A Christmas Message to the faithful from Bishop William E. Lori

Bishop Lori's Christmas Schedule Announced

Bishop Lori issues statement on Vatican approval of Norms

Three priests resign in response to allegations of sexual abuse

Bishop Lori issues statement on Cardinal Law's resignation

Chartered Train to Carry Pilgrims to Washington, D.C. for Pro-Life March

Prepare for Advent by waiting with Mary

BRIDGEPORT, Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - Bishop William E. Lori has issued a Christmas Message to the faithful as he prepares to celebrate two special Masses in Bridgeport on Christmas Day.

Bishop Lori will celebrate Midnight Mass on Christmas Day at 12:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Telephone 368-6777. Although the Cathedral is in the middle of a major renovation and restoration project, it will be opened especially for the Christmas celebration. All are most welcome.

The Mass will be broadcast live by WSHU, 91.1 FM.

At 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, Bishop Lori will celebrate Mass at the Thomas Merton Center, 43 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport. Telephone 367-9036. Although best known as a soup kitchen, serving a hot meal to as many as 250 people daily, the Merton Center, sponsored by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, is a house of hospitality, day shelter, sanctuary, and welcoming place of hope and care. The Center's guests are the elderly, the chronically ill and mentally ill, the homeless, the unemployed, and the working poor. They are children and infants, men and women from every race and ethnic heritage. On Christmas morning, they will gather with Bishop Lori to pray for peace, understanding, and justice.

Bishop Lori's Christmas Message follows:

"My dear friends in Christ:

"Some 2,000 years ago, on a starlit night, Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for you and me. He was born for us. God's Son became one of us, emptying Himself, sharing our poverty - as the Scriptures say - so that we might share in His glory and goodness. His birth, in a cave-like structure on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, was hailed by angels, shepherds, and Magi.

"Christ's birth was also feared by the hidden forces of evil, forces which are sadly all too common to us today. Once again, two millennia later, our weary world awaits the birth of our Savior, the Prince of Peace, as war rages in the caves of Afghanistan and appears imminent in Iraq. Those searching for truth and love in a culture adrift greet the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and a Church seeking renewed holiness and greater vigor opens her heart to the One who promised to remain with us always - even unto the end of time. Truly our Savior has come to bring us glad tidings of divine love, freedom from our sins, consolation in our sorrow, and hope for the future.

"The Lord Jesus comes among us - God from God, light from light, true God from true God. Let us hasten to greet our Savior, not merely as a quick fix to our immediate challenges, but as the one who gives life and meaning and worth to each human person. He is the one who is truth and enables us to know, love, and live in the truth in the rough and tumble of daily life. And He is the one who is love - the source of all love, a love most often experienced as forgiveness and reconciliation.

"Whatever your faith, whatever your walk in life, whatever your situation - this is the season when you and I are reminded that our God has drawn so very near to us. May we find joy in God our Savior! And finding joy in our God, may we draw closer to one another. What better time to rekindle our life of prayer and worship, to pray for one another, to lay aside anger, to repair broken relationships, to reach out in love to those who are in need, to entrust ourselves to the Lord.

"I wish you and your loved ones a most blessed Christmas. You are in my prayers in this holy season and throughout the year ahead.

"May God bless you and keep you in His love!"

The Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D., Bishop of Bridgeport
Christmas 2002

BRIDGEPORT – Pilgrims to the March for Life, the annual pro-life rally in Washington, D.C., will journey next month on a special train from Fairfield County.

CAPTION: LAST YEAR PILGRIMS from the Diocese of Bridgeport gathered on the Mall in Washington D.C. with Bishop Lori during the 2002 March for Life.

As many as 800 Catholic priests, deacons, nuns, and lay people of all ages – including families and students – are expected to board the “Life Train,” a chartered Amtrak train, in Bridgeport and Stamford on Wednesday, January 22, for the non-stop trip to Washington. Once there, they will celebrate a special Mass with Bishop William E. Lori, before joining the hundreds of thousands of people from across the U.S. in the March to the Supreme Court. The annual demonstration of support for the unborn takes place on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.

The Life Train makes its debut in 2003, the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Bridgeport. It has been organized as a more efficient means of transportation than the traditional buses. It is also very affordable: just $35 per person, round trip.

