Fairfield County Catholic June Issue

Inside this issue

2 Archbishop Lori ordains six transitional deacons

17 Bishop’s Appeal: Help us

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June 2012

Local News

Six men ordained transitional deacons

FAIRFIELD— “From now on, you are spoken for,” Archbishop Lori said during his homily at the ordination of six men as transitional deacons at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield.

The ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacon is the last step for the six men who will be ordained to the priesthood next Spring.

“I just couldn’t stay away,” Archbishop Lori quipped in his welcoming remarks.

It was the first time he returned to the diocese since being installed as Archbishop of Baltimore in May. He made the journey back because as Bishop of Bridgeport he had personally accepted the men into the diocesan seminary program when they began their formation at St. John Fisher Seminary Residence in Stamford.

Bishop Lori noted that the ordination occurred on the 197th anniversary of the ordination of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests and on the “eve of the birth of St. John the Baptist.”

Bishop Lori urged the men to follow in their footsteps by “seeking personal holiness” through a life of prayer and spiritual discipline.

After the newly-ordained deacons were vested in the traditional stole and dalmatic, Archbishop Lori presented each of them with the Book of the Gospels.

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become.

Believe what you reach, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach,” the Archbishop intoned.

Juan Acosta

Deacon Juan Gabriel Acosta, 28, was born in Cáqueza, Cundinamarca, Colombia. He, is the only son of Juan de Jesus

ARCHBISHOP LORI RETURNED to the diocese to ordain six transitional deacons. “From now on, you are spoken for,” he said during his homily at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield.

(Photo by Amy Mortensen)

and Mariá Delfa Acosta. His parents and a sister, Miryam, currently live in Bogotá, Colombia, where they are members of San Antonio de Padua Parish. He went to elementary and high school in Bogotá, and attended the Seminario Mayor de San José (where he was the champion of the double tennis tournament in 2004) and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, graduating in 2006 with a concentration in philosophy and theology.

Following graduation, he taught at the Colegio Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira in Bogotá.

Torn between a call to the priesthood and a career in medicine, he worked as an assistant of pathology in the pathology laboratory and studied medicine at the Universidad Manuela Beltran.

A close friend who is a seminarian for the Diocese of Bridgeport suggested that he

consider serving as a priest in this diocese. Fr. Peter Lynch, currently parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull, was director of vocations at the time. “He came to Colombia, met my parents, and encouraged me to continue in my vocation,” Deacon Acosta recalls. “I saw his visit as a sign from God.” He came to Connecticut in 2009; the Church of the Assumption in Westport is now his home parish. Deacon Acosta will complete his seminary studies at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, next year.

“The closer I become to God in prayer, the better human being and man I can become for those expecting to see a good servant and shepherd,” he says.

He will assist at his first Mass as deacon at Assumption on June 24 at 10:30 am. Fr. Thomas Thorne, Assumption’s pastor,

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CONGRATUATIONS! Jordan D’Aurio of North Branford and Blake Torres of Bridgeport take their first steps toward a new life at the Commencement Exercises held recently at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. Blake, a member of St. Anne Parish in Black Rock, Bridgeport, will be attending Norwalk Community College. Jordan, a member of St. Augustine Parish in North Branford, is set to start at Nichols College, MA, this Fall. Ninety-nine percent of diocesan high school graduates go on to college or post-secondary education and are the recipients of scholarships, loans and financial aid.

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John Connaughton

Deacon John Connaughton, who just celebrated his 36th birthday, was born in Manhassett, NY. He grew up in Trumbull, where his parents John and Anne Connaughton are still members of St. Theresa Parish. The only boy in a family of four children, he attended St. Theresa Elementary School and St. Joseph High School in Trumbull.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas in Irving, TX, he worked for several years as an internal sales representative for AllianceForest Products in Stamford and later worked for the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch in Bridgeport and Hartford while studying at the University of Connecticut School of Law at night. A year after finishing law school he decided to heed

| CONTENTS

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FR. PETER LENOX Leading the Cathedral Parish

26 MOTHER & SON GRADUATE

Sacred Heart University

11 SCULPTOR JIM BRIA

28 SPORTS: KEVIN EPP

19 ANN BRESNAN

30 OBITUARY:

Releases spirit from stone

Investing in Catholic Education

25 IPADS AT ST. GREGORY

A pilot program

Excels at sports and studies Msgr. Edward Howley, 89

the call to the priesthood, entering St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford in the fall of 2008. He will complete his seminary studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in 2013.

Deacon Connaughton worked as an intern for the Fairfield County Catholic in 2011 and acted as a media relations assistant for the seminary in Rome during this past year.

“At 36 years of age, it’s taken me a little bit longer to get to this point than many of my classmates,” he says. “I wrestled with God for a while over this quiet but persistent sense that I was called to the priesthood. I had myself convinced that the priesthood was not what I wanted.

But he was patient with me and blessed me with the graces I needed to finally respond ‘yes’ to the call.”

He will assist at his first Mass at 12 noon on June 24 at St. Theresa’s. Msgr. Louis DeProfio, currently rector of the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford, who was pastor of St. Theresa’s during Deacon Connaughton’s youth, will be the principal celebrant.

Matthew Krankall

Deacon Matthew Krankall, 26, was born in Stamford and grew up in Monroe. His parents, Rudy and Martha Krakall, and his brother Aaron are members of St. Stephen Parish in Trumbull, which includes the lower part of Monroe. He attended Stepney Elementary School in Monroe and St. Joseph High School. He entered St. John Fisher Seminary, and graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield in 2008, earning the university’s Gold Medal for philosophy. He will ➤ continued on page

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3

June 2012

Vals and Sals

Congratulations, class of 2012!

One of the most pleasant rites of spring comes in June, as graduates don cap and gown and walk forward to receive their diplomas. Fairfield County Catholic congratulates the class of 2012 of all Catholic, private and public schools. Toss your caps into the air! The future is yours to take.

In this issue we focus on the top scholars of diocesan high schools and Catholic schools with graduates from the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Kolbe-Cathedral, Bridgeport

The 79 seniors of KolbeCathedral High School graduated on June 7 in St. Augustine Cathedral. Ninety-eight percent of the Class of 2012 is pursuing higher education; one graduate has enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. The class has received over $8.1 million in scholarships and grants. Kolbe has an enrollment of 320 students.

The valedictorian of KolbeCathedral High School is Jeremy Timperanza. A graduate of St. Andrew Elementary School and active in St. Andrew Parish, Jeremy is a Squire in the Knights of Columbus. Jeremy was Kolbe’s Breakfast of Champions St. Thomas Aquinas Medal recipient. He is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and is heavily

KOLBE-CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL, BRIDGEPORT – Jeremy Timperanza, valedictorian; Sean Alicea, salutatorian

involved in peer tutoring. Jeremy has been a member of SAAD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Build On, and he served as editor of the school newspaper, Cougar Prints. Jeremy serves as a volunteer at the Kennedy Center and Park City Magnet School, and with youngsters with autism. He was on the school’s MSG Challenge Team.

He is a member of High School Apostles and a participant in Convivio. Jeremy, who plans to study law, will attend UCONN with a full academic scholarship.

Kolbe’s salutatorian is Sean Alicea. A graduate of St. Peter’s Elementary School in Bridgeport,

he is a parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Bridgeport and teaches in the religious education program there. Sean is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and offers assistance to others as a Peer Tutor. He has been a member of the Cougar Prints newspaper staff.

Sean will attend the University of New Haven, where he will study forensic science.

“Both Jeremy and Sean are fine young men who are shining examples of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Bridgeport, K-12! Their families have made great sacrifices to support their

IMMACULATE HIGH SCHOOL, DANBURY – Joseph Collins, valedictorian; Connor McCann, salutatorian

education and Jeremy and Sean bring a great sense of pride to family, school and community,” says Principal Jo-Anne Jakab.

“It has been a pleasure to witness their growth and development as young men of Christian values, integrity and promise.”

Immaculate, Danbury

The graduation for Immaculate High School’s 82 seniors was held on June 6 in St. Mary Church in Bethel. This year, Immaculate has 356 students enrolled.

Joseph Collins is Immaculate’s valedictorian. A member of St. Joseph Parish in Brookfield, he founded and directed Casseroles for the Hungry, a communitybased food program supported by St. Joseph’s, which has provided 12,800 hot meals to the Dorothy Day House of Danbury.

A CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete, Joseph received the diocesan St. Thomas Aquinas Award for Academics and Service. Vice president of the National Honor Society and active in the Key Club, he was also captain of the cross country and outdoor track teams and was recognized with a Most Valuable Player award.

Winner of the Excellence in Mathematics and Science Award from Fairfield University School ➤ continued on page

13

Ten years of keeping our promise to protect 2012 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Much has been accomplished in the Church in the area of child safety and abuse prevention.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, was established by the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 and revised in June, 2011. It is a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and it includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and the prevention of future acts of abuse. Ten years after passing the Charter, nearly all U.S. dioceses are in full compliance.

The Diocese of Bridgeport was found to be in full compliance in

important standards required by the Charter and both are critical components to preventing child sexual abuse. During the past 10 years, close to eight million adults and children have been trained nationwide, making the Catholic Church one of the largest child sexual abuse prevention programs of any institution, public or private. More than 2.2 million clergy, lay employees and volunteers have undergone background screening.

Awareness Training

each independent audit since the beginning of this process in 2003.

Archbishop Lori was instrumental in the creation of this landmark document.

Safe Environment training and background checks are two very

The Diocese of Bridgeport uses an awareness training program called “VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children” for adults and “Think First and Stay Safe” for children enrolled in Catholic Schools. High school students receive personal safety training that includes infor-

mation on safe use of technology.

