise. Here are sea gulls. There was the shriek of utmost importance. These ence from which God is absent. “we live and move and have our a few examples: of children heading home from are not experiences which are Rahner’s favorite image for God being” (Acts 17:28). A man told me of his expe- school, the sound of a woman’s given to some and withheld from was that of the horizon. God is Rahner states that “the every- rience on a night train in the voice calling, the sound of a bus others. It is a constant feature of the horizon behind all things. day is the place of our encounter rain. He looked on at wet lonely shifting gears. He had a sense of all human beings’ experience, He is the horizon and the lure. with God.” We meet God where fields, at lights that shone from the transcendent. though it is a feature which can In other words, God is not dis- we are. There lies beneath the scattered houses. Distant thunder Rahner thought in every life be resisted. tant. Indeed, God is inescapable. surface a dimension of depth. If rumbled over the drone of the there are special moments like Rahner felt that if people do There is no human experience we are sensitive enough, we can train, and lightning sometimes these, occasions when the depth not have at least a vague sense from which God is absent. God be grasped by a transcendent real- broke the sky. Small towns with breaks through in an exceptional ➤ continued on page 19

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205 Spring Hill Road, Trumbull CT 06611 203.261.2548 www.trumbullprinting.com Call us for a free quote 19 October 2017 Column: Joe Pisani The new iconoclasm preserve them. She picked up the “The zeal to deface statues is part of a greater phone and called every devout Swimming Upstream Catholic she knew and asked spiritual illness that afflicts our society, which them if they would adopt a statue By Joe Pisani and give them a safe home, lov- has no respect for the unborn, the frail elderly ing home. Who could deny Our Lord or the dispossessed and yet believes its icono- and Our Lady? How many times Joe Pisani has been a writer had they been denied shelter clasm is motivated by lofty principles.” already, in Bethlehem and on the and editor for 30 years. flight into Egypt? And as Jesus once said, “Foxes have dens and years I’ve often wondered how has no respect for the unborn, the birds have nests, but the Son many thousands of people prayed frail elderly or the dispossessed hey’re toppling statues In some ways, it reminds of Man has no place to lay his before Our Lady and her mother, and yet believes its iconoclasm of Robert E. Lee in me of the Taliban and the head.” seeking intercession for a family is motivated by lofty principles. the South, and they’re iconoclasm that followed the She called my wife, Sandy, crisis, a grave illness, a troubled Political views, however, are no vandalizing statues of Protestant Reformation and the and by the time we got to her marriage or wayward children. substitute for moral values. ​T So many prayers, so many peti- At least for today, St. Ann and Christopher Columbus in New French Revolution. Even in home, all of them had been York City. They’re removing Catholic churches, you’ll find taken—except for a statue of St. tions. St. Jude are safe in our home, statues of the Blessed Mother at those who are eager to remove Ann with the Blessed Mother and The zeal to deface statues is along with many other statues of a Catholic school in California crucifixes because they claim the a statue of St. Jude, which were part of a greater spiritual illness the saints, of Our Lord and Our in the cause of inclusiveness, depiction of Christ suffering on life-sized and made in Italy. that afflicts our society, which Lady. n and they’re defacing statues of the cross can be upsetting. After Since Sandy had been adopted St. Junipero Serra with red paint Vatican II, some reformers began and raised by a woman named Introducing because they claim he violated taking the traditional statuary out Ann and since she was born on Our NEW Intensive Stroke Rehabilitation Program the rights of native cultures. of churches in keeping with what the feast of St. Jude, we knew we There’s also mayhem in they thought was the spirit of the were meant to have them. They DIRECTED BY Neurologist: Daryl Story, Physiatrist: Claudio Petrillo Manhattan since Mayor Bill de Council. stayed in our garage until we Blasio formed a committee to Here is a true story about a found an artist who restored them and Pulmonologist: Donald McNichol determine which statues are polit- family that did something about to their original splendor, and ically correct and in keeping with it. Back in the 1960s, a woman now they occupy a place of honor the values of New Yorkers—and and her son were driving past in our home. Columbus seems to be in the a Catholic church in a New A plate at the base of St. crosshairs. However, this zeal to England town when they noticed Ann’s statue says simply, “Gift appease people who feel violated religious statues piled in a dump- of St. Ann’s Guild,” and over the doesn’t extend to everyone. ster for removal. I, too, have been offended They got their pickup truck many times when public muse- and in a rescue effort reminiscent ums in New York City displayed of the Great Escape, they loaded alleged works of art that are an them up and drove away with affront to my faith, including a the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of crucifix in a glass of urine and Grace, St. Joseph, St. Therese a depiction of the Virgin Mary and many others that they saved made with elephant dung. Could from certain destruction. the double standard be more Then, she had a chapel con- apparent? And how often have structed in her backyard, where you read news stories about stat- she kept the statues safe for years, ues of Our Lady and Jesus being until the day she had to move vandalized by tormented souls, to an assisted living home and Satan worshippers and people couldn’t take them with her. who hate the Church? Once again, she devised a plan to

Thomas Hicks from page 18 of the transcendental region of sense of transcendence. reality to which their experiences Let me add a couple of other are alluding, then it seems point- thoughts from Rahner. He spoke less to speak to them of the divine of how God is especially present at all. in every love and in all gaining Again, Rahner thought that of knowledge. He taught that the there are no simple arguments reality that makes us human is or proofs to help people on the the relationship with God. This way to God. What there are relationship with God is the is a multiplicity of intimations defining feature of who we are as which lure people. Faith ulti- human beings. mately begins with personal Human nature without God is experiences of God, with a not reality. n 20 October 2017 Nuestra Voz Inauguran Capilla de Adoración en Santa María

