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Press
Releases
October, 2005
Diocesan
Priests depart to participate in Diocesan Convocation; Catholics
are invited to pray for its success; Religious Order Priests and
Deacons will be available in the event of an emergency
Civil
Unions are "an assault on the sacrament and institution of
marriage and the family," Connecticut's Catholic Bishops remind
the faithful and society
The
Diocese of Bridgeport issues a statement on Catholic School classrooms
Catholics
throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport donate more than $1 million
to support relief efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina
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| Diocesan
Priests depart to participate in Diocesan Convocation; Catholics are
invited to pray for its success; Religious Order Priests and Deacons
will be available in the event of an emergency
|
|
|
Emergency
Contact
Information
during
the
Priesthood
Convocation,
October
9-12,
2005
During
normal
business
hours,
Catholics
are
advised
to
call
their
parish
office
and
speak
with
the
parish
secretary,
who
will
relay
any
emergency
request,
such
as
an
anointing.
After
hours,
the
following
Deacons
and
Priests
may
be
contacted
directly,
according
to
the
Vicariate
in
which
you
live.
The
Deacon
Coordinator
is
prepared
to
coordinate
the
emergency
call
by
contacting
the
on-call
priest
and
drive
him
to
the
scene,
if
necessary.
The
deacon
will
also
notify
the
pastor
concerned.
Vicariate
I
(Darien,
Greenwich,
Riverside,
Stamford)
Coordinator:
Deacon
Wayne
Malloy:
253-4527
(cell);
348-5419
(home);
322-5331
(work)
Priests
On
Call:
Father
Joe
Cavoto:
216-2806;
Father
Avinash
Kurian:
322-5331
Vicariate
II
(New
Canaan,
Norwalk,
Weston,
Westport,
Wilton)
Coordinator:
Deacon
John
Tugman:
434-7439
(cell)
Priests
On
Call:
Father
Bill
Smith:
849-8974
(will
need
ride);
Father
Joe
Cavoto:
216-2806
Vicariate
III
(Bridgeport,
Easton,
Fairfield)
Coordinator:
Deacon
Ray
Chervenak:
394-2198
(cell);
374-8151
(home)
Priests
On
Call:
Father
John
Attard:
368-6777
(will
need
ride);
Priests
at
Saint
Michael
the
Archangel
Parish,
Bridgeport:
334-1822
Vicariate
IV
(Bridgeport,
Monroe,
Shelton,
Stratford,
Trumbull)
Coordinator:
Deacon
Sal
Clarizio:
913-3893
(cell);
261-0113
(home)
Priests
On
Call:
Priests
at
Saint
Michael
the
Archangel
Parish,
Bridgeport:
334-1822
Vicariate
V
(Bethel,
Brookfield,
Danbury,
Georgetown,
New
Fairfield,
Newtown,
Redding,
Ridgefield,
Sherman)
Coordinator:
Deacon
Bill
Murphy:
744-3927
(home);
797-0222
(work)
Priests
On
Call:
Priests
at
Sacred
Heart
of
Jesus
Parish,
Danbury:
748-9029;
Father
Sylvester
Ennin
Essien:
746-2200
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BRIDGEPORT,
Friday, October 7, 2005 – "Blessed, Broken, and Given: The
Life of Every Priest" is the theme of the second Diocesan
Priests' Convocation, to be held October 9-12 in
Rhode Island.
Bishop William
E. Lori chose this Eucharistic theme to respond to Pope John
Paul II's call to emphasize 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist,
an emphasis echoed by Pope Benedict XVI.
The gathering
is intended to offer diocesan priests an even greater opportunity
to join together in solidarity and explore their vocation of
service to God's people.
More than
190 priests will leave Fairfield County following Sunday Masses
on October 9, and return in time to resume a normal schedule
on October 13.
Catholics
throughout Fairfield County are invited to pray for the success
of the Convocation and the spiritual enrichment and renewal
of all their priests.
Needs
of the Faithful
Plans have
been made to ensure that the needs of the faithful will be met
while their priests are away.
On Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 10-12, most parishes
will have a Eucharistic prayer service, presided over by a deacon
or Eucharistic minister, in place of daily Mass. Plans have
also been made to have Masses celebrated by order priests at
certain designated parishes. Parishes will publish a list of
these in their Sunday bulletin.
