May, 2006

In a landmark agreement, the Diocese of Bridgeport announces a partnership with a major healthcare corporation which will invest in and grow its Catholic-based healthcare ministry to the elderly in Fairfield County

Bishop William E. Lori will ordain Deacon Edward J. McAuley, Jr., to the priesthood on Saturday, May 20, at Saint Augustine Cathedral

Statement of the Diocese of Bridgeport regarding the Financial Stewardship and Pastoral Leadership of Saint John Roman Catholic Parish in Darien

Immaculate High School in Danbury postpones Junior/Senior Prom in response to threat; Danbury Police Department investigation under way; students, faculty, and parents informed this morning

The Da Vinci Code is a con, as priests show Catholics and others the falsehoods in Dan Brown's novel and remind everyone of the essential truths of the Catholic Faith

Acting Administrator of Saint John Parish in Darien steps down; will remain at parish; new Pastor will be announced soon

 

BRIDGEPORT, Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 5:00 p.m. - Earlier this afternoon, Bishop William E. Lori agreed to the request of Father Michael Madden to relinquish his role as acting Administrator of Saint John Parish in Darien, which he has held since the resignation last week of Father M. Jude Fay over evidence of financial wrongdoing.

Father Madden will remain at the parish as a Parochial Vicar, but with no administrative duties, until a new Pastor is appointed.

Effective immediately, Msgr. William J. Scheyd, Pastor of Saint Aloysius Parish in New Canaan and Vicar General of the Diocese, will oversee the administration of Saint John Parish, while remaining Pastor of Saint Aloysius and Vicar General. Msgr. Scheyd's appointment is temporary until the appointment of a new Pastor of Saint John Parish, to be announced soon.

In a letter to parishioners today, Father Madden stated that, unbeknownst to the Diocese, he and the parish bookkeeper hired the private investigator who has been quoted in the media of late. They did so out of their own personal funds, even though Father Madden had been working closely with Diocesan officials and knew that a thorough internal review of Father Fay's stewardship of the parish had been under way.

"The Diocese had no knowledge that I hired an investigator," Father Madden wrote in his letter. "In hindsight, I realize I made a huge mistake which has further complicated matters. In my actions and words, I betrayed your trust and the trust of my Bishop, who has been working diligently to deal with the situation at hand and to arrive at the truth of these matters. I also misled you into doubting that the Diocese is fully engaged in vigorously working for a just and prudent resolution of this matter."

The full text of Father Madden's letter is published below.

Father Madden met this afternoon with Bishop Lori and asked to be released from his assignment as acting Administrator. Bishop Lori offered him the choice of remaining as Parochial Vicar for the time being, or immediately taking a period of rest and reflection. Father Madden chose to remain as Parochial Vicar for the time being.

"I am deeply saddened that the situation in the parish has been worsened by today's events," Bishop Lori says. "They have cast a shadow on all the hard work the Diocese has done to be open and honest with the parish family of Saint John's about this extremely difficult situation."

Father Madden has pledged his cooperation with the ongoing independent investigation, which is being conducted by Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP under the direction of outside counsel, Day, Berry & Howard LLP.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation of Father Fay's financial stewardship of the parish, the Diocese of Bridgeport will have no further comment on these matters. When the investigation is complete, Bishop Lori will report directly to the parish community.

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Letter to Members of Saint John Parish from Father Michael Madden

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Dear Parishioners:

I am writing to you today to apologize for my recent actions and to ask for your forgiveness.

At Mass this morning, and in conversations with many of you, I spoke way out of turn and suggested things regarding Bishop William Lori and the Diocese of Bridgeport which were not true or factual, in reference to the investigation of Father Fay's financial stewardship of our parish. I also assumed the Diocese knew things about Father Fay's personal life, which in fact the Diocese did not know but had a right to know. For all of this, I am deeply sorry.

Despite the fact that I had been working closely with Diocesan officials on this matter, and knew that a vigorous internal review was well under way, I rushed ahead and joined our parish bookkeeper, in hiring a private investigator, using our own personal funds. The Diocese had no knowledge that I hired an investigator. In hindsight, I realize I made a huge mistake which has further complicated matters.