Por MARICARMEN GODOY Rico, Cuba, Texas y Florida tos, el Padre Torres reconoció a que han sido afectados por los su compañero, el Padre Frank En una ceremonia religiosa huracanes. Gómez de San Carlos, quien llena de fe y piedad, la Parroquia Por su parte, el Padre Torres estuvo de ayudante del obispo Saint Mary (Santa María ) en agradeció a todos sus feligreses durante la homilía y a la hora Bridgeport, con la presencia del que donaron tiempo y dinero que realizó la bendición de la Obispo Frank J. Caggiano, inau- para que la Capilla de Adoración Capilla de Adoración. Así como guró la Capilla de Adoración, que sea una realidad, y en especial también agradeció a las monjitas a partir de ese momento se con- a Angel Letona. Además, agra- Guardianas del Santísimo, a sus virtió en un lugar sagrado para deció a la comunidad guate- feligreses y en especial al Obispo orar a los pies del Santísimo. malteca por donar las flores para Caggiano, quien le dio todo el A las 8:30 de la mañana del adornar la iglesia. Pero sobretodo aval para que inicie la construc- 24 de septiembre, el Obispo los exhortó a que saquen tiempo ción de la capilla que nació de Caggiano, junto al Padre durante de su semana de trabajo una necesidad de orar en forma Rolando Torres, párroco de Santa para que lo dediquen a Dios. piadosa dentro de la parroquia. María y el Padre Frank Gómez, THE NEWLY-COMPLETED Adoration Chapel at St. Mary Parish in “Tenemos siete días a la se- Como un dato particular, párroco de la Parroquia de San Bridgeport was blessed by Bishop Caggiano, accompanied by Father Rolando mana, 24 horas al día, 168 horas el Padre Rolando agradeció a Carlos Borromeo en Bridgeport, Torres, pastor, and Father Frank Gomez (at right) pastor of nearby St. Charles semanales; sí creo que es impor- nombre de la familia Torres la concelebraron la Misa. Borromeo Parish. The chapel was completed thanks to the generous donation tante que le demos más tiempo donación de un cáliz que será of time, money and labor by parishioners. Dentro del ritual, Monseñor al Señor para honrar su gloria. utilizado durante las misas en la bendijo la Capilla de Adoración Ahora tenemos una capilla para Capilla del Santísimo. al Santísimo Sacramento, una quien, acompañado por su vivir armónicamente. Además les poder hacerlo. La capilla no es La nueva Capilla de obra que empezó a construirse madre, esposa e hijos, acudió a la pidió que ayuden a la gente de la mía. La capilla es nuestra”, dijo. Adoración, está abierta todos los en mayo del 2017 con un estudio Misa inaugural de la capilla con- República Dominicana, Puerto Dentro de los agradecimien- días de 8 am a 10 pm. n técnico, diseño y recolección de struida con sus manos. También dinero que logró un monto de 50 acudieron cientos de feligreses de mil dólares, más decenas de horas origen hispano de la parroquia trabajadas voluntariamente. Santa María. La edificación de la Capilla En la misa, el Obispo Ayuda para Puerto Rico de Adoración estuvo a cargo Caggiano, en su mensaje durante de Angel Letona, un construc- la homilía no solo agradeció al BRIDGEPORT—El Padre Ademas de las oraciones, el le contó los pormenores de tor hondureño, residente de párraco por haber logrado con- Rolando Torres, párroco de la sacerdote confirmó que muchos la situación de Puerto Rico. Stamford, que por pedido del struir la capilla, sino porque ha Parroquia de Santa MarÍa en de sus compañeros sacerdotes le “Hay muchas áreas que están Padre Rolando decidió colaborar podido unir a cientos de vecinos Bridgeport, en donde se encuen- llamaron, solidarizándose con su sin agua, hay muchas áreas en la edificación de la obra. A del sector y convocarlos de esta tra una de las comunidades más pueblo y su familia. Sus famili- que están bastante destruidas y pesar de que faltó dinero para manera para que vivan en comu- grandes de puertorriqueños, está ares viven principalmente en el muchas personas que perdieron dar por acabada en su totalidad, nidad dentro de la parroquia. uniendo todos los esfuerzos y área de Vega Alta y Vega Baja, sus casas”, sostuvo. él puso gratuitamente la mano El obispo les dijo a los feligre- recursos para ayudar a los her- y muchos de sus primos, tíos y El Padre Torres pide que, de obra junto a otro de sus traba- ses, quienes aplaudían constan- manos que se encuentran en la parientes cercanos han perdido durante estos días, los fieles jadores. temente, que el día era hermoso Isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico. sus casas y casi todas sus pert- visiten la Capilla de Adoración, “Fue para mí un honor y un y que valía la pena disfrutarlo, y Su familia, que se encuentra enencias. den un tiempo a Dios y oren privilegio que el Padre Rolando que antes mediten que la inaugu- en el área norte (desde San Después del devastador paso por nuestros hermanos y her- me haya llamado para construir ración de la capilla es una mane- Juan, Vega Alta, Vega Baja del Huracán María, el Padre manas en necesidad. la capilla. Nunca había hecho ra de recordar que Jesús es la y Arecibo), sufrieron muchos Torres se comunicó con el (Para mayor información, un trabajo similar dentro de una piedra angular de la iglesia y que daños a causa del Huracán Padre Tomás González de la pueden comunicarse iglesia, y esa fue realmente una los cimientos de fe de sus miem- Maria. Arquidiócesis de San Juan, quien al 203.334.8811) n bendición de Dios”, dijo Letona bros deben ser fuerte para poder

BEYOND THE FRONT LINES

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AprilApril 6,6, 2017-2017- MUSEUM Dec.Dec. 30,30, 20182018 1 State Street, New Haven • 203-865-0400 • kofcmuseum.org • Free admission & parking 21 October 2017 Bits and Pieces DAY OF RECOLLECTION take place at St. Matthew Parish, Feb. 19-March 2, 2018. Deposit with Fr. Carew. For more info, Danbury, (18-35), will gather on for nurses from St. Vincent’s Norwalk, on Sun., Oct. 15, at 7 required by Wed., Oct. 18. call the Charismatic Renewal Tues., Nov. 7, at 6:45 pm for a Inauguran Capilla de Adoración en Santa María and friends will take place at St. pm. Free admission. For more For more info, contact Sharon Office: 203.456.5610. Praise and Worship Holy Hour Joseph’s Manor, Trumbull, on info, contact Valerie Wyman at St. MacKnight: 203.327.1806 or HAUNTED GRAVEYARD: at Sacred Heart Parish, Danbury, Sat., Oct. 14, from 10-am-3 pm Matthew’s: 203.838.3788, ext. 109, [email protected]. Catholic Young Adults of Greater followed by a social. For more in the Adult Day Care Center. or [email protected]. MOMs+DADs prayer/sup- Danbury, (18-35), will gather on info, email catholic.ya.danbury@ Donation: $10. For more info, KNIGHTS OF LITHUANIA port group for those with Down Sat., Oct. 28, from 5-10:30 pm at gmail.com. call Irma Palko: 203.333.5045 by will hold their monthly Mass syndrome, their family and Lake Compounce, 186 Enterprise MASS AND BLESSING Wed., Oct. 11. and meeting Sun., Oct. 15, at friends meets the third Thurs. of Dr., Bristol. For more info, email for veterans will be celebrated PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY 12 noon at St. George Parish, every month (Oct. 19), at 7:30 [email protected]. Sat., Nov. 11, at 12:15 pm at St. RALLY to celebrate the 100th Bridgeport. For more info, call pm at St. Mary Parish, Norwalk. TOY DRIVE HOSTS needed Margaret’s Shrine, Bridgeport. Fatima Anniversary will be held 203.878.0519. For more info, contact straposto- for Al’s Angels. The Angels dis- For more info, call 203.345.3244. in Bridgeport on Sat., Oct. 14, at MEN’S FELLOWSHIP [email protected]. tribute toys to over 13,000 children HARVEST FAIR at St, Luke 12 noon at the Old Mill Green, EVENING: Firefighter Bill CALL TO ZION: Heal the battling cancer. The Toy Drive will Parish, Westport, will take place (the intersection of Boston Ave. Lavin will speak on “Making a wounds of the past through a pro- be held Nov. 8-Dec. 11. If you the weekend of Nov. 11-12, & East Main St.). For more Difference” as a Man of Faith gram of healing and love at St. can help, contact Al DiGuido: from 10 am-4 pm. For more info, contact Michael Miller: at St. Rose of Lima Parish, James Parish, Stratford, Thurs. [email protected]. info, contact Nancy Pandolfi: 203.526.7655 or Michael_ Newtown, Sun., Oct. 15, at 6:15 evenings, 7-9 pm, once a month RAKE n’ BAKE: Handy 203.259.5816. [email protected]. pm, following the 5 pm Mass. starting Thurs., Oct. 19. Cost: Dandy Handyman has opened HARVEST TABLE to ben- GOSPEL OF LIFE Refreshments served. No charge. $40; includes book. For more info volunteer registration for Rake efit New Covenant Center, SOCIETY meets at St. Mary For more info and to register, call and to register, call the parish n’ Bake 2017, which will take Stamford, will take place Sun., Parish, Norwalk, the second Sat. the parish: 203.426.1014. center: 203.375.5887. place Sat., Nov. 11. The teams Nov. 12, from 11 am-2:30 pm of each month (Oct. 14) at 10 WOMEN’S GROUP at Christ DIVORCED AND will be working on 80 properties. at the Hyatt Regency, 1800 am. This month’s speaker will the King Parish, Trumbull, will SEPARATED Catholics are Registration required by Fri., East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. be Measi O’Rourke of St. Joseph meet Mon., Oct. 16, at 10 am invited to join “Hearts Renewed.” Nov. 3: go to www.hdhm.org/ Guest speaker Cecily Gans, Parenting Center in Stamford. in the parish hall. Guest speaker Meetings are held in Fairfield on rake-n-bake-2017-registration. owner of MainCourse Catering. For more info, contact John Megan Murphy will discuss fire the first and third Fri. of every For more info or for large groups Admission: $100 plus one Juhasz: 203.762.3661 or juhasz- prevention. For more info, con- month (Oct. 20; Nov. 3) at 7:30. (12 or more), contact Shelia non-perishable food item. For [email protected]. tact Esther: 203.268.8011. For more info and for directions, Kuhn: [email protected] or tickets, visit www.501auctions. 100TH ANNIVERSARY of CRAFT FAIR & BAZAAR call Bette: 203.338.0503 or Peggy: 203.775.3368. com/harvesttable. the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima for St. Marguerite Bourgeoys 203.834.1287. MAGNIFICAT will hold DISCERNMENT TALK: on will be observed with an out- Parish, Brookfield, is now accept- MASSES OF HEALING their semi-annual women’s break- Catholic Young Adults of door celebration at St. Marguerite ing vendor applications for the AND HOPE: the Charismatic fast on Sat., Nov. 11, at Ethan Greater Danbury, (18-35), will Parish, Brookfield, on Sat., Oct. Sat., Nov. 11 fair. Application Renewal Services announces a Allen Inn, Danbury. Registration gather on Tues., Nov. 14, at the 14, at 12 noon. For more info, deadline is Mon., Oct. 16. Mass of Healing and Hope on deadline: Sat., Nov. 4. No tick- WCSU Newman Center, 7 8th call 203.775.9254. Vendor applications are available Mon., Oct. 23, at 7 pm at Our ets at the door. For more info, Ave., Danbury, for a talk by Paul DAY RETREAT at the at stmarguerite.org. Lady of the Assumption Parish, contact Fran Hood: s.m.hood@ Krenzelok from the Franciscan Convent of St. Birgitta, Darien, PETRA AND HOLY LAND Fairfield, with Fr. Larry Carew; sbcglobal.net or 203.744.1856. Friars of the Atonement. For with Fr. Anthony Mastroeni will PILGRIMAGE with Fr. Arthur and Mon., Nov. 6, at 7:30 pm HOLY HOUR: Catholic more info, email catholic.ya.dan- take place Sat., Oct. 14, from Mollenhauer will take place at St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton, Young Adults of Greater [email protected]. n 9-am-3 pm. Cost: $50, includes breakfast and lunch. For more info, call Erlinda: 203.866.5546, ext. 101, or at 203.919.5976. TRIBUTE TO NEIL CATHOLIC PROFESSIONAL NETWORK DIAMOND performed by “Simply Diamond” Brian LaBlanc will take place in St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull, on Law Office of James M. Hughes Sat., Oct. 14, at 7 pm. Cost: Elder Law/TITLE 19/MEDICAID-Planning $15/person. Bring your own Veteran’s Benefits - “Aid & Attendance” RESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY DRAIN CLEANING snacks and beverage. Coffee and dessert served. 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Teachers form students in ‘mind and faith’

