Last Edition: March 2nd, 2010


Updated Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Printer Friendly Version of The Bridge

The next edition will be posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010.

Office of the Bishop • Clergy Personnel • Development • Vocations
Pastoral Services •Safe Environments • Catholic Charities
Human Resources

Office of the Bishop

Contact: Father Joseph Marcello, Bishop's Priest Secretary

Reminder: visit the Resources page often for updates to the
Diocesan Calendar of Events, Confirmation Schedules, and Guidelines: click here.

Lenten Confession Campaign
The Diocesan Lenten Confession Campaign is underway! The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in every Catholic Church in Fairfield County during Lent from 7pm to 9pm. To order your FREE materials of posters, prayer cards (English and Spanish), and Guides to Confession (English and Spanish) contact Martha Dombroski at (203) 416-1440 or mdombroski@diobpt.org. We are counting on the prayers of the faithful for reconciliation.

White Mass for Catholic Health Care Workers
The White Mass for Catholic health care workers will be celebrated by Bishop William E. Lori on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 8:30 am at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport. Click here for invitation.

The Mass honors physicians, nurses, dentists, and all health care workers in Fairfield County. Breakfast and lecture will follow at the Fairfield Country Club, Fairfield. Guest speaker will be Bishop Jean Laffitte, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Vatican City.

At the Mass and breakfast, the diocese will be honoring five individuals, one from each Vicariate, with the Annual Father Rufin Compassionate Care Award. For more information, and for reservations and tickets to the breakfast, call Donna Schmidt: 203-416-1457, or e-mail dschmidt@diobpt.org.

For Bishop Lori’s letter, click here, and the Father Rufin Compassionate Care Award nomination form, click here.

Reminder:
Important new resources on Marriage and Family Planning
During the 2009 Fall General Assembly , the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a pastoral letter on marriage and a document on reproductive technologies.

"Marriage: Life and Love in the Divine Plan"  is the foundational document of the U.S. Bishops' pastoral initiative on marriage. The intent of this pastoral letter is both theological and doctrinal. It is a resource to help and encourage all those who are moving toward marriage,  who are journeying in married life and who are accompanying and assisting those who are called to the vocation of marriage.

The document on reproductive technologies, "Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology," addresses Catholic teaching on a range of infertility treatments looking at morally problematic procedures including in vitro fertilization, embryo adoption, sperm and egg donation and surrogacy and recommended therapeutic means that help a couple conceive through sexual intercourse rather than replacing the act itself. 

The Bishops of the United States offer this reflection to provide HOPE — a real hope that couples can accept children lovingly from God and build a family while fully respecting God’s design for their marriage and for the gift of children.

Clergy Personnel

Contact: Msgr. Kevin Royal, Episcopal Vicar

Friday, March 26, Day of Fasting and Prayer for Priests Materials:
Click Here for the Prayer Service PDF.

Click Here for the Prayer Service word document.

Click Here for the Rosary for the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Priests word document.

Bulletin Announcement
Cirimex, Center for international Resources, Inc. offers various programs for individuals and parish communities in language and culture study. For those wanting total immersion, Cirimex offers study in Guadalajara, Mexico.

One new program is a day-long workshop on site, designed to help recently bilingual parishes create a faith community from divergent religious cultures.

Please see their website www.cirimex.com for details.

Year for Priests Clergy Events – Spring 2010

• Friday, March 26, Diocesan Day of Prayer and Fasting for Priests
• Wednesday, May 19, Mass for parents and families of priests, 7:00 p.m., (location TBA)
  

Sons of St Stephen – Spring 2010

• Wednesday, April 21, Conversation with Bishop Lori, 5-9:30 p.m. (inc. supper), at the Catholic Center, Bridgeport. RSVP by April 14 to Sr. Nancy Strillacci, ASCJ, srstrillacci@diobpt.org, phone 203-416-1511, fax 203-372-9835, Deacons are strongly urged to attend.
  

Announcements for Priests

For Priests:
The Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, NY has made its 2010 schedule available. Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR and Fr. Gene Fulton are staff directors. Please see their website for retreat dates, topics and speakers.

