BRIDGEPORT,
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - As 2005 draws to a close,
the Diocese of Bridgeport presents a "Year in Review," looking
back at the many accomplishments over the past 12 months.
It was a year
of achievement and enrichment, a time when the bonds between clergy
and laity were strengthened, and the Church in Fairfield County
advanced its mission of evangelization, values, and excellence
- a mission of outreach to the needy, education of the young and
not-so-young, and fearless proclamation of the Good News.
It was also
a year of reflection and transition in the Church Universal, as
Catholics worldwide mourned the passing of Pope John Paul II and
welcomed the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
Here is a
month-by-month survey of some of the highlights of 2005, with
links for further reading.
All photos
by John R. Glover
January
2005
Connecticut
Catholic Bishops lead petition drive to ban death penalty
The
Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, including Bishop William
E. Lori, invited Catholics throughout the state to take a stand
against the death penalty by signing a petition, which
was presented to Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut State
Assembly.
During every
Mass in every parish in Connecticut on
January 15 and 16, more than 36,000 Catholics statewide signed
the petition.
For
more of the story, click
here.
Tsunami
Disaster Relief campaign nets $800,000
One
month after the December 26, 2004, tsunami disaster in
Asia, the Diocese of Bridgeport announced on January 26 that
an appeal to Catholics across Fairfield County raised more than
$800,000. The
funds were sent to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which
quickly responded by providing food, shelter and medical support
to the thousands left homeless, especially in the hardest-hit
areas in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand.
"The
Catholic faithful in Fairfield County have responded with extraordinary
generosity and compassion for our sisters and brothers in need,
halfway across the world," says Bishop William E. Lori. "Their
actions magnificently represent the Gospel message in action."
For
more of the story, click
here.
February
2005
Thomas
Merton Center in Bridgeport marks 30th anniversary
The
Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport, the first diocesan soup
kitchen and the largest in the state, marked its 30th anniversary
this month of the founding of this unique ministry of hospitality.
Located in
the former Saint Joseph German Church at 43 Madison Avenue, the
Merton Center, sponsored by Catholic Charities, has been
described by many as a sanctuary for the poor and a place of compassion
that brings people of all faiths and stations in life together.
Though it serves people ravaged by poverty and social illness,
Merton House is perceived as a place of beauty and a grace note
in a county that manages to have the richest suburbs and poorest
cities in the nation.
To
learn more about the Thomas Merton Center, click
here.
March
2005
Norm
R. Walker appointed new Chief Financial Officer
Bishop
William E. Lori announced on March 3 the appointment of
Norm R. Walker of New Canaan as the new Chief Financial
Officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Walker, 61,
is a retired partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the global accounting
and tax advisory firm. Over 37 years with the firm, he served
as risk management partner, audit and business advisor, and client
engagement partner for businesses, law firms, and not-for-profit
organizations around the world.
"Norman Walker
brings tremendous qualifications and a real depth of experience
to the diocese, combined with a proven ability to work well with
a wide variety of people," says Bishop Lori. "I am delighted to
welcome him to my senior team."
For
more of the story, click
here.
Bishop
Lori urges Catholics not to let tragic death of Terri Schiavo
be in vain
Following the tragic death
of Terri Schiavo on March 31, Bishop Lori voiced
the sadness and outrage of Catholics across Fairfield County and
throughout the U.S.
"This
is a sad day for our country, and for all those who struggle to
protect life," he said. "Terri
was denied food and water, which is morally obligatory so long
as it is useful to the patient. This was not extraordinary medical
treatment or means, but basic nourishment that is everyone's fundamental
right. Terri's human rights were violated.
"As
we
move forward," Bishop Lori concluded, "we must not forget
Terri, nor allow her death to be in vain. I call upon every Catholic
to advocate more forcefully on behalf of the vulnerable and helpless
in our society to ensure that their basic human rights are protected."
For
more of the story, click
here.
April
2005
Connecticut
Catholics mourn the passing of Pope John Paul II
On
the passing of Pope John Paul II on April 2, Bishop Lori
said, "I know I speak for the entire family of faith in Fairfield
County in expressing a great sense of loss and sorrow over the
passing of Pope John Paul II. The entire world has lost a great
spiritual leader, a magnificent teacher of the faith, an advocate
for peace and justice, and a tireless defender of life at all
stages."
With the death
of the Holy Father, the Universal Church began the novendiali,
nine days of mourning. In the Diocese
of Bridgeport, several prayerful observances were held.
For
more of the story, click
here.
