THE BRIDGE: February 22, 2012

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).

Pastors and Administrators:
Annual White Mass & Nominations:  The nineteenth Annual White Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, Mar. 18 at 8:30am at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 21 Cherry Street in New Canaan.  Please view the attached letter for details of the Mass and for instructions on nominating candidates for this award.  To view letter click here.  For more information email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY TO HOST SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL CONFERENCE
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the upcoming golden anniversary of the foundation of Sacred Heart University, Sacred Heart will sponsor a two-day conference to mark the special milestones on April 23 and April 24, 2012.  The conference set in April will include individuals working at the pastoral and parish level including priests and laity and those who work in hospitals and as social workers; people from the academic community and young adults. “We particularly think it’s important to have young people at the conference because they will be living with these issues and they are the future,” said Ciorra. “Everyone is welcome because this is such a ground-breaking time for the church.”
  
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS:   All are welcome to attend these information sessions about the upcoming Vatican II 50th Anniversary Conference, "Universal Call to Holiness." Learn more about the upcoming conference by attending any one of the following sessions: 

·         Feb. 27, 7pm at St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford
·         Mar. 7, 7pm at St. Joseph in Danbury
·         Mar. 14, 7pm at St. Anthony of Padua in Fairfield

For more information go to: http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/41899_vatican_ii_conference.cfm .

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 January 2012 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.

 2012 National Collections in the Diocese of Bridgeport:
 To download the 2012 schedule click here.

Revised Grail Psalter: to view the letter from the Committee on Divine Worship concerning the Revised Grail Psalter click here.

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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.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIESTS:
There is an upcoming conference for diocesan priests, “Becoming a Better Confessor,” this coming July 10-12, 2012 in Louisville, KY. The featured speakers are:

Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville and Vice-President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
Founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Re­newal, host of a weekly show on EWTN, author

Fr. Romanus Cessario, O.P.
Professor of Systematic Theology at St. John’s Semi­nary School of Theology in Brighton, MA, Senior Editor of Magnificat, author of the recent book The Seven Last Words of Jesus.

Fr. John Corbett, O.P.
Asst. Professor of Moral Theology at the Dominican House of Studies, formerly professor at the Pontifical College Josephinum, preacher and spiritual director.

Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P. Associate Professor of Fundamental Moral Theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, author of By Knowledge and By Love

For more information see the attached flyer (click here) and brochure (click here) or call: Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, Thomistic Institute, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), (202) 495-1170

DEACONS:
Please remember to respond to Bishop Lori’s letter requesting that you and your wife attend the Deacons’s Convocation on Mar. 3 at DOLCE in Norwalk.  To date, only 25 deacons and wives have responded. 

Resources for Helping Parishioners who Struggle with Addiction:
Comprehensive Counseling Services in Pennsylvania, under the direction  of Peter C. Kleponis, Ph. D., has a new website designed specifically for Catholic men with addiction to pornography.  www.IntegrityRestored.com. The organization also offers conferences on the topic. (Fighting Porn in Our Culture and Winning!) Call 610-397-0960 for more information.

Hospital Chaplains and Those Wishing to Enrich Their Ministry to the Sick:
May 19-22, 2012 the National Association of Catholic Chaplains will be having their annual conference in Milwaukee, WI. The Theme is “Reconciling Journey: A Time to Mourn, a Time to Dance.”  Keynote speakers include: Most Rev. Blase Cupich, S.T.D., Dr. C. Vanessa White, John Dear, SJ, M.Div. and Sr. Jean deBlois, CSJ, Ph.D.  Music will be offered by Rev. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB, Cam. For more information see www.nacc.org.

Symposium and Retreats for Priests
Trinity Retreat House on the waters of Long Island Sound in Larchmont, NY is offering 5 day retreats by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR and Fr. Gene Fulton in 2012. From January to August the topic is Blessed John Henry Newman; from September to December, Growing in Confidence and Trust in God.  Retreats usually begin on Monday at 8pm and end Friday morning. The offering is $400. For more information email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 914-235-6839.

The Institute of Priestly Formation and Kenrick Glennon Seminary, Saint Louis, MO will  sponsor on Mar. 22-25, 2012, the Eleventh Annual Symposium on the Spirituality and Identity of the Diocesan Priest, “Beloved Son: Living Christ’s Own Filial Obedience”.   The keynote speaker is Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, Archdiocese of Seattle.

