The Bridge is posted on Tuesdays and updated during the week as necessary. Please visit this page regularly.

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For any additions or corrections to The Bridge, please e-mail jmcaleer@diobpt.org. These must be received by 4pm on the Monday before the Tuesday edition.

Last Edition: June 23, 2009


Updated Thursday, July 2, 2009

Office of the BishopClergy PersonnelDevelopmentVocations
Pastoral ServicesSafe EnvironmentsCatholic 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.

New:
Catholic Center will be closed on Friday

The Catholic Center will be closed this Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

New:
Save the Date: Annual End-of-Summer Gathering for Priests, Deacons, Wives of Deacons, and Seminarians, August 27

The traditional End-of-Summer Gathering for all Diocesan Priests, Deacons, Their Wives, and Seminarians will be held at Testo's Restaurant in Bridgeport on Thursday, August 27. Social hour begins at 4:30 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Please save the date: more details to follow.


Clergy Personnel

Contact: Msgr. Kevin Royal, Episcopal Vicar

New:
Apostolate of Prayer for Priests this summer
Download the schedules in Adobe PDF for July 2009 and August 2009.

Reminder:
Save the Date: Priesthood Convocation, October 11-13, 2010

As a reminder for Priests of the Diocese, the Fall 2010 Convocation for Priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, October 11, 12 and 13, 2010, at the Viking Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island.  As in the past, priests may arrive Sunday afternoon or evening, October 10.  Please circle the dates on your calendar and begin to plan for the coverage of Masses and any other duties of priests during that time. Also, please pray that the Convocation will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the essence of the priestly vocation, to share faith and experiences in a relaxed atmosphere, and to deepen fraternity with brother priests.

Reminder:
"Year for Priests" is under way
The U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations has set up a Web site to mark the Year for Priests, to be celebrated from now until June 19, 2010, throughout the world. Pope Benedict XVI has designated the year-long celebration to begin on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day of prayer for the sanctification of all priests. The pope also has designated Saint John Vianney as the Universal Patron of All Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s death. The saint, who also is known as the Curé of Ars, is the patron of parish priests. The Year for Priests Website can be found at  http://www.usccb.org/yearforpriests/index.shtml.

Reminder:
Seminars, Retreats, and Courses

  • Hispanic Priests: The National Association of Hispanic Priests is holding their annual convention in Chicago, IL, September 28-October 1, at the Wyndham O’Hare Airport and Resort. The theme is Our Identity in Christ.  Keynote speakers are Bishop Gerald R. Barnes, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, and Rev. Daniel G. Groody, C.S.C., Director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Those interested in attending should visit the association’s website, www.ansh.org, for more information.

  • For Priests: “Year of the Priest” Trip to Ars, France: The Archdiocese of Boston is offering a trip for their priests to Ars, France, for a special international Priest’s Retreat Program from September 27 to October 3. The departure date is September 26. There are spaces available of this unique spiritual opportunity and the priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport have been invited to join the group. An additional visit to Paris is available. For more information, download the flyer/registration forms or contact directly Melissa Garrett at World Cultural Tours: mgarrett@worldculturaltours.com or (877) 218-8687, ext. 107

  • Travelers or those expecting to tour NYC with out of town guests: Leo House is a guest house in Manhattan run by the Sisters of St. Agnes of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The rooms are affordable, ranging from  $100 for singles to family rooms (4-6 in a room) for $190. The location is 332 West 23th St., NY, NY 10011 (Chelsea). To take advantage of the savings, reservations are made months in advance. For more information, call 212-929-1010 or click here.

  • Perhaps at this time priests and deacons are arranging for annual retreats or personal days of prayer and reflection. The Office of Clergy have assembled a list of some area retreat houses and spirituality centers with pertinent contact information, including websites if available. We hope the compilation, available for download, is helpful.
 

Development

Contact: Mr. Jeff Machi, Executive Director

Thank You
A

New:
The 2009 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop’s Appeal concludes today!
The 2009 Annual Bishop’s Appeal has reached $11.6 million from 28,175 donors. 

If your parish conducted an In-Pew Sunday this past weekend, please contact the Development Office this afternoon.  We need to receive those donations before the close of the campaign today to include your parish totals.

