Arise and Shine Christmas Concert

36 Pages·2016·15.33 MB·English

Inside this issue
13
Catholic Witness
in the Marketplace
15-21
Saint Augustine
Medals celebrate faithful service
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Arise and Shine Christmas Concert
December 18 at 6 pm
Tickets: 800.424.0160
22
November 2016
Pilgrimage
Christ Heals
the Human Heart
By BRIAN D. WALLACE Wideness in God’s Mercy,” and
concluding with the recessional,
More than 1,100 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”
Priests heard an estimated
faithful throughout
1,000 confessions in a large white
Fairfield County turned tent set up outside the massive
gray granite of the cathedral
out on November 5 at
walls.
St. Augustine Cathedral Throughout the afternoon
people recited the Rosary, said
for the special Mass
the Divine Mercy Chaplet, sat While 800 filled the cathedral
to consecrate the Diocese for Eucharistic Adoration and for the Mass and consecration,
offered silent prayer at the out- more than 350 watched through
of Bridgeport to the
door shrine under a crisp, crystal- live streaming in the Kolbe
Sacred Heart of Jesus. line sky. Cathedral High School auditori-
“This is a remarkable day of um. After kneeling in the cathe-
They sang and prayed in grace and blessing for the Diocese dral for the consecration prayer,
English, Spanish, Vietnamese, of Bridgeport,” Bishop Frank J. the bishop quickly processed
Portuguese and Polish. Caggiano said in thanking all over to the auditorium where the
They were young and old, res- those who attended. people greeted him with excited
idents of the cities and suburbs, It was a day called for by applause. The gathering then
individuals and entire families Bishop Caggiano on May 19, knelt on the tile floor as the bish-
who joined in praise and worship. 2015, at the conclusion of the op led them in the prayer to the
More than 50 members of Synod Celebration Mass when he Sacred Heart of Jesus:
the Diocesen Youth Choir entrusted the diocese to the pro- “We proclaim today and every
filled the historic cathedral with tection of the Blessed Mother as day your full sovereignty over
song beginning with “There’s a it seeks change and renewal. the Diocese of Bridgeport. We
ON THE COVER | CONTENTS
A DIOCESE RENEWED—More than 5 A NIGHT OF HEALING AND HOPE 14 DIOCESAN WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
1,100 men and women filled St. Augustine
At Fairfield University Growing in Faith
Inside this issue Cathedral for the recent Diocesan Pilgrimage
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13 inC aththe oMlica Wrkeittpnleascse Photo by Amy mortensen At Saint Augustine Cathedral Talks and reflections
ABOVE THE FOLD—Once again
the Saint Augustine Medals of Service 9 HONORING VETERANS 26 CATHOLIC CHARITIES BREAKFAST
15 Sacienlet bArautgeu fastiitnhef uMl seedrvailcse ceremony proved to be one of the happiest At St. Joseph’s High School Susan Conroy on St. Mother Teresa
Please visit us on: days of the year in the diocese, with
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33
November 2016
Diocesan Pilgrimage
consecrate our diocese and our us into trouble.” He said the when we are not what God wants
entire lives, actions, trials, joys consecration Mass gives people us to be,” he said.
and sufferings to your Most the chance “to open our hearts to “This is the day to open your
Sacred Heart.” Jesus and to be healed by him. hearts to him, to show him the
In his homily, the bishop said “Now is the time for a medi- division that needs to be healed,”
that most of us “live with divided ocre witness of Christ to come to he said. “We pray that he sets us
hearts” that only God can heal, an end. The world is dying for on fire with his love and sets the
and that we are “drawn to false the truth and for a way to Christ. world on fire.”
pleasures and promises that get We wrestle with our own hearts At the end of Mass, the bishop
thanked Msgr. Thomas Powers,
vicar general of the diocese, for
leading the planning and prepara-
tion for the diocesan pilgrimage,
which included fasting and a
nine-day novena.
The Adoration reflection prior
to the Mass was led by Father
Andrew Apostoli, CFR, a found-
ing member of the Franciscan
Friars of Renewal, and a frequent
guest on EWTN television. “We
live in difficult and uncertain
times. In the world there are
threats of violence, terrorism and
war. In our country, there is polit-
ical confusion and polarization,”
Father Apostoli said.