In my actions and words, I betrayed your trust and the trust of my Bishop, who has been working diligently to deal with the situation at hand and to arrive at the truth of these matters. I also misled you into doubting that the Diocese is fully engaged in vigorously working for a just and prudent resolution of this matter.

I want to apologize sincerely to Bishop Lori, Msgr. J. Peter Cullen, Nancy Matthews, Norm Walker, Father Bill Platt and my brother priests, and all the people in the Diocese who have been working on the investigation. I also, in a personal and heartfelt way, want to apologize to you for how I have contributed to the problem instead of working to resolve it.

Under the circumstances, I voluntarily asked Bishop Lori to release me from my appointment as acting Administrator. Bishop Lori gave me the option of remaining with the people of Saint John's as Parochial Vicar as a new Pastor is appointed and settles in, followed by a much need time of rest and reflection, or immediately taking a period of rest and reflection. I chose to remain as your Parochial Vicar for the time being, and Bishop Lori has agreed to this.

I hope that I can in some way rectify the difficult situation I have created and restore unity to the parish.

In closing, please pray for me, as I will remember all of you in my daily prayers.

Father Michael Madden

 

STAMFORD - "Debunking The Da Vinci Code" was the mission of Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni in addressing a capacity crowd at Theology on Tap, held on May 11 at Saint John the Evangelist Parish."The Da Vinci Code is a work of pure fiction," Msgr. DiGiovanni says. "Whatever it speaks of concerning the Catholic Church and theology are all based on heresies that were developed in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and which died a natural death a very long time ago." (Photo by John Glover)

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BRIDGEPORT - Msgr. Kevin Wallin's discussion of the inaccuracies in The Da Vinci Code attracted more than 400 people to the Catholic Center on May 4. "We are not a secret Church," he said. "We have no secrets. We invite everyone to come and see what we are all about." Useful information to download in Microsoft Word: Some Availables Resources to Offer Answers to the Inaccuracies of The Da Vinci Code "To Do" List to Run an Information Night in Your Parish or School

The Da Vinci Code is a con

BY FATHER JOSEPH LINCK

(Father Joseph Linck, parochial vicar at Saint Theresa Parish in Trumbull and director of the Office of Divine Worship of the Diocese of Bridgeport, received his Ph.D. in Church History from the Catholic University of America, and has written on the history of the Catholic Church in the United States.)

Internet websites often rely on short catchy web addresses to ensure that interested customers and patrons will readily find their way to their portal.

With that in mind, it is interesting to note the address used to promote the forthcoming film adaptation of The Da Vinci Code: www.SoDarktheConofMan.com. In its way, this is an apt description of the outlook of the novel's author.

For the central theme of The Da Vinci Code is the thesis that "everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false." Not just that there may be a few inaccuracies, but everything the Church has taught about Christ is untrue, and that humanity has been conned.

Author Dan Brown is out to convince us, through the form of a novel, that the origins of Christian faith are fraudulent, and that the Church of the earliest Christian centuries "stole" Jesus from His followers.

But who is really hoodwinking whom?

In the notorious "Fact" page that opens his novel, Brown claims that "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." But there are a multitude of errors in the book, which seriously undermine the credibility of Brown's argument.

To cite a few examples:

• The individual sitting next to Jesus in Da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper is not Mary Magdalene, but John. Painters in the Renaissance regularly depicted very young men (as John is thought to be) with feminine features.
  
  

• The Knights Templar were a spiritual society of feudal knights formed to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. In the years following the Crusades, they redirected their activities to Europe, where they became a powerful and (thanks to generous donors) wealthy religious order. Their destruction was engineered, not by the papacy, but by King Philip IV of France (using weak popes as pawns), and his motivation was not their knowledge of a "secret," but his greed and desire for power.
  
  

• The divinity of Jesus Christ was not "invented" by Emperor Constantine in 325 A.D. to advance his own power and that of the "Vatican" (popes never resided there until the 14th century, by the way). Only eight days after the first Easter Sunday, John's Gospel (20:28) tells us that Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and My God," upon seeing Jesus' hands and side. Saint Irenaeus, writing in the second century, describes Jesus as "truly God" and "truly man."
  
