Fairfield County Catholic - November 2013 by The Diocese of Bridgeport

Inside this issue

Remembering Bishop Curtis at Sacred Heart University

15-22

Meet the 2013 St. Augustine Medal winners

at www.facebook.com/ Fairfield County Catholics at www.twitter.com/ dobevents, dobyouth

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bridgeportdiocese.com Frank E. Metrusky, CFP速 President and Financial Advisor 945 Beaver Dam Road Stratford, CT 06614

203.386.8977 Securities and Advisory Services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), Member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. Catholic Way investments and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.

(Photo by Michelle Babyak)

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November 2013

Spirit of the Season

1. Visit www.BlessedGifts.org to select gifts. 2. Dedicate a gift to a friend or loved one. 3. The Diocese will send a card to your gift recipient or you may print one on your computer or send an e-card. 4. The Diocese will direct your gift to the selected ministry.

Questions: 203-416-1479

www.BlessedGifts.org Simply complete the envelope that is inserted in the Fairfield County Catholic with your gift selections.

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Catherine McClinch, a student at St. Catherine Academy in Fairfield, receives communion at the annual Special Needs Mass held recently at Holy Cross Church in Fairfield. Some students made their First Holy Communion and others were confirmed by new Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. A reception for students and families followed the Mass. ABOVE THE FOLD— All Saints middle school students in Norwalk enjoy a break from studies with a fun moment on the playground Photo by Amy Mortensen

Blessed Gifts supports your faith in action through ministries across the Diocese of Bridgeport. Diocese of Bridgeport, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606

| CONTENTS

NEW DEVELOPEMENT CHIEF For the Diocese

ST. VINCENT’S JOINS MD Anderson Cancer Network

ON TURNING FORTY Columnist Matt Hennessey

25 SACRAMENTS123

New Religious Ed app for kids

11 ADVENT SING ALONG

29 A SWIMMING SUCCESS

13 DEACON BILL BISSENDEN

32 PRAYING FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

At St. Margaret Shrine

Remembers November 22, 1963

Shannon Daine

Guest Columnist Joe Pisani

November 2013

Local and State News

Bishop Blair to lead Archdiocese of Hartford BLOOMFIELD—Bishop Leonard Paul Blair, 64, current head of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, will succeed Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as the fifth archbishop and the 13th bishop of Hartford. The appointment was announced during a press conference on October 29 at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary. “I want to say how very happy and honored I am to be your new archbishop,” Bishop Blair said at the press conference. “I especially look forward to meeting the priests, who are a bishop’s closest and indispensable collaborators. My new home also includes people of many different churches, religions and backgrounds whose collaboration and friendship I look forward to in times to come.” The Detroit native said that he will have much to learn in the days to come. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to say ‘Hartford’ with just the right New England accent,” he quipped, “but I pledge all my love and effort to serve Christ by serving you, as together we seek to walk, and

help others to walk, what Christ himself calls ‘the narrow road that leads to life.’” “As a newcomer myself, it is a pleasure to welcome Bishop Blair to Connecticut, where he will magnificently lead the Archdiocese of 700,000 Catholics,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano on learning of his appointment. “The announcement of his appointment is welcome news for Catholics in the state, as the Holy Father has blessed us with a great teacher of the faith and a man who will be a compassionate and vigilant shepherd. He will bring the Good News of Jesus to those who are hurting and suffering and help them to find the merciful love of God.” Last October, Archbishop Mansell submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Benedict XVI, as required by Canon Law when a bishop attains the age of 75. Archbishop Mansell was 75 on October 10, 2012. Archbishop Mansell called it “a special joy for me” that Pope Francis had chosen Bishop Blair as his successor. “He comes with an

extensive background and a distinguished record of service as a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit,” Archbishop Mansell said. “We offer him our sincere congratulations, prayers and the promise of support as we go forward.” He said that, as archbishopemeritus, he will live at the rectory of St. Augustine Parish in South Glastonbury. Bishop Blair was born in Detroit on April 12, 1949, and was installed as the seventh Bishop of Toledo on December

4, 2003. He was ordained to the priesthood in June of 1976. Bishop Blair holds a doctorate in theology (STD) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He served for three years as Secretary to Edmund Cardinal Szoka and as a staff member of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See. In addition to parish postings and his appointment as pastor of St. Paul Parish in Grosse Point Farms, Bishop Blair served as

vicar general and chancellor for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He was dean of studies and assistant professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary College and instructor in Church History and Patristics at St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth. “I had the pleasure of serving with Bishop Blair on the Catechism subcommittee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB),” added Bishop Caggiano, “and I saw up close his great love of the faith along with his ability to lead with a quiet strength and integrity.” Archbishop-designate Blair will be installed in Hartford at a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on December 16. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Blair as I look forward to working with him and serving the faithful of Connecticut,” said Bishop Caggiano. “I ask all Catholics to join me in including Bishop Blair in our prayers as he prepares to lead the Archdiocese and its people.” n

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh named superintendent BRIDGEPORT—Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, PhD, has been confirmed as superintendent of schools by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. The appointment was announced October 28. “In my brief tenure here as bishop, I have been deeply impressed by the respect and admiration shown to Sr. Mary Grace by many of her colleagues in our elementary school and high schools,” says Bishop Caggiano. “This admiration has been well earned because she has a long and accomplished career in the work of Catholic education, demonstrating a true love for its mission along with an outstanding professional competency to lead our schools effectively into the future. Her unwavering commitment to strengthen the Catholic identity of our schools is of paramount importance for their further growth and vitality in the years ahead.” Sr. Mary Grace served as deputy superintendent for the

past seven years alongside Dr. Margaret Dames. During that time she also functioned as interim principal at St. Thomas Aquinas

Sr. Mary Grace is a member of the religious congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A native of New

School in Fairfield from 2007-08. She has filled the position of interim superintendent since March of this year, when Dr. Dames left to become the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ.

Haven, she earned her PhD in educational administration and supervision/church leadership from Fordham University, New York, and an MA in education administration and supervision from Saint Louis University, St.

Louis, MO. She is a graduate of Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, where she earned a bachelors’ degree in English. In the past she has served as a principal in the Archdiocese of New York and the dioceses of Metuchen, NJ, and Providence, RI, and as a teacher in grades K-12 in the Archdioceses of New York, St. Louis and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. She also serves as a member of the Archdiocesan School Board of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and as Professional Development co-chair of the New England CACE (Chief Administrators of Catholic Education). Her areas of interest and research include Catholic school governance, mission effectiveness, institutional leadership, Catholic identity, school change, strategic planning, administrator and teacher formation and curriculum design. “I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by Bishop Caggiano to continue my min-

istry of leadership and service to the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport as superintendent of schools. It is a privilege to serve with dedicated administrators and teachers in preparing young people for both life and life eternal as they excel in academics as well as the study and lived practice of our Catholic faith,” says Sr. Mary Grace. “In my seven years as deputy superintendent, I witnessed our schools flourish with the assistance of parents who, as the primary educators of their children, choose to entrust their children to our schools—often at great sacrifice. I look forward to collaborating with them and with Bishop Caggiano, the clergy, school advisory boards and generous donors who embrace the mission of Catholic education.” Bishop Caggiano, for his part, looks forward to collaborating closely with Sister Mary Grace as she assumes the permanent ➤ continued on page

November 2013

Local News face to face

Face to Face

by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano It all begins with Prayer Before we can address some new avenues by which we can minister better to the youth of our diocese, our work must begin with prayer. If our efforts are to succeed, we must be about Our Father’s work and not what you or I decide is best or think is needed. The Lord stands ready to bless and empower our actions, but he must always be in the lead. We must pray for discernment and courage. We need discernment so that we can know what it is that the Lord is asking us to do in order to effectively introduce our Catholic faith to everyone who is open to it, especially young people. The gift of courage, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, will provide us the divine power we will need to do what the Lord asks of us, despite the personal cost. I ask everyone to pray each day for these two great gifts. Then we will be ready to begin in earnest this new adventure of faith.

Reaching out to Youth As I settle into my new ministry as bishop, my heart and thoughts constantly return to the needs of our young people. I deeply desire to assist them to grow in our Catholic faith. I am keenly aware that young people who are growing up in our contemporary world face opportunities and challenges that many of us who are older did not face. For example, the evolution of technology, most especially the world-wide Web, has provided us the means by which we can explore our world on a much broader scale than ever before. At the touch of a button, we can easily interact with people of different cultures, religions and viewpoints. On one hand, such interactions can help enrich our appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the human family. On the other hand, such a plurality of viewpoints raises questions that need to be answered to prevent them from causing doubts or confusion. It is hard enough for adults who are believers and understand their Catholic faith to navigate this new world. It is even more difficult for those who are younger and are still learning the richness and beauty of our faith. In the days ahead I hope to begin a conversation on how best to respond to these challenges, for our own sake and the sake of our young people. Follow Bishop Frank J. Caggiano on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BishopCaggiano Follow Bishop Caggiano on Twitter: @BishopCaggiano

Celebrating 8,000 years of marriage! TRUMBULL—The Fall and every day since.” Jubilee Mass for Wedding The Jubilee Mass is organized Anniversaries was held on by Angela Mantero, director of October 20 at St. Theresa Church. Marriage and Family for the diocIn attendance were over 200 couesan Office for Pastoral Services. ples celebrating almost 8,000 years Mantero noted, in particular, the of marriage between them! atmosphere generated by the presThe longest married couple was James and Mary Caldarone, married for 71 years. The Jubilee Mass is held twice a year for couples celebrating milestone JAMES AND MARY CALDERONE have been married anniversaries for 71 years. at five-year increments starting with 10 years. It is a joyous ence of our new bishop. event which celebrates the sanctity “It was a most special day not of marriage and all the struggles only for the couples to celebrate and triumphs that come with living their marriages, but also to have a this blessed vocation. chance to meet Bishop Caggiano This was Bishop Frank J. in person. Each couple was greetCaggiano’s first time celebrating for ed personally by the bishop as he our diocese. He recalled a saying of presented them with a commemhis mother’s, “Sometimes, the best orative certificate, and a few took words are those left unspoken.” the opportunity to chat with him And, certainly, this is true in mara bit. There was lots of laughter riage. But, on this day, the bishop and joy was everywhere.” said, “We are celebrating the words (Photos from the event can be that were spoken, the words ‘I do’ viewed on the Marriage and Family that each of the couples vowed to page of the diocesan website: one another on their wedding day www.bridgeportdiocese.com.) n

Bishop to speak at Shehan Breakfast BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the guest speaker at the 26th Annual Celebrity Breakfast for the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport on November 20. The breakfast will be held from 7:30-9 am at the Holiday Inn, 1070 Main St., Bridgeport. For 50 years, the Cardinal Shehan Center has served the recreational, educational, and social needs of moderate and lowincome families and young people of lower Fairfield County, particularly inner-city Bridgeport. Their mission of enriching lives through learning is accomplished by offering an After School & Saturday youth development program, summer day camp, basketball and softball leagues, sign-up programs, physical education classes to grammar schools and alternative education programs. With an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness center, game room, arts & crafts room, member’s lounge, dark room, computer lab, library and outdoor facilities, the Center is an outstanding community resource. (For more information or for reservations, call 203.336.4468.) n

November 2013

Fundraising and Development

McLean named chief development officer BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has named William M. McLean, Jr. as the chief development officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport, which numbers over 460,000 Catholics in Fairfield County. “I am pleased to announce that William McLean has joined the diocese. His considerable experience in development for non-profits and Church organizations will be a tremendous resource as we build financial support for our programs and

future plans,” said Bishop Caggiano. McLean will be responsible for all diocesan fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, planned giving, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, stewardship plans and strategic campaigns for capital and operational needs. His appointment was effective October 7, 2013. McLean comes to the diocese from a 30-year career in fund raising and non-profit management as a consultant, serving

hundreds of clients. He has worked with such organizations as the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Diocese of Paterson, the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation, Norwalk Hospital, Danbury Hospital and the March of Dimes Foundation. Most recently, he was senior vice president of Graham-Pelton Consulting, a non-profit management and fundraising consult-

Thoughts on giving & faith Fairfield County Catholic recently spoke with William M. McLean, Jr., the new chief development officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport. McLean is a 30-year fund raising veteran with extensive experience in non-profit and faith-based development. In this interview, he shares some of his thoughts on philanthropy, faith and his own family. How do you feel as you begin your new assignment here in the diocese? I’m excited for a number of reasons, most importantly the opportunity to work with a dynamic new bishop who has a great vision for the future of the diocese. You’ve worked for other dioceses across the country as a consultant, but now the challenge is very close to home. Bridgeport is my own diocese and I’m active in my parish, St. Mary’s of Ridgefield, and that makes it all the better for me personally. It’s a great opportunity to come to work for the diocese at the same time as a new bishop and to work closely with him on financial development for the benefit of our parishes and ministries. How do you plan to move forward in the future? I’m eager to create a development plan. I think the bishop shares this with me because he’s a believer in looking at the big picture

and having a strategic plan. Is it fair to say that pastors are the key to the success of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal? They are the front line of fund raising for the diocese and absolutely critical. If they’re not on board, we won’t be successful. Pastors are the public face of the appeal for their parishioners. My goal is to work closely with the pastors and make the Appeal as “pastor and parish friendly” as possible. While the economy is improving, people are still struggling, and that has an impact on charitable giving. Giving dropped dramatically after 2008, but has made a significant recovery in the last two years. People are generous and Americans give more to religious organizations than any other sector. There are so many people competing for funds in the nonprofit arena and many dramatic needs on the national and international level. People often respond with great generosity to a crisis—earthquake, flood or other disaster—when they hear about it on radio or TV, but there’s a lot of need in our own community that doesn’t get that kind of press. We need the support for the every day, ongoing needs of our senior citizens, our retired clergy, and all of the Catholic Charities programs. These are quiet behind-the-scenes needs that may not be very visible but they’re really important and critical.

What led you to serve as a volunteer at Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Danbury? My son, Chris, was looking for an opportunity to do some community service and it was something I could do with him. We volunteer one Saturday a month and serve breakfast to about 150 people from 6 to 9 am. It’s a full, hearty breakfast and we’ve been doing it for about two years. It’s very gratifying. The volunteers are wonderful and the guests are grateful and gracious. I’ve rarely felt so welcomed by people. We’re up at five in the morning in the winter cold to get there but it’s worth it. Every time I walk in the door, I think of the Bible passage, “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brethren, you do for me.” It’s faith in action and also something I can give to my son to show him what community service can really mean to people in need. In his Installation Mass homily, Bishop Caggiano said “there can be no one who is left behind, no one left to fend for themselves” in Fairfield County. Yes, there are so many needs right in our own backyard and in one of wealthiest counties in the country, if not the world. There’s more than enough to make sure that the least of us are served to make sure that we can continue to do something for them for basic needs. n

ing firm located in Summit, NJ. He began his career as an account executive at John B. Cummings Company in New York and also served as assistant vice president at Community Counselling Service Company before joining GrahamPelton. He serves as class chair of the Manhattanville College Annual Fund, where he received his bachelor of arts degree, is a volunteer at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury and is the co-host of the Community Discussions radio program on WPKN 89.5 FM in Bridgeport. McLean resides in Ridgefield with his wife, Jeanmarie, and their two sons. The family are parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish in Ridgefield. The Diocese of Bridgeport is composed of 82 parishes throughout Fairfield County. It also sponsors 30 elementary schools

and five high schools that educate more than 10,000 youth yearly; the St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford; the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of Clergy Residence for retired priests in Stamford; Bishop Curtis Homes, a network of senior housing throughout the diocese; and a wide range of Catholic Charities social programs including behavioral health programs, nutrition programs and inner city soup kitchens. (For information on the giving opportunities in the diocese, contact McLean at the Diocesan Development Office: 203.416.1473 or wmclean@diobpt.org.) n

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Catholic Charities “America’s Mayor” shares thoughts on 9/11 By BRIAN D. WALLACE

No matter how horrible the tragedy that strikes a life or a community, people have to move on out of an obligation to live their own lives and care for others who depend on them, said former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at the Tenth Annual Celebrity Breakfast of Catholic Charities. Speaking to a gathering of almost 550 people in the Amber Room in Danbury on October 24, Mayor Giuliani said that every day since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he has lived with images of the death and destruction in his mind. Noting that many Newtown residents will soon be facing the first anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of 26 children and teachers, he said that it is important to balance images of suffering and loss with positive thoughts of the love and courage people demonstrate after a tragedy. “You don’t have to stop thinking about it. Almost every day it comes back to me,” he said of his

9/11 memories, “but you should also finish your thoughts by thinking about all those who embrace you and care about you.” The Mayor offered poignant praise for Fr. Mychal Judge, a friend and FDNY chaplain, who was the first recorded victim of 9/11. The Mayor, who had asked Fr. Judge to pray for the city just moments before he was struck and killed by falling debris from the towers, said a prayer after learning of his death. “I said, Dear God I’m going to have to make decisions, and I don’t know if they’ll be right or wrong. It’s up to you to make them right.” He said Fr. Judge taught him that “the only answer to evil is love and the only answer to great sorrow is love and going on to help other people.” He said after the 9/11 attacks, he knew that he had to exhort New Yorkers to be stronger, but at the time the city’s future looked uncertain. “I don’t know if it was a prayer, a hope or a boast, but I wanted to tell people, let’s be stronger. But I wasn’t sure we

could. Tragedy either crushes you or makes you stronger,” he said. “I wanted them to keep their eyes on Ground Zero but also lift them up toward our future.” Both Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and St. Rose of Lima Pastor Msgr. Robert Weiss thanked Mayor Giuliani for coming to Newtown after the December 14 shootings and reaching out to the people. “We are deeply indebted to him for being there at one of our lowest moments,” said Mayor Boughton. “The best advice I received on those difficult days following December 14 was from Mayor Giuliani,” Msgr. Weiss said. “He brought comfort and consolation not just because he’s a great leader—he’s really a man with a heart.” Mayor Giuliani returned the compliment by praising Msgr. Weiss for his pastoral strength and leadership after the Newtown shootings. “You either face tragedy and help other people or you don’t, and he stood up for a whole community under a