In addition,
priests will be available in each vicariate of the diocese to
perform the duties of anointing the sick and assisting those
in need of priestly consolation. A deacon in each vicariate
will be on call to handle all requests for assistance. Parishioners
can ask their local parish to put them in contact with the deacon
for their vicariate, or call them directly at the telephone
numbers listed to the right.
Enrichment
The aim
of the Convocation is to gather all priests of the diocese,
together with their bishop, for a period of prayer, ongoing
formation, and unity. Time for relaxation and personal meditation,
community worship, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration will
offer the opportunity for spiritual enrichment.
Three speakers
will emphasize the theme of the Convocation. A series of workshops
on the final day will suggest practical applications of the
theme. On the opening day, Bishop J. Peter Sartain of
the Diocese of Little Rock will speak on the theme of "Blessings,"
the blessings of grace and nature given to each priest at his
ordination.
For the
second session, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese
of Milwaukee will address the theme of "Being Broken," of finding
consolation in the brokenness of Christ on the Cross.
On the third
day, Scripture teacher Jeff Cavins will follow the theme
of "Given," equipping the priests to give, minister, and be
even more effective in proclaiming the Gospel. Three workshops
will round out the Convocation.
In addition
to one by Cavins, the priests will hear from Christopher
West, widely recognized for his work promoting awareness
of Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." West will speak
on marriage preparation and appreciation of marriage. Brother
Robert Moriarty, S.M., from the Archdiocese of Hartford,
will lead an exploration of how to build a parish community.
At a formal
banquet on the final night, special recognition will be given
to specific groups of clergy: retired priests, newly-ordained
priests, and priests celebrating jubilees of ordination.
Anticipation
Excitement
is building around the diocese as priests anticipate the Convocation.
"I see this
as a learning experience," says Msgr. Frank Wissel, pastor of
Saint Mary Parish in Greenwich. "Listening to Bishop Lori, the
guest speakers, and my brother priests, I'm looking for instruction
and guidance, to be more motivated in my ministry."
"Yes, the
priest of today is indeed 'Blessed, Broken, and Given,'" observes
Msgr. Blase Gintoli, pastor of Assumption Parish in Fairfield.
"As priests we are blessed to be an alter Christus, to
bring God's message to the world. But in many ways, we may also
feel broken by the turmoil in the world, our country, and even
in the Church. And yet, we continue to give so much of ourselves
in so many directions. As such a priest, I look forward to the
Convocation, to join with my brothers in prayer and reflect
on the issues that impact us as priests of the 21st century."
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Back
to Breaking News
|
| Civil
Unions are "an assault on the sacrament and institution of marriage
and the family," Connecticut's Catholic Bishops remind the faithful
and society |
|
HARTFORD,
Saturday, October 1, 2005 – On
behalf of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, the Connecticut
Catholic Conference has issued the following statement.
Statement
on Civil Unions in Connecticut
On October
1, 2005, the state statute allowing persons of the same-sex
to enter into a civil union will become effective in the State
of Connecticut.
Although
some in our society will declare that October 1, 2005 is a day
to be celebrated in our State, this could not be further from
the truth.
The Roman
Catholic Bishops of Connecticut ask Roman Catholics across the
State to recognize this day for what it is: an assault on the
sacrament and institution of marriage and the family. This legislation
is an attempt to redesign our society outside of, and in direct
contradiction to, the wisdom of our Creator.
We ask
all Roman Catholics, and all of those in union with our position,
to pray for the future of marriage and family in the State of
Connecticut.
Background
The passage
and enactment of this legislation begins the final assault on
the traditional institution of marriage, and the benefits marriage
brings to society. The enactment of this law is contrary to
centuries of sociological understanding of the role of marriage
within a society. This legislation, while claiming to differentiate
between marriage and civil unions, equates civil unions to marriage.
Connecticut law now mandates that the people of Connecticut
provide all of the benefits of marriage to those in civil unions,
regardless of personal or religious conscience objections. Equating
civil unions to marriage brings the State of Connecticut closer
to the reality of same-sex marriage.
The Roman
Catholic Bishops of Connecticut will continue to strongly oppose
any efforts to impose same-sex marriage on the citizens of Connecticut.