  

• The texts known as the "Gnostic" Gospels have not been kept secret from believers. They were familiar to the early Church (Saint Irenaeus wrote an extensive critique of them), and a complete English translation has been available since the 1970's. And it was the Gnostics who believed in "secret" knowledge and thought of themselves as an elite group, not the early Christians.
  
  

• Mary Magdalene's true legacy was not suppressed by the Church; rather, she has been venerated as a saint and honored as the "apostle to the Apostles" (the one who announced to them the good news of the Resurrection), and her shrine in France at Vézelay was a major pilgrimage destination for medieval Christians. If the tradition saw her as a patron of repentant sinners, it was in part because of her identity as one from whom "seven devils had gone out" (Luke 8:2), not from a desire to cast aspersions on her "sacred" femininity. The Church, both in the East and in the West, has from its earliest days exalted the Blessed Virgin Mary - so the feminine has hardly been excluded from the memory of believers.
  
  

• The Catholic movement known as Opus Dei has no "monks" and no "monasteries." It is, in fact, a society dedicated, not to a withdrawal from society (as monks and nuns seek) but spiritual engagement within the world.

"The truth is out there" - so claimed a popular science-fiction series of the 1990's. So indeed it is, or, should we say as Christians, "He is." Jesus Christ proclaimed, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6), but that Truth makes claims on us to follow His way, and take up His Cross, if we would share His Life.

Worship of the "Goddess," or the sacred feminine, or whatever Dan Brown's Mary Magdalene represents involves no such difficulties - at least it seems not to. We won't know for sure until temples of the "Goddess" start springing up across the land.

But don't hold your breath, for by that time our culture will have moved on to something more captivating As many commentators have pointed out, G.K. Chesterton was right when he said that people who cease to believe in God don't believe in nothing. They believe in anything.

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Do you have more questions about The Da Vinci Code? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has launched a new website with articles and useful links: www.JesusDecoded.com.

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BRIDGEPORT, Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - The Diocese of Bridgeport issued the following statement today regarding the Financial Stewardship and Pastoral Leadership of Saint John Roman Catholic Parish in Darien, Connecticut:

"The Diocese of Bridgeport has been investigating evidence of financial wrongdoing at Saint John Roman Catholic Parish in Darien. The Diocese has also been examining the Pastor's leadership of the parish and his personal suitability for priestly ministry.

"As a result of a preliminary internal review, Bishop William E. Lori has requested and received the resignation of the Pastor of Saint John Parish, Reverend Michael Jude Fay.

"Moreover, a thorough and fair independent investigation of the financial stewardship of Saint John Parish by an external auditor will be completed, under the direction of outside counsel.

"Bishop Lori will report directly to the parishioners of Saint John's at the conclusion of the investigatory process. This investigation does NOT involve allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

"The Diocese has advised the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut about its investigation of financial wrongdoing and will cooperate with any investigation conducted by that Office or by the Darien Police Department, which we understand will be in consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office on this matter.

"Effective immediately, the Parochial Vicar of Saint John Parish, Reverend Michael J. Madden, has been appointed acting Administrator of the parish.

"Bishop Lori announced the news at a gathering of parishioners today. He and representatives of the Diocese will be present at all Masses in the parish this weekend.

"The Diocese expects its 87 parishes to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. It is grateful to the Pastors and their Parish Finance Councils who work closely with the Diocese to ensure good stewardship of their parish communities."

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DANBURY, Friday, May 19, 2006, 11:30 a.m. - Officials at Immaculate High School announced this morning that the Junior/Senior Prom, scheduled to be held tonight at the Ethan Allen Hotel, has been postponed, due to a bomb threat received by school officials yesterday.

Yesterday, Thursday, May 18, officials at Immaculate High contacted the Danbury Police Department, as per the school's Emergency Response Plan. Upon arrival, officers were met by school administrators who advised them that a bomb threat had been made against the school prom event scheduled for this evening.