CO ME E X PLORE L I F E O N T HE L A NE !

tremendous situation,” said the Mayor, noting that if he wrote another book on heroes, Fr. Bob would be included. In his talk, which focused entirely on the response to 9/11, Mayor Giuliani praised the work of Catholic Charities both in New York City and in the great Danbury area. He said that in both communities, Catholic Charities played a leading role in helping others to get needed services and come to terms with the crisis. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Behavioral Health Clinic of Catholic Charities, which has provided crisis and ongoing clinical services to Newtown families affected by the tragedy. In brief remarks before leading the closing prayer, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, a lifelong Brooklyn resident, thanked Mayor Giuliani for his service. “When America needed someone to bring people together, when we needed confi-

dence and hope, you rose to the occasion as a leader.” He praised Catholic Charities for serving the “poorest of the poor, and those the world would like us to forget, but we will not forget them,” and he expressed his admiration for the people of Newtown. “In the face of unspeakable evil you responded with love. That’s what makes us a community of believers.” This year’s event was cochaired by Lisa Donovan of Brewster, New York, a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Parish in New Fairfield, and Claudia Menezes of Ridgefield, a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Ridgefield. Maureen Knup of Brookfield is serving as president of the Catholic Charities of Danbury Advisory Board. (Catholic Charities of Greater Danbury offers a wide range of services. For more information, call 203.743.4412.) n

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November 2013

National Advisory Committee

Damien O’Connor named committee chair WASHINGTON, DC— Damien O’Connor, the director of the Office for Pastoral Services of the Diocese of Bridgeport, has been elected Chair Elect of the National Advisory Council (NAC) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), effective January of 2014. In 2012, he had been named one of three delegates to represent Region I, which includes all of New England. He was the first layman from the Diocese of Bridgeport to be named to the post. This year he was one of seven people of the NAC’s executive board, functioning as ProActive chair. The NAC totals 45 people including bishops, priests, women and men religious, permanent deacons and laity representing the fifteen geographical regions of the USCCB. “We’re supposed to represent the Church in miniature, and we do that,” O’Connor says. “We’re a microcosm of the Church in the United States.” The NAC was formed after Vatican II to assist the bishops of the United States by providing input on a range of social, moral and legislative issues. “If you see

an issue on TV that affects the Church nationally, the odds are we’ll be discussing it,” he says. Conference concerns include, but are not limited to, the categories of peace and justice, communications, health, education, and human development, as well as related legislative and legal actions. The National Advisory Council meets semi-annually, following the schedule of the USCCB. “Our primary responsibility is to be reactive to the issues on the bishops’ agenda,” O’Connor explains. Members are given the issues ahead of time, providing them the opportunity for prayerful study and research. “We strive to be very much in tune with what’s going on at the parish level and diocesan level.” Following small group discussion and general meetings, the NAC offers their recommendations to the bishops. The council’s suggestions are forwarded to the USCCB administrative board or sent to the appropriate USCCB committee. “Our role is strictly advisory, but the bishops find our recommendations very, very helpful,” O’Connor says. The structure of the NAC

requires a three-year commitment from its chair. “You spend the first year as chair-elect, with the past chair helping you,” O’Connor explains. “You’re in charge for a year, and then you spend a year as past chair, helping the new chair. It sounds awkward but it’s actually a very good system.” A given person can only hold the position once, a rule that ensures a continuing flow of new viewpoints and experience. “These are some of the most dedicated, intelligent, and at the same time the most humble people the Church has to offer,” says O’Connor. “It is such an honor not just to work with them but simply to know them. They are wonderful human beings.” O’Connor has an MA in religious education from Fordham University, and has spent much of his career working for the Church in education and youth formation. He held the post of executive director of Nazareth Farm, Inc., a Catholic organization that works with youth groups to rehabilitate homes in the Appalachia Mountains in West Virginia. He served as the campus minister for Catholic Evangelization at Villanova

Damien O’Connor

University, where his primary responsibility was empowering students to live their Catholic faith, and was assistant headmaster for catechesis at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY. He first came to the Diocese of Bridgeport as director of adult formation in 2008, and was asked by Bishop William E. Lori in 2009 to serve as director of the Office for Pastoral Services. Under his leadership the diocese has introduced a new gen-

eration of adult formation programs, including the Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Program which is now available at every parish on DVD (online at www.scoj.org) and SHARE (email: SHARE@ diobpt.org), a four-year, certificate program in Catholic Adult Formation partnered with Sacred Heart University. The programs are intended to assist adult Catholics and help them understand their faith and put it into action. O’Connor and his wife, Monica, have been married for 16 years and are the parents of three children. The family are members of St. Ann Parish in Bridgeport. The Office for Pastoral Services provides enrichment training for parish catechetical programs, youth and young adult ministries, adult formation, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), pro-life/family life activities, marriage preparation, catechesis for people with developmental disabilities and formation programs for teachers, catechists, catechetical leaders and clergy. (For more information on the Pastoral Services office, visit www. officeforpastoralservices.org or call 203.416.1440.) n

St. Vincent’s launches state’s only affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network BRIDGEPORT—St. Vincent’s Medical Center announced today that it is the first and only hospital in Connecticut to become a member of MD Anderson Cancer Network, a program of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This affiliation will provide certified physicians at St. Vincent’s, through the Medical Center and its Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, access to evidence-based guidelines, treatment plans and best practices developed by MD Anderson experts. These are disease-specific guidelines for cancer treatment, cancer prevention, early detection and followup care. This collaboration will bring new hope to local cancer patients by using protocols developed by

a national leader in cancer care. For ten of the past 12 years, including 2013, MD Anderson has ranked number one in the nation in cancer care in the “Best Hospitals” survey published by U.S. News & World Report.

“This affiliation represents a tremendous development in our cancer program,” said St. Vincent’s Medical Center President Stuart G. Marcus, MD, FACS. “Now patients throughout the area can obtain

comprehensive holistic care in a state-of-the-art, comfortable setting, while also having access to MD Anderson’s cutting-edge advances and clinical expertise. The affiliation will enable us to successfully expand the scope of our services and raise the standard for cancer diagnosis and treatment in collaboration with the nation’s leading cancer center.” In addition, the affiliation provides the oncology team at St. Vincent’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care access to: • Regular video conferences with MD Anderson physicians • Participation of MD Anderson physicians in St. Vincent’s tumor boards • Consultative sessions

• Expanded educational opportunities • Collaborative opportunities with other members of MD Anderson Cancer Network MD Anderson Cancer Network is a select group of hospitals and health care systems that share a common mission to eliminate cancer. “We are excited to develop this historic relationship with St. Vincent’s that will only enhance its tradition of delivering exceptional cancer care to patients by adding MD Anderson expertise,” said William A. Murphy, Jr., MD, board chairman, MD Anderson Physicians Network. “Together, we will ensure that patients across the region will have access to the highest quality cancer care available.” n

November 2013

Pilgrimage for Life Black Madonna icon comes to St. Theresa By JOSEPH PRONECHEN

Few of us can make a pilgrimage to Poland to pray before the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa where she is enshrined. But on November 19, everyone has the rare opportunity to venerate and pray before an exceptional replica of the original miraculous icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the famous “Black Madonna,” when she will stop for several hours at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. This icon is on a tremendous pilgrimage called “From Ocean to Ocean.” Our Lady of Czestochowa’s icon began its journey in 2012 on the shore of Vladivostok, Russia, then continued across Eastern and Western Europe through over 23 countries with stops in basilicas, cathedrals, churches and shrines in over 400 cities. During the 40,000 miles she has traveled so far, millions of Catholic and Orthodox faithful have welcomed and venerated Our Lady in this renowned icon. One of her final European stops was at the Shrine of Fatima in Portugal, where the icon was placed on the site of the 1917 apparitions of our Blessed Mother. The icon crossed the Atlantic and arrived in America in Maryland in August to continue throughout this country and to the Pacific coast. The Czestochowa icon is a faithful copy of the miraculous original enshrined at Jasna Góra. It is of the original size, and “written” in the traditional manner of icons. Before the start of this monu-

mental journey in the defense of life, this icon was placed by the original, which is one of the holiest of relics and believed to have been painted by St. Luke. During that special ceremony in January 2012, this replica was blessed by Archbishop Stanislaw Nowak of Czestochowa and entrusted to the defense of life and family. “The pilgrimage of the Czestochowa icon ‘From Ocean to Ocean’ through the world is an unprecedented historical event and has enormous significance,” wrote Fr. Roman Majewski, prior of Jasna Góra. Human Life International, the world’s largest grassroots pro-life organization, is sponsoring the pilgrimage (FromOceantoOcean.org). “This pilgrimage is intended to awaken the faithful about the urgency of defending life from

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the moment of conception,” said Fr. Peter West, vice president of HLI and chairman of the pilgrimage committee. He will accompany the icon to St. Theresa Church. “Hundreds of thousands, in venerating the image, have recommitted to restoring a Culture of Life. Truly, our Blessed Mother, as mediatrix of all grace, is interceding on our behalf with her Son, the Lord of Life, and we will see a return to respect for life and family,” Fr. West added. Indeed, the icon shows Mary as a guide pointing to Christ with her right hand and leading all people to God, the Giver of Life. As our loving mother, she protects life. Many miracles and miraculous healings both spiritual and physical are credited to the

original icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Pope John Paul II visited and prayed before her in Jasna Gora not only during his youth but later through his years as priest, archbishop and cardinal. As Holy Father he also visited the shrine. “In the Old Testament there was a tradition of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle,” Fr. West noted. “At the siege of Jericho the Israelites marched around seven times and the city walls fell down.” Fathers of the Church like St. Ambrose compare Mary to the Ark of the New Covenant. Fr. West makes clear the connection of asking for miraculous interventions through Our Lady: “Now we are renewing this tradition and bringing the icon into the battle for life. We are calling on Our Lady and bringing the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa into the battle against the culture of death and asking her to help us build a culture of Life. We’ve entrusted the civilization of life and love into the hands of the

Blessed Virgin Mary.” This pilgrimage icon has already been welcomed and venerated in the United States at several shrines, churches and basilicas and cathedrals including St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Now Fr. Brian Gannon, pastor of St. Theresa’s, looks forward to the visit of the icon of Our Lady. “We welcome with great joy the icon of Our Blessed Mother,” he said. “As Pope Francis has shown, along with Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, devotion to the Blessed Mother is absolutely crucial for us and our children in today’s battles against secularism and relativism.” Our Lady of Czestochowa icon will arrive on November 19 at St. Theresa Church for a welcoming rite at 4:30 pm, and placed in the sanctuary. Mass will be at 5:30 pm. Veneration of and prayer before the icon will take place until the farewell at approximately 8:00 pm. (For more information, call the parish: 203.261.3676.) n

Local Knights of Lithuania honored at centennial By BARBARA WILCINSKASSCHMIDT

Members from Council 141 of the Knights of Lithuania, which meets at St. George Parish in Bridgeport, were honored recently in Boston at the organization’s 100th anniversary convention. The Knights of Lithuania is a nationwide organization of Roman Catholic men and women of Lithuanian ancestry and their spouses. The members adhere to the motto “For God and Country” and aim to keep alive an appreciation of the Lithuanian language, customs and culture, while stressing the importance of Roman Catholic beliefs. Since it is a family organization, St. Casimir, patron of Lithuania’s youth, is honored as the group’s patron. The highlight of the conven-

tion was a High Mass at Boston’s St. Peter’s Church, a beautiful historic church founded by

Lithuanians that continues to be a vibrant active parish serving not only Lithuanians but many different aspects of the Boston Catholic community. The main celebrant for the 100th anniversary Mass was His Excellency Gintaras Grusas, Archbishop of Vilnius, Lithuania. Members of Council 141 from St. George participating in the centennial activities included Barbara WilcinskasSchmidt, president, and her husband Paul; ➤ continued on page

November 2013

Fairfield University

Fr. John Conlisk Irish scholarship is heaven sent FAIRFIELD—Bernadette Liston was sitting at her computer in County Limerick, Ireland, when she opened an email that has proved pivotal. The twenty-three-year-old learned in May that she had been awarded the Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship to attend Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business, worth about $55,000. It is given annually to a graduate student from Ireland to help their career prospects, and it covers all tuition, housing and medical insurance expenses for the time it takes to earn a master’s degree. With Ireland’s unemployment rate hovering around 13 percent, the opportunity came just as Liston found herself at a crossroads. “Massive decisions would have faced me if I hadn’t come to Fairfield—find a job in Ireland’s unsteady economy, apply for graduate programs in Ireland or immigrate to find work in countries like Australia or Dubai like so many other Irish young people,” said Liston. She got the great news after finishing her eight-hour shift at a supermarket. “After work that night, I sat around the kitchen table with my family conversing about our day,” said Liston, who goes by the nickname ‘Bernie.’ “I read the email from Fairfield University, and I could not believe my eyes. It felt like I had won the lottery. It was a feeling of complete excitement. I knew my hard work had paid off.” The Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship at Fairfield was founded 22 years ago when the Irish economy was struggling. A group of Irish Americans led by Fairfield University trustee Kevin M. Conlisk ‘66 believed a scholarship would give an Irish student an opportunity to make business contacts. The scholarship is named for Conlisk’s late brother, a 1954 Fairfield Prep graduate who served the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Fr. Conlisk, a native of New York City, was ordained by Bishop Walter W. Curtis in 1962 and served in a number of posts for the diocese including director of Family Life and co-director of religious education in the diocesan Christian Formation Ministry. He became pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Georgetown in 1977 and was named the first pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Redding in 1981. He died in July 1990, while he was serving as pastor of St. Jerome Parish in Norwalk. Many of the founding scholarship committee members are first or second generation Irish Americans, who established it to help a deserving young Irishman. Liston was born and raised in County Limerick, located 200 miles from Dublin. She earned a business degree from the University of Limerick’s Kemmy Business School. She is the middle child of three children. Her father Tom passed away when she was just fourteen and her mother, Kathleen, and the family live in Limerick, the fourth largest city in the nation. “Knowledge is a powerful tool in the business world,” said Liston, who is now enrolled in the MBA program with a concentration in accounting. She hopes to begin her career in America, working for one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms. “Each scholar I have worked with has seen this opportunity as a life-changer,” said Mark Ligas, Ph.D., associate dean and director of graduate programs at the Dolan School. “The Rev. Conlisk scholars bring so much to the classroom. In addition to sharing an international perspective in class discussions, especially with regard to the European Union, they offer a fresh perspective on an individual’s expectations of what our graduate programs should or could do to develop a successful and marketable graduate,” noted Dr. Ligas.

Liston is happy diving into the opportunities the faculty has presented her: she’s a member of the Student Monetary Investment Fund and is taking part in the upcoming PwC Accounting Competition and the Deloitte FanTAXtic Competition. Liston has volunteered for Campus Ministry and plans to learn some new moves by way of the Latin Dancing and Ballroom Dancing clubs. Moreover, she’s already found a second home at Fairfield. “My housemates are both

BERNADETTE LISTON of Limerick, Ireland, has been awarded the Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship to attend Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. “This is an invaluable opportunity. I feel blessed to be here,” she says.

Chinese—one is a graduate student and the other a teaching assistant,” Liston noted. “I love learning about their culture and language. They are like family to me.” The Conlisk family has also

extended a big welcome to Liston, providing her with “an invaluable opportunity. I feel blessed to be here,” she said. “I know I have someone looking down from above.” n

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November 2013

Targeting a National Crisis Catholic Therapist: Pornography targets youth TRUMBULL—Young people are increasingly being targeted by the pornography industry and they need to be protected by parents and society, said Catholic therapist and author Dr. Peter Kleponis. Speaking to a gathering of 175 teachers, religious educators, youth ministers and priests in St. Catherine of Siena Parish Family Center in Nichols, Dr. Kleponis said that parents of children under age 11 should do everything in their power to safeguard their children from the harms of Internet pornography. Likewise, parents of teens should fully expect that they have been exposed to pornography and prepare them to resist it and understand the harm it can do to them. He said the average age when a child first encounters hard-core pornography is 11, and that the largest single population of Internet pornography users is 12-17 year olds. “Believe me, pornography will find them on the Internet after the age of 11, even if they’re not looking. They have to learn how to say no to it,” he said. Dr. Kleponis, who counsels individuals struggling with por-

AN EPIDEMIC OF PORNOGRAPHY—Noted therapist and author Dr. Peter Kleponis shows off his new book, The Pornography Epidemic: A Catholic Approach. More than 175 educators, youth ministers and priests attended his talk on the spiritual and emotional damage done by pornography.

He said that giving kids unrestricted Internet access is like “inviting a perfect stranger into their bedrooms,” and he added that a recent study found that 29% of 7-17 year olds would freely give out their addresses online.

nography addiction, said the best way to protect children is to monitor and limit cell phone and Internet use, and lock all of the video games and social media devices up at night, so they don’t have access in their rooms.