The Life Train will depart Bridgeport Station at 5:30 a.m. and Stamford Station at 6:00 a.m. It is due to arrive at Washington’s Union Station at 10:30 a.m. The train will depart for the return trip to Connecticut at 4:30 p.m.

“All of us need to stand up in defense of the beautiful gift of life,” says Bishop Lori. “Although 30 years ago Roe v. Wade ushered in our culture of death, we have the utmost confidence in God’s Providence relative to the ever-renewing gift of life and the promotion of the culture of life. All vulnerable life, from the unborn, the destitute, and the disabled to those nearing the end of life, is sacred.”

Reservations on the Life Train are due by Friday, January 10. To make a reservation, or for more information, call (203) 324-1553, extension 13; e-mail LifeTrain2003@aol.com; or visit www.lifetrain2003.org.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) invited Bishop William E. Lori to prepare a series of Advent reflections entitled “Waiting with Mary.” The reflections were filmed in the crypt church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The series will be broadcast to an estimated 80 million viewers around the world by EWTN in December .

In Fairfield County, EWTN is broadcast on Cablevision Channel 84, Charter Communications Channel 70, Tele- Media Channel 41, and Comcast Cable Channel 14. Broadcast hours vary; please check your local listings, or call your cable operator and request that it shows the program. The five-part series will air (and be repeated) on the following dates and times:

For more information on EWTN, visit their website at www.ewtn.com.

EWTN Broadcast Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 1	11:00 a.m.	PART 1
Wednesday, Dec. 4	2:00 a.m.	PART 1
Friday, Dec. 6	10:30 p.m.	PART 1
Sunday, Dec. 8	11:00 a.m.	PART 2
Wednesday, Dec. 11	2:00 a.m.	PART 2
Friday, Dec. 13	10:30 p.m.	PART 2
Sunday, Dec. 15	11:00 a.m.	PART 3
Wednesday, Dec. 18	2:00 a.m.	PART 3
Friday, Dec. 20	10:30 p.m.	PART 3
Sunday, Dec. 22	11:00 a.m.	PART 4
Tuesday, Dec. 24	2:30 p.m.	PART 4
Wednesday, Dec. 25	2:30 a.m.	PART 5
Wednesday, Dec. 25	2:30 p.m.	PART 5

BRIDGEPORT, Friday, December 13, 2002, 1:00 p.m. - The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, issued the following statement following the news that Pope John Paul II had accepted the resignation of Bernard Cardinal Law, Archbishop of Boston:

“My prayers today are with the Archdiocese of Boston as clergy and laity rededicate themselves to the protection of children and young people and reconciliation with the victims of sexual abuse and their families. The Catholic Church in the United States shares these priorities and is laboring hard to fulfill them.

“Mindful of the many good works that Cardinal Law performed over the years, I pray that he is at peace with his decision. I respect his call for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, and hope that it will promote the healing that is so desperately needed."

BRIDGEPORT, Friday, December 13, 2002, 4:00 p.m. – Effective today, three priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport have resigned and have taken a leave of absence following the receipt of new allegations of sexual abuse with a minor that is said to have occurred 20 years ago.

As required by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms, the canonical process has been launched to determine the validity of the allegations and future actions on the cases. The Diocese takes these allegations very seriously and is committed to following the procedures set forth in the Charter and Norms to their conclusion.

These are the first accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor made against each of these priests. Each priest resigned under his own volition for the good of the Church while the matter is being reviewed. The resignations should not necessarily be viewed as an admission of guilt and the priests have not forfeited their rights to due process. But since they now have no parish assignment, their authorization to function as priests has been removed.

The three priests are:

• Father Sherman W. Gray, Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford. A native of Montague, MA, Father Gray, 59, was ordained to the priesthood in 1970. He has been Pastor of Holy Name since 1987.

• Father Albert W. McGoldrick, Pastor of Saint Paul Parish, Greenwich. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Father McGoldrick, 52, was ordained to the priesthood in 1978. He has been Pastor of Saint Paul’s since 1999.

• Father Robert P. Morrissey, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Ridgefield. A native of Whitestone, NY, Father Morrissey, 57, was ordained to the priesthood in 1976. He has been Pastor of Saint Mary’s since 1992.

“We have always pledged to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct swiftly, decisively, and fairly,” says Bishop Lori. “In this particular case, we have acted in accordance with the Essential Norms and immediately launched a preliminary investigation.”