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/trinityretreat/

Priests and Deacons:
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated by Bishop William E. Lori on Wednesday, March 31 at 10 am at Saint Augustine Cathedral. There will be a luncheon at 12 noon at Testo’s, Madison Ave., Bridgeport. At the recommendation of the Presbyteral Council the following Jubilarians will be honored: Priests ordained 10, 25, 40, 50, 65 years and Deacons ordained 10 and 25 years.

Please RSVP to Sr. Nancy Strillacci 203-416-1511 or email srstrillacci@diobpt.org by March 19.

Language Study for Priests:
The Legionaries of Christ and the Sacerdos Institute will offer the 8th Annual Curso de Hispanidad, a 7-week Spanish-language immersion course for priests and seminarians, June 15 to July 31, 2010. This course takes place in Mexico City.

For more information see the attached application form. Contact Rev. Alex Yeung LC 404-245-1739 for details.

Please contact Sr. Nancy Strillacci, in the Office of Clergy Personnel, 203-416-1511 or srstrillacci@diobpt.org if you intend to take the course.

Please Save the Dates:

Priests' Convocation
Viking Hotel, Newport, RI
October 10 - 13, 2010

The Priests' Convocation Committee is pleased to announce the featured presenters:

• Rev. Gerald O'Collins, S.J. (Theology of Priesthood)
  
• Rev. George Aschenbrenner, S.J. (Diocesan Priestly Spirituality)
  
• Rev. J. Ronald Knott (Priestly Fraternity)
  

We all hope and pray that this will be a graced time of renewal in which we deepen our appreciation of our priestly vocation and celebrate the past, present and future with our brothers in the Lord. Please God it will be an opportunity to be strengthened for ministry in an environment of prayer, discussion and relaxation. Please make your calendar arrangements with this event as a priority. A packet regarding the details of the Convocation will be mailed in early spring.

Reminder:
Closing of the "Year for Priests" in Rome
The Office of the General Secretary of the USCCB has made available information relating to the International Meeting for Priests to be held on June 9-11, 2010, in Rome. The theme is "Fidelity of Christ, Fidelity of the Priest." This three day event will include opportunities for prayer and conferences at the Basilicas of St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major, a vigil at St. Peter’s Square and a concluding Mass, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI presiding, at the Basilica of St. Peter. Translation provision and Rome tour options are available. For more information about the fee and registration process, click here.

Reminder:
Please pray for those recovering from illness...
Please keep the following priests and deacons in your prayers as they battle/recover from illness:

• Msgr. Robert McCormack
• Deacon Jim Volpe
• Rev. Peter DeMarco
• Barbara Linsenmeyer

Reminder:
Apostolate of Prayer for Priests
Download the schedule in Adobe PDF for March 2010.

Vocations

Contact: Father Robert M. Kinnally, Director

“Each one of us has some kind of vocation. We are all called by God to share in his life and in his Kingdom. Each one of us is called to a special place in the Kingdom. If we find that place we will be happy. If we do not find it, we can never be completely happy. For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will. To be what God wants us to be.”
(Thomas Merton)

World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Sunday April 25, 2010, Good Shepherd Sunday, is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We invite all parishioners to pray that men and women respond generously to God’s call to the priesthood, the diaconate and consecrated life.

“May this World Day once again offer many young people a precious opportunity to reflect on their own vocation and to be faithful to it in simplicity, trust and complete openness." - Pope Benedict XVI, Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

ATTENTION Young Men in High School: Discernment Group Celebrates “Year for Priests”
The Office of Vocations is pleased to announce the dates for the 2010 High School Discernment Group for Young Men. We will mark the Year for Priests by featuring different priests of our diocese talking about their own vocation and ministry. Meetings will be held at St. John Fisher Seminary Residence in Stamford beginning at 5:30pm and concluding by 8pm. (Evening Prayer, Dinner, Meeting). All high school boys are welcome. RSVP by contacting the Office of Vocations at 203-416-1513 or vocations@hearthecall.org.

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010 (with special guests the Men who will be ordained to the Priesthood on June 5)

March 2010 Day Of Prayer
To download the Day of Prayer for Woman PDF, please click here.

Calendar of Prayer for Seminarians and Vocations
Remember to pray for our Seminarians and Vocations. To download the schedule in Microsoft Word, click here or visit www.HearTheCall.org and click on the "Men's Calendar" link.

