June 2011 - Diocese of Bridgeport

2June 2011Soundings“The Liturgy of the Word”As we look ahead to the implementation of the newly translated Roman Missal,we are taking a tour of the Mass – looking at the Church’s fundamentalteachings concerning the liturgy and sacraments and studying the individualparts of the liturgy. In this installment, we take an initial look at the Liturgy of the Word.This part of the liturgy includes the readings from Sacred Scripture together with theresponsorial psalm and the Gospel acclamation, as well as the homily, the Creed,and the Prayer of the Faithful.We first turn our attention to the place of Scripture inthe liturgy. As I have mentioned in previous columns,Scripture is not “confined” to the Liturgy of the Word.The entire liturgy is preeminently Scriptural. The compositionof the prayers; the mysteries of the Lord whichare re-presented in the liturgical year, especially Hisdeath and resurrection; the words and gestures of boththe priest and the congregation – all these are thoroughlyScriptural in their origin and content (see Vatican II,Constitution on the Liturgy, no. 24). Yet it is in the Liturgyof the Word where we hear and respond to the proclamationof Scripture itself. On a typical Sunday, the Liturgyof the Word consists of an Old Testament reading, theResponsorial Psalm, a New Testament reading, theGospel Acclamation and the Gospel reading, followedby the homily. Before looking at how these readings arerelated to one another and to us, however, let us pause toreflect on the presence of Christ in the Word proclaimed.We should not underestimate its importance or lullourselves into thinking that it isn’t necessary to arriveat Sunday Mass in time to hear the Scripture readings.Echoing the Church’s long tradition, the Churchteaches us that when Scripture is proclaimed, it is Christhimself who speaks to us (see, for example, Constitutionon the Liturgy, no. 7). Indeed, the Church “venerate[s]the Scriptures as she venerates the Lord’s Body. Shenever ceases to present to the faithful the Bread of Life,taken from the one table of Christ’s Word and Christ’sBody” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 103; DogmaticConstitution on Divine Revelation, no. 21). Referring toJesus as “the Word made flesh,” Pope John Paul IIspoke about “the sacramentality of revelation” – theEternal Word of God is perceived in and through the“sign” of Christ’s humanity, including his words anddeeds. And, just as we approach the altar to receiveChrist’s Body and Blood, so, too, by way of analogy, dowe acknowledge the presence of Christ in the Word proclaimed(see, Pope Benedict XVI, The Word of the Lord,no. 56). Whether or not we always admit it, our heartsare hungry and our souls are thirsting for God’s Wordand nowhere is the Word of God set forth so richly andso effectively as in the liturgy.In his exhortation entitled The Word of the Lord, PopeBenedict refers to the liturgy as “the home of the Word.”He goes on to say that “…the liturgy is the privilegedsetting in which God speaks to us in the midst of ourlives; he speaks today to his people who hear his voiceand respond.” This takes place through the action ofthe Holy Spirit. Scripture itself is the inspired Word ofGod because of the Holy Spirit, and for this reason noother writings can be substituted for Scripture duringthe Liturgy of the Word. And it is the Holy Spirit whoopens our hearts so that we can absorb the Word andlet it become truly a part of us and our daily lives, as acommunity of faith and as individuals (The Word of theLord, no. 52).Indeed, Scripture itself cannot be properly understoodapart from the liturgy where the Word of God isproclaimed and explained, even as the liturgy cannotbe fathomed without Scripture. In the Church’s liturgywe come to see Christ, most especially in his death andresurrection, as the center of Scripture. And the Churchhelps us to grasp the meaning of Scripture by presentingit in an orderly way throughout the liturgical yearin which the mysteries of Christ – his Incarnation andBirth, his Preaching and Miracles, his Suffering, Death,Resurrection, and Exaltation – are unfolded for us yearafter year. Through the liturgy we “touch” the wordsand deeds of Jesus which are made present to us in andthrough the liturgy. By participating in the liturgy, wehave living contact with all that Christ said and did tosave us, so much does He love us. And just as there isseparation between what God says and what he does,so, too, the Word of God is intrinsically linked to thesacramental signs of the liturgy which actualize what theWord proclaims. The Word has become flesh and in theEucharist Christ’s flesh is given us as “the bread of life.”And the Word proclaimed has as its one purpose to leadus to “the sacrifice of the new covenant and the banquetof grace, that is the Eucharist” (The Word of the Lord,quoting Ordo Lectionum Missae, no. 10).We now turn to how the Scripture readings arearranged in the Liturgy. We will take as our “prototype”the Sunday Eucharist. Except for the Easter Season, thefirst reading is taken from the Old Testament and mostoften is intimately related to the Gospel reading. Sundayafter Sunday, God’s eternal plan of salvation is presentedto us, stretching back to creation, moving through thesaving history of the Chosen People, culminating inChrist, and extending to these “last days” in which welive. By being attentive to interplay between the OldTestament and the New Testament, we discover Christ asthe center of both Scripture and the saving plan of God.At first glance, however, the second reading, oftenfrom one of St. Paul’s epistles, sometimes does not seemto be “in sync” with the Old Testament reading and theGospel. In preparing homilies, it can be a challenge tosee how all three readings are related. The temptationis simply to put the second reading “in brackets”or preach on the second reading while remaining largelysilent about the Old Testament reading and the Gospel.However, the “connectedness” of all three readings(together with responsorial psalm”) becomes moreevident when we reflect on “the inherent unity of the➤ continued on page 11ON THE COVERTrinity Catholic High School ValedictorianShilpa Reddy Kolli exults in the day during commencementexercises in Stamford. She was one of almost 600young women and men who graduated from Catholichigh schools this month. The graduations were a celebrationof academic achievement and growth in faith.Above the mast: A youngster in the Vietnamese communityof St. Augustine Cathedral Parish reflects prideand happiness at the ordination of Augustine TanMinh Nguyen as a transitional deacon, the last stepbefore priesthood. (Photos by Amy Mortensen)5 PARISH FINANCEMeet Richard Oparowski11 SUMMER VOCATIONImportant decisions16 INVENTION CONVENTIONSt. Ann School22 ST. JOSEPH HIGHPitching Ace| CONTENTS28 SCIENCE OLYMPICSStudents compete33 SECOND FOUNDERFr. Greg Markeyon St. Bonaventure34 CALENDAROF EVENTSSummer activites

June 20113Local NewsCongratulations graduates!In this issue Fairfield CountyCatholic is happy to congratulateall graduates of public, private,and diocesan high schools, and torecognize in a special way the topscholars in the five diocesan highschools. In addition, we featurescholars from this diocese whoattend four private Catholic highschools.“I congratulate all graduates,”says Bishop William E. Lori,who was present at all diocesanceremonies in June. “I pray thatthese past four years have taughtyou to draw on your faith in thedecisions you will be asked tomake in the future.”Immaculate, DanburyGraduation at ImmaculateIMMACULATE HIGH SCHOOL, DANBURY – Michael Matthews, valedictorian;Sterling Karakula, salutatorianHigh School in Danbury tookplace on June 8. Seventy-nineValedictorian MichaelMatthews, a member of St.Elizabeth Seton Parish inRidgefield, was named to theNational Society of High SchoolScholars and the World LanguageHonor Society, was vice presidentof the National Honor Societyand an officer in the Tri-M MusicHonor Society. A student ambassadorand Drama Club president,he worked with Meals onWheels in Ridgefield and taughtin Vacation Bible School at St.Elizabeth Seton. Michael willattend Wesleyan University inMiddletown this fall, majoring inEnglish.Salutatorian Sterling Karakulais a member of the WorldLanguages Honor Society andthe National Honor Society.Sterling was the recipient of theBoehringer Ingelheim ScientificScholars Award Scholarship,and held a full-time paid summerinternship at BoehringerIngelheim in the EnvironmentalHealth and Safety Departmentlast summer. A member of thelacrosse, field hockey and trackand field teams, she sang inthe school chorus, was activein the Key Club and AmnestyInternational, and was on theS.A.D.D. executive board.Among her many communityservice activities, she volunteeredfor Homestead Nursing Home,Ann’s Place, Special Olympics,and the Center for Childseniors received their diplomas;Immaculate has 353 students. ➤ continued on page 17PepsiCo serves schoolsDARIEN – Indra Nooyi,Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo,said she is optimistic aboutAmerica’s future but the countrymust improve its education systemif it is to retain world leadership.Speaking at the First AnnualWomen’s Luncheon to supportBridgeport Catholic schools,held at Woodway Country Club,Nooyi said the U.S. still has thebest post-secondary education systemin the world but our childrenare falling behind in elementaryand high schools.More than 130 women turnedout to support the CathedralEducation Cluster, which servesover 1,100 children in the sixCatholic elementary schools inBridgeport. The event raised over$28,000 for scholarship aid. “TheU.S. has fallen from first to 12thin graduation rates around theworld, and even those who graduateoften lack the skills for the21st century marketplace,” shesaid, recommending that the U.S.undertake a concerted effort toboost math and science education.Nooyi, a Hindu by birth,told the gathering that she waseducated in Catholic schools inMadras, India, where she wasborn and raised. “I grew up moreCatholic than Hindu, and I had aphenomenal education,” she said,noting that her family was ofmodest means but totally focusedon learning. “Education was allwe cared about and everyone inthe family was involved in it,”she said, fondly and humorouslyrecalling the encouragement shereceived from her mother.The Pepsi leader praisedCatholic schools for helping childrenin the inner city, who oftenlack the supports and experiencesgiven to other children. Nooyi,the mother of two children whoattend Sacred Heart Academy inGreenwich, was introduced bySr. Joan Magnetti, rscj, who saidthat “the faces in our Bridgeportschools are the faces of the future.CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS – PepsiCo Chairman IndraNooyi (l) highlighted the First Annual Women’s Luncheon in support ofCatholic Schools. ABOVE: Jan Dilenschneider and Patricia Phelan chaired theluncheon.(Photos by Amy Mortensen)The Church needs them to dowell and the country needs themto do well.”(For more information, contactJill Monroe: 203.416.1323 or2011_2012jmonroe@diobpt.org.) nFr. Luke SuarezordainedNEWTOWN – On a beautifulspring morning with theparish grounds fully in bloom,Deacon Luke Suarez wasordained to the priesthood byBishop William E. Lori at St.Rose of Lima Parish.Hundreds of parishionersjoined priests, religious andSuarez family members on May14 to celebrate the ordination.“I now hand on to you thesame gift and mystery that Ireceived so long ago, the giftand mystery of priestly ordination,”said Bishop Lori duringthe Rite of Ordination.He urged Fr. Suarez to givehimself “whole and entire tothe priestly ministry, not onlyby working hard but, indeed,by a life of holiness and intimacywith Christ.” The youngpriest’s entire family, including19 nieces and nephews, wereon hand for the service. Theenthusiasm of the parish wasevident from the standing roomonly congregation that spilledover into the vestibule.The congregation brokeout into a spontaneous roar ofapproval at the end of Masswhen Bishop Lori announcedthat Fr. Suarez will be sta-(Photo by Amy Mortensen)tioned at St. Rose as a parochialvicar.In a special presentation atthe end of Mass, leaders of St.Rose of Lima paid a specialtribute to Bishop Lori. In additionto praising his leadership,the parish also recognized his34th anniversary as a priest andhis 60th birthday.Additional photos of theordination can be found on theback page of this issue and onthe diocesan website: www.bridgeportdiocese.com.(For more information on avocation to the priesthood, go to thevocations Facebook page: facebook.com/bridgeportvocations.) n

4June 20112011 ABA Financial Status, June 15Individual Parish Results Donors Pledged Goal % GoalVICARIATE 5 VICARIATE 4 VICARIATE 3 VICARIATE 2 VICARIATE 1Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, Stamford 201 54,982 85,000 65%Holy Name of Jesus, Stamford 186 30,918 40,000 77%Holy Spirit, Stamford 202 67,239 100,000 67%Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stamford 131 52,190 70,000 75%Sacred Heart, Greenwich 162 35,770 50,000 72%Sacred Heart, Stamford 208 36,413 45,000 81%Saint Agnes, Greenwich 64 18,860 50,000 38%Saint Benedict/Montserrat, Stamford 331 38,546 60,000 64%Saint Bridget, Stamford 243 59,501 55,000 108%Saint Catherine of Siena, Riverside 343 97,714 205,000 48%Saint Cecilia, Stamford 257 100,450 105,000 96%Saint Clement, Stamford 105 41,485 50,000 83%Saint Gabriel, Stamford 171 38,463 50,000 77%Saint John, Darien 307 101,595 180,000 56%Saint Leo, Stamford 358 142,600 185,000 77%Saint Mary, Greenwich 372 135,849 275,000 49%Saint Mary, Stamford 196 36,198 45,000 80%Saint Maurice, Stamford 185 55,570 60,000 93%Saint Michael, Greenwich 364 193,478 230,000 84%Saint Paul, Greenwich 283 79,714 110,000 72%Saint Roch, Greenwich 109 31,305 55,000 57%Saint Thomas More, Darien 215 102,689 400,000 26%Assumption, Westport 364 118,075 155,000 76%Our Lady of Fatima, Wilton 412 170,346 215,000 79%Saint Aloysius, New Canaan 442 257,153 500,000 51%Saint Francis of Assisi, Weston 144 67,685 95,000 71%Saint Jerome, Norwalk 245 70,013 70,000 100%Saint Joseph, South Norwalk 378 61,869 50,000 124%Saint Ladislaus, South Norwalk 66 15,097 15,000 101%Saint Luke, Westport 260 101,428 200,000 51%Saint Mary, Norwalk 289 62,108 90,000 69%Saint Matthew, Norwalk 516 128,514 175,000 73%Saint Philip, Norwalk 368 74,367 80,000 93%Saint Thomas the Apostle, East Norwalk 296 91,282 115,000 79%Holy Cross, Fairfield 76 22,440 25,000 90%Holy Family, Fairfield 299 62,826 85,000 74%Notre Dame, Easton 247 112,619 105,000 107%Our Lady of Assumption, Fairfield 462 138,600 130,000 107%Our Lady of Good Counsel, Bridgeport 42 9,355 15,000 62%Saint Andrew, Bridgeport 289 54,038 70,000 77%Saint Ann, Bridgeport 151 30,574 50,000 61%Saint Anthony of Padua, Fairfield 220 70,342 75,000 94%Saint Augustine Cathedral, Bridgeport 185 58,608 70,000 84%Saint Emery, Fairfield 77 18,448 20,000 92%Saint George, Bridgeport 128 13,038 20,000 65%Saint Patrick, Bridgeport 147 29,363 30,000 98%Saint Peter, Bridgeport 310 38,089 40,000 95%Saint Pius X, Fairfield 614 201,536 215,000 94%Saint Raphael, Bridgeport 256 40,798 45,000 91%Saint Thomas Aquinas, Fairfield 423 133,696 170,000 79%Blessed Sacrament, Bridgeport 50 7,828 10,000 78%Christ the King, Trumbull 267 64,632 75,000 86%Holy Name of Jesus, Stratford 187 51,238 70,000 73%Holy Rosary, Bridgeport 50 11,479 10,000 115%Our Lady of Fatima, Bridgeport 110 22,425 30,000 75%Our Lady of Grace, Stratford 444 91,377 85,000 108%Our Lady of Peace, Stratford 267 54,625 60,000 91%Saint Ambrose, Bridgeport 126 20,831 25,000 83%Saint Catherine of Siena, Trumbull 483 153,175 150,000 102%Saint Charles Borromeo, Bridgeport 247 27,782 45,000 62%Saint James, Stratford 574 110,396 140,000 79%Saint Joseph, Shelton 445 90,025 90,000 100%Saint Jude, Monroe 564 166,473 150,000 111%Saint Lawrence, Shelton 690 151,248 225,000 67%Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Shelton 200 44,154 50,000 88%Saint Mark, Stratford 459 127,621 130,000 98%Saint Mary, Bridgeport 224 28,240 25,000 113%Saint Michael the Archangel, Bridgeport 353 41,353 45,000 92%Saint Stephen, Trumbull 369 88,463 95,000 93%Saint Theresa, Trumbull 665 151,346 180,000 84%Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bridgeport 59 21,491 18,000 119%Holy Trinity Parish, Sherman 92 42,215 60,000 70%Immaculate Heart of Mary, Danbury 115 16,125 20,000 81%Our Lady of Guadalupe, Danbury 227 27,137 25,000 109%Sacred Heart, Danbury 199 41,780 40,000 104%Sacred Heart, Georgetown 181 52,766 65,000 81%Saint Edward, New Fairfield 627 184,438 195,000 95%Saint Elizabeth Seton, Ridgefield 268 82,698 80,000 103%Saint Gregory the Great, Danbury 308 66,705 95,000 70%Saint Joseph, Brookfield 330 113,472 115,000 99%Saint Joseph, Danbury 429 108,372 125,000 87%Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Brookfield 277 60,146 65,000 93%Saint Mary Parish, Bethel 559 104,832 135,000 78%Saint Mary, Ridgefield 486 178,781 295,000 61%Saint Patrick, Redding Ridge 86 23,216 40,000 58%Saint Peter, Danbury 324 104,911 110,000 95%St. Rose of Lima, Newtown 813 215,328 215,000 100%Bishop’s AppealBRIDGEPORT – “Optimism” is the word as the2011 Annual Bishop’s Appeal races toward its conclusionat the end of June.As Fairfield County Catholic goes to press, the Appealhas raised over $10.5 million with more than 24,283donors. As parishes complete their in-pew collectionsand seek to reach their goals, Jeff Machi, director ofdevelopment, is encouraged that the Appeal will achieveits $12 million goal in support of diocesan programs andservices.“We’re inspired by all of those who have given generouslyand increased their contribution above last year’sgifts. We’ve also welcomed many new donors whoare very positive about participating in the Appeal andresponding to Bishop Lori’s call,” says Machi. “It’s timefor everyone to step up and help the Church continueits good works inFairfield County.”To date, 12 parisheshave madegoal and another14 are between 90and 100%, withmany more parishesthroughout the dioceseapproachingthe 80% mark, saysPam Rittman, Appealdirector.“The ministriesand programs thatare supported by the Annual Bishop’s Appeal are truly aBeacon of Hope. We provide meals and shelter to thosein need. There is counseling for those who struggle withan array of problems that lead to successful outcomes.Our religious education programs educate young and oldand we assist in fostering men in the discernment processwho will lead the Church in the future,” says Rittman.Rittman says she receives emails and calls from manydonors who are proud of the works of the diocese andeager to see the Appeal succeed.“Thanks to our generous donors, Appeal gifts serveas a light to guide and sustain and make a differencein the lives of others,” she adds. “We truly hope thatall Catholics will share in this light by making a gift atwhatever level they can afford.”Rittman believes that the “Beacon of Hope” newsletters,online appeals, and stories in Fairfield CountyCatholic are making people more aware of the scope andcompassion of the many programs and services fundedby the diocese.Donors have also heard much good news with thesurge in homegrown vocations, the achievements ofthe diocese’s national Blue Ribbon schools and theCatholic Charities housing efforts that have servedthe homeless in the Bridgeport area at a time when noother program is building supportive housing for thepoor and vulnerable.“These programs serve people who have nowhere elseto turn for help, and we should be very proud of that.Our donors are compassionate people who care aboutthe poor and believe in the Gospel values that motivateour outreach,” Rittman says.(Please make your contribution to the Annual Bishop’sAppeal today and help us reach our goal. For more information,e-mail aba@diobpt.org, phone 203.416.1472 or make acredit card donation online at www.2011ABA.com). n