By BRIAN D. WALLACE authenticity and for the hope you grants and show how creative give our students in increasingly you can be.” Describing teachers as the difficult and conflicted times.” Dr. Cheeseman said he strong- “spiritual mothers and fathers” The bishop said that many ly believes that the future of the of their students, Bishop Frank J. students may eventually forget Catholic classroom is in “blended Caggiano told Catholic educators the lessons they learn in school, learning,” which personalizes that in addition to building aca- but they always remember their instruction and uses new tech- demic skills, they are also form- teachers. nology to engage and empower ing young people in the faith and “I will work with you to students. “Technology doesn’t values that will guide them over strengthen our schools for the replace teachers,” he said. “It a lifetime. next generations to come,” he enables teachers to move from More than 700 Catholic high said. ‘sage on the stage to guides on school and elementary teach- The bishop said he believed the side,’ and to be leaders in ers turned out on September that Catholic schools provide innovation. 5 for Convocation 2017 at the a superior education in “mind, “It’s important for all edu- Klein Memorial Auditorium in heart, hands and spirit,” and “I DON’T WANT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS to be public schools with religion cators to ask, how can I serve? Bridgeport to officially begin the invited teachers to join in the classes,” said Dr. Steven Cheeseman, superintendent of schools. “We have The work is rarely easy, but it’s school year. renewal of the Church by making the freedom to be so much more than that.” During Convocation 2017, Dr. always holy,” he said. The program began with Mass schools “authentically and genu- Cheeseman praised the academic excellence of diocesan schools and added The diocesan school system celebrated by Bishop Caggiano inely Catholic.” that they “have the opportunity to define their own “common core—and that numbers 9,000 students who and diocesan school chaplains, The Kolbe Cathedral High core is Christ.” attend 26 Catholic schools in and included an address from Dr. School Choir, directed by Joe grades PreK-12 throughout Steven Cheeseman, superinten- Elbertson, provided music Catholic schools have “academic looks like when a child learns.” Fairfield County. The diocese dent of schools, and motivational for the Mass. Father Michael excellence,” but also have the Dr. Cheeseman said the dio- sponsors 20 elementary schools, speaker Jonathan Doyle. Novajosky coordinated the altar opportunity to define their own cese will publish its strategic plan 5 high schools educating 2,400 Bishop Caggiano said that servers from St. Joseph High “common core—and that core is for education in October, and students, and one special educa- “teaching is a noble and sublime School. Christ.” that teachers will be asked for tion school serving students with vocation,” and that Catholic In his yearly address to dioce- He drew applause from teach- their input. He said the strategic special needs. schools are “homes” that safe- san educators following the Mass, ers when he said that Catholic plan will address the questions Fifty percent of dioce- guard children, teaching them Dr. Cheeseman expanded on schools would not use a standard of “What can Catholic education san schools have received how to be lifetime learners, and many of the themes mentioned in assessment “to judge students, look like in five years and how the National Blue Ribbon of to “discover values of God and Bishop Caggiano’s homily. but to help them,” and likewise, can we change the landscape of Excellence and yearly standard- family.” “I don’t want Catholic schools it would not use standard assess- education?” ized test results show diocesan “A Catholic school is a home to be public schools with religion ments “to grade teachers, but to He also issued a challenge elementary students exceeding where the heart of Jesus can be classes,” Dr. Cheeseman said. inform them.” to teachers. “I want you to ask national averages in math and found, and that heart beats in you “We have the freedom to be so “I want to put my faith in you, for change and to flood the reading. and me,” said the bishop. “Thank much more than that.” not the standards,” he said to Foundations in Education office (For more information, visit www. you for your witness, your Dr. Cheeseman said that the teachers. “You know what it with proposals for innovation bridgeportdiocese.org.) n KeyBank Donates $15,000 to Foundations BRIDGEPORT—The Diocese “We are very grateful to our provide more than $2.5 million of Bridgeport announced a dona- friends at KeyBank for their gen- this year in scholarships to tion of $15,000 by KeyBank erous support for Foundations children who would not other- Foundation, the nonprofit chari- in Education,” said Executive wise have the means to attend table foundation of KeyCorp, to Director Holly Doherty-Lemoine. Catholic schools. In addition, Foundations in Education, which “This contribution will provide Foundation in Education pro- provides scholarship assistance scholarships so that even more vides funds to support profes- to students attending Catholic children will benefit from the sional development of teachers schools in Fairfield County. extraordinary faith filled educa- and administrators to promote The diocese educates more tion that Catholic schools pro- innovation in curriculum and than 9,000 students in its 26 vide. We appreciate the impact leadership development. Catholic schools (Grades pre-K KeyBank has made on our chil- “KeyBank Foundation sup- to 12) including five high schools, dren and their families.” ports organizations that make 20 elementary schools on 24 Foundations in Education the communities we serve better campuses, and one school for is a nonprofit organization places to live, work and attend students with special needs. More PREPARING CHILDREN for thriving futures—(l-r) Bishop Frank Caggiano; established in July 2015 to school,” said Matthew Fair, than 60 percent of students in Holly Doherty-Lemoine, executive director of Foundations in Education; promote academic excellence, vice president for Key Insurance diocesan schools receive financial Bonnie Geppert and Matt Fair of KeyBank. The KeyBank Foundation donated faith formation and enroll- and Benefits Services, the insur- assistance and 15 percent of stu- $15,000 to Foundations in Education. ment in Catholic schools in the ance subsidiary of KeyBank. dents are non-Catholic. Diocese of Bridgeport. It will ➤ continued on page 27 26 October 2017 Catholic Academy Students wow at fundraiser for inner-city education GREENWICH—A recent noticeably up for the first time in she said. “I Catholic Academy of Bridgeport seven years. He also spoke about want to thank event raised $150,000 for scholarships. important academic innovations all of you who ANNUAL FALL FUNDRAISER— Sister Joan Magnetti, A gathering of Catholic being made at the academy, the are here tonight rscj, executive director of Catholic Academy, chats with Academy of Bridgeport supporters increased focus on blended learn- and who are Frank and Susan Carroll from Greenwich at Polpo and their guests were joined by ing, and the fact the school was faithful donors Restaurant. The dinner raised $150,000 for scholarships and Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in the able to have a balanced budget in to our school,” showcased some of the talented students who benefit from upper room of Polpo Restaurant academic year 2016/2017. “A lot she said. “You the generosity of donors. on September 26 for the school’s of the success for the year is the know the ‘why’ annual fall dinner fundraiser. The result of the people in this room, of your life, the who would like Tomorrow program about four academy, which educates more as well as others who have been so purpose of your to be an attorney years ago,” she said. than 945 students on the cam- generous in helping us seek aca- life, which is to one day, received Leaders of Tomorrow is a puses of St. Andrew, St. Ann, St. demic excellence in an inner-city be in the service a standing ova- program that pairs donors with Augustine and St. Raphael, needs like Bridgeport, beleaguered with of others.” tion when she students in need. Each sponsor to raise more than $2 million annu- low-performing public schools and Peppered sang a moving contributes $4,500 toward the ally so it can provide scholarships dire economics,” said Evans. between cours- rendition of Kari cost of a student’s tuition for one to the 85 percent of its student Executive director of the es of chopped Jobe’s “I Am Not year, and throughout the school population who qualify for such Catholic Academy, Sister Joan salad, penne Alone,” accom- year the sponsor receives report financial assistance. Magnetti, rscj, followed Evans’ alla vodka and delicious entrees panied on the keyboard by Kolbe cards and correspondence from Catholic Academy Board chair remarks by quoting Mark Twain. and desserts were memorable music teacher Joe Elbertson. their selected student. Launched Brad Evans welcomed guests “The two most important days in appearances by several students. Later in the evening, Jennifer in 2013 with only eight sponsors, and said he was encouraged your life are the day you are born Kadijah Needham, a top student Melo, an alumna of St. Augustine the program today has 53 sup- that enrollment in the school is and the day you find out why,” at Kolbe Cathedral High School who currently attends Notre porters who sponsor 96 students. Dame High School and dreams of Cieszko also spoke of the being a neurosurgeon, spoke from importance of educating the next Fordham University Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education her heart about her time at the generation of donors while giving Catholic Academy’s St. Augustine them firsthand charitable experi- campus. “St. Augustine not only ences so they can see the world Master of Arts in pushed me to grow spiritually but beyond where they live. helped me to grow academically,” Such opportunities clearly Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care Melo said. “Every day I left my have had an impact on Cieszko’s classroom knowing something youngest son, Petey, a seventh new and was more prepared for grader at Saxe Middle School Educating Mental Health Counselors in the Care of the Whole Person all the obstacles and hardships I in New Canaan, who joined his knew high school was going to mother at the podium. “I like throw at me. My teachers gave me writing letters to Terence, our • Prepare to be a licensed the knowledge and confidence to Leaders of Tomorrow student,” mental health counselor. do my best, and I knew I could said Petey. “He sends us notes, • Learn how to respond count on them for assistance and too, and I might even get to meet guidance.” him this year.” to psychological and At one point in her elemen- With sincere charm and spiritual concerns. tary school education, Melo authenticity, Petey implored • Gain the skills needed for was struggling in math. “My guests at Polpo to consider giving teacher helped me to go from a to the academy. “I hope all of pastoral care and clinical B- to an A in just one semester,” you here tonight will think about practice in a multicultural she shared. “I want to thank giving a dollar or two to help kids context. the donors who made all of this like Terence and others at the possible. God bless you all for Catholic Academy who could Classes are available in investing in the children of today really use your help.” evening, online, and to improve our future.” Because Ron Rosa and his intensive formats. Rounding out the evening’s wife Dominique graciously host- We also offer an M.A. speakers was New Canaan resi- ed and underwrote the fall dinner dent Jennifer Cieszko, a parishio- for the fourth year in a row, all in pastoral care online. ner of St. Aloysius Parish in New donations were fully tax-deduct- Financial aid is available. Canaan, mother to seven chil- ible and the academy was able dren and wife of Peter, a former to raise approximately $150,000 Catholic Academy of Bridgeport for the Catholic Academy of fordham.edu/gre | 718-817-4800 Board member. Cieszko spoke Bridgeport. The dinner is one of about her family’s long tradition three major fundraisers the acade- of helping those in need while my hosts each year. putting a face on them. “That is (For more information about the why my husband and I chose to Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, call sponsor a student through the 203.362.2990 or go to www.catholi- eeo Catholic Academy’s Leaders of cacademybridgeport.org.) n 27 October 2017 Foundations in Education Foundations announces new appointments BRIDGEPORT—Foundations Sportini joins Foundations in Education is pleased to in Education from United Way, announce the appointment of where she served for over a Theresa Sciallo as associate direc- decade. “She will lead and man-