Danbury Police, assisted by state and federal agencies, investigated the incident. As a precaution, the school, at 73 Southern Boulevard, and the Ethan Allen Hotel, at 21 Lake Avenue Extension, were searched by State Police bomb dogs, with negative results.

There is no risk to students at Immaculate High and the school day goes on as usual today. The prom was postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date by school officials.

The incident is currently under investigation. Parents of students were called by school staff this morning and informed of the situation. A letter is also being sent home with students today.

"It is our first duty to assure the safety of our students," states Michael Charecky, President of Immaculate High School. "In that light, regardless of the immense inconvenience to parents and our prom goers, the prom and post-prom party have been postponed until this police investigation is complete and the potential of harm is resolved."

Immaculate High School is one of five Catholic high schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport.

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BRIDGEPORT - Priesthood ordinations are a source of joy for Catholics, whether they know the candidate personally or not, for every new priest means an even brighter future for the Catholic Church in Fairfield County.

Accordingly, on Saturday, May 20, there will be smiles aplenty at Saint Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport when Bishop William E. Lori ordains Deacon Edward J. McAuley, Jr., to the priesthood. The 10 a.m. Mass is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Accredited members of the media are invited to attend.

Unusual Path

Deacon McAuley's road to ordination has been an unusual but inspiring one. As a widower with three grown children, his is a late vocation. Ten years after his wife of 23 years died, he began to hear the Lord's call.

"Once I had made the decision, there wasn't one person in my life, who either knew me then or had known me, who was surprised," Deacon McAuley recalls. "I heard comments like, 'It's about time.' People who had known me as a child said they were surprised it hadn't happened sooner. As for my children, they are happy that their dad is happy."

"Living with Ed at Saint John Fisher, I came to know him as a man of prayer and deep concern for others," says Father Kevin Royal, rector. "What more could you ask for of a future priest?"

High School Teacher

Deacon McAuley, 59, was born in Bridgeport to Edward J. McAuley, Sr., and Anna M. Daly. He attended Notre Dame High School and Saint Bonaventure University, before pursuing graduate degrees at Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University. He served as a Social Studies teacher at Trumbull High School from 1969-2001.

In 1972, he married Suzanne Pepin, and they had three children: Anne Marie, Edward Joseph, III, and Daniel Patrick. The McAuleys are lifelong members of Saint James Parish in Stratford, where Deacon McAuley was ordained to the diaconate last year. He has completed his studies at Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA.

Deacon McAuley recalls first thinking about a vocation to the priesthood following the death of his beloved wife, and his mother shortly after. The push came when his son, Daniel, graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2001.

"Shortly afterwards, I retired from teaching and came to the Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence for a year," he says. "This was a precious gift that truly helped my discernment. I was also fortunate that good and holy priests helped me along the way: my pastor, Father Tom Lynch; Father Paul Merry; and Father Frank Winn, who arrived at Saint James when I was looking for spiritual direction. Luckily, he is also an alumnus of Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary, and was especially helpful to me in discerning a call."

Father Lynch recalls first bringing up the subject with Deacon McAuley. "I'm never afraid to ask someone, and Ed was always very involved in the parish, as a cantor, and with Cursillo," he says. "He'll be a great priest. He brings to the table a lot of lived experience which will be a benefit when relating to others and proclaiming the Gospel."

Papal Inspiration

If Deacon McAuley has a role model, it would be Pope John Paul II. "He was a holy, compassionate, and giving priest who lived well, was faithful to the Church's teachings, and who also died well," he says. "His example has strengthened and deepened my conviction, commitment, and belief that I'm becoming who God wants me to be."

(For more information on the Vocations program of the Diocese of Bridgeport, visit www.HearTheCall.org.)

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BRIDGEPORT, Monday, May 1, 2006, 2:00 p.m. In what could become a model for healthcare providers in the United States, the Diocese of Bridgeport announced today a bold partnership with a major healthcare corporation which will ensure that the three Diocesan nursing homes will remain open and expand while retaining their proud Catholic identity and mission.