June 20115Local NewsNew parish finance directorBRIDGEPORT – RichardOparowski, a member of St. Roseof Lima Parish in Newtown, hasbeen named finance director forParish Financial Services of theDiocese of Bridgeport by BishopWilliam E. Lori.“We’re very fortunate thatRichard Oparowski has agreedto come out of retirement toaccept this important post,” saysBishop William E. Lori. “Welook forward to putting his extensivebusiness experience to workfor the diocese as we continuallyseek continued innovationand improvement in our parishfinance model.”Oparowski follows DeaconBill Koniers, who worked withBishop Lori and Norm Walker,chief financial officer of the diocese,to revolutionize the parishfinancial and accounting systemof the Diocese of Bridgeportbeginning in 2007. In 2010,Deacon Koniers accept a nationalpost as president of CathoNetDiocesan accounting sets model for the nationBy DEACON BILL KONIERS(Editor’s note: Deacon Koniersis president of CathoNet, Inc., andserves as a permanent deacon atSaint Pius X Parish in Fairfield.On the fourth anniversary oflaunch of the innovative ParishFinancial and Accounting Systemin the Diocese of Bridgeport,Fairfield County Catholic invitedDeacon Koniers, the former directorof Parish Finance Services, toreflect on the impact and achievementsthat have inspired otherdioceses across the U.S.)It is now almost four yearsto the day that a major transitionbegan in the Diocese ofBridgeport. In mid-June of2007 under the leadership ofBishop Lori and after eightmonths of careful planningand communications withthe College of Consulters, theDiocesan Finance Council,and the Pastors of the Dioceseof Bridgeport, a first-time-ever“Cloud-Based AccountingSystem” was piloted in the U.S.Catholic Church.The decision to roll outa hi-tech financial platformInc., a leading provider of parishfinancial services based on theBridgeport model.“I’m very impressesd by thework that has been done in theparishes over the past four years.The Parish Finance Manualwas excellent with respect tothe scope of the organization.There clearly was a great deal ofthought and work that went intothe document,” says Oparowski,who began work at the CatholicCenter in May.Oparowski says he is interestedin building on the existingframework by introducingfinancial controls and evaluationsthat gives the pastors and financecouncils the tools to project intothe future while getting a moredetailed look at parish financialperformance. He has alreadybegun meeting with pastors and isenjoying his tour of the diocese.“I’ve probably already visited15 parishes. It has been a greatopportunity to meet the pastorsDEACON BILL KONIERS, former director of Parish Finance Services forthe Diocese of Bridgeport, is now president of CathoNet, Inc., whose cloudbasedfinancial accounting system, piloted in our diocese, has become the mostrapidly adopted accounting solution in the U.S. Catholic Church. For moreinformation on CathoNet, visit www.cathonet.com.among our 87 parishes required anew administrative tool that wasunheard of in our Church andjust gathering momentum in thebusiness world.Working with Norm Walker,Chief Financial Officer of theDiocese, we decided to take somewhatof an educated risk that ledto a changing of the culture inRICHARD OPAROWSKI new finance director for Parish Financial Servicesof the Diocese of Bridgeport .(Photo by Pat Hennessy)and finance members to speakwith them about proceduralreviews,” he says. “The diocesedoesn’t have all of the tools availablein the corporate setting, butevery parish is now using the systemand we can build from there.”Oparowski, who has over30 years experience in retailbanking, mortgages and creditcards, retired in 2008 afterserving as Business Risk andControl Director, ConsumerLending Group (CLG) ofCITIGROUP of New York City.At CITIGROUP, he was responsiblefor internal control oversightfor this large and complexorganization of over 16,000 staff,$800B in managed assets, $150Bin originations, several legal entities,and multiple locations withmatrix management structures.Prior to joining CITITRUST,Oparowski served as ChiefFinancial Officer, CitibankingNorth America (CBNA), NewYork, NY, where he was responsiblefor all aspects of financialmanagement for Citibank’s NorthAmerica Retail Banking operationsspanning over 500+ branchesin six major US marketplaces.While at Citibanking, he alsoheld a number of posts includingchief financial officer, New YorkBanking Division (NYB), andchief financial officer, CiticorpMortgage Inc. (CMI), Stamford(1992-96).Oparowski earned his MBAin finance and accountingfrom the William E. SimonGraduate School of BusinessAdministration, Rochester,parish finance. No longer wouldwe expect our pastors and theiremployees to continue to work“business as usual” with a mixof accounting processes, someof them outdated or inadequate.We heard clearly from donorsthat they now expected frequentreporting on parish finances andour goal was to successfully deliverwhat we promised.It was no secret that we inthe Church were coming upon adecade of heightened compliance,concern, and scrutiny, especiallyfor non-profit organizations. Wealso knew that our parish andschool resources were stretched,and that every dollar of donationsreceived from the faithful mustbe accounted for, recorded, andutilized to the fullest.Since 2007 and up to thismoment in time, Bishop Loriand the Diocesan financial teamhave proven that bishops, CFO’s,pastors, and school principalscan take a leadership role fortheir peers in dioceses across thenation. These roles (or opportunities,as I refer to them) includedpromoting the outsourcing ofprofessional products and servicesfrom organizations that understoodthe Church’s mission andunique needs.Four years on, we may takefor granted the changes thathave taken place. Among thesechanges that are now standardpractice across our diocese arethe following:We are able to create uniformNY, and a BA in economicsand mathematics from ColbyCollege, Waterville, ME, wherehe was a George F. BakerScholar.A native of South Hadley,Massachusetts, he has beenmarried to his wife, Jan, for 35years, and they are the parentsof two grown children. RichardOparowski, who played forthe Yarmouth Red Sox, is asports enthusiast, especially afan of Wake Forest and ButlerUniversity basketball. He is also amember of the St. Rose of LimaFinance Council.nstandardized reporting to helpeveryone understand “how wewere doing” all across of our87 parishes and 39 schools.Transparency is paramount,and we’re in the “big-leagues,”just like corporations big andsmall. Employees enjoy manybenefits from improved supportand training programs on a24/7 basis.Our new QuickBooksaccounting system “in-the cloud”is very easy to use and updatedwith ease. Our data is protectedthrough automatic back-ups andbanking class security.Employees don’t need toback-up data files to diskettes orneed to be “computer engineers.”Parish and school employeesare able to work moreefficiently in their offices or, ifrequired, at home – anywherewith Internet access.Clearly, the diocesan missionis focused on providing for thespiritual, sacramental, pastoraland educational needs of ourparishioners, school childrenand people in need. So we determinedthat we needed to find➤ continued on page 13

June 20117Local NewsCT Legislative Session falls short on life issuesHARTFORD – After a whirlwindof activity including thepassage of legislation rangingfrom marijuana decriminalizationand transgender protectionto paid sick leave and immigranttuition, the 2011 session of theConnecticut General Assemblycame to a close on June 8.New Connecticut GovernorDannel Malloy hailed the sessionfor setting a benchmark ofprogressive legislation, but manypro-life and Church representativesviewed the assembly as onethat was unfriendly to Catholicvalues and missed many opportunitiesto safeguard life in the stateof Connecticut.Most notably, an attempt ata Parental Notification bill wasnot given a public hearing andtherefore could not come up fora vote.“It was met by deafeningsilence,” says Representative T.R.Rowe, Trumbull, who proposedthe amendment, in a phone interviewfollowing the close of thesession, which began on January5. “More legislators were preparedto sign a bill that wouldhave allowed students to optout of dissecting frogs in biologyclass. It’s a very hostile pro-lifeenvironment.”Rowe says he believes thatmost Connecticut legislatorsare far more pro-abortion thanthe people they represent andthat voters do favor some sortof parental notification when aminor seeks an abortion.Senator Michael McLachlan,Danbury, also introduced aParental Notification amendmentof his own and pledged to continueto do so because he continuesto believe that abortion is “morallywrong and that it does notserve the common good.”He says the legislature simplyrefuses to discuss the issueof parental notification and itshowed more interest in regulatingthe harmful effects of tanningsalons on young people.“It has not been a Catholicfriendly legislative session,and the agenda before us wasunfriendly to families both financiallyand policy wise,” saysSenator McLachlan. He was particularlydisturbed by the decriminalizationof marijuana, which hebelieves sends the wrong messageto youth in our society.“It’s a gateway drug. Weshould be doing everything wecan to minimize the danger ofaddiction. Now, someone willsimply mail a fine in like a trafficticket and there will be no legalintervention,” he says.On the plus side, theDemocratically controlled legislaturepassed the ImmigrationTuition Bill, supported by theCatholic bishops of the state,that enables children of illegalimmigrants who have lived inConnecticut to take advantage ofthe in-state tuition discounts topublic colleges and universities.The legislature also enactedan Earned Income Tax Credit(ETIC) law that will assist lowincome,working families by providinga maximum of $1,700 tothose that earn less than $21,500a year and to families with threeor more children with an annualincome of $48,000 a year.Michael Culhane, director ofthe Connecticut Catholic PublicAffairs Conference (CCPAC),said that the ETIC has been along time legislative goal of theCatholic Church “because itrespects human dignity, reduceschild poverty and rewards thework ethic.”Culhane said that the dominationof the legislative environmentby a Democratic controlledGeneral Assembly and a strongDemocratic governor changedthe dynamic of the legislativeagenda and led to passage of awide variety of laws, some ofthem controversial.➤ continued on page 10Msgr. John Vincent Horgan-Kung Archives DedicatedBishop William E. Lori wasrecently joined by diocesanleaders and others to formallyname the records repositoryof the Diocese of Bridgeportas the Msgr. John VincentHorgan-Kung Archives.“He loved the Red Sox, historyand being a priest,” BishopLori said, as he fondly recalledMsgr. Horgan.Benefit Planning Services, LLCMsgr. Horgan-Kung, whoadopted the last name of hishero and friend, CardinalKung, was named archivist in1975. He left a considerablebody of work, most notablyepiscopal genealogies of the earlyChurch in Connecticut, writtenin his clear and distinctive handwrittenscript. His work is nowbeing transcribed into computerrecords.LEFT: Bishop Lori displaysthe dedication plaque, while(l-r) Joseph Kung of Stamford,nephew of the late CardinalKung; Deacon Bill Bissenden,diocesan archivist; Bishop Lori;Nancy Matthews, chancellor;and Brenda Zamary of SandyHook, niece of Msgr. Horgan-Kung, look on. The dedicationremembers Msgr. Horgan-Kungas “Priest, Pastor, Missionary,Archivist, Historian.”ABOVE: Archival AssistantLarry Wypy leads a tour of thearchives following the dedicationceremony. An exhibit onthe life of Msgr. Horgan-Kungis now housed in the displaycases located in the lower levelof the Catholic Center. nInsurance Made Simple……For you, your family, your business2 Great Insurance Brokers in 1 convenient locationJames P. Murphy & AssociatesAuto & Home, Business, ContractorsProfessional Liability Insurance3 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06852(203) 840-8877 or 800-378-7526

8June 2011World and National NewsReport examines sexualabuse of minorsWASHINGTON, DC (CNS)/David Gibson – A long-awaitedreport on the causes and contextof sexual abuse by priests in theUnited States was released inWashington on May 18. Thereport said that there is “no singleidentifiable ‘cause’ of sexuallyabusive behavior toward minors.”It encouraged steps to deny abusers“the opportunity to abuse.”Titled “The Causes andContext of Sexual Abuse ofMinors by Catholic Priests inthe United States, 1950-2010,”it reports the findings of a studymandated in 2002 under the U.S.Catholic bishops’ “Charter forthe Protection of Children andYoung People.” The charter,adopted by the bishops during ahistoric meeting in Dallas, createda National Review Boardand commissioned studies ofBACKDROPPED BY RUGGED EARTH TERRAIN, the International Space Station is featured in this image photographedby an STS-130 crew member on space shuttle Endeavour after the station and shuttle began their post-undockingrelative separation.(Photo courtesy of NASA)the abuse problem’s “natureand scope” and its “causes and➤ Now, because........ you and your loved ones make thedecisions, not others.➤ Now, because........ cemeteries are not exempt fromescalating costs.➤ Now, because........ you can purchase memorial propertyout of current income.➤ Now, because........ you are under normal emotionalcircumstances.➤ Now, because........ you will have a full selection to choosefrom, including Communitymausoleums & traditional burial plots.➤ Now, because........ purchasing memorial property inadvance affords you the opportunity totake one-two years to pay, interest free,which is not available to those whopurchase at a time of need.➤ Now, because........ at a time of need, cemetery property mustbe paid for in full before it may be used.➤ Now, because........ the purchase of memorial propertyis an inevitable task.You can make the decision now, based on one of the above reasons,or, you can wait until you HAVE to decide. Sometime in the distantfuture you will be thankful you have taken care of this importantmatter now. For details call your local cemetery!Catholic Cemeteries Diocese of Bridgeport238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606 • (203) 372-4301context.” The John Jay Collegeof Criminal Justice of the CityCemetery OfficesBRIDGEPORT-STRATFORDSt. Michael Cemetery2205 Stratford AvenueStratford, CT 06615(203) 378-0404DANBURYSt. Peter Cemetery71 Lake Ave. Ext.Danbury, CT 06810(203) 743-9626DARIENSt. John Cemetery25 Camp Ave.Darien, CT 06820(203) 322-0455GREENWICHSt. Mary - Putnam Cemetery35 Parsonage Rd.Greenwich, CT 06830(203) 869-4828(203) 869-7026NEWTOWNResurrection Cemeteryc/o Gate of Heaven Cemetery1056 Daniels Farm RoadTrumbull, CT 06611(203) 268-5574NORWALKSt. Mary - St. John Cemetery223 Richards Ave.Norwalk, CT 06850(203) 838-4271STAMFORDQueen of Peace Cemeteryc/o St. John Cemetery25 Camp AvenueDarien, CT 06820(203) 322-0455TRUMBULLGate of Heaven Cemetery1056 Daniels Farm RoadTrumbull, CT 06611(203) 268-5574WESTPORTAssumption, Greens FarmsAssumption, Kings Highwayc/o St. John Cemetery223 Richards AvenueNorwalk, CT 06850(203) 838-4271University of New York conductedthe study.The report addressed severalmisperceptions about the sexualabuse of minors by priests. Itsaid:Priestly celibacy does notexplain this problem. “Constantin the Catholic Church since the11th century,” celibacy cannot“account for the rise and subsequentdecline in abuse cases fromthe 1960s through the 1980s.”Despite widespread speculation,priests with a homosexualidentity “were not significantlymore likely to abuse minors”than heterosexual priests. Sexual“identity” should be differentiatedfrom “behavior.” A possiblereason so many male minorswere abused is that priests hadgreater access to them.Less than 5% of priests withabuse allegations exhibited behaviorconsistent with pedophilia.Few victims were prepubescentchildren.Seventy percent of priestsreferred for abusing a minor “hadalso had sexual behavior withadults,” the study found. Themajority of priest-abusers did not“specialize” in abusing “particulartypes of victims.”The report provides a frameworkfor understanding sexualvictimization of children in anyinstitution and how organizationsrespond. No other institution hasundertaken a public study of sexualabuse like this one, they said.Priests who abused minorswere not carbon copies of oneanother. The report said they constituteda “heterogeneous population.”The majority “appear tohave had certain vulnerabilities,”such as “emotional congruenceto adolescents” or difficulty interrelatingwith adults. Some priestabuserswere abused as youths.“Having been sexually abused byan adult while a minor increasedthe risk that priests would laterabuse a child,” the report said.Priest-abusers represented onlya small percentage of all priests.The researchers judged it “neitherpossible nor desirable to implementextensive restrictions on thementoring and nurturing relationshipsbetween minors and priests,given that most priests have notsexually abused minors and arenot likely to do so.”The report accented the criticalrole of what today is called“human formation” in seminaries.It said a gradually intensifyingfocus on human-formationconcerns coincided with a declineof abuse cases. Human formationaddresses matters such as thefuture priest’s relationships andfriendships, his self-knowledge,integrity and celibate chastity.The report recommended thathuman formation continue afterordination.The report affirmed the safeenvironment programs implementedthroughout the Church inthe U.S. These programs educatepotential victims, abusers, parentsand others, increasing thelikelihood that abusers will beidentified. The Church has takenmany steps to reduce opportunitiesfor abuse, the report said. Itrecommended that these efforts“be maintained and continuallyevaluated for efficacy.”Pope chats with astronauts inspace shuttleVATICAN CITY – In the firstpapal call to space, Pope BenedictXVI placed a phone call to astronautsaboard the InternationalSpace Station on May 21, onthe occasion of the space shuttleEndeavour’s last mission. From aroom in the Vatican’s ApostolicPalace the Pope could see theastronauts on a television screenwhile they could only hear hisvoice on an audio channel.The papal phone call was broadcastlive on television as well asbeing streamed on the internetat the Vatican Radio-CTV site.It came after the space shuttleEndeavor linked with the spacestation, which is manned by astronautsfrom Italy, Russia, and theU.S. Two Italian astronauts metup on the space station. Roberto

