Sunday, May 19 - Defending Our Religious Liberty #64
On Pentecost the Holy Spirit filled the minds and hearts of the Disciples to have the courage to preach the Gospel message to the whole world. On this Feast of Pentecost let us pray that the Spirit will move our government leaders to protect the rights of believers to religious liberty and freedom of conscience. The time is now to contact the White House and let them know that the federal health care mandate violates the First Amendment, which guarantees every American freedom of religion. Call the White House at: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 or visit www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Sunday, May 26, 2013 - Defending Our Religious Liberty #65
As we observe Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms from external threats, in their memory we all need to be vigilant in regard to internal threats. The health care mandate which the administration intends to impose on all Americans violates one of our most cherished freedoms, the freedom of religion and conscience.
To voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate, contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414; or write to:The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500. Let the White House know that the mandate violates the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom.
Sunday, June 2, 2013 - Defending Our Religious Liberty #66
Critics who say the Catholic Church is against universal health care are misinformed. The Catholic Church is founded on the Corporal Works of Mercy and helping others. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has always advocated for health care. The Catholic Church is opposing the health care mandate, because it violates the First Amendment, which is supposed to safeguard freedom of religion.
To voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate, contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414; or write to:The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500. Let the White House know that the mandate violates the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom.
Sunday, June 9, 2013 - Defending Our Religious Liberty #67
The time has come for the U.S. government to provide the exemptions necessary so that churches and religious organizations will not be forced to subsidize healthcare coverage that goes against their moral principles.
To voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate, contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414; or write to:The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500. Let the White House know that the mandate violates the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom.
Bulletin Announcement:
Bible Studies at Parishes in Fairfield County click here.
Youth Groups in Fairfield County click here
Teen Masses & Adorations click here
High School Youth Webpage www.bridgeportdiocese.com/youth
App/Mobile Website for iPhone: from iPhone go to: www.bridgeportdiocese.com
Social Media List Diocese of Bridgeport - to print & include in your bulletins. CLICK HERE
Year of Faith local events go to: www.bridgeportdiocese.com/yearoffaith
BULLETIN INSERTS FROM USCCB:
Religious Liberty ENGLISH: click here
Religious Liberty SPANISH: click here
"Why Conscience is Important" in English: click here
"Why Conscience is Important" in Spanish: click here
Seven Questions on Implementing the Roman Missal, Third Edition - Since the implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition on November 27, 2011, the Secretariat of Divine Worship has received a number of questions regarding the Missal, and in particular, the Order of Mass. To resolve these confusions, answers are provided here for the benefit of our readers (click here).
Attention Pastors: Spanish Translation of the Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life, from the offices of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Nov. 3, 2011. To view click here.
Attention Pastors and Administrators: Click here to view a letter from the Committee on Divine Worship containing clarification and information in response to questions on the use of the new Roman Missal.
URGENT ACTION ALERTS:
New Threat to Conscience. On August 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" that will require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to include without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishop (USCCB) is urging Catholics to sign a petition opposing the move and protecting religious liberty.
Click here to read a letter from Bishop Lori
Click for steps to take action
Reminder: visit the Resources page often for updates to the Diocesan Calendar of Events, Confirmation Schedules, and Guidelines: click here
Click here for the April 2013 USCCB Committee on Divine Worship Newsletter.
Announcement for Pastors, Administrators & DREs: Directives for Confirmations in the Diocese of Bridgeport: Bishop Lori has asked that the following guidelines be observed for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. For more information click here.
FForFoAnnouncements for Pastors and Administrators:
For BULLETIN INSERTS to accompany the new translation of the Roman Missal click here. "Praying the Mass Anew: The New Translation of the Roman Missal and our Actual Participation in Mass" is an "e-book" compiled by Fr. Joel Hastings, Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Duluth. It is a series of bulletin inserts to help prepare parishes for the reception of the newly translated Roman Missal. It is clear, user-friendly, and it's free. Parishes are encouraged to take advantage of this excellent resource.
2013 National Collections in the Diocese of Bridgeport: click here.
To view the letter from the Committee on Divine Worship concerning the Revised Grail Psalter click here.
The Diocese of Norwich has informed us that Mt. Caritas in Ashford, CT, run by Dorothy Jordan (aka "Mother Peter") does not have the approval of Bishop Cote and is not a legitimate Catholic ministry. Catholics should not participate in any activities at Mt. Caritas nor respond to any fundraising appeals.
THE BRIDGEPORT DEACON to view monthly newsletter click here.
