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CLDB programs enrich catechetical leaders
May 01, 2012
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BRIDGEPORT– Bishop William E. Lori formed the Catechetical Leaders of the Diocese of Bridgeport (CLDB) in September of 2005. “The purpose of this new organization is to strengthen religious education and to enhance the professional growth, spiritual life, and personal support of all catechetical leaders,” he said, noting that religious education is one of the most challenging and necessary ministries in the diocese.
“The bishop wanted more of a direct connection with directors of religious education and catechetical leaders,” says Doris Chiapetta, director of religious education (DRE) at St. Philip Parish in Norwalk and the wife of Deacon Frank Chiapetta, who was a member of the first CLDB board. “He was concerned with knowing us personally, and he wanted catechists to know that he was doing all in his power to support them in every way possible.”
The CLDB plans meetings and retreats throughout the year, not only for directors DREs but for all catechists. “We’ve had some exceptionally good programs this year,” says Carol Pinard, director of religious education programs for the diocese. She points out that the CLDB arranges for a retreat for catechists at the start of the school year in the fall. Following that, they heard a presentation this year by Fr. Peter Cameron, O.P., editor-in-chief of Magnificat, speaking on Mary, the Mother of God, and enjoyed a presentation by Msgr. Kevin Royal, epsicopal vicar of clergy for the diocese, on Blessed John Henry Newman.
In March, a CLDB gathering welcomed Sr. Virginia Herbers, ASCJ, who spoke on “Tending to the Spirit Within.” Sr. Virginia called DREs and catechists to be aware of the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives, deepening their own faith so they can more fully share it with their students.
At the March meeting Chiapetta, who is resigning this year, was honored by the CLDB for her 30 years of teaching religious education. She has taught in religious education programs in St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull and Sacred Heart Parish in Stamford, in addition to St. Philips’s, and has taught courses in the deacon formation program for the diocese. She became the DRE at St. Philip’s in 2002.
Beyond serving as liaison between the bishop and religious education leaders, the CLDB also sponsored forums for DREs to work on religious education curriculum mapping in collaboration with Catholic schools. All children, whether in Catholic schools or parish religious education programs, follow the same curriculum at every grade level.
The CLDB continues to offer directors of religious education and catechetical leaders opportunities for reflection, study, networking and sharing of talents. They will finish the year with a pilgrimage trip to New York City. The highlight of that trip will be a tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
“Thanks to the continuing development and support of Bishop Lori, the CLDB remains a growing and unifying entity for the diocese and its parishes, especially through its recent inclusion of adult catechesis and youth ministry,” says Pat Postiglione, current president of the CLDB board. “The vision of Bishop Lori in unifying and evangelizing the Catholic Church will continue to grow through his tremendous generosity and love for the Diocese of Bridgeport.”