“When we are consecrated to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, wheth-
er as an individual, a diocese,
a religious order or nation, the
Sacred Heart will bestow his love
and graces in abundance.”
The diocesan day of pil-
grimage was inspired by Pope
Francis, who encouraged the
faithful to consider a pilgrimage
as an instrument of conversion.
“The practice of pilgrimage has
a special place in the Holy Year,
because it represents the journey
each of us makes in this life. Life
itself is a pilgrimage, and the
human being is a viator—a pil-
grim travelling along the road,”
he said. n
Arise and Shine
Christmas Concert
D B c Y
iocese of riDgeport • hoir for outh
sunday, december 18 6:00
pm
•
The Klein Memorial Auditorium
910 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06605
TICKET PRICES:
$10 students, $15 adults
VIP tickets available for $75 —
includes reserved parking, premium seating
and pre-show reception with Bishop Caggiano
TICKET SALES:
Diocese
Purchase online at www.theklein.org
of Bridgeport
or by calling 800.424.0160
5
November 2016
Local News
Night of Healing and Hope
By BRIAN D. WALLACE thought they did something to Post reporter because they were the
deserve it, because they didn’t first people to believe her when the
It was an evening of hope, think anyone would believe them, Church failed to respond.
quiet dignity and courage, even because they didn’t want to upset She thanked her husband and
as three adult survivors of priest their families. three sons for standing by her
sexual abuse shared disturbing Jim DiVasto said his abuse and said that the abuse “stole my EgAN ChApEL of fAIRfIELD UNIvERsIty
and unsettling accounts of its began at age 13 after his mother’s innocence but not my faith.”
impact on their lives and families. death in an accident. He was serv- While admitting that she still gift and we have to accept God’s Greenwich, led the faithful in
More than 60 friends, fam- ing as an altar boy and found solace has “trust issues” related to the will,” he said. “I’m planning to the “Litany of Healing.” Music
ily members and others turned in many Church activities. When Church, Fry said she felt that leave here tonight with a renewed for the service was provided by
out at Egan Chapel of Fairfield it first happened, he was confused during the evening “an olive sense of hope, risking to love and Michele Schule, organist, and
University for the service of “and I didn’t want to talk about branch has been extended,” and to be loved.” Michael Orzechowski, cantor of
prayer, music and personal reflec- it. It was another secret to keep.” in working with the diocese to In a moving moment after St. Agnes.
tion. The Healing Service was However, as he entered plan the event, she sensed gen- reciting the “Our Father,” the (For information concerning
planned by a group of survivors of his teen years, he became an uine remorse on the part of the survivors walked into the gath- healing and victim’s assistance, call
priest sexual abuse who worked over-achiever who found it dif- bishop and others, and “saw the ering to share the Sign of Peace Erin Neil, LCSW, director of Safe
with the diocese for months as ficult to socialize. In 1998, he doors of my Church being open with handshakes and embraces Environment and Victims Assistance
part of the reconciliation process sought marriage counseling and and welcoming me back.” for those who had come to sup- coordinator: 203.650.3265 or eneil@
between survivors and the Church. came to understand that the Peter Philipp began his reflec- port them. diobpt.org; or contact Michael
“I stand before you as a broth- abuse “affected every relationship tion by saying, “The leadership Toward the close of the Tintrup, LCSW, Victims Assistance
er in faith. I am so deeply sorry I had. Including with God and of our Church let us down. They service, Father Jim McDevitt, counselor: 203.241.0987 or mtintrup@
for the burdens you have carried the Church.” decided to protect the institution pastor of St. Agnes Parish in ccfc-ct.org.) n
and for all that has happened DiVasto credited the dioc- rather than the People of God.
to you,” said Bishop Frank J. esan Safe Environment Office And some still haven’t gotten it
Bishop inspires
Caggiano in his opening reflec- and meetings with both Bishop right.”
tion after reading a passage from William E. Lori and Bishop Like the other speakers, he
the Gospel of John (1:35-39). Caggiano with putting him on the said his healing began when he
at All Souls Mass
Referring to sexual abuse as path toward healing. realized other young people had
a “scourge and evil,” the bishop “They’ve all accompanied me been abused. “I used to think it
said that it represents “a betrayal on my journey. Healing is what I only happened to me, so I never
of trust that robbed young people have been longing for and tonight talked about it. Then I realized I TRUMBULL—Over 150 people joined Bishop Frank J.