June 201111Vocations“Summer Vocation Days”By KAREN KOVACSDYDZUHNThere are so manydistractions bombardingCatholics every day thateven the most devouthave a difficult timehearing the Lord’s Word.And, yet it’s critical foryoung people, especially,to hear what God is callingthem to do as theymake decisions in highschool and college thatcould potentially impactthe rest of their lives.By offering the “SummerVocation Days” at Sacred HeartUniversity on June 28-30, Fr.Robert Kinnally, director ofvocations for the Diocese ofBridgeport and rector at St. JohnFisher Seminary in Stamford,hopes to provide a venue wherelocal teens could explore in-depthwhat God’s will is for them.Fr. Kinnally points out thatbecause the religious communityis smaller than it used to be, youngpeople who don’t attend Catholicschools may never encounter aSoundings from page 2Bible as a whole” (The Word ofthe Lord, no. 57). This way ofthinking about Scripture opensour minds to connections amongthe readings we might not otherwisesee and greatly enriches ourunderstanding of the Bible itself.I’d like to say a word aboutthe Responsorial Psalm. It is notjust a poem or a song that servesas an interlude between the firstand second reading. Rather,as the name indicates, it is ourresponse to the Word of God.However, we are responding notwith our own words and sentimentsbut rather with God’s ownWord, with songs of praise hehas inspired. The Psalm chosenfor the liturgy of the day helps usmeditate on the reading we haveheard and prepares us for whatis to follow. It helps us to raiseour minds and hearts in praiseeven as we allow the Word ofpriest or a sister. However, Godspeaks through people in manydifferent ways, so at some timein their lives someone may havecome along to tell a young man orwoman that they’d make a goodpriest or sister.Although the program willprovide information about religiousvocations, Fr. Kinnally saysyoung people who have alreadydecided that they would like toget married are also encouragedto attend. “It’s about learninghow to be alert to the signsthat God puts in our lives,” heexplains. “God speaks to us inthe circumstances that we findourselves in.”Moreover, it’s by listeningto our Lord in prayer and timesof quiet reflection that youngpeople receive the clarity and theconfidence to make importantdecisions. “We encourage thekids to invite God into all of theirdecision making, whether it’sabout who their friends are, whatcollege they should go to andwhat they should major in,” Fr.Kinnally adds.Through music, prayer andsmall group work, they willdiscuss how God calls his disciplesin both the Old and NewTestament. No matter where theirlives may lead, it’s important foryoung people to think about whatcontributions they could make tothe Church as they mature.The Summer Vocation Daysare designed to illustrate for youngpeople that when they’re doingGod’s will, their lives will be full.“When you listen to God’s call,no matter what it is, you’re reallyhappy and your life is filled withjoy,” Fr. Kinnally says.The second day of the threedayworkshop will be led byreligious men and women fromlocal communities who will sharetheir personal experiences. Again,Fr. Kinnally points out that evenif teens already know that this isnot the choice they would like tomake, the information providedwill, hopefully, make them morecompassionate towards peoplewho decide to devote themselvesin this way to the Church. “Theywill realize the important workthat priests and sisters do and beable to pray for them and supportthem,” he says.Jorge Bryan Samniego, 16, ajunior at Central Magnet HighSchool, enjoyed hearing the informationwhen he was at last year’svocations program, becausehe is contemplating enteringthe seminary. “They gave us alot of insights but nothing wasforced upon us,” says Bryan, ashe prefers to be called. “It wasorganized so that it appealed toteens.”A member of St. Peter Parishin Bridgeport, Bryan is in theprocess of determining if heGod to penetrate our mind andheart. Whenever possible, theResponsorial Psalm should bechanted and the refrain shouldbe able to be sung by the wholecongregation, not just the choir.Usually, it is to be led from theambo or pulpit. A hymn, eventhe noblest, should never be usedas a substitute for the psalms.The point of the Liturgy ofthe Word is that we encounterthe Word. Thus, we need tomake sure that the Word of Godis clearly proclaimed. Lectorsshould be well trained. Thereis no substitute for practicingbefore one publicly proclaimsthe Word of God and for ensuringthat one knows how topronounce all the words clearly.Lectors should project their voices,reading slowly enough thatthe Word can be truly heard,and, above all, they should manifesta reverence for what theyread. After a Scripture passagehas been read, there should bea period of silence in which theassembly can absorb the Wordof God. Silence should not betaken as the absence of participation.We cannot really take partin the liturgy unless there areperiods of silent prayer, so thatwe might give the Holy Spirit theopportunity to work in us andthrough us.In the next installment, Ishould like to focus on the homily,the Creed, and the prayer ofthe faithful. In the meantime,let us take our cue from St. Paulwho says to us, “Let the word ofChrist dwell in you richly, as inall wisdom you teach and admonishone another, singing psalms,hymns, and spiritual songs withgratitude in your hearts to God”(Colossians 3:16).nMUSIC, PRAYER and small group discussions focus on God’s call duringSummer Vocation Days. Many youth who attended last year’s event (shownhere) will return again this year.(Photos by Amy Mortensen)has a calling for the priesthood.He recently spent a weekendat St. John Fisher Seminary inStamford, a place of discernmentand learning for young men.Bryan is looking forward tothis year’s Summer VocationDays. “This retreat will be a goodtime to get away from the world,”he says. “I hope to increase myfaith and get closer to God.”The Summer VocationDays’ committee led by DeaconAugustine Nguyen, who will beordained a priest next year, issponsoring a contest to see whichparish will send the most participants.“The wonderful prize isthat Bishop Lori will come to oneof their youth group meetings as aguest speaker,” Fr. Kinnally says.(For more information on theSummer Vocation Days, go toBridgeport Vocations on Facebook.) nIn China ten million unborn children are murdered each year.In the U.S. one million unborn children are murdered each year.Blessed Mother Teresa has warnedthat abortion will cause a nuclear war.Communist China and the U.S. will wage a nuclear WW III.Bible prophecy will be fulfilled unless there is repentanceand an end to the abomination of abortion.View “Apocalypse, the Antichrist, and Communist China”on www.youtube.com.Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice - CAPPFairfield County ChapterA lay led Pontifical Foundation created by Pope John Paul IIto implement CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING throughBusiness, Professional and Academic Leaders.You are invited to submit nomineesfor theCAPP FC BusinessLeadership AwardRecognizing individuals who have enhanced the fabricof society through the application of Catholic Social TeachingSee our web site for the nomination processFor further information about CAPP visit our website:www.CAPP-USA.ORGor contact Bill Fox, President, CAPP FC203.966.8582 or email: wfox@capp-usa.orgCATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING is based on the principles of:Human Dignity + Solidarity + Subsidiarity

12June 2011VocationsFr. Kinnally named rector of St. John FisherBRIDGEPORT – Fr. RobertM. Kinnally has been named rectorof St. John Fisher SeminaryResidence in Stamford. Theappointment, made by BishopWilliam E. Lori, was effectiveJune 1. He succeeds Fr. SamuelScott, who was recently namedpastor of St. Joseph Parish inDanbury.St. John Fisher is a diocesanhouse of discernment and studyfor men considering a vocation tothe priesthood. Currently 18 menare in residence continuing theirstudies and priestly formation.Fr. Kinnally has held theClergy observe jubileesTwenty clergy observed significantjubilees this year.Theyinclude two deacons, three pastors,a parochial vicar, and a highschool chaplain. An increasingnumber of priests have retiredto the Catherine Dennis KeefeQueen of the Clergy RetiredPriests Residence. Many ofthem are still active in parishes,some choosing to assist at asingle parish, others helping outat several as they are needed.Congratulations to all our dedicatedpriests, and a very special“God Bless” to this year’s jubilarians.Jubiliarianspost of director of vocationssince August 2009. Under Fr.Kinnally’s leadership the diocesehas experienced a surge in vocations,with a total of 40 men nowstudying for the priesthood at theSt. John Fisher and other seminariesthroughout the country.His new assignment combinesthe role of rector with vocationspromotion. Fr. Kinnallyis also serving as a member ofthe Board of Trustees of SacredHeart University in Fairfield,an appointment he accepted inNovember, 2008. In the past hehas served as parochial vicar ofSt. Pius X parish in Fairfield.Fr. Kinnally was ordained byBishop Lori in 2005 after a distinguishededucational career inwhich he was dean of Admissionsand Financial Aid at StanfordUniversity. During his educationalcareer, he also taught specialeducation at Iona College andwas an admissions professionalat Pace University, PurchaseCollege, the University ofBridgeport, and Sarah LawrenceCollege, where he was also deanof admissions.Born and raised in Yonkers,NY, he spent his summers inBrookfield where he attended St.Joseph Parish. He graduated IonaPreparatory High School in NewRochelle and earned degrees inEnglish from Manhattan Collegeand New York University, anda degree in Sacred Theologyfrom the Catholic University ofAmerica.A professional organist, pianistand vocalist, he served as musicdirector and organist at parishesFamilyChampionsin Connecticut and New Yorkprior to his ordination.Founded in 1989 by BishopEdward M. Egan, St. John FisherSeminary Residence numbersover 60 alumni who have goneon to become priests. Men typicallystay at St. John’s betweentwo and four years until theyreceive their undergraduatedegree at Sacred Heart Universityor Fordham University. Thosewho enter with degrees participatein a course of study andformation that includes 33 creditsof philosophy to prepare themfor graduate courses in theologyat a major seminary. Thespiritual director is Fr. Pawel M.Hrebenko.(St. John Fisher is located onNewfield Avenue in Stamford, onthe campus of Trinity Catholic HighSchool. For more informationon discerning a vocation to thepriesthood, go to: facebook.com/bridgeportvocations.)nOver 60 years1943 Fr. Philip W. Brady:retired, Orchard Park, NY1945 Fr. J. Clifford Grisé:retired, Queen of Clergy1947 Msgr. Edward J. Howley:retired, Queen of Clergy1949 Fr. Aloysius J. Hribsek:retired, Bradenton, FLMsgr William A. Nagle:retired, Queen of Clergy60 yearsMsgr. Constantino Caldas:retired, St. Joseph’s ManorFr. Martin J. Dennehy:retired, St. Joseph’s ManorFr. Martin B. Hitchcock:retired, Hilton Head, SCMsgr. Edward Scull:retired, Queen of ClergyCONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER as Bishop Lori thanks Fr. EdColohan for his 50 years of priesthood during a Mass held at St.Stephen Parish in Trumbull. Parochial Vicar Fr. Sean Kulaz (l) and DeaconJohn Moranski join in the applause. Like many priests, Fr. Colohan continueshis priestly ministry in retirement.50 yearsFr. Edward A. Colohan: retired,Queen of Clergy, assists atSt. Stephen, TrumbullFr. William D. Donovan:retired, SeymourMsgr Thomas J. Driscoll: Pastor,Notre Dame, EastonMsgr. Richard J. Shea: Pastor,St. Catherine of Siena,TrumbullFr. Robert J. Usenza: retired,West Haven25 yearsFr. Nello A Barachini: retired,assists at St. Margaret Mary,SheltonFr. Corey V. Piccinino: Pastor,St. Mary, BethelDeacon Don Brunetto:St. Francis of Assisi, WestonDeacon Gary Carpenter:St. Stephen, Trumbull10 yearsFr. F. John Ringley: Chaplainof Kolbe-Cathedral, Bridgeport5 yearsFr. Edward McAuley: ParochialVicar, St. Mary, Bethel(l-r) Deb Heinrich, non profit liaison to Governor Dannel P.Malloy, was on hand for the presentation of the annual FamilyChampions awards to Catholic Charities administrative assistantRosie Vite of Bridgeport and long time Catholic Charities boardmember Ed Bagnulo of Westport, while Deb Frederick, chiefoperating officer of Catholic Charities and Galo Rodriguez,president of Village for Families & Children and CCFSABoard chair, look on. The Awards were presented at the recentConnecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA)meeting held at the Trumbull Marriott. Vite and Bagnulo wererecognized for their outstanding service to Connecticut familiesthrough their professional work and volunteer activities.Catholic Charities, a leading provider of family and children’sservices in Fairfield County, is a member of CCFSA. n

June 201113Local NewsPreparing for World Youth DayBy PAT HENNESSY“When they come back,they’ll be on fire,” says Sr. EricaScheelje, director of youth ministryfor the Diocese of Bridgeport.“World Youth Day doesn’t endwith this trip.”The diocese will be sending acontingent 120 strong to WorldYouth Day in Madrid, Spain, thisAugust. In a sense, the words aremisleading. The trip is a true pilgrimage,shared with their counterpartsfrom around the world,and it lasts far longer than a day.Most of the delegation from theDiocese of Bridgeport will leavefor Madrid on August 10, andreturn August 23.More than that, the teens havebeen preparing for this pilgrimagefor several months. Teens in parishesfrom every corner of the diocesehave joined in spiritual prayercampaigns, held fundraisingevents to help cover costs, studiedthe history and impact on faith ofthe holy sites they will visit, andgotten to know all members of thegroup through potluck dinners andresearch presentations.The majority of the youth delegationwill start their pilgrimagewith a visit to Avila, the hometownof the great St. Teresa ofAvila, a Doctor of the Church.They will continue on to spendtwo nights in Fatima, Portugal,and visit the pilgrimage destinationof Santiago de Compostelawhere they will see the relicsEXPLODING WITH YOUTH, energy, and the joy of the Holy Spirit these teens took part in the previous World YouthDay in Australia. The diocese is sending a contingent 120 strong to this year’s World youth day in Madrid, Spain.of St. James the Apostle. InMadrid, the teens will join theremaining members of the delegationand with Bishop WilliamE. Lori.One group has been therecipient of a special honor. TheStudent Schola of St. Mary Parishin Norwalk, led by choirmasterDavid Huges, has been invited tosing at two English Masses at thePalacio de los Deportes stadiumon August 17 and 18. They willbe the only choir at these twoMasses. They will also participatein all the English-speaking liturgicalcelebrations, and they andtheir families will join in eventsduring the week.The agenda for the week-longspiritual journey that makes upWorld Youth Day is a full one.English-language participantswill have the benefit of a pilgrimcenter hosted by the Knights ofColumbus and the Sisters of Life,with both U.S. and Canadiansponsors. The week includes catechesis,prayer, song, concerts,drama, sharing, Stations of theCross and an unforgettable vigiland closing Mass with PopeBenedict XVI. About two millionteenage pilgrims are expected tobe on hand for Mass with thePope.As Sr. Erica says, the strengthand energy from the experiencewill lead teens to continue toexpress their faith in ministryto their parishes, the dioceseand beyond. A recent nationalsurvey found that 21% of priestsordained this year had attended aWorld Youth Day.The Diocesan Youth Ministryhas ensured that enthusiastic supporters,including those who gaveso generously to World YouthDay scholarships, will be ableto take part in the delegation’spilgrimage. Events will be postedregularly on their Facebook page:World Youth Day Diocese ofBridgeport.(The St. Mary’s Student Scholahas produced a CD including selectionsthey will perform duringWorld Youth Day. Proceeds will godirectly toward helping them travelto Madrid this August. The CD canbe purchased by e-mailing orders@chantwith.us.)nParish Finance from page 5vendor partners that could providefor modern and cost-effectiveproducts and services that wereoutside the core competency of ourChurch. Our goal was to instill thenotion that timely and accurateinformation is the basis on whichgood decisions can be made.Early on after our Bridgeportproject was initiated, we beganreceiving calls from diocesesaround the nation interested inhow were utilizing leading- edgetechnology to account for ourfinancial activity in Parishes andSchools. Today, through mynew company, CathoNet, manyother dioceses have adopted thecloud-technology solution pilotedin Bridgeport. Chicago, Boston,Newark and Dallas are someof the more prominent archdiocese/diocesesto follow ourexample. The CathoNet technologyhas become the most rapidlyadopted accounting solution inthe Catholic Church. In fact,CathoNet now serve 7 percentof all parishes and 7.7 percentof all schools in the nation.The company tagline definesCathoNet’s commitment to servethe Church in the modern era by“Aligning Mission, Ministry, andTechnology.”It is a source of great pridefor all of us to think that thisevolution in parish finance allstarted in Bridgeport, thanks tothe leadership of Bishop Lori,and the hard work of our pastorsand their staffs. Stewardship andtransparency are more than just“buzz words” – they are vitaltools as we continue to buildJesus’ Kingdom on Earth. n