Theresa Sciallo Karen Sportini tor for scholarship and grants and age a comprehensive develop- Karen Sportini as associate direc- ment program to help fund the tor of development. ambitious growth Foundations Calling them a “dynamic in Education has planned. She duo,” Executive Director Holly will work to identify and raise Doherty-Lemoine said that the resources that will allow Sciallo and Sportini joined the Foundations in Education to Foundations in Education team strengthen and transform the mis- in late September. sion of Catholic education in Sciallo will bring her exper- the Diocese of Bridgeport,” tise in working with the said Doherty-Lemoine. diocesan Catholic Schools As two new mem- to Foundations bers join the in Education, Foundation’s where she will team, Doherty- shepherd and Lemoine took grow the pro- time to wish a grams of the fond farewell to foundation, Marina Deluca, including who was the the Bishop’s first assistant Scholarship Fund with foundations and Innovation and Leadership and served in that capacity for Grants for faculty and adminis- eight months. “During this trators. time, she exhibited a kind and “Theresa will also lend her gentle sprit and patience beyond prowess and creativity in mar- measure. She was the face and keting to the foundations efforts voice of foundations to many of growing awareness and brand of the parents who called with recognition throughout Fairfield regard to the Bishop Scholarship County,” said Doherty-Lemoine. Fund.” n