of their innocence and damaged makes me very hopeful.” was not alone in my experience,” Caggiano at Gate of Heaven Cemetery for the First Annual All
the entire life of the Church. Peggy Fry said she was 16 and he said. Souls Day Mass on November 2. Beginning this new diocesan
“Some of those who carried very active in the parish youth “Why me? Why didn’t any- tradition, Bishop Caggiano thanked all who were in attendance,
the title of ‘Father’ broke that trust group when she experienced one notice?” he asked, noting that and shared a homily that moved many to tears.
and harmed you in a way that has abuse. “I was ashamed and he became part of his “own cov- “Even though we are surrounded by the signs of an impend-
changed your life forever and the embarrassed,” but continued to er-up, not just for a short time but ing winter, we come here to remind ourselves that death does
lives of your family,” said the bishop. practice her faith and never told for decades” because he couldn’t not have the final word,” the bishop said.
In between the readings and anyone but her husband. talk about what happened to him. Janet Davis, event planner for Bishop Caggiano, and the
music, two men and one woman However, as stories of priest Meeting other survivors Office of Catholic Cemeteries, organized the Mass.
came forward to share their sur- sexual abuse began to be reported and working with the Safe “The day will come, when God chooses, when every single
vivor reflections. “Why me?” all in the media, she wrote letters to Environment Office has helped person will rise from these graves—and the living and the dead
three said they asked themselves Church officials, both locally and him to move forward, said Philipp, will stand before God the Father and come into the Glory of
as they tried to come to terms nationally, and “No one respond- who taught and worked as the everlasting life,” Bishop Caggiano said. “Which means that this
with the abuse they suffered. ed to my cries for help.” director of an AIDS hospice. feast of All Souls Day is a festival of hope.”
It was something they couldn’t She said she was grateful for “How often do we pray for the The entire Mass was live-streamed via Facebook Live. n
talk about for years: because they her attorney and a Connecticut sick to be made well! Healing is a
1 State Street, New Haven • Free Admission & Parking
6
November 2016
Closing of the Holy Door
Centers of Mercy to remain open in diocese
By fAthER JosEph It’s never pleasant to think confessional is something more
MARCELLo about where we’ve missed the than earthly—it is the mysterious
mark spiritually and morally. interplay of God’s grace, which
And even less so to vocalize prompts us to return to him, with
In this reflection,
it. But when we do precisely a human soul—wounded by sin
Father Joseph Marcello, that, and bring our sins to the but so loved by God—which is
pastor of St. Catherine Sacrament of Reconciliation, we restored to wholeness by this sac-
discover for ourselves that Christ ramental encounter with God’s
of Siena Parish in Trumbull
really does lift from us the bur- mercy.
and coordinator of the den of sin, and replaces it with For this reason it’s been said
his pardon and peace. All the that the most important conver-
diocesan observance
arguments to the contrary evap- sations on the planet take place
of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, orate when we experience it for in the confessional. Truly they
ourselves. St. Augustine said, “In are conversations with eternal
discusses some of the graces
neglecting to confess my sins, O consequences, because it is pre-
CLOSING OF THE HOLY DOOR—The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of
which have come in this Mercy will conclude on Sunday, November 20, the Solemnity of Our Lord Lord, I would only be hiding you cisely through this sacrament that
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Just as Pope Francis will close the Holy from myself, not hiding myself Christ vitiates the only thing that
Year of Mercy, especially
Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, so Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will from you.” can stand between us and him-
in the Sacrament preside at the solemn closing of the Holy Door at St. Augustine Cathedral with Speaking as a priest who has self—sin.
a 9:30 Mass. All are welcome. the privilege of regularly hear- St. John Vianney, the patron
of Reconciliation.
ing confessions, I can say that saint of the world’s priests, who
sometimes say to a classroom full raised. And then: “Raise your never have I walked out of the heard confessions in his parish
Some years ago, when I was of students: “Raise your hand if hand if you like having gone to confessional without being a lot in Ars, France, for up to 16 hours
serving as chaplain of St. Joseph you like going to confession.” confession.” And every hand more aware of God’s presence in a day back in the 19th century,
High School in Trumbull, I’d Few, if any hands would be would be raised. the world. What goes on in the ➤ continued on page 8
$100 $50
Provide meals for four families Wednesday Morning Breakfast
for our retired priests after Mass
1. Visit www.BlessedGifts.org to select gifts. $50
$25
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
Reading or math textbooks for Provide warm breakfast for 25 people
Inner-city Catholic Schools through Morning Glory, Danbury
Simply complete the
Blessed Gifts supports your faith in action
envelope that is inserted
through ministries across the Diocese of Bridgeport.
in the Fairfield County Catholic
with your gift selections.