14June 2011EDITORIAL LETTERS EDITORVacationAh, summer. Lazy days. Time for hamburgers on the grill. Time torelax with friends on warm summer evenings. Time to linger over theSunday paper with a second cup of coffee. It’s a time to kick back andgive yourself a little break. That’s why plenty of Catholics, even practicingCatholics, take a vacation from church over the summer. It’s aneffort to fit in Mass when you’ve planned a day at the beach, thoughyou could rearrange the schedule with a little planning. If you’re awayfor a week, traveling both weekends, it gets tougher. Worse, if you havekids – one Sunday of insisting on Mass can lead to a summer’s worth ofgrief. God will understand. It’s a vacation from church, not from faith.God does understand. He understands us really, really well. That’sscary enough to give you cold chills on a hot summer day. So think alittle. Try to see yourself as God sees you, excuses and all. Love yourselfanyway, because God loves you, but take a closer look at some ofthose lazy summer excuses. After all, God does.Wrapping upBefore wishing you a happy vacation, we ask you to consider someimportant business featured in this issue:Bishop’s Appeal – The 2011 Annual Bishop’s Appeal will cometo a close at the end of this month and everyone is very positive aboutreaching goal. Special thanks and gratitude go out to all those whohave already made their gift and helped their parishes to meet and evenexceed their goals! (See an up-to-date listing on Page 4) And if youhaven’t given, you still have time to participate. If you’ve seen the video,received the newsletters, or read about the Appeal online or in FairfieldCounty Catholic, you know the diocese is a beacon of hope for those whohave nowhere else to turn. Your gift will go to work immediately to helpthe poorest of the poor and to build families of faith in our diocese.Catholic Schools – Congratulations to all our graduates and theirfamilies! What a remarkable year our Catholic schools have had!Almost one third are now federally designated Blue Ribbon Schools ofExcellence. No other diocese or public school district across the U.S.can boast of a similar achievement. It’s time to celebrate our students,parents, faculty, administrators and all those who support Catholicschools. And please realize that when you give to the Appeal, youhelp to keep the doors open for our 10,000 students – many of whomwould not have the benefit of a Catholic education without your gift.John Jay Report – The long awaited research, commissioned bythe U.S. Catholic Bishops, is one of most comprehensive self-studiesever undertaken by an organization. The institutional truth telling isat times painful to read, but it doesn’t flinch in exploring the reasonsfor past child abuse including failure in Church leadership. In herexcellent local reflection on the report, Diocesan Safe EnvironmentsDirector Erin Neil (Page 6) points out that child abuse is no longera problem in the Catholic Church, nor has it been for more thantwo decades. And let us also recognize Bishop Lori not only for hishandling of the crisis in our diocese but for the reform role he playednationally as a leading author of the Dallas Charter for the Protectionof Children and Young People.The Days of SummerMemorial Day weekend has come and gone – so we’ve had theunofficial beginning of Summer! Radios blared with the songs of NatKing Cole, the Beach Boys and other standards that usher in the newseason. We listen to the tunes as if they’ve been passed down for generations– but how recent they all are! For ages, summers were rungin without top ten hits and blockbuster movies. Indeed, if we listen,summer has its own music in the morning rill of a backyard brook, theminor excitement of air in an unexpected breeze, and the many voicesof rain on our roofs. In this fullness of life, Summer offers its ownprayer! So let’s be attuned to every minute of it – from the thunderof Independence Day to the string symphony of cicadas at the end ofAugust. Have a great Summer!Office ofCommunicationsDiocese of Bridgeport238 Jewett AvenueBridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892telephone | 203.416.1461fax | 203.374.2044e-mail | fcc@diobpt.orgweb | www.bridgeportdiocese.comUSPS no.: 12-117. Periodicalpostage paid at Bridgeport, CT 06601,and additional mailing offices.TOTHEStudent encourages Tridentine MassI am 22 years old and completingmy bachelors degree ata local college. I am writing torequest more coverage of traditionalCatholic liturgy aroundthe diocese, or more specifically,coverage of the Holy Sacrificeaccording to the Missal of 1962(the Tridentine Mass). Currently,it is only offered in the southernpart of the diocese. For example,Fr. Markey at St. Mary’s inNorwalk offers the ExtraordinaryForm every Sunday and receivesan excellent turnout.Many people, especially youngpeople, are drawn to this Mass.GOoD workThanks for including thefeature on our St. James Men’sBreakfast in Fairfield CountyCatholic. We received many commentsabout it, not to mentionsome inquiries on our Men’sMinistry efforts, and the largecirculation and influence of yourpaper helped quite a bit.Angie DeMello is one of theleaders of our Woman’s Ministryteam at St. James. They recentlysponsored a breakfast that mayhave had even more attendeesthan the 250+ the Men’s Ministryhad. She would like to contact youas well to gage interest in providinga story on that event as well.Again, thanks for all theGOoD work you do.Peace,Jim TraversStratford(EDITORS NOTE: For more informationon the men’s and women’s ministryat St. James Parish in Stratford,call the parish office: 203.375.5887.)It would be splendid to see theExtraordinary Form being offeredin the Danbury area. People of allages want to see and experienceMost Rev. William E. LoriPublisherBrian D. WallaceExecutive Editor bwallace@ccfc-ct.orgPat HennessyManaging Editor phennessy@diobpt.orgRenée StamatisArt Director rstamatis@diobpt.orgBrian A. WallaceGraphic Designer bwallace@diobpt.orgMary Frances LakoOffice Manager/Admin mlako@diobpt.orgRalph LazzaroAdvertising Manager rlazzaro@diobpt.orgSonia BurnsSpanish Editor* soniarburns@yahoo.comMadeline GhilardiCopy Editor** ConsultantsCLERGYAPPOINTMENTSThe Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D., Bishop of Bridgeport,has made the following clergy appointmentsin the Diocese of Bridgeport:PastorREV. SAMUEL SCOTT, Rector of Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence,Stamford, to Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Danbury. Effective date was June 1.RectorREV. ROBERT KINNALLY, Vocation Director, to Rector of Saint JohnFisher Seminary Residence, Stamford. Fr. Kinnally will remain VocationDirector. Effective date was June 1.AdministratorREV. MICHAEL LYONS, Parochial Vicar of Saint Elizabeth SetonParish, Ridgefield, to Administrator of Saint Edward the ConfessorParish, New Fairfield. Effective date was May 14.Parochial Vicarour Catholic culture when attendingthe Holy Sacrifice.Kevin RogersDanburyREV. LUKE P. SUAREZ, Newly Ordained, to Parochial Vicar of SaintRose of Lima Parish, Newtown. Effective date was June 1.REV. SUDHIR D’SOUZA, Parochial Vicar, Saint Thomas the ApostleParish, Norwalk, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Matthew Parish, Norwalk.Effective date is June 18.REV. SUNIL PEREIRA, I.M.S., from the Indian Missionary Society, toParochial Vicar of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Norwalk. Effective date isJune 18.ChaplainREV. MARTIN J. NIKODEM, Interim Chaplain of Saint Joseph Manor,Trumbull, to Chaplain of Saint Joseph Manor, Trumbull. Effective datewas May 1.REV. JEAN RIDLY JULIEN, Clinical Pastoral Education at BridgeportHospital, to Chaplain of St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport.Effective date was June 6.REV. ALBERT FORLANO, priest of the Ukranian Eparchy, Stamford,to Chaplain of St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport. Effective datewas June 6.SabbaticalMSGR. MARTIN P. RYAN, Pastor of Saint Edward the ConfessorParish, New Fairfield, to Sabbatica Leave. Effective date was June 1.Rev. Msgr. Kevin Royal, Episcopal Vicar for ClergyJune, 2011CirculationEvery registered Catholic householdin Fairfield County is entitledto a subscription.To add or change an address,call 203-416-1461,or e-mail: fcc@diobpt.orgAnnual Subscription Price$20 (within diocese)$50 (outside diocese)Postmastersend address changes to:Fairfield County Catholic,238 Jewett Avenue,Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892© Copyright 2010, Diocese of Bridgeport

June 201115Op-edIn April, as I offered “happybirthday” prayers for my lateson Peter, suddenly flyingoutside my window was afemale cardinal. I was not surprised.A cardinal has celebratedPeter’s birthday with me everyyear on his birthday since he leftme to be with the Lord 20 yearsago.Birds had always fascinatedme. I had read about birds asa teenager, when I read a bookSo many disturbing photographshave flickeredacross my computerscreen lately. From thevictims of Japan’s earthquake andnuclear disaster to the desperaterefugees fleeing war in Libyato the flattened neighborhoodsof Birmingham, Alabama, andJoplin, Missouri, the spring of2011 has been dominated byimages of loss and pain.So I was happily surprisedrecently to come across a photoof such powerful simplicity andgenuine sweetness that it momentarilytransported me out of thenews cycle of devastation andcatastrophe.The picture is of a littleboy with Down syndromemoments before receiving HolyCommunion from ArchbishopAre Birds Sometimes Spiritual Messengers?A Woman’s ViewBy Antoinette BoscoAntoinette Bosco is a memberof St. Marguerite BourgeoysParish in Brookfield.published in France written bysomeone who called birds God’s“spiritual messengers.” I subsequentlylearned that these marvelouscreatures have fascinated othersall the way back to prehistorictimes when birds were depictedon cave walls.The Bible certainly tells howGod used birds to send neededmessages: He used a dove to tellNoah that dry land had returnedafter the flood; He used a ravenA Dad’s ViewBy Matthew HennesseyMatthew Hennessey andhis family are parishionersof St. Aloysius in New Canaan.to deliver Elijah his food; quailwere sent to supplement theIsraelites’ diet of manna; and acock crowed three times to showPeter how far he had gotten awayfrom Jesus!In years tocome, I wastouched readingabout St.Francis ofAssisi and hisrespect for thebirds. I stillhave notes from a book writtenby Father Isadore O’Brien,OFM, long ago published bySt.Anthony Guild Press, wherehe tells of an instance whereSt. Francis and his companionscame upon a great flock of birds.Francis stopped to talk to thebirds, who then crowded aroundhim and “perched on his shoulders.”As Francis talked to them,they “reverently bowed theirChaput and the boyCharles J. Chaput of Denver,Colorado. It was snapped byDenver Catholic Register photographerJames Baca at the annualArchbishop’s Mass for SpecialReligious Education.In the photo, the little boy’shands are clasped in prayer. Awoman, who may be his motherbut may also be a teacher, gentlyguides him into the proper positionto receive Our Lord. His suitseems a bit roomy, his glasseslook as though they are havinga hard time staying on his nose,and his deliberately-combedblonde hair sports a good, oldfashionedcowlick. NormanRockwell couldn’t have donebetter.But the real action in thisphoto is the kid’s face. It’s luminous.He is glowing with anticipation,in awe of this magnificentpriest before him, and eager forthe gift he is about to receive. Hissmile is as genuine, and as holy,as they come.I saw the photo on Facebook,where I follow Chaput despitehaving no real connection tothe Denver Archdiocese. I havealways been impressed with hisvocal commitment to the disabled,and to those with Downsyndrome in particular. Mydaughter Magdalena has Downsyndrome.Seeing Chaput about to servecommunion to this angelic littleboy reminded me of a speechhe gave in 2009 to the Phoenix(Arizona) Catholic Physician’sGuild. In it he said, “Every childwith Down syndrome, everyadult with special needs; in fact,every unwanted unborn child,every person who is poor, weak,abandoned or homeless – eachone of these persons is an iconof God’s face and a vessel of Hislove.”The boy with Down syndromeis truly an icon of God’s face,but there’s more to the photothan just the boy. A wheelchairis partially visible. There is alittle girl in the background who,even slightly out of focus, looksheads to earth,” and stayed untilthe holy saint “made the signof the cross over them and gavethem leave to depart.”True? Who knows. But I havebeen toldmany storiesof strangeappearancesof birds. AfterSeptember 11,a teenage boy,Nick Chirls,becameknown and respected when heeulogized his mother, lost in thehorrible collapse of the WorldTrade Center. For, as he spoke,a sparrow lit on his head. It comfortedhim, he said. Nick becamesomething of a celebrity for awhile, even a participant in adocumentary.Sam and Wanda Rieger, wholive in Waterbury, are among myclosest friends. They lost their“The Bible tells howGod used birds tosend messages .”like a grown-up version of myMagdalena. Behind her are a boyand another little girl with theunmistakable almond eyes thattypify Down syndrome.In investigating the picture,I wasn’t at all surprised to learnthat the theme of this year’sdaughter by murder, as I havelost my son John and his wifeNancy, and we well relate in ourway of coping. A few years back,when they were attending theirson’s wedding, they told me ofan experience they had as theywere leaving their hotel room inthe state where the wedding hadtaken place.“Wanda noticed there wasa bluebird in the hallway,” Samsaid. “It was very strange asthere were no open windows ordoors through which the birdcould have entered. In any case,the bird tried to get out by bangingagainst the windows at thatend of the hallway which do notopen. I approached it and the birdallowed me to catch and hold itin my hands. I walked to the doorand let it go. It flew away. Somake of this what you wish.”I found this rather amazing,➤ continued on page 21GLOWING WITH ANTICIPATION, a young boy with Down syndromeprepares to receive Holy communion from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput ofDenver, CO. “Every child with Down syndrome is an icon of God’s face,” saysArchbishop Chaput.Special Religious EducationMass was “Gathered Aroundthe Eucharistic Christ.” Fr.Roland Freeman, director of theprogram for the Archdiocese ofDenver, explained the choice oftheme. “The Eucharistic Christ➤ continued on page 21

16June 2011ScienceStudents garner State awardsHAMDEN – Results of theConnecticut State Science Fair,held each March at QuinnipiacCollege, demonstrated again theexcellence of Catholic schoolsin the Diocese of Bridgeport.Heading the science scholars thisyear is eighth-grader Haley Ryanfrom St. Rose of Lima School inNewtown, who won first placein her grade’s Life Sciences divisionfor her project; “ImprovedProcess for Bioremediation of OilContaminated Seawater.”Janine Kerr, an eighth-graderat St. Joseph School in Danbury,took home third place in thesame category for “Outbreak!Predicting the Modes andTransmission Rates of a HumanViral Epidemic.”Finalists in Life Sciencesincluded sophomore AdrianaDeNardis of Immaculate HighSchool in Danbury.In the Physical SciencesDivision, finalists includedseventh-graders Dominic Pagliaroand Matthew Pelisson of St.Rose of Lima, giving a total ofthree state awards to St. Rose;eighth-grader Sophia Di CarloPrivilege and ResponsibilityBard College Belmont University Boston University Brandeis University BridgetonAcademy Central Connecticut State University Clarkson University Faith Coastal first CarolinaUniversity College of the Holy Cross Curry College Eastern Connecticut State UniversityElon University Emerson College Emmanuel College Endicott College FairfieldUniversity Fairleigh Dickinson University FelicianKnowledgeCollege FitchburgforemostState UniversityFlorida Institute of Technology Fordham University Franklin College SwitzerlandGeorge Mason University Hampton University Housatonic Community College IonaCollege Ithaca College Johnson & Wales University Keene State College Kent StateUniversity Kenyon College Lincoln Technical Achievement Institute Loyola University always MarylandLynchburg College Manhattanville College Marist College Massachusetts College of Artand Design Massachusetts Maritime Academy Merrimack College Milford AcademyMonmouth University Mount Saint Mary College Friends Mount Saint forever...Mary’s UniversityNaugatuck Valley Community-Technical College New Mexico Military InstituteNewbury College Northeastern University Post University Providence College PutnamScience Academy Quinnipiac University at St. Rensselaer Joseph Polytechnic High Institute Roger School WilliamsUniversity Sacred Heart University Saint Joseph’s College Saint Joseph’s UniversitySalve Regina University School of Visual Arts Seton Hall University South KentSouthern Connecticut State College Southern Connecticut State University St. Vincent’sCollege Stonehill College Suffolk University Texas Christian University The CatholicCongratulationsUniversity of America The Citadel The University of Arizona The University of ScrantonThe University of Tampa Towson University Tufts University Tunxis CommunityCollege U.S. Marine Corps University of Connecticut University Dayton Universityof Delaware University of Hartford to University our of Class Maine, Machias of University 2011 of NewHaven University of Notre Dame University of Rhode Island University of VermontWagner College Western Connecticut State University Western New England CollegeWheaton College Wheelock College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale UniversityRESPONDING TO A CRISIS, First Place Life Science award winner HaleyRyan of St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown explored ways to use biologicalmicro-organisms to clean up oil contaminated seawater.of St Joseph’s, giving her schoolits second award; eighth-graderMarleena Reed of Our Lady ofthe Assumption/Holy FamilySchool in Fairfield; GabrielCorrea, a seventh-grader at St.Peter-Sacred Heart School inDanbury, and Emily Robertson,an eighth-grader at St. MarkSchool in Stratford, who hadgarnered special awards atthe Science Fair last year.Sophomore Kyle Ryan fromFairfield Prep was also a finalistin the Physical Sciences.In addition, a number of studentsfrom these schools, as wellas from St. Gregory the GreatSchool in Danbury, were specialaward winners.The Connecticut Science Fairis a yearly, statewide scienceand engineering fair for sevenththrough twelfth grade students.More than 15,000 students fromover 120 schools and regionalfairs compete for the 500 availablespaces at the State Fair.Through Science Fair participation,students are encouraged topursue independent work usingproper research methods. nThe new SiliconValley?BRIDGEPORT – The next great invention may not comefrom Silicon Valley, but from Bridgeport, Connecticut. St. AnnSchool students helped lead the way at the 28th CT InventionConvention, earning 20% of the top awards given to studentsfrom schools throughout the state.This year’s convention was held on May 14th at theUniversity of Connecticut, with 606 students competing forawards recognizing the ingenuity of their inventions.Led by science teacher Molly Thimons, a Yale PeabodyMuseum fellow, St. Ann students have been consistently recognizedfor their inventions at the Invention Convention. At the2011 Convention, St. Ann students took home three ConnecticutAcademy of Science & Engineering (CASE) awards, one CTFire Marshall’s Award, two CT Safety Society Awards, and oneStanley Black & Decker Award.Seventh-graders Liliana Delmonico, Jake Hopkins and HeidiMartinez were honored for their CASE Awards May 25th at adinner at the Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk.Fire safety was a popular concern among the inventors, withinventions to help firefighters do their jobs more effectively andinventions meant to make homeowners more alert and preparedin the event of a fire. Jake Hopkins, who took home three of thetop rewards, combined Smartphone technology with fire safetyto develop the First Response Info Code, a QR code that firefighterscould scan with a Smartphone to get household statisticswhen arriving at a fire.Other winning inventions included Dylan Freeman’s WinterBlue Ice Melter in response to the roof collapses aroundConnecticut this winter, Veronica Chacon’s environmentallyfriendlyLight Activated Weed Killer and seventh-grader GianniLeito’s Safety Slugger, a baseball bat with a sensor to alert theuser of anyone standing in swinging distance.The Connecticut Invention Convention, an educational organizationdedicated to promoting creative problem solving andenhanced critical thinking skills for K-8 students, is held eachyear at UCONN.n

June 201117SchoolsVals and Sals from page 3Advocacy. Sterling can claimboth St. Joseph and St. Peteras her home parishes. She wasactive in the children’s choir atSt. Peter and in the youth groupat St. Joseph. Sterling will beattending Boston College inSeptember, where she is interestedin biology, psychology andneuroscience.“Mike is an outstanding student,actor, and individual,” saysImmaculate’s principal, DanielMurphy. “He has been our resident‘stand up comic,’ making allof us laugh at talent shows andfreshmen orientation. Sterling isa problem-solver who leads byexample. She will be a successin any endeavor.”Kolbe-Cathedral, BridgeportThe 57 seniors of Kolbe-Cathedral High School inBridgeport held their graduationon June 9. The school has 305of students enrolled this year.Valedictorian DaphneyAnnicette is a member of St.Raphael Parish in Bridgeportand a graduate of St. RaphaelElementary School. She has beena member of the honors programat Kolbe, where she earnedSpanish Honor Society recognition.An active member of theyearbook staff, she participatedin the school’s Cablevision CTChallenge program, and representedKolbe on the ChallengeTeam. As a member of StudentsAgainst Destructive Decisions(S.A.D.D.), Daphney helped toorganize Prom Promise and SafeEnvironment assemblies. She willattend Sacred Heart Universityin Fairfield, where she receivedthe Thomas More HonorsScholarship and a Sacred HeartUniversity scholarship and grant.Salutatorian Danielle Griffithis a graduate of the PhoenixKOLBE-CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL, BRIDGEPORT – DaphneyAnnicette, valedictorian; Danielle Griffith, salutatorianAcademy. She participated forfour years in the school’s Passon Kindness campaign to crochetscarves for the homeless.Danielle was inducted to boththe National Honor Society andSpanish Honor Society, served asa peer tutor and was a memberof Students Against DestructiveDecisions Club. Danielle servedas an Ambassador for Kolbe,speaking recently at the InnerCity Foundation for Charity &Education Annual Gala. Daniellewill attend Fairfield Universityin the fall, having received theFairfield Rotary Club Scholarshipand the Community Partnership➤ continued on page 18Holy Spirit Students“Go for the Stars”Congratulations to the graduates of theClass of 2011ROBO the Friendly Robot works with (l-r) fifth-grader Meghan Nau;fourth-graders Mary Ostaszewski and Evan Campbell; and third-graderGregory Pelissier.STAMFORD – Encouraging the next generation of scientists,astronauts and engineers, Holy Spirit School’s HomeSchool Association made Go for the Stars! their cultural eventin February. The program, presented by Gary Pozzato, featuredROBO the Friendly Robot, who brought a fun and enlighteningperformance to students and teachers alike.Pozzato tailored the presentation into two segments, onegeared for Pre-K 3 through second grade and the other for gradesthree through five. Both groups enjoyed interacting with ROBOthe friendly robot, learning about orbits, microgravity, rockets,living in space and much more. Volunteers from both groups gotto participate by wearing “astronaut in flight suits” while performinglive experiments. The Multimedia Space Program providedall grades with not only educational and exciting hands ondemonstrations but an insight into the aerospace industry. nMaya AlbertErin AoyamaArianna ArcaEmily AttubatoAlessandra BadioliKatherine BenjaminMolly BlessingKerri BrownAnne CammisaJillian CarterMegan CincottaLauren DeGennaroCaitin DuffinMally DuffinMargaret DunnAudrey FinneganClare FinneganCourtney FischerCelina FrelinghuysenMary FurthTaylor GoldmanLindsey HascherEmily HattonLacey HenryGrace HirshornAlexandra HuchroJenne IngrassiaAubrey KalashianSeulah LeeAlicia LiCalziMary LiguoriAnastassia LindoElizabeth MahoneyKathleen MahoneyMaya ManginiDior ManningKristie ManzuetaBridget MaraKelsey MaraSveva MarcangeliHannah McGovernChristine McGuireGrace McMorrowAmanda MolinelliSamantha MoorFaith MorleyJessica MorrisBridget MuddAriana MuoioJoweria NakubulwaJenna NobsTara NooyiLana PapaIvanna Peleschuk1177 King St., Greenwich, CT 06831(203) 531-6500 • www.cshgreenwich.orgMichelle PengCatherine PerryDaniellePolemeni-HegartyEva QuintanoShaniece RaffingtonElizabeth RailFrancesca RecchiaCharlotte RhodesMaria RinconKristen RocheJulie RohdeElizabeth RooneyElizabeth SabiaMeagan SnopkowskiCarly SobeckiNayara de SouzaMichelle SperaKathleen SpillaneAmber ThraneSarah TranfoMargaret TrimbleCecelia UrbanczykAvery VorwerkLauren WebbMelissa WhelanConvent of the Sacred Heart is an independent, Catholic schoolfor girls from preschool through twelfth grade.