We encourage all parents in our diocese to attend VIRTUS training sessions and preview our school programs. Parent guides and brochures, together with live training programs, reached more than 100,000 adults and children since 2003. Thanks to our 90 dedicated volunteer VIRTUS facilitators, more than 2,000 adult training sessions have been conducted in English, Spanish, French Creole, Polish, Portuguese and Vietnamese and in sign-language.

Background Checks and Zero Tolerance

The Diocese of Bridgeport has a zero tolerance policy for child sexual abuse. Background checks are necessary and effective in deterring predators and screening out individuals who

have been convicted of sex crimes and crimes against children. All members of the clergy, seminarians, religious sisters and brothers, lay employees, volunteers and independent contractors must first clear a criminal background check before working or volunteering. The background check process is overseen by our director of human resources, Louise Stewart-Spagnuolo, who receives each result after background checks are processed by the parish offices, and she assists each parish with maintaining an active background check account.

Parishes have a role

Pastors, directors of religious education, VIRTUS facilitators and local parish Safe Environment coordinators play a ➤ continued on page

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4

June 2012

Local News

Malta Gala: “Where life matters”

John Altieri, Malta House chairman and president, describes the Malta House community as a place “where life matters.”

Malta House in Norwalk “God’s love prevails over provides a loving home, support hardship and young moms learn services and a generous dose of to take joy in the challenging hope to homeless women who responsibilities for their precious are pregnant. Established by the children,” Altieri continued. “We Order of Malta, a lay religious are extremely grateful for all the group dedicated to helping the sick and the poor, its 15th annual dedicated staff, volunteers and donors who are inspired to make Spring Gala was held last month this mission possible. This Gala is a at the Stamford Yacht Club. great celebration of God’s goodness and a reminder that we must continue this mission of service and love in His name.”

Lynn Freidberg and William (Mele) Orendorf were honored by the Order of Malta for their commitment to the Malta House. A volunteer for 14 years, Freidberg is HONOREES—Board members William Mele the secretary of its board Orendorf and Lynn Freidberg were honored for of the directors. She has been the Gala’s chair service to Malta House. three times. “Lynn is an amazing, wonderful Michael O’Rourke, founder of young woman,” says O’Rourke.

Freidberg created the Malta Malta House in 1995, chaired this House’s internship program and year’s fundraiser with Maudie helped to connect its residents Altieri. The program included with the community. She encourcocktails, gourmet dinner, silent aged their economic independence and live auctions and an awards by teaching the women valuable ceremony. O’Rourke says there interviewing skills. More recently, was “a tremendous outpouring she has been involved in a family from the community.”

By KAREN KOVACS DYDZUHN

heritage class where mothers create personal books honoring their heritage, family memories and photographs of their babies and children.

“She does these special activities with our Moms to give them a sense of family,” O’Rourke explains. Along AT THE GALA—John Altieri, with educating the Malta House chairman and president, women on jobs, describes Malta House “as a place health, nutrition and where life matters.” parenting, the Malta THANK YOU!—(r) Michael O’Rourke, House hopes to install a strong sense Malta House founder and event chair, introduces former Malta House residents Chiki and Moses Beary. Chiki thanked all in attendance for helping her find a better life. (Photos by Michelle Babyak) of self-worth and self-esteem in young mothers so they can of Malta’s St. Gerard Award at belong in society and that they pass these positive feelings on to this year’s Gala. He has since have to contribute to society.” their children. been vice president and head of its O’Rourke recounted how “You’re affecting a life,” Operations Committee. Currently, rewarding it was to see the exciteO’Rourke continues. “They have no ment three young mothers had he is board chair of the Friends of one to help them fight their battles.” when they were able to ‘give back’ Malta House Trust, which provides Most of the women at the to another non-profit organization, operating funds for Malta House.

Malta House are in their 20s and “Seventeen years ago, Mele Al’s Angels. O’Rourke took the 30s. However, O’Rourke points Orendorf and his lovely wife, Malta House women to help sort out that they have the emotional Leslie, recognized that Malta and pack food for needy children maturity of a much younger perHouse represented a unique misand families last December. “To son. “They don’t know what it’s sion to alter the lives of single watch their faces as they realized like to be a good mother because pregnant mothers who were that they were giving back was no one ever taught them,” one of the greatest things I have homeless in addition to being O’Rourke explains. “Some don’t ever seen,” O’Rourke says. pregnant,” says O’Rourke. “Mele have GEDs. Some have been on Orendorf, who worked closely saw the dignity and sanctity of the street a long time. We try to with O’Rourke in establishing the each woman’s life and that of install in them a feeling that they Malta House, received the Order their unborn child.” n

Norman Walker retires as diocesan CFO BRIDGEPORT­—Norman Walker of New Canaan has stepped down as chief financial officer of the diocese of Bridgeport, a post which he has held for the past seven years.

The announcement was made

by Msgr. Jerald Doyle, diocesan administrator.

Walker, a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, came out of retirement in 2005 at Bishop Lori’s request to improve the financial stewardship and accountability of the Diocese.

The Oregon native, who had delayed his retirement until Archbishop Lori transitioned to Baltimore, will continue to advise the diocese until a new chief financial offi-

cer is found.

Under Walker’s leadership the diocese made sweeping changes in its financial systems

and reporting structure, including a new Parish Finance Manual, web based accounting and digital information management.

“We are deeply grateful for Norm Walker’s leadership.

Working closely with Bishop Lori and Deacon Bill Koniers in parish finance, Norm brought the diocese into a new era. He is a man of great integrity, professionalism and ability and we will miss his wise and committed stewardship,” said Anne McCrory, chancellor of the diocese.

When Walker took over in 2005, many of the existing processes and accounting practices needed substantial updating to take advantage of new technology and respond to contemporary

management systems. Financial reporting was not standardized and in some cases was still performed manually.

The parish finance model adopted under Walker’s leadership has since become a model for parish accounting, with many dioceses across the country adopting the system developed by Deacon Koniers.

Walker served as a resource for diocesan departments and ministries as well as the parishes, offering advice and assistance where needed. He and his team worked to offer reliable timely financial information to pastors and parish finance committees as well as diocesan programs and agencies.

A native of Portland, OR,

and father of three, Walker graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in accounting. He has been an active volunteer with his alma mater, serving as a trustee and as president of the board of the University of Oregon Foundation, with assets of more than $400 million.

He is also past president of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Foundation, which makes gifts and grants to universities. As chairman of the ethics division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Walker headed investigations of potential violations of professional standards by member companies. n

5

June 2012

Local News

Fr. Lenox named to lead the Cathedral Parish

By BRIAN D. WALLACE

Fr. Peter Lenox has been named administrator of the new Cathedral Parish, which incorporates both St. Patrick and St. Augustine parishes in Bridgeport.

His appointment was one of the last made by Bishop Lori before leaving to serve as 16th Archbishop of Baltimore.

The new parish was formed in November of 2011, when Bishop Lori announced a parish realignment plan for Bridgeport. The plan called for the creation of a new Cathedral Parish resulting from the merger of St. Patrick’s and St. Augustine’s.

During the transition, Fr. Lenox served as administrator of St. Patrick’s, while Fr. Gustavo Falla, who was named director of the Ministry for Spanish-speaking Catholics by Bishop Lori, served as administrator of St. Augustine’s. Under the realignment plan, both church buildings have remained open and will continue to do so.

“Fr. Lenox is a young priest of great enthusiasm, commitment to the Gospel and concern for his parishioners,” says Msgr.

Jerald Doyle, administrator of the Diocese of Bridgeport. “He will bring considerable administrative skills along with an energetic faith to the parish.”

Fr. Lenox, who grew up in Bridgeport and Trumbull, says he felt it was a great honor to lead the parish that has brought together two historic churches in the diocese. “The new parish is made up of two of the most historic parishes in the city and the diocese, and it represents something new for the Catholic presence in Bridgeport. A strong call to evangelization comes out of the forming of this new parish,” says Fr. Lenox, who adds that he was grateful for Fr. Falla’s leadership at St. Augustine’s during the past year.

The combined parish numbers over 1,700 families and makes Mass available in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Ibo, a Nigerian language.

Fr. Lenox is trilingual: fluent in English, Polish, and Spanish.

Fr. Lenox was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2000,

by Bishop Edward M. Egan, now Cardinal Egan of New

York. After ordination, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Andrew Parish in Bridgeport and later went to St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield, before becoming parochial vicar of the newly-combined St. Benedict-Our Lady of Montserrat Parish in Stamford.

Fr. Lenox graduated from St. Michael School in Bridgeport and from Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. After earning a BA in philosophy from Sacred Heart University in 1996, he entered St. John Fisher Seminary residence.

Fr. Lenox earned an MA and STD in systematic theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. A talented pianist and organist as well as a singer, Fr. Lenox has been a member of the Greater Bridgeport and Philadelphia Chapters of the American Guild of Organists.

St. Augustine Parish, established in 1842, is located at 359 Washington Avenue overlooking downtown Bridgeport. St. Patrick Parish, established in 1889, is located a mile away at 851 North Avenue.

In what way is the Cathedral Parish new?

One of the nicest things to come out of the realignment is that the Cathedral is now the newest parish in the diocese in addition to being the oldest and the first. I think it’s significant that the plan for re-evangelization for Bridgeport began in the bishop’s own parish, the Cathedral Parish.

It is made up of two of the most historic parishes in the city and the diocese, and it represents something new for the Catholic presence in Bridgeport. A strong call to evangelization comes out of the

forming of this new parish.

As a priest with roots in Bridgeport, how do you feel about taking leadership of the Cathedral parish?

I was born in Bridgeport and raised in Trumbull, so it’s a great honor to be able to lead such a distinguished community with the legacy of both St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s. As a child looking at these beautiful churches, I never thought I’d have the privilege of serving in this capacity.

