Inside this issue 12 Father Michael Boccaccio is first Senior Active Priest 14-15 Special Report on school changes Sacred Heart University and the Diocese of Bridgeport present: Archbishop Christophe Pierre is a THE VISION OF French-born Roman Catholic. He Foundations in Education Save the Date has been an archbishop since 1995 POPE FRANCIS and was recently appointed by Pope Thursday, May 11, 2017 6pm FOR THE CHURCH IN THE 21ST CENTURY Francis as his representative to the United States. Previously, he served Annual Gala’s Proceeds Support Scholarships Featuring special guest speaker Archbishop Christophe Pierre, as ambassador to Mexico and Haiti. Honorees: Papal Nuncio to the United States George Landegger I Sr. Joan Magnetti, RSCJ I Tony Pavia Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m. Woodway Country Club, Darien, Connecticut Chapel of the Holy Spirit Sponsorships available — Contact Foundations in Education [email protected] or call 203.416.1405 Reception to follow 2 February 2017 Ministry Formation Workshop ‘Re-imagining’ formation in the diocese BY BRIAN D. WALLACE day as part of the “Formation parish or school ministry. Topics Re-imagined” theme of the included praying with young peo- More than 177 catechists, Leadership Institute. ple, reaching out to those on the youth ministers and others With a mix of online talks, live margins, engaging technology and turned out for the first Ministry presenters and multiple speakers, modern day prophets. Formation Day sponsored by the program set the template for In the evaluation form, partic- the new Diocesan Leadership new programs provided by the ipants used words like “riveting, Institute, and the program won institute. inspiring, informative, and engag- rave reviews from participants. The day was designed for those ing” to describe the day’s talks “Prophets of a Future Not who serve in youth ministry, reli- and workshops. Our Own” was the theme of the gious education, liturgy and any “As the first face-to-face for- mation following the institute’s official launch, I think the faith formation team hit a home run. The day was well received by attendees and we were able to introduce participants to a new the truth and better include youth were particularly moved by the way of learning,” said Patrick in my ministry,” said Father presentation of Sister Maureen Donovan, director. Luke Suarez, chaplain at Notre Sullivan, O.P., a Dominican Donovan said that by keeping Dame High School. “I have Sister of Hope from New York, the presentations brief and includ- worked in situations of crisis and who spoke of the prophetic role ing a chance to dialogue with believe the advice of speakers of the Church. the speakers, “those present got very insightful—something I can “I loved hearing from a a taste of what is in store as the use in my ministry.” woman. It touched me as a institute takes shape.” Jacques Cayer said Father woman of faith. We are tools of Two of the nine presentations Sam Kachuba’s reflection on God and prophets by baptism. were offered via pre-recorded “Praying with Youth” was chal- God will teach me what to say. video and one was live-streamed lenging and full of useful infor- The talk on prophetic families from New Orleans. mation. reminded me of what I am called “It proved that a great forma- Susan Socci said the talks to be. It also encouraged me to tion day need not involve great on youth gave her “insight into be an authentic witness to the expense. Using presenters from the need to constantly lead and young,” said Amy St. Onge. within the diocese, which we did model prayer in young people.” Jeannie Bisson agreed. “Sister for three presentations, allowed In the future, she would love to Maureen was so encouraging us to showcase the hometown see other topics explored, includ- to all of the laity who serve in experts we have here in Fairfield ing ministry to widows and wid- Church ministries. Thank God County,” Donovan said. owers and a workshop on how for her vision,” she said. Rose Talbot-Babey, director grandparents can evangelize. Sue Stone appreciated that of Family Formation, said it was Janet DiStassio said the work- many of the talks were anchored “a terrific day with high energy, shops gave her many good ideas in scripture and had a great great presentations. I felt all those on how to reach children and “understanding of the Church who attended left wanting more. “teach them about the impor- being formed.” She also appre- It was a great way to showcase tance of a relationship with Jesus ciated the “beautiful integration the format of the institute and through prayer.” of our Spanish community” and what students can expect moving “I enjoyed meeting others and the overall message of engaging forward.” discussing what their parishes are others. She said she would like to Those in attendance said the doing. The day challenged us on see future workshops that explore day was a revelation and very how to engage others in the com- Catholic Social Teaching.” useful. “It was