Connecticut
Catholics welcome the election of Pope Benedict XVI
On
behalf of the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport,
Bishop Lori welcomed the election of the new Holy Father, Pope
Benedict XVI, on April 19.
"We joyfully
greet the news of the election of His Holiness, Pope Benedict
XVI, as the new shepherd of the Church Universal," Bishop
Lori said. "We can
expect continuity with Pope John Paul II, and yet Pope Benedict
XVI will bring to the papacy his own gracious personality, a vital
intellect, and a deep love for Our Lord and His Church."
For
more of the story, click
here.
Catholic
Concerns Day makes voices of faithful heard loud and clear in
Hartford
Catholic
Concerns Day, April 20, the annual pilgrimage to Hartford
of the faithful from all parts of the state, including Fairfield
County, could not have come at a more important time, said Bishop
Lori.
"Seemingly
every day we read in the newspapers or hear on television about
some new piece of proposed legislation which threatens everything
we as Catholics hold most sacred," he said. "From the destruction
of human embryos and the decriminalization of assisted suicide,
to the establishment of civil unions, the very fabric of our society
and the sanctity of human life are imperiled. We all must make
a strong show of solidarity, and make our voices heard."
For
more of the story, click
here.
May
2005
Two
men ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport
On
May 21, Bishop
Lori ordained two new priests at Mass in Saint Augustine
Cathedral.
"Fathers
Shawn Cutler and Robert Kinnally are two very qualified
young men with broad educational and work experiences," said Father
Chris Walsh, former vocations director for the diocese. "They
are a gift to the Diocese of Bridgeport and, I am sure, will both
be outstanding priests."
For
more of the story, click
here.
Bishop
Lori elected Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus
The Board of Directors
of the Knights of Columbus elected Bishop Lori as the new
supreme chaplain of the Order. Bishop Lori succeeds the retiring
Bishop Thomas V. Daily, who has served as supreme chaplain since
1987, and who will become chaplain emeritus.
The
Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882 in New Haven by Father Michael
McGivney, is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal organization,
with more than 1.6 million members. There are 32 Councils and
6,500 Knights of Columbus in Fairfield County.
For
more information on the Knights of Columbus, click
here.
June
2005
New
Community Mausoleum dedicated to Saint Monica opens in Trumbull
Catholic Cemetery
On
June 1, Bishop Lori blessed and dedicated Saint Monica
Mausoleum, a new community mausoleum, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
in Trumbull.
The indoor/outdoor
complex has 1,056 crypt spaces and 120 niches for cremation remains.
For
more of the story, click
here.
Bridgeport
Catholic Elementary Schools hold Open House, Scholarship Raffle
Following
a successful Open House Expo on June 12, Bridgeport's six
Catholic elementary schools held a scholarship raffle on June
21, offering 20 students the chance to attend one of the schools
in the "Cathedral Education Cluster."
"We
know that many parents would want to enroll their children in
our schools, but may not be aware that financial aid is available,"
said Dr. Margaret Dames, superintendent of schools. "For years,
children of all faiths have flourished in our Catholic schools.
We want to offer a warm invitation to parents to enroll their
child in one of our outstanding Catholic schools in the city of
Bridgeport."
For
more of the story, click
here.
"Catholic
Charities Homes" to rise in Bridgeport
In
a bold move to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing,
Catholic Charities announced on June 24 plans to build
"Catholic Charities Homes," 34 supportive housing
units in the Hollow section of Bridgeport. The units will be built
on and near the Thomas Merton Center campus. The plan also
calls for a project with Habitat for Humanity on nearby Catherine
Street, and 16 units in East Bridgeport.
"Providing
affordable housing is one of the most urgent needs in the region,"
said Al Barber, President/COO of Catholic Charities. "We
believe that Catholic Charities is uniquely positioned to have
an impact on the issue and reach out to the working poor. We have
credibility in the housing arena, property control, and experience
working with the homeless population."
For
more of the story, click
here.
July
2005
Vocations
Program welcomes new leadership
The
vocations program of the Diocese of Bridgeport and the Saint John
Fisher Seminary Residence in Stamford welcomed new leadership
this month.
Joining Father
Kevin Royal, rector of the Fisher Residence, are two priests
who bring to their new positions a considerable amount of pastoral
experience and a commitment to nurturing vocations.
Father
Peter J. Lynch succeeds Father Chris Walsh as vocations director.
Succeeding Father Tom Powers as spiritual director, both at the
Fisher Residence and at Trinity Catholic High School next door,
is Father Nicholas A. Cirillo.
For
more information on the vocations program of the Diocese of Bridgeport,
click
here.