The Diocese has entered into a contractual agreement with Harborside Healthcare, one of the most respected nursing and long-term care companies in the United States, to operate its three nursing homes: St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull (founded in 1960), Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care in Danbury (1984), and St. Camillus Health Center in Stamford (1988).

The homes employ 900 people, and have a total of 562 beds.

Ongoing Catholic Identity and Mission

The agreement is a ground lease, whereby the Diocese of Bridgeport continues to own the real property but sells the existing buildings and facilities to Harborside Healthcare, which will assume responsibility for the operation and management of the homes.

Click above for more information

Central to the partnership is a unique contractual agreement that the homes retain their existing Catholic identity and mission. The Diocese will remain responsible for all aspects of pastoral care. These homes will remain Catholic, and the pastoral services our residents have come to expect and love will continue, including, for example, Catholic chapels, daily Mass, dedicated Chaplains, and adherence to the ethical and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

Additional details on the agreement are included below, in the form of answers to questions.

"The Diocese has a proud, 40-year history as a Catholic healthcare provider," says Bishop William E. Lori. "We decided to seek a new partner so that our homes would remain open and grow, as well as retain their Catholic identity and mission. This is what the Church does, and does well.

"Harborside Healthcare agrees with us," Bishop Lori continues. "They singled out the Catholic identity and mission of our three homes as positive features that would fit well with their own institutional mission. They concur that pastoral services are integral to the quality of life and care of our residents, who seek comfort, direction, and peace from their faith."

Strategic Alliance

Bishop Lori announced the partnership in a press conference today at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport. He was joined by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harborside Healthcare, Damian N. Dell'Anno.

"We are very proud to form this strategic alliance with the Bridgeport Diocese," Dell'Anno says. "Harborside's strategy is to seek out high-quality operations and use our systematic approach to healthcare and our ability to make strategic investments to better serve the healthcare needs of the community. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our operations in Fairfield County."

Presently, Harborside Healthcare operates two facilities in Danbury, Glen Hill and Glen Crest.

"Harborside Glen Hill has an excellent reputation for care in the community, and recently received the highly coveted AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award, one of only 10 facilities nationwide to receive this honor," Dell'Anno adds. "We are pleased to merge our expertise in long-term healthcare with the Diocese's approach to spiritual care."

Three Criteria

Today's announcement comes eight months after the Diocese announced its intentions to seek a partner to address the long-term needs of the three nursing homes. As a small sponsor of health care with limited financial resources, the Diocese has had to support the three homes over many years. The homes have also posted losses on an operating basis. The current reimbursement environment in the State of Connecticut has only made the problems worse.

The agreement with Harborside Healthcare was reached following a comprehensive process which began last September.

"The Diocese was approached by several providers," says Joseph Lupica, President of Stroudwater Capital, a well-regarded national health care advisory firm retained by the Diocese to identify appropriate potential sponsors. "We carefully considered all, mindful of our three goals: a commitment to keeping the three homes open and investing in their future; exercising our responsibility as good stewards of Diocesan resources; and the continuance of the Catholic identity and culture of the three homes.

"Of all the entities which expressed interest in our homes, only Harborside Healthcare met all three criteria," Lupica continues. "The deciding factor was Harborside Healthcare's contractual commitment to ensure that our homes remain Catholic and under the pastoral control of our local Diocese and its Bishop."

The Right Way Forward

Bishop Lori's decision was reached with the advice, assistance, encouragement, and approval of both clergy and laity. He worked closely with the Administrators and Members and the Board of Directors of each home; the Bridgeport Diocesan Health Care Corporation; the Priest Consultors; and the Diocesan Finance Council.

"This decision is the way forward," Bishop Lori concludes. "We believe this agreement, which is in many ways groundbreaking in the healthcare industry, is the best one for our homes. We are confident that Harborside Healthcare - in accordance with the binding terms of our agreement - can help us continue to provide the care our residents appreciate and deserve. We are confident they have the financial strength necessary for the task. And we are confident that Harborside Healthcare has embraced fully our commitment to supporting authentically Catholic healthcare."