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Music for the 9:30am Sunday Solemn High Latin Mass November 17: Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: Missa Tertia (Hassler); Propers for the Last Sundays after Pentecost (Isaac); Exaudi Deus (Lassus) November 24: Last Sunday after Pentecost: Missa sine nomine à 6 (Palestrina); Vincenti dabo edere (Lassus); Domine ne in furore tua (Monteverdi) Thursday, November 28, 9:00 a.m.: Votive Mass of the Most Holy Trinity (Thanksgiving Day): Missa Cunctipotens Genitor Deus December 1: First Sunday of Advent: Missa Repleatur os meum laude tua (Palestrina); Ad te Domine levavi (Fux); Ne timeas Maria (Victoria) December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Missa Ave Sanctissima Maria (La Rue); Ave cujus conceptio (Ludford) For information about the program of musical education for children offered through the Student Schola, pleaese visit www.chantwith.us.

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Under current internet freedom laws, children can access pornography in a public library, and even at home “parents have to stand right behind children when they’re on the Internet.” He said that Internet pornography has led to the sexual exploitation of children, and child pornography is now a $3 billion dollar a year industry around the world. It has a destructive effect on children who view it. “Early exposure to pornography robs children of their innocence and exposes them to a world they are not prepared to understand.” Dr. Kleponis is particularly concerned about the impact of pornography on young women who are constantly bombarded with images of women as playthings, and who sometimes feel “they must look and act like porn stars” in order to be liked or valued. He said the music industry often celebrates pornographic styles, and that many mothers have a difficult time finding modest clothes for young girls. Likewise, many young women can be unwittingly drawn in to “sexting” without realizing its consequences. He said there is a danger because young people come to think of “pornographic sex as

normal and healthy when it is not. Pornography is violence against women and it keeps young women in their place as sex objects.” Dr. Kleponis said studies have shown that pornography, like any addictive substance, can provide temporary euphoria and escape but often leaves the person feeling worthless and more dependent. He said that serious cases of addiction threaten marriages and employment and require professional counseling along with a “12-step” approach like Alcoholics Anonymous, in which people admit their dependence and their need for group support. The practice of faith can also play an important role in recovery. “You need God. Faith is crucial to recovery, letting go of the shame and reclaiming your personal dignity,” he said, adding that daily prayer, regular confession and finding a spiritual director can help a person grow in virtue and achieve wholeness. He urged those in attendance to study Blessed John Paul II, “Theology of the Body,” which offers an integrated view of body, mind and spirit. Paraphrasing John Paul, he said that the great lie of pornography is that it removes the sexual act from human intimacy. “Its problem is not that it reveals too much of the body but too little of the person, who is reduced to sexual parts,” Dr. Kleponis said. A native of the Philadelphia area with an MA in clinical-counseling psychology and a PhD in general psychology, Dr. Kleponis is a noted therapist and speaker who has integrated Catholic spirituality into the therapeutic process in his more than fifteen years of private practice. In a question and answer session, he encouraged parents to subscribe to CovenantEyes. com or other Internet monitoring and blocking services for computers and cell phones; to keep computers in public areas rather than bedrooms and to never leave a child alone with the Internet. His talk was sponsored by the Office of Clergy and Religious, the Office for Education and the Office for Pastoral Services of the Diocese of Bridgeport. n

November 2013

Advent: Magical Time of the Year Sing-Along becomes community favorite By PAT HENNESSY

That magical time of year is almost upon us. Advent follows close on the heels of Thanksgiving, and Christmas preparations soon start in earnest. Familiar carols, children shaking jingle bells, a visit from Santa— Christmas memories are made of these. More than just memories, these become reality every year at

FAMILIAR CAROLS, JINGLE BELLS, and a visit from Santa himself bring the magic of the season to the annual Christmas Sing-Along at St. Margaret’s Shrine in Bridgeport. Music Director Tony Proccacini is always glad to have new volunteers for the choir.

the Christmas Carol Community Sing-Along at St. Margaret’s Shrine in Bridgeport. This year the free, hour-long event will take place at 3 pm on December 15, the third Sunday of Advent. It is held rain or shine, thanks to the availability of the Circolo Sportivo building across the street in case of inclement weather. The Circulo Sportivo also hosts the free reception after the sing-along. The great lawn at St. Margaret’s has been the setting for the Sing-Along for half a dozen years now, and the event is solidly established as part of the area’s holiday festivities. “The uniqueness of this setting is what makes this different,” says Len Paoletta, sweeping his hand to indicate the hills and grottos beyond the Shrine’s great lawn. Paoletta was Mayor of Bridgeport from 1981-85. “We’re outdoors. Teenagers and middle school kids can hang out together. Families can come a little early, take a stroll around the grounds, be amazed at what they see.” As the Christmas Sing-Along heads for its seventh season, organizers Mayor Paoletta and Tony Proccacini, director of music ministry at St. Emery Parish in Fairfield, are deep into plans to make this year’s event even more representative of the spirit of the season. They inspect

colored lights on a fountain beside the proposed location of the bandstand, discuss adding additional stanzas to “Jingle Bells” and meet with a representative of Operation Hope, a food pantry and homeless shelter in Fairfield. This year, families are being asked to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item as “admission” to the sing-along. The driving force behind the Christmas Sing-Along is the Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization, which was founded in 2003 to preserve and foster Italian culture, heritage, and traditions. “I’m always looking for things for BACCO to get involved in,” says Mayor Paoletta, the organization’s founder. A parishioner of St. Margaret’s Shrine, he was encouraged to establish the annual sing-along after attending a similar event at Mystic Seaport. The Sing-Along opens every year with “Star Spangled Banner.” “It’s our national anthem, and it emphasizes that all are welcome here,” says Proccacini. “It’s a Christmas Sing-Along, but we don’t care if you’re Buddhist or vegetarian or from whatever ethnic background. Music is music. We’re all Americans singing in the Christmas season.” A brass quartet leads the Sing-

Along every year, and the chorus is made up of volunteers from parishes and towns throughout the area. “I’m constantly getting out the word that we welcome new voices. We don’t usually have a rehearsal, but we have a ‘call time’ to go over the program an hour ahead of the SingAlong,” says Proccacini. “If I have Italian singers or others in the chorus who know the melody, they’ll come forward to sing ‘Tu Scendi Dall Stelle,’ accompanied by the brass players. It’s the quintessential Italian Christmas carol, the equivalent of ‘Silent Night’ for Englishspeakers. The literal translation of the title is ‘You Come Down

from the Stars.’” Not only are the songs and carols familiar, both the chorus and the audience have songbooks. Santa, of course, will pay a visit, appearing about midway through the concert. Mayors and dignitaries from area towns usually join in the event, and Bishop Caggiano has been invited as well. The donations to Operation Hope food pantry in Fairfield, a new element in the Sing-Along, reinforce the spirit of the season. “Especially at this time of year, when we all remember how lucky we are, there is something special about people helping those who aren’t so lucky,” says Carla Miklos, executive director of

Lithuania from page 8 Helen Simanis, secretary; Kathleen Balcius, social director and her son Peter, trustee and third vice president. During the convention, Helen Simanis and Peter Balcius received Fourth Degree recognition, the highest honor the organization gives, for their years of service and work in their local council. They were presented with the Medal of St. Casimir at a special ceremony during the High Mass at St. Peter’s Church. St. George Parish was founded in 1907 to serve the growing Lithuanian population. In common with many immigrants, they had come to Bridgeport to serve in the growing manufacturing industry. Over the past century, the parish opened its arms to a succession of immigrant groups; the majority of its parishioners are now of Hispanic background. With the assistance of Council 141, St. George continues to honor its Lithuanian heritage. Several cultural and social programs take place at the parish during the year, and Mass is celebrated in Lithuanian the third Sunday of every month. (For more information on the activities of Council 141 of the Knights of Lithuania, call 203.878.0519.) n

Operation Hope. Operation Hope provides food to more than 200 families, including 100 children, each month. “We’re seeing more and more families,” Milkos says. “This concert will raise awareness that people are hungry in our community.” In addition, Operation Hope offers a shelter for men, women, and families; supportive affordable housing; and lunch and dinner served every day at their Community Kitchen. “A lot of times, people want to help but don’t know how,” says Milkos. “At the Sing-Along, they’ll have the opportunity to put their faith in action, and in return they get to join in some great music.” “Lending a helping hand to others is one of the traditions of the Christmas season,” agrees Paoletta. “We’re all connected, and we feel that more strongly than ever at Christmas.” (Anyone interested in joining the chorus should contact Tony Proccacini by Sunday, December 8: 718.873.7421 or aprocaccini@juno.com.) n

Superintendent from page 3 position of superintendent. “I ask all of you to join in wishing her the Lord’s choicest blessings in the years ahead.” The Diocese of Bridgeport sponsors 30 elementary schools, one Catholic Middle School, one special education school, and five high schools throughout Fairfield County with a total enrollment of nearly 11,000 students. Thirteen of its schools have been awarded Department of Education Blue Ribbon School designation for National Excellence. Over 70% of teachers and administrator hold masters, sixth year and/or doctoral degrees. All schools are fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and colleges (NEASC). (For more information about Catholic schools in Fairfield County, visit the website of the Diocese of Bridgeport at www. bridgeportdiocese.com, or phone 203.416.1380.) n

November 2013

Remembering Bishop Curtis A Vatican II bishop with a passion for education FAIRFIELD—“He was a pragmatist, a builder and a pastor who saw in the still embryonic college a response to a changing Church and changing society,” said Dr. Michael W. Higgins of Bishop Walter W. Curtis in a recent talk commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Sacred Heart University. For the many who still remember Bishop Curtis, second Bishop of Bridgeport, as a quiet, unassuming man, the talk by Dr. Higgins drew a picture of a dynamic and visionary bishop who was inspired by the Second Vatican Council and brought significant change and growth to the diocese. Named Bishop of Bridgeport in 1961, Bishop Curtis went on to lead the diocese for 27 years, making him the longest serving bishop in its history. His tenure represents the remarkable building years when the young diocese, formed in 1953, added 19 new suburban parishes, a network of senior living residences, four high schools and numerous elementary schools. Those who worked alongside Bishop Curtis say he was profoundly changed by the Second Vatican Council and returned

from the historic enclave with an enthusiasm to implement the reforms and take advantage of new opportunities. His founding of Sacred Heart University in 1963 was a national achievement as well as a local one because it became the first lay-staffed and operated diocesan college in the United States. In his talk, attended by 100 faculty, students and invited guests in the Schine Auditorium, Dr. Higgins, president for Mission and Catholic Identity at SHU, celebrated Bishop Curtis and the uniqueness and singularity of Sacred Heart University’s genesis as a lay Catholic institution. “Bishop Cutis suggested its most innovative feature: a completely lay character. The concept was hardly a new one but the Second Vatican council affirmed the vision he had,” said Higgins, “He saw the future needs and changing role of laity. It was the right time. His decision to establish a lay operated diocesan college was in many ways a pioneering venture—cutting edge, nervy, and rooted in a careful discernment of what the Vatican Council called ‘the sign of the times.’” In a brief history of Sacred

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BISHOP WALTER W. CURTIS, center, blesses ground for the Sacred Heart University library in 1967. (l-r) Fr. James Devine, SHU President William H. Conley, Fr. Martin McDermott, Fr. John F. McGough, Bishop Curtis and Donald McGannon, president of Westinghouse Broadcasting Company.

Heart presented by Dr. Higgins, Bishop Curtis emerges as a seminal figure who moved swiftly to realize his vision of a Catholic college reflecting the spirit of Vatican II. Bishop Curtis had mulled over the idea of a university in 1961, convened a small group of leaders in the summer of 1962, and opened its doors to the first class as a commuter school of 167 men and women in September of 1963. In retrospect, the Bishop relied on a very small group of advisors: Msgr. John McGough, superintendent of diocesan schools; Msgr. James P. Devine, chancellor; James R. Kerr, president of AVCO Corporation; and Donald H. McGannon, president of Westinghouse Broadcasting Corporation. While energized by Vatican II, the bishop’s vision for a lay-staffed Catholic university actually predated the council and was based on his own education at Fordham and Seton Hall universities and his sense of the needs of huge generation of Catholic young people graduating from high schools Noting that the Catholic Church “is profoundly egalitarian despite its hierarchical structure,” Higgins said Bishop Curtis was aware that many first generation college students would not find opportunities out of state and did not have the financial means to cover the costs. The creation of a “commuter” college expanded the continuum of Catholic education available and put college

within reach of working-class families that made up much of the diocese. Not only was the bishop attuned to the optimism of the time, but he had a shrewd sense that federal loan and scholarship monies for post-secondary education would be available through the Kennedy administration Once he made the decision to move ahead, Bishop Curtis assembled the new university’s leadership “triumvirate.” William H. Conley, the first president, was a well-known educator and theorist who came from Marquette University in Milwaukee and had previously served as director of the Carnegie Study of Catholic Education. Soon after founding Sacred Heart University, Bishop Curtis was true to his word and passion-

ately supported the lay character of the institution. “He deliberately removed himself from a hand-on approach and left things for the Board of Directors and the university leadership,” Higgins said. In a question and answer session following his talk, Dr. Higgins said that despite the steep decline in the number of teaching priests, brothers and sisters and the competition for students and faculty in an increasingly multi-faith society, “surprisingly, the demands for a Catholic presence in higher education has not diminished.” “And Sacred Heart precisely meets this need,” he said. “Within lay-founded universities in particular, none have been as energetic and none have been as visionary as Sacred Heart.” Sacred Heart University recently admitted the largest freshman class in its history with 1,300 students. Overall the university numbers 6,400 full and part-time students from the U.S. and 30 foreign countries. Professor Higgins said Sacred Heart University was founded at a time of innovation and has a bright future as a Catholic university integrating change and new ideas into the Catholic tradition. “The university is not vestigially Catholic,” he told the gathering. “It is a credible witness to those perduring virtues of social justice, inclusivity and enlightened tolerance that speak to the strength of a Catholic education.” (Dr. Higgin’s talk “1963, Year one of the Sacred Heart experience,” is available in a pamphlet version or online at www.sacredheart.edu.) n

November 2013

November 22, 1963: A Fateful Day

Deacon Bill Bissenden’s brush with history By DEACON WILLIAM BISSENDEN

On November 22, 1963, I was a Specialist 4th Class (topographic surveyor) in the 72nd Engineering Detachment (Survey), 30th Engineering Battalion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. I was driving a 2½ ton truck in a convoy of about ten trucks. We were transporting the trucks from Ft. Belvoir to the Baltimore Army Terminal shipping facility in Maryland. Our convoy had passed through the Washington area without incident and had just pulled to the side of the road for a restroom stop and refueling. Suddenly, the guy riding “shotgun” in the truck following ours came running up with a small transistor radio in his hand shouting something about President Kennedy being shot. We were shocked, saddened and full of questions. “Where did it happen?” “When did it happen?” “Was it an accident?” “No? Then did they get the shooter?” And, since we were in the Army and away from our base, “What is our status?” “Do

we continue on?” Much of the ride after that included our trading reflections on what President Kennedy meant to each of us. I recalled the time candidate Jack Kennedy visited Bridgeport on a whistlestop tour. What struck me were the actions of the crowd. As the convertible moved through the city, the crowd moved from block to block following the car like a human wave, each person trying to get just one more glimpse of JFK. Watching this mass of people, I was impressed with their adulation for Kennedy. Awe and concern stirred within me at the same time that one man should possess so much charisma. During the time it took us to get to our destination and unload our vehicles, President Kennedy’s body was put on to Air Force One and was headed for Andrew’s Air Force Base. Reports we received indicated that we would drive through Washington at just about the same time the Air force One was landing at Andrews Air Base. That Sunday afternoon one of our NCOs, Sergeant Patrick Bishop, came to the day room looking for volunteers for a very special surveying assignment.

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After we volunteered, he explained that our assignment was to prepare a detailed topographical survey of the President’s burial site and surrounding area located at Arlington Cemetery. We would have just three days to complete the project. The area we were going to survey was not large, only about an acre, while the actual burial site was about 20ft. x 30ft. However, even to a crew used to survey-

ing whole countries, this was a challenging assignment because we had to survey the grave site in tight one-foot increments of elevation and do it at night. The site is on the foot of the hill in front of General Lee’s Mansion and was selected for several reasons. It overlooks the Potomac River and the city of Washington. It is a beautiful spot. The other reason it was selected is that the area in general was not

considered acceptable for regular graves because of the severity of the incline. Thus the site does not deny others from burial in Arlington Cemetery. Our instructions, to carry out most of the survey at night, were due to the number of people who would file past the gravesite during the daylight hours to pay their respects to a fallen hero. Even during the night, we did have some interruptions. On several occasions, near midnight, word was passed to us to stop our work and back into the shadows. The first time this happened we were surprised, but we soon understood when three large black limousines drove across the lawn and stopped just in front of the gravesite. In a few moments several men emerged from the front and rear car and stood silently peering into the darkness apparently searching the area ➤ continued on page

November 2013

EDITORIAL Not just kids We think education is for kids. And when it comes to religious education—that’s for little kids. Confirmation comes and we’re finished. An awful lot of adults go through life with no more religious education than they got by age 13. In real life, though, education is never done. You couldn’t get a job with an eighth-grade education, and you can’t go through life with the skills you learned before you were old enough to vote. Faith is real life, too, and adults need it way more than kids. Everyone faces challenges: Family members fight, and can cut off communication for years. Some drink; holidays can be a nightmare. Friends desert us. Bosses or co-workers make life difficult. Cute little kids morph into teenagers. Parents grow fragile, and can be stubborn or angry. We will not even mention fights over finances. Warm fuzzy feelings about Jesus are not going to help. There’s a path to deeper faith to fit every temperament. Daily Mass is an excellent option, especially with Advent close at hand. This issue lists Bible studies around the diocese (page 26). There’s sure to be one nearby. Join a group at your parish. Subscribe to a Catholic magazine. Read a chapter of the Bible at night (they’re short). Read your pastor’s letter in the parish bulletin (NOT during Mass). Keep learning. Life is too tough to face with a kid’s faith.