Foundation from page 25 “Foundations in Education is an that prepare people for thriving excellent example of an initiative futures.” The foundation’s mis- working hard to create quality sion is advanced through three educational opportunities for all funding priorities—neighbors, students and we are excited and education, and workforce—and honored to have contributed to through community service. this worthwhile cause.” (For information on Catholic KeyBank Foundation serves to schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport, fulfill KeyBank’s purpose “to help visit www.dioceseofbridgeportcath- clients and communities thrive,” olicschools.org. For information on and its mission is “to support Foundations in Education, visit organizations and programs www.foundationsineducation.org.) n 28 October 2017 Sister Gloria Esposito ‘Daughter’ becomes grandmother to generations

By BRIAN D. WALLACE the years. all took her to the station—it was In particular she’s grateful only supposed to be a year!” Sister Gloria Esposito has to her classmates from St. Ann On September 8, 1950, at 130 grandchildren and she’s still School in the Black Rock section the age of 18, Gloria Esposito counting—she’s expecting her of Bridgeport. They get together entered the community of the 131st soon in Bolivia. when she comes home, and one Daughters of Charity of Saint They’re children of the chil- of them is Dr. Jim Roach, known Vincent de Paul in Emmetsburg, CLASS IS IN SESSION—Sister Gloria Esposito (center) and Dr. Jim Roach dren who grew up in the orphan- to many in the area for his work Maryland. are joined by other St. Ann School graduates who get together each summer age she ran at St. Ignatius Home at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. After finishing her novitiate to catch up on Sister Gloria’s missionary work in Bolivia and celebrate her and School in Cochabomba, “We’re all very proud of her she began studies there at Saint life as a Daughter of Charity. The lifelong friendships discovered at St. Ann’s Bolivia, one of her many assign- work,” says Dr. Roach, who met Joseph’s College. When Pope have been passed down to their children and grandchildren who support Sister ments as a Daughter of Charity of Sister Gloria as a first grader at Pius XII asked her province to Gloria’s work. St. Vincent de Paul. Sister Gloria St. Ann’s. “We look forward take on a foreign mission, Sister has served in Bolivia for the past to her visits and reports from Gloria volunteered, and six orphans and street children. in Argentina and he understands 58 years. Bolivia.” months later, on February 24, When Sister Gloria first their struggles. As one who has The Bridgeport native, who Another member of the St. 1959, she was sent to Bolivia. arrived in Bolivia as a Daughter, given her life to helping the poor- will be 85 in October, was back in Ann’s group is Dottie Sullivan “My father said, ‘What have the sisters were still wearing the est of the poor, she is discour- the area over the summer for her of Stratford, who also attended you gone and done now!” she famous and wing-like cornette. aged by the current animosity to annual visit to family and friends. Lauralton Hall with Sister Gloria. says. “He was so concerned.” “I went with the cornette and migrants and refugees, and she “I couldn’t have done my “She was a great athlete It turns out that it was the I wore that in the tropics for nine hopes that people will listen to work without them,” she says of there,” Dottie recalls, “and she adventure of a lifetime and the years,” she says the teaching the many people who have gen- surprised us when she said she beginning of a very full life of ser- with a humor- of the Holy erously supported her work over wanted to enter the convent. We vice in education and service to ous sigh. “It “It’s a much richer Father. definitely was Although a bit of trou- life than I thought. friends like ble—it would Dr. Jim melt down on I’m so thankful Roach are you in the heat, inspired and but no one died for the opportunity amazed by from it. We all here mission- managed. We to have lived with the ary service, were with the Sister Gloria poor and that Bolivians and worked believes she was it.” hasn’t done Her first with them. They’re anything assignment saw exception- her dropped good people.” al. “I don’t down in the think I’ve Bolivian jungle. done great As a young woman, she taught things,” she says. “I was very for- and eventually ran two schools tunate to be able to live in Bolivia systems with 50 schools in each. and work with the poor—I was Later in life she opened the St. just a Daughter of Charity from Ignatius Orphanage, where she Bridgeport.” has worked for much of the past Only three sisters from the 28 years. U.S. are still working in her prov- Sister Gloria says that many ince, but many Bolivian women of the young people she serves have joined the sisters in their live in unimaginable poverty and work. “Women today have so uncertainty, but they also have an many more choices, and they outsized sense of gratitude for the want to be independent. They Choose Fairfield Prep! help they’ve receive. want to give a couple of years as “You come back here and volunteers, but don’t want to ded- people have everything. Down icate their lives.” ENTRANCE EXAM REGISTER TODAY AT there many people live from day But Sister Gloria has no sec- Saturday, October 14, 2017 to day. They don’t know what ond thoughts. www.FairfieldPrep.org tomorrow will bring. They rely “It’s a much richer life than I Saturday, November 4, 2017 on God because there is no secu- thought. I’m so thankful for the 8:30 am to 12:30 pm rity,” she says opportunity to have lived with Fairfield College Sister Gloria is grateful to the Bolivians and worked with Pope Francis for calling inter- them. They’re good people. I tell Preparatory School national attention to the poor, them all the time I that I am the A Jesuit, Catholic School of Excellence noting that he has spent his life privileged one to have been with 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 living and working among them them.” n 29 October 2017 Immaculate High School Student has interfaith experience in Africa DANBURY—Over the sum- Immaculate uniform the first day named Koshi the most. He was mer, many Immaculate High of class to show the students that twenty years old and severely School students perform their Americans wear uniforms too. mentally disabled. He’d hang community service hours by Seeing how precarious edu- around our classroom all day and helping local organizations. One cation is in other parts of the nobody would care, so I started senior, Albert “AJ” Vitiello, went world really opened AJ’s eyes to to draw in the mud with him. beyond his borders, both personal how fortunate he was to receive Although we couldn’t speak to and physical, and travelled half a top-notch, modern education each other, we bonded over these way across the world to help in a comfortable, modern school drawings in the sand. He’d give another community with seem- building with some of the best me a big “thumbs up” every time ingly simple but important needs. educators in the world. He also I saw him. He taught me how to AJ spent three weeks in the was able to see how children communicate without even using village of Anloga, Ghana, liter- from other parts of our world words. By the end of the trip, I ally helping to build a school as have to live. really connected with him and well as building minds. During The experience strengthened found it hard to say goodbye.” his time in Anloga, situated in the his faith. AJ bonded with two other Keta District of the Volta Region, “Although my village was boys at the orphanage school, he taught a fifth grade class mostly Muslim, my class made who also opened his eyes, and where students ranged from ages me a Rosary at the end of the heart, wider. “Jude was in my 12-18 years old. trip, which was really special,” he FRIENDSHIPS FORM QUICKLY—“This strengthened my faith by showing fifth grade class. While most stu- “This made me realize how said. “This strengthened my faith how people from two completely different cultures and backgrounds can come dents were afraid to answer my lucky I am to receive the quality by showing how people from two together with God,” said AJ Vitiello, who spent three weeks in the village of questions, Jude always raised his education I am getting and the completely different cultures and Anloga, Ghana, helping to build a school. hand. He was fascinated by my encouragement from my teach- backgrounds can come together camera and asked frequent ques- ers,” AJ said. “My service also with God.” was his time with the Ghanaian most. “Of all the people I met in tions about the United States. consisted of making bricks for a Whenever he had free time, students that he enjoyed the Ghana, I’ll probably miss a boy ➤ continued on page 32 primary school, and I carved IHS AJ enjoyed hiking to a waterfall, into one of the bricks I made.” feeding the monkeys and shop- AJ noted that he wore his ping at an African market. But it GOING GLOBAL Through our International Exchange Program with 200 Sacred Heart schools in 44 countries, our students do more than just study the world: they experience it, and return with a life-changing view of who they are and what they can accomplish.