Diocese of Bridgeport, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606
7
November 2016
St. John Fisher Seminary
Fisher receives new rector
By pAt hENNEssy Father Check has been Through the years, he has
involved with both organiza- been a member of the faculty of
St. John Fisher tions for 14 years. In 2008, he St. John Fisher as professor of
was selected as executive direc- systematic theology. In addition,
Seminary in Stamford
tor of Courage International. He he has been an adjunct profes-
looks forward to a new plans to remain with the aposto- sor of theology at St. Joseph
late as a member of the board of Seminary (Dunwoodie) in
rector, Father Paul
directors. Yonkers, NY. He is the author
Check, who will take Throughout the years, he has of The Untapped Power of the
continued to be deeply connected Sacrament of Penance.
the helm on December to the seminarians and clergy of Fluent in Spanish, Msgr. fAthER pAUL ChECk
31. He succeeds Father this diocese. Since 1999 he has Walsh has celebrated Mass,
taught moral theology and sexual preached and spoken on voca- Shelton. Previously episcopal and long-range plans, he has been
Robert Kinnally, who
and medical ethics to seminarians tions at Hispanic parishes vicar for Strategic Planning, he a pastor himself. Ordained in
has been named pastor and permanent deacon candidates throughout the diocese. brings a wide range and depth 1992 by Bishop Egan, he became
in the Bridgeport Diocese. He In the wake of Msgr. Walsh’s to his new position. In addition pastor of St. Joseph Parish in
of St. Aloysius Parish in
also taught a two-week course in new assignment, Father Michael to his discussions with pastors Danbury in 2004, and was named
New Canaan. moral theology to Blessed Mother Dogali has become the new throughout the diocese about pastor of St. Pius X Parish in
Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity pastor of St. Joseph Parish in their challenges, achievements Fairfield in 2011. n
Father Check brings a wide in Calcutta every year for 12
range of experience, deep spiritu- years.
ality and rich compassion to his Father Check calls his time
new position. One of three boys, with the Courage apostolate a
he was born in Bridgeport, but “tremendous blessing, in par-
grew up in Bethesda, Md. Father ticular by deepening my under-
Check graduated from Rice standing of the tangle and the
University, Texas in 1981. nobility of the human heart, and
He served in the U.S. Marine of my appreciation for the beauty
Corps for nine years, residing in and efficacy of grace. My work
locations as far apart as Okinawa, with the members of Courage
California and London, England, and EnCourage has changed my
resigning as captain in 1990. He priesthood.”
was a supervisor for Airborne He said he also believes the
Express in Norwalk and serving apostolate has prepared him well
as a lector at St. Mary Parish for his new assignment at the
in Norwalk prior to entering seminary, and that he plans to
St. John Fisher in 1992. Father share what he’s learned through
Check is proud to call himself a his involvement with the minis-
“Fisher alumnus.” try with the students under his
He was ordained by Bishop charge.
Edward M. Egan in 1997. Father While Father Check prepares
Check holds an STB from the for his new role at St. John Fisher
Gregorian University and an STL Seminary, some changes are
from the University of the Holy already underway. In September,
Cross, both in Rome. at the beginning of the fall semes-
Father Check’s first assign- ter, Msgr. Christopher Walsh
ment in the diocese was as chap- became the academic dean of the
lain at Notre Dame High School seminary. A graduate of Fairfield
in Fairfield. He later served as University, he completed his sem-
parochial vicar at St. John the inary studies at the Theological
Evangelist Parish in Stamford College of the Catholic University
(where he started the popular of America in Washington,
“Theology on Tap” program), D.C. and holds a PhD from that
and at Our Lady of Fatima institution. He was ordained
Parish in Wilton. by Bishop W. Curtis in Saint
At the direction of Bishop Augustine Cathedral in 1987.