Apostolate of Prayer for Priests of Bridgeport - May/June 2013 (click here)
Attention Deacons, Priests, Seminarians:
Please read the attached document about Clinical Pastoral Education at Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT
(click here)
Conference for Priests:
The Thomistic Institute is offering its Second Annual Conference for diocesan priests, “The Priest as Teacher of the Faith,” to be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from July 16-18, 2013. The program inspired by the Year of Faith, features Bishop David Choby, Fr. Romanus Cessario, Fr. Tom Weinandy, and others. See the attached file for more details or contact Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, The Thomistic Institute, www.thomisticinstitute.org/priesthood, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), (202) 495-1170. To view flyer click here.
Please pray for . . .
“No one chooses the place or the people to whom he is sent, and every time has its own challenges; but in every age God gives the right grace to face and overcome those challenges with love and realism.” Pope Benedict XVI, Homily from Mass with Seminarians, World Youth Day, 20 August 2011.
CALLING ALL TEENS! SUMMER VOCATION DAYS June 25 & 26 high school students to help them explore their vocations—either to marriage, priesthood, or the religious life. It’s a dynamic event that combines games and fun with a healthy Catholic spirituality. Participants get to meet seminarians, priests, religious sisters and brothers. There has been a great turnout the past few years so be sure to register early! Parents are invited to attend Mass on Wed.,June 25 at 5:30pm., followed by dinner. $25 registration fee. For details and registration www.bridgeportvocations.org.
June 25 – 9am to 4pm, Breakfast and lunch provided
June 26 – 9am to 7:30pm, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
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 go to www.bridgeportvocations.org.
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: 203-416-1513 or e-mail www.bridgeportvocations.org.
For information on the YEAR OF FAITH click here: http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/yearoffaith
Sunday, May 19, 2013 - Pentecost Sunday
Today we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. The Spirit will help us to know and understand our religion, not just with our minds, but with our heart and soul as well. Then in turn we can share that knowledge with each other. Pope Emeritus Benedict has explained the mystery of Pentecost this way: the Holy Spirit illuminates the human spirit and, by revealing Christ Crucified and Risen, indicates the way to become more like him, that is, to be “the image and instrument of the love which flows from Christ” (Deus Caritas Est, n. 33). The Church, gathered with Mary as at her birth, today implores: "Veni, Sancte Spiritus! - Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love!"
Bulletin Announcement:
Diocesan Adult Confirmation Program - On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at 3:30pm, the Diocesan celebration of Confirmation for adults will be celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport. Classes to prepare adults 18 years of age and older for the Sacrament of Confirmation are offered on seven dates from April 2 to May 14, from 7-9pm at Saint Luke Parish, Westport. A retreat will also be held. The cost for the entire program is $50. For further information, contact Gina Donnarummo at the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Services at (203) 416-1446 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). These classes are also offered as refresher courses to anyone in the diocese. To register, click the link below: www.officeforpastoralservices.org/adult_formation/ac-form.
During the Year of Faith, marking the 50th anniversary of Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, take part in a study of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. By studying this book, you will learn about American saints, understand our Catholic identity, have time for discussion with others, and put your faith into action. Join Gina Donnarummo, Director of Adult Formation in the 36-week study. See the schedule click here. Come for one or come for all! Contact: 203-416-1446 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bulletin Announcement
ATTENTION ALL FACEBOOK USERS: Please “Like” these new Facebook pages from the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Services. In this challenging time for youth and families, these pages will be a source of information and inspiration: Marriage and Family - Diocese of Bridgeport, and Youth Ministry – Diocese of Bridgeport.
SHARE BRIDGE Announcement
SHARE for the Diocese of Bridgeport is a certificate program between Sacred Heart University and the Diocese. This theology program for adults will help Catholics understand their faith and empower them to put it into action. For course descriptions and to register visit www.sacredheart.edu/share. Contact Gina Donnarummo: (203) 416-1446, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Bulletin Announcement - Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Program
The new Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Program is now at every parish. This program will help catechize adults across the Diocese of Bridgeport and is a foundational program to learn more about the Catholic faith. All pastors received a binder with the following material: 1) Seven (7) DVDs of the classes: Scripture, Creed, Sacraments, Prayer, Christian Living, Methodology, and Teaching People with Developmental Disabilities 2) Workbook for the participants, 3) Facilitator's Guide, 4) Guidelines for the pastor and parish facilitator, 6) Further resources, 7) Two posters to advertise. Classes and workbook are online too: www.scoj.org. For more info, contact Gina Donnarummo, Director of Adult Formation at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (203) 416-1446.
Bulletin Announcement - Project Rachel
Free and confidential help for those seeking healing after abortion. Do you know someone who is carrying grief and sorrow over past abortions? Project Rachel is the post-abortion ministry of the Catholic Church seeking to assist those suffering from a past abortion come to healing in Christ. “Do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope…the Father of Mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” -Blessed John Paul II. Contact Project Rachel (203) 416-1619 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 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: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Download the Rose of Mary Prayer Team information
Ministry to Deaf Parishioners Available - Deaf Parishioners in your parish can be ministered to by Father Nicholas Pavia. He is available for home and hospital visits, to interpret at Mass, and offer religious education. Father Pavia is also available for Confession. Please contact Father Pavia at 924-8611 or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you would like more information.