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PARTNERS IN CARE

How the Diocese of Bridgeport plans to continue its Catholic healthcare ministry in Fairfield County
with a new partner, Harborside Healthcare

Answers to Questions

Who is Harborside Healthcare?

Harborside Healthcare is one of the most respected nursing and long-term care companies in the United States, offering a full range of quality programs and services to meet the critical needs of residents and their families.

Harborside Healthcare's goal is "to deliver the best quality care for its residents and patients in a caring, comfortable environment. Whether providing superior care for our long-term residents or helping to rehabilitate those who need our help on a short-term basis, we provide assurance for family members that their loved ones are in good hands."

Headquartered in Boston, Harborside Healthcare operates 53 facilities serving more than 6,700 people in nine states, including seven facilities in Connecticut. A privately-held company, Harborside Healthcare employs more than 8,000 people.

What is the agreement between the Diocese of Bridgeport and Harborside Healthcare?

The agreement is a ground lease, whereby the Diocese of Bridgeport continues to own the real property but sells the existing buildings and facilities to Harborside Healthcare, which will assume responsibility for the operation and management of our three nursing homes: St. Joseph's Manor, St. Camillus Health Center, and Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care.

The Diocese and Harborside Healthcare carefully developed this agreement to enable our homes to retain their Catholic identity and mission. In a unique, binding legal agreement integral to the ground lease, the Diocese will remain responsible for all aspects of pastoral care. These homes will remain Catholic, and the pastoral services our residents have come to expect and love will continue, including, for example, Catholic chapels, daily Mass, dedicated Chaplains, and adherence to the ethical and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

Why is it so important that our homes remain Catholic?

The Diocese has a proud, 40-year history as a Catholic healthcare provider. We decided to seek a new partner so that our homes would remain open and grow, as well as retain their Catholic identity and mission. This is what the Church does, and does well.

Harborside Healthcare agrees with us. They singled out the Catholic identity and mission of our three homes as positive features that would fit well with their own institutional mission. They concur that pastoral services are integral to the quality of life and care of our residents, who seek comfort, direction, and peace from their faith.

What happens if Harborside Healthcare tries to change this agreement on pastoral services?

They cannot. The terms of our agreement are legally binding and not subject to change without agreement by the Diocese, whether with Harborside Healthcare or a future provider.

What is Harborside Healthcare's reputation in the healthcare field?

Excellent. Over the years, many of Harborside Healthcare's facilities have received the prestigious National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association.

In 2002, Harborside Healthcare was one of the first companies in the industry to adopt an unprecedented quality initiative in which the company and its employees pledged to follow a formal code of conduct and ethical management practices. Called "Quality First: A Pledge to Improve Quality through Accountability, Compassion, and Leadership," the initiative was one of the first of its kind in the healthcare industry.

Nine out of ten of residents' family members rate Harborside Healthcare's level of care and commitment as excellent or good, and say they would look to Harborside Healthcare again if a loved one needed care.

Why did the Diocese choose Harborside Healthcare as a partner?

Following the public announcement in September 2005, the Diocese was approached by several providers. We carefully considered all, mindful of our three goals: a commitment to keeping the three homes open and investing in their future; exercising our responsibility as good stewards of Diocesan resources; and the continuance of the Catholic identity and culture of the three homes.

Of all the entities which expressed interest in our homes, only Harborside Healthcare met all three criteria. The deciding factor was Harborside Healthcare's contractual commitment to ensure that our homes remain Catholic and under the pastoral control of our local Diocese and its Bishop.

Why did we decide to take this action?

Our three homes have an outstanding reputation for high-quality care in a Catholic environment. We are justifiably proud of our employees and the miracles they work every day. But over the years, challenges have grown. As a small sponsor of health care with limited financial resources, the Diocese of Bridgeport has struggled to support these homes.

The Connecticut State Legislature forced our hand in this matter. For many years, the reimbursement level from the State has lagged behind the cost of patient care on a day-to-day basis. This resulted in a large gap that the Diocese has endeavored to fill in order to deliver a superior level of healthcare to our residents. Unfortunately, we simply do not have enough capital resources to keep up with these and other demands in the long-term.