At the same
time, it is necessary to state that our public position on this
matter must in no way be used as a pretext to attack homosexual
persons, either verbally or otherwise. That would be an affront
against God who demands that we respect each and every human
being. However, unfortunately some proponents of giving legal
status to same-sex unions have told Catholics to stay out of
the debate because it is a purely secular matter having nothing
to do with religion.
On the contrary,
we Catholics have the right, along with any group, secular or
religious, to enter into any public debate. We believe that
we exercise this right, not for the Church's good but for the
good of society as a whole.
Those supportive
of this legislation already have begun to use the existence
of this new law to bypass the legislative process, through judicial
intervention, to redefine marriage in our State (Kerrigan vs
Dept. of Public Health). This civil union legislation, enacted
against the will of the majority of Connecticut citizens, clearly
is an attempt to equate same-sex unions to the institution of
marriage.
This
is a profound distortion of the truth about the very nature
of marriage and family.
Marriage
is an institution, created and designed by God, for the mutual
wellbeing of the partners and the procreation of children. Marriage
should be, and should remain, an exclusive life-long union between
a man and a woman. Even from a non-theological sociological
perspective, marriage between a man and woman still remains
the best context in which to raise and nurture children.
Civil unions
and same-sex marriages deny children the benefits and uniqueness
that a mother and father bring into the lives of their children.
These same-sex institutions challenge, not only the wisdom of
the Creator, but also the secularly valued natural design, pertaining
to the nature of the family, and the procreating and raising
of children.
Supporters
of civil unions and same-sex marriages, in union with some elected
officials, are attempting to contradict this natural design,
and replace it with their own.
We ask
all Roman Catholics, and all of those in union with our position,
to pray for the future of marriage and family in the State of
Connecticut.
(For
more information on issues of concern to Catholics, visit the
Connecticut Catholic Conference website: click
here.)
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| The
Diocese of Bridgeport issues a statement on Catholic School classrooms |
 BRIDGEPORT,
Thursday, October 13, 2005, 5:45 p.m. - On behalf of the
Diocese of Bridgeport, Joseph McAleer, spokesman, has issued
the following statement:
"It
is with regret that we confirm that Mr. Stephen Kobasa is
no longer a member of the faculty of Kolbe Cathedral High
School in Bridgeport.
"It
is not our policy to comment on any internal personnel matter.
"Our
Catholic Schools provide a dynamic learning environment in
which respect for the opinions of others as well as respect
for school property are both key components.
"The
Diocese of Bridgeport has long believed that the American
flag is an important fixture in its Catholic School classrooms."
|
| Catholics
throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport donate more than $1 million to
support relief efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina |
 BRIDGEPORT,
Thursday, October 27, 2005 – Bishop
William E. Lori accepted a check today from Catholic Charities
of the Diocese of Bridgeport for more than $1 million, representing
the total amount donated by Catholics throughout Fairfield
County to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
$1,040,000
has been donated, an all-time record for a special collection
in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The monies were sent in directly
to Catholic Charities, or were given by parishioners during
a collection undertaken at all 87 parishes in the diocese.
CAPTION:
The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Bridgeport, accepts a check for $1,040,000 from
Marie Keogh, Director of Emergency Services for Catholic Charities.
The amount, donated by Catholics throughout Fairfield County
in a record-setting special collection, was sent to Catholic
Charities USA for ongoing relief efforts for the victims of
Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast. (Photo by John R.
Glover)
“Wow!”
“In a
word – ‘Wow!’” says Bishop William E. Lori. “I am extremely
humbled by how our family of faith in Fairfield County has
opened their hearts to help their sisters and brothers in
need. This is truly the Gospel in action.”
According
to Al Barber, executive director of Catholic Charities, the
sum was sent to Catholic Charities USA, which has been a primary
responder in the affected regions along the Gulf Coast. “We’re
working together on what they need, how they need it, when
they need it.”
Catholics
can still make donations directly (by check; not online)
to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. Proceeds are earmarked
to Catholic Charities for aid to those directly affected by
the disaster. Please
make checks payable to "Catholic Charities" and write "Hurricane
relief" in the memo line and mail to:
Catholic
Charities
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606
"Operation
New Day" a great success!
Catholic
Charities of the Diocese of Bridgeport and volunteers
from many parishes organized "Operation New Day"
helped furnish 20 apartments in Houston, TX, for relocated
victims.