In order for your parish to be listed in the Fairfield County Catholic as over goal, we will either need donor pledges equal to your parish total or a check with the shortfall amount from the parish (received by June 30th) at the Development Office. 

If necessary, a member of the Development Office will be glad to pick-up In-Pew results and/or shortfall check from your parish today.

Thank you again. 

CURRENT RESULTS of all parishes: Click here.

Vocations

Contact: Father Peter Lynch, Director

SIGNS OF A VOCATION:
You can accept failure. You display stability in lifestyle,
i.e., consistency as a student or employee.

New:
Calendar of Prayers for Seminarians and Vocations

Please continue to pray for Vocations throughout the summer months.  To download the schedule in Adobe PDF, click here or visit www.HearTheCall.org and click on the "Men's Calendar" link.

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. Peter Lynch to promote vocations in your parish. If you have any questions, please contact Father Lynch: 416-1513 or e-mail vocations@HearTheCall.org.


Pastoral Services

Contact: Sr. Alejandra Keen, Director

New:
Please promote the Pastoral Plan in your bulletin
Please promote the Pastoral Plan in your parish bulletin this weekend. Thank you.

Bulletin Announcement: July 4-5, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings this week focus on the priestly ministry. The priest represents Christ and his ministerial priesthood in our midst. In the second reading we hear the words from St. Paul to the Corinthians: “I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.” St. Paul is inviting his converts to see in him Christ whom he represents. This is God’s word to us: that we should do the same wherever people preach the word of God.

On June 19, Pope Benedict inaugurated this coming year as a year dedicated to the Year of the Priest which coincides with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney. Our Holy Father noted how St. John Vianney, patron of priests and model for this jubilee year, was identified with his priestly ministry. Pope Benedict has said the priest does not proclaim words, but the “Word,” and the proclamation coincides with the very person of Christ.

Reminder:
Save the Date: National Natural Family Planning Awareness Week, July 19-25
National NFP Awareness Week will be celebrated July 19-25 under the theme, Marriage and Natural Family Planning . . . a Divine Design. The dates of the Natural Family Planning Week highlight the anniversary of the Papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. Also we will celebrate  the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne on July 26, the parents of the Blessed Mother.

In order to help promote NFP Awareness week in your Parishes, resources including posters, prayers, and articles can be downloaded from the National NFP Awareness Week webpage: click here. For your Parish use, you will receive in the mail two NFP posters (shown above) and copies of several of the online resources (for bulletin reproduction) and prayer cards in English and Spanish.

Our Diocesan NFP Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, at 7:30 pm at Saint Joseph Parish in Shelton, with Father Ian Jeremiah as celebrant.

 For more information, please contact Betty Anne Casaretti, Director of Family Life Ministry: bcasaretti@diobpt.org or call (203) 416-1442.

Reminder:
New Resource from the Family Life Ministry
Each month, Family Life Ministry will offer a Marriage and Family Life E-Newsletter that will provide helpful resources and articles related to Marriage and Family Life Enrichment. Please feel free to share this resource with the families on your parish e-mail lists. For further information contact Betty Anne Casaretti, Director of Family Life Ministry, bcasaretti@diobpt.org, 416-1442.

To view the June 2009 E-newsletter: click here

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 Fr. Pavia at 924-8611 or Sr. Nancy at 416-1383 if you would like more information.

Reminder:
Catholic Scouting webpage now online
For news, information, forms, and schedules related to Catholic Scouting in the Diocese of Bridgeport, click here.


Safe Environments

Contact: Ms. Erin Neil, Director

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


Catholic Charities

Contact: Mr. Al Barber, President/COO

New:
Please promote Thomas Merton Center, New Covenant House, Morning Glory needs

Please publish these announcements in your parish bulletin as often as possible. Thank you.

Bulletin Announcements:
THOMAS MERTON CENTER in Bridgeport is in need of vegetable oil and pasta sauce. For more information and to make a donation, please contact Mark Grasso: 203-367-9036.

NEW COVENANT HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY in Stamford seeks a volunteer to assist Spanish speaking individuals in learning important skills for employment. This would include completing job applications, resumes, communicating with prospective employers, and interview skills for securing employment. Volunteers must complete an application and attend an orientation. There is one mandatory training for all new volunteers. For more information, call Brian Jenkins, director: (203) 964-8228.