Reminder:
Please include the following announcement in your parish bulletins and pulpit announcements:

Discernment Events for College and Young Adult Men
Please mark these dates on your calendar for upcoming discernment events for College and Young Adult Men. More information will follow in the Bridge and on the Vocations website, www.HearTheCall.org.

For more information please contact the Office of Vocations at 203-416-1513 or vocations@HearTheCall.org. 

Priests, please share this information with the young men of your parishes.

Reminder:
Please promote College Visits
Please publish this announcement in your parish bulletin as often as possible. More details can be found on www.HearTheCall.org. Thank you.

Bulletin Announcement:
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR & SENIOR BOYS: Consider adding St. John Fisher Seminary to your list of college visits. It seems to be such a mystery what life is like in a house of discernment. We are offering the opportunity to live the schedule and life of the house for 24 hours. For more information and to schedule your visit, please contact Father RobertKinnally at 203-416-1513 or e-mail vocations@HearTheCall.org.

Reminder:
Manual of Prayers for the Family and Youth available for purchase; only $1 each
A great resource for couples preparing for marriage or the Baptism of a child; youth preparing to receive First Eucharist or Confirmation, or anyone!  Click here to download an order form in Microsoft Word or contact the Office of Vocations at 203-416-1513. 

Reminder:
Establish a Vocation Liaison Committee in your parish
The response to this initiative has been exceptionally positive! We invite you to join them by choosing a lay volunteer to contact and meet with Fr. Robert Kinnally to promote vocations in your parish. If you have any questions, please contact Father Kinnally: 416-1513 or e-mail vocations@HearTheCall.org.

Pastoral Services

Contact: Mr. Damien O'Connor, Director of Pastoral Services

Please promote the Pastoral Plan in your bulletin
Please promote the Pastoral Plan in your parish bulletin each weekend.

Lenten Confession Campaign 2010 Bulletin Announcements
(Two weeks before Lent and six weeks of Lent)

March 14, 2010
4th Sunday in Lent
Lent invites us to be aware of how alienated and sinful humankind can be, but return is always possible through Christ our Lord. Looking to Christ means looking with faith and repentance. Our Holy Father has said, "The grace of the sacrament may support and nourish the commitment to be faithful disciples of the Lord." The theme for the Lenten Confession Campaign comes from today's second reading: "be reconciled to God." Whether you are the "prodigal son" or the "righteous son" of today's Gospel, we all need reconciliation. No matter with which one you identify yourself, return to the Father who is merciful! Whether you have not received the Sacrament in 4 months or 25 years, come, "be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20). Like the Prodigal Son, we can come back to our Father's house and echo the words of the happy father at the return of his son, "For my son was lost and is now found" (Luke 15:24). Confession is available Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at every parish in our Diocese.

To read future announcements click here.

Anuncio del Boletín para la Campaña de Confesión durante la Cuaresma 2010

14 de Marzo de 2010
cuarto domingo de Cuaresma
La Cuaresma nos invita a estar atentos a como el pecado aliena a la humanidad, sin embargo la reconciliación es siempre posible a través del Señor Jesús. Mirar a Cristo, significa mirar con fe y arrepentimiento. Nuestro Santo Padre ha dicho que “la gracia del sacramento nos sostiene y alimenta en nuestro compromiso de ser fieles discípulos del Señor”. El tema de la Campaña Cuaresmal de Confesión proviene de la segunda lectura de hoy “déjense reconciliar con Dios”. Aunque seas el “Hijo Pródigo” o el “Hijo correcto” del Evangelio de hoy, todos nosotros necesitamos ser reconciliados. No importa con cual de ambos te identifiques, regresa al Padre que es todo misericordia. Aunque no hayas recibido el Sacramento en 4 meses o 25 años, ven y “déjate reconciliar con Dios” (2Cor. 5,20). Como el Hijo Pródigo, podemos regresar a la casa del Padre y escuchar las palabras de un padre que se alegra por el regreso de su hijo, “Porque éste hijo mío estaba perdido y ha sido encontrado” (Lc 15,24). La confesión esta disponible todos los jueves en cada parroquia de 7 p.m. a 9 p.m.

Para los futuros eventos haga click aqui.