18June 2011SchoolsVals and Sals from page 17Scholarship.“Daphney is an excellentmodel of the benefits ofa Catholic education K-12;empowered with knowledge,skills and Gospel values,” saysKolbe’s principal, Jo-Anne Jakab.“Danielle is an honors programstudent who exemplifies theschool motto, ‘work hard and benice!’ in everything she does.”Notre Dame, FairfieldSeniors at Notre Dame HighSchool in Fairfield, 116 strongout of a student body of nearly500, held their graduation onJune 4.Valedictorian Jessica Harpercomes to Notre Dame fromOxford, where she is a memberof St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.Named to both the SpanishHonor Society and NationalHonor Society, of which she ispresident, she is a member ofNotre Dame’s jazz band, DramaClub, Campus Ministry, DebateClub, chorus, Appalachia Club,and Spanish Club. Outside ofschool, Jessica is active in theGirl Scouts of America andwas selected to Connecticut’sState Student Advisory Councilon Education. At St. Thomas,she has been involved with theNOTRE DAME CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, FAIRFIELD – JessicaHarper, valedictorian; Benjamin Cohen, salutatorianparish’s youth group and stewardshipcommittee, as well asattending several mission tripswith Group Workcamps. Jessicais attending Hamilton Collegein Clinton, NY, in the fall andintends to major in both psychologyand neuroscience.Salutatorian Benjamin Cohenis a member of both Nationaland Spanish Honor Societies. Inaddition to the track and fieldteam, he has played football forat Notre Dame for four years,and was co-captain this last year.He is active in Campus Ministryand in the Chemistry Club. Heis a lector and altar server at OurLady of Assumption in Fairfield.Benjamin is going to WesleyanCongratulations to the Fairfield Prep Class of 2011!Christopher W. AdamsTyler C. AgostinoSamuel S. AnimJefferson C. Atkins Jr.Nicholas D. AwadOliver K. AyerWesley C. BarlowBrooks D. BebonPatrick B. BenedossoBrian J. BennettRobert W. BierCody James BilcheckKevin M. Black Jr.John A. BonazzoD. Pierce BushbyConnor E. ByrneBrian J. CalcuttDonald E. CarnickyNiall F. CaseyJohn J. CatalfamoWilliam R. CatchpoleMario E. ChajonKenneth CheungColin F. CinderColeman E. ClancyBrian R. ClarkDaniel C. ClarkRobert S. CodioHayden J. CollinsRyan T. CollinsMatthew J. ConsidineHarrison T. CotterTyler J. CoxZachary T. CretaTimothy N. CulliganTomasz A. CzarnowskiMatthew M. DaleyMatthew L. D’AmbrisiThomas G. DavisFrederico De PaoliMichael T. Del SpinaParker J. DelmolinoThomas J. DiBartolomeoChristopher C. DiMuzioSean S. DonoghueCharles John DonohueBrendan M. DoranNicholas M. DowningDean J. DuffyKevin A. DunkinEvan R. DupeeKenny DuqueJesus R. FequiereTimothy E. FergusonJohn V. FiniWilliam M. Firisin Jr.Kyle L. ForgetteJonathan R. FormichellaMatthew P. FornshellAlexander J. FossiRob M. FranzinoWilliam R. FullamJohn J. GalianiMichael J. GalleraniJonathan A. GarciaRyan M. GardellaWilliam A. GaughanDerek J. GeboDaniel R. GennaroAndrew R. GenuarioJack R. GibsonAlexander N. GiobbiJohn J. GiordanoRichard P. GiulianoBrian P. GolgerMichael P. GouldTerence J. GranathJonathan R. GrecoDavid J. GreenfieldDavid P. GriffinRyan N. GroensteinStephen C. GurneyJohn A. GuzziBlake A. HaehlPeter J. HaferlVincent HarrisAlexander HauerZachary H. HaughnAlexander S. HeimanGeorge A. HibbertJustin R. HillNicholas A. HiltonNicholas HoinJohn J. Hubert IIIChristopher I. HughesSean A. KeaneTraugott F. KellerDaniel P. KerriskMatthew J. KingMatthew J. KnapikAlexander J. LaBorneSebastien LaforestConor T. LahiffAndrew P. LavoieSean P. LawlessHenry J. Le RoseBrian T. LeeCharles B. LeitnerTyler R. LomnitzerBenjamin D. LowdenMichael T. LynnEdgar M. MacuilFrancis K. MahoneyKevin C. MaioranoFrancesco J. MarottaVincent McAvey IIICory L. McCallaThomas M. McCauleyConnor T. McGortyConor M. McGovernJames H. McGrathSean R. McGuinnessJack S. McMahonJames D. McPartlan IIDrew P. McTiernanRene A. MedinaAndrew P. MellingerAlexander M. MiklaveRaymond H. Miller Jr.Jack S. MischeDaniel M. MitriKristian P. Moor Jr.Timothy R. MoranWilliam M. Moran Jr.Philip M. MorrisDennis T. MorrisseyShaun R. MorrisseyCarey K. MottThomas E. MurphyRobert R. NapolitanoThienphu N. NguyenStephen A. NicholasMichael D. NooneThomas N. NosenzoJames P. O’BrienCampbell B. O’ConnorDaniel J. O’LearyRyan Powers O’LearyMichael A. OwnesAndrew R. PassarelliSanil S. PatelMartin PiekarskiNicholas T. PiroKyle J. PiscioniereThomas M. Porter IIIKevin R. PotterJamal V. PowellBryan P. PufferBrian D. QuigleyAnthony E. RedamontiMaxwell E. ReinVincent D. RenehanWilliam A. RhodesMark R. RodasJason RojasFairfield CollegePreparatory SchoolA Jesuit, Catholic School of Excellencewww.fairfieldprep.orgJames M. RomanelliLucas B. RosadoConnor T. RyanChristopher J. SabellaCory J. SchultzThomas P. SeilerDaniel P. SellJames W. ShaferJames P. SheaWilliam C. SheaPaul S. SikoraMichael G. SmeriglioJacob M. StewartJohn P. StoneDouglas M. StrackeMichael P. Sweeney Jr.James B. TerryD. Ryan TetleyMichael J TheriaultJustin R. ThompsonMark A. TiborJustin L. TroccoliEvan M. TuozzoliWilliam H. Varnum IVSteven J. VenablesKyle J. VignoneRobert H. WallaceWilliam H. Watson IVSean P. WelchTyler J. WendtPaul K. YangMichael J. ZaccaroCharles Zsebik Jr.

June 201119SchoolsUniversity in the fall, wherehe has been accepted on the footballteam. He plans to major inbiology.“Jessica has served as a leaderin the classroom and through hermany extra-curricular activities,”says Notre Dame’s principal,Chris Cipriano. “Ben has ledby example as a student-athletethroughout his four years atNotre Dame, excelling academically,serving as a captain of thefootball team, and volunteeringfor a campus ministry projects.”ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL, TRUMBULL – Amanda Dudzinski, valedictorian;Alyssa LaFrenierre, salutatorianSt. Joseph, TrumbullSt. Joseph High School inTrumbull, the largest of thediocesan high schools, graduated200 seniors out of a studentbody of 806 on June 3. AmandaDudzinski is St. Joe’s valedictorian;Alyssa LaFrenierre is salutatorian.Amanda Dudzinski is amember of St. Mark Parish inStratford. She is active in theNational Honor Society, chairingevents like a blood bank, offeringtutoring, and helping with eventset ups. She serves as a StudentAmbassador, making presentationsabout St. Joe’s at elementaryschools and hosting visitors tothe school. In the community sheis an enthusiastic volunteer withHabitat for Humanity. As winnerof the Notre Dame UniversityScholarship, Amanda will headto South Bend this fall.Alyssa LaFrenierre of St.Theresa Parish in Trumbullhas been named salutatorianat St. Joseph High School. Inaddition to her academicachievement Alyssa is a memberof the National HonorSociety, president of the ItalianNational Honor Society, andlead altar server and cantorat St. Theresa. Winner of theKenyon Distinguished AcademicScholarship, Alyssa will beattending Kenyon College inOhio where she will major inBiology/Pre-Med.“Amanda embodies all thebest of St. Joseph High School;➤ continued on page 24University of AlabamaAlbany University (SUNY)Albany College of PharmacyAlbertusAmerican UniversityAmherst CollegeAnna Maria CollegeArcadia UniversityArizona State UniversityAssumption CollegeCollege of the AtlanticAuburn UniversityAve Maria UniversityBall State UniversityBelmont UniversityBentley UniversityBoston CollegeBowdoin CollegeUniversity of BridgeportBrown UniversityBryant UniversityBucknellCabrini CollegeCalifornia College of the ArtsUniversity of California -University of California -University of California – SantaBarbaraCanisiusCarnegie Mellon UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCastleton State CollegeCatholic University of AmericaCentral Connecticut StateUniversityThe CitadelChamplain CollegeUniversity of ChicagoClarkson UniversityCoastal Carolina UniversityColby Sawyer CollegeColgate UniversityCollege of the AtlanticCollege of CharlestonUniversity of ColoradoColorado State UniversityConnecticut CollegeUniversity of ConnecticutCornell UniversityCreighton UniversityCurry CollegeUniversity of DaytonUniversity of DelawareUniversity of DenverDickinson CollegeDrew UniversityDrexel UniversityDuquesne UniversityEastern Connecticut StateUniversityEckerd CollegeElizabethtown CollegeElmira CollegeElonEmbry Riddle AeronauticalInstituteEmerson CollegeEmmanuel CollegeEndicott CollegeFairfield UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyFordham UniversityFranciscan UniversityFranklin Pierce UniversityFurman UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGeorge Mason UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyUniversity of GeorgiaGettysburg CollegeGonzaga UniversityGreen Mountain CollegeHampshire CollegeUniversity of HartfordHartwickHaverford CollegeHigh Point UniversityHobart and William SmithCollegesHofstraCollege of the Holy CrossUniversity of IllinoisIndiana UniversityIona CollegeIthaca CollegeJacobs University BremenJames Madison UniversityJohn Carroll UniversityKeene State CollegeKing’s CollegeLafayette CollegeLaguna College of Art and DesignLaSalle UniversityLe Moyne CollegeLehigh UniversityLoyola Marymount UniversityLoyola University ChicagoLoyola University of MarylandMembers of the Fairfield PrepClass of 2011 were accepted atthese Colleges and UniversitiesLoyola University New OrleansLynchburg CollegeLyndon State CollegeUniversity of MaineManhattan CollegeManhattanvilleMarist CollegeMaritime College (SUNY)Marquette UniversityUniversity of MarylandUniversity of Massachusetts-AmherstUniversity of Massachusetts-BostonMassachusetts College ofPharmacyMassachusetts MaritimeAcademyMcDaniel CollegeMercy CollegeMerrimack CollegeMiami University - OhioUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MichiganMuhlenberg CollegeUniversity of New EnglandUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of New HavenNew York UniversityNiagara UniversityNichols CollegeNortheastern UniversityUniversity of Notre DameOhio UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityPace UniversityPeabody Institute of JohnsHopkins UniversityUniversity of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania State UniversityPepperdine UniversityPhiladelphia UniversityUniversity of PittsburghProvidence CollegePurdue UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityRegis CollegeRegis UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of RichmondRider UniversityRoanoke CollegeRochester Institute of TechnologyRocky Mountain College of Artand DesignRoger Williams UniversityRosemont CollegeRutgers UniversitySacred Heart UniversitySalisbury UniversitySalve Regina UniversityUniversity of San DiegoUniversity of San FranciscoSanta Clara UniversityUniversity of the Sciences inPhiladelphiaUniversity of ScrantonSeton Hall UniversitySiena CollegeSkidmore CollegeUniversity of South Carolinawww.fairfieldprep.orgSouthern Connecticut StateUniversityUniversity of South FloridaSouthern Methodist UniversitySpringfield CollegeSt. Anselm CollegeSt. Bonaventure UniversitySt. John’s UniversitySt. Joseph’s UniversitySt. Lawrence UniversitySt. Louis UniversitySt. Michael’s CollegeSt. Peter’s CollegeCollege of St. RoseSt. Thomas Aquinas CollegeStonehillSusquehanna UniversityTexas Christian UniversityTowson UniversityTrinity CollegeTrinity College, DublinTulane UniversityUnion CollegeUnited States Military AcademyUniversity of VermontUrsinusVaughn College of Aeronauticsand TechnologyVillanova UniversityUniversity of VirginiaVirginia Military InstituteWake Forest UniversityWaynesburg UniversityWesley CollegeWestern Connecticut StateUniversityWest Liberty UniversityWestern New England CollegeWest Virginia UniversityWheaton CollegeCollege of William and MaryCollege of WoosterWorcester Polytechnic InstituteXavier UniversityFairfield CollegePreparatory SchoolA Jesuit, Catholic School of Excellence

20June 2011SchoolsPat Ruane elected science council directorBy PAT HENNESSYRecognizing hereffective and energeticcontribution to scienceeducation, the NationalScience TeachersAssociation (NSTA) haselected Pat Ruane, thesixth-grade homeroomand middle school scienceteacher at SaintAugustine School inBridgeport, to serve ontheir council as the directorof District I.She will join educationprofessionals from across thecountry to advise and advocatequality science education.District I includes Connecticut,Massachusetts and RhodeIsland; Ruane’s term began onJune 1.“Mrs. Ruane’s achievementdemonstrates her professionalismand dedication to science“I KNOW! I KNOW!” Hands shoot into the air as Pat Ruane, science teacher at St. Augustine School in Bridgeport,asks sixth-graders, “How do they measure chemicals on Mars?” The next question, “Why do they do it?” shows theadded depth Ruane brings to science education. Her dedication to professional development for science teachers led toher election as director of District I for the National Science Teachers Association. (Photo by Pat Hennessy)education and professional developmentfor science teachers,”said Dr. Francis Eberle, NSTA’sCONGRATULATIONSTO T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 1BEST WISHES IN CHARTING THE COURSE OF YOUR FUTUREGreenwich Catholic School471 North Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830www.greenwichcatholicschool.org email: info@gcsct.orgexecutive director, in making theannouncement. NSTA is the largestscience education organizationin the world, committed topromoting excellence and innovationin science teaching andlearning.“Pat has always been active inscience organizations,” says MaryDaley, St. Augustine’s principal.“She has participated in NASAworkshops and has first-handknowledge of national standardsin science education.”Ruane holds her bachelor’sdegree from St. Joseph College inBrooklyn, NY, and her master’sfrom Sacred Heart University inFairfield. She had been namedvice-president of the ConnecticutScience Teachers Association(CSTA) in 2002, the first representativeof a Catholic schoolto hold this position. She laterbecame the organization’spresident. Over time, she becamemore involved in the nationalconference and chaired thearea conference of District I inHartford in 2005.State meetings and area conferencesgive teachers the latestinformation on data drivenresearch and best practices inteaching. “In order for us to havea science literate society in thisday and age, elementary schoolteachers need to be comfortablein teaching science,” Ruane says.“It can be intimidating at first,but we need to recognize the timeand place we live in.”As part of NSTA, her voicewill be heard at the state capitoland the nation’s capitol. A highlyrespected educational organization,NSTA has a voice in settingscience teaching standards for thenation. It offers workshops andconferences for science teachersat the elementary and high schoollevel and offers lesson plans forteachers working with studentsas young as the pre-kindergartenlevel. Among other issues, NSTAwill be looking at how urban/rural differences effect teaching,technology use in the classroomand professional development forteachers.“To do something well, youhave to train people well,” Ruanestresses. She will be using hervoice to emphasize the importanceof science literacy for allelementary teachers, not just scienceteachers, and the need forteachers from pre-kindergartenand upwards to integrate scienceinto every aspect of instruction.“If we don’t have that, we aregoing to lose the edge in our 21stcentury world,” Ruane says. n