Summer
Discussion Series challenges young adults to talk about "God,
You, & Sex"
The
second annual "God, You, & Sex" summer discussion series
was held on Thursdays in July and August at Saint Mary
Parish in Norwalk.
"This year's
discussion series was a great success," says Betty Anne Casaretti,
director of young adult ministry for the Diocese of Bridgeport.
"Many said that the talks truly challenged their lives and faith.
We knew that we would offer young adults another opportunity to
discuss issues of faith, God, and relationships with our own diocesan
priests and religious in a casual setting."
For
more of the story, click
here.
August
2005
With
$10.6 million in donations, Annual Bishop's Appeal sets all-time
giving record
Taking
to heart the theme, "Sharing God's Gifts," Catholics across
Fairfield County responded with record generosity to the single
most important fundraiser of the Diocese of Bridgeport, donating
$10.6 million to the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal, the largest
amount in history. This
is $2.4 million more than was raised by last year's Appeal.
The
Appeal result, announced on August 24, which exceeded its
goal of $10 million by 4 percent, funds the many programs and
ministries of the Catholic Church in Fairfield County, including
Catholic schools,
religious education
programs, new vocations
to the priesthood, ministries
to Hispanics, Haitians, and other ethnic groups; chaplains
in hospitals and nursing homes; the Safe
Environments program, and Catholic
Charities.
September
2005
Pledging
to "Keep Faith," Bishop Lori outlines plan for future
of Catholic health care facilities
Bishop
Lori announced on September 7 that the Diocese of Bridgeport
will continue its commitment to health care for the elderly by
seeking a new and stronger health care provider to support and
enhance its three facilities in Trumbull, Danbury, and Stamford.
"Our
reputation for compassionate health care is excellent," said
Bishop Lori. "Now it is time for us to explore opportunities
with other quality health care providers with significant financial
resources who share our vision and will maintain and expand this
ministry."
The Diocese
operates three nursing homes: St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull
(founded in 1960), Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care
in Danbury (1984), and St. Camillus Health Center in Stamford
(1988).
For
more of the story, click
here.
The
Eucharist is "the source of unity and holiness," Bishop
Lori reminds faithful in a Pastoral Letter
On
September 30, Bishop Lori published a new Pastoral Letter
making the close of the Year of the Eucharist, called by Pope
John Paul II in October 2004.
"As this
special year draws to a close, I invite you to reflect with me
on the Eucharist as the source of unity and holiness," Bishop
Lori writes. "Christ gave us the Eucharist to unite us with
Himself and with one another. The Lord gave us the Eucharist so
that, as individuals and as a community of faith, we would share
the splendor of His holiness. As the sign and cause of our unity,
the Eucharist builds up the Church and enables her to participate
in and reflect the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. The Eucharist sustains each of us in our journey through
life and enables us to grow in likeness to Christ."
In the Diocese
of Bridgeport, the year was observed through a renewed interest
in Eucharistic Adoration, with special; "Vocations Holy Hours"
arranged to prayer especially for an increase in vocations to
the priesthood and the religious life.
To
read Bishop Lori's Pastoral Letter, click
here.
October
2005
Connecticut
Catholic Bishops Condemn new State Civil Union Law
On
behalf of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, the Connecticut
Catholic Conference issued a statement on October 1 condemning
the new state statute allowing persons of the same-sex to enter
into a civil union.
"The
Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut ask Roman Catholics across
the State to recognize this day for what it is: an assault on
the sacrament and institution of marriage and the family,"
the statement read. "This legislation is an attempt to redesign
our society outside of, and in direct contradiction to, the wisdom
of our Creator."
For
more of the story, click
here.
Convocation
an Enriching Experience for Diocesan Priests and Bishop Lori
"Blessed,
Broken, and Given: The Life of Every Priest" was the theme of
the second Diocesan Priests' Convocation, held October
9-12.
The gathering
offered diocesan priests an even greater opportunity to join together
in solidarity and explore their vocation of service to God's people.
More than
190 priests participated.
For
more of the story, click
here.
Catholics
donate more than $1 million to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina
Bishop Lori
accepted a check on October 2 from Catholic Charities for
more than $1 million, representing the total amount donated by
Catholics throughout Fairfield County to help the victims of Hurricane
Katrina.
$1,040,000
has been donated, an all-time record for a special collection
in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The monies were sent in directly
to Catholic Charities, or were given by parishioners during
a collection undertaken in all 87 parishes in the diocese.