The Institute of Priestly Formation is offering the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola in the 30-day retreat format. The dates available are June 26 to August 1, 2012. The deadline for application is March 1, 2012. The venue is Creighton University which has a campus church, private air-conditioned rooms, library and advantages of a hospitable urban environment.  Call Kathleen Kanavy for more information: 402-546-6384, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/ipf/

Announcement for Pastors and Administrators:
Materials for Promoting Consecrated Life to help promote consecrated life in the parishes, the National Coalition for Church Vocations makes available materials for prayer (liturgy planning guide, homily notes, general intercessions, prayer service, prayer card master) and for promotion (bulletin announcements, activities, clip art, poster).  Click here for these items, which we are posting for your convenience. They can be duplicated (or adapted) and used as you feel appropriate in your parish for one year with a blanket permission which was secured by the Office of Clergy and Religious. Please note the permit number, 48, is supplied in the blanks and must appear on any copies distributed to your congregation.

We sincerely pray that these materials spark the interest of young people in your parish community in religious life and spur discussion concerning the tremendous value of life-long consecration to the person of Christ and the work of spreading the Gospel message.  Thank you for your enthusiastic cooperation. For further assistance please call Sr. Nancy Strillacci ASCJ at, 203-416-1511.

 Reminder:
Apostolate of Prayer for Priests
Click here for the Apostolate of Prayer for Priests for March-April 2012. 

Please pray for...

• Jean Trankovich (wife of Deacon Rudy Trankovich)
• Rev. David Howell
• Rev. Andrew Walter
• Phyllis Myott (wife of Deacon Dan Myott)
• Beth Chervenek (wife of Deacon Ray Chervenek, Assumption Parish, Fairfield)
• Jeanne Penn, mother of Fr. Churchill Penn
• Msgr. Thomas J. Whalen, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish
• Fr. Francis Posluszny, Missionary in Chiclayo, Peru currently in ICU after recent surgery
• Fr. Seraphim Rohlman
• Msgr. William Loughlin
• Rev. Walter Seekamp
• Rev. Bernard Keefe
• Mark Sanford
• Tina Pereira, wife of Deacon Gabriel Pereira

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“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.

THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL are offering a “Come and See” vocation retreat Mar. 2-4, 2012 with a Saturday only option.  Single Catholic women ages 18-35 interested in a vocation as a Sister are invited to attend.  The retreat will be held in Emmitsburg, MD.  If interested please contact: Sr. Denise LaRock, D.C. at 410-646-2074 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  Visit  www.daughters-of-charity.com.  To view flyer click here.
 
DISCERNMENT WEEKEND RETREAT FOR SINGLE, CATHOLIC WOMEN (ages 18-30) sponsored by The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Sacred Heart in Hamden, CT from March 2-4, 2012. The retreat begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. and concludes Sunday at noon. The retreat will include Eucharistic liturgies, Eucharistic adoration, Liturgy of the Hours prayed in common, vocation talks and time for quiet prayer and reflection. For more information contact Sr. Colleen Smith, ASCJ at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by calling 203-988-4742. Click Here to view the Flyer

HIGH SCHOOL DISCERMENT EVENINGS : March 13th, 2012
To assist high school men in discovering what God is asking of you, we are offering evening discussion groups at St. John Fisher Seminary.  Each “Discernment Discussion” meeting will begin at 5:30 with Evening Prayer and dinner.  Following dinner there will be a brief, informal discussion of a topic from Father Brett Brannen’s book To Save a Thousand Souls.  Father Brannen’s book is an excellent guide to figuring out if God is calling you to the diocesan priesthood. Following the discussion, there will be time for more conversation and recreation .  The evening will end at 7:30pm.  If you sign up for all or any of the meetings, the book is our gift to you!  So that I can order the right number of books, please let me know of your interest in all or any of the dates as soon as possible. Please send me an e-mail to sign up or ask any questions about the program: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

Discernment Evenings in New Haven, CT - October 25th, 2011 thru April 2012.
Discernment evenings are evenings of opportunity for men or women considering vowed life or priesthood.    They will be taking place in New Haven the 4th Tuesday of the month of October 2011 through April, 2012.   They are sponsored by the Connecticut Vocation Council.  To see flyer click here. 

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.