June 201121ColumnsA Dad’s View from page 15enables us to love God in theway Christ loves the Father,” hesaid. “In this loving exchange weare opened to the experience thatwe are precious in God’s eyes.”The photograph, and Fr.Freeman’s words, got me thinking:How many times have Iapproached the body, soul, anddivinity of Christ in a state ofdistraction, without appropriatereverence, or with an impenitentheart? How many times have Ifailed to be mindful of the awesomepresence of the BlessedSacrament? How often haveI failed to open my heart tothe possibilities of this “lovingexchange”?Too many times, I’m ashamedto say. Far too many times.But the moment betweenthe boy and the Archbishophas given me a glimpse of whatI can do about it. The photohas helped me to understandwhat Jesus meant when hesaid, “Unless you change andbecome like children, you willnot enter the kingdom of heaven.Whoever humbles himself likethis child is the greatest in thekingdom of heaven. And whoeverreceives one child such asthis in my name receives me.”(Matthew 18:3-5)It never fails. Every time Ithink I have this tragic worldfigured out, something comesalong to wise me up. Every timeI give in to cynicism and despair,I remember that these innocentchildren are icons of God’s faceand vessels of His love.And then I remind myself: Thenews is not all bad.nA Women’s Viewfrom page 15but I truly believe the bluebirdhad been sent to them by theirdaughter in heaven to let themknow she was with them for thisbeautiful event.Many people have read VictorFrankl’s great book, Man’s Searchfor Meaning, telling of what helearned from his imprisonmentat Auschwitz in World War II.He speaks of his pain at beingseparated from his wife, who waskilled, yet felt “she was present,that she was with me. The feelingwas very strong that she wasthere. Then, at that very moment,a bird flew down silently andperched just in front of me, onthe heap of soil which I had dugup from the ditch, and lookedsteadily at me.” He indicates thatfor him, that bird was a messenger,helping him transcend hishopelessness.I personally had many amazingencounters with birds aftermy two beloved sons and mydaughter-in-law died. I wroteabout one of these amazing “visits”for Guideposts magazine andreceived many letters from peopleall over the country telling me oftheir own personal experiencesof being visited by birds after aloved one died. Each believedthat the birds were a sign fromGod that life goes on.Whether we believe, yes or no,that birds are spiritual messengers,we can all agree that beautifulbirds lift our spirits, and withEmily Dickenson, who wrote:“To hear an oriole singMay be a common thing –Or only a Divine.”n

22June 2011SportsPitching ace leads St. Joseph’s to playoffsBy JOE RYANThough St. Joseph’s HighSchool girls were not successfulin defense of their CIAC Class Mtitle, they returned a fine core ofplayers including a pitching duothat matched any staff in the statethroughout the regular season.Last year’s tournament MVP,Nikki Cote and Micki Keltos ledthe team to a 15-3 record in theFCIAC and 15-5 overall.Cote has a hearing impairmentbut it has never stopped her oreven really slowed her down. Shesaid the experience of winningtournament MVP last year wasalmost surreal because the seasongave her the championship experienceplus helped her relationshipwith Keltos change from arivalry to friendship.“It was amazing, I never hadthat type of experience before,”says Cote. “Just to become partof a championship softball team,I can’t even find the words toexplain it. Everything changedwhen coach Jeff Babineau cameand started playing me a lot more.”She was the number twopitcher and top reliever behindKeltos but she became her equalpartner this year. Babineau ishappy to have the problem oftwo very talented pitchers on thesquad when most teams struggleto find one. He admits that nextyear when both seniors are goneit will be a problem even findingone pitcher to replace them. Hesays that they have developeda mutual respect through theircompetition.“You usually use one pitcher,one you are comfortable with,”says Babineau. “Nikki Cotecame up big and was MVP ofthe championship. She came onand relieved and I called her ourMariano Rivera. But this yearMicki is coming off surgery andhas not been one hundred percentso Nikki has assumed that numberone role and really they areboth number ones.”Cote and Keltos had been competitivewith each other over playingtime but they have developeda respect for each other. Cotegives a lot of the credit to coachBabineau for the improvement intheir relationship.Athletic Director Jim Olayoshas stated before that it’s thequality of the people who participatein athletics which hasbrought the program success, andCote is a great example of theSOFTBALL pitcher Nikki Cote.Cadet athlete.“She’s a great pitcher, sheworks really hard,” says Olayos.“Nobody works harder, she’s agreat team mate and great kid toOur Lady of Fatima SchoolOur Lifetime Lady Value of – Fatima Lifelong SchoolValuesLifetime Value – Lifelong Values(Photo by Joe Ryan)have around. She’s always upbeatand keeps the team strong. ”Cote was born in Californiabut her parents Cheryl and Davidmoved to Shelton when she wasthree years old. She got involvedwith tee ball at the age of five andthen moved up into Little Leaguewhen she was eight. She advancedto her first travel team when sheturned 12 and as a freshmanjoined the Cadets.“It’s been amazing,” says Cote.“I had trouble with a teacher oncebecause he didn’t understand myhearing loss. I had him again thisyear and he understands and it’sbeen much better. Every teacherI have had has been supportive,especially my math teachers whohave been amazing.”Cote is involved in SpecialOlympics and is a ski instructorat Ski Sundown. She also participatesin clinics for young softballplayers. Cote admits to feelingsad as her days on the campusare coming to an end. She addsthat she is excited to be headingto college. She says her teachershave inspired her to want tobecome a physician’s assistantand she will attend BrandiesUniversity next fall and play softballthere as well.“It’s going to open up a newworld for me,” says Cote. “Theplace I live I know very well butnow I want to live by a big city(Boston) and see how that is.” nBoys Lacrossewins state title!Fr. Palmer, the faculty and staff congratulate theFr. Palmer, the faculty and staff congratulate theOur Lady of Fatima School – class of 2011Our Lady of Fatima School – class of 2011And look forward to their continued successOur AndLady lookof Fatima forwardSchool…an to theireducation continuedthat you can successhave faith in225 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 203.762.8100 www.olfcatholic.orgOur Lady of Fatima School…an education that you can have faith in225 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 203.762.8100 www.olfcatholic.orgThe St. Joseph boys lacrosse team defeated Joel Barlow, 6-5,on June 11 to win the 2011 CIAC Class S state championship.This is the second state title in boys lacrosse in the last threeyears. The Cadets won the Class S title in 2009 and finishedrunner-up in 2010, all under head coach Joe Izzo.SJ, the #12 seed, finishes the season with a 12-8 overallrecord. Barlow was the #3 seed and finishes with a 15-4 record.Brian Bacarella ‘12 scored the decisive goal with under fiveminutes to play in the final period. Goalie Matt Mohr ‘11 madethe score stand up with a save in the game’s final moments. n

June 201123ParishesHonoring “Mothers”of the ChurchThe traditional “May Crowning” in Stamford churches has takenon a new meaning with the naming of “Mothers of the Parish” as partof the annual Marion devotions sponsored by the Stamford districtCouncil of Catholic Women. This May, six parishes took part bychoosing one woman to be the parish Mother in a service held at St.Mary’s Church. The women honored for service and nurturing theirparish were Martha Panicicca of St. Mary’s, Maureen Carson of OurLady Star of the Sea, Rose Marie Bitetto of Sacred Heart, MagdaleneJeffers of St. Bridget of Ireland, Marghan Pendergast of St. Clement,and Teresa Augustyn of Holy Name of Jesus. Each of the womenreceived a Miraculous Medal, a certificate, and roses and celebratedwith family and friends at a reception after the service. Pastors whoparticipated in the event: Fr. Richard Futie of Sacred Heart; Msgr.Edward Surwilo of Our Lady Star of the Sea; Fr. Authur Mollenhauerof St. Mary; Fr. Eugeniusz Kotlinski, CM, of Holy Name of Jesus;and Fr. Joseph J. Malloy of St. Clement. (missing from photo; Fr. GillBabeu of St. Bridget of Ireland.)The late Fr. Robert Pholey was warmly remembered for revivingthe May Crowning service when he served as pastor of Sacred HeartParish in Stamford.nVilla Maria SchoolMaking Success a Reality forChildren with Learning Difficulties Since 1973 A language-based curriculum in grades K through 9 A professional faculty fully certified in special education 4:1 student-teacher ratiowww.villamariaedu.org161 Skymeadow Drive Stamford, CT 06903 203.322.5886DREs at National MeetingLH_2011GradAD_5.94x7:Layout 1 5/27/11 11:41 AM Page 1Congratulations Lauralton HallClass of 2011 on your college acceptances!Albertus Magnus CollegeAmerican UniversityAmherst CollegeAssumption CollegeBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBowdoin CollegeBrandeis UniversityBryant UniversityCalifornia State University,Los AngelesCentral ConnecticutState UniversityChapman UniversityClark UniversityCoastal Carolina UniversityColby-Sawyer CollegeCollege of CharlestonCollege of the Holy CrossConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityDelaware State UniversityDenison UniversityDeSales UniversityDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityEastern ConnecticutState UniversityElms CollegeEmbry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity - FLEmmanuel CollegeEndicott CollegeFairfield UniversityFairleigh Dickinson UniversityFordham UniversityFranklin Pierce UniversityDirectors of ReligiousEducation for the Dioceseof Bridgeport congratulateArchbishop Gregory Aymondof New Orleans for receivingthe 2011 Emmaus Award forExcellence in Catechesis. Theaward was conferred at therecent National Association ofParish Catechetical Directors(NPCD) Convocation held inNew Orleans during Easterweek. Pictured are (l-r) MaryAnn Houser, St. Gregory,Danbury; Jeanne Bisson, St.Thomas the Apostle, Norwalk;Mickie Abatemarco, St.Catherine of Siena, Riverside,vice-president of NPCD; andconvocation chairperson,Barbara Glynn, associate directorof the Department of ReligiousEducation at the NationalCatholic Education Association(NCEA) and president-emeritusof NPCD; Pat Postiglione, St.Peter, Danbury; ArchbishopAymond; Debbie Ruffin, St.Maurice, Stamford; Pat Heller,St. Joseph, Shelton; and BarbaraPekar, St. Lawrence, Shelton.George Mason UniversityGettysburg CollegeHamilton College - NYHigh Point UniversityHofstra UniversityHoward UniversityIona CollegeIthaca CollegeJohn Carroll UniversityJohn Jay College of CriminalJustice of the CUNYJohns Hopkins UniversityJohnson & Wales UniversityKeene State CollegeKing’s CollegeLa Salle UniversityLasell CollegeLe Moyne CollegeLoyola Marymount UniversityLoyola University ChicagoLoyola University MarylandLoyola University New OrleansManhattan CollegeManhattanville CollegeMarist CollegeMarymount Manhattan CollegeMerrimack CollegeMiami University, OxfordMorgan State UniversityMount Holyoke CollegeMount Saint Mary CollegeMount Saint Mary’s UniversityNew York UniversityNichols CollegeNorthwestern UniversityOur Lady of the Lake Universityof San AntonioPace University, New York CityPennsylvania State UniversityPepperdine UniversityProvidence CollegePurchase CollegeQuinnipiac UniversityRoanoke CollegeRoger Williams UniversityRoosevelt UniversityRutgers, The State University ofNew Jersey at New BrunswickSacred Heart UniversitySaint Anselm CollegeSaint Joseph’s UniversitySaint Louis UniversitySaint Michaels CollegeSalve Regina UniversitySan Diego State UniversitySiena CollegeSimmons CollegeSouthern ConnecticutState UniversitySpringfield CollegeSt. Andrews Presbyterian CollegeSt. Bonaventure UniversitySt. Edwards UniversitySt. John’s University - QueensStonehill CollegeSuffolk UniversityTexas Christian UniversityThe American Musical andDramatic AcademyThe Catholic University of AmericaThe George Washington UniversityThe Ohio State UniversityThe University of AlabamaThe University of ArizonaNot pictured are DorisChiappetta, St. Philip, Norwalk;and Colleen Holler, St.Catherine of Siena, Trumbull.The convocation calls religiouseducators together from aroundthe country to share faith, spirituality,and community whilediscussing practices and trendsin catechesis.nThe University of ScrantonThomas CollegeTiffin UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of BridgeportUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of MusicUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of DaytonUniversity of DelawareUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Massachusetts,AmherstUniversity of MichiganUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of New HavenUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of RichmondUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of Western OntarioVillanova UniversityVirginia Wesleyan CollegeWagner CollegeWellesley CollegeWestern ConnecticutState UniversityWestern New England CollegeWheaton College MAWheelock CollegeWorcester Polytechnic InstituteXavier UniversityYork College of PennsylvaniaYork University200 High Street | Milford, CT 06460 | tel: 203.877.2786 | www.lauraltonhall.org

26June 2011SchoolsSTEM challenges students at year’s closeBy PAT HENNESSYDo kids look forwardto the last day of school?You bet, but kids inelementary schools in theDiocese of Bridgeporthave reason to look forwardto the last week ofschool this year.“Our Catholic schools don’tstand still,” says Dr. MargaretDames, superintendent of schoolsfor the diocese. “We tell parents,‘Your child is going to become alifelong learner because they’regoing to love learning.”Stressing the energy of ourCatholic schools, Dr. Damesannounced that, this year, studentsin every grade will enjoy aweek exploration of the STEMprocess at the end of the schoolyear. STEM stands for the integrationScience, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics,but the program goes far beyondthat. “It’s the incorporation ofthe principles of science andengineering with creativity andproblem solving,” explains Dr.Dames. “Kids love it.”It’s easy to see why. Diocesanteachers chose the theme “Healthand Summer Safety,” for theweek-long project. That could beboring. But ask a bunch of fifthgradersto use their skills to designand build a jelly bean dispenserand the fun begins. They can onlyuse inexpensive items found athome or in the classroom. Nowadd the kicker – it can only dispenseone jelly bean at a time.“The teacher doesn’t givethem an answer. There isn’t anyone single answer,” says DianeTung, director of instructionaltechnology for the Office forEducation. “The students collaborateand come up with a solution.”Team that up with informationon nutrition and studentsare launched into summer withan attitude of healthy snacking.The Office for Education hasbeen building up to this point overthe last several years, beginningwith a STEM “Infusion Team”formed in 2008. After training,holding meetings with teachers,and running summer programs,➤ continued on page 27BRIDGEPORT – St. Vincent’shonored Jane and Rich Barbieri ofFairfield as its 2011 Volunteers ofthe Year at the Annual RecognitionBrunch held at the Medical Centerlast month. President/CEO SusanL. Davis, RN, EdD, of Eastonand Foundation The couple areparishioners of St. Pius X Parish inFairfield.More than 150 volunteers, markingservice anniversaries rangingfrom 100 to 10,000 hours receivedtheir pins. In total, 350 volunteersdonated more than 50,000 hoursduring the past year, and servedthe Medical Center well in manydepartments.AS THEY STUDIED GEOMETRIC SHAPES, sixth-graders at GreenwichCatholic School learned blend of art and math and experimented to solve structuralproblems. Pictured: Sampson Phillips describes his “Trojan Horse” projectto Jonathon James, Conrad Moss and Connor Furio. (Photo by Cheryl Moss)St. Vincent’s volunteers of yearVOLUNTEERS – Jane and Rich Barbieri (center) of Fairfield, namedSt. Vincent’s Volunteers of the Year for 2011 at the annual RecognitionBrunch, receive the congratulations of Director of Volunteers CarolKuhta (l), and President/CEO Susan L. Davis, RN, EdD. The coupleare parishioners of St. Pius X Parish in Fairfield.The presentation of the Joseph A. Palmer Award for Volunteer of the Year to the Barbieris byDirector of Volunteers Carol Kuhta of Fairfield highlighted the event. A nine-year volunteer veteran,Rich has given 3,345 hours. Carol Kuhta described him as “always there, steady, patient, constant anddependable, helping patients in Short Stay get settled or wheeling them through the lobby to their cars,always with a smile. He is a fine representative of who and what we are at St. Vincent’s.”Jane, who has volunteered for seven years and donated more than 2600 hours, is the friendly faceyou see at the front Information Desk on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “Jane’s lovely demeanor and abilityto deal with the public can be noticed every time she is at the desk, always keeping her cool and gettingthe job done despite any challenges that present themselves.”n

June 201127SchoolsVals and Sals from page 25Newtown, is one of FairfieldPrep’s most prominent scholarsand athletes. A National MeritFinalist and a peer tutor throughthe National Honor Society, hehelped lead the lacrosse team toleague and state championshipgames. He was named an SCCScholar-Athlete last season. Hewill continue his lacrosse careerat Amherst College in the fall.Andrew Passarelli is a memberof the Spanish Honor Society andNational Honor Society. He wasactive in the peer tutor program,has been an editor and contributorto Prep’s literary magazineand a varsity swimmer at Prep.He was an active member of theCampus Ministry Board and afreshman retreat leader. An EagleScout, he has worked in theAppalachia summer immersionprogram. Andrew is a member ofSt. Mary’s Parish of Ridgefield,and will attend GeorgetownUniversity in the fall.“Connor is an open minded,thoughtful, sincere young man,”says Dr. Robert Perrotta, Prep’sprincipal. “The commitmentAndrew has made to athletics,service and extracurriculars whileFAIRFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL – Connor Byrne; Andrew PassarelliLAURALTON HALL, MILFORD –Danielle Sekerak, valedictorianmaintaining an outstanding academicrecord speaks of his dedicationto growth in the broadestsense. They both more than fulfillthe goals which we set at Prep.”Lauralton Hall, MilfordGraduation for 89 youngwomen took place at Our Lady ofMercy Academy, Lauralton Hall,on June 5. This year there were434 students at Lauralton.Valedictorian DanielleSekerak comes from St. JudeParish in Monroe. A Scholar-Athlete and member of theNational Honor Society andSpanish Honor Society, Daniellewas president of the HumanitiesClub and active in the Key Club,Science Club and ShakespeareClub. She has been a member ofthe soccer and basketball teams,and was named Most ValuablePlayer by the SouthwestConference in both indoor andoutdoor track. Danielle is alector at St. Jude’s, where shehas assisted in the VacationBible School, the BasketballTournament and St. Jude’sItalian Festival. She will attendVillanova in the fall where sheintends to major in English.“Danielle is simply the crèmede la crème – not just academically,but in everything she hasgiven to our school community asa leader, helper, friend and rolemodel,” said Lauralton PrincipalAnn Pratson.Lauralton’s salutatorian,Rebecca Napolitano, is a memberof St. Stephen Parish in Hamden.Sacred Heart Academy,HamdenOne hundred fifteen graduatesattended commencement exerciseson May 28 at Sacred HeartAcademy in Hamden. The schoolcurrently has 500 students.Sacred Heart Academyvaledictorian Amanda Kelly,a member of St. Catherine ofMcCauley AwardAida-Cristina Cruz,a member of St. GeorgeParish in Bridgeport, hasbeen named this year’sCatherine McAuley Awardwinner at Lauralton Hall.She was a member of theNational Honor Society,the Spanish National HonorSociety, EnvironmentalClub, Spanish Club, LHCares, and the HumanitiesClub, and helped with theschool’s Science Olympics.She was active in soccer,softball, indoor track, andis an apprentice black beltAida-Cristina Cruzin karate. At Saint Georgeshe taught religion to secondgraders and spent a year assisting in the parish’s SpecialEducation classroom. Aida-Cristina will attend ProvidenceCollege in the fall.“Many of our younger students have looked to her as theideal of what they can achieve,” says Principal Pratson.SACRED HEART ACADEMY –Amanda Kelly, valedictorianSiena Parish in Trumbull, will beattending Brown University thisfall with plans to study biologyor chemistry. A member of theNational Honor Society and boththe French and Latin NationalSTEM from page 26Honor Societies, she co-foundedand served as vice-president ofSacred Heart’s inaugural chapterof Mu Alpha Theta, the NationalMathematics Honor Society. Shewas president of the Key Club,and was on the school’s basketballteam. Amanda was an internin the Discovery to Cure Programat Yale University Departmentof Obstetrics, Gynecology andReproductive Services as a pharmaceuticallaboratory intern.“Amanda has taken on thechallenge of the most rigorouscourses offered at Sacred HeartAcademy across all disciplines andhas shown a particular interest inscience over the years both in andout of the classroom,” says guidancecounselor Patrick McAllister.Their salutatorian isAlexandra Rallo, of Grace andSt. Peter’s Parish in Hamden. Shewill attend Georgetown Universityin the fall.nthey began a pilot program in nine diocesan elementary schoolsfor grades six through eight during the 2009-10 school year.“Originally it was a stand-alone piece, interwoven with scienceand math, using the 21st century skills of collaboration,teamwork and problem solving,” says Tung. “Now it goesacross all instructionalareas.Instead of STEM,we could call it‘Stream.’”In February,teachers pickedthis year’s theme,and a Marchworkshop helpedto “train thetrainer,” withteachers of eachschool looking athow the STEMweek would workfor them. “Theyhad to question,‘How does thisplay out in thereligion course?In the mathcourse?’” saysTung. “The teachersthemselves MARIAH BROWN DISPLAYS her flowerpot and flowers. Students at all diocesanhad to brainstormschools will enjoy a week exploration of theand collaborate in STEM process at the end of the school year.groups to come up(Photo by Cheryl Moss)with a plan. It’s adifferent way oflearning – and a new way of teaching.”Calling for critical thinking, imagination and decision making,the STEM process encourages prepares students for thechallenges of a rapidly changing world. And for the last week ofschool, it’s a lot more fun than just cleaning out desks. n