Are our homes going to close?

No! Harborside Healthcare has committed to investing capital resources in our three homes so that their proud tradition of care can not only continue, but expand. In the past few years, 18 nursing homes have closed in Connecticut. Ours will not. We are doing everything in our power to secure a bright future for our homes, and the continuance of their Catholic identity and mission.

Will employees lose their jobs?

Harborside Healthcare is impressed by the quality of care at our homes and the obvious dedication of our employees to compassionate care. Harborside Healthcare intends to offer employment to employees in good standing.

Will the Religious Sisters be allowed to continue their ministry?

All of the Sisters have been invited to stay by Bishop Lori and by Harborside Healthcare. Their witness to the Lord and their spirit of service greatly enhance our homes.

Will the homes keep their names?

Yes. The homes will retain their names and identity, and still be known as St. Joseph's Manor, St. Camillus Health Center, and Pope John Paul II Center for Health Care.

What happens next? Will I see changes immediately?

You can expect the same high quality of healthcare, Catholic services, and compassion from our dedicated employees and volunteers. Over the next month you will have the chance to meet representatives from Harborside Healthcare, who will keep you informed on the transition.

Did the Bishop consult others in reaching this decision?

Yes. Bishop Lori has made it his job to work closely with the clergy and the laity, seeking professional advice on matters of great importance, and this is no exception. He worked closely with three groups: the College of Consultors (12 priests who advise the Bishop on matters of great importance); the Diocesan Finance Council (professional lay men and women and members of the clergy who advise the Bishop on the financial stewardship of the Diocese); Board members of each home; and the Bridgeport Diocesan Health Care Corporation (a board of priests, women religious, and lay people who oversee the operation of the three homes).

The Diocese also retained Stroudwater Capital, a well-regarded national health care advisory firm led by Joe Lupica, a former parishioner of our Diocese who understands our needs, to identify appropriate potential sponsors consistent with the objectives of our Diocesan ministry.

What is the price Harborside Healthcare is paying for the privilege of operating the homes?

Under the terms of the agreement, the sale price is not disclosed. However, the amount exceeds the average price-per-bed paid in comparable transactions in Connecticut, and also obligates Harborside Healthcare to substantial covenants to allow the Diocese to continue its control over key pastoral matters.

All in all, the agreement constitutes a powerful and responsible exercise of stewardship on the Diocese's part. The proceeds of the agreement will enable the Diocese to pay off the outstanding debt of all three homes, including pension, insurance, and other obligations to the homes' past and present employees; and leave a sum as a fund to support the pastoral care at each home and other Diocesan ministries to the elderly and underserved residents.

Does this agreement have anything to do with the abuse settlements?

No. Abuse settlements were funded through insurance and the sale of surplus land owned by the Diocese. The agreement with Harborside Healthcare is not in any way connected to funding settlements, but was instead the result of an independent process to find the best way for the Diocese to sustain and enhance its ministry to Catholic healthcare for the elderly into the future.

Will the Boards and Foundations of each home remain?

Yes. Under the terms of the agreement, the Board of each home will remain and work closely with Bishop Lori and Harborside Healthcare to oversee the ongoing Catholic pastoral services of the homes.

The current Foundations will also remain and continue to play an important role. Since the homes will now enjoy the benefit of having their general capital needs met by Harborside Healthcare, the Foundations will have the freedom to redirect their efforts towards assisting the Diocese in supporting the pastoral services of the residents.

How can I find out more information?

We are committed to open communication, and will make every effort to keep you informed during this transition. If you have other questions or concerns, we would like to hear from you. You may contact our Director of Communications, Dr. Joseph McAleer, at (203) 416-1461. Harborside Healthcare's Vice President, Bradley Shiverick, can be reached toll-free at (877) 477-4742.

In addition, the company's website has a host of good information: www.HarborsideHealthcare.com.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we welcome Harborside Healthcare as our new partner in sustaining and enhancing the proud legacy of Catholic healthcare for the elderly in Fairfield County.

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