A “Field Hospital” of Faith

News of the devastating storm in the Philippines shocks us with the massive loss of life and social upheaval. Reports indicate that there may be more than 2,500 dead and 600,000 homeless in this latest catastrophe that follows natural disasters in Haiti, Japan, New Orleans, and along our own eastern coast this time last year. When life is snuffed out on such a large scale, we may find ourselves questioning the purpose and meaning of existence. How could this happen? Beyond our concern and compassion for those facing unthinkable sorrow and loss, we are unsettled in the knowledge that our own lives can be uprooted in an instant. In the ghastly images of destruction, we see the vanity of our dreams and wants floating in a sea of debris and strewn into a huge scrap heap: our homes, cars, appliances and aspirations tossed with near biblical fury. In a culture where our skills are more attuned to getting on a plane or train and surviving office politics, could we endure the suffering of those in the Philippines who had so little to begin with? Recently Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome, has spoken compassionately about the flow of refugees around globe: the permanently uprooted and violated who face the disaster of homelessness and ruin each day. He and our bishops have asked us to reach out to these dispossessed and help safeguard their welfare. More than that, Francis has challenged us by the simplicity of his life, his embrace of the poor and suffering, and his insistence on the healing power of the Church. In a society where so many are wounded, he teaches us that the Church must be a “field hospital” where we become “ministers of mercy above all.” In the light of so many personal and social disasters, his words bring hope and meaning to a world of suffering.

Clearing the Season The bright yellow leaves swirling in the night poke the windshield like Halloween goblins. In the headlights they lie strewn on the wet pavement—cancelled tickets after the commotion of a spent season. Overnight, the wind and frost clear the season. We wake to bare trees and instinctively know that from here on in our consolations must be found in a landscape that is withdrawn, frozen, white. In November we learn that every leaf and every blade of grass is numbered and the great living wheel of the season turns with the mystery of life. It is then that Advent beckons us to light a candle to sing quietly in our hearts, and to prepare ourselves for new life that comes if we wait and if we are open to it. n

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tips for participation in the Mass The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and its Constitution on Sacred Liturgy invited the faithful to full, conscious, active participation in the Mass. Prior to Vatican II the faithful observed Mass being celebrated, so the Council’s invitation to full, conscious, active participation in Mass was a dramatic change for the laity and priests. As the Church nears the end of the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and continues its celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, its invitation to the laity for full, conscious, active participation in the Mass still stands. In practical terms, what does this mean? First, an attitude of full participation means that Sunday Mass isn’t just one more thing on your “to do” list. It means taking ten or fifteen minutes during the week, or before Mass begins, to read the Scripture passages for the Mass and to let them start to sink in and penetrate your mind and heart. There might be a word or phrase which gets your attention and helps you to relate a reading to something joyful or something challenging going on in your life. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll be nourished by the Scripture readings at Mass by putting in this brief “prep time.” Give it a try! Full participation also means joining in the prayers, responses and the singing with the gathered worshiping community, not leaving it to “the other guy.” It means limiting trips to the rest room to true emergencies

(a little advance planning might especially help with our precious youngest parishioners.) Lastly, full participation means remaining after Communion to thank Jesus for the gift of himself in the Eucharist, and remaining for the Final Blessing and Closing Hymn. Conscious participation means opening every part of ourselves— body, mind and spirit—to what we do at Mass. We gather, not as isolated individuals, “doing our own thing,” but as a worshiping community. In the words of Pope Saint Pius X: “People should not pray at Mass but should pray the Mass,” making the Mass itself your prayer. So when Mass is being celebrated it’s not the time for private prayers and devotions, such as the Rosary, or to be catching up on personal spiritual reading, the bulletin, “messaging,” conversing or daydreaming. It’s the time to connect consciously with the gathered worshiping community in praying the Mass together. Finally, the invitation to active participation is a reminder that we’re baptized people gathered with other baptized people. We’re the Body of Christ united in praying the Mass. Our active participation needs to extend into our lives during the week. It means taking with us the nourishment we receive at Mass from hearing God’s Word proclaimed, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, and the nourishment which we give to one another, and sharing that nourishment in a way which makes a positive difference in how we live our lives during the

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano Publisher

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week. It means taking to heart the words in the Dismissal Rite: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your lives!” Fr. Edward McAuley Administrator St. Bridget of Ireland, Stamford

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November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Recognizing the volunteers, the mentors and the prayerful servants in our diocese

Bishop Caggiano honors faith and service of Medal recipients

Making God’s love and mercy real “Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said, quoting the words of St. Augustine in his homily honoring the 159 recipients of this year’s Saint Augustine Medal Service, held on October 26 at the Cathedral. The medals are conferred to men and women in parishes and ministries throughout the diocese who have given generously of themselves in service of the Church. Speaking to the almost 900 people who filled St. Augustine Cathedral in downtown Bridgeport, Bishop Caggiano said it was fitting that the medals of service are

named for St. Augustine because “he wrote one of the most beautiful sermons ever written about generosity.” “St. Augustine said, ‘Take what you need and leave the rest for others,’” said Bishop Caggiano, who praised the recipients for being the “leaven in the life of our diocese, leading others to greater holiness.” The bishop said that true generosity comes from those who are “grateful for their lives and who faithfully use the gifts God has given them.” Praising the recipients as “mentors, guides and prophets” in the diocese, he said that their love and service reaches out to the sick, poor and lonely and makes their parishes and communities more loving. This year’s ceremony was distinguished by the prolonged standing ovation given to the 23 members of St. Rose of Lima Parish who received recognition for the extraordinary services they performed after the loss of 26 children and teachers in the Newtown slayings last

December 14. The entire ministry team, along with parish staff and volunteers, came forward to receive their medals and have a group picture taken with the bishop. During the prayer service, which included readings from St. Paul and St. Luke, Bishop Caggiano blessed the bronze medals, which have an engraving of St. Augustine on the front and the seal of the Diocese of Bridgeport on the reverse side. “Every day we pray for you that God gives protection and the power of his spirit for you to continue to live hopeful and generous lives,” Bishop Caggiano said in his closing remarks. “At a time when so many people wonder where God is, you make his compassion, mercy and presence real.” A reception for recipients and guests followed the service at Kolbe-Cathedral High School on the Cathedral grounds. n

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Saint Mary Parish, Bethel: Mr. Joseph Jackson – “Joe gives of his time, talent and treasure to every aspect of parish life. From teaching religious education to working with youth group and mission trips, he is always the first to volunteer.” – Father Corey Piccinino, Pastor

The Church of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport: Mrs. Michelle Moore – “Michelle is a tireless, selfless and talented volunteer in our parish community. She represents what is best and blessed in our parish by being faith-filled, charitable and welcoming.” – Father Joseph Karcsinski, Administrator

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Baia – “Benjamin and Ines are Lectors, active in the Charismatic group, collaborators and always ready to help the parish with their deep faith and love.” – Father Jose de Brito Alves, Pastor

Saint Andrew Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Beninco – “Standing at the entrance to the church on Sunday mornings, Ron can be seen with a big smile on his face as he welcomes worshipers with the parish bulletin. Sue is a Eucharistic Minister.” – Father Eugene Szantyr, Pastor

Saint Ann Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Lee – “Barbara ensures the parish is beautifully decorated during Christmas and Easter by managing the floral decorations. Bernie is the Chair of our Parish Council. Together, they inspire Saint Ann’s.” – Father Peter Lynch, Administrator

Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Bridgeport: Mrs. Georgina Nieves – “Georgina has been a loyal, generous and willing member of our Parish whose devotion, love, charity and humility have showed us the face of God among us for almost 25 years.” – Father Edicson Orozco, Administrator

Saint George Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. Ubaldo Ahuatl and Mrs. Leonela Cruz – “Both are dedicated, generous and devout parishioners who have given much of themselves to serve Saint George Parish. They also have helped parish outreach to young couples.” – Father Elio Sosa, Administrator

Saint Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Sebastiano Badolato – “The Badalatos, Sebastiano (88) and Rosa (87) have been long-time parishioners helping with parish events. A couple of deep faith, on October 25 they will be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.” – Father Alfonso Picone, Rector

Saint Mary Parish, Bridgeport: Ms. Janette Ortiz – “Janette has shown outstanding dedication as president of the Saint Mary Parish Council and coordinator of Stewardship Ministries. Her faithfilled leadership is an inspiration.” – Monsignor Matthew Bernelli, Pastor

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Slawek Rosa – “Marzena and Slawek are active in organizing retreats for married couples. They are always ready to share their time and talent.” – Father Stefan Morawski, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor

Saint Peter Parish, Bridgeport: Mr. and Mrs. Juan Rodriquez – “Juan and Lucy are Lectors and perform volunteer work in computer services and Natural Family Planning. They also have been involved in the Marriage Preparation for the last 25 years.” – Monsignor Aniceto Villamide, Pastor

The Cathedral Parish: Mr. Jack Dwyer – “A gentle soul and generous volunteer, Jack touches everyone he meets with his Christian demeanor and enlists admiration from our parish family for his lifelong, continued and dedicated service to every aspect of parish life.” – Father Peter Lenox, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Brookfield: Mr. Carl Monti – “Carl is a model of selflessness to the parish, family and friends. He is a Lector, a Facilitator in our RCIA process, Chair of the Men of Saint Joseph faith-sharing group, and volunteers at Morning Glory breakfast program in Danbury.” – Father George O’Neill, Pastor

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield: Mr. Marcus Vas – “Marcus is very much interested in evangelizing non-active parishioners. By his word and example he inspired many and brought them back to church.” – Father George Sankoorikal, Pastor

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Danbury: Mr. and Mrs. Angelico Oliveira – “Mr. Oliveira plays guitar and sings, leading the young people’s choir every Sunday. Mrs. Oliveira has been a dedicated catechist for many years.” – Father Jose Brito-Martins, Administrator

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Danbury: Ms. Gwen Davidson – “Gwen is always available to serve by sharing her time and talents humbly. She is very compassionate and shows loyalty for our community, particularly in her work with youth.” – Father John Perez, Administrator

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Danbury: Mrs. Joan Dufford – “Joan coordinates our Parish Ministry to the Homebound. By her example as a Minister of the Eucharist and her direction of others, our sick find comfort in the presence of the Lord.” – Father Dennis Mason, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor

Saint Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury: Mr. Joseph Michael Smith – “It is a rare person who can inspire on a regular basis. Joey attends the 4:30 pm Mass every Saturday and acts as a greeter, usher and Eucharistic Minister. His warmth and smile make everyone feel special.” – Father Angelo Arrando, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Danbury: Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Macauley – “Dennis made a substantial contribution in his service on the Facilities Committee and the School Advisory Board. Sheila has served with distinction on the Council of Catholic Women.” – Father Samuel Scott, Pastor

Saint Peter Parish, Danbury: Ms. Louann Daragan – “A faithful, life-long parishioner, Louann currently schedules the Liturgical Ministers, catechizes as a member of the RCIA team, Lectors, assists with the preparation for Mass, and weekly works bingo.” – Father Gregg Mecca, Pastor

Saint John Parish, Darien: Mr. Douglas McKay – “Doug, a devoted husband and father, brings an enthusiasm and a ‘ready to serve in every way possible’ attitude to all parish events. Doug has served as Parish Council Chair and leader of the Men’s Group.” – Monsignor Frank McGrath, Pastor

Saint Thomas More Parish, Darien: Mr. Walter Donovan – “Walter has served in many roles including Parish Council Chair. He is a kind and generous man who is always available to lend an ear to any parishioner in need or to volunteer.” – Father Paul Murphy, Pastor

Notre Dame Parish, Easton: Dr. and Mrs. Robert Biggins – “Dr. Biggins, who attends Mass daily, is a member of the Men’s Association while Mary is on the Notre Dame Ladies Council. Their love and enthusiasm for their faith is exemplary.” – Monsignor Thomas Driscoll, P.A., Pastor

Holy Cross Parish, Fairfield: Mrs. Dorothy Fejes – “Dorothy has given a lifetime of service to Holy Cross Parish, both at the former location on Pine Street in Bridgeport and at our “new” home in Fairfield. She continues to serve as a DRE and volunteer.” – Father Alfred Pecaric, Pastor

Holy Family Parish, Fairfield: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fischer – “The Fischers have served as Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers and have been key leaders of our Emmaus Community. They inspire all with their Christian witness.” – Father Guido Montanaro, Pastor

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Fairfield: Mr. Thomas Lanese – “Tom is a stalwart of the parish, and one of its earliest members. First in the church every day, he sets up for Mass and leads the Rosary.” – Father William Quinlan, Administrator

Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Fairfield: Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kiernan – “Barbara and Jeff exemplify faith in action in the parish and in the greater community. Jeff is very active in the Merton Society, and a Special Minister. Barbara is a Lector and a Spiritual Director.” – Father John Baran, Pastor

Saint Emery Parish, Fairfield: Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Fencil – “This couple is inspiration to all. Carroll has been head of the finance committee and he has coordinated the successful effort to have Saint Emery’s Church designated as an historic site.” – Father Guido Montanaro, Administrator

Saint Pius X Parish, Fairfield: Mr. Arthur Hedge, Jr. – “Art’s Ministry of Hospitality helps to welcome all parishioners and visitors to Saint Pius X each and every week. He is generous with his time and talents and always just a phone call away.” – Father Michael Dogali, Pastor

Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fairfield: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Eck – “Their enthusiasm for the Catholic faith and participation in many parish ministries and functions is truly a blessing to our parish. Bob and Carroll are true advocates of Catholic education.” – Father Victor Martin, Pastor

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Sacred Heart Parish, Georgetown: Ms. Una Callanan – “A member of our RCIA team, a Catechist, and an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Una also helps in the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks so vital in each parish. Her presence is a blessing.” – Father David Leopold, Pastor

Sacred Heart Parish, Greenwich: Mr. and Mrs. George Pavarini – “Known for their practicality, prayerfulness, fairness and humility, George and Mary, married 57 years, dedicate their time and talents to serve this community in a very humble manner.” – Father Bose Raja Selvaraj, Pastor

Saint Agnes Parish, Greenwich: Ms. Kate Glaser – “Kate’s work with children has been invaluable to our parish. She has run both the Confirmation and First Communion programs. Her energy and personal warmth have added greatly to our community.” – Father James McDevitt, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Greenwich: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Havranek – “Barbara has been involved in leadership positions with the Ladies Guild, Social Concerns and Parish Council. Joe, a retired policeman, serves as security for our high profile activities and ceremonies.” – Monsignor Francis Wissel, Pastor

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish and Saint Timothy Chapel, Greenwich: Mr. and Mrs. Cary May – “A couple most deserving of honor, Cary and Mona have been very active and devoted parish leaders for 50 years.” – Monsignor J. Peter Cullen, P.A., Pastor

Saint Paul Parish, Greenwich: Mr. and Mrs. Chris Licursi – “Every year they collect, organize and distribute 100 complete Thanksgiving Dinner baskets. Chris is a ‘go-to’ guy for help with Special Liturgies and Lorraine has served as a volunteer in Religious Education.” – Father Frank Winn, Pastor

Saint Roch Parish, Greenwich: Mr. And Mrs. Aurelio Piu – “Aurelio and Maria are very dedicated workers and always serve as head of the ‘Pizza Fritta’ booth at the parish feast. They bring joy to many by their warmth and generosity as well as by Aurelio’s tenor singing.” – Father Matthew Mauriello, Pastor

Saint Jude Parish, Monroe: Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Cambra – “Emanuel is a Catechist and Eucharistic Minister, and leads Saturday morning Bible Study. Frances is on the Hospitality Committee, runs our gift shop and photographs parish events.” – Monsignor John Sabia, Pastor

Saint Aloysius Parish, New Canaan: Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lione – “Jerry and Sue are active in may parish organizations and frequently take on the leadership of various activities. They bring out the best in many others who carry out our parish programs.” – Monsignor William Scheyd, P.A., Pastor

Saint Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield: Mr. Otis Shelton – “Otis is a humble and devoted soul, dedicated to the service of God and Saint Edward the Confessor Parish, actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and Men’s Ministry Programs.” – Father Nicholas Cirillo, Pastor

Saint Jerome Parish, Norwalk: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis – “Richard and Jane are founding members of the parish. Richard was the first RCIA convert and Jane played an instrumental role in the creation of our creative Religious Education Program.” – Father David Blanchfield, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Norwalk: Mrs. Amelia Morales – “‘Service with a smile and a song in heart’ just begins to describe the unique place Amelia has in the liturgical and social life of Saint Joseph’s. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Amelia has led the Spanish-speaking choir for years.” – Father Gilbert D‘Souza, Pastor