November
2005
Independent
Audit finds Diocese in compliance with Safe Environment efforts,
for third year in a row
For the third year in a row, the Diocese of Bridgeport
announced on November 17 that it has been found to be in
full compliance with the requirements of the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People, with programs in
place that are increasing awareness and nurturing Safe Environments
in all 87 parishes, 39 Catholic schools, and many other diocesan
ministries in every community throughout Fairfield County.
"While we
have the utmost confidence in our Safe Environment Program and
our compliance with the Charter, it is important to remain
accountable to the public and gain an independent seal of approval,"
said Bishop Lori. "I am delighted by the good news of our latest
audit. It is a testimony to the hard work and dedicated service
of our diocesan team, headed by Erin Neil, and our partners at
the local level, including our priests, deacons, religious, lay
employees, volunteers, and contractors."
For
more of the story, click
here.
Fairfield
County Catholic, the official newspaper of the Diocese of
Bridgeport, expands to a biweekly
After
22 years of publication as a monthly newspaper, the Fairfield
County Catholic took a bold leap forward on November 19
with publication of its new, biweekly edition.
Fairfield
County Catholic has a mandate which is rare among U.S. dioceses.
It is sent to every registered Catholic household in Fairfield
County, free of charge. For the vast majority, it is the only
source of Catholic news and information. As such, Fairfield
County Catholic has an opportunity - and responsibility -
to deliver the Good News, now in a more timely fashion.
To
read a sampling of current Fairfield
County Catholic articles,
click here.
Catholic
School Advisory Boards bring together laity and clergy in new
governance model
In
October 2004, Bishop William Lori issued a "call to service" for
a renewed commitment to Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The response has already yielded significant progress in introducing
a new governance model, the School Advisory Board (SAB),
into the 33 Catholic elementary schools that educate more than
12,000 children in Fairfield County.
The concept
gives parents and laypeople a voice in the operation of their
Catholic schools.
The new SABs
are comprised of members of the community with expertise in finance,
strategic planning, marketing, and the law. Members include the
president of the Home School Association, the pastor of the on-site
parish, the school principal, and area clergy. The result will,
hopefully, be a more inclusive and collaborative form of leadership.
For
more of the story, click
here.
Christian
Formation Office welcomes new leadership with a renewed commitment
to evangelization
The
Office for Christian Formation of the Diocese of Bridgeport welcomed
new leadership this month.
Four members
of a religious society known as the Marian Community of Reconciliation
have joined the diocese, bringing from their Motherhouse in Peru
a commitment to evangelization.
"I am delighted
to welcome this community to our diocese," said Bishop Lori. "They
bring a joyful spirit and a deep commitment to the dynamic beauty
and power of our faith. With their help, we will develop a pastoral
plan for evangelization and catechesis in our parishes."
For
more of the story, click
here.
December
2005
First
Annual "Saint Augustine Medals of Service" awarded to
outstanding lay men and women
On
December 10, Bishop Lori bestowed the first annual "Saint
Augustine Medals of Service," honoring the extraordinary
volunteer contributions of lay women and men throughout Fairfield
County in
each of the 87 parishes in Fairfield County, as well as four areas
of Catholic Charities.
"It is time
that we recognize the 'unsung heroes' in our midst, the men and
women who unselfishly give of their time and talents to build
up our parish communities," Bishop Lori says. "Their faithful
assistance may go unrecognized in their parish, but is wellknown
to their priests. At every level, lay volunteers are essential
in advancing the Kingdom of God in our world, and they encourage
us in our priestly service."
For
more of the story and a list of all honorees, click
here.
Diocese
and Catholic Charities join forces with Habitat for Humanity on
rebuild in Bridgeport
"We
all have a responsibility to fight homelessness, especially in
the inner city," says Bishop William E. Lori. "Together, the Diocese
of Bridgeport and Catholic Charities are helping to make a difference."
Thanks
to these efforts, a family in the Hollow section of Bridgeport
will have a new home in the spring. On December 14, Bridgeport
city officials were on hand as Bishop Lori and Al Barber, President
and Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities, transferred
ownership of an empty house on Catherine Street to Habitat for
Humanity of Greater Bridgeport. Habitat will lead the effort to
will be rehabilitate this property for home ownership.
The
Habitat project is just one of several housing initiatives of
Catholic Charities, including the 34 units planned for the Hollow
in partnership with Mutual Housing of Southwestern Connecticut.
For
a listing of additional events and happenings of the past 12
months and beyond, visit the Media
Archive.
BRIDGEPORT,
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - "We all have a responsibility
to fight homelessness, especially in the inner city," says Bishop
William E. Lori. "Together, the Diocese of Bridgeport and Catholic
Charities are helping to make a difference."