SPANISH PRE-CANA available: Fr. Gustavo A. Falla, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New Resources for Marriage & Family Life on USCCB Website: We want to share with you some good news about two website resources that can enhance and assist your marriage and family life ministries.
First, the successful and popular website "For Your Marriage" (http://www.foryourmarriage.org) has just re-launched with an entirely new design and a lot of new content. What's new and improved about "for your marriage"? Go and take a look. Also, you can read the news release describing it at: http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-069.shtml
Second, the USCCB now offers a special marriage and family website completely in Spanish (http://www.portumatrimonio.org). This is an original website, modeled on "For Your Marriage" but not simply a translation of it. Here you will find advice, stories, testimonials, videos and other resources that are culturally-responsive to the needs of Spanish-speaking couples and parents.
La USCCB ha creado una nueva página web sobre Matrimonio y Familia completamente en español (http://www.portumatrimonio.org). Esta es una página muy original, modelada según “for your marriage”, pero no es una simple traducción de ésta. Aquí podrás encontrar consejos, historias, testimonios, videos y otros recursos que son respuesta a las necesidades de parejas y padres de habla hispana.You can read the news release describing "por tu matrimonio" at: http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-030.shtml
VIRTUS TRAINING: To download the list of dates, places, and times as of Dec. 3, 2012 click here
To see the VIRTUS Protecting God's Children brochure translated in Portuguese click here.
IMPORTANT SAFE ENVIRONMENT REMINDER FOR ADULTS 18 and older:
All Priests, Seminarians, Religious Sisters and Brothers, Deacons, Lay Employees, Volunteers and Independent Contractors (full time, part-time, per-diem and substitutes) - even if they are not working with children, must have the following safeguards in place.
If you have any questions or if you need to schedule VIRTUS training at your school or parish, please contact Erin Neil at (203) 416-1406 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
2013 ANNUAL BISHOP'S APPEAL
The Development Office staff is available to support you during the Appeal. Please see updates and information below for the 2013 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and check back weekly for updates. Please contact us with any questions or for support at 203-416-1479. Thank you for your assistance and we look forward to a successful year.

To download this jpeg file click here
May 18 & 19, 2013 - Pulpit/Bulletin Announcement
(Please refer to the text provided in this Parish Leadership Guide for suggested speaking points to conduct an effective In-Pew Weekend.)
(Remember you are asking those who have not yet made a pledge, filled out a card, or mailed in their pledge to please fill out the card at this time and hand in.)
Prayer of the Faithful
May we be humble stewards of the gifts given to us by God, and may we set an example of mercy through our generosity to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. We pray to the Lord.
APPEAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
(Read by Pastor or 2013 Appeal Parish Auxiliary Member)
As we launch the 2013 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, your generosity to the Diocese of Bridgeport is a beacon of hope to the people of Fairfield County and I am grateful for your support.
Your sacrificial gifts assist the working poor, elderly and homeless through Catholic Charities; they enable the existence of nationally-recognized Catholic schools; support ongoing religious education; nurture vocations; and care for our retired priests.
Your generosity to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal is essential to fund vital ministries across Fairfield County. These include:
· Serving 1.3 million meals through food programs in Bridgeport, Danbury and Stamford, food pantries and senior nutrition - all provided by Catholic Charities;
· More than 15,000 counseling sessions are provided through Catholic Charities to help with a variety of social issues, medication management, and marriage and family therapy;
· Providing 1,323 financial scholarships to families in inner-city Catholic elementary schools;
· Financing the formation of 37 men to become priests in our Diocese;
· Caring for 48 retired priests; and
· Giving pastoral care to 22,000 patients in hospitals and nursing homes.
Every ministry served by the 2013 Annual Bishop’s Appeal touches parishioners in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
2013 Annual Bishop’s Appeal Prayer
"Father, we come before You and pray for Your blessings on individuals, families and communities in our Diocese. We ask for your graces for the 2013 Annual Bishop's Appeal so that we can continue the good works of the Church and bring the kingdom to those who may be lost and in need, as a means to evangelize all people. We ask this and all things in your name. Amen."
Pastors Leadership Guide:
The Pastors Manual is available on-line by clicking here. If you have any questions please call the Development Office at 203-416-1479. We look forward to supporting and working with you.
Annual Bishop's Appeal Speakers:
Parishes that include a representative to speak from the various ministries during the Appeal reach their goal faster. To make arrangements for a speaker, please contact Pam Rittman at 203-416-1479 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please allow several weeks from the date of your request for confirmation.