What is your major challenge as you move forward?

We have to take two communities that have been associated with the names given to beautiful churches and help them realize the churches are both part of one parish family. What was formerly two has become one, very much a marriage of sorts. So, it is important to realize that the new parish is a great expression of our living faith. That parish is not confined to a structure. We forget sometime that Catholicism in Bridgeport began with one parish spread across the city as it grew, and each community built their own church.

Yet many Catholics have a deep commitment to both historic Churches.

The buildings are testaments of the faith of prior generations, and the love with which we

maintain them broadcasts our faith to the local community.

Yet our faith is not confined to church buildings as much as they come to illustrate the depth, love and devotion we have for God, the sacraments and the divine worship in community.

Do you have a goal for year one for the new parish?

community that has just been created in the witness of the parishioners and the practice of their faith.

Isn’t the Cathedral also the home parish of every Catholic in the diocese?

Yes, there’s both a local significance and a diocesan-wide significance to the Cathedral.

Catholics in our diocese have

Over the next year I would like both former communities to come to know each other as a single new community as they grow in faith and love. And I would like to see that unity grow to the point where, when the Holy Father names the fifth Bishop of Bridgeport, our new bishop will come to know the greatness of the

an affinity for the Cathedral and the opportunity to see what was begun here. I would like Cathedral Parish to be not just for its own parishioners but also to be a home for Catholics all over Fairfield County, and I would hope they would get to know and love the parish that is also their bishop’s own. n

Fr. Marcello, vice chancellor BRIDGEPORT—Fr. Joseph Marcello has been named vice chancellor of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The appointment was made by Archbishop William E. Lori before he left for Baltimore.

Fr. Marcello, 35, a native of Monroe, was appointed priestsecretary to Bishop Lori in May 2009. As priest-secretary, Fr. Marcello accompanied the bishop to most major functions, was responsible for his unified diocesan calendar and served as master of ceremonies at liturgies throughout the year.

He has most recently assisted Archbishop Lori with transition activities in Baltimore.

With the permission of Msgr.

Jerald Doyle, diocesan admin-

istrator, he will remain there until the end of August.

He was ordained by Bishop Lori on May 17, 2003, at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull, Fr. Marcello’s home parish.

Fr. Marcello’s first assign-

ment was as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Shelton, beginning in June, 2003. While at St. Joseph, he also served as assistant director of vocations.

He retained that position when he became spiritual director of St. Joseph High School in Trumbull in 2005. He served at the high school for four years while residing at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1994 and from Fairfield University in 1998 with a BA in religion.

After entering St. John Fisher Residence to begin his studies, Fr. Marcello completed his theology degree at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, in 2003. n

6

Local News Congratulations new deacons!

June 2012

Anniversaries of priests and deacons Each year, the Diocese of Bridgeport recognizes priests and deacons celebrating significant anniversaries. Place of honor as the oldest jubilarian goes to Fr. Philip Brady, the former pastor of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish in Shelton. Fr. Brady, a native of Rochester, NY, was ordained in Buffalo in 1943. He currently resides in Oak Park, NY. Fr. Clifford Grisé currently resides at the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford. Ordained in 1945 in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, he was the pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Greenwich and St. Peter Parish in Danbury.

Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden (center) recently travelled to Bridgeport to ordain six area men as Permanent Deacons. The ordination was held as St. Theresa Church in Trumbull.

The new deacons are (l-r): Richard Scinto of Newtown; William Miranda of Bridgeport; Thomas Fekete of Stratford; Rafael Regus of Danbury; Eduardo Rodrigues of Riverside, Guillermo Bernal of Bridgeport, along with the leadership of the diocesan diaconate program, Deacon John Moranski, assistant director, and Deacon Anthony Detje, Director. There are now more than 100 deacons serving in parishes and other settings throughout the Diocese.

(Photo by Michelle Babyak)

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Other significant anniversaries: 55 Years (1957) Fr. Robert Maty Msgr. Joseph Pekar Fr. John Smolko Fr. Addison Wright, S.S. 50 Years (1962) Fr. Edwin Coyne Fr. John Grace, O.S.A. Fr. Martin Igoe

Msgr. Joseph Kohut Fr. Francis Posluszny 40 Years (1972) Fr. Robert Crofut 25 Years (1987) Fr. Gill Babeu Fr. Pius Mwago Msgr. Christopher Walsh Deacon Andrew Dzujna Deacon Santos Garcia 10 Years (2002) Fr. Robert Boyd Fr. Peter Smolik Deacon Raymond Chervenak Deacon Richard Fenton Deacon Francis Foyt Deacon Paul Jennings Deacon Jeffrey Kingsley Deacon Michael Oles Deacon Kenneth Ruge Deacon Michael Saranich Deacon Rudolph Trankovich In addition, Fr. Daniel Jensen, MM, celebrated 50 Years as a Maryknoll Missioner this month.

Born in Greenwich and a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Riverside, Fr. Jensen was ordained in 1962. n

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June 2012

Vocations Transitional Deacons from page 2 complete his seminary studies at Mount St. Mary’s in 2013.

“The seminary was truly my ‘seedbed’ where I grew up,” he says.

“The Lord has taught me, through countless experiences, that it is ‘only by the Grace of God go I.’ It is with this understanding, relying on grace, prayer and providence, that I feel assured to lie prostrate and accept consecration for the service of God and his people.”

Deacon Krankall will assist at his first Mass and deliver the homily on June 24 at 11:30 am at St. Mary Parish in Bethel. Fr. Corey Piccinino, St. Mary’s pastor, will be the celebrant.

Krzystof Kuczynski

Deacon Krzystof Kuczynski, 24, is also from Monroe, where he attended St. Jude Elementary School. His parents, Krzysztof and Irena Kuczynski, and his three sisters are members of St. Jude Parish.

After graduating from St. Joseph High School, he entered St. John Fisher and graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religious studies. He completed his degree in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. This fall, while completing his seminary studies at the North American College in Rome, he will begin a license program in spiritual theology at St. Thomas Aquinas.

“There is no greater joy than to lay down my life for the service of

the Church: to preach and minister to the people of God; to sanctify and pray with the faithful; and to guide the flock of Christ by the grace of God,” he says. “I have prayed for the Church and for my own spiritual growth so that I may serve the Church more faithfully.”

Deacon Kuczynski will assist at his first Mass at St. Jude’s on June 24 at 12 noon. Msgr. John Sabia, pastor, will be the principal celebrant. Among the concelebrants will be Fr. Michael Novajosky, another St. Joseph’s graduate, who was ordained in 2010.

Damian Pielesz

Deacon Damian Pielesz, 25, was born and grew up in Jastrzebie Zdroj, Poland, where his parents Krystian and Urszula Pielez, are still members of Saints Barbara and Joseph Parish. His sister, Agnieszka, also lives in Poland. He graduated from local schools, including four years of music school (his mother is a parish organist). From 2003-05 he was a television newscaster for TVP Katowice, and had his own program on a local television station, TV KANON. He entered the seminary of the Archdiocese of Katowice, where he received the Ministry of Lector and Ministry of Acolyte. Realizing that the Church in America had a great need of vocations, he continued his seminary studies at Saints Cyril and Methodius seminary in Krakow, a branch of a seminary

Acosta

Connaughton

by the same name in Orchard Lake, MI, that prepares candidates for the priesthood in the U. S. In 2010 he arrived at the seminary in Orchard Lake to continue his courses in English. While there, he met Fr. Robert Kinnally, director of vocations for the diocese, who invited him to the Diocese of Bridgeport. He was impressed by the dynamism of the Church here, and by the diocesan vocation program.

In 2011 he entered St. John Fisher. He now considers St. Marguerite Bourgeoys in Brookfield to be his home parish.

He will complete his final seminary year at Mount St. Mary’s in 2013.

“My life so far has been filled with blessings,” says Deacon Pielesz “I am blessed with a wonderful family, friends and a good education. God has been very good to me and provided for all my needs as I pursue a vocation to the priesthood. I am very happy to use the gifts that He has given me to serve the Church as a priest.”

Deacon Pielesz will assist at his first Mass at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys on June 24 at 12 noon. The principal celebrant will be Fr. George Sankoorikal, St. Marguerite’s pastor.

Rafael Segura

Deacon Rafael (Ralph) Segura, 50, a member of St.

Krankall

Kuczynski

Mary Parish in Norwalk, is one of four children, two boys and two girls. He was born and raised in Norwalk, where his parents, Rafael and Palma Segura, are parishioners at St. Joseph Parish.

He attended Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin elementary schools and earned his GED from Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. Interested in discerning a vocation to the priesthood, he entered St. John Fisher and assisted in its move from Trumbull to Stamford. He graduated from Sacred Heart University with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and from 1996-98 studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome

Pielesz

Segura

while residing at the North American College.

He still had some questions about his vocation. “I knew that my heart wasn’t in the right place to make that commitment, and I felt the Lord had something else for me to do in the world,” he says.

He took the time to consider his possibilities thoroughly. As a driver and crew chief for Geotjen Moving and Storage, and later a driver for Ridgefield Supply Co., he had time for discernment: making the Liturgy of the Hours, attending daily Mass, and spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Wanting to be in closer touch with people, he took ➤ continued on page

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65 years of dedication STAMFORD—The Lafayette Assembly #109 4th Degree Knights of Columbus gave a testimonial dinner to honor Msgr. Thaddeus Malanowski’s 65 years of dedication and service to the Church. A Mass of Celebration and a dinner were held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Stamford on May 11.

More than 200 people were in attendance. Among them (l-r) Bishop Basil H. Losten, Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Stamford; Carmine J. Vaccaro, past Faithful Navigator; Jack Cavnanaugh, columnist and author; Msgr.