Saint Ladislaus Parish, Norwalk: Mr. Robert Essenyi – “Robert is a lifetime parish member, Parish Council member, Finance Committee member, Usher and Greeter. He is also a representative on various parish committees.” – Father Michael Bachman, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Norwalk: Mrs. Jane Reichle – “With tremendous organizational skills along with a generous spirit of service, Jane has had a quiet but influential role in the life of Saint Mary Parish for over 30 years. Most importantly, Jane is a woman of prayer.” – Father Greg Markey, Pastor

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Saint Matthew Parish, Norwalk: Mr. and Mrs. Al DiGuido – “For the past 19 years, Saint Matthew Parish has been blessed with the presence of two earthly angels. Al and Chris are an extraordinary couple and a blessing in the life of the parish.” – Monsignor Walter Orlowski, Pastor

Saint Philip Parish, Norwalk: Mr. Daniel Kreniki

and Mrs. Kathleen Kreniki (posthumously) –

“Dan and Kathy are an incredible example of living the Sacrament of Marriage, while dealing with Kathy’s illness. Their acceptance has inspired many to find courage and hope.” – Father Michael Boccaccio, Pastor

Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gray – “Both Jack and Linda give endless hours to our Annual Tag Sale. Their hard work and generous spirit inspire many. Jack is also an Adult Altar Server and a member of our Collection Team.” – Father Sunil Pereira, Parochial Vicar

Saint Patrick Parish, Redding Ridge: Mr. Mark Castillo – “Mark was a strong voice as the parish built our new worship space. For the last three years he has lead our parish Golf and Tennis Tournament and with the help of his committee has made it the largest fundraiser.” – Father Joseph Cervero, Pastor

Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ridgefield: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lane – “Dan and Marie have been long-time parishioners involved in Pre Cana, Bible Study, and Dorothy Day House. They are also the key benefactors of the building project with their generous support.” – Father Joseph Prince, Pastor

Saint Mary Parish, Ridgefield: Mr. Shelagh Feathersone – “Shelagh continues to be a shining example of the sacrificial gift of time and talent to our vibrant Catholic Community of Faith. Shelagh has been a loyal member of our parish family since 1983.” – Monsignor Laurence Bronkiewicz, Pastor

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Riverside: Mr. James Blake – “Jim recently used his executive skills to oversee the major renovation of the parish church. He is a member of the parish Finance Council and is the Chair of our Building Committee.” – Monsignor Alan Detscher, Pastor

Saint Joseph Parish, Shelton: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kudravy – “Joe and Betty are persons of deep faith who generously make themselves available whenever they are asked. They have been members of Saint Joseph Parish for more than 35 years. They are a blessing to all.” – Monsignor Christopher Walsh, Pastor

Saint Lawrence Parish, Shelton: Mrs. Barbara Pekar – “For nearly 40 years of faithful service as a Catechist and Director of Religious Education, Barbara’s wisdom, joy and kindness enriched our parish and she continues to share those gifts in her new role as volunteer and mentor.” – Father Michael Jones, Pastor

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish, Shelton: Mr. Joseph Tassitano – “A selfless force at Saint Margaret Mary for many years, he is always willing to lend a hand. After the recent vandalism, Joe stepped up and helped whenever and wherever he was needed.” – Father John Stronkowski, Administrator

Holy Trinity Parish, Sherman: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Krapf – “Their years of service have been marked by the generous giving of their time, talent and treasure in support of the Holy Trinity Parish as Blood Drive volunteers and Eucharistic Ministers.” – Father Alfred Reindeau, Jr., Pastor

Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Stamford: Ms. Rosemarie Cerreta – “For years Rose has come from Monroe every morning to open the Basilica by 6 am, so people going to work could stop, light a candle and offer a prayer.” – Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni, Pastor

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. Stanislaw Gibek – “Stanislaw, a Parish Council member, helps out with the Harvest Festival and gives generously his time and talent. Krystyna is always a great help with our Hospitality Ministry and church grounds.” – Father Pawel Hrebenko, Administrator

Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Eleanore Smith – “Eleanore is a Lector, a member of the Altar Committee and Co-Chair of the Women’s Guild. She is always more than willing to contribute her time, energy, talents and true Christian spirit.” – Monsignor Kevin Royal, Administrator

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dineen – “Anne and Joe have consistently supported the liturgical, social, outreach, and development activities of our parish and school, thereby exemplifying family-based faith in action.” – Monsignor Edward Surwilo, Pastor

Sacred Heart Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Antoinette D’Agostino – “Toni is a life long member of Sacred Heart Church, a ‘go-to’ person, an active member of the Rosary Altar Society for her entire adult life, and a Religious Education teacher.” – Father Martin deMayo, Parochial Vicar

Saint Benedict-Our Lady of Montserrat Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. Julio Pazmino – “Julio and Lida have been lifetime members of Our Lady of Montserrat. They have participated in numerous church ministries, and donated countless hours in service of others.” – Father Arthur Mollenhauer, Administrator

Saint Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jeffers – “Ernie and Magdalene always come to serve, not to be served. Ernie, is a Permanent Deacon candidate. Magdalene serves as a Catechist and lends quiet, selfless service.” – Father Edward McAuley, Administrator

Saint Cecilia Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Mary DeCarlo – “Mary arrives early each morning to set up for daily Mass without ever having been asked to do so. She helps at the soup kitchen and is willing to help with rectory chores such as stuffing the bulletin or envelopes.” – Father David Riley, Pastor

Saint Clement of Rome Parish, Stamford: Mrs. Bette Calarco – “Bette is totally dedicated to her faith and parish as Coordinator of the weekly Novena and Monthly Adoration. She also handles floral decorations for the parish chapel and church and serves on the Ladies Guild.” – Father Joseph Malloy, Pastor

Saint Gabriel Parish, Stamford: Mr. Joseph Somma – “Joe is one of the founding members of the parish and President of the Men’s Club. Through the years he has been involved in countless other activities in the parish.” – Father Cyprian LaPastina, Pastor

Saint Leo Parish, Stamford: Mr. Frank Donatucci – “Frank can always be counted on to support every spiritual and social activity that takes place at Saint Leo. He has served as a Lector, RCIA team member, and Soup Kitchen volunteer.” – Father James Grosso, Pastor

Catholic Charities: Mr. Michael Boyd – “Mike, of Greenwich, has been a member of the New Covenant House of Hospitality Advisory Board for eight years. He serves as Chair of the Relocation and Capital Campaign Committee.” – Mr. Al Barber, President

Catholic Charities: Mr. Jon Vaccarela – “Jon, a member of the Advisory Board since 2007, was instrumental in helping the Merton Center receive the Bank of America Neighborhood Builder’s Award. He has a great heart for helping people, especially children.” – Mr. Al Barber, President

Catholic Charities: Mr. Mark Dailey – “Mark has partnered with CCFC senior management to rejuvenate and redefine the role of the Board and reengineer the agency. He also accepted the job of Lead Director to assist with Board interface.” – Mr. Al Barber, President

Catholic Charities: Mrs. Nancy Murphy – “As vice president of the Danbury Board and Chair of the Spring Gala, Nancy has been a very active and dedicated friend of Catholic Charities. She is also a caring Foster Mother who donates her fee back to the agency.” – Mr. Al Barber, President

Catholic Charities: Mrs. Deborah Pluta – “Debbie has welcomed five newborns as a Foster Mother for Catholic Charities since 2003, while also caring for her own four children. Her wonderful, caring family is a gift to children.” – Mr. Al Barber, President

Catholic Education: Mr. Thomas Gillespie – “Tom has shown extraordinary service and generosity to the Saint Jude School Community through his Christian witness as president of the Home School Association and a member of the Advisory Board.” – Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools

Catholic Education: Mr. Martin Tristine – “Marty has served as Director of School Finance and more recently as Assistant to the Superintendent. His generous service as well as his faithfulness to the Church make him truly outstanding.” – Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools

Development Office: Mr. Ford Smith – “Ford is a committed volunteer who has brought his financial expertise in planning and fundraising as a Development Office volunteer. He is always willing to share his time and talent.” – Ms. Pamela Rittman, Director of ABA

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service Saint Mary Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Romero – “Maria and Lucas have served Saint Mary for many years as Catechists, Directors of the Children’s Choir, Directors of Saint Mary Couples Outreach and as volunteers for a host of parish events.” – Father Arthur Mollenhauer, Pastor

Saint Maurice Parish, Stamford: Mr. and Mrs. James Fahey – “Both Jim and Mary have served this community in a variety of ways ranging from Eucharistic Minister to Greeter/Usher, ‘Fiscal Engineer’ to linen launderer. They are both valuable resources!” – Father Albert Pinciaro III, Pastor

Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford: Mr. and Mrs. Armand Majewski – “Toni is president of the Ladies Guild, and both she and Armand have served as Cathechists, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Soup Kitchen volunteers.” – Father Andrew Marus, Pastor

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Stratford: Mrs. Tony Alusik – “Tony gives generously to the parish. He is a Funeral Altar-Server, Choir member, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector. He volunteers at the Stratford Lord’s Kitchen as a cook. He gives of his time and talent for the Lord!” – Monsignor Martin Ryan, Administrator

Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford: Mr. Francis Hewitt – “For many years Bud has been quietly serving our Lord on the Parish Council, in Eucharistic Ministry, in scheduling ministers, arranging altar flowers and other things. He is always happy to lend a hand.” – Father Richard Murphy, Pastor

Saint James Parish, Stratford: Mr. Alphonse DeJulio – “We have to empty ourselves in order to fill ourselves with God’s love so that we can pour out that love to others. The best example of that is Alphonse. He is truly available 24/7 for anyone who needs him.” – Father Thomas Lynch, Pastor

Saint Mark Parish, Stratford: Mr. Frank Bevacqua – “Like his father, John, a former Saint Augustine recipient, Frank has generously and tirelessly served his parish in a variety of ways including Trustee and Building and Grounds expertise. Frank is a model Catholic.” – Father Donald Guglielmi, Pastor

Christ the King Parish, Trumbull: Mr. Paul Schuerlein – “For many years Paul has been an exceptional volunteer, he is a member of the Finance Council and Building and Grounds Committee. He also is an Usher and Eucharistic Minister.” – Father Lawrence Carew, Pastor

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull: Dr. Anthony Masi – “Dr. Tony has worked tirelessly and selflessly to support the Daily Bread Ministry and Saint Catherine’s for many years. He collects the left-over baked goods from retail stores and delivers them to the Merton Center.” – Monsignor Richard Shea, Pastor

Saint Stephen Parish, Trumbull: Mrs. Jacqueline Norcel – “Jackie has contributed her time, talents, and treasures for many years at Saint Stephen, serving as a Parish Trustee, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector.” – Father Christopher Samele, Administrator

Saint Theresa Parish, Trumbull: Mr. and Mrs. Quinto Boccuzzi – “Isabella and Quinto are longtime parishioners at Saint Theresa’s who have been extremely generous with incredible time and talent. They demonstrate the beauty and generosity of Catholic marriage.” – Father Brian Gannon, Pastor

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston: Mrs. Missy Iatesta – “Missy has taken to heart the words of Christ, ‘be mindful of the poor.’ Her outreach to those less fortunate has been tremendous by leading parish drives for necessities. She brings smiles and God’s love.” – Father Michael Dunn, Pastor

Assumption Parish, Westport: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Leyden – “Rita has served as a Catechist, Lector and currently as a Eucharistic Minister. Tom has served as President and Treasurer of the Home School Association, Chair of the Parish and Finance Councils, Lector and Parish Webmaster.” – Father Tom Thorne, Pastor

Saint Luke Parish, Westport: Mrs. Mary Attanasio – “Mary is an extraordinarily multi-talented woman who gives of her time and giftedness in music, adult formation, interfaith endeavors, and gardening—just to name a few!” – Monsignor Andrew Varga, Pastor

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton: Mrs. Laura Cody – “Laura is a very spiritual person who thinks of the rights of others before her own. She is involved in Bible Study, the Rosary Group, Eucharistic Minister, homebound and elderly and helped with the Fatima Day Celebrations.” – Father Reginald Norman, Pastor

November 2013

2013 Saint Augustine Medal of Service In an extraordinary moment at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saint Augustine Medal ceremony, the entire parish team of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown was called forward to receive their medals from Bishop Caggiano. Priests, religious, lay ministers and educators received a standing ovation for their deeply human and dedicated assistance following the Sandy Hook tragedy. Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Meg Arena, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Pamela Arsenault, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Sharon Bicho, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Rodd Blessey, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Jean Otton, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Joseph DeMaida, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Sister Thaddeus Rajca, CSFN, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Ms. Frances Gargano, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Deacon Norman Roos, Jr., Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Sister Mary Ellen Genova, CSFN, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Deacon Richard Scinto, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mr. Joseph Jacovino, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Miss Kate Kunze, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Roberta Shea, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Father Luke Suarez, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Mary Maloney, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Sister Barbara Sudol, CSFN, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Doreen Morrissey, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Mrs. Amy Taylor, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Deacon Daniel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Father Jose Ignacio Ortigas, Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport: Monsignor Jerald A. Doyle, J.C.D. Nominated by: Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

When the Sandy Hook School tragedy took place on December 14, 2012, many stepped forward to help in any way possible. There were three individuals who went far beyond expectations in assisting our parish community to organize and mobilize the many events that surrounded those initial days.

Lorraine Santore used her professional expertise to organize everything from meals to phone calls to media coverage to coordination of the staff and volunteers in our efforts to deal with the many funerals that took place in our church. Stephanie DeBartolomeo and Jane Brady and their families sacrificed their Christmas holiday as well as the weeks following to help us deal with the overwhelming amount of mail and packages that we received by sorting them and delivering items to the appropriate places. These three women demonstrated the Gospel in their care, concern and compassion to a community that was broken and pained. Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, Pastor

Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown: Mrs. Lorraine Santore

Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown: Mrs. Stephanie DeBartolomeo

Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Newtown: Mrs. Jane Brady

November 2013

Editorial

We Need Traditions A Woman’s View By Antoinette Bosco

Antoinette Bosco is a member of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish in Brookfield.

s Advent approaches, and I am getting older, I find myself each year thinking back to the way I and my children used to meet with other families to make our Advent wreaths. It was another time and another place, but the memories of this joyful camaraderie have remained with me. We did a lot of laughing as we wrestled with wire, evergreens and candles. Never for a minute did we ever question why we made Advent wreaths. We all knew

that the circular wreath symbolizes eternity and that the candles represent the coming of the Christ Child who is the Light of the World. But why we made them together was something else. We knew we were carrying on a tradition with a lot of meaning, and we felt that by getting together we were emphasizing the importance of this tradition. I always remember the Broadway musical that put “Tradition” in lights, “Fiddler on the Roof.” When the “poppa,”

Teyve, sings about the customs that characterize his people, he does this with humor, but no one misses the message: These traditions are the force that holds a people together. The same is true for us who are Christians. And it is especially at Christmastime that we are drawn to revivify the traditions that link us so solidly with the miracle event of the birth of Jesus. A teacher told me once that a tradition begins with an experience or expression of a truth that happened once, but deeply touched the basic human values and needs to be shared by people. So important is this experience that it “transcends” the moment and continues to live—played out again and again by generations that follow. We continue the action so as to keep us linked to that original, valid experience, and thus, a tradition is born. In time, it might take on different colors from the

original, but, in essence, it does the Advent journey, arriving not differ. at Christmas Eve, that’s when It’s not hard to see why traditradition really gets undertion is needed. In a word, for root- scored. We’ll be delighted by the edness. Tradition gives us roots Christmas tree and the Nativity with the past and our ancestors, scene we all look forward to seea sense of not being alone, but ing again each year. We’ll eat the being part of a people. They make traditional foods I make, handed us remember down to me there is a by my Italian “Tradition begins larger picture grandmother. and that gives And then with with a truth that us a certain my daughter security. Mary, playing happened once, but The the piano, and Advent season son, Frank, on deeply touched the puts a focus guitar, we’ll all on those trasing traditional basic human values” ditions that Christmas have made us carols. We’ll all part of the be conscious family of the Lord. Now I am in of our joy, our humanness and of a new cycle, where I still gather the miracle of one birth that led wire, evergreens and candles to to the rebirthing of the world. make an Advent wreath, but for And we’ll be grateful for our grandchildren. It is something traditions, which ever remind us both tangible and mystical that is that we are never alone, that we being passed on to them. belong to the One who came at Then, when we complete Christmas. n

Here’s to Forty A Dad’s View By Matthew Hennessey

Matthew Hennessey and his family are parishioners of St. Aloysius in New Canaan.