Adult Confirmation
Are you a practicing Catholic over the age of 18 who has not received the Sacrament of Confirmation?  On Pentecost Sunday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m., the Diocesan celebration of Confirmation for Adults will be celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport.  Diocesan refresher classes to prepare you for the Sacrament of Confirmation are offered on seven dates from April 8 to May 18, from 7-9 p.m. at Saint Luke Parish in Westport.  The cost for the entire program is $50.  The Adult Confirmation schedule may be found byclicking hereand information forms may be obtained by clicking here.  If you require further information, please contact Gina Donnarummo at the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Services at (203) 416-1446 or e-mail gdonnarummo@diobpt.org.  These classes are also offered as refresher courses to anyone in the diocese as well.

Announcement:
Youth Ministry

 


When:  March 12th, 4:30pm – 9:00pm
             March 13th, 9:00am – 9:00pm
             March 14th, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Sacred Heart University

Who: High School Students

What: Convivio is a High School Congress that seeks to reach young people who are searching for answers to the questions: what is the meaning of life, and how can I change the world? Bishop Lori will join us for the Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 12th, at 5:00pm, and will also celebrate the Sunday mass at 2:00pm in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Sacred Heart University.

Cost: $35 which includes the Congress workbook and materials, dinner on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

FAQs
Are there buses going back and forth to Sacred Heart University? Yes. Buses will pick-up and drop-off students each day of Convivio from Trinity High School in Stamford and Immaculate High School in Danbury (pick up at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown). There is no extra charge. The teens will receive the bus departure times with their entrance ticket (which will be mailed to them upon receipt of their registration form).

If a teen cannot go for the whole weekend, can they still attend? Yes. I recommend that they come on Friday so that they receive all the materials (including the schedule) so they can plan when to be there. However, I highly suggest they go as much as possible because there is a theme being developed throughout the weekend. It will make more sense for them to go all weekend. They won’t regret it.

For more information: www.convivio.org/ct

Reminder:
Volunteers and Prayer Team Members needed!
The Office for Pastoral Services is looking for individuals who are interested in volunteering for a group called St. Gabriel’s Helpers.  Individuals in this group would be available to the Office for Pastoral Services [at the Catholic Center] to help with mailings, assist as ushers for Diocesan events, or make phone calls as needed from the office.  If you are interested in helping in this much needed ministry, please contact Lou Pante at lpante@aol.com or (203) 743-3949.

You are also invited to join The Rose of Mary Prayer Team.  The prayer team’s objective is to satiate the thirst of Christ by supporting the Office of Pastoral Services through prayer and sacrifice.  We ask  for a daily commitment of prayer for the intentions of each of the Ministries, the office staff, and the people we serve.  More information is available below. If you are interested in joining The Rose of Mary Prayer Team, please contact June Vendetti: j.vendetti@sbcglobal.net.

Download the Rose of Mary Prayer Team information

Reminder:
Ministry to Deaf Parishioners Available
Deaf Parishioners in your parish can be ministered to by Father Nicholas Pavia and Sr. Nancy O’Neill. They are available for home and hospital visits, interpret at Mass, and offer religious education.  Father Pavia is also available for Confession.  Please contact Father Pavia at 924-8611 or Sr. Nancy at 416-1383 if you would like more information.

Family Life Ministry

Reminder:
"Marriage & Family Life" E-Newsletters posted online
The March 2010 edition of the Marriage & Family Life E-Newsletter, LENT "A NEW YEAR - a family of families and people," is posted now, along with back issues: click here.

New NFP (Natural Family Planning) Class starts in February:

CCL’s Sympto-thermal Method:

Classes beginning at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown on February 26th , March 26th and April 23rd from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at 38 Church Hill Rd. in the upper room. It takes all three classes to learn this method (www.ccli.org). For more information or to register, please contact the Keoglers at 203-270-9544 or a.keogler@att.net .

SPRING WEDDING JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION

IMPORTANT:  Spring Wedding Jubilee Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2010, at Saint Theresa Church, Trumbull.  The Celebration of Mass with Bishop Lori will commence at 3:00 p.m.  All Pastors will be receiving a Jubilee Anniversary Information packet, which will include the details of the Mass, the requirements and procedure for a couple to participate and the Parish Registration form.  For further information, please contact Betty Anne Casaretti, Director of Family Life Ministry at (203) 416-1442 or bcasaretti@diobpt.org.

To view the Jubilee Registration Form, Click Here.