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February 26, 2012
1st Sunday in Lent
The theme for today’s readings talks about overcoming the powers of evil.  During Lent, we are called to focus our attention on the sacrifice Christ has made for our redemption. We prepare for Easter through Lenten observances of additional prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 

In preparing for Easter, we also have additional opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Diocese.  This Tuesday, February 28 begins the Lenten Confession Campaign in the Diocese of Bridgeport.  Pope Benedict says that “Lent is an especially favorable season to meditate on the reality of sin in the light of God’s infinite mercy, which the Sacrament of Penance expresses in its loftiest form.”  Every Tuesday every parish in the Diocese will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. 

CONVIVIO 2012 - All High School Students
FREEDOM: it’s your choice is this year CONVIVIO’s theme.  The High School Congress will be held at Sacred Heart University on Fri., Mar. 9 (4-9pm), Sat., Mar. 10 (9am -9pm) and Sun., Mar. 11 (9am-4pm).  Students from grade 9 through 12 will have the opportunity to come together to share their experiences and thoughts and find answers for the problems and challenges on today’s world.  The cost is $45 for the whole weekend. For information regarding transportation for CONVIVIO click here.

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion with Bishop William Lori will be held on Sun., Feb 26 at 3pm at Saint Theresa Parish, Trumbull.  Please register the catechumen and candidates from your parish using the link below.  We hope for full representation from all our parishes with RCIA processes this year.  For questions, contact Gina Donnarummo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 203-416-1446. 
Or go to:  www.officeforpastoralservices.org/index.php/adult_formation/RCIAform

Bulletin Announcement -  Diocesan Adult Confirmation Program.  
On Pentecost Sunday, May 27th  at 3:30 pm, the Diocesan celebration of Confirmation for adults will be celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport. Diocesan refresher classes to prepare adults 18 years of age and older for the Sacrament of Confirmation are offered on eight dates from April 10 to May 22, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Saint Luke Parish in Westport. A retreat will also be held. The cost for the entire program is $50. To register, click the link below www.officeforpastoralservices.org/index.php/adult_formation/ac-form.  For further information, please contact Gina Donnarummo at the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Services at (203) 416-1446 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). These classes are also offered as refresher courses to anyone in the diocese as well.

A volunteer is needed for the Adult Formation Ministry for approximately 4 to 8 hours a week working on databases, making phone calls, helping with mailings, etc.  If you are interested, please contact Gina Donnarummo at (203) 416-1446 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. 

Project Rachel Day of Training: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - 9:00a.m.- 3:30p.m.
Become a vessel of God’s Mercy and Love! The Office of Respect Life Ministry will be hosting a Project Rachel Training Program on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Catholic Center from 9:00a.m.-3:30p.m. Registration will begin January 15, 2012. 

Project Rachel is a confidential ministry of hope and healing for women, men, and adolescents who have been touched by abortion loss.   Entrusted in a special way with the mission to share the compassionate love and mercy of Jesus Christ for all people, a  network of specially trained caregivers provide direct care to those who have suffered abortion, enabling them to grieve and develop a personal relationship with the Lord.  The ministry’s founder, Vicki Thorn, will be directing this day of training which is designed to assist you in serving those touched by abortion.   Is the Lord calling you to be a part of this network of healing?  For more information, please call the Office of Respect Life Ministry at (203) 416-1444 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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:

• Seven (7) DVDs of the classes: Scripture, Creed, Sacraments, Prayer, Christian Living, Methodology, and Teaching People with Developmental Disabilities (with Welcome and Thank You from Bishop Lori).
• Workbook for the participants
• Facilitator's Guide
• Guidelines for the pastor and parish facilitator
• Further resources
• Two (2) posters to advertise

The classes and workbook are online too: www.scoj.org.  For more information, contact Gina Donnarummo, Director of Adult Formation at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (203) 416-1446.

Bulletin Announcement - Expanded Version
SHARE for the Diocese of Bridgeport
SHARE (Sacred Heart Adult Religious Education) for the Diocese of Bridgeport is a theology program for adults which will help Catholics understand our faith and empower them to put it into action.  High level instruction includes courses in Scripture, Theology, Church History and Pastoral Theology. A pastoral certificate is awarded after the 20 courses are completed.  Courses are held at Saint Philip Parish, 25 France Street, Norwalk.  For more information contact Gina Donnarummo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (203) 416-1446 or visit www.sacredheart.edu/share.cfm.