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World and National News Archbishop William Lori opens Fortnight for Freedom

BALTIMORE—Archbishop William E. Lori opened the Fortnight for Freedom on June 21 with a homily in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption. “Our Church and her institutions find themselves today in perilous waters,” Archbishop Lori stated. “For embedded in the HHS mandate is a very narrow governmental definition of what constitutes a church; and if it is not removed, it is likely to spread throughout federal law.

“In the HHS mandate, the federal government now defines a church as a body which hires mostly its own members and serves mostly its own members, and which exists primarily to advance its own teachings. In a

word, so long as a church confines itself to the sacristy, then it is exempt from having to fund and facilitate in its health insurance plans government mandated services which are contrary to its own teachings. But if a church steps beyond the narrow confines of this definition by hiring those of other faiths and by serving the common good–then the government is telling us that such institutions aren’t religious enough, that they don’t deserve an exemption from funding and facilitating those things which violate the very teachings which inspired churches to establish their institutions in the first place.”

Recalling that central to the message of Christ is the command to bring the spiritual and corporal works of mercy to a world in

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need of God’s love, Archbishop Lori continued: “We must never allow the government—any government, at any time, of any party—to impose such a constrictive definition on our beloved Church or any church!”

Protestant leaders agree with bishops on HHS mandate

Despite their differing views on the morality of contraception, nearly 150 leaders of religious institutions, most of them Protestant, are opposed to the HHS mandate because it creates “two classes of religious organizations: churches—considered sufficiently focused inwardly to merit an exemption and thus full protection from the mandate; and faith-based service organizations— outwardly oriented and given a lesser degree of protection.”

A letter written issued June 11 by the International Religious Freedom Alliance, states: “It is this two-class system that the administration has embedded in federal law.” Both worshiporiented and service-oriented religious organizations are authentically and equally religious organizations, the statement points out.

“To use Christian terms, we owe God wholehearted and pure

worship, to be sure, and yet we know also that ‘pure religion’ is ‘to look after orphans and widows in their distress’ (James 1:27). We deny that it is within the jurisdiction of the federal government to define, in place of religious communities, what constitutes true religion and authentic ministry.”

Signatories of the letter included the presidents of dozens of Protestant colleges and the leaders of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Salvation Army, and World Vision.

State Department purges religious freedom from reports

WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. State Department removed the sections covering religious freedom from the Country Reports on Human Rights released on May 24. The new human rights reports—purged of the sections that discuss the status of religious freedom in each of the countries covered— include the period that covered the Arab Spring and its aftermath. Thus, the reports do not provide in-depth coverage of what has happened to Christians and other religious minorities in predominantly Muslim countries

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in the Middle East that saw the rise of revolutionary movements in 2011, in which Islamist forces played an instrumental role.

A section reporting on religious freedom has always been included in the State Department’s legally required annual country-by-country reports on human rights, until now.

Former U.S. diplomat Thomas Farr, who served in the State Department under both Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush, was the first director of the Office of International Religious Freedom. “I have observed during the threeand-a-half years of the Obama administration that the issue of religious freedom has been distinctly downplayed,” Farr told CNSNews.com.

Court rules against Christian photographers

The New Mexico Court of Appeals has ruled that it is illegal for a photography business owned by Christians to refuse to photograph a same-sex wedding ceremony—even though New Mexico law does not permit samesex marriage. The court based its judgment on the text of the New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA), which makes it illegal “any person in any public accommodation to make a distinction, directly or indirectly, in offering or refusing to offer its services... to any person because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation or physical or mental handicap.”

“Elane Photography denied a request to photograph the ceremony based upon its policy of refusing to photograph images that convey the message that marriage can be defined to include combinations of people other than the union of one man and one woman,” the court noted.

“They also believe that photography is an artistically expressive form of communication and photographing a same-sex commitment ceremony would disobey God and the teachings of the Bible by communicating a message contrary to their religious and personal beliefs.”

Dismissing arguments that the statute violated the owners’ religious-freedom rights, the court ruled that the NMHRA applies to all citizens transacting commerce and business, and any burden on religious beliefs is incidental.

9

June 2012

World and National News Alex Arévalo, immigration counselor, at Catholic Charities’ main office: the Catholic Center, 238 Jewett Ave., Bridgeport; 203.416.1306. No appointment necessary Monday to Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.)

New priests younger, were involved as youth

WASHINGTON, DC—The average age of men ordained to the priesthood is trending younger, with the median age for the 2012 class at 31. This is slightly younger than last year and follows the trend over the past six years. These figures stand out in “The Class of 2012: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood,” an annual national survey of men being ordained

priests for U.S. dioceses and religious communities.

On average, most of the ordination class have been Catholic from birth; six percent became Catholic later in life. More than four in five report that both parents are Catholic, and more than a third have a relative who is a priest or religious. Ordinands of the Class of 2012 have been active in parish ministries. Threequarters indicated they served as an altar server and more than half (53%) participated in a parish youth group. One-fifth (22%) participated in a World Youth Day before entering the seminary.

Almost three in ten ordinands were born outside the United

SEMINARIANS FROM THE PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE celebrate winning the Clericus Cup, the annual soccer tournament for the pontifical seminaries and universities in Rome, in May. The United States team, the North American Martyrs, had never before won the title.

U.S. bishops welcome decision on illegal immigrants

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has welcomed the Obama administration’s decision to make, in the words of The Christian Science Monitor, “about 800,000 young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children safe from deportation proceedings.”

“On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I welcome the announcement

by President Obama today that, consistent with his executive authority, he will grant deferred action on a case-by-case basis to youth who entered the United States by age 15 and have not

committed certain offenses,” said Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration.

“This important action will provide protection from removal and work authorization for a vulnerable group of immigrants who deserve to remain in our country and contribute their talents to our communities,” he added. “These youth are bright, energetic, and eager to pursue their education and reach their full potential.

They did not enter our nation on their own volition, but rather came to the United States with their parents as children, something all of us would do.”

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States, with the largest numbers coming from Vietnam, Colombia, Mexico, Poland, and the Philippines. More than half of the Class of 2012 (55%) report having more than two siblings, while nearly three in ten (28%) report having five or more siblings. More than half had completed college, and 16% had a graduate degree before entering the seminary.

Many ordinands had some type of full-time work experience prior to entering the seminary, most often in education or management.

Six percent had served in the U.S. Armed Forces at some point.

(The entire report can be found at www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/ordination-class/.) n

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June 2012

Feature

Celebrating God’s Word in the dark

By Don Harrison

Jose Feliciano is renowned as a singer, guitarist and composer, and he is also a man of deep faith. Although blind since birth—he has performed his music and read Scripture as a lector at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Westport.

Another man who happens to be sightless, Eric Bellavance, may lack the fame, but he lectors at a neighboring Diocese of Bridgeport parish, Our Lady of the Assumption in Fairfield.

Bellavance has been blind since birth, too, yet he has served as a lector at Assumption since 2005 and before that for two decades at his former parish in Lewiston, Maine. To him, it’s no big deal.

“Some blind people will sit

back and wallow in pity. Me, I wanted to take life by the horns,” he said on a recent spring afternoon in the condominium he shares with his mother, Rita.

Eric, who celebrated his 54th birthday on May 18, has parlayed a booming voice and a devout belief in God into a lay ministry that has warmed the hearts and moistened the eyes of congregants in two states. His mother uses a Braille writer to translate the Scripture readings into a form Eric can read. He does the rest, with vigor, reverence and clarity.

“He is one of the best lectors we have in terms of his projection and delivery,” says Fr. J. Barry Furey, who has served as Assumption’s pastor since the late fall of 2010. “He has a love for Scripture and a reverence for

delivering that message. The best compliment I can give him is… I never think of him as being blind.”

It was Fr. Furey’s predecessor as pastor, Msgr. Blase Gintoli, who determined that Eric possessed the skills to handle a lector’s duties, and assigned him to the schedule of parishioners who serve at Assumption’s 4 pm Masses on Saturdays.

“Monsignor was delighted,” Eric says, “and I’ve been part of the team ever since.”

Eric and Rita had settled in Bridgeport in 2004 so they could live in close proximity to Eric’s sister, Bernadette “Bunny” Madera. Eric’s father, Raymond, had died and there were no other family members in Maine.

Bernadette and her husband, Eugene, reside in nearby Easton.

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ERIC BELLAVANCE IS FLANKED by his “team” at Assumption Parish in Fairfield. (l-r) Fellow lector Ann Okrentowich; his mother, Rita Bellavance; and his sister, Bernadette Madera.

(Photo by Don Harrison)

Bernadette speaks warmly of Eric and their mom. “He is very genuine, and seems to have a special outlook on life,” she says. “A lot of that is due to my mother.

Her faith is so strong; she really believes there is a reason for everything. She never complains and says, ‘Why me?’”

Rita Bellavance could have cursed the heavens when Eric was born three months prematurely and weighed just two pounds, 10 ounces. To save his life, he was placed in an incubator and, in keeping with the standard practice of the time, given supplemental oxygen. The high doses spared his life but destroyed his vision.

At the age of six, Eric learned to read Braille—earlier than many sighted children learn to read. His teacher, a Josephite Sister named Sr. Harriet Sharon, taught a class of 14 blind youngsters at Sacred Heart School in Auburn, Maine.

“She was like a second mother to me,” he says. “She taught us Braille, reading and writing, and mathematics. She took us out on field trips. Between them, my mother and Sr. Harriet have taught me about faith. Even in the difficult times, never give up on faith.”

After graduating from high school at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Waterville, MA, Eric entered the next phase of his life.

He went to work at Eastern Die Co. in Auburn, where his dad was the general manager. Later, Eric became a mobile telephone operator for a communications company, worked the switchboard at a nursing home and handled the “graveyard shift” as an operator for a detective and security agency.