PLEASE PUBLISH THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE
WEEKEND OF March 6-7 THROUGH April 10-11, 2010

Diocesan Celebration of Marriage Anniversaries
Bishop William Edward Lori, S.T.D., will celebrate a Mass, in which the commemoration of significant marriage anniversaries will occur, at Saint Theresa Church, Trumbull, on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at 3:00 P.M.  Bishop Lori will be the homilist and will administer both the renewal of marriage vows and the presentation of commemorative certificates.

Couples who have or will be celebrating (during the months of January-June) one of the following wedding anniversaries---15TH, 20TH, 25TH, 30TH, 35TH, 40TH, 45TH, 50TH AND 50 PLUS YEARS---are invited to participate with family and friends.  Interested couples should register with one’s own parish office as soon as possible.  The deadline for registration is Monday, April 12, 2010.

Safe Environments

Contact: Ms. Erin Neil, Director

Reminder:
VIRTUS Protecting God's Children schedule updated
To download an updated list of dates, places, and times for training in Microsoft Word,
Click Here .

Development Office

Contact: Jeff Machi, Director of Development 203-416-1473

Pulpit/Bulletin Announcement for March 13 & 14

There are presently 92 active deacons and 15 men in formation for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Bridgeport.  Deacon Tim Bolton, from St. James Parish, was ordained three years ago through the Permanent Diaconate Program.  Funding from the Annual Bishop’s Appeal helped Deacon Tim complete the program for which he is very grateful.  Here are some of his thoughts.

“The desire of my heart is to strive to integrate my faith and Diaconate into every aspect of my life; my marriage with four children, my work in two family businesses, my parish community, and beyond.  Untold opportunities emerge for a Deacon when ministry happens beyond the walls of our Church, finding its way into people’s homes and the surrounding community.  One of the greatest joys of being a deacon is to help make the Church real for people so they can touch and feel it impact their daily lives.  When people participate at this level they begin to see their faith as much more than just going to church once a week, and are empowered to be Church where they live.”

“Seeing the Gospel come to life is contagious. Whether this occurs in the workplace by developing relationships with employees, proclaiming the Word of God at Mass, or facilitating help for a young family in need in the parish, when Christ manifests Himself to individuals it makes a lasting impression on the community and builds His Body.”

“Formation for Diaconate of four and a half years helped awaken the desire within, gave me the tools, and taught me that real formation never ends.  It taught me to be faithful in handing on the Word of God so that it may grow in the hearts of His people.”

This is the work of the Church and the Permanent Deacon in humble service to our Lord’s Church in building the Body of Christ.  Thank you for your gifts to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

Prayer of the Faithful:
We thank You for raising up men who answer God’s call to serve in the Permanent Diaconate and we thank our parish community for responding generously to needs of the Church in providing for programs and ministries that inspire and help us grow in our faith.  For this we pray to the Lord:

Returned Mail from Recent Pastors Mailing
If the Parish receives any returned mail from the recent February Pastors mailing due to address changes, please correct your records and send the entire envelope to the Development Office, Attention: Karen Gallagher.

March Living Our Faith Newsletter
Each parish will be sent a box of the March issue of the Living Our Faith, Annual Bishop’s Appeal newsletter, during the next week. Please place them in an appropriate area in the church for parishioners and visitors. Thank you.

Appeal Public Announcement

GENERAL APPEAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS, click here.

In-Pew Weekends

April 24 and 25
May 22 and 23
June 12 and 13

The Development Office will be contacting each parish office to secure speaker dates during the 2010 Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

2010 Annual Bishop’s Appeal
The materials for the 2010 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop's Appeal were delivered to every Parish including the Pastors Handbook, which is also available on-line below.   Appeal letters were mailed to all parishioners in January. The Development Office is in the process of arranging speakers.  Please contact Pam Rittman, at 416-1479 if you have a special request for a speaker or weekend. 

 Annual Bishop’s Appeal Materials
* 2010 Appeal Parish Handbook - The handbook contains information about the Appeal - timeline, speaking points for a parish reception, how to conduct a successful In-Pew Weekend, etc.

* ABA Posters - Six posters to display in prominent places around the church, parish hall/center, or other appropriate places.

* Appeal Brochures - Please place in appropriate areas.