William E. Lori he established In 1992, he became the second
a Courage chapter in this dio- editor of Fairfield County Catholic
cese in 2002. Courage, founded and diocesan director of commu-
in 1980, aims to help Catholics nications. At the same time, he
with same-sex attraction in their was appointed spiritual director
spiritual growth, including life of St. John Fisher. He held both
in chastity. Its partner organiza- positions until 1998, when he was
tion, EnCourage, is an apostolate named vocations director for the
for parents, friends, and family diocese. Msgr. Walsh became
members of those with same-sex pastor of St. Joseph Parish in
attraction. Shelton in 2005.
8
November 2016
Upcoming Parish Concerts
Talking with Father Rob Galea
By BEth LoNgWARE DUff contemporary music and very
engaging stories by this incredibly
When Father Rob Galea left talented and charismatic priest.”
his native Malta for Australia 11 DeMarco was so impressed by
years ago, he was looking for “an the young priest that he invited
experience on the other side of him to perform at St. Ann Parish.
the world.” Suffice it to say, he Once Father Rob accepted,
may have gotten more than he DeMarco reached out to parishes
ever anticipated. in this diocese to arrange more
“While I was there, I was performances.
asked to sing for Pope Benedict “I believed so strongly in the
in Sydney,” he recalled, referring work that Father Rob does all
to the Pontiff’s appearance at the over the world that, since he had
World Youth Day 2008 celebra- never been here, I made it my
tion. “After that, the bishop asked mission to seek out opportunities
me to stay on.” for him to share the great gift of
Since his arrival Down Under, his ministry,” he explains.
Father Rob’s life has taken an Concertgoers of all ages will
extraordinary turn. Despite his experience a night of music and
admission that he was kicked out stories that Father Rob adjusts
of his school choir because he according to his audience.
couldn’t carry a tune, today he is “Particularly when there’s a bigger
a singer/songwriter under con- audience, I do some interactive
tract to a major record label with music,” he says. “It’s a time of
eight music projects to his credit, fAthER RoB gALEA retreat, of stepping back and just
a stint last year on Australia’s receiving. It’s an opportunity to let
“The X Factor” TV reality music runs the diocesan Stronger Youth when it is used to deliver the Los Angeles Religious Education God love and encourage us.”
competition, and an international ministry that he helped establish word of God to the hearts of Congress in early 2015. (In addition to a performance on
fan base. Earlier this month he in 2008. people. “Music is the language “Father Rob informed me November 19 in Our Lady Star of
kicked off his “No Greater Love” “Young people are desper- of the heart. Music is all about that he needed a pianist for his the Sea Church in Stamford at 7 pm,
concert tour of North America, ate for hope. When I came to what people feel. It transcends session the following morning Father Rob Galea will perform on
including six appearances in the Australia, the Church was not the mind and goes straight to the and asked me if I would play Sunday, November 20, in St. Ann
Diocese of Bridgeport. reaching out to them because heart,” he explains. “And not piano with him. Ten minutes Church, Milford, at 3 pm and in St.
“My platform is not for there was too much of a genera- only that, I think it’s a universal later we were in a conference Pius X Church in Fairfield at 7:30
performance but rather for a tion gap,” he says. “There was a language. It’s a language that room rehearsing his music, pm; Monday, November 21 in St.
message, and I use performance need, so I did everything I could unites us and connects us with which I quickly discovered was Ann Church, Milford, at 7 pm; and
to enhance the message,” he to create a space where these God, because God is the inex- very powerful and beautiful,” he Tuesday, November 22 in Sacred
explains. His music ministry young people could experience pressible, and somehow music remembers. “The next morning Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury at
requires a delicate balance of his the hope and love of Christ and allows the inexpressible to be I was so moved to see hundreds 7 pm. For ticket information, contact
priestly duties, since he’s on the the Church. Seeing these teens expressed.” of people come to hear the great the individual parishes.) n
road 90 to 120 days each year. coming to us is wonderful—I Father Rob’s music and mes-
When he’s home, Father Rob would do it all over again.” sage have been an inspiration to
serves as the assistant priest in On his website (www.frrob- Peter DeMarco, music director centers of Mercy froM page 6
St. Kilian Parish in Bendigo in galea.com), Father Rob notes at St. Ann Parish in Milford. He
the Diocese of Sandhurst, and he that music is powerful, especially recalls their first meeting at the once said, “God is more eager to continue several Centers of
to rescue us from our sins than a Mercy as a permanent addition to
S M ’ C mother is to snatch her child out the pastoral life of the diocese.