MORNING GLORY in Danbury seeks volunteers to assist in preparing and serving breakfast to the disadvantaged, Monday-Friday; 6:30-9 a.m., at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House. For more information, call Michele Conderino: 748-0848, ext. 231.

New:
Office of Community Outreach's 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. May He bless you and your kin with health and prosperity, that in these you will greater be able to help those less fortunate. I beg your prayerful, volunteer and financial support of these projects In the service of Christ and His Church. I would like to thank all the pastors who have so graciously printed these notices in their parish’s bulletins. The response has been great.

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

  • Connecticut Bike Project: The Connecticut Bike Project is a program that collects and distributes donated bicycles in good working condition to financially challenged children and adults who need them. Besides offering them to children for recreation the aim of the endeavor is to provide needed transportation to work and for running errands to the economically disadvantaged; individuals with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from driving, ex-offenders re-entering the workforce and other folks who can’t afford a vehicle or are without licenses to drive. Imagine for a moment how difficult it would be without a car or license. Most ex-offenders re-entering the community from prison wait months before they can obtain a drivers license. During this time they must get to meetings and appointments which are required or necessary to reestablish their lives and secure employment. Even getting to the bus routes from certain areas requires some assisted transportation.

    Consider hosting a Bike-Drive at your parish! Please spread the word that bicycles are in need for this project. Contact Mr. Brooks Sumberg (pictured below) to schedule a drive in your parish or through your club or organization. He will be there for the event and take the bikes the same day as the drive. All you need to do is publicize the drive in your bulletins or newsletters. Maybe you can make it a project for your Parish youth group or Confirmation class.

    All bikes can be dropped off at 96 Hillspoint Road in Westport (please leave them at the house end of the driveway) or you can contact the project founder, Brooks Sumberg, by e-mail: bsumberg@earthlink.net.  

    If you know of a child or adult in need of a bike, you may contact The Urban Center at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport which has graciously houses the project and serves as the distribution center. The Director of The Urban Center is Roberto, and he can be reached at 203-993-1027. The Center is located at 1279 East Main St.


  • Help needed! There is a woman in her 70’s of unfathomable generosity who goes to downtown Bridgeport every other weekend and feeds anyone who is in need. Her name is Ann Marie. She serves over 100 hot meals (usually three courses) almost singled-handed. She freely distributes everything from bay clothes to canned soup. Besides cooking all the food herself at her home, she purchases it with her own funds! I should also mention that her charity occurs no matter what the weather or the temperature; out on the street, in the open air, rain or shine, snow or clear, on the simple folding tables she brings with her. When everything has been given out Ann Marie even canvasses the sidewalks to pick up stray napkins and cups so no trash is left behind. She then loads up her professional sized pots and pans to back home to wash and get ready to do all over again.

    If you are interested in joining me to help Ann Marie every other Sunday or even occasionally, please give me a call. If you can drop items from the Immediate Need List (below), please contact her at: Ann Marie Tarinelli, 18 Country Lane, Trumbull, CT (203) 268-5553.

    • IMMEDIATE NEED LIST:
      Peanut butter
      Canned soup
      Canned vegetables
      Cereal
      "Take-away" food containers
      Paper cups
      Lemonade
      Iced tea
      Large plastic folding tables
      Large beverage thermoses with spicket
      Large commercial baking pans
      Microwave popcorn
      Toothbrushes
      Toothpaste
      Band-aids
      Bars of soap
      Shampoo
      Men’s socks
      Men’s clothes
      Oatmeal
      Antibacterial ointment (Neosporin)
      Rubber gloves

  • 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., Bridgeport, or e-mail the Catholic Charities Community Outreach office at: frseraphim@ccfc-ct.org.

Reminder:
Resource Guide for Expecting & Parenting Families
Family Directions, a program of Catholic Charities, has prepared a useful new guide with hyperlinks to online resources: click here.

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:

  • Director, Youth Ministry, Office for Pastoral Services, Diocese of Bridgeport
  • Custodian, Catholic Center, Bridgeport
  • Executive Director of Advancement, Saint Joseph High School, Trumbull
  • Positions Open, Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport

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