June 201129Book ReviewWhy Stay Catholic? by Michael LeachBy MARYANNE ROCHEMichael Leach, author of WhyStay Catholic? Unexpected Answersto a Life Changing Question, fromLoyola Press, wrote this book inresponse to two troubling facts.First, a large number of stillpracticing cradle Catholics weredismayed by the sexual abusescandals and are still strugglingto understand how this happenedin their Church and, second, thedistressing fact that ex-Catholicsmake up the fastest growing religionin America. He hopes thatby addressing the good stuff ofCatholicism, what he terms the“beef,” this book will encouragepeople NOT to throw the babyNEIL F. HARDINGDirector/OwnerHardingF U N E R A L H O M E203/227-3458FAX 203/227-1420210 POST ROAD EASTWESTPORT, CT 06881out with the bathwater, because“the baby is precious, it’s real, itnever grows old, can still give youjoy, peace and assurance, and it’snot dependent on people.”Michael Leach, an activemember of St. Catherine of SienaParish in Riverside, is publisheremeritus and editor-at-large ofOrbis Books and has been aleader in Catholic publishing forthirty years.His prose is deftly written andsparkling, warm and often verywitty. He states that Catholicwith a big “C” is at its best whenit is catholic with a little “c,” celebratingdifferences and welcomingall.In the first portion of WhyFUNERAL GUIDE“Quiet Dignity Without Extravagance”Affordable Direct CremationTitle XIX WelcomeZ Family owned for three generationsZ Call for free informative brochureZ 203-254-1414 or 800-542-0218Stay Catholic, “Ideas,” the authoraddresses the Church’s depositof faith: the beliefs and practicesdeposited by men and women inCatholic consciousness for thepast two thousand years. “It’s anopen vault so large and deep thatno one can withdraw all of itsriches in a thousand lifetimes,”he writes.And what riches Leach presentsto the reader! He tells of thedeep thinking of such well-knownscholars as St. Bonaventure, mysticand Doctor of the Church,and draws on the exquisite lyricalpoetry of such masters as GerardManley Hopkins and FrancisThompson to illuminate the‘good stuff’ of Catholicism. WhatPre-need Funeral PlanningMatthew K. Murphy,Funeral Director267 Greenwich AvenueGreenwich, CT 06830203-869-0315Z Handling every detailZ In home arrangementsZ Memorial service facilityCollinsFuneral Home92 East Avenue • Norwalk866-0747William A. Skidd William G. Lahey, Jr.William R. Kelley William P. SkiddAndrew D. SkiddFamily owned for four generationsHopkins called “thedearest freshnessdeep down things,”Fr. Teilhard deChardin, S.J., called“the chosen part ofthings” – the thingsthat last because theyare truly spiritual.My favorite chapterin the “Ideas”section is “A Gardenof Spiritual Paths.”Leach tells of themany Catholicswho busily feed thekids, go to work,eat out with friends,and yet are deeplycommitted to spendingtime in this gardenwhere they walkits varied spiritualpaths, sometimes byteaching religiouseducation, bringingcommunion and themilk of human kindness to thesick or perhaps simply following apath of spirituality on their own.In the second part of the book,“People,” the author writes withheartfelt admiration of such wellknown personages as MotherTeresa and the late JosephCardinal Bernadin, and relatesabsorbing tales from the lives ofsuch well-known Catholics asDorothy Day, activist and founderof The Catholic Worker andAndrew Greely, priest and authorof popular novels.The most compelling peoplestories, though, are those ofunsung but remarkable peoplewhose great personal faith anddedication have so touched thelives of others. Leach’s story ofhis beloved wife’s strength andhumor in facing Alzheimer’sdisease is unforgettable. “I’m stillCatholic,” Leach writes, “becausethe Church has a consistent ethicof life. The seamless garment isnot always comfortable but it fitsall sizes.”In the last section, “Places,”Leach writes of great Catholicorganizations that change theworld. Most are simply groupsthat “challenge each other to goforth and transform the worldinto a holier, peaceful and morejust place to live”. Read eachchapter and be comforted that theChurch is alive and well in thehearts of the faithful!My favorite was his tellingof the history and current missionof Old St. Patrick’s parish inChicago. It was built in the 1840sby Irish immigrants and survivedthe Chicago fire when the firetook a detour and missed it bytwo blocks. This parish practicestrue Christian hospitality whereeveryone is welcome and invitedto participate. “We are a mysteryreligion,” one parishioner toldLeach, “a people of faith whobelieve in an Imminent, intimate,loving God.” In this dynamicparish, one thousand lay peoplein more than ninety ministriesserve more than twelve thousandpeople each year.The author ends this sectionwith a quote from Teilhard deChardin, “Someday, after masteringthe winds, the waves, thetides and gravity, we shall harnessfor God the energies of love,and then, for the second time inthe history of the world, man willhave discovered fire!”This is a most human book,informative, provocative, humorousand very readable. For thoseof us cradle Catholics who maysometimes feel discouraged inthis challenging, increasinglysecular world, reading Why StayCatholic? gives hope that we mayindeed manage, as members ofthis amazing mystical body, tofight the good fight, finish therace, keep the faith.n

30June 2011Nuestra VozPrograma de RICA enriquese a parroquiaPor SONIA BURNS“Me di cuenta que asistir ala Santa Misa y no poder participarcon los sacramentos escomo estar a medias”, dice elmexicano Raúl González, feligrésde la Parroquia de San Joséen Norwalk. El Señor Gonzálezfue uno de los candidatos queparticipó en el Rito de Elecciónel pasado 13 de marzo en laParroquia de Santa Teresa enTrumbull. Más de 600 personaspresenciaron a 230 feligreses de42 parroquias de la Diócesis deBridgeport quienes fueron recibidasindividualmente por el SeñorObispo William E. Lori duranteel Rito de Iniciación Cristiana deAdultos, conocido como RICA.El primer domingo deCuaresma es dedicado alrededordel mundo como un día especialpara aquellas personas que se hanpreparado para recibir los sacramentosde iniciación, la PrimeraComunión y la Confirmación,durante la Vigilia de Pascua ensus parroquias respectivas.San José es una de las parroquiasde la diócesis donde elprograma de RICA está muybien establecido bajo la direcciónde su párroco, el Padre GilbertD’Souza, quien prepara a lacomunidad hispana; el DiáconoWilliam O. Murphy a la comunidadde habla inglés; y el PadreG. Frantz Desruisseaux, quiense encarga de la comunidad haitiana.El programa de Rito deIniciación Cristiana para Adultosde la parroquia es organizado yeficaz, permitiéndoles este añotener 19 Candidatos y cincoCatecúmenos.Los Catecúmenos, tambiénllamados “Los elegidos” despuésdel Rito de Elección, recibieronlos sacramentos del Bautismo,Saint Mary’s Church“The Mother Church of Norwalk” | 669 West Ave., Norwalk | Est. 1848 | www.stmarynorwalk.net | 203.866.5546Pastor: Fr. Greg J. MarkeyParochial Vicar: Fr. Richard G. CipollaIn Residence: Fr. Paul N. Check, Director of Courage“SENTÍ ALGO HERMOSO CUANDO recibí el agua del bautismo y la bendición”, dice la Catecúmena Linda Feican,feligrés de San José en Norwalk, quien recibió las sacramentos de iniciación durante la Vigilia de Pascua. “Como adultosya estamos conscientes de lo que estamos recibiendo”.“I FELT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL when I received the water of baptism,” says Catechumen Linda Feican, whoreceived the sacraments of initiation at St. Joseph Parish in Norwalk this Easter. The parish, which unites English,Spanish, and Creole speaking parishioners, has a strong RCIA program. Once they have been received into the Church,the converts become active parishioners and evangelizers.Deacon Stephan GenoveseChoirmaster: David J. HughesConfessions: Monday-Friday: 11:30-12noon; Wednesday: 6:30-6:50pm; Saturday 3:00-4:30pmSunday Masses: 8:00am, 9:30am Extraordinary Form Solemn High Mass,11:30am Ordinary Form High Mass, 1:15pm in SpanishMusic for the 9:30am Sunday Solemn High Latin MassJune 26: Corpus Christi (external solemnity) Solemn Mass & Eucharistic processionThe St. Mary’s Schola Cantorum, Choir, and Student Schola Missa Lauda Sion (Palestrina)Motets of Byrd, Mozart, and Saint-Saëns, Organ music of Messiaen and LanglaisJuly 3: The Third Sunday after Pentecost Mass movements of Gherardelloand Lorenzo Motets of Morales, Organ music of Titelouze and FrescobaldiJuly 10: The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae (Josquin)Motets of Palestrina and Gesualdo, Organ music of BachJuly 17: The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Missa Laudate Deum (Willaert)Motets of Lassus and Anerio, Organ music of WaltherJuly 24: The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Missa de Beata Maria (Hughes)Motet of Palestrina, Organ music of Tournemire and MessiaenSaint Mary’s Bookstore 203.854.9013Offering a wide selection of books, crucifixes, rosaries, sacramentals from Italyand the Holy Land, First Communion and Confirmation gifts, and more.SUMMER HOURS ( June 1- Sept. 1): Saturday 10-2pm | Sunday 11-1pm | Tuesday - Thursday 12:30-1:30pmLocated in Parish Center building behind Saint Mary Church | VISA/MC ACCEPTEDConfirmación, y PrimeraComunión. Los Candidatos,quienes ya habían sido bautizados,recibieron los sacramentosde Confirmación y de PrimeraComunión. También durantela Cuaresma los Candidatosrecibieron el Sacramento deReconciliación por primera vez.Para la Catecúmena LindaFeican quien con su hermanaAndrea Torres, ambas ecuatorianas,recibieron los sacramentosdurante esa fecha memorable, elcrédito de su acercamiento a lareligión católica y su deseo de conversiónse lo atribuyen al PadreD’Souza, quien con su carismade un Buen Pastor les presentó lareligión de una forma más clarapara su comprensión. “Sentí algohermoso cuando recibí el aguadel bautismo y la bendición”, dicela Señora Feican “Como adultosya estamos conscientes de lo queestamos recibiendo”.El acercamiento a la Iglesiapara la Señora Dora Erazo y suesposo Mauro se le debe a sushijos, quienes querían ser monaguillosen la parroquia. Al verel acercamiento de sus hijos poraños en la iglesia, les iluminóa la pareja el querer recibir laSagrada Comunión con sus hijos,y el camino a la preparación paracompletar con los sacramentosque los faltaban para estarcompletos como ellos lo presentan.“Tenía unas ansias de podercomulgar, y pensé que algún día lolograse”, dice la Señora Erazo. Lapareja admite que el programa losenriqueció mucho en la fe, y unavez con los sacramentos requeridosdecidieron agregar uno más asus vidas al contraer matrimoniopor la Iglesia un mes después decompletar RICA. “Nuestros hijosfueron nuestros padrinos”.La Parroquia de San José estrilingüe, llena de fe y llena defeligreses jóvenes que compartensu tiempo con Dios, no solo losdomingos sino durante la semana.El Padre D’Souza ha unidoa la parroquia para que todosdisfruten del servicio religiosode una misma manera. En unaparroquia unida como la de SanJosé, los resultados beneficiana sus feligreses. La unión de losdos coros de inglés y español hahecho que los esfuerzos de ambosgrupos se disfruten mejor ya quees compartido por más gente.Para la parroquia es importanteconocer a las personas quela visitan, y los invitan a inscribirseen la familia parroquial paraque se amen y se apoyen mutuamente,no solo en lo religiososino también en las necesidadesfamiliares y personales del feligrés.La parroquia cuenta con ungrupo de voluntarios disponiblespara registrar a los feligresesdespués de la misa, ya que es asícomo se conocen los que visitana la iglesia regularmente. Losvoluntarios han sido entrenadospara llenar los formularios deregistración, ya que es póliza delConsejo Parroquial, junto con elPadre D’Souza, de no inscribir afeligreses por otros medios.El Padre Jaime Marín a su llegadaa la parroquia se ha enfocadoa la preparación de la familiapastoral, y también a la registraciónmensual de los feligresesdespués de la misa de mediodíacon un buen resultado.La preparación del programade RICA, según María JuliaSerrano, voluntaria de catecismoy del programa de IniciaciónCristiana, atrae a los feligresesespecialmente aquellos quedesean contraer matrimonio porla iglesia y necesitan completarlos sacramentos. Una vez adquiridolos sacramentos se conviertenen mejores practicantes y mejoresfeligreses que después se conviertenen evangelizadores de laparroquia.n

June 201131ArtsSPAG holds spring showBy KAREN KOVACSDYDZUHNBringing together the artwork of St. Philip Artists Guild(SPAG) and artists who haveinfluenced them is the focus ofa new exhibit called “AssortedPairs: SPAG Artists and TheirPeers, Mentors and Friends.”Various mediums and sculptureare on display at the ManiceLockwood Mansion at St. PhilipParish in Norwalk through theend of June.“Assorted Pairs gives greatevidence to the inter-connectivityand intra-dependency of artists,media, interpretations but mostof all to the harmony of stylesand designs,” says Fr. MichaelBoccaccio, pastor of St. Philip’s.Deacon Frank Chiappetta,a deacon at the parish and aniconographer. He has paired forthe show with Brother MickeyO’Neill McGrath, an Oblate ofSt. Frances de Sales, who createsbeautiful religious art.Deacon Chiappetta hasexquisite icons in the AssortedPairs show, including Mary andThe Child, the Head of Jesus,and St. Michael, which he createdin honor of Father MichaelBoccaccio’s 40th anniversary inthe priesthood. Fr. Boccacciocelebrated this milestone occasionon May 15.Deacon Chiappetta points outthat even though he and BrotherMickey contributed artwork thathad an obvious spiritual bent, hisfellow artists all “have a spiritualdimension to themselves, if nottheir art.”Using pencil, paints and printmaking,SPAG artist DuvianMontoya created a series called“Signs of the Times” that reflectabandoned buildings that are thedirect result of the recession. Hislove and compassion is pervasivethrough the darker images thateventually give way to brighter,more hopeful scenes.Montoya says, “I see all of thehurt and pain of the people whohad to leave these buildings, but Ialso saw a lot of potential and allof their hopes and dreams.”The series was inspired asMontoya walked around FairfieldCounty and places in Florida, astate that Montoya says was hithard with foreclosures. “I believethat every building will find itsown home again,” he says.Like many of the participatingartists, Montoya is a parishionerat St. Philip’s. In fact, artist DickRamsey, who was invited byThe Sooner. The Better.Emergency Care in Minutes.At St. Vincent’s, the majority of ourpatients are seen within 30 minutesin our new state-of-the-art EmergencyRoom. We know patients want andneed to be treated as soon as possible.In the last year, we’ve placed doctorsand nurses right in the waiting room toimmediately assess the patient’s condition.We approach each visit with the senseof urgency it deserves.Learn more at stvincents.orgSPAG member Tony Mobiliato participate in Assorted Pairsshow, continues to worship atthe Norwalk parish, even thoughhe now resides in Stamford. As aphotographer, Ramsey often setsup photo shoots on the water.Mobilia recalls that the two initiallymet while sitting on variouswater-related commissions andorganizations based in Norwalk.Celebrating the beauty of God’suniverse through their artwork,both artists have water-relatedimages on display.nSTV110-ED-FairfieldCath-v2.indd 13/23/11 9:57:08 AM