ack in olden times, before I ever heard of the Internet, or owned a minivan, or shared a house with four crazy kids, I was one of the youngest members of my high school class. With a birthday in late October, right before the “cutoff” for public school enrollment, I was always the last to do everything. I was last to get my driver’s license, last to register to vote, and last to have a legal beer. It also made me one of the last to turn forty. All year long I’ve watched as one by one my Facebook friends from the class of 1991 hit the Big Four-0. Frankly, I’m astonished

that I made it. Certainly I did some stupid stuff along the way. All of that’s behind me now, thank God. I have those four crazy kids to look after. I have a wife I love dearly. So you won’t catch me out after dark. Nothing good happens after midnight anyway. My twenties were a lonesome period. I was lost. I turned my back on a lot of things—family, tradition, common sense. I gave up on salvation. I didn’t think I deserved heaven. Sometimes I didn’t think it existed at all. If salvation did exist, I thought, access to it came through grace. A divine lottery. That was the most my mind

could handle. And if it was all up to chance, then what was the point in being good? Mine was a very amateur theology. I thought I had actually discovered something new all on my own. Living intensely, loving romantically, feeding hungrily at the banquet of life—this was how I imagined transcendence was attained. Expression was then the only need of my soul. I made bold pronouncements about subjects of which I was thoroughly ignorant. I was needlessly cruel— often crass as well. Like I said, I was lost. A little boy acting the part of the big man. Thank goodness there was no Facebook in olden times. How I would have embarrassed myself. These days I keep myself busy putting away childish things— literally. The house is overflowing with stuffed animals, board games, unfinished sketches of Buzz Lightyear, framed portraits of Lightning McQueen. It’s full of noise, shoes, laundry, laughter, and love. Staying one step ahead of the clutter keeps me out of trouble. Who has time for any of the nonsense that used to

seem so urgent? Who has time, period? Forty years—sounds like a lot of time. Not really, though. We live across the street from a cemetery. It’s a beautiful place for a walk, but I see the dates on the tombstones. I can do the math. The luckiest get seventyfive years, maybe a little more. I’ve probably already passed the mid-point. My mother died in 2010. Leukemia. A bolt from the blue. She would have been seventy last month. I used to send her a card every October on my birthday. Pretty clever, don’t you think? I’d write, “You are the one who should really celebrate today. After all, you were the one who did all the work.” She loved it. Wouldn’t you? I think I’ll start my kids doing the same thing soon. My oldest will be ten in March. I was ten when my mother was the age I am now. The circle turns. Everything old is young again. Nothing new under the sun. I think I saw that on one of the tombstones. Our little cemetery is full of

stories. Love stories, some—a long-married couple buried sideby-side. Tragedies, too—babies who died in infancy. But mostly they are mysteries. Who were the people buried here? How did they live? What did they regret? Did they think they deserved heaven? Some stories the cemetery doesn’t tell. I used to argue with my mother about politics. What good did that do? What good comes from a mother and child bickering like that? Everyone in the graveyard votes the same. For a guy used to being the youngest person in the room, turning forty feels like a major milestone. You can tell it’s got me thinking about mortality. I sure am glad God didn’t see fit to take me back in olden times, when I was young, dumb, and running wild. I wasn’t ready to go. I guess I’m still not—I’ve got these crazy kids to raise. But I think my soul might be in slightly better condition than it was. I still believe in grace, by the way. I’m counting on it, in fact. Here’s to the next forty. n

November 2013

youth groups in

fairfieldcounty

parishes

(Alphabetically listed by town)

Youth groups are open to all, no matter what parish you belong to! (To add or make changes to the list, email jmonroe@diobpt.org)

PARISH

TOWN

MEET TIME/DAY

CONTACT

PHONE

St. Mary Bethel 2x per month, Sundays 6:30-8:30pm Fr. Joseph Gill jagill@email.msmary.edu 203.744.5777 St. Andrew Bridgeport Sundays, 9:30am Mass then meet Susan Baldwin sbaldwin143@yahoo.com 203.374.8118 St. Ann Bridgeport Sundays, 6-8pm Paul Brunner paulbrunner@yahoo.com 203.368.1607 St. Mary Bridgeport Sundays, 12:30-2:30pm Nancy Alvarez-Torez alvarezn@optonline.net 203.260.9572 St. Patrick (Cathedral Parish) Bridgeport Mondays, 6:30-8pm Fr. Sean R. Kulacz YouthMn.CathPar@optiumum.net 203.368.6777, x22 St. Peter Bridgeport Sundays, 4-6:30pm Jonathan Torres bptsaintp@gmail.com 203.513.9449 St. Joseph Brookfield Thursdays, 7-8:30pm Jaimee Koegler jaimeek@parishmail.com 203.775.1035 St. Gregory the Great Danbury Sundays, 11:30am Rene Hellmann renaissancebh@sbcglobal.net 203.797.1641 St. Joseph Danbury Sundays, 5-8pm David Roman saintjosephyg@gmail.com 203.606.1786 St. John Darien Sundays 5pm Mass, 6-8pm meet Fr. Frank Gomez frfrankstjohn@optonline.net 203.655.1145 and Kristen LeCompte kristenlecomptestjohnYG@gmail.com 203.655.1145 St. Thomas More Darien Sundays after 5:15pm Mass until 8:00pm Mike Belford stmdarienyg@aol.com 203.655.6295 St. Pius Fairfield Bi-weekly Wednesdays 7-8:30pm Daniel Guido stpiusyouthgroup@gmail.com 203.255.6134 St. Thomas Aquinas Fairfield Sundays, 7-9pm Jess Harris stthoaqyg@aol.com 740.424.4581 St. Lawrence Huntington Every other Sunday, 6-8pm Courtney Pastor stlawrenceyg@gmail.com 203.929.8421 St. Edward the Confessor New Fairfield Sundays, 5:15pm Mass followed Renzo Ortega rortega@saintedwardchurch.org by dinner & activities 6:30-8:30pm and Monica Mueller mmueller@saintedwardchurch.org 203.746.2200 St. Rose of Lima Newtown (Call for days/times) Rodd Blessey blessman4@att.net 203.426.1014 St. Jerome Norwalk Sunday 6pm Mass followed by meeting Joe & Daniella Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Callaghan norwalkstjerome@cs.com 203.847.5349 St. Mary Norwalk Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm during school year Steve Genovese steviegd@optonline.net 203.943.1352 St. Matthew Norwalk Once per month Kathy Delfino nineoclockers@yahoo.com 203.838.3788, x101 St. Philip Norwalk Wednesdays 7-9pm. Kali DiMarco kali1@optonline.net 203.847.4286 St. Thomas the Apostle Norwalk 2nd & 4th Sunday after 5pm Mass Lisa Castorina stthomas_lisa@sbcglobal.net 203.866.1189 St. Patrick Redding Ridge Sundays, 5-7pm September-June Sue Siburn smssiburtek@optonline.net 203.938.2703 St. Elizabeth Seton Ridgefield Sundays after 5pm Mass, twice per month Mia Belanger stsetonparish@comcast.net 203.438.7292 St. Mary Ridgefield Sundays, 6-8pm Laura Danner ldanner@smcr.org 203.438.6538 St. Catherine of Sienna Riverside Thursdays, 6-8pm, Teen Mass 1st Sunday of month 11am Janet Wrabel wrabel@stcath.org 203.913.4393 St. Joseph Shelton Sundays, 6-8:30pm Linda Gorel jljjgorel@sbcglobal.net 203.924.8611 St. Margaret Mary Shelton Sundays, 6:30-9pm Stacey Oddo stmmoddo@gmail.com 203.929.3022 Holy Name of Jesus Stamford Last Sunday of month at 6:30pm Fr. Damien Pielesz 203.323.4967 St. Leo Stamford Sundays, 6-8pm, September-May Holly Connolly stleoyouths@yahoo.com 203.322.1669 St. Mary Stamford Saturdays, 6:30-8pm, ages 13-18 Fr. Rolando Torres 203.324.7321 St. Cecilia Stamford Sundays, 4pm, every other week Diane McNamara mmac276@sbcglobal.net 203.322.1562 St. James Stratford Mondays, 6-8pm Fr. Bruce Roby frroby@diobpt.org 203.375.5887 St. Mark Stratford Grades 9-12 meet Sundays, 7-8:30pm Grades 7-8, Tuesdays 7-8:30pm Jared Forcier jared@stmarkyouthgroup.org 203.876.1621 St. Stephen Trumbull Every other Sunday, 6:15-8pm Janet Wrabel jlwrabel@gmail.com 203.913.4393 Church of the Assumption Westport Sundays, 6pm, 2x a month, September-June Michele Modugno sryouth@assumption-westport.org 203.222.8486 St. Luke Westport Teen Mass, last Sunday of month 5:30pm followed by dinner & meeting, September-June Deb Toner slygroup@optonline.net 203.222.0205 St. Francis of Assisi Weston Sundays following 5pm Teen Mass Brenda DeMattio bdemattio@stfrancisweston.org 203.227.8353 Our Lady of Fatima Wilton B.L.A.S.T. (Big Loud Awesome Spiritual Thing) Melanie Deluca and Once per month on Sunday, 7:30-8:45pm. Georgette Martinelli olfyouthgroup2@aol.com 203.762.3928

November 2013

Religious Education

New app brings creates interactive catechism BRIDGEPORT— “Sacraments123,” the new free, downloadable app for iPads, makes learning the Holy Sacraments as easy as 1, 2, and 3. The interactive program was created by Michelle O’Mara, director of the Ministry for People with Disabilities and Carol Pinard, former director of Religious Education Programs. It was designed initially to teach the sacraments to students with learning disabilities using a series of matching games, including awards for the correct match. With its audio, videos, sound effects and memory games, Sacraments123 proved popular with parents, teachers and students of all ages. “We began it to fill a need for kids who no longer needed a remedial curriculum but who would still benefit from something transitional,” O’Mara says. “We discovered that it’s popular across grade levels, from third grade up. Parents have found

it useful in homeschooling religious education, and it works well in small groups or even in a whole classroom equipped with a SmartBoard.” Students, and their parents, enjoy playing the memory games. The app includes three distinct and engaging memory games, one for each of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. After each correct match an audio description pops up to explain the match. Once all the matches are completed, the correct order of each sacrament is revealed, along with a certificate of completion. Students have the option to type in their name and email it to their religious education teacher. Since studies have shown that children learn through repetition, the games reset and can be played through as often as the student wants. Lesson plans and tips on how to incorporate the program into the regular curriculum are

included in the app, and religious educators are encouraged to use Sacraments123 to reinforce and enrich their lessons. “Due to Michelle O’Mara’s facilitation, Sacraments123 became an integral part of our special needs sacramental program,” says Liz Harakal, the director of religious education at St. Stephen Parish in Trumbull. “Additionally, Sacraments123 brings Jesus to life, and the

stem cell

month. They The Gospel begin with a Prolife Mass at of Life Society 9:00 am, which includes a Knights seeks to promote a culture of life of Columbus Honor Guard. Mass is at St. Mary’s Church, family followed by a meeting at 10:00 am Norwalk, and across abortion with discussions on Pope John Paul II’s parishes and dioceses. Evangelium Vitae (the heart of Gospel of Life mesIt welcomes parish individuals and sages) by Fr. Greg Markey, a speaker, group sharing, groups with similar goals to meetand exchanges of information on State and Federal ings - which are enthusiastic legislation upcoming events. Coffee & Refreshments. forums for the sharing of information on “culture of life”programs Plan to join this exciting culture of life think and ideas. Meetings are the tank! For information contact Eileen Bianchini: marriage second Saturday of every 203-847-5727 or stmarygols@aol.com

Welcome New Advertisers! Please tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in Fairfield County Catholic, the largest direct-mail circulation newspaper in Fairfield County.

Gospel of Life, page 25 Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford, page 29 Lenny Svelnys, page 34 Norwalk Hospital, page 31 Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk, page 29 The Raymond Group, page 34 Next issue is our Christmas/Advent issue. Please reserve ad space by December 5, 2013 To advertise, please contact Ralph Lazzaro at: office 203.416.1462, cell 203.667.1622, or email rlazzaro@diobpt.org

hands-on program is effective in encouraging a meaningful understanding of Our Lord Jesus in the sacraments. When we implemented it in our curriculum, we found that it is helpful for all children.” “Kids’ learning patterns are different, and the program allows each one to learn at their own pace,” agrees O’Mara. In addition, she adds, “It was important in developing of this app that we kept in mind the needs of all users, not just young children but adults as well. Parents are the first educators of their children. They’re the ones who provide support for their child’s growth in the faith. When parents play the memory games with their children, they learn more about the sacraments, too.” Included as part of the app are links to a video tour of the Mass. The Mass, recorded live, is broken into short, clearly explained segments. A section of all the symbols used in the liturgy adds to the understanding of the sacraments. The app has had over 1,000 downloads to date and is finding popularity globally, with downloads on every continent and in dozens of countries, from

Malaysia and the Philippines to Nigeria, Peru, Mexico and Singapore. “We have a list of over 50 countries that have downloaded the app,” says O’Mara. “That points to the large demand for this technology solution.” At this time, Sacraments123 is only available for iPad; further versions will be released in the near future. “Technology needs to be constantly updated,” O’Mara observes. “In addition to making the program available for more computer formats, we want to add more interactive games, have the videos captioned for the hearing impaired and include more lesson plans for teachers and parents.” The app has already proved its worth. “I’ve had a number of children with disabilities who could not sit through a regular lesson,” says O’Mara. “This October, with the assistance of Sacraments123, several of them received First Holy Communion at the Special Needs Mass. It’s exciting to know that this software is helping more and more people learn about their faith.” (For more information, contact Michelle O’Mara: 203.416.1502 or momara@diobpt.org.) n

Feria Navideña en la Iglesia de Santa Maria Gran selección de regalos, algunos de italia, artículos de Adviento, tarjetas de Navidad, CDs, DVDs, libros varios y para todas las edades, bellos Nacimientos, y muchos artículos más

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November 2013

Celebrating Life Adoption completes this family By AMY ZAJAC

Nick Iacono and Angela Piscitiello always wanted to have a family. After coming to terms with the prognosis of their infertility, they were still determined to be parents. They embarked on their personal adoption journey with the help of Catholic Charities’ Family Directions Program. In 2010, fate presented Nick and Angela the opportunity to adopt their first child. A birth mother planning to place her child for adoption chose Nick and Angela to be her parents. Kathryn became the center of their world; however, Nick and Angela felt it was important for Kathryn to

have a sibling. This year, Nick started a new job that would allow him to spend more time with his family and the couple decided to move from their two-bedroom condominium into a single residence home. Just as they were moving into this new home, fate intervened a second time. A young couple planning to place their son in an adoptive home chose Nick and Angela as the boy’s new mom and dad. Mathis was born this fall and placed with Nick and Angela less than one month later. Nick and Angela were able to meet Mathis’ birth parents. While their story is personal and cannot be shared, they truly felt that Nick and Angela

could provide their son the type of life they wanted, but were unable, to provide. Mathis’ adoption was finalized this November, which is National Adoption Month. The family was greeted by Bishop Frank Caggiano, who blessed baby Mathis and praised all those who were involved in helping him reach his forever family. Nick and Angela have ended their adoption journey. Their family is complete. Although they were both adopted by the same family, Kathryn and Mathis’ adoptions were both unique. Kathryn was placed with Nick and Angela directly from the hospital where

she was born. When Mathis was discharged from the hospital into the care of Catholic Charities, he was placed in an agency-approved foster home on a temporary basis to allow his birthparents some time to reaffirm their adoption plan and select an adoptive family. Mathis was placed in the home of Deborah Pluta of Greenwich, who has been an active resource to Catholic Charities since 2003. She has cared for and nurtured five newborn infants, including Mathis,

in her home anticipating their permanent placement either back with their biological families or in an adoptive home. She and her husband Richard donate the foster care payment back to Catholic Charities, which makes her service truly voluntary. (For more information on Family Directions pregnancy counseling and adoption services, contact Amy Zajac, program director: 203.416.1336 or azajac@ccfc-ct.org.) n

Bible Studies in Fairfield County Catholic Parishes

(Alphabetically by town. To add or change the list email jmonroe@diobpt.org)

PARISH TOWN MEET TIME/DAY CONTACT EMAIL PHONE St. Ann Bridgeport Marianne Knag mmknag@aol.com. 203.213.4809 St. Mary Bridgeport Youth Bible Study Nancy Alvarez-Torres alvarezn@optonline.net 203.260.9572 St. John Darien 1) Thursdays 9:40- 11:10am 2) Wednesdays 7- 8:30pm 3) Wednesdays 6:30-9pm Marianne Knag mmknag@aol.com. 203.213.4809 St. Thomas More Darien 1) Mondays 7- 8:30pm 2) Tuesdays 9:30-11am Marianne Knag mmknag@aol.com. 203.213.4809 Holy Family Fairfield Men’s Bible Study, Saturdays from 8-9:30am Maurice Magnatta mauricemagnatta@aol.com 203.366.6707 Our Lady of Assumption Fairfield Thursday Mornings 9-11am, Thursday Evenings 7-8:30pm Lara Linsenmeyer 203.536.0949 St. Mary Greenwich Mary Donovan marydonovan3@yahoo.com 203.952.4218 St. Jude Monroe Kathy Clark loonsovergranby@gmail.com 203.261.0707 St. Aloysius New Canaan Men’s Fellowship & Bible Study, Saturday mornings Light breakfast & fellowship 7:30-8:30am, Bible Study 8:30-9:30am Bob Mantilia robertmantilia@yahoo.com 203.414.1500 St. Edward the Confessor New Fairfield Wednesdays at 7-9pm Carol Zinser czinser@saintedwardchurch.org 203.746.2200, x30 St. Rose of Lima Newtown Fridays at 10:30am Blanca Sheehan 203.426.3253 St. Philip Norwalk Thursdays 7:30-9pm (except third Thursday) Ellen Mahon ellendw2008@yahoo.com 203.322.5349 St. Matthew Norwalk Wednesdays at 10:00am and 7:00pm Carol Cosgrove stmattparish@hotmail.com St. Elizabeth Seton Ridgefield Debbie Varnerin dvarnerin@comcast.net 203.438.7292 St. Catherine of Siena Riverside Monday evenings September 30-November 18 from 7:30-9:00, or Tuesday mornings October 1-November 19 from 10:00-11:30 203.637.3661 St. Joseph Shelton High School Teen Bible Study: Friday Adoration and Bible Study 6–8:30pm http://www.sjcshelton.org/53 203.924.8611 St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Shelton Thursdays from 6:30-8pm www.stmmshelton.org stmamar380@yahoo.com 203.924.4929 St. John the Evangelist Stamford Wednesdays 7-8pm www.stjohnsstamford.com 203.324.1553 St. Cecilia Stamford Thursdays 7:30pm and Fridays 9:15am Vicki Alton vickia@optonline.net 203.322.8526 Our Lady of Grace Stratford Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30pm Linsk3@aol.com 203.375.8992 Our Lady of Peace Stratford 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 7:30-9pm 203.377.4863 St. James Stratford Mondays 7:30pm, Tuesdays 9:30am, Wednesdays 9:30am, 7:30pm, Thursdays 9:30am www.stjamesstratford.com 203.375.5887 St. Mark Stratford www.stmarkstratford.org Christ the King Trumbull Fridays 9-10:45am Marian ctkparish@aol.com 203.268.8791 St. Theresa Trumbull Fridays 9:15am Maryann 203.767.9566 St. Joseph Manor Trumbull Mondays 1:30-3pm Maryann Knag mmknag@aol.com 203.213.4809 Our Lady of Fatima Wilton Tuesdays 9am & 7pm Deacon Tom McManus dcn.tommcmanus@yahoo.com 203.762.7142