aint ary S hurCh of a fire.” One of the most enduring
In my experience, the Centers images from this Year of Mercy
of Mercy which have been is the now-famous photo of
“The Mother Church of Norwalk” | 669 West Ave., Norwalk | www.stmarynorwalk.net | 203.866.5546
established in the diocese for the Pope Francis going to con-
Pastor: Rev. Richard G. Cipolla Deacon Stephan A. Genovese Jubilee Year of Mercy have been fession. The Holy Father has
Parochial Vicar: Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro a great blessing, the full extent of given us his personal example
MASSES: CONFESSION SCHEDULE: which is known only to God. of actively seeking out God’s
Daily Masses: Monday-Friday: 11:30 am-12:00 pm; At St. Catherine’s, we’ve been mercy, just as he has given us
Monday-Friday 8:00 am, 12:10 pm; busy for the full hour-and-a-half this Year of Mercy, so that all
Wednesday: 5:30-5:50 pm;
Wednesday 6:00 pm Extraordinary Form; nearly every Tuesday—and many of us can do the same.
Saturday 9:00 am Extraordinary Form Saturday: 3:00-4:30 pm
weeks, even longer than that. The Let’s all pray that this grace
Saturday Anticipatory Mass:
most important aspect of these of mercy will be experienced by
4:00 pm, 7:00 pm (Spanish)
ADORATION:
Centers of Mercy is, I think, that many, even beyond this special
Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am Latin High Mass,
11:30 am English High Mass, Wednesdays: 8:30 am-5:15 pm; with them, no Catholic in our Year of Mercy—and most espe-
1:15 pm (Spanish) Fridays: 8:30 am-5:30 pm diocese has to go more than two cially by anyone who hasn’t expe-
or three days without regularly rienced it in a long while.
S M ’ B
aint ary S ookStore 203.854.9013 scheduled confessions at a parish (The location of the Centers of
Offering a wide selection of books, crucifixes, rosaries, sacramentals from Italy and the Holy Land, First Communion & Confirmation gifts, & more. near them. Mercy in the Diocese of Bridgeport
HOURS:Saturday 10am-2:30pm | Sunday 9-9:30am and 11am-2pm | Monday-Friday 2:45-4:45pm Although the Year of Mercy will be posted on the diocesan website:
Located in Parish Center building behind Saint Mary Church | VISA/MC ACCEPTED concludes this month, we hope www.bridgeportdiocese.com.) n
9
November 2016
Local News
Immigration rights
explored at St. Matthew’s
By ANN yANNEttI offered by St. Matthew Parish as tations commonly occur, noting,
a response to Pope Francis’ call “The police have the right to con-
Nearly one in seven “to be a witness of mercy” in the front you in a public place. That’s
Connecticut residents is an immi- Jubilee Year of Mercy. their job. Your job is to know
grant, according to a 2015 report “All of us are afforded basic your rights.” He emphasized the
from the American Immigration rights granted to us under amend- importance of remaining respect-
Council. Understanding the law ments to the Constitution, regard- ful and considerate, yet firm,
and how to apply basic rights are less of immigration status,” said when invoking your rights.
among the many challenges faced Febles. What happens if a relative is
by immigrants. “These basic rights are the cor- detained by officials or deported? BASIC RIGHTS are guaranteed under the Constitution, explained Anthony
What are your rights if you’re nerstone of your protection and “Be prepared. Have a plan in Febles, J.D., at a legal seminar on immigration held at St. Matthew Parish
confronted by police or immigra- apply whether you’re document- place that includes keeping all in Norwalk. “These apply whether you are documented or undocumented, a
tion officials in your home? What ed or undocumented, a citizen or documents in a safe and accessi- citizen or a permanent resident.”