“To make up for my lack of

sight, God has given me a very sharp memory,” he explains. “I don’t want any special charity, just dignity and respect.”

At home, Eric enjoys a myriad of hobbies—listening to doo wop music from the 1950s and ‘60s and classic commercials from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, and using a Dell desktop computer.

Utilizing the JAWS (Job Access for Windows) software program, he is able to hear the words on the computer screen. Many will attest to his voracious appetite for emails.

Eric also derives great pleasure in travel and the sensation of riding roller-coasters at amusement parks.

It was during Lent in 1981 that he received his first invitation to serve as a lector at Holy Cross parish in Lewiston. “We were doing a reading about Jesus and the blind man, and the priest turned out all the lights in the church. He told me, ‘You’re going to have to project tonight,’” Eric recalls.

He remained an integral part of the lector team for two decades before relocating to Connecticut.

“I felt pretty good about it.

I knew I was doing the Lord’s work,” says Eric, who labels lectoring “a humbling experience.”

At Assumption, Eric works in tandem with another parishioner, Ann Okrentowich, at the Saturday Masses. She guides him to and from the pulpit, and reads the announcements.

“We’re a good match,” she says. “He’s just so comfortable with himself, and you can’t help be comfortable with him. Eric is not blind; he sees so much without sight. When my mom died, he couldn’t see it in my eyes, but he could hear it in my voice.” n

11

June 2012

Feature

Sculptor releases spirit of stone

By PAT HENNESSY

“Sculpting an image is all about peeling layers of stone off to uncover the image within,” says Jim Bria, lightly touching the head of a marble angel, its head bent in prayer. “You go around and around, working it as a whole, until you release its spirit. It could be the most elaborate piece of artwork, but if it doesn’t have spirit, no one will look at it.”

Bria, a lifelong member of St. Roch Parish in Greenwich, has released his own spirit within the last decade as he refined an artistic talent that he inherited in his family genes. “The Brias have been artists for 1,000 years,” he says, mentioning with pride a cousin in Italy who spent his

career in the Vatican repairing statues under Pope Pius IX. Like most of the founding members of St. Roch’s, Bria’s family came to this country from the small Italian town of Mora di Santis. Many of them, like Bria, found themselves in the construction business. “It was always stone—stone from the getgo,” Bria says of his 30 years in construction. He gradually found himself specializing in intricate projects calling for more detailed work. Along the way he did repair work on life-sized statues in churches and for Patrick Baker and Sons religious goods store.

Evolving from large to smaller scale works, he now holds a certification from the State of Connecticut Archeology

Department for the restoring of antique gravestones. The intensely detailed work has refined his natural artistic talent, and his religious sculptures for private clients exhibit creative sensibility. At the same time, Bria finds himself called to two current projects: a series of six angels and a life-sized sculpture of the Assumption, which is slowly emerging from an eight-foot block of Indiana limestone.

They have a life of their own.

“These are not a copy of anything,” Bria says. “I don’t use any models, I don’t use any photographs.”

Although the statues are the product of a vision, it’s an informed vision, backed by years of experience. Following the late

“Blessed Gifts” BRIDGEPORT—If you wrestle with shopping for the “perfect gift,” you might consider visiting www.blessedgifts. org to explore all-occasion gift opportunities.

Personalized gift cards are available for holidays or special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, First Communion, Confirmation, commencement, along with sympathy cards and Get Well notes.

“You can make a personalized gift to someone that directly benefits a ministry in the Diocese of Bridgeport,” says Appeal Director Pam Rittman.

You can visit the website, select a gift to put in your “shopping cart” and create a card to send to a family member or friend to whom the gift is dedicated. This card may be sent directly via email, printed on your home computer, or Blessed Gifts can mail a card for you.

Participants now have a variety of 14 online cards they can choose from, with gift categories that range between $25 to provide breakfast for 25 people at Morning Glory Program in Danbury to $5,000 for a Smart Board for a Catholic

School classroom.

Rittman says that there has been strong interest in Blessed Gifts sympathy cards. Rather than send flowers to the funeral home, a donation to a food pantry in memory of the loved one offers a gift that keeps giving.

She adds that people throughout Fairfield County responded to the introduction of the Blessed Gifts program when it was launched last December in time to purchase gifts for the Christmas Season. “People liked the opportunity to send a Christmas gift this way and said they would like that kind of option throughout the year,” she says.

“They were enthusiastic about it as an opportunity to put their faith in action by supporting the work of charity and compassion across the diocese.”

Rittman says that a growing number of people prefer to give or receive a gift that helps others.

Likewise, many people want a gift to be meaningful, rather than just purchasing something for people who already have more than they need.

“I think you’re seeing this kind of giving across the board, because people want to support causes or good works that are close to their heart. Just knowing that the gift is going to improve someone’s life is meaningful. People who receive the gift know that their family and friends care enough about them to do something good in their name,” she says.

Rittman says that many people will still buy a traditional gift, but use Blessed Gifts as a teaching and prayerful moment, particularly with their children to show that making a gift may also help someone less fortunate. It is teaching the importance of giving to the next generation.

(To shop on the all occassion Blessed Gifts website, go to www.blessedgifts.org.) n

TINY DETAILS CAPTURE the spirit of a large sculpture: the hand of an angel clutches at Mary’s robe in The Assumption. “If a sculpture doesn’t have spirit, no one will look at it,” says creator Jim Bria.

(Photo by Pat Hennessy)

Romanesque style of sculpture, the figures are individualized, each one a recognizable person in its own right.

When he works on an angel’s face, detailing the eyes, cheekbones and lip structure, the statue “starts to come to life,” Bria says. “The most important thing is the eyes.”

The six angels, starting with a nearly completed weeping angel, chronicle a process from sorrow to rejoicing. “They reflect the changes in my life,” Bria says. “I began with the weeping angel, and I hope that the final one will be rejoicing in heaven.”

The sculpture of the Assumption, already showing a

rough image of the Virgin Mary with her face tilted toward the heavens, will be Bria’s most elaborate piece. “It’s reflective of what she was, a woman from the region of the Middle East,” he says.

“She’ll finish at a little over five feet tall, which is representative of a woman in that time in that part of the world.

Bria expects to be finished with the series of angels by the year’s end. The statue of the Assumption, though, will be finished when its spirit is ready—not following any timetable. “I carve it as I see and feel it. I work on it, and when I run out of vision, I put down my tools and walk away.” n

St Joseph High School Privilege & Responsibility

Congratulations to our Class of 2012 ...as you choose so you become...

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12

Vals and Sals Vals and Sals from page 3 of Engineering and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, he will be attending St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, where he plans to major in chemical biology.

Connor McCann is Immaculate’s salutatorian. On the student council, Connor is a member of the National Honor Society and World Languages Honor

400 students drawn from across Southwestern Connecticut. The oldest diocesan high school, it has a 56 year history of educational excellence.

Meghan Cassidy has been named valedictorian at Notre Dame High School. She comes from Norwalk where she is a member of Saint Jerome Parish.

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, FAIRFIELD – Meghan Cassidy, valedictorian; Michael Martinsky, salutatorian

Society. Captain of Immaculate’s football team, he earned the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award for 2012.

He has participated in the Relay for Life and the Special Olympics. A member of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Danbury, he volunteers frequently to help at parish events.

Connor has a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he will major in engineering.

“Joseph’s academic performance has been outstanding but even more impressive, he has given over 450 hours of community service,” says Immaculate’s principal, Joseph Carmen. “In his founding and continued directing of Casseroles for the Hungry, Joseph has coordinated the making and delivery of untold numbers of meals to those less fortunate. Connor has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement from the day he entered IHS. He has also made great contributions to the school and surrounding community.”

Notre Dame, Fairfield

Notre Dame Catholic High School awarded 100 diplomas to members of the Class of 2012 on June 8. 98% percent of the graduating class will be pursuing higher education. The Class of 2012 is comprised of students representing 33 area cities and towns.

Notre Dame has an enrollment of

Meghan is a member of the National Honor Society and president of the French Honor Society. She served as a student ambassador and a freshman mentor and is a member of the campus ministry program and the Notre Dame Appalachia Club, where she has traveled each summer to perform service work for communities in Kentucky and West Virginia. Meghan will be attending the University of Notre Dame this fall where she will pursue a degree in business.

Michael Martinsky, a parishioner at St. Mark Parish in Stratford, has been named salutatorian at Notre Dame. A member of the National and Spanish Honor societies, he is a National Merit Scholar and the recipient of the CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award. Michael was on the baseball, cross country and indoor track teams, and was active in the Campus Ministry program, the Debate Team and the Appalachia Club, where he has traveled to West Virginia and Kentucky for a week of service in the summer.

Michael will be attending Lehigh University in the fall and pursing a degree in finance.

“Meghan has demonstrated her commitment to both academics and the service to others from the first moment she arrived at Notre Dame,” says Principal

June 2012

Chris Cipriano. “Michael has gone above and beyond, both in the classroom and through his extra-curricular activities and athletic talents. His work ethic and commitment to others is certain to serve him well at Lehigh and beyond.”

Trinity Catholic, Stamford

Trinity Catholic High School graduated 112 seniors on June 9.

Trinity currently has an enrollment of 427 students.

Kara Wintergrass is Trinity’s valedictorian. A member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Stamford, Kara is a four-year member of the varsity cheerleading squads for football and basketball, earning the Scholar-Athlete Award all four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been active in the Student Ambassadors. In addition, Kara worked after school with students at Holy Spirit and Our Lady Star of the Sea elementary schools. She volunteered at the National Football League Annual Draft and the Meet the Artists and Artisans show in Milford. She was the recipient of the Society of Women Engineers Achievement for Excellence in Math and Natural Sciences and earned the FCIAC Scholar-Athlete Award for cheerleading. She also received a 2012 Diocese of Bridgeport St. Thomas Aquinas Award. Kara

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, STAMFORD – Kara Wintergrass, valedictorian; Kevin Epp, salutatorian

will attend Belmont University in Tennessee this fall.