That’s real global learning.

ADMISSION TOUR DAY November 2—9 a.m. to Noon FALL OPEN HOUSES Upper School—October 19 at 6 p.m. K–12—November 4 at 9 a.m.

CSHGREENWICH.ORG

22CSH_FCC-MS 6X6-5_FINAL.indd 1 9/21/17 4:58 PM 30 October 2017 Room to Grow Operation Kindergarten Backpack

By ELLEN McGINNESS Catholic Charities reached out mony and backpack presentation to parochial middle schools and took place on August 25 at Room They ranged in age from diocesan youth ministry groups to Grow in Norwalk. twelve to twenty-two years old. to see if they would be willing Since this was the first year They attended dozens of different to collect and donate the back- of Operation Kindergarten schools. They represented five packs and supplies. The groups Backpack, the backpacks were a different parishes. surprise gift. After the diplomas But they had one common were handed out, an unexpected goal. These Catholic middle announcement was made: each schoolers, high schoolers and graduate would be receiving a college students came together brand new backpack stuffed with to execute the first Operation essential kindergarten supplies. Kindergarten Backpack, col- The crowd gasped and cheered, lecting and supplying over 80 the children jumped and hol- fully-stocked backpacks for the lered—everyone overwhelmed by graduates of Room to Grow sure Operation Kindergarten the thoughtfulness and generosity Preschools, a program of Catholic Backpack came to fruition. of the gesture. Charities. These young volunteers not When one of the teachers “I always had this dream of only collected over 80 new back- handed a glimmering pink and giving backpacks as graduation packs, folders, crayons, scissors, purple “Frozen” backpack to a gifts,” explained Nancy Owens, markers, glue sticks and pencils— bubbly little graduate, the girl the director of Room to Grow that were approached responded Youth Ministry, past and current but they also neatly assembled beamed with a contagious smile, Preschools. “I’m so happy that it immediately. They were happy to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic the supplies inside the backpacks. bounced up and down on her became a reality.” help. Greenwich Catholic School School students, and St. Matthew Even though the volunteer groups feet and shouted, “Oh thank you! After learning of Owens’ wish, students, St. Rose of Lima Youth Parish Youth Faith Formation thought the backpacks were great Thank you! Thank you!” the marketing department of Ministry, St. Aloysius Church Group all joined forces to make gifts, they thought something was Those were the only words lacking. So they added another needed to prove that the first special item: handwritten notes Operation Kindergarten Backpack that congratulated the little ones was a tremendous success. on their accomplishment, gave (To learn more about Room them advice for their academic to Grow Preschools, contact futures, and wished them the best Nancy Owens: [email protected]. of luck in kindergarten. To donate, contact Bob Donahue: The preschool graduation cere- [email protected].) n St. Andrew St. Augustine St. Ann St. Raphael Courage to Speak FAIRFIELD—Ginger and Larry Katz, co-founders of the Courage to Speak Foundation will be speaking at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield, on Thursday, October 19 at 6:30 pm in the parish hall. The foundation was established in an effort The Catholic Academy of Bridgeport is to foster open communication about the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse among young people. comprised of St. Andrew, St. Ann, TOURS DAILY Ginger has been inspired to speak out by the untimely death of St. Augustine and St. Raphael. her son, Ian, from a drug overdose. She will address issues such as — Christ-centered, academically rigorous programs NOW ENROLLING! warning signs, for Grades PreK–8. Contact schools for tours. alcohol and — Strong high school placement and outstanding college drug preven- success. tion, the code ST. ANDREW ST. ANN — Challenging, safe, and supportive learning environments. (Grades PreK–8) (Grades PreK–8) of silence and — More than $1.5 million in financial aid awarded. 395 Anton Street 521 Brewster Street its dangers, 203-373-1552 203-334-5856 addiction and New this fall . . . its impact on — Blended Learning plus student access to chrome books. ST. RAPHAEL ST. AUGUSTINE families, and (Grades PreK–3) (Grades 4–8) other important — Student support program with Eagle Hill Southport. 324 Frank Street 63 Pequonnock Street issues. With — Students to attend Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. 203-333-6818 203-366-6500 the number — 8th grade “Pizza with the Bishop.” of drug overdose deaths and substance abuse cases on the rise in Connecticut, many families are affected. If you or someone you ALL FAITHS WELCOME. | FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE. know is facing a crisis or wants to be educated, please join us! The presentation is open to parents, students, and community members. (For more information, visit www.couragetospeak.org. If you have catholicacademybridgeport.org | 203-362-2990 questions, contact Assumption’s parish office: 203.333.9065 or info@ olaffld.org.) n 31 October 2017 School News New technology director named for schools BRIDGEPORT—“It’s all about cation. She received her certifica- pare it to an experience most the kids,” says Kathryn Cioffi. “It’s tion in administration from Sacred adults remember from their own about educating students to be dig- Heart University. Cioffi is a mem- school days. “They used to take ital citizens, giving them the skills ber of the CECA, Connecticut children into the library and teach Kathryn Cioffi they need to succeed.” Cioffi is the Educators Computer Association. them how to search for informa- new director of educational tech- She worked in technology tion using the Dewey Decimal Cioffi plans to visit each of the Cioffi has a personal reason nology and innovation for diocesan and engineering firms, and was a System. Then they could look diocesan schools to help admin- for her dedication to excellence in Catholic schools. programmer and consultant in resi- for information for their reports. istrators and teachers with the Catholic education. She and her “She brings a depth and width dence at Fairfield University before Now students search the Internet effective integration of technolo- husband, Michael, are members of experience, both in technology coming to the Catholic Academy to get what they need.” gy. “I want to become a familiar of St. Jude Parish in Monroe. and as a teacher in the Catholic in Bridgeport as a computer The end result is the same: face to them, so that they see me They moved their son from public school system,” says Dr. Steven teacher for grades K-8. During informed knowledge. as part of their team,” she says. school into St. Jude School, now Cheeseman, diocesan superinten- her time there, she was a mem- Cioffi is quick to point out At the present time, she is part of Holy Trinity in Shelton. dent of schools. “She is knowl- ber of the Website Development that parent involvement is always helping schools implement an “By putting him in Catholic edgeable in educational applica- and Technology Curriculum crucial in the educational pro- integrated student information school, we gave him a firm aca- tions, systems and techniques, Development committees. cess. “We want parents to know system by Rediker, so that atten- demic foundation for his future and can communicate complex “The diocesan school system that we have filters on the school dance and grades will all follow success. He got so much more technology concepts effectively in has a unified curriculum,” she network to protect children. the same format. In the future, a attention and encouragement non-technical terms.” explains. “What we want to do is Everything on the network is parent portal will allow parents there.” Cioffi holds her BS degree to help schools use technology in there for educational purposes.” to follow homework assignments As she emphasized from the from Georgetown University and the classroom.” In addition, the schools ask par- and other class activities. outset, academics, encouragement her MA from Fairfield University The best way to explain how ents to sign a permission slip allow- “This is a process,” she empha- and technology all have the same with a major in computers in edu- this works, she says, is to com- ing their children to use the Internet. sizes. “It will come in phases.” aim: “It’s all about the kids.” n

Celina intended to major in politics, but her advisor suggested a macroeconomics course, and she soon found herself drawn to other classes in the Busch School of Business and Economics. “I liked solving economics problems,” she says. Her professors were challenging, but supportive. “They were really engaging and cared more about us understanding the concepts than giving us a grade.” Catholic University empowers students to be global citizens, working to improve the conditions of the world around us by creating opportunities for others.