 Sleepy's
at 159 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich offered a
steep discount on new twin beds (mattresses, box springs,
and frame sets) for this cause. Donors from across Fairfield
County bought 64 new beds. Large tractor-trailer trucks,
donated by Crabtree Automotive Group and
Joyce Van Lines, were loaded with the beds,
as well as with donations of brand-new twin sheets sets/mattress
covers, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and towels.
Volunteers
from several parishes (at left), including the Saint Mary's
and Saint Michael's in Greenwich, and Saint Aloysius in New
Canaan, helped to load the trucks, which departed for Houston
on October 7.
CAPTION:
Seeing the truck off from Saint Paul Parish in Greenwich are
(l-r) Bruce Berg, regional sales manager, Joyce Van Lines;
Joe Boyers, manager, Sleepy's; Sue Stone and (inside truck)
Catherine Eskierski, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish; Janet
Jorgensen, Saint Aloysius Parish; Lynn Mara, Saint Paul Parish;
and Bob Eskierski, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish. (Photo
by John Glover)
Marie
Keogh, director of emergency services for Catholic Charities,
received a jubilant call from Houston when the truck arrived.
"They were awed by the high quality of the beds," she says.
"People had been sleeping on the floor until now. They're
still talking about 'the day that truck arrived from Connecticut!'"
Catholic
School Assistance
Bishop
Lori has extended a welcome to families with children enrolled
in Catholic Schools who are relocating to Fairfield County.
 "In
the event families from the Gulf Coast relocate to Fairfield
County, I have asked our Catholic
elementary and secondary schools to accommodate Catholic
school students from the affected areas," Bishop Lori
said. "Our schools will provide for tuition expenses
for the time they are with us, and provide help with uniforms,
books, and other supplies."
There
are 32 Catholic elementary schools, one Catholic middle school,
five Catholic high schools, and one Catholic special education
school administered by the Diocese of Bridgeport.
CAPTION:
THE YOUNGEST OF CHILDREN CAN SET AN EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY
that’s hard to match. The three and four-yearolds at
Saint Joseph Readiness Center in Danbury loaded boxes
of toys for Hurricane Katrina victims. “It needed to be concrete
to them, so they all did jobs at home to earn money for the
toys,” says Susan Quimby, director. “They cleared the table
and put dishes in the sink, made their beds, fed the pets,
ran a lemonade stand. They packed the boxes themselves, and
the whole class brought the boxes out to the mailman to load
onto the truck. “The boxes were received in Alabama on September
19, and the Red Cross is sending them to a relief station
that serves young children. “They need toys and they need
love, and now they’ve got it,” says Quimby. “I’m so proud
of our children for helping other kids.”
To date,
one child from the Gulf region, who relocated to Fairfield
County with his family, is enrolled in a diocesan Catholic
elementary school.
For
more information, families should contact the Diocesan Office
for Education: 372-4301, ext. 380.
Catholic
Charities' Ongoing Efforts
 Catholic
Charities is mobilizing relief efforts in Fairfield County
to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.
A main
focus at the moment is the Seton/Neumann Retreat Center
in Danbury, which is being prepared to accommodate up
to 40 evacuees from the Gulf. The center, which is listed
in the national database of available shelters, was built
as a convent, but used in recent years as a retreat center,
particularly for Emmaus and Cursillo groups and youth
ministry gatherings. The building has about 30 bedrooms and
some large gathering rooms, which makes it ideal for group
housing.
CAPTION:
THE SETON/NEUMANN RETREAT CENTER in Danbury is being prepared
to accommodate up to 40 evacuees from the Gulf, thanks to
a relief effort spearheaded by the diocese and Catholic Charities.
(PHOTO BY JOHN GLOVER)
Catholic
Charities will provide staffing and counseling services
for displaced families, who have experienced tremendous dislocation
since losing their homes.
Catholic
Charities is also developing a database of individuals
and businesses who want to help in the weeks and months ahead
through parishes and a group of parents in lower Fairfield
County who have volunteered their time and talents.
The contact
points for all these activities are Marie Keogh, Director
of Emergency Services: mkeogh@ccfc-ct.org,
or Al Barber, President of Catholic Charities: abarber@ccfc-ct.org
. Though e-mail is preferred, they can also be reached at
(203) 372-4301.
(For
more information on Catholic Charities USA and relief efforts
in the Gulf Region, click
here.)
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