November 2013

Youth Service

Hard work and prayer on mission trip FAIRFIELD—“What an incredible week in Pittsburgh for the St. Pius Youth Group! We learned about sacrifice through our service, grew closer to one another and grew in our faith,” says 16-year-old Kelly Walsh of her recent mission trip to help the poor in Pennsylvania. It was the second mission trip for the FairfieldLudlow High School junior, who served in last year’s work camp in Groton, MA. She says that working in the intense heat and roughing it in a local high school was a rewarding experience that deepened her faith. The Fairfield team included 12 young people from St. Pius X Parish along with one student from St. Thomas Parish. Jess Harris, the St. Thomas youth minister, volunteered to lead the trip, and recruited three chaperones. “We’re grateful to all of the parishioners who helped to sponsor the mission trip and to the chaperones who stepped up to guide the effort,” says Fr. Michael Dogali, pastor of St. Pius. “I’m really proud of our young people for growing in faith and charity through this challenging experience.” “The trip would not have been possible without the amazing chaperones that stepped up, especially at the last minute, and made the trip such a great experience for all of us,” Kelly adds. The young parishioners made the trip this summer as part of the Catholic HEART Workcamp program, a Florida-based effort founded to engage Catholic youth through faithful work, prayer and the sacraments, while serving the poor, elderly and disabled. They were among 207 participants from various states, who were divided into about 30 groups. Each was assigned a different worksite such as a home in need of repair, a community project or a food bank. “The most interesting project I encountered was an empty lot that a local charity had pur-

chased. Nearly 60 volunteers from work camp were sent to ‘the pit’ to dig a space where a Splash Pad for inner city children will be built,” says Kelly. Working alongside underprivileged teenagers from the area was a rewarding experience for Kelly and her team.

GETTING READY FOR HARD WORK, Kelly Walsh (third from right, front row) and the mission group from St. Pius and St. Thomas parishes get an encouraging send off from Fr. Michael Dogali (center), St. Pius’ pastor. The group spent a week building a splash park for inner-city children.

“It was cool because we could tell that they were motivated by the large group from Catholic HEART,” she says, noting that on the last day of work, the camp staff asked if anyone would like to share their experience with the group. “It was touching to hear the residents share how we helped them, and more importantly inspired them. Some of them were so visibly touched by us, but I personally think we gained more out of the experience.” Although the work was tough, she looked forward to spending time with the youth group every night and to the opportunity for spiritual growth. “One thing which made our group unique was that we would all attend daily Mass, even though it was optional for other campers. By participating in Mass and the Rosary whenever it was offered, I was able to grow in my faith and witness other members of the group grow closer to God.” She says that after living in a high school for a week, she returned home with a greater sense of appreciation for everything she has. She is also grateful to the parishioners who helped with fund raising and prayed for a successful trip. “Working hard, especially in the heat, taught us to make small sacrifices for others and helped me appreciate sacrifices people make for me, and most importantly, Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross.” n

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November 2013

Sports: Fairfield Prep Lavery, Chukwu reap honors for Prep By DON HARRISON

Earl Lavery and Paschal Chukwu have very little in common, but they share a bond that will endure forever: Fairfield Prep. Lavery played and coached football with distinction at the Jesuit preparatory school, while the 7-foot-1 Chukwu, a work-inprogress 18-year-old center from Nigeria, is about to enter his senior basketball season at Prep. Each has been in the news recently. The much-honored Lavery, whose Fairfield Prep teams won 230 games and three state titles across 28 seasons (1965-92), was inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame on October 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich. Chukwu, meanwhile, who was selected to the New Haven Register’s 2012-13 All-State Team, announced via Twitter that he will attend Providence College on a basketball scholar-

ship in 2014. “The three words that coaching produces are frustration, satisfaction and exhilaration. That’s what keeps an old coach coming back for more,” the Bridgeportborn and -bred Lavery told a crowd of 375 at the Fairfield County Sports Commission’s ninth annual Sports Night dinner. One can presume Lavery was in a position to embrace the latter two selections on the majority of occasions. When this celebrated high school coach retired following the 1992 season, his 230 career victories constituted a state record; he still ranks seventh. His .804 winning percentage (230-538) stands eighth all-time. “It is still about team,” says Lavery, who was elected to the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991 and was awarded the prestigious Gold Key by the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance in 1996. “Good relationships with the kids remain the key.

Thank you

to our entire Religious Education Team for sharing your faith with our children. Holy Family Parish, Fairfield

Rev. Victor T. Martin Pastor & the

Parish Family of

St. Thomas Aquinas 1719 Post Road Fairfield, Connecticut 06824 203.255.1097

Greatly appreciate the dedication of D.R.E.,

Sr. Monica Leonard, c.n.d. all the catechists and volunteers who share their faith with our parish children

PASCHAL CHUKWU is a 7-foot-1 center with considerable promise.

Success was always a team thing, not just about me.” He played tackle on the Jesuits’ 1949 squad that won its first seven games before settling for a 6-6 tie with Stamford in the season finale. Awarded a football scholarship to Holy Cross, he played three varsity seasons—primarily as a defensive tackle—for the Crusaders before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. After graduation, Lavery sold cars and worked at Sikorsky while “waiting to be drafted” by Uncle Sam. Instead, he returned to Fairfield Prep as a math teacher and assistant football coach under Joe Brosley. After nine years as an assistant, Lavery succeeded Brosley as head coach and proceeded to elevate Prep football to new heights. Four of his teams (1967, ’69,

’73 and ’77) were undefeated and untied, while a tie was the only blotch on the 1975 Jesuits’ (11-01) record. The CIAC state championships came in 1977, ’82 and ’88. And he never experienced a losing season. No fewer than 12 of his players were elected to the Register All-State teams, including Chris Zingo (1989), who went on to become a two-time All-American linebacker at Cornell and was voted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Lavery was inducted into the J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Wing at the dinner along with Don Cook, who retired in June following 41 years as a collegiate athletic director in Connecticut (at Sacred Heart, Hartford and Fairfield, the latter his alma mater).

At least one scouting service has compared Chukwu with a young Dikembe Mutombo, the 7-1 native of the Democratic Republic of Congo who set shotblocking records at Georgetown and was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Paschal’s offensive skills are raw, but he’s already a dominant force at the defensive end of the court. Averaging 7.0 blocks, 12.0 rebounds and 12.8 points per game, Chukwu powered Fairfield Prep to a 24-3 record and a runner-up finish to Hillhouse in the Class LL championship game last March. Opposing coaches were impressed enough to select him to the Register’s 12-player All-State team. Several Division-I institutions—UCONN among them— took notice and attempted to woo Chukwu, but Providence had an advantage: Coach Ed Cooley. “I thought Providence was a good fit for me,” Chukwu said in a Twitter message to ESPN. “I love how Coach Cooley relates to his players.” Chukwu will be joining another state player of note at PC: Kris Dunn, a 2012 McDonald’s All-American guard from New London High. n

THANK YOU

Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish Ridgefield

wishes to thank

Marie Trebing Gigi Pekala Coordinators

Catechists, Aides, and Volunteers and all our

in our

Religious Education Program for their continued commitment to teach and share the Faith and lead our children toward a life-long relationship with Jesus the Lord!

November 2013

Sports: Trinity Catholic Student Riding the wave of success By JOE RYAN

Stamford-Trinity Catholic freshman Shannon Daine has been riding a wave of success over the past few weeks that few high school athletes ever get to experience in their first year. On October 29, Daine finished third in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Diving Championships and she did even better by placing second in her first attempt at a state crown in the CIAC Class S Division meet. The accomplishments stand alone as great feats, but you have to realize that at this time last year Trinity Catholic did not have a swimming or diving team. In fact, they had never had a swimmer or diver competing in their entire illustrious athletic history. Even the other members of the student body did not know about her success during the regular season. Shannon has both a veteran’s maturity and a youthful exuberance. When she talks about her sport which she should having been a competitive diver for almost seven years. As a year round USA Diving competitor, Shannon been in

Saint Mary Church

“The Mother Church of Norwalk”

Saint Mary Church would like to thank Jacqueline Juhasz, Sue Genovese and all the dedicated teachers who give so much of themselves to our parish. “And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

plenty of competitions, but she admitted to a few butterflies in her stomach before her performance in the state tournament. “I had really low expectations because I am a freshman and I’m a lot younger than a lot of the people competing there,” said Shannon. “So I went in there not knowing what place I could come in. I decided to just do my dives and try to stay consistent.” She has been that throughout the year and is currently ranked as the number six high school diver in the state before the Open Championships scheduled for November 16. Pretty good when you take into consideration the steps it took to get her to this point. In the summer as high school approached, Shannon sent an email to Trinity Catholic Athletic Director Tracy Nichols asking if there was any way could represent The Crusaders even though they did not have a team. Then, they searched for a school in the conference which would let Shannon share their schedule and train with them. After being rejected by a few schools, Wilton coach Joe Somma agreed to have Shannon utilize his team’s sched-

ule and travel with them. Shannon said that the Warrior team was very supportive of her although some of the other teams were trying to figure out why one diver was wearing a green swimsuit and the rest were all dressed in blue. Somma became her coach during competition as well. Another person who made her feel comfortable is one of her biggest rivals in Rachel Burston. A sophomore at Westhill High School in Stamford, she and Shannon have trained together and shared a long friendship. Burston was the surprise freshman of last year in the conference and state meets. She was competing and a different venue because her school is in Class LL while Shannon was diving at the Class S pool but the two girls were texting messages of support to each other which were important because it was the first meet where Shannon felt like she was alone. She said she could even hear herself breathing while she was getting ready on the diving board, which was a quiet she had never experienced before at an event. “We’ve been best friends,”said Shannon. “We were sending

The Church of the Holy Spirit thanks our DRE, Tricia LaValle, all our Catechists and Religious Ed Staff for applying your talents and devotion to the formation of our children. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire all your efforts.

Thanks and blessings to our entire Religious Education team!

St. Aloysius Parish New Canaan

things back and forth like the leader board and if I had a bad dive she would tell me not to worry it would be okay. So, it was like she was there.” It was a little different a week earlier at the FCIAC Championships where she was more familiar with the other competitors and the venue, but still she was very nervous on her way to the event. Her mom, Kim, gave her a pep talk in the car on the way to the Westhill High School where the meet was held. “I told her it would be great if she came in tenth,” said Kim. “Top 10 at the FCIAC’s is really great because they have more year round divers at the competition than the state meet.” As her father, Jim, pointed out the world of diving is like an extended family. In fact, the Daine family has a different way of cheering Shannon on in competition. Kim drives her to the meet and helps her prepare but

will not go in because she feels bad rooting against the other kids, so Jim will go in and watch. Shannon gives them plenty of reason to be proud both with her athletics and in the classroom where she is a 4.0 student. She plays lacrosse in the spring for Chelsea Piers because at this time Trinity does not have a girl’s team, although Shannon would be interested if one was started. She enjoys being with friends and hanging out when she is not training or competing and doing all the things a normal teenager does. Shannon hopes to find a diving program in college, preferably in the Northeast—and if the college doesn’t have one she will be more than willing to help to start one. n

God Bless You and Thank You

to our entire Religious Formation Team for your continued commitment to teach our children. St. Thomas the Apostle Norwalk

November 2013

Obituaries Fr. Martin Dennehy, pastor and chaplain, 88 TRUMBULL—Fr. Martin J. Dennehy died at St. Joseph Manor in Trumbull on September 16. He was 88 years old and had been ordained for 62 years. Martin Dennehy was born in New York, NY, on February 28, 1925. He was one of five children. His sister, Eileen, joined the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary; his brother John is a deacon with the Diocese of Brooklyn. His other surviving brother, James, lives in Trumbull. He graduated from Cathedral Prep and College in Brooklyn, NY, and continued his studies at the Seminary of the Immaculate

Conception in Huntington, NY. In 1951, he graduated from Mt. St. Mary’s University and Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, and was ordained into the priesthood on June 9, 1951 in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He came to this diocese first as parochial vicar at St. Roch Parish in Greenwich in 1956. Following assignments in St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown and St. Peter Parish in Danbury, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Bridgeport on March 17, 1961. During that time he was director of the Danbury District Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and chaplain of the Daughters of Isabella Danbury Circle.

While residing at St. Peter’s, he became a part-time chaplain at the Danbury State Jail. Fr. Martin later taught at Immaculate High School in Danbury and served as parochial vicar at St. Augustine Cathedral Parish in Bridgeport. In 1969, Fr. Martin was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Bridgeport, and served on the diocesan Priests’ Council from 1977-79. He headed the parish until 1980, when he left for graduate studies while serving as parochial vicar at St. James Parish in Stratford and St. Mary Parish in Bethel. In 1981, Fr. Dennehy

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was appointed chaplain at Bridgeport Hospital while residing at Holy Rosary Parish in Bridgeport. He became a parochial vicar at Holy Rosary, and was named administrator of the parish in 1992. He held that position until he had to retire in 1994 for health reasons. Fr. Dennehy had resided at St. Joseph’s Manor since 2000. “He was a quiet man, but he really gave parishioners his all,” says Fr. Martin Nikodem, chaplain of St. Joseph’s. Fr. Nikodem had also served as a pastor of Good Counsel. “When I came here, he was already sick,” Fr. Nikodem says. “For as long as he could, he had his brother put him in a wheelchair and take him to daily Mass. When he couldn’t do that, he read his breviary every day, and when he could no longer concentrate on reading he just prayed the Rosary. In everything he did,

in prayer and with his people, he gave it his best.” A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Fr. Dennehey at St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull on September 20. Bishop Frank Caggiano was the principal celebrant; Fr. Nikodem delivered the homily. Interment followed in the Priest Circle at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Stratford. n

Deceased Clergy of the Diocese of Bridgeport November 17—December 14 November Year 19 20 20 21 22 23 27 28

Rev. Rocco D. Nadile......................................................1978 Rev. Francis J. Fulop.......................................................1957 Rev. John F. Culliton......................................................1967 Rev. Hugh A. Coffey.......................................................1975 Msgr. Edwin F. Burke.....................................................2004 Rev. Stephen J. Panik......................................................1953 Msgr. Joseph N. Murphy.................................................1988 Rev. Robert Pohley..........................................................2006 Deacon John Barton........................................................2012 Rev. Myron V. Miller......................................................1961 Deacon Wayne E. Malloy................................................2011

December Year 1 3 4 5 7 8 10 13

Rev. Michael E. Kearney.................................................1956 Msgr. Alfred J. Sienkiewicz.............................................1996 Deacon Robert W. Becker...............................................2000 Msgr. John E. Gilmartin..................................................2011 Rev. Thomas Gwozdz OFM Conv..................................2007 Rev. Joseph A. Pisarcik...................................................1956 Msgr. Joseph M. Fitzgerald..............................................2005 Rev. Vincent J. O’Connor................................................1985 Deacon George Saulnier..................................................1997 Rev. Rufin Kuveikas, OFM Conv....................................2008 Msgr. Bartholomew J. Skelly...........................................1967 Rev. Ambrose Walas, O.F.M. Conv................................1967 Rev. Paul M. Spodnik......................................................1976 Rev. Alfred E. Russo.......................................................2009

November 2013

Obituaries

JFK from page

Msgr. Schultz, former pastor of Our Lady of Grace, died on October 14 STRATFORD—Msgr. William F. Schultz died on October 14 in Hamden after a long illness. He was 75. “Msgr. Schultz would do anything for his people,” says Msgr. William Scheyd, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan. The two men served sequentially as pastors of St. Augustine Cathedral, and were in a priests’ prayer group together for many years. “There was nothing that was beneath him,” says Msgr. Scheyd. “He did whatever he could to help people in their life situations, no matter what they might be.” William Schultz was born October 7, 1938, in Paterson, NJ. He attended St. Mary College in northeastern Pennsylvania and the Seminary of Mount St. Alphonsus in Esopus, NY, and was ordained by Francis Cardinal Spellman at Mount St. Alphonsus on June 21, 1964. Msgr. Schultz later completed his graduate studies at Georgetown University, earning a master’s degree in linguistics. His first assignment was at St. Clement Parish in Saratoga