* Parish Labels

* Parish Worksheets

* In-Pew Envelopes

2010 Annual Bishop's Appeal: Pastors Handbook
The 2010 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop’s Appeal is underway.  Please click on the link below to review the Pastors Handbook, a guide to help Pastors, Staff and Volunteers run a successful campaign and exceed parish goal.  The handbook contains the timeline, speaking points for a parish reception, how to conduct a successful In-Pew Weekend, and other vital information.  Importantly, bulletin/pulpit announcements are available to read at Mass or place in the bulletin every week of the campaign.  Please contact Pam Rittman at 203-416-1479 with any questions or if you need additional information.  Thank you for your support of the 2010 Annual Bishop’s Appeal.
Pastors Handbook

Education

Contact: Dr. Margaret Dames, Superintendent of Schools

EDUCATING THE ENERGETIC
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS WORKSHOP

St. Rose of Lima School
46 Church Hill Rd.
Newtown, CT
Tuesday April 6, 2010
From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Strategies on how to address behaviors that interfere with your religious education program

Presented by: Dr. Marita Repole
Dr. Repole is a school psychologist for the Danbury School System and has conducted various in-service
trainings and teacher consultations.
She also worked as a clinical coordinator in New York to support academic functioning,
school-hospital communication and crisis intervention.

Please R.S.V.P. to Michelle Grieco:
By March 31st at
(203) 416-1502 or mgrieco@diobpt.org
Sponsored by The Ministry for People with Disabilities
Diocese of Bridgeport

Reminder:
EPS Notice
EPS: Educating Catholics to Understand, Live and Share their Faith since 1978.
See http://eps.trinitydc.edu

Reminder:
Articles in Support of Catholic Education
Please read the fourth of 13 articles written by the Catholic Bishops of New England in support of Education. This one is written by Bishop Richard Malone of Portland, ME.

"Strengthening the Heartbeat of our Catholic Schools"

Catholic Charities

Contact: Mr. Al Barber, President

Champagne Brunch
Catholic Charities will be holding a champagne brunch  on April 11, 2010 at 11AM at Plain Jane’s Restaurant, 208 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT.  Come support Morning Glory as it continues to supply meals to the hungry and homeless of Greater Danbury.  
The fundraising event is $25 a person. Tickets include a brunch buffet and a mimosa or bloody mary.

For tickets, contact: Michele Conderino(203) 733-3185 or mail a check to Michele Conderino, Catholic Charities, 24 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT 06801 with the names of those attending and tickets will be sent to you.  Tickets not sold at the door.

Announcement:
Catholic Charities will host a seminar titled Understanding Infant Adoption on Thursday April 1, 9 am to 4 pm at the Catholic Center, 238 Jewett Avenue in Bridgeport. Click here to view press release and additional details.

Local Response to the National TPS Offered to Haitian Immigrants
Catholic Charities Immigration Program is organizing a local response to the national TPS offered to Haitian immigrants that began on January 15. We expect a goodly number of Haitian immigrants who will look to apply for Temporary Protected Status due to the earthquake in Port-au-Prince. Presently, we need volunteers who speak both Creole, French and English—and would be willing and able to offer time to translate and help clients fill out the TPS forms, which are not difficult. If you have computer skills that is a plus!

We need volunteers who would have three (3) consecutive hours each for one half-day of work per week. For more information or to sign up to offer yourself, please call Sister Nancy Charlesworth at 203-416-1313. Or, you can write to us at Catholic Charities Immigration Services, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606. THANKS!

Please promote NCH Fundraiser; Thomas Merton Center, Morning Glory needs
Please publish these announcements in your parish bulletin as often as possible. Thank you.

Bulletin Announcements:
THOMAS MERTON CENTER in Bridgeport needs pasta sauce and breakfast cereals for their guests. To help, please drop off or call Mark Grasso: 203-367-9036.

MORNING GLORY in Danbury is in need of cereal and pancake mix. For more information and to make a donation, please contact Michele Conderino: 203-748-0848, ext. 231.

Reminder:
Office of Community Outreach News and Needs
Every good deed we do puts a proximate face on Christ to those we help. We are ambassadors for Christ and for His Church.

Now more than ever, the practical assistance offered by the Diocese through Catholic Charities is imperative. Please consider the great work offered and accomplished through the many programs operated by Catholic Charities. Pray daily for all our dedicated staff. Become a real partner in these philanthropic efforts through your financial support.