32June 2011ColumnBitter-Sweet anniversaryOn June 29 this yearthe parish of St. JohnMarie Vianney inChiclayo in the northernpart of Peru will celebrate the25th Anniversary of the deathof Msgr. John Tomis, a priestoriginally from this diocese whowas one of the founders of thediocesan mission there. They arereally planning a big celebration!One would ordinarily think thatan anniversary of death wouldtake on a somber tone and besomewhat subdued. Yet once youunderstand the reasoning behindthis grandiose celebration you willalso enter this festive spirit, as I do,with pride and an uplifted heart.Having worked in Peru asa missionary for more than 16years, I feel an almost compulsoryneed to revisit my “oldGuest ColumnistBy Fr. Frederick SavianoFr. Saviano is diocesan directorfor the Propagation of the Faith.stomping grounds” and the manypeople I had the privilege of servingin those years, those whohave grown up, and their children.I feel I have become a partof their families.I never worked in theNorthern Provinces of Peru. My“turf” in the Lord’s Vineyardtook me to the southern Andeanregion of the country. Of course,in a rudimentary sense, I knewof the mission experience of theDiocese of Bridgeport. It wasonly after accepting the assignmentgiven to me by BishopWilliam E. Lori to be the diocesandirector of the Office for thePropagation of the Faith ( for lackof better wording : the “MissionOffice”), that I was able to delveinto the experience of these menby transcribing the Memoirs ofMsgr. John Horgan-Kung, whichare now in the diocesan archives.This was how I came to realizehow enthusiastically they took onthe challenges and difficulties ofenculturation and pastoral laborsamong the native peoples ofnorthern Peru.I have never seen the writingsof Msgr. John Tomis, but I havelearned of his work as recorded inMsgr. Horgan-Kung’s memoirs.According to Msgr. Horgan-Kung, Msgr. Tomis-Stack (Stackis the maternal last name, always“tacked on” to the IDs of SouthAmericans) never said “no” toanything that was requested ofhim in the line of service to God’speople. He was always the first tovolunteer his services to go intothe “outback” on horseback forhours to reach distant chapels andcommunities. He would spendtireless hours hearing confessionsand baptizing children and witnessingmarriages on these manytrips to reach people who hardlyever had a priest visit them.Later on in the mission experiencehe was given the pastorate ofa new parish in Chiclayo whichhe dedicated to St. John MarieVianney (Patron of Priests). Hebegan to build the church fromscratch, so to speak, and proudlysaw its completion. That wasmany years ago. The churchbuilding has since been replacedwith a more sturdy and permanentbuilding, with a parish complexfor health services and educationwhich Msgr. Tomis could onlydream of in those days.“He would spendtireless hours hearingconfessions andbaptizing childrenand witnessingmarriages on thesemany trips to reachpeople who hardlyever had a priest .”Yet Msgr. Tomis’s demisedid not end his presence amongthe people. His spirit still liveson. In fact, his work and lifehave become legendary amongthe people of Chiclayo. Whenhe died, Bishop Walter W.Curtis, then second Shepherd ofBridgeport, wanted to repatriatehis remains to the United Satesbut the faithful replied that theywould not permit the bishop toremove him from the tomb theyhad erected for him in front of theparish church. You see, to them,Msgr.Tomis-Stack had becomea saintly witness to Christ. SoBishop Curtis acquiesced. Hisremains have become a shrine tohis life and witness of Christianlove and service.I think, now, you are beginningto see that the 25th anniversaryof his demise is the real celebratoryoccasion of one who hadbecome incarnated in the peoplehe had served.As the fourth Bishop ofBridgeport, Bishop Lori has beeninvited as guest of honor at thecelebration of Msgr. Juan Tomis-Stack’s life. He has advised methat he cannot be there personallyand has asked me to be his representative.Of course, I considerthis a most cherished privilege.I shall be there with all the pridethat I can muster up to representour bishop and our diocese on theoccasion of this wonderful showof gratitude from the people whoreceived the Word of the Gospelthrough the labors of this man ofGod from our diocese. n• NewspapersWe are the proud printers of theFairfield County Catholic for the past 20 years.• Publications• ShoppersDo you know that a nationally recognizedASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITYis located in your backyard?CROSBY COMMONS at Wesley Village is the proud recipient of theAssisted Living Federation of America’s 2010 “Best of the Best” AwardIf you or a loved one is looking for award-winning services,a convenient location, and the financial safety net offered to residentsat our community - Crosby Commons has it all.Call Lois Poutney today at (203) 225-5000.www.wesleyvillage-ct.org • 580 Long Hill Avenue • Shelton, CT(Located off Exit 53 of the Merritt Parkway or Exit 13 of Route 8)EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY• Catalogs• Magazines• Directories• Coupon Books• College CourseCatalogs• Business & FinancialPeriodicals• Free StandingInserts• AdvertisingSupplements205 Spring Hill Road, Trumbull CT 06611203.261.2548www.trumbullprinting.comCall us for a free quote.

June 201133ColumnSt. Bonaventure, Seraphic DoctorTowards the end of his life,St. Bonaventure wrotethe definitive biographyof St. Francis of Assisi,and in the preface he wrote,“I should fear that I should beaccused of criminal ingratitude ifI neglected to publish the praisesof him, to whom I acknowledgethat I owe the life of my body andmy soul.” This future saint wasreferring to how when he was justa baby, St. Francis miraculouslysaved his life.St. Bonaventure was borninto a noble family in 1221 inBagnoregio in Central Italy, andwas baptized with the name ofJohn. The baby was sufferingfrom a mortal illness and the doctorsassured the parents, John andMary, that no cure was possible.Having heard of the miraclesperformed by the poor mendicantfrom Assisi, Mary brought thesick baby and presented him toSt. Francis, promising that if thebaby was healed, she would givehim to the Franciscan order.The holy man prayed forbaby John and obtained thecure. St. Francis then cried outin Italian, “O buona ventura!” (Ohow fortunate!). This is how Johnreceived the name Bonaventure.St. Francis then prophesied thatthe child would be come a greatlight not only to the Franciscanorder, but also to the Church. St.Francis died before Bonaventureever got a chance to know him,but St. Francis’ prophecy cameto fruition, as St. Bonaventurewould become one of the brightestlights of the Franciscan order.As a young man, John went toFrance to study at the Universityof Paris. There he encounteredAlexander of Hales, one of themost famous professors at thattime, who had recently become aFranciscan. Bonaventure enteredthe Franciscan order in 1243, fulfillingthe promise his mother hadThe Communionof SaintsBy Fr. Greg J. MarkeyFr. Markey is pastor of St. MaryParish in Norwalk.made when he was a sickly baby.His innocence and joy was soapparent that Alexander of Haleswas later to say of his formerstudent, “He seemed not to havesinned in Adam.”St. Bonaventure taught at theUniversity of Paris, which wasperhaps the greatest center of learningin Europe at that time, from1248 to 1257. Here, Bonaventurewould interact some of the mostinfluential minds in the history ofthe world, such as St. Albert theGreat and St. Thomas Aquinas,and produce a magnificent array ofscholarly works.St. Bonaventure’s approachto theology was the inspired bya Franciscan spirituality thatavoided a factual, encyclopedicapproach to the world. A rose,for St. Bonaventure, was alwaysmore than a rose in that it communicateda richer story of reality.He was a sublime mystic whomastered the medieval scholasticapproach to metaphysics; he wasable to explain Scripture, philosophyand theology with teachingsthat were sure, solid, exact anddevout. His inspired writingsearned him the title “Seraphicdoctor” after his mentor, St.Francis, who was pierced withstigmata by a seraph.St. Bonaventure waselected the head of the orderof Franciscans in 1257 at age35 and now had to bear theheavy burden of administeringa large, growing order of men.Furthermore, there were seriousproblems in the order. WhenSt. Francis died in 1226, theorder grew disorganized, andfactions arose calling for variousdegrees of poverty. In fact,St. Bonaventure’s predecessor asMinister of the Order, Fr. Johnof Parma, was asked to resign bySAINTLYLIVESPope Alexander IV due to whathe viewed as dangerous spiritualexcesses. St. Bonaventure heldthe office of Minister of the Orderfor 18 years and brought muchneeded order and discipline totheir life. For this, he is sometimesreferred to as “the secondfounder” of the Franciscans.In 1259 St. Bonaventure travelledto Mount La Verna, whereSt. Francis has received thestigmata, for prayer and reflection.Afterwards he wrote one ofthe great mystical works of theMiddle Ages, The Journey ofthe Soul to God. The followingyear he would begin the LegendaMaior, the definitive spiritualbiography of St. Francis. Whenhe was writing this latter work,St. Thomas Aquinas passed by tovisit his holy Franciscan friend,but seeing him through the doorof his cell in contemplation decidedto leave, commenting, “Let usleave a saint to work for a saint.”In 1273, St. Bonaventurereceived the news that he wasmade a cardinal of the Church,and should prepare to attend theEcumenical Council of Lyon inBY ED WALDRON1274. When the papal delegatearrived to present him with thered cardinal hat, St. Bonaventurewas washing the dishes in the friary.He asked them to leave cardinal’shat hanging on the boughof a tree until he could clean➤ continued on page 35

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LarryCarew; and Mon., Jul. 11, at7:30 p.m. at Christ the King withFr. Carew. For more information,call 203.268.8253.SLOVAK ALLIANCE OFGREATER BRIDGEPORTwill hold its general membershipmeeting and awarding ofscholarship on Mon., Jun. 20,at 7 p.m. at Holy Name of JesusParish meeting room, Stratford.For more information, callGeorge or Martha Suychak:203.377.1874.CATHOLIC WIDOW ANDWIDOWER CLUB meets at St.Michael Parish, Greenwich, thethird Tues. of the month (Jun.21) at 7 p.m. to celebrate Massfor deceased spouses, followed bya brief meeting and coffee gathering.For more information, callAnn: 203.325.3128.DIABETES SUPPORTGROUP at St. Vincent’s MedicalCenter meets the fourth Wed. ofthe month (Jun. 22). Share tipswith other people with diabetesto overcome challenges andfrustration. No cost. For moreinformation or to register, pleasecontact Kristi Young at Animas:877.937.7867 ext. 1790 or kyoung1@its.jnj.comFREE AND LOW-COSTMAMMOGRAPHY will beoffered through St. Vincent’sSWIM Women’s Imaging Centerfor women age 35 and older onSat., Jun. 25, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.at Emmanuel Baptist Church,258 Harriet Street, Bridgeport.Mammograms are free for thosewho do not have health insurance,have financial limitationsand qualify for assistance, anddiscounted for those who do nothave insurance but do not qualifyfor free services. Appointmentsare necessary; a physician orderand insurance card must bebrought to the appointment.For more information or toschedule an appointment, call203.576.5500.“SHOES FROM THESOUL” walk, sponsored byCatholic Charities in partnershipwith the Shoe Emporium andBlack Rock Rotary Club and theassistance of Merrell Footwear,will take place Sun., Jun. 26, at11 a.m. Start/Finish at BlackRock Library, 2705 FairfieldAve., Bridgeport. For more information,visit shoesfromthesoul.com, or contact Sandie Dinicola:203.254.1898, e-mail: sandie@shoeemporium.net.SUMMER SPORTS &ENRICHMENT programs forgirls & boys will be offered byLauralton Hall from Jun. 27 –Aug. 19. Open to students ages6-14, they provide a week oflearning and fun with topnotchinstructors. Programs includeRaging Robotics; creative writing;dance; cooking 101; artadventure; soccer; basketball;baseball; field hockey; cheerleading;and more. For more informationand registration, contactNicolle Camara: 203.877.2786,ext. 136 or e-mail ncamara@lauraltonhall.org.CURSILLO ULTREYASare held at locations around thediocese: Tues., Jul. 5, at theCatholic Center, Bridgeport,7 p.m.; Mon., Jul. 21, at St.Mary Parish, Bethel, 7:30 p.m.;and Wed., Jul. 27, at St. MaryParish, Ridgefield, 7:30 p.m. Formore information contact Jim atbruno355@sbcglobal.net.GOSPEL OF LIFESOCIETY meets at St. MaryParish, Norwalk, the secondSat. of the month (Jul. 9) at 10a.m. after the 9 a.m. pro-lifeMass. This meeting will hearfrom a panel of Creighton Modelfertility care practitioners. Forinformation, contact EileenBianchini: 203.847.5727 orstmarygols@aol.com.MOHEGAN SUN CASINObus trip sponsored by the St.Ambrose Ladies Guild will leaveSt. Ambrose School, Bridgeport,parking lot at 8:30 a.m. on Sat.Jul. 23, returning around 5:30.Cost: $25/person includes $25toward the big wheel and a $15food coupon. Reservations andpayment must be received bySat., Jul. 9. For reservations andmore information, call the rectory:203.333.1336.GIANT TAG SALE willbe held at Sacred Heart Parish,Stamford, Fri.-Sat., Jul. 15-16,from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You willfind something for everyone:toys, household items, clothing,etc. For more information, call203.324.9544.“WE CARE” PERINATALGRIEF support group meetsthe third Wed. of each month(Jul. 20) from 7-8:15 p.m. inSt. Vincent’s Medical Center’sAmbulatory Infusion Centeron the main level. The groupis for those grieving the loss ofa baby through miscarriage,ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, ornewborn death. No charge; noregistration required. For moreinformation, call Sr. ArthurMarie: 203.576.5110, or MarilynFaber: 203.576.5716.STROKE SURVIVORS andcaregivers support group meetsat St. Vincent’s Medical Centerthe third Wed. of each month(Jul. 20) from 5:30-7 p.m. inHawley 3A of the Cancer Center.The group provides emotionalsupport as well as strategies andtechniques to improve quality oflife. No charge; free parking withvalidated ticket. For more information,call occupational therapistMelissa Kopp: 203.576.5361,or social worker Helen Polewoj:203.576.5608.HOLY LANDPILGRIMAGE/RETREATwith Sharing Christ Ministrywill take place Nov. 6-16, 2011.Joining them will be Fr. SamKachuba of St. Pius X Parish,Fairfield, as chaplain. We willvisit and have time to reflectat sacred sites, letting the pagesof Scripture come alive. Tourpackage: $3,099/person. Depositof $450/pp required. This tripalways fills up early. For moreinformation, contact Joe Karpiej:203.452.7040; e-mail JKarpiej@aol.com.HEALTH INSURANCEAND MEDICARECOUNSELING is offered free ofcharge at St. Vincent’s MedicalCenter in the main lobby everyWed. from 10 a.m.-noon. Noappointment necessary. The oneto-oneinformation sessions areconducted by St. Vincent’s certifiedinsurance counselor GerdWeindling, who helps seniorsexplore their options in healthinsurance, supplemental coverageand later life care arrangements.For more information, call St.Vincent’s: 203.576.5111.CHAMPIONSMENTORING PROGRAM isa non-profit program for childrenbetween the ages of 6 and 13 inFairfield County, who have oneor both parents currently incarceratedin a Connecticut prison. Weare currently looking for mentorswho are able to meet once a weekfor an hour. A full year commitmentis asked but we can workaround conflicting schedules.Couples, coworkers, and friendscan mentor a child as a team. Formore information, call AshleighGaither, Recruitment Specialist:203.382.1190, ext 103. n

June 201135SchoolsBoys help the homelessBETHEL – On their own initiative,four fifth-grade boys at St.Mary School in Bethel decided tospearhead a project during Lentthat would help the homelessin the Danbury area. MichaelMeehan, Joseph Suarez, StephenDeMarco and Jacob Schultzmade contact with DeaconMichael Oles, who founded “Offchairs, tables, TVs, beds, dressers,kitchenware and the like. Off TheStreets also provides mentors toeach person to help them managetheir limited income and ensurethat their rent is paid first.”The boys went to their pastor,Fr. Corey Piccinino, and pitchedtheir plan for a giant, parish widetag sale to him. They specifically“THEIR LEADERSHIP ABILITIES are already more than budding,” saysDeacon Michael Oles (in back) of fifth-graders Michael Meehan, JosephSuarez, Stephen DeMarco and Jacob Schultz. Their fund raiser garnered $1,415to get homeless men and women Off the Streets.already more than budding. Theycame up with an idea, thoughtit through, arranged to get theirclassmates on-board, got parentsinvolved and set up the ChurchHall in an organized manner.”Enlisting help from parishioners,the boys ensured that thetag sale display was neat andinviting. Everything was colorcoded with a price. “Then inan amazing marketing manner,they had a half-price sale so thateverything was a bargain beyondbargain,” says Deacon Oles.At the end of the tag sale theboys Deacon Oles with a checkfor $1,415, more than doubletheir goal. Leftover items wentto help a suicide prevention program,and Fr. Cyrus Bartolome,St. Mary’s parochial vicar, sentthe remaining books to poorchildren in the Philippines. In theend, every item from the fundraiserserved a worthwhile causethat had not even been anticipatedwhen the boys began theirventure.nthe Streets,” a program to gethomeless men and women a safe,warm apartment of their own.Off The Streets has literally nooverhead, no office, no paid staff,no paid fund raisers. Everyoneworking with Off The Streets is avolunteer. Deacon Oles explainedto the boys that it takes on theaverage $500 to get one homelessperson Off The Streets. “We helpthem with a security deposit,”he says. “We help furnish theirroom. All the furniture we obtainis from people willing to donateCommunion of Saints from page 33his greasy hands. Then, once hecleaned up, he gave them thewelcome and respect due a papaldelegate.His old friend from theUniversity of Paris, St. ThomasAquinas, was also calledto report to the Council ofLyon but died en route. St.Bonaventure would not lastmuch longer and died suddenlyin the midst of the ecumenicalcouncil. All the representatives,including the Pope, the cardinals,and the bishops attendedhis funeral there in Lyon.The Dominican Friar whoasked if they could hold it duringHoly Week, as they wanteda project in which the wholecommunity could be involved.The set a goal of $600, more thanenough to get one person off thestreets. Impressed by their initiative,Fr. Piccinino agreed to allowthe boys to sell throughout PalmSunday weekend and put a noticein the parish bulletin.“What these four fifth gradershave done is extremely inspirational,”says Deacon Oles.“Their leadership abilities arepreached his funeral Mass saidof him, “No one ever beheldBonaventure who did not conceivea great regard and affectionfor him; and even strangers weredesirous to follow his counsel. . . for he was gentle, courteous,humble, pleasing to all, compassionate,prudent, chaste, andadorned with all virtues.”St. Bonaventure was canonizeda saint in 1482 and made aDoctor of the Church in 1588.May he intercede for the Churchtoday, helping the faithful topenetrate the mysteries ofthe faith.nWe provide rehab& nursing servicesfor many needsand conditions.Some of these are:StrokesTotal JointReplacementsOrthopedicDisordersNeurologicalDisordersCardiopulmonaryConditionsFracturesAmputationsMuscularDisordersPost Surgical CareWound CareIV TherapySt. CamillusRehabilitation & Nursing CenterShort-Term RehabilitationPhysical, Occupational, and Speech Therapiesoffered six days per weekSpecialized Wound-Care NurseNurse Practitioner ServicesCable television and telephone servicePrivate rooms available • Full recreation programIn-house Chapel/Daily MassMedicare • Medicaid • Private/Insurance Manage careaccepted • Long term + Hospice Care available.Office: 203.517.1720 • Cell: 203.249.2756 • Fax: 203.325.0456494 Elm Street • Stamford, Connecticut 06902

Fairfield County Catholic10.125" x 2.5"2/1136June 2011Fr. Luke Suarez ordinationA DAY OF FAITH AND FAMILY – Family, friends and parishionersfilled St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown for the ordination of Fr.Luke Suarez, 26, to the priesthood on May 14. The mood was joyouswhen Bishop Lori announced that Fr. Suarez would be stationed atSt. Rose as parochial vicar. After the service, people lined up for the“First Blessing” of the new priest. Fr. Suarez is the fifth of ten children.Nineteen nieces and nephews also attended the ordination.(Photos by Michelle Babyak)CONGRATULATIONS– Proud pastor Msgr.Robert E. Weiss,Fr. Luke Suarez,Bishop Lori and theparents of Fr. Luke,Mario and TeresaClavin Suarez,get togetherafter the ordination.1-888-PATRIOT728-7468GREAT RATESOn Home Equity & Business Loans!19 Convenient Locations Serving Southern Connecticut, Westchester County and New York City • www.pnbk.com