Two Classes Left for the winter-spring are:
Church Law: 4-week course: April 24, May 1, 8, 15; Instructor: Sr. Elizabeth McDonough, OP; $140
Reading the Old Testament: 6-week course: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Instructor: Fr. Peter Lynch; $210

Bulletin Announcement - Shorter Version
SHARE for the Diocese of Bridgeport
SHARE (Sacred Heart Adult Religious Education) for the Diocese of Bridgeport is a theology program for adults which will help Catholics understand our faith and empower them to put it into action.  High level instruction included courses in Scripture, theology, Church history and pastoral theology. A pastoral certificate is awarded after the 20 courses are completed.  Courses are held at Saint Philip Parish, 25 France Street, Norwalk.  For more information contact Gina Donnarummo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (203) 416-1446 or visit www.sacredheart.edu/share.cfm. Upcoming courses in the winter-spring are: Church History: From Pentecost to the 21st Century!; Church Law; and Reading the Old Testament. 

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 at (203) 416-1619 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

40 Days for Life Spring Campaign and Opening Event – February 18, 2012
You are invited to participate in the 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign from Feb. 22-April 1, 2012.  40 days of continuous prayer and peaceful witness will be offered at Summit Women’s Center in Bridgeport (3787 Main St.) for the purpose of bringing an end to abortion in our community.

The Opening Event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 9am with Holy Mass celebrated at the Catholic Center (238 Jewett Ave.) by Bishop William E. Lori followed by speakers and a procession to the vigil site with blessing. Please join us in prayer and witness in solidarity with the vulnerable unborn.  For more information about how to get involved please contact Christine Murphy - Vigil Coordinator, (203) 438-4866, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or visit http://40daysforlife.com/bridgeport.  Click to view flyers:   Opening Event      General Flyer

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.

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

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VIRTUS TRAINING: To download the list of dates, places, and times as of February 7th, 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.

1. Register online to attend VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults by logging onto the website www.virtusonline.org. Select the word REGISTRATION & BRIDGEPORT DIOCESE
2. Attend a live VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults class (Approximately 3 hours) and return a copy of your training certificate to the location where you work or volunteer.
3. Complete a criminal background check. Additional information about background checks may be found at www.bridgeportdiocese.com under Human Resources.
4. Read the Diocese of Bridgeport Code of Conduct and Sexual Misconduct Policy and return the signed acknowledgement of policy receipts to the location where you are working or volunteering.

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).

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2012 ANNUAL BISHOP'S APPEAL
Bulletin Announcement

February 25th and 26th Annual Bishop's Appeal Public Announcement
(to be read by the Pastor or parish auxiliary member.)  Click here for letter

Speakers - Diocesan speakers are available from Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Parish Life and Ministries and various diocesan boards.  Please provide the dates/times and the area you are seeking a speaker from.

Parish Reps - Last year many Pastors assigned parish reps to assist them during Mass by reading pulpit announcements and as Appeal speakers.   The Development Office will provide updated talking points and pulpit announcements.  Please provide the names of the person(s) or couple(s) and their contact information. 

After-Mass Receptions - An After-Mass reception is a great way to inform parishioners on the ministries and services the Appeal supports and assists in helping the parish to reach goal.   The Development staff is available on weekends in February, March, April or May.  Please provide dates and times you would like to hold a reception.

Please contact Pam Rittman at 203-416-1479 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with your requirements.

2012 Parish Leadership Guide
To view this guide click here.

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The 6 Catholic elementary schools . . . What makes us different?  Here are some value-added reasons to consider our Bridgeport Catholic Schools: 

• We are a community with a strong foundation in faith, love, and values.
• Teachers are vested in your child to succeed.  This is more than a job, it's their mission.
• Teachers know their students and their families by name - making safety a key factor.
• We work with families in need to make their investment more affordable with financial assistance.
• Our academic programs are accredited and our student population is diverse and multicultural - a place where children love to learn!  We welcome all religious faiths.

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

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Bulletin Announcements:

THOMAS MERTON CENTER in Bridgeport needs fruit juice for their guests. To help, please drop off at the Merton Center, 43 Madison Avenue, between 8 a.m.-3 p.m., or call Mark Grasso at 203-367-9036.

MORNING GLORY in Danbury is in need of juice and pancake mix. For more information and to make a donation, please contact Sierra Pepi at: 203-748-0848, ext. 229.