Bishop Lori plans to visit each parish this weekend to be with the people and express his support and concern. In addition, at every Mass this weekend at each parish, a representative from Catholic Charities will be present to speak about the counseling services available to parishioners and their family members.

This afternoon, a letter was sent to parents of students in Saint Mary Regional Elementary School in Ridgefield, informing them of the news. A Catholic Charities specialist will be present at the school on Monday morning to talk to faculty on how to answer questions with sensitivity from students.

“I am greatly saddened by this tragic situation,” Bishop Lori said. “So many lives have been upset and disrupted by this news, including the victim, the priests, and their respective parish communities. I regret that the Diocese is facing such a sad situation during this holy season of Advent. But, like my brother bishops, I remain committed to following the Essential Norms faithfully and thoroughly so that no one who works for the Catholic Church will pose a threat of any kind to a child or young person.”

The Diocese was notified of the allegations by a letter from the victim. He claims that he was abused separately by each priest on different occasions between the years 1979 and 1983, when the victim would have been between the ages of 15 and 19.

Bishop Lori has met with the victim and interviewed the priests in question. The allegations have been brought before the Sexual Misconduct Review Board of the Diocese of Bridgeport for its deliberation and recommendation. Additionally, as required by the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Diocese has notified the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

The preliminary investigation will continue. Once complete, the cases will be handled according to the procedures outlined in the Essential Norms. To preserve the integrity of the process and the rights of both the accuser and the accused, the Diocese will have no further public comment until a decision has been reached.

Effective today, three priests have been assigned to serve as Temporary Administrators of the affected parishes until further notice. They are:

• Father Frank C. McGrath, Director of Clergy Personnel for the Diocese of Bridgeport, will be the Temporary Administrator of Saint Mary Parish in Ridgefield. Ordained in 1970, Father McGrath, 58, is the former Pastor of Assumption Parish in Westport and has resided at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Stratford. He will continue to fulfill his duties as Director of Clergy Personnel.

• Father Kevin T. Royal, Rector of the Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence, will be the Temporary Administrator of Saint Paul Parish in Greenwich. Ordained in 1985, Father Royal, 49, has been Rector of the Fisher Residence since 1997. He will continue to fulfill his duties as Rector.

• Father Stanley Staniszewski, C.M., Assistant Pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Stamford, will now serve as Temporary Administrator of Holy Name. Ordained in 1963, Father Staniszewski, 65, is a member of the Congregation of the Mission Order of priests (Vincentians). He has served at Holy Name since 1995.

Between now and Christmas, the Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team will visit each parish to reach out to the needs of the community. Consisting of professionals in the fields of behavioral health, counseling, and crisis management, the team will organize an assembly of parishioners, Catholic school parents, and other parties to listen to concerns and share information on available counseling resources.

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BRIDGEPORT - The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, issued a statement following the news that the Holy See has approved the “Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons”:

“I am very gratified that the Holy See has approved the Essential Norms, which will now constitute particular law for the Catholic Church in the United States. As a member of the Mixed Commission, I appreciate the help the Holy Father is giving to the U.S. Bishops to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct swiftly, decisively, and fairly. The Essential Norms enable us to respect the rights of all involved – those who bring accusations and those who are accused.

“Moving forward, I believe the Essential Norms will help my brother bishops and me in the ongoing work of restoring the trust of the faithful, in being accountable, and in demonstrating our very real commitment to protecting children and young people.”

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BRIDGEPORT - As Catholics across Fairfield County continue their spiritual preparation for Jesus' birth, Bishop William E. Lori will celebrate two special Masses in Bridgeport on Christmas Day in a special outreach to the Catholic faithful and to the needy in our society.

For more information on Bishop Lori's Advent Reflections on EWTN, click here.

Bishop Lori will celebrate Midnight Mass on Christmas Day at 12:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Telephone 368-6777. Although the Cathedral is in the middle of a major renovation and restoration project, it will be opened especially for the Christmas celebration. All are most welcome.

At 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, Bishop Lori will celebrate Mass at the Thomas Merton Center, 43 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport. Telephone 367-9036. Although best known as a soup kitchen, serving a hot meal to as many as 250 people daily, the Merton Center, sponsored by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, is a house of hospitality, day shelter, sanctuary, and welcoming place of hope and care. The Center's guests are the elderly, the chronically ill and mentally ill, the homeless, the unemployed, and the working poor. They are children and infants, men and women from every race and ethnic heritage.