The salutatorian of Trinity Catholic is Kevin Epp. In addition to being a top scholar, he is a three-sport athlete who served as captain of this year’s football, basketball and baseball teams.

He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Ambassadors. Kevin is active in the community, working with the elderly at Brighton Gardens Senior Living Facility, mentoring young people at Hart School and working at the local food bank on the weekends.

A 2012 Diocese of Bridgeport Breakfast of Champions honoree, he earned the CAS/CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award and

the Robert D’Aquila Memorial Scholarship. Kevin will pursue his goal of becoming an engineer at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in the fall.

According to Tony Pavia, principal of Trinity Catholic, “Kevin and Kara represent the very best in young people today.

In addition to their exceptional academic achievement, they have been stellar young people who have lived their faith. We at Trinity Catholic High School are extremely proud of Kevin and Kara, their extraordinary accomplishments and the character and integrity that they have demonstrated during their time at the high school.” ➤ continued on page

22

A seaside piece of heaven Captains Cove Seaport in Bridgeport is a happening place on a summer weekend. A local band keeps the music coming.

Fish & chips, fried clams and the all-American favorite, the hot dog—make it a long dog with the works—gives new meaning to the phrase “comfort food.” Yachts and sloops rest at anchor, dreaming of the deeper waters of Long Island Sound.

Along one side of the Seaport, boardwalk shops entice visitors with fresh-made ice cream, summer hats and dresses, imports from the Caribbean or the far-off Orient and the wares of local craftspeople. Tucked among them, St. Anthony’s Book and Gift Shop charms shoppers with religious, spiritual and inspirational gifts.

On any given summer

afternoon, youngsters may stop to grab a book or listen to a Christian CD while their moms admire Celtic crosses or consider adding a statue of St. Francis to their garden. Small though it is, the shop carries everything from statues to Bibles to jewelry to wedding favors.

“We get people looking for an inspirational book for the beach, or maybe trying to find just the right greeting card for a special occasion,” says Kathleen Conroy Cass, St. Anthony’s owner.

Shown here, she helps a customer

browse the holy cards, while youngsters sample books in their age range. The shop, open Tues.-Sun. afternoons during the summer, is an offshoot of her main store on Main St. in Seymour.

(For more information, visit www.stanthonygift.com or email them at Godatwork2000@ yahoo.com.) n

13

June 2012

Local News Safe Environment from page 3 critical role in the implementation of the Charter. All adults working or volunteering full-time, parttime and even per diem in our schools and parishes are required to register for VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children before they begin, and parishes must track this as new volunteers join various ministries each year. Parishes and schools ensure that every person who works or volunteers in any ministry first completes a criminal background check.

Volunteer background checks and all new hires are processed locally through parish offices. Parishes submit a report annually verifying

that all new personnel (employees and volunteers) completed both the VIRTUS training and the background check.

Code of Conduct

The Charter requires that all dioceses have policies and a Code of Conduct that identify safe and appropriate boundaries when working with minors. The Diocese of Bridgeport Code of Conduct has been in place since 2004 and provides adults with guidelines on appropriate conduct when working with children and information on reporting. An important standard in the Code of Conduct is the “Rule of Two” which requires

that two or more safe adults are present during all activities involving minors. This standard protects children as well as the adults who work with them.

Victim assistance

Victim Assistance coordinators are now in place in all U.S. dioceses and archdioceses as a direct result of the Charter. They provide outreach and assistance to those who have been abused by a member of the clergy or by another person from the Church and they ensure that all allegations are immediately reported to civil authorities. In the Diocese of Bridgeport the Victim Assistance Coordinators are Erin Neil, LCSW and Michael Tintrup, LCSW. n

Congratulations

What should I do if a child or an adult discloses abuse?

Remain Calm & Listen

Be careful not to make a promise that you will keep it secret. Child abuse is a crime and must be reported. The majority of child sexual abuse is committed by someone known and trusted by the victim and the family and the suspected perpetrator could be a family member. Let the child know that you believe them and that reporting is the right thing to do.

Report It!

If the incident involves a person from the Church (recently or in the past) you should immediately call one of our victim assistance coordinators (203.650.3265 to speak with Erin Neil or 203.241.0987 to speak with Michael Tintrup). You should also contact the State of CT Child Abuse Hotline 800.842.2288 or the police within 12 hours of becoming aware of the information. If you have reason to believe that a child has been sexually assaulted you should also seek immediate medical attention for them.

(For more information, visit the diocesan website: www.bridgeportdiocese.com under Safe Environments. The email address for Erin Neil is eneil@diobpt.org. A full copy of the Charter is available from the USCCB n at the Child and Youth Protection website: www.usccb.org/ocyp.)

...to the Convent of the Sacred Heart Class of 2012 Lucy Adams Lindsey Alpeter Koraima Alzate Margaret Annecchino Caroline Antonacci Colleen Benson Christine Bloom Nicole Bloom Margaret Bugniazet Giulia Campana Fiona Cavise Catherine Colford Madeleine Cron Caroline Cunningham Kerianne Doran Caroline Eagan Nicole Fischer Sarah Furth Margaret Gavin Malkia Gedeon Shamel Guzman Colleen Henn Eleanor Judge Claudia Khoury India Knight Samantha Knox Francesca Libassi Katharine Mather Christiane McCabe Anne McDevitt Ashleigh McGrath

1177 King Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06831 • 203.531.6500 • www.cshgreenwich.org

Convent of the Sacred Heart is an independent, Catholic day school for girls from preschool thorugh grade 12.

Emily Merritt Krystyna Miles Alana Murphy Alexandra Murray Erin Myers Nicole Narea Lindsay O’Callaghan Mollie Pillari Eymie Prieto Rose Rinaldi Nicole Rogers Ana Roman Alexandra Root Margaretta Ryan Brittanie Sanders Jennifer Schwabe Allison Sciarretta Molly Scudder Acacia Smash Shannon Sprague Jeannette Sucre Samantha Tarde Allison Toner Clare Verrochi Stephanie Viola Alexandra Wales Katherine Welch Diana White Marian Ziminsky Jessica Zuniga

14

Local News EDITORIAL Best of the best

Top of the class, sure. Add scholar-athlete, maybe team captain.

President of some honor society (or more than one), on the Student Council, Key Club, Student Ambassador. Throw in hundreds of service hours in their schools, parishes and communities. Now you’ve reached the neighborhood of the top graduates featured in this issue.

They’re smart; that’s a given. More than that, they’re driven. By ambition (we hope) and by energy, enthusiasm and a deep concern for those less fortunate. The depth and breadth and height of their achievements, condensed in these pages for space, is staggering. More than mere brains, what shines through these mini-bios is their passion for all life offers. They perform in school plays, compete in engineering projects, write for the school newspaper, build homes in Appalachia, tutor kids after school, play the violin, teach religious ed, help children with autism, start a parish food program for the needy. These scholars aren’t the future of the Church. They’re the present. As the brightest and the best—most especially as the best of the best—they’re already changing our world. When we congratulate them, that praise extends to their teachers and parents. It’s their encouragement, and the lived example of faith and dedication, that brought the promise of these young lives to first fulfillment.

Last lap for the Appeal

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal is in its last lap­—and that means if you haven’t given, it’s your turn to pick up the baton and help us cross the finish line. We thank all those who have given generously and brought us to the $11 million mark to support essential diocesan services and ministries. However, we also know that many people have not renewed their pledge. The follow-up phone calls made by our volunteers tell a story of people experiencing continuing difficulty and uncertainty in the economy; some have lost their jobs or faced cutbacks, while others have experienced a crisis that has made them recipients of care, rather than donors. To be certain, they remain in our prayers and also make the work of the appeal even more urgent, as an increasing number of people need help. All the more reason for the rest of us to reach out. Every gift matters, and it inspires others to give. Diocesan administrator Msgr.

Jerald Doyle said it best recently when he reminded us that Archbishop Lori got the Appeal off to a good start before he left for Baltimore. Now it’s up to us. The work of the diocese goes on, and we will soon be welcoming a new bishop. The appeal is one of the best ways to put “faith in action” while expressing the essential unity of the Church. Please step up at a time when so many people are depending on your participation.

Fortnight to Fireworks

New England summers come with their own climate of opinion.

On a cool, clear-sailing July morning, one can easily understand how the landscape might have produced a transcendentalist like Ralph Waldo Emerson. Likewise, the fury and judgment summoned by a sudden thunder storm might put us more in the mind of “sinners in the hands of an angry God” than a removed and benign deity. But most of us are not direct descendants of fire and brimstone puritans, nor of Unitarian sages. As Catholics we brought a different faith to this country and planted it in the initially unreceptive New England soil—changing not only the spiritual landscape in the U.S. but also the very notion of liberty and conscience. We are a diverse group, but we are united by a love for our Church and for freedom. Recently our bishops have challenged us to consider threats to religious liberty both in the U.S. and around the world—and they have reminded us that individual liberty and the dignity of each person are a gift from God and not a prerogative granted by the state. As we move from Fortnight to fireworks, it’s a good time to reflect on our citizenship, our faith and the great bounty we enjoy as Americans.

n

Fortnight for Freedom June 21-July 4

A special time of prayer, fasting, and witness.

For latest info www.bridgeportdiocese.com

June 2012

EDITOR’S CHOICE Observations on Vatican II Letter to the Editor: Thank you for the articles on the Vatican II conference.