Anyone interested in helping expand our outreach can contact Father Seraphim Rohlman, Director of Community Outreach, at (203) 416-1331 or via e-mail at frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org.

• V.I.T.A. Tax Assistance: Volunteers desperately needed! This year, Catholic Charities is partnering with Casey Family Services, who has many years experience, to host our V.I.T.A. site for the 2009 tax year and needs volunteers to help for a few hours a week from February to April 2010. The site will be at our offices in the Catholic Center in Bridgeport : Mon. Wed. & Thurs. 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. V.I.T.A. volunteers prepare basic federal and state income tax returns free-of-charge for individuals with low and limited income, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking and elderly taxpayers. Last tax season, volunteers provided free assistance in Connecticut to over 35,000 taxpayers at 180 conveniently located sites. In 2007 19,474 returns were filed at V.I.T.A sites. Over $20 million in total refunds were distributed through the V.I.T.A sites. $8.9 million in "Earned Income Tax Credit" dollars were distributed to families who might have missed this filing on their own! V.I.T.A. volunteers are asked to offer at least 3 hours each week from February 1st to April 15th. If you feel you can more or even less time at least contact us about the possibilities. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED - all training provided.
  
  To volunteer for this year’s program or for more info contact: Roxanne Reyes-Velez, M.S., Community Liaison, Casey Family Services, 789 Reservoir Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606. (203) 372-3722 ext. 5705; (203) 372-3558 (Fax); rvelez@caseyfamilyservices.org. Roxanne will also fill you in on the dates of our own in house orientation and training that will augment the upcoming IRS training at Fairfield University in December and January (like last year). You may also contact Father Seraphim at the Catholic Charities Community Outreach office at (203) 581.4978 or e-mail frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org if you have any questions.
  
  
• Computer needed for housing program: A housing program residence run by Catholic Charities is seeking a computer with Internet capabilities for the residents to access job sites and compose and print resumes and utilize email for communication and scheduling interviews. If you are able to donate either a desktop or laptop, please contact frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org. THANK YOU to all those who have generously answered our request!
  
  
• Saint Charles Urban Center: The Urban Center at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport has been helping people in need for many many years. Especially in these current economic times they can desperately use donations of food, clothes, furniture in good condition and, well, anything a family who is struggling needs. Please consider them in your prayers and in the grocery line. You can reach the Director, Roberto at 203-993-1027. The Center is located at 1279 East Main St., Bridgeport.
  
  
• Bibles for Prison Outreach: The Prison Outreach ministry is in desperate need of Bibles for the prison. Anyone able to either donate copies of Catholic Bibles or make contributions toward bulk purchase please deliver them to the Catholic Center at 238 Jewett Ave. or email the Catholic Charities Community Outreach office at: frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org. THANK YOU to all those who have generously answered our request!
  
  
• Catholic Gospel Choir Leader desperately needed! There is a need for an able choir leader to help organize and lead a Gospel Choir group. Previous experience as a leader is a plus but not absolutely necessary. This is a volunteer position but there is the possibility of a small stipend. If you are able to help, please contact frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org.

Ministry For Religious

Contact: Monsignor Ernest T. Esposito
Episcopal Vicar for Religious

Human Resources

Contact: Mrs. Louise Stewart-Spagnuolo, Director

Reminder:
Positions Available
An updated list of positions available is posted on the Diocesan website: click here.

Current listings include:

• Program Support Worker, New Covenant House, Stamford
  
• Director of Alumni Relations/Special Events, St Joseph High School, Trumbull
• Director of Enrollment, St. Mary School, Bethel
• Music Director/Music Teacher, Diocese of Bridgeport, Northern Fairfield County
• Manager, Behavioral Health and Related Programs, Catholic Charities

F.Y.I.

Reminder:
START A PARISH NURSE PROGRAM
Over 500 registered nurses are participating in Parish Nurse Programs in Connecticut. This program is open to all parishes and offers monthly blood pressure screening which also serves as an opportunity to detect health problems to members of your congregation before a serious problem develops. Please call Sr Mary Jean Tague, Parish Nurse Program, St Vincent Medical Center, Bridgeport, 203-576-5716 for further information.