In-Pew Weekends
Please find the suggested In-Pew weekends below and contact Pam Rittman at 203-416-1479 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with dates your parish has scheduled their In-Pew weekends.
Suggested In-Pew Weekends
April 13 & 14
May 18 & 19
June 8 & 9
The Development Office recommends that your parish designate at least one weekend of Masses as In-Pew Weekend.
In-Pew Processing Materials: (Excel Format)
Processing Instructions click here
Form A click here
Form B click here
Form C click here
Form D click here
Summary Report Sheet click here
DIOCESE ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR BRIDGEPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS (click here)
Follow us on http://www.twitter.com/CSFC_Exceed!
The 6 Catholic elementary schools . . . What makes us different? Here are some value-added reasons to consider our Bridgeport Catholic Schools:
Take a moment to visit our website to find out more www.cathedralcluster.org or contact us at 203-416-1376. To find a school go to: http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/index.php/findaschool
CAR DONATION PROGRAM "DONATION ANGEL" by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County will tow your vehicle away absolutely free! Donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your un-wanted car, van, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat directly to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. You will receive full fair market value for your donation as an IRS tax deduction. Donation Angel is a nationwide service, so even if your vehicle is far away from Fairfield County it can still support Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. You will receive a receipt from Donation Angel for the fair value of your property. For info go to www.donationangel.org/ccfairfield.
To see a list of ALL services go to: http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/index.php/catholiccharities
POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Preference is given first to qualified employees in entities/offices participating in the Diocese of Bridgeport, second to qualified employees of other diocese offices, parishes and schools and third to outside applications. Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age.
Director of Religious Education - St. Bridget Parish - Stamford - Part-time: We are seeking an individual to guide our small Religious Education Program for Grades Pre-K-8. Candidates must possess good communication skills, be cooperative and eager to work with our pastoral team, prepared to recruit, train, and support volunteers. Experience in ParishSoft would be a plus. Our classes are held on Sunday mornings. Hours are flexible and salary is negotiable. Please respond by sending resume to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Associate Director of Faith Formation Position:
Grades 6-9 and Youth Ministry, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Riverside CT. This is a full time position. A detailed job description and the qualifications for the position may be found at the parish website stcath.org<http://stcath.org/>. If you are qualified and interested please send your resume & cover letter to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). All application must be submitted electronically.
Art Teacher
All Saints Catholic School, Norwalk, CT is looking for a full time Art Teacher for grades K- 8 for the 2013- 2014 school year. Must be certified. Please send a resume to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (203) 847-3881.
CHURCH PIANIST
Looking for pianist to serve at the 9:00am Mass on Sundays at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk, CT. Anyone interested should contact Father Robert Crofut, 203-866-3141.
Elementary School Principals Needed for Diocesan Schools - The Office for Education of the Diocese of Bridgeport is currently seeking qualified candidates to interview for positions as Elementary School Principals (PK-Grade 8). We anticipate openings in various areas of Fairfield County and have already started the screening and interviewing process for the 2013-14 academic year. Local Search Committees will convene in February and March. We encourage those who are interested to go to the Human Resources website for application forms and guidelines: www.bridgeportdiocese.com.
Qualities of Candidates for Principal:
· Must be a practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing, with qualities of spiritual leadership.
In order to be in good standing, one must be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church, having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. He or she must practice the faith by participating regularly in Mass and by upholding the teachings of the Church, particularly its moral teachings. Catholic school principals are expected to live in a way that would avoid scandal. Those living with a partner must be in a valid, sacramental marriage.
· Valid administrator certification in Connecticut or another state
· At least three (3) years of school administration or teaching, preferably in a Catholic school
· A Masters Degree in an educational field
· Demonstrated Leadership: the ability, enthusiasm and intelligence to motivate teachers and students. The candidate must also be able to work with the Office for Education, clergy, parents, the school community, and the public sector
· Recommendation letter from current pastor and two other recommendations
YOUTH MINISTRY
People who are interested in part time and full time positions for Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport please contact Sr. Florencia Silva, Director of Youth Ministry at 203-416-1449 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For information on Diocese Human Resources go to: http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/index.php/humanresources
For list of Bible Studies at Catholic Parishes in Fairfield County click here.
For list of High School Youth Groups at Catholic Parishes in Fairfield County click here.
For list of Teen Masses and Adoration Hours click here.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @DOByouth or @DOBevents
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/fairfieldcountycatholics
Bulletin Insert: Knights of Columbus sponsering food drive for Connecticut Food Bank. Drop off non-perishables at Fairfield Warehouse, 74 Linwood Ave., Fairfield, CT 06824, 203-256-1935.
The Diocese Twitter and Facebook are open to all - especially our Youth. Send info, events, announcements to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Questions call Jill Monroe, 203-416-1461.


“Richer than I, you can never be; I had a mother who read to me” (Anonymous)
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