Press Releases
March, 2005

2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal, major fundraiser of the Diocese of Bridgeport, begins; $10 million goal reflects growing needs of many charitable programs

Norman R. Walker of New Canaan is appointed the new Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport

Eminent Historian Douglas Brinkley to speak on "Father McGivney and Catholicism in America"

Catholics invited to join Bishop Lori in solemn commemoration of Holy Week and Easter 2005

Bishop William E. Lori responds to the tragic death of Terri Schiavo, urging Catholics to advocate more forcefully for the vulnerable and helpless

BRIDGEPORT - The 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal, the most important fundraiser undertaken by the Diocese of Bridgeport, has been launched in all 87 parishes in Fairfield County.

This year's goal, $10 million, is the largest in the history of the Annual Appeal, and reflects the growing needs of the many Diocesan charitable programs.

Frequently-asked questions on the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal are listed below.

Needs Continue to Grow
"The Annual Bishop's Appeal is the single most important fundraising effort that the Diocese of Bridgeport conducts," says Bishop William E. Lori. "The Appeal is undertaken every year because the needs in our Diocese continue to grow.

"The 40 Diocesan charitable programs funded by the Annual Bishop's Appeal cannot be supported by one person or by one parish," Bishop Lori continues. "The cost is too great. However, when all 87 parishes come together, amazing things can be done. I want all Catholics to be a part of this important endeavor, and humbly request everyone's participation in the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal."

"Sharing God's Gifts"
The 2005 Appeal takes as its theme "Sharing God's Gifts" which, Bishop Lori notes, sums up perfectly the reasons for the campaign.

"We call all Catholics to live the Gospel message by helping others in need," Bishop Lori says. "The Appeal supports Diocesan agencies and ministries that assist thousands of people every year, whether in our parishes or Catholic Schools, our nursing homes and senior residences, or through a Catholic Charities program. This is the mission of the Church, to live the Gospel message of helping others and bringing people closer to God. Only through the generosity of the faithful can the Church make a real difference."

In addition to Catholic Schools and Catholic Charities, the programs and services supported totally or in part by the Appeal include the ministries to Hispanics, Haitians, and other ethnic groups; chaplains in hospitals and nursing homes; and the Safe Environments program. Among the Appeal's core components are religious instruction for children and adults, and support for vocations and seminarians.

"A Call to Work Together"
"The Annual Bishop's Appeal is not just about writing a check. It's a call to work together," says Denis J. Nayden of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilton. Nayden, a managing partner of Oak Hill Capital Management and chairman of the Lay Committee for the 2005 Appeal, is one of many dedicated parishioners who are helping Bishop Lori and pastors launch the Appeal.

"We are a caring and a generous community," Nayden says. "We have a responsibility, clergy and laity, to work together to make these things happen; to understand the Church's many programs and ministries; to look at the broad needs of the community in which we live; and to volunteer when we can."

New This Year
This year's Annual Bishop's Appeal goal is $10 million. The $2 million increase over last year's goal reflects the extraordinary needs of two areas in particular: Catholic Schools and Catholic Charities.

• $1 million from the 2005 Appeal will provide a foundation for the six Catholic elementary schools in Bridgeport (the "Cathedral Education Cluster"), located in some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. The Cathedral Education Cluster is the model for a reorganized regional structure which may be extended to all Catholic Schools in the diocese. It includes a facilities assessment of schools, looking at roofing, furnaces, and stairwells; and the Master Teacher Program, which identifies teachers in each school who are outstanding in their areas of expertise, and assists them in mentoring their fellow teachers.
  
  
• $1.5 million from the 2005 Appeal will enable Catholic Charities, in the wake of cuts in state and federal funding, to continue to function as the largest private social services agency in the county, as well as to expand its initiatives, including abstinence education, early-childhood assessment and youth services, and housing. Catholic Charities has 27 programs with offices centered in Bridgeport, Danbury, Stamford, and Norwalk. Its programs include case management to the chronic mentally ill, behavioral health and counseling programs, senior services, and a wide variety of services to women and children.
  
  
• $1.5 million from the 2005 Appeal will be earmarked to help Catholic Education, represented by Catholic schools in other parts of Fairfield County, as well as parish religious education programs. Catholic Schools educate more than 12,000 students in grades pre-K through 12, and parish religious education programs prepare 31,000 children to receive the Sacraments and grow in their knowledge of the faith and love for God.
  
  
• In response to donor interest, the Diocese accepts credit card gifts to the 2005 Appeal through American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. Donations can be made online. (Please note: credit card gifts are one-time gifts only and cannot be spread over 10 months.)
  
  
• The GE Foundation has accepted Catholic Charities for its matching gift program. Every donation made to Catholic Charities will be matched, dollar for dollar. GE employees and retirees who make their 2005 Appeal gift payable to "Catholic Charities" can double their donation, thereby furthering the many good works of this diocesan agency.
  
  
• The Lay Steering Committee is working with pastors on parish receptions and special speakers during Masses in order to spread the word of the programs and ministries supported by the Appeal.