I wonder if I might clarify a few things in the article on science? First, readers might inadvertently infer that Teilhard de Chardin was the very heart of the Council; in fact, while he certainly had an effect, many faithful 20th century theologians were grappling with similar issues, from Karol Wojtyla’s (John Paul II) work on phenomenology to Joseph Ratzinger’s (Benedict XVI) studies of the relation of history and ontology.

Second, it was not, of course, classical theology that spoke of a perfect, unchanging “Above,” contrasted with a changing, mutable “Below,” but some classical philosophy, supposedly derived from Plato, though the best Plato scholars today know that that was a simplistic misreading of Plato.

This kind of dualism, Gnostic or Manichean, has always been a heresy in the Church. As the classical theologians knew, God is not “wholly other,” nothing more than an impassible Aristotelian First Mover, dwelling in some utterly distinct and unreachable distant upper level. Instead, he is and has always been seen to be a communion of persons which unites through the Incarnation— without dissolving into the identity of pantheism—time and eternity, creation and the divine.

There is nothing wrong with the language of “above” and “below” when correctly understood.

Third, there has never been a conflict between science and religion because science, as so many

scholars have shown, could only grow in milieu that understood Reason and Logos to be the heart of reality. Science as we know it began in the Middle Ages, not during the Enlightenment.

It is only Scientism—a narrow, reductive, truncated distortion of real science, one which is rooted in power and which purports to answer every possible question— that is at odds with faith.

Finally, it is a modern, secularist interpretation that the supposedly benighted Middle Ages were shocked to learn that the earth was not the most important thing in the universe, or had a purely physical view of the universe such that changes in the

CLERGYAPPOINTMENTS Msgr. Jerald A. Doyle, JCD, Diocesan Administrator, has made the following clergy appointment in the Diocese of Bridgeport:

Administrator REV. PAWEL HREBENKO, Spiritual Director of Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence, Stamford, to Administrator of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford. Effective date is July 1.

Parochial Vicar REV. MARIUSZ OLBRYS, Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary and Saint Benedict/Our Lady of Montserrat Parish, Stamford, and Assistant Chaplain of Saint Camillus Care and Rehabilitation Center, to Parochial Vicar of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford. Father Olbrys will continue to assist at Saint Camillus. Effective date is July 1.

Spiritual Director REV. MICHAEL LYONS, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Westport, to Spiritual Director of Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence, Stamford. Effective date is July 1.

Rev. Msgr. Kevin Royal, Delegate for Clergy Personnel June, 2012

Msgr. Jerald A. Doyle, JCD Publisher

Office of Communications Diocese of Bridgeport 238 Jewett Avenue Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892 telephone | 203.416.1461 fax | 203.374.2044 e-mail | fcc@diobpt.org web | www.bridgeportdiocese.com www.facebook.com/Fairfield County Catholics

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heavens shook their faith! From the time of Ptolemy the ancient Greeks knew the earth was barely a mathematical point in relation to the rest of the cosmos.

Though the average person may have thought the earth physically revolved around the sun, their true cosmology—best illustrated by Dante—was quite clear that the earth was on the circumference, occupying the lowest place, of a circle of which God was the center. Beatrice’s speech on moon spots in the Paradiso made it quite clear that one should not confuse physical (quantitative) distinctions with qualitative ones.

Mary Taylor Newtown

Brian D. Wallace Executive Editor bwallace@ccfc-ct.org Pat Hennessy Managing Editor phennessy@diobpt.org Renée Stamatis Art Director rstamatis@diobpt.org Brian A. Wallace Graphic Designer bwallace@diobpt.org Jill Monroe Office Manager/Admin jmonroe@diobpt.org Ralph Lazzaro Advertising Manager rlazzaro@diobpt.org Sonia Burns Spanish Editor* soniarburns@yahoo.com Madeline Ghilardi Copy Editor* * Consultants

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Every registered Catholic household in Fairfield County is entitled to a subscription.

To add or change an address, call 203-416-1461, or e-mail: fcc@diobpt.org

Annual Subscription Price $20 (within diocese) $50 (outside diocese)

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send address changes to: Fairfield County Catholic, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892 © Copyright 2012, Diocese of Bridgeport

15

June 2012

Editorial

Welcome Our New Saint Kateri Tekakwitha A Woman’s View

By Antoinette Bosco

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

I

n this month of June, I am overjoyed that a prayer I have been sending to heaven since I was very young, about nine years old, in fact, is being answered. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, long known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21—the first Native American to be officially named a saint!

I’m not too sure many Catholics know about her, for I have mentioned this holy

woman—who was born to an Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father in upstate New York in 1656—to many people in my lifetime, usually only getting some blank stares. But I really did come to know her in a very personal way, thanks to my father. We lived in Albany, NY, and several times a year he would take me and my two sisters, Rosemary and Jeannette, to a shrine called Auriesville, some 30 miles or so away. There I learned about Kateri.

I most particularly remember a

Jesuit priest at a Mass who spoke of her holiness and told how she once carved a cross on her leg as proof of her love for God. So I tried to do the same when I got home, using a big needle. My mother came upon me as I was scratching away. Screaming at me that I would get blood poisoning, she nicely punished me for my attempted excursion into sanctity!

But I never lost my deep reverence for the Indian maiden and eventually learned much about her, which accounts for why I am overjoyed that she will this month become Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.

Here is some of her story: Her parents belonged to two different tribes who were bitter enemies, her mother being Algonquin, and her father an Iroquois Mohawk.

More than that, her mother was a Catholic, baptized by the Jesuit “blackrobes”—priests who came from France to bring Christianity to the native Indians—in her former village. They moved to a

new village and were happy there.

But then, when Kateri was four years old, disaster struck. A “new disease” —smallpox—brought by European colonists killed most of the villagers. Kateri’s parents and little brother died, and she was ill and close to death for months.

When she recovered, she was severely pockmarked and half blind. It is said that in the years following, she would draw her shawl up around her face to hide her scars. Her culture, though, insisted on marriage for all women, scars or no. Kateri was adamant about refusing to marry, which angered the women in her village.

But God has a way of opening doors for those who are faithful to Him, and this happened for Kateri when a Jesuit priest showed up, and preached about Jesus. She was converted and the Jesuit priest baptized her on Easter Sunday, 1676. Persecution followed. She had to get away from the villagers, who had stoned her for saying the

Rosary and threatened to kill her if she continued to follow Catholic faith. With the help of the priest, Father deLamberville, Kateri literally “floated down a river to new life” at St. Francis Xavier of Sault St. Louis, not far from Montreal.

Because she had been so physically weakened by her difficult life, Kateri lived only four more years. It is written that, to everyone’s astonishment, when she died her facial scars disappeared and the Lily of the Mohawks was now seen as a strikingly beautiful 24 year old woman!

Her feast day is July 14. On that date this year she will still have the title of “Blessed Kateri.”

May we all rejoice that, come October, she will be known as our new Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.

(I am especially grateful to Sr. Janice McGrane. S.S.J., who presented Kateri’s story in her book, “Saints to Lean On, Spiritual Companions for Illness and Disability.” Ave Maria Press.) n

Wait till the army gets a hold of you A Dad’s View

By Matthew Hennessey

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

W

hen I was being particularly lazy as a teenager, my dad would often say, “Wait till the Army gets a hold of you.” I managed to make sure they never did.

I came of age during the “end of history.” The Berlin Wall fell a week after my sixteenth birthday.

I was eighteen when the Soviet Union collapsed. I watched the first Gulf War on TV. After 9/11, I’d occasionally think that it wasn’t too late to join up. But the notion didn’t take. I went about my business in peace while men and women my age, and with young families like mine, left their homes and fought two wars on the other side of the world.

This Memorial Day just gone by was shaping up like all those that had come before. There would be a parade, some family time, and a hot dog or two.

Maybe in the evening I’d catch that PBS concert of patriotic music with Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. My son thought Memorial Day was the day for fireworks. He was very disappointed when told he’d have to wait a month.

During the last week of May, however, I opened the local paper to see a notice: “On Saturday the VFW will place fresh American flags on the veteran’s graves in our local cemetery—all residents wishing to help are welcome.”

We live literally steps from the cemetery entrance, so on

Saturday morning Clara, my 8-year-old daughter, and I headed out to pitch in.

The other volunteers were not mostly townspeople, nor were they elderly veterans as I expected, but Boy Scouts—about twenty-five of them from the local troop. Before we began, they recited their Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

I was never a Boy Scout. In fact, I may have been one of those too-cool kids that thought it was a bit corny. I was definitely one of those too-cool adults who thought Scouting was a quaint relic of a more innocent time.

But to hear twenty-five, shaggy-haired American boys in a prosperous Connecticut suburb saluting Old Glory and promising in loud, clear voices to keep themselves physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight—well, it nearly brought a tear to my eye.

It seems all is not lost. At least not yet.

One of the older Scouts stepped forward. This fellow had recently completed a project to map the veterans’ graves. There were hundreds in all. Clara and I were given maps and asked to plant flags near about fifty headstones.

It was harder than I thought it would be. The maps were good, but locating the correct plot still required some serious searching.

In some cases there were old flags to be removed. I struggled with the new flags tucked under my right arm, the old flags tucked under my left arm, and three double-sided poster-board maps slipping around in my hands.

I felt clumsy, unprepared for a tricky task in difficult conditions.

I could just hear my dad: “Wait till the Army gets a hold of you.”

Luckily, a man in a Boy Scout uniform—one of the Troop leaders—took heed of the oath he had earlier professed and stepped forward to offer some help. I was grateful that men still exist who will volunteer their time to remind youngsters to do their duty to God and country.