if you’re stopped in your car? What a permanent resident. The right ble place, pre-arranging for child-
about in a public place or at work? to remain silent, the right to see care, and creating a family-safety Other topics covered in the Alexandra Joseph attended
Anthony Febles, J.D., pro- an arrest warrant, the right to planning toolkit,” said Febles. program included how to obtain the seminar with her young sons.
vided answers to those ques- speak to a lawyer, and the right “As a former Marine, preparation legal permanent residence, when “It’s very important that people
tions at a recent two-hour Legal to make a phone call.” was always something they drove and how to bring a relative into know their legal rights, and I was
Seminar on Immigration: Know Febles guided participants home: be prepared, be prepared, the country, applying for natural- happy that the attorneys were
Your Rights. The seminar was through scenarios where confron- be prepared.” ization and asylum basics. able to lend their time to give this
During the question-and-an- information and answer ques-
swer period that followed, Febles tions.”
St. Joseph H.S. hosts
was joined by Atty. Brendan Msgr. Walter Orlowski, pastor
L. Durrigan, Rahoul Dupervil of St. Matthew’s, spoke about
of the City of Norwalk Human his commitment to ensure that
Veterans Day ceremony
Relations Commission, and as many people as possible have
Spanish and Creole translators. access to information they need.
The information given was specif- “Whatever the Church can do,
ic to Connecticut residents. whatever St. Matthew’s can do,
“The attorneys were great. I we’re here. The more information
was here to get information for a we have, the better we can help
friend who is a U.S. citizen, and our families.”
is hoping to bring family into this To that end, Febles, a St.
country,” said Juan Mena. Matthew Parishioner, will be
Father Tomi Thomas, who available for free Immigration
opened the session with a prayer, Consultation at St. Matthew’s
was heartened by the seminar and every Wednesday until
engagement of program partici- December, from 7-8 pm. “I
pants. “As an immigrant myself, believe in education. And I
I know how difficult it is to nav- believe in these communities,”
igate in a foreign country. I am he said.
most grateful to Anthony and his (For more information, contact
team for offering their time and Febles at 508.455.7530 or Anthony_
talent on this important topic.” [email protected].) n
TRUMBULL—A moving our country, along with Color with St. Joseph High School.
Veterans Day Assembly was Guard Sergeant Michael Port 5 began as Naval Militia,
held on November 11 at St. Benedetto ‘03 U.S. Army/Marine Port 5 in Salem, Massachusetts.
Joseph High School gym. SJ Corps. Both are members of the In 1948, the group settled
veteran parents, veteran Port 5 Naval Veterans. into their current location in
grandparents and veteran The SJ community was fortu- Bridgeport. The Port 5 Naval
alumni were invited to attend nate to have the members of the Veterans Group is made up of
the ceremony. Master Chief Port 5 Naval Veterans Group, the 960 members from all branches
Richard Iannucci, USN, oldest military service group in the of the service, including the
retired commander of the country, on hand for the ceremony. Men’s and Ladies Auxiliaries.
National Association of Naval The Port 5 Naval Veterans Group, At one time, there were 40 such
Veterans Port, gave a speech with a charter dating back to 1887, ports across the nation; Port 5 is
from the heart about serving conducted the event in partnership the last remaining one. n
10
November 2016
EDITORIAL EDITOR’S CHOICE
Slow Down Arise and Shine

Some people like “crazy.” They want to shop in the middle of frenzy, If you heard the Diocesan “Arise and Shine,” “Dark is the This year’s promises to be even
stay up till daylight wrapping presents, fill the days between Thanksgiving Youth Choir sing at the recent Silent Night,” and “Siyahamba,” better as the young choir per-
and Christmas with frenetic activity. More of us don’t like that so much, Pilgrimage Mass, then you know as well as introduce some new forms a challenging program of
but we do it anyway—and lose the sense of joy in the process. that all those who attend the songs. Noted area musicians will Christmas songs and chants from
Advent is an opportunity to get off the treadmill. It calls for a differ- upcoming Christmas Concert are join the youth along with special different ages and cultures.
ent attitude of mind. The long Thanksgiving weekend may be the most in for a real treat. Their singing at guest Adrienne Reedy, a well If you can’t make the concert
relaxing time to set out decorations. It’s also the first weekend in Advent. St. Augustine Cathedral was both known Gospel singer who will be but have interest in the youth
Make setting up a Nativity scene part of the weekend; do it together, not triumphant and transcendent. featured in two selections, “Do choir or would like to support
rushing, as a family. Cutting down on gifts is a choice—make that deci- This year’s “Arise and Shine” You Hear What I Hear?” and its work by joining the new St.