Massive Outreach and Impact
Betty Fairbanks, a member of the Lay Steering Committee from Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston, says it is easy to take for granted the massive outreach and impact of the Catholic Church, in so many different ways.

"The Pre-Cana and marriage programs are so important in this day and age," Fairbanks says. "We want our young people coming back to the Church. We provide homes for the elderly through Bishop Curtis Homes. We are second to the government in meeting the needs of the poor. And every single day in the diocese there are acts of charity and kindness provided through the Church's ministries.

"We can work together, young and old, rich or poor, through the 2005 Appeal," Fairbanks concludes. "If we don't do it, who will?"

(For more information on the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal, click here.)

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Frequently Asked Questions about the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal

What is "Sharing God's Gifts"?

"Sharing God's Gifts" is the theme for the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal. It calls all Catholics to live the Gospel message by helping others in need.

The Appeal will continue Bishop William E. Lori's pastoral plan to strengthen our apostolic services and respond to the specific needs of today. The Appeal is the lifeblood for the many Diocesan-wide ministries, programs, services, and charitable good works of our faith community.

Why does the Diocese need the Annual Bishop's Appeal?

"The Annual Bishop's Appeal is the single most important fundraising effort that the Diocese of Bridgeport conducts," says Bishop Lori. "The Appeal is undertaken every year because the needs in our Diocese continue to grow. The 40 Diocesan charitable programs funded by the Annual Bishop's Appeal cannot be supported by one person or by one parish. The cost is too great. However, when all 87 parishes come together, amazing things can be done. I want all Catholics to be a part of this important endeavor, and humbly request everyone's participation in the 2005 Annual Bishop's Appeal."

How does this year's Appeal differ from other years?

This year, we are increasing the allocation to Catholic Charities from $832,000 to $1.5 million. Why? Over several years, Catholic Charities has seen an erosion of many of its traditional sources of funding, particularly grants from the state and federal governments. Catholic Charities must increase its level of service to the poor and others in need. In addition, Catholic Charities hopes to expand its services to seniors and women in crisis, and enhance day-care and youth programs.

The Appeal also supports all Diocesan Catholic Schools, including 32 elementary schools, one middle school, and five high schools.

Unique to this year's Annual Bishop's Appeal is the Cathedral Education Cluster. $1 million will be allocated to the six Catholic elementary schools in Bridgeport to make necessary facilities enhancements, create scholarship opportunities for students, and provide for professional development for teachers and principals.

The Appeal will also provide an additional $1.5 million to Catholic Education to enhance the quality of all of our Catholic Schools as well as our parish religious education programs. All 12,000 children in our Catholic Schools and 31,000 children in our religious education programs in 87 parishes will benefit.

Why should I give to the Appeal when I already give to my parish?

Your parish is important. So are the works of the "greater Church" which provide the essential building blocks for Catholic Schools, Charities, Religious Education, Vocations, and so much more. The ministries supported by the generosity of the faithful are programs that cannot be developed, administered, or maintained by individual parishes.

Who is asked to support the Appeal?

Every Catholic household in the Diocese of Bridgeport will be asked for their prayerful consideration for a gift to this year's Appeal. In addition, businesses, corporations, and foundations will be asked to support the effort. Every year, more families participate in the Appeal -- 26,351 in 2004. This shows how much our parishioners believe in and support the important work of our Diocese.

All pledges are important. Your gift will have a significant impact if it is made early in the Appeal, because it can set the pace for others to support the campaign. It is a fact that giving is contagious, and each gift builds momentum. You may not realize how much your gift impacts the Appeal, but it does and helps immensely. This year, we are asking all Catholics in our Diocese to respond as generously as their means allow to Bishop Lori's specific gift request.

How is my parish goal determined?

The goals for each parish are determined by the Pastors' Advisory Committee, made up of 20 Pastors from across Fairfield County. These Pastors consider carefully the challenges, needs, and potential of each individual parish community when determining the goal.

The 2005 Appeal goals reflect the economic profile and number of households at each parish. They also reflect the growing needs of our charitable programs and services.

Does money pledged to the Appeal pay for legal settlements?

No charitable contributions have been used to, or will be used to, pay for legal settlements. These are funded through a comprehensive insurance program, and through the sale of non-essential Diocesan assets such as surplus undeveloped land.

Everything the Diocese has, and all that it is able to do, exists because of the generosity of the faithful since the Diocese was founded 50 years ago. We are fortunate that we have non-essential assets that can be used to pay for these expenses. In this way, the Diocese can ensure that its many charitable programs continue without interruption.

How do I make my gift?

There are many ways to make a gift:

• You can pay by check, completing the pledge card mailed to every home, and returning it in the envelope provided.
  
  
• You can pay by credit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You can take full advantage of the benefits offered by your card, such as bonus points or airline miles. Simply provide your credit card details on your pledge card, or give online at our secure site.
  
  
• Gifts of stock are also accepted. For more information, please call the Appeal hotline: 203-372-4301, ext. 526, and ask for Nicole.

Thank you for your generosity!

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BRIDGEPORT, Thursday, March 3, 2005 - Bishop William E. Lori has announced the appointment of Norman R. Walker of New Canaan as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport, effective immediately.