Springs, NY. Coming to this diocese, he was assigned as parochial vicar first to St. Augustine Cathedral Parish and then to St. Andrew Parish, both in Bridgeport. In 1968, he was appointed to the faculty of Notre Dame Girls High School. Incardinated into the Diocese of Bridgeport in 1973, he returned to St. Augustine’s in 1974 and was named pastor there in 1976. He served on the Priests’ Council from 1975-76. Msgr. Schultz became pastor

of St. Patrick Parish in Bridgeport in 1982. He was named an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor, on July 14, 1988. Msgr. Schultz was named pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Stratford in 1995. He would remain at Our Lady of Grace until his retirement in 2012. Always involved in the Bridgeport and Stratford communities over the years, Msgr. Schultz served in the Bridgeport Lions Club, was chaplain of the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stratford Fire Department, and served as chair of St. Vincent Medical Center Advisory Council. Msgr. Schultz was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Msgr. Schultz

at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, NJ, the home parish of his sister, Frances Iczkowski, on October 19. Burial followed in Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ. A Memorial Mass for Msgr. Schultz was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at Our Lady of Grace Church on October 22. Msgr. Jerald Doyle, episcopal vicar for administration for the diocese, delivered the homily at the Mass. He had been a priest in residence with Msgr. Schultz at Our Lady of Grace for 17 years, including those of his final illness. “Msgr. Schultz was a good priest who never let his personal frailty interfere with his preaching of the Gospel,” Msgr. Doyle told the congregation. n

for signs of something unusual. Finally, one of them opened the center car door and three men and a woman got out. The entire party approached the grave in silence, paused for a number minutes, something was placed on the grave near the eternal flame, and then the party departed. We were told later that it was Mrs. Kennedy and the President’s brothers, Ted and Robert Kennedy. The next night the scene was repeated. Some of my most vivid memories come back every time I’m at a military funeral and I hear that bugle and volley of rifle fire. Three weeks later we were boarding an airplane—destination Liberia, Africa, but even today, the sound of a bugler playing taps and the report of rifles echo loud and clear in my memories. (Deacon Bissenden serves at St. Patrick Parish in Bridgeport and is the archivist for the Diocese of Bridgeport.) n

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November 2013

Column Act in God’s eye what in God’s eye we are Potpourri By Thomas H. Hicks

Thomas Hicks is a member of St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull.

here is a fascinating poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins titled “As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Dragonflies Draw Flame.” The kingfish is one of the most colorful birds in England. It “catches fire” as the sunlight brings its plumage to a bright radiance. Similarly, the iridescent wings of the dragonfly glint with a flamelike beauty. The poem hymns the unique-

ness of each created thing. Each thing finds its own voice, making up the great choir of creation. In fulfilling its distinctive nature every object gives glory to God. Hopkins then extends this concept to humans. Here the selfexpression or self-assertion takes on a different character, inasmuch as humans have freedom of choice. The enacting of the self does not happen automatically. There must be a deliberate

self-expression. According to Hopkins, it is our task to “selve,” to become completely ourselves; to cry “What I do is me: for that I came.” We are meant to desire our highest self, act to the highest of our capacity. One is to fully realize “what in God’s eye he is.” What Hopkins writes implies that the Spirit bestows on each one a special charism (gift). Romans 12:6-8: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” There are acts that come naturally to certain people; they perform certain actions with astonishing ease. They are informed with a magic for which we give the word “talent.” How mysterious talents are. Where do they come from? We all recognize there is something mysterious about Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Luciano Pavarotti, and others. We

wonder, where does this music come from? It seems to give God a way of coming to expression. The famous violinist, Fritz Kreisler, stated: “I was born with music in my system. I knew musical scores instinctively before I knew the alphabet. It was a gift of God.” We may not have the gift of the great artists, but we are to recognize that we have been given certain gifts, gifts that are greater than ourselves. Different things come naturally to different people. The talent comes from somewhere. We do not create it. Teresa of Avila pointed out: “Some think it humility not to believe that God bestowed his gifts upon them. He did, and let us be grateful to God for them.” Each of us discovers activities for which we have natural talent. As Jesus’ Parable of the Talents indicates, the Lord has given talents to each of us and expects us to develop and increase them. We are called to find the self-expression which best gives glory to God. As Hopkins says, “Crying what I do is me; for this I came,” which echoes Jesus statement in Jn.18:37: “This is what I was born for, what I came into the world for.” One is to “act in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is.” In fulfilling one’s distinctive nature, one gives glory to God. The implication is that if one does not do this he or she is not fully a human being. Every role performed at excel-

lence or mastery requires talent accompanied by hard work. Excellence or mastery involves a gift with discipline attached, involves determination, self-denial and fortitude. The sin of sloth can allow talents to dry up and blow away. I see it all the time; the betrayal of some beautiful gifts. We are answerable for being less than we could be. Someone said that “what is not used is but a load to bear.” In other words, to have a gift and not exercise it weighs someone down. Carl Jung warned that unused gifts turn into “pure poison.” The actor Will Smith said: “There is no pain worse than not achieving a dream when it is your fault. If God did not want you to have it, that is one thing. But if you do not get what you desire because you are lazy, there is no pain worse than that.” And you’ll be amazed to know who said “I have offended God and humankind in not having worked at my art as I ought to have done.” Leonardo da Vinci said that. So Hopkins’ poem calls us to realize our identity, our unique self. We do, in fact, have something to contribute and have the responsibility to do so. Each of us has knowledge and skills that help us live responsible and productive lives. We need fidelity to our own gifts. We are accountable for the talent God bestows on us; responsible to act in God’s eye what in God’s eye we are. n

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November 2013

Guest Column Praying for your marriage Swimming Upstream By Joe Pisani Joe Pisani, a journalist for many years, is a principal at The Dilenschneider Group, a strategic communications firm.

y friend Denise, who is a therapist in Manhattan, called me recently to ask what kind of dog I own. “A Lhatese,” I said. “A combination of a Lhasa Apso and a Maltese, which means she’s a very yappy, excitable dog.” “Would she fit under an airplane seat?” I wasn’t sure where this discussion was going. “Are you planning to abduct her? What kind of question is that?” The long and the short of it was that she was looking for a dog for her parents, who travel a lot, so it had to be small enough to stay in the passenger section and sit quietly. No yapping allowed. She wanted to give her parents a dog to save their marriage. I suppose this is how therapists think. Their ideas are totally innovative or totally insane and sometimes both. She’s convinced a dog will put an end to the constant bickering. Marriage is never easy, with or without dogs, cats or hamsters. The crazy thing is that since my wife, Sandy, and I got Bella, we yell as much as before—we both grew up in Italian families so yelling is a perfectly acceptable form of communication—but now Bella joins my wife and barks at me. Little traitor. (And I’m the one who’s always sneaking her dog treats when Sandy isn’t looking.) Of course, there’s a far more effective tactic than dog ownership to help your marriage. It’s called prayer. Years ago, Fr. Patrick Peyton, the famed Rosary priest and founder of the Holy Cross Family Ministries, coined the phrase, “The family that prays together stays together.” His insights are especially relevant during the Internet age when cyberporn and online

adultery are destroying marriages daily, and an increasing number of people over 50 are getting divorced, leading pop psychologists to suggest lifelong marriage is an anachronism. Jesus, I’m sure, has an entirely different view. A dog may help your marriage ... but not as much as prayer. Here’s advice you won’t hear from a therapist: Pray for your spouse. Even better, go to Eucharistic Adoration together and turn your marriage, problems and all, over to Christ. I’m convinced some of the finest thinkers on the Sacrament of Marriage can be found on that reality TV show “Duck Dynasty,” about a bunch of long-bearded rednecks who love

to hunt and fish and expostulate on the meaning of life. Jase Robertson, the second of four sons, says unabashedly the most important things to him are, in order of importance, God, family and ducks. He and his wife, Missy, were virgins when they got married and committed themselves to Christ. They made a pact to get each other into heaven and always pray together as a family. Crazy and wonderful things happen when you pray for and pray with your spouse. Let me tell you a story about my experiences. To my wife’s thinking, if I did more yard work, there would be fewer domestic disputes. To my thinking, I’d be a happier husband if she let me pile books on the nightstand up to the ceiling and didn’t hassle me about a clean house. Yes, we get on each other’s nerves and sometimes wonder whether we were right for each other when it comes to compatibility. During the last blowup we had—I can’t remember what caused it—Sandy was yelling, I was yelling and the dog was barking ... at me again.

I was so convinced I was right that I vowed I wasn’t going to be the one to give in. I’m tired of giving in when I KNOW I’m right, about whatever it was. As the argument escalated, I became more entrenched in my self-righteousness, but an unusual thing happened. All I could think about was the autumn afternoon at the country fair when we went on the Ferris wheel and laughed at the top like two teenagers. “Lord, whoever is putting that thought in my head, please take it away because I want to be mad,” I said. Then, in my mind I saw my wife taking care of my mother for the last nine months of her

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life when she was dying of cancer and Alzheimer’s. And then I remembered her in the delivery room, crying tears of joy when our first daughter was born. In my anger, I tried to repress those loving thoughts, but they persisted, and I realized the Holy Spirit was taking control of the situation. I couldn’t stay angry—although I snarled at the little yapper and said, “Bella, if you don’t stop barking at me, I’m never giving you another dog treat in this life or the next.” That shut her up. Yes, prayer can have surprising results, especially if you do it together. Now, even the dog joins us when we pray—but no yap. n

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Bits & Pieces MISSION BOUTIQUE/ BAKE SALE continues at St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield, Sat.Sun., Nov. 16-17, from 10 am-2 pm. For more information, call 203.438.8281. HOLIDAY FAIR AND BOUTIQUE at St. Leo Parish, Stamford, will take place Sat., Nov. 16, from 10 am-6 pm and Sun., Nov. 17, from 9 am-1 pm. More than 55 vendors. For more information, call the parish: 203.322.1669. MASSES OF HEALING AND HOPE sponsored by the Charismatic Renewal Office will be offered on Mon., Nov. 18, at 7:30 pm at Christ the King Parish, Trumbull, with Fr. Larry Carew; and Mon., Dec. 8, at Christ the King with Fr. Carew. For more information, call 203.268.8253. CURSILLO ULTREYAS are held around the diocese: Mon., Nov. 18, at St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford, at 7:30 pm; Thurs., Nov. 21, at St. Mary Parish, Bethel at 7:30 pm; and Tues., Dec. 3, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Wilton, at 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Jeanette at jkovacs@snet.net. CONNECTIONS! Ministry for Catholic Singles 40 and over, meets the third Mon. of every month (Nov. 18; Dec. 16) at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford from 7-9 pm. Donation: $10. For more information or to RSVP, contact ConnectionsFairfield@gmail.com. CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA for children with special needs will be presented on Sun., Dec. 15, from 12 noon-3 pm at the Catholic Center, Bridgeport. RSVP by Fri., Nov. 22. For more information and for reservations, call Michelle O’Mara: 203.416.1502 or momara@ diobpt.org. ANOINTING MASS will be celebrated on Fri., Nov. 22, at 11 am at Christ the King Parish, Trumbull. For more information, call the parish: 203.268.8695. TURKEY BINGO will be held at St. Mary School, Bethel, on Fri., Nov. 22. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission: $3. For more information, go to www.stmarybethelct.org or contact Theresa Buttaffuoco: 203.448.0548 or bteese@aol.com. HARVEST FAIR FOR CHARITY will be held at St. Luke Parish, Westport, Sat.Sun, Nov. 23- 24, from 10 am-4 pm. For more information, call

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203.227.7245 or go to www. stlukewestport.com. CHRISTMAS FAIR at St. Andrew Parish, Bridgeport, will be held Sat., Nov. 30, from 9:30 am-5:30 pm. For more information or for vendor prices, call 203.374.8118. FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS will be presented at St. Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport, on Sun., Dec. 1, at 7:30 pm. Free and open to all. For more information, call the office: 203.368.6777. CHRISTMAS BASKET AUCTION will be hosted by the Women of St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull, on Sun., Dec. 1, after all Masses. For more information, call the parish: 203.268.6217. AUDITIONS for St. Catherine’s Players 2014 production of BARNUM! will be held Mon.-Wed., Dec. 2, 3 & 4, at 7:30 pm at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Riverside. For more information, visit www.stcatherinesplayers.com or email: stcatherinesplayers@gmail.com. LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Program for women undergoing radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment will be held at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, on Thurs., Dec. 5, from 1-3 pm. Reservations required; lunch provided. For • Newspapers

more information and for reservations, call 203.576.6158 LADIES SHOPPING NIGHT at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trumbull, will be held Fri., Dec. 6, at 6 pm. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more information and for reservations, contact Patti Capozzi: 203.371.5371 or pat813@ yahoo.com. “SINGING FOR CHRISTMAS” with the CantiamoCHOIR will take place Fri., Dec. 6, at 7:30 pm in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport. Suggested Donation: $15. For more information, contact Marlane Tubridy: 203.454.9023 or marlanet@optonline.net. HOLLY FAIR will be held at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Shelton, on Sat., Dec. 7, from 9 am-4 pm. For more information, call 203.924.2327 or 203.209.2441. ADVENT PROGRAM, “A Coming Christ in Advent,” will be held at St. Stephen Parish, Trumbull, on Sat., Dec. 7, starting with 9 am Mass. To register, call the parish office: 203.268.6217. CHRISTMAS FAIR at St. Jude Parish, Monroe, is seeking crafters. The fair will take place Sat., Dec. 7 (snow date Sun., Dec. 8). For more information, call the parish: 203.261.6404 or email stjudechristmasfair@gmail.com.

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Bits & Pieces MARY OF NAZARETH, the award-winning movie, will be presented by St. Mary Parish, Norwalk, at the Royale Theater, 142 Westport Ave. Norwalk, on Sat., Dec. 7, at 11:30 am. For more information, call 203.866.546. HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE will be held at St. Bridget of Ireland Parish, Stamford, on Sat., Dec. 7, from 9 am-4:30 pm. For more information, call 203.324.2910 or visit www.stbridgetofireland.org. CHRISTMAS GALA will be held at St. Luke Parish, Westport, on Sat., Dec. 7. Cost: $35; Proceeds go to parish outreach endeavors. For more information or for reservations, call 203.222.0478. HOLLY FAIR will be held Sat., Dec. 7, at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Shelton, from 9 am-4 pm. For more information, call 203.924.2327 or 203.209.2441. ANNUAL COOKIE SHOPPE will be held at St. Luke Parish, Westport, on Sun., Dec. 8, from 8:30 am-12 noon. Santa will be here as well! For more information, go to 203.227.7245

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or visit www.stlukewestport.com. ADVENT/CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE: “Behold the Light of Christ” with Fran Karpiej of Sharing Christ Ministry will be held at St. Emery Parish, Fairfield, on Sat., Dec. 14, at 9 am. All are invited. For more information, call 203.255.8801. GOSPEL OF LIFE SOCIETY meets the second Sat. of the month (Dec. 14) at St. Mary Parish, Norwalk, at 10 am after the 9 am Pro-Life Mass. For more information, contact Eileen Bianchini: 203.847.5727 or stmarygols@aol.com. LITHUANIAN KUCIOS Christmas Eve celebration will be held at St. George Parish, Bridgeport, on Sun., Dec. 15. Noon Mass, followed by dinner. For more information and for reservations, call 203.878.0519. ADVENT MISSION: “The Pope’s Blueprint: Living the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy,” will be presented at St. Paul Parish, Greenwich, Mon.-Wed., Dec. 16-18, at 7:30 pm. For more information call 203.531.8741. n

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St. Vincent’s Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Network

a dream for connecTicuT. a nighTmare for cancer. B R I D G E P O RT

St. Vincent’s is now collaborating with MD Anderson Cancer NetworkTM. This new affiliation allows us to raise the bar for cancer care in the Bridgeport area by following treatment guidelines and best practices developed by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston—one of the country’s premier cancer hospitals.

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providing new hope for cancer paTienTs For the past 10 out of 12 years, MD Anderson has been ranked No. 1 nationwide in cancer care by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey. The same survey has also ranked St. Vincent’s as a leading hospital in the region. Together, we’re setting out to set new standards for care in our community. Our exclusive local affiliation means that we have access to the pioneering evidence-based guidelines, treatment plans and best practices developed by the experts at MD Anderson. These are disease-specific guidelines for cancer treatment, prevention, detection and follow-up care. In addition, St. Vincent’s can call on leading cancer experts to advise on cases through physician-to-physician consultations.

The advanTage of genTler hands and sharper minds For years, St. Vincent’s has been dedicated to providing the best in comprehensive cancer

diagnosis and treatment—with gentler hands to comfort the patient, and sharper minds to ensure the best for the patient’s health. We’re always investing resources into state-of-the-art services and programs, participating in innovative clinical trials, and continually researching new treatment options and EPORT equipment. But now is a critical time. Research done by MD Anderson in 2009 predicts that the number of new cancer cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. over the next 20 years will increase by 45%. In order to better protect our local community, it was only natural for us to seek out an affiliation with one of the nation’s most respected cancer networks. In turn, MD Anderson conducted a thorough review of our program to make sure that we met their high standards for cancer care. And although we provide best practices and evidence-based medicine now, our collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Network means we have access to the latest in cancer practice guidelines.

compassionaTe. advanced. comprehensive. For over a century, St. Vincent’s has been committed to the well-being of our community. With our new affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network, we can continue our mission to make sure that everyone has access to high-quality cancer care, close to home.

>> To learn more about how we’re changing cancer care for the better, visit stvincents.org.

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