sion as a family. Go to Mass on Sunday, and don’t go shopping afterward. Christmas Concert is set for “Christmas Glory, Halleluiah!” Augustine Guild to support its
Another choice. Set up an Advent wreath—in truth, any four candles will Sunday, December 18, at 6 Selected readings will be deliv- work, visit the diocesan website:
work—and light one more candle each week while eating dinner together. pm at the Klein Memorial in ered by choir members in www.bridgeportdiocese.org/
One night a week. It can be done.
Bridgeport. Under the direction Vietnamese, Spanish, Igbo and c4ysings/home/.
Advent prepares for the coming of Christ at Christmas. You’ll feel the
of Mary Bozzuti-Higgins, the English. (Tickets: $10, student; $15 adults.
joy so much more if you just slow down.
choir is expected to reprise some Last year’s Christmas concert Purchase online at www.theklein.org
A Diocese Renewed of last year’s favorites such as inspired more than 1,000 people. or by calling 800.424.0160.) n
More than two years ago when Bishop Caggiano called for a synod, he
was clear that he wanted to renew the diocese—spiritually, administrative-
ly and pastorally.
In one extraordinary week at the beginning of this month, people
throughout the diocese experienced that renewal in a memorable way at
the Diocesan Pilgrimage, the outdoor Mass on All Souls Day, and the
Mass of Healing for survivors of clerical sexual abuse.
Almost two hundred men and women joined the Bishop at Gate
of Heaven Cemetery for the All Souls Day Mass, which he hopes will
become a new tradition in the diocese. Later on that same day, victims
of sexual abuse gave witness to their suffering and their faith at a special
prayer service. The bishop stood before them to ask their forgiveness and
pledge his support to continue the healing process. What better way to
close this Year of Mercy than for the bishop to reach out to those wound-
ed by the Church!
Most notably, for the more than 1,100 who attended the Diocesan
Pilgrimage at St. Augustine Cathedral, it was an afternoon of extraordinary CLERGYAPPOINTMENTS
reverence, prayer and joy. Many were inspired by the diversity, the outpour-
ing of faith and spirit of unity as the bishop re-consecrated the diocese to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano,
In his Facebook post after the pilgrimage, the bishop wrote, “The entire Bishop of Bridgeport,
afternoon gave me great hope and encouragement as we strive to bring greater has made the following clergy appointments in the Diocese of Bridgeport:
spiritual renewal to our personal lives and that of the entire diocese.”
That renewal is not of the future; it’s happening now and it’s available to all.
To be certain, our bishop would be the first to say there is much more work to Parochial Vicar residence retirement
be done, but every day there are new ways to experience renewal in the diocese
REVEREND TOMI THOMAS, REVEREND ZBIGNIEW DEACON DANIEL J.
through worship, service, and leadership opportunities. That’s good news.
I.M.S., returned to the Diocese ZIELINSKI, Saint Stephen Parish, IANNIELLO, Saint Thomas
Faith in the Marketplace of Bridgeport from India, Trumbull, to Saint Jude Parish, Aquinas Parish, Fairfield, to
to Parochial Vicar, Saint Monroe. Father Zielinski will retirement. Effective date was
Matthew Parish, Norwalk. August 31.
remain Judge for the Diocesan
During his homily at this year’s CAPP Business Leaders Breakfast at Effective date was July 1.
Tribunal in Bridgeport. Effective Monsignor Thomas W. Powers,
Fairfield University, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano asked the business men
date was October 17. Vicar General, November, 2016
and women in attendance a simple question:
“Is there one policy or practice you can create to work for change and
make the world a better place?”
“Giving witness in the marketplace is difficult. It is not often easy to
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano Advertise
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In the breakfast talk that followed, Dr. John Murphy, president and chief Office
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Gail Berardino was recognized for answering the call to service in her own
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The CAPP Business Leaders Breakfast brought together many people www.facebook.com/BridgeportDiocese John Grosso Fairfield County Catholic
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CAPP leader. Well done! n