helpful, interac- munity,” said Tom Cullen, who (To learn more about the tive, and lively in giving guidance asked for additional workshops Diocesan Leadership Institute or to and tips,” said Lap Nguyen. on adult formation. register for future programs, visit “The day inspired me to speak Many of the women present www.formationreimagined.org.) n ON THE COVER | CONTENTS SAYING “YES” TO LIFE— 8 DIOCESAN FINANCIAL STATEMENT 16 TURBIDY’S VIDEO OF THE PASSION Students from Immaculate High School A commitment to transparency Touches the heart Inside this issue in Danbury were among the hundreds of young people throughout the diocese 9 VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR 17 SISTERS OF THE COMPANY OF THE SAVIOR 12 Father Michael Boccaccio is first Senior Active Priest who joined the March for Life this Celebration at Cathedral Parish Search for Fairfield County school location year in Washington D.C. Above the Fold: Bishop Caggiano Special Report ADVICE FROM A NEWLYWED 19 MSGR. SANDERS 44TH ANNIVERSARY on school changes 11 14-15 introduces children from St. Theresa Columnist Anna Bisaro From Duke Ellington to ordination Archbishop Christophe Pierre is a French-born Roman Catholic. He has been an archbishop since 1995 and was recently appointed by Pope Francis as his representative to the School in Trumbull who sang Sacred Heart UniversityTHE and VISIONthe Diocese OF of Bridgeport present: United States. Previously, he served as ambassador to Mexico and Haiti. POPE FRANCIS FOR THE CHURCH IN THE 21ST CENTURY Featuring specialPapal guest Nuncio speaker to theArchbishop United States Christophe Pierre, at the recent launch of AN INNOVATION LAB Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m. WHEN THE TIME IS RIPE Chapel of the Holy Spirit 13 24 Foundations in Education Save the Date Reception to follow Thursday, May 11, 2017 6pm I Tony Pavia Annual Gala’s ProceedsHonorees: Support Scholarships I Sr. Joan Magnetti, RSCJ Foundations in Education. At Trinity Catholic Middle School Columnist Thomas Hicks George Landegger Woodway Country Club, Darien, Connecticut [email protected] available — Contact or call Foundations 203.416.1405 in Education 3 February 2017 Latest News ‘State of the Diocese’ address BY BRIAN D. WALLACE powerfully at work in the char- reverse these trends.” ities and other initiatives of the A recently completed survey The Diocese of Bridgeport is diocese,” the bishop said. “I am by the Catechetical Task Force moving into an era where “Synod confident our challenges will be found that 45 percent of parishes BISHOP CAGGIANO at Sacred Heart University TV studio in the new initiatives are coming to fruition,” resolved if we work together on reported a decreased enrollment Martire Communications Center, where he recorded his “State of the Diocese” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in our way to renewal.” for religious education, while 25 address. his State of the Diocese address The bishop organized his percent noted an increase. for the year 2016. report into major topics: spiritual The bishop began his talk by This year’s address was record- life of the diocese; synod update, focusing on the spiritual renew- ities such as the Diocesan Fisher now numbers nine sem- ed at the Sacred Heart University pastoral life, works of charity and al in the diocese, which took Youth Choir, Convivio, the inarians discerning a vocation, video production studios in justice, finance and real estate, shape in many ways, including SHU “Journey,” Catholic and an additional nine seminari- the new Martire Business and and communications. the “Centers of Mercy” and the Underground and CONNected ans studying in major seminaries. Communications Center and is In the 34-minute video pre- consecration of the diocese to Catholics, he said. Steps to support diocesan available on the diocesan website. sentation through the use of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which “Unlocking social media” priests include the initiation of “This is a time when many PowerPoint slides and graphs, the drew more than 1,500 people to through the use of platforms such workshops for newly appointed blessings continue to flow out bishop provided overall informa- St. Augustine Cathedral. It was as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram pastors, a retreat for the newly of the synod,” said the bishop, tion on census, finances, new ini- also streamed live to more than and YouTube has been instru- ordained, a healing and support referring to the launch of the tiatives and ongoing challenges. 1,700 viewers. mental in communicating with team for priests dealing with addic- Diocesan Leadership Institute, He reported census figures Likewise, he said he was young people. More than 9,100 tion issues, and a new Spiritual the ongoing parish strategic plan- of 108,000 registered families encouraged by the outreach to people “like” the bishop on Direction program offered through ning process and the formation representing 303,000 individuals.