We invite you to attend our open house. A Catholic Mind for Register at discover.catholic.edu BUSINESS 32 October 2017 Sacred Heart University Larry Kudlow opens SHU Business Leaders Series FAIRFIELD—Larry Kudlow, ed and hosted by Katie Burke, decades. He previously hosted Reagan Revolution: A Secret History CNBC’s senior contributor senior strategist and chief of staff CNBC’s primetime The Kudlow of American Prosperity, which and host of the nationally syn- at Edelman Financial Services Report, and his current nationally describes how President John F. dicated radio program “The and a member of the SHU syndicated radio show broadcasts Kennedy pioneered supply-side Larry Kudlow Show,” will be Board of Trustees. Co-sponsored each Saturday from 10 am-1 pm economics. Kudlow and co-au- the inaugural guest at Sacred by WSHU, the Distinguished on WABC. He also writes a week- thor Brian Domitrovic argue that Larry Kudlow Heart University’s Distinguished Business Leaders Series begins on ly syndicated column. elements of this fiscal theory—the Business Leaders Series. He will Monday, October 16, at 6 pm in Kudlow was associate free-market principles of limited been an executive-in-residence also be available to sign copies of SHU’s Martire Forum. The pub- director for economics and government, low tax rates and and professor of communications his latest book. lic is invited. planning in the Federal Office a strong dollar—would solve at SHU. The series will feature leaders Kudlow, CEO of Kudlow and of Management and Budget the long economic stagnation of In the political arena, Burke in a variety of sectors who have Company, LLC, is a prominent during Ronald Reagan’s first the early 21st century. Forbes was communications direc- made a significant impact on the free-market, supply-side economist presidential administration. He Magazine calls the book a “fas- tor for former New York City business community. It is present- with a storied career spanning four also co-authored JFK and the cinating account of the internal Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s presi- battles within John F. Kennedy’s dential campaign and Arnold administration over cutting taxes Schwarzenegger’s gubernato- and keeping the dollar linked to rial re-election campaign in gold.” California. She was director of Burke is one of the country’s television news in the Bush White leading political and corporate House and senior spokeswoman GRADUATE communications strategists, with and director of broadcast media nearly 20 years of experience at for the Republican National INFORMATION the highest levels of government Committee during the 2004 elec- and business. tion cycle. Her career began in SESSION “I’m excited to bring this Connecticut as a staff member series to Sacred Heart,” Burke for former U.S. Rep. Christopher NOV. 1 said. “There is much to learn Shays. from the most proven leaders in “Our Distinguished Business our organizations and communi- Leaders Series is inaugurated ties, and I am particularly excited with the belief that leadership Explore Your Future to begin with renowned econo- skills can be learned. We are mist Larry Kudlow.” grateful for the opportunity to — Arts & Before rejoining Edelman this engage with these distinguished year, Burke was CEO of Katie leaders. I thank Katie Burke for Sciences Burke Communications. She also hosting this important series,” — Business served as executive vice president said SHU President John J. of marketing and communica- Petillo. — Education & tions at Nielsen, a global infor- (For more information, contact Counseling mation, data and measurement Tracy Deer-Mirek deer-mirekt@ company. In addition, she has sacredheart.edu or 203.371.7751.) n — Engineering Interfaith Experience from page 29 His enthusiasm about school Because these children have so reminded me of how lucky I few material items, there is noth- am to receive an education at ing to distract them from finding Immaculate,” said AJ. out who they are in the world. “And then there was Gilbert, The trip as a whole helped me find a four year-old boy at the orphan- my place in the world as well.” age with a rare physical condition This was not AJ’s first trip that led his mother to believe he out of the country; he travelled was a demon and abandon him. with the Diocese of Bridgeport to His story made my time playing Poland to celebrate World Youth with him much more meaning- Day 2016. ful,” AJ reminisced, noting that Immaculate High School it also made him appreciate his stresses the importance of com- place in the world more. munity service and requires each “Despite their struggles, all student to perform at least 25 three of these students were bless- hours a year. At the end of the ed with knowing their cultural and 2016-17 school year, IHS students personal identities. In the U.S., had performed nearly 25,000 sometimes we are distracted from hours of community service, our identities because of social most of it in the communities media or other responsibilities. of Fairfield County. n 33 October 2017 Catholic Higher Education Sacred Heart and Fairfield earn top rankings Sacred Heart University admissions deans nominate 10 staff and students in the learning Sacred Heart University was colleges they think are making environment we create here on ranked one of the most innova- the most innovative improve- campus, as well as the amazing tive universities as well as one of ments in terms of curriculum, achievements of our alumni,” the best universities in the North, faculty, students, campus life, said Mark Nemec, PhD, presi- according to U.S. News & World technology or facilities. U.S. dent of Fairfield University. Report’s newly released guide- News said the ranking is based on “As Fairfield continues to rise book, Best Colleges 2018. the responses to the question. as the modern Jesuit institution, “As one of the fastest grow- “Being considered one of the we do so with the confidence ing Catholic universities in the most innovative universities is a that a Fairfield education leads nation, we are pleased to be result of our mission and careful to globally and civically minded recognized by U.S. News & World strategic planning,” Petillo said. from U.S. News and World Report, Maryland. individuals who produce strong Report, Princeton Review and many Sacred Heart has earned recog- 2018 Best Colleges ranking. Several programs also made outcomes after graduation.” others for the educational excel- nition as well from the Princeton The university is also the only the regional and national lists. The rankings are the latest in a lence we provide,” said SHU Review, which recently ranked master’s degree granting institu- Fairfield’s Dolan School of string of accolades for the univer- President John J. Petillo. the university one of the nation’s tion in Connecticut within the Business is on the national list once sity. The New York Times placed Besides being named one of best institutions for undergrad- Northern Region category to again for “Best Undergraduate Fairfield University among the top the best universities in the North, uate education and included make the Top 10. Business Programs.” schools in the country that help to SHU also was one of four schools SHU in its “Best 382 Colleges” Schools included in the The undergraduate teaching sustain “the American Dream.” in the North to be recognized guidebook. It also placed SHU ranking “provide a full range program is ranked third in the The Princeton Review named as an innovative school. For the on its lists for “Best College of undergraduate majors and Northern Region, based on fac- Fairfield among the top 15 percent past three years, U.S. News asks Theater” and “Most Engaged in master’s programs.” The schools ulty who have a strong commit- of all schools in the country, and academics participating in its peer Community Service,” each of are ranked against their peer ment to undergraduate teaching. Fairfield was included in the rank- assessment survey to name insti- which comprises only 20 schools groups by region—Fairfield is “The rankings that Fairfield ing of schools considered to have tutions they think are the most from around the country. in the Northern Region, which continues to achieve are a reflec- the “Best Quality of Life” and innovative for its Most Innovative Fairfield University includes schools from Maine to tion of the quality of our faculty, “Happiest Students.” n Schools listing. Fairfield University has been According to U.S. News, col- named third in the Northern lege presidents, provosts and Region in the annual ranking 34 October 2017 Knights of Columbus Museum Museum highlights the centenary of World War I