For the next hour or so, we explored the past century and a half of American military history together. We planted flags on the

final resting places of a Civil War veteran and a young man who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. We adorned the graves of Christians, Jews, and—probably—unbelievers. We found fathers and sons who had served in different wars. We even found a French Lieutenant.

I hope I don’t insult you by stating the obvious: It was a humbling experience. A great many men and women gave their lives so that we might remain a free people. They are buried all around us. Walking among them and visiting their graves made me want to know their stories. It made me wish I could somehow let them know that people still remember. The Boy Scouts still come around.

They still pledge to stay physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Army never did get a hold of me. But I think the real spirit of Memorial Day finally did.

Next year the whole family is going to that cemetery to replace the flags on the graves. And when my son complains, I know what I’m going to say.

“Wait till the Boy Scouts get a hold of you.” n

16

June 2012

Youth

Cans for Cruz Blanca

By DEBORAH BRELSFORD

(Deborah Brelsford is an adult chaperone for the youth group at Our Lady of Peace, Stratford.)

Cruz Blanca, a name meaning White Cross, is a mission camp for poor children in Peru run by the Marian Community of Reconciliation, popularly called the Fraternas. This spring, the youth group at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Stratford developed a new appreciation for the needs of the children the camp serves and reached out to help them.

The teens learned about Cruz Blanca when our parish youth minister, Alyssa Brelsford (who happens to be my daughter), returned from a visit to Lima and Cruz Blanca the prior summer and shared her experiences with them. At Cruz Blanca, impoverished children from the Shanty Towns surrounding Lima enjoy

a “vacation” from their usual life and receive wholesome meals, a bed to sleep on, catechesis, and a whole lot of love! They are taught about human dignity and, in turn, these young children take what they learn back to their families and share with them God’s love.

The work that the Fraternas undertake in our diocese is close to the hearts of our teens, since they have benefited in many ways through the Fraternas’ efforts, such as the annual Convivio congress, led by teens and High School Apostles, more commonly called “HSA.” They participated in a novena at the community house in the days leading to Christmas, and some Fraternas have been guest speakers at the parish youth group meetings.

That laid the groundwork.

Then this spring, seminarian Eric Silva, who met on a weekly basis with the teens, led a discussion with them about serving those in

SERVING THOSE IN NEED, the youth group at Our Lady of Peace Parish raised funds to help the poor children of Lima, Peru. (l-r) Sara Henriques, Nick Wills, Maggie De Capua, Lauren Padua, Sr. Julie Rogers, Jeanna Emanuel, Sr. Gabriela Davila, Taryn Petersen, Sarah Freddino and Katie Freddino.

(Photo by John Hewitt)

need. It was then that the teens decided to hold a returnable bottle and can drive and donate the proceeds to the Marian Community of Reconciliation.

Parishioners gladly brought bags of redeemable cans, whether big or small, to Mass with them during the can drive weekend and placed them in receptacles at entrances to the church.

Teens retrieved the cans and sorted them throughout Sunday morning. Nick Wills, an active parish teen, along with his mom, dad, and sister, loaded two pick-

up trucks with gigantic bags of sorted cans and bottles and returned them to the redemption center.

“I had a great time knowing I was helping both the environment and kids in need. There was that awesome satisfying feeling of giving back,” said Maggie De Capua, who will be a junior at Stratford High School this fall. It is through efforts such as the can drive that parish teens embrace a deeper level of commitment to one another through servicing the global community. In addition to fellowship, Our Lady of Peace

teens seek reason-based truth.

Faith without works is dead and it is through self-giving action that the teen group will thrive.

With great pride, Fr. Richard Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Peace, called the teens to the front of the altar at the monthly teen Mass on April 22.

On behalf of the youth group, Lauren Padua presented a check to Sr. Gabriela Davila and Sr. Julie Rodgers from the Marian Community of Reconciliation for $337. This money will go a long way at Cruz Blanca! n

Congratulations 2012 Graduates from

Notre Dame High School of Fairfield At Notre Dame High School, we couldn’t be more proud of our graduates. Next year they will be attending prestigious colleges and universities like the University of Notre Dame, Sacred Heart University, Penn State, Providence College and Fairfield University—and will be receiving nearly $11 million in scholarships and grants. And with our recently launched Strategic Plan and partnership with Sacred Heart University, Notre Dame will continue to provide a challenging, innovative and faith-centered learning environment that prepares each student for college—and life.

Three members of the Class of 2012 holding the banner of the University of Notre Dame, where they will be attending this fall.

save the date! Fall admissions open house Sunday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m.

220 Jefferson Street Fairfield, CT 06825

Admissions Office 203.372.6521 www.notredame.org

A window of opportunity to give…

“We’re grateful for the support we have received from so many donors, and we hope that those who haven’t pledged yet will take advantage of this window of opportunity to help us reach our goal in the 2012 Annual Bishop’s Appeal,” says Msgr. Jerald Doyle, administrator of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

With the campaign nearing the $11 million mark, Msgr. Doyle hopes that those who haven’t given will support the Annual Bishop’s Appeal as it enters into the home stretch.

“Archbishop Lori gave us a wonderful start before leaving for Baltimore. Now it’s time for us to follow his lead and finish the work by making the Appeal a success in these challenging times.”

Msgr. Doyle is grateful for the support of pastors who have helped to inspire and encourage participation.

“The work of the diocese continues, and with support of Catholics throughout Fairfield County we will continue to provide extraordinary outreach and services through our programs and ministries,” says Msgr. Doyle.

• 1.2 million meals served through Catholic Charities • 11,000 students in our 32 elementary and five high schools • 35,000 young people in religious education • 40 seminarians in priestly formation

Please help us bring this great “Beacon of Light” to Fairfield County.

Brooke Lohle, Grade 1 Julia Sciallo, Grade 2 Nicholas DiFabio, Grade 3 Hannah Krasznai, Grade 4 Angela Paraska, Grade 5 Lauren Monk, Grade 6 Hunter Wronski, Grade 7 Kathleen Politica, Grade 8 Lila Sferlazza, Grade 10 Carolyn Janik, Grade 11

Trey Paraska, Grade 1 Tommy DeMarkey, Grade 2 Christina O’Sullivan, Grade 3 Olivia Allen, Grade 4 Edwin Maldonado, Grade 5 Tess Conroy, Grade 6 Jessica Almeida, Grade 7 Jennifer Careera, Grade 8 Olivia Kelly, Grade 10

Investing in Catholic Education

If you ask Ann Bresnan what she likes about Catholic schools, she goes right to what impressed her when she and her late husband, Bill, a cable business executive, visited St. Raphael School in Bridgeport several years ago.

“The bulletin boards were creative. The children looked you in the eye when they said, ‘Hello.’ They raised their hands to answer, and paid rapt attention to the teacher. You could see the respect and affection they had for each other. It was really lovely,” says the Greenwich resident.

Based on that visit, Ann and Bill made a gift to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal to support Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport. She has continued to support Catholic schools through the Bill and Ann Bresnan Foundation, which recently made a $100,000 gift to the schools.

Ann and Bill were the parents of 11 children, and she remains deeply committed to helping children in need. “There’s no greater gift to a child than a quality education,” she says. She feels good about investing in Catholic schools because of the impact they have on the lives of poor students.

Ann is moved by the personal

testimonies she hears from local Catholic school students every year at the Inner-City Foundation dinner. “You have the children standing up and telling their own story, and that really hits home.

I think many people who aren’t aware or don’t understand their struggles are impressed when they hear the young people talk about the impact of Catholic schools on their lives.”

Ann believes that growing up surrounded by the affluence in Fairfield County might make it even more difficult for poor children to achieve, and that Catholic schools have a unique ability to protect and encourage them.

“Many of these children grow up in difficult, even dangerous, situations. But when they walk through the doors of our schools, they have such a feeling of warmth and safety. The schools are upbeat and hopeful places for children who have been surrounded by problems.”

Giving to Catholic schools is important to Ann, who grew

success

up on Long Island and attended Seton Hall High School before going to Newton College of the Sacred Heart, now a part of Boston College. Her late husband Bill, a native of Minnesota, was also a parochial school graduate.

“Catholic schools are a fine example of what a school should be. They have that extra dimension,” says Ann, who enjoys receiving notes from students who have benefitted from Bresnan Foundation grants.

Ann believes that everyone has an obligation to give back in whatever way he or she can.

Likewise, people have many different interests and opportunities to give to a wide range of good causes.

“Everybody can do something, and it doesn’t have to be money, it can be volunteering or giving their time. Whether you’re a foundation or an individual, you should ask what is important to you and give. Even if you only have a little, because a little can go a long way, espe-

cially with matching gifts.”

One thing that warms Ann’s heart is the example of philanthropy she finds in those roadside lemonade stands and other activities where children actually work to raise money for other children who need help. “When my granddaughters receive a birthday present or other gift, we recommend that they put a portion of it in their piggy banks to donate to charities and they’re happy to do it,” says Ann proudly.

She says that with many foundations, as well as individuals, feeling the pinch in a difficult economy, it’s more important than ever for people to step up, but she’s quick to add that money doesn’t solve all problems.

“Being able to support yourself and your family is important,” she says. “The priorities we set and the values we have are what really matter. Education is the key to that. It’s a great gift.” n

Bridgeport Catholic schools bucking trends BRIDGEPORT—Students in the six Catholic elementary schools in Bridgeport (the Cathedral Cluster) are performing at or above grade level and showing improvement from one year to the next, according to Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Sr. Mary Grace recently delivered an Education Report to the Cathedral Education Cluster Board describing the progress of students in reading, language and math using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and other assessment tools for students grades 3-7.

“In our schools, multiple assessment strategies are used to understand the needs of individual students,” says Sr. Mary Grace. “Once the assessment is complete teachers create a plan documenting what

each student needs.”

Among the Education Report highlights: Seventh-grade students have