Walker succeeds Marylee A. MacDougall, who has been serving as interim CFO since last summer.

Retired Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers
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."

As CFO for the diocese, Walker will oversee financial procedures, controls, and routines for all diocesan organizations and ministries. He will also act as a liaison to the various boards of the diocese and the diocesan Finance Council.

Mission and People
"In accepting this position, two things really made a difference to me," Walker says. "The Church's mission is something I accept and can relate to, particularly the education of our children. Secondly, I am enormously impressed by the group of people working for the diocese, and want to be a part of that team. We share the same values and common approaches to life."

In his new position, Walker hopes to be a resource for diocesan departments and ministries as well as the parishes, offering advice and assistance where needed.

"The priority is to offer reliable timely financial information to everyone, from pastors to diocesan-level programs," he says. "Nothing makes a job easier."

Oregon Native
A native of Portland, OR, and father of three, Walker graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in accounting. He has been an active volunteer with his alma mater, serving as a trustee, and as president of the board of the University of Oregon Foundation, with assets of more than $400 million. He is also past president of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Foundation, which makes gifts and grants to universities.

As chairman of the ethics division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Walker headed investigations of potential violations of professional standards by member companies.

As the new CFO settles into his job, Bishop Lori paid tribute to MacDougall, who will work with Walker to ensure a smooth transition.

Good Stewardship
"We are truly indebted to Marylee for her highly effective service as interim CFO," Bishop Lori says. "Her many accomplishments helped to set the stage for the increasingly effective financial management in the diocese. This is our mandate as a Church, to be good, responsible stewards of God's resources."

BRIDGEPORT - Catholics from around Fairfield County are invited to join Bishop William E. Lori for the solemn observance of Holy Week and Easter.

Holy Week is the week preceding Easter, beginning with Palm (Passion) Sunday. For Christians around the world, it is one of the most solemn times of the year, the conclusion of the 40-day penitential season of Lent. Holy Week marks the Catholic Church's annual celebration of the events of Jesus Christ's Passion (suffering), Death, and Resurrection.

All are welcome to attend the following Masses and observances with Bishop Lori, in Bridgeport and in Greenwich. Members of the media are invited to attend.

CAPTION: HOLY THURSDAY - Following the example of Jesus, Bishop William E. Lori (at right) washes the feet of 12 brother priests at Saint Augustine Cathedral. The Holy Thursday Mass, which recall's Jesus' actions at the Last Supper, begins the Easter Triduum, the three-day observance leading to the joy of Easter. (Photo by John Glover)

Mass, 10 a.m., Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport Blessing and distribution of palms at Mass.

Chrism Mass, 3 p.m., Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport Blessing of the sacred oils (chrism) and renewal by priests of promises made at their ordination.

Mass, 7 p.m., Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Solemn Pontifical Mass of the Lord’s Supper and washing of the disciples’ feet. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8 p.m. until Midnight.

Liturgy, 3 p.m., Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport Solemn Pontifical Liturgy of the Passion of Our Lord Passion, 7 p.m., Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, 391 Ogden Street, Bridgeport Reenactment of the Passion and Burial of Jesus Christ Bishop Lori will join the procession at 8 p.m.

Easter Vigil Mass, 8 p.m., Saint Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport

Mass, 10 a.m., Saint Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford

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STAMFORD - Douglas J. Brinkley, the historian and news commentator, will deliver an address on "Father Michael J. McGivney and Catholicism in America," on Wednesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Church, 279 Atlantic Street, in downtown Stamford.

The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the church hall.

Accredited members of the media are welcome to attend.

Father Michael J. McGivney (right), born in 1852, founded the Knights of Columbus in New Haven in 1882. He is on course to become the first U.S.-born Catholic priest to be made a saint.

Douglas J. Brinkley (left) is Creator and Director of the new Theodore Roosevelt Center for American Civilization at Tulane University. He is the former Director of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans. He is the author of numerous books, including Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War; Dean Acheson: Cold War Years; and Wheels of the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress.

For more information or directions to Saint John the Evangelist Church, please call (203) 324-1553, extension 21.

For more information on the Knights of Columbus, click here.

To learn more about the life, legacy, and cause for canonization of Father McGivney, click here.

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BRIDGEPORT, Thursday, March 31, 2005 - Following the tragic death of Terri Schiavo this morning, Bishop William E. Lori issued the following statement:

"This is a sad day for our country, and for all those who struggle to protect life.

"We mourn the death of Terri Schiavo and invite all Catholics and, indeed, all people of good will to pray for the repose of her soul and the comfort of her family. We extend our deepest condolences to Terri's parents, who waged a valiant battle to save her life, a life that, for all of its disability, was still a precious gift from God.

"We must remember that 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, 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. We must speak out to our elected officials, and Catholic Concerns Day in Hartford on April 7 is a good place to start."

Bishop Lori will join his fellow Catholic bishops, priests, deacons, Religious Sisters, and faithful of all ages in Hartford on Thursday, April 7, for Catholic Concerns Day, which is organized by the Connecticut Catholic Conference. For more information, click here.

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