By JOSEPH PRONECHEN who brought the sacraments to Knights of Columbus workers soldiers and sailors. known as secretaries ran the huts. In 1917 war was still raging in Over 116,000 American men They were men unqualified for Europe. The United States had died in the war, including 1,600 military service because of age remained out of it, but on April Knights. The very first and last or physical limitation, but they 6, President Woodrow Wilson officers to die in the war were wanted to serve in the war effort. declared war on Germany, marking both Knights—the last a chaplain. They wore Army-like uniforms America’s entry into World War I. This show presents a quick, with a big badge that had “KC” During this 100th anniversary broad overview of America’s on a red background. Their but- year, the Knights of Columbus involvement beginning 100 years tons flashed the “KC” symbol. Museum in New Haven opened ago, in which over 17 million mili- Quickly they got to be nicknamed a new show titled “World War I: tary and civilians died in what was “Casey.” Visitors get to see a full Beyond the Front Lines.” It pres- billed as the “war to end all wars.” KC uniform on display. ents a look at what soldiers of the The first gallery has an altar The Hut gallery has many American Expeditionary Forces stone from the 13th-centu- examples of the items the Caseys (AEF) faced in warfare and living ry Cathedral Notre-Dame-de gave for free to all servicemen conditions, plus how the Knights Rheims, bombed during the war. boy, visitors can “participate” by simile 40-pound sack is still is a requesting them. There are post- worked on both the front lines Here, too, visitors get an idea of trying on the heavy metal helmets struggle for many to lift. cards, handkerchiefs, razors, and behind them in many surpris- what a typical American “dough- and soldiers’ uniform tunics. And This exhibit offers plenty of matchboxes—but not the “origi- ing and heroic ways. boy” looked like in his basic full they can be challenged trying to artifacts, from the familiar hel- nal” candy and gum given by the Besides being enlistees in the uniform, from hat to knee breech- lift a facsimile soldier’s haversack. mets, different uniforms and gas ton, literally. When men couldn’t military, the Knights provided es and puttees—a strip of cloth Filled with personal effects, field masks, to unusual equipment like get to the huts and the Caseys, the comfort of much-needed wound around the legs for protec- gear and weapons, the dough- the trench periscope (visitors can the Caseys went to them, even to recreation centers and through a tion and support. boy’s stuffed haversack weighed try one in the trench warfare gal- the front lines. large corps of military chaplains To get a feel of being a dough- up to 100 pounds, but this fac- lery) and trench binoculars. This gallery, set up as a typical The exhibit also features fasci- hut, identifies how the flexible nating objects, especially the shell stage would be used for frequent art. During their free time sol- Masses. There is a table acting as diers would take things like spent a portable altar. On it is a Mass artillery shells and fashion them kit with chalice, cruet, small into something religious or artis- missal and stand. It belonged tic—often both. Two items are a to Father Charles Conaty who crucifix made of several cartridge served with the 28 Division cases and a holy water font, also in France. He received the formed from bullet cartridges. Distinguished Service Cross. Not to forget the folks back Other times, the stage would home, another gallery has a be used for music and theatrical collection of posters meant to performances, plus boxing match- prompt those in the United States es, which were very popular. to support the boys in the military Every hut had player piano so with messages such as “See Him that the men could get together Through—Help Us to Help the and sing their favorite tunes. Boys.” Some relate directly to the But, most importantly, the Knights and the amazing work stages were used for Mass and they did in Europe. Their work is Confession. brought to light in other galleries. Just before entering the hut, To begin, the United Service visitors see a display on Father Organizations (USO) was based John DeValles, among the first on what the Knights thought up five Knights of Columbus chap- and practiced with their “huts.” lains to reach France. He often The story unfolds in the “K of helped rescue wounded soldiers C Hut” display. Everyone need- in “No Man’s Land” in addition ed rest and recreation from the to bringing the sacraments to all. unrelenting intensity of the war. His helmet, tunic, neck cross, Besides, with well over one- and dress cap help visitors think third of military being Catholic, of the many chaplains bringing they needed access to Mass and sacraments and comfort during a the sacraments. The Knights of horrific war. Columbus immediately recog- (World War I: Beyond the nized these needs and began a Front Lines will be on display at the program of recreation centers Knights of Columbus Museum, that were known as “huts.” 1 State Street, New Haven, through Their motto was, “Everybody December 30 2018. The museum is Welcome; Everything Free.” open daily 10 am-5 pm. Free admis- A serviceman’s race or religion sion; free parking. For more informa- didn’t matter. The only require- tion, visit www.kofcmuseum.org or ment was a uniform. call 203.865.0400.) n 35 October 2017 Sports Lack of size no problem for Mellozzi, Harrison

By DON HARRISON “He’s got terrific hands and focus rushing performance in a 38-15 “Doug didn’t make any all- entire season. But I’d place him on the ball,” Della Vecchia says. upset of previously undefeated star teams, probably because he among the best in our confer- Two of the state’s most “If I were a college coach, I’d be Shelton underscored his prowess. lacked the body of work for the ence,” says Hellstern. n respected high school football looking at him.” Villanova, Albany players this season share a bond and Massachusetts have shown or two: Both are comparatively considerable interest thus far. small for the positions they play, Harrison, a 5-foot-8, 200- and both attend Catholic schools pound junior running back, in the Diocese of Bridgeport. followed up on his noteworthy Introducing Jared Mellozzi of St. sophomore season by rushing Joseph in Trumbull and Doug for 211 yards and with a pair of Harrison of Fairfield Prep. touchdowns in the Jesuits’ sea-

FAIRFIELD PREP’S Doug Harrison offsets his 5-foot-8, 200-pound frame with power and deceptive speed.

Mellozzi, a senior, stands just son-opening 29-12 verdict over 5-foot-10, but he’s an exceptional Notre Dame of West Haven. wide receiver who set pass-catch- The following Friday night ing records (101 receptions, 1,522 against Amity Regional, he was

portsmouth abbey school

ST. JOE’S Jared Mellozzi has made the difficult catch seemingly routine. New England’s yards, 20 TDs) as a junior and en route to his sixth straight 100- was voted to the New Haven yard game across two seasons coeducational Catholic Register and Coaches’ Class-M when he tore up his left knee. boarding & day school All-State first teams. Prep prevailed, 7-3, but Harrison for students in grades 9-12, How does one top that? Well, will miss the remainder of the in the Cadets’ 2017 season open- season and require surgery. just seven miles north of er against reigning Class-L state “It was a freak accident…on Newport, Rhode Island champion New Canaan, Mellozzi a broken play. He was trying to snared a pass—between two make a block,” laments Jesuits’ defenders—from junior quarterback Coach Keith Hellstern. “Doug’s a Please plan to attend David Summers and turned it into good kid. He is very powerful and for our Open House a 43-yard touchdown. That score, deceptively fast. We have a great on Saturday, October 28 coming with some four minutes left orthopedic group here, and he’ll to play, transformed a narrow loss come back next year like new.” from 8:30 - noon into a resounding 38-35 victory. Harrison, who commutes to “As far as the regular season,” Prep from his Branford home via To register, declares St. Joe’s Coach Joe two Metro-North trains and a call 401-643-1248 Della Vecchia, “that probably school bus, burst onto the scene Knowledge & Grace ranks among our top five wins.” midway through his sophomore www.portsmouthabbey.org Mellozzi, a Shelton resident, year. On November 4, a remark- gets high marks from his coach. able five-touchdown, 334-yard