To see a list of our services as well as contacts, go to:  http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/index.php/catholiccharities

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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.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 

BOOKKEEPER, ST. MARY CHURCH, BETHEL, CT
Part-Time, 1:00-4:00pm, 3 afternoons a week.  Must have 2 years experience with Quickbooks, basic accounting knowledge (billing, reconciliation, money management, budget) and Microsoft office.  Must be able to multitask and work well with people. To submit a resume, email to:  stmaryoffice@comcast.net. 

ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL, NORWALK, CT
Early Childhood Center Care Supervisor
Job Description:  Supervises and maintains the daily operations of the All Saints Catholic School Early Childhood Center; facilitates lesson planning and instructional strategies noted under the Connecticut Preschool Curriculum Framework standards; implements and maintains an appropriate learning environment for the children; supervises and trains the new teachers; performs related work as required.  The Pre-K Childhood Center Care Supervisor establishes classroom policies and procedures for children’s development, health and safety, ensures the Center maintains proper license requirements, and implements CT State regulations.

Applicants must have a Masters Degree, certification, and administrative experience at the time of hire.  Please send resume and cover letter to Mrs. Linda Dunn, Principal, All Saints Catholic School:  ldunn@diobpt.org by January 27, 2012.

Position: Administrative Assistant
Department: Office of Education
Supervisor: Sr. Joan Magnetti
Status: 20 hours per week
Position will provide administrative clerical support, scheduling and small project work for Executive Director of Cathedral Cluster Schools. Position will be based at the Catholic Center, Monday through Friday, some flexibility in hours. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products, have prior senior admin experience and be able to operate independently. If interested submit resumes to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Youth Ministry Positions
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).

Part-Time Advancement Coordinator - St. Joseph Parish, Shelton, CT
Contribute to the advancement of St. Joseph Parish through effective application of development and fundraising principles wherever needed in the organization. 
Job Duties:
•   Create and organize an Annual Fund Solicitation.
•    Lead and support parish fundraising efforts.
•    Provide assistance to the principal, and the Home School and Alumni Associations for events.  
•    Manage and maintain event records.  
•    Utilize and add to a database of donors, including alumni and area businesses.
 
Education and Experience:   3-5 years proven fundraising capabilities.  College degree preferred in Marketing or another related discipline.  Strong computer knowledge and communication skills. Send resumes to Mary Ann Miller at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call 203-925-7206 days, 203-922-1673 evenings.

GENERAL LEDGER AND BUDGETING LEADER
Department:     Elementary Schools Finance Services
Reports To:      Finance Director, Elementary Schools Finance Services
Based at:          Catholic Center
FLSA Status:    Exempt

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•     Manage the general ledger and budgeting group, including two additional people; the leader and the two
additional group members will each support the budget process and maintain the general ledgers for several schools
•    Guide annual budget preparation for multiple schools, including interacting with those schools’ principals and advisory boards and oversee that same activity by the other members of the  group
•    Analyze  individual school financial results for multiple schools, focusing on budget to actual variances, identifying corrective actions where necessary, communicating with principals and advisory boards, and oversee that same activity by the other members of the group

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
•    Strong accounting background, including understanding of not-for-profit accounting and reporting model and financial statements generally
•    Good quantitative skills
•    Good communication skills, both written and oral
•    Detail oriented
•    Enjoy working in a team environment
•    Proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel and Word

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION REQUIRED
•    Prior experience in managing employees
•    Prior experience in general ledger accounting and budgeting
•    Bachelors degree with major or concentration in accounting 

For information on Diocese Human Resources go to:  http://www.bridgeportdiocese.com/index.php/humanresources

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MARYANN CUSIMANO LOVE, PH.D., TO HEADLINE FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNION BREAKFAST FOR EDUCATORS AT SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY  
 The Fourth Annual Communion Breakfast for Fairfield County Educators will take place at Sacred Heart University on Sun., Mar. 25, 2012. The event will feature a special presentation entitled “From Classroom to Community: How Educators Can Build a Better World” by Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, an associate professor of International Relations in the Politics Department of the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. The breakfast, designed for educators from pre-K through grade 12 and in higher education, will offer practical information and networking opportunities for those who attend.  The Communion Breakfast is open to all. Tickets are $35 per person and $300 for a table of 10. Since seating is limited, early registration is encouraged. To register, visit www.sacredheart.edu/capp.cfm.  This event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a special tour of the art installations in the University’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit, followed by the celebration of mass by The Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D., Bishop of Bridgeport, at 9 a.m. Breakfast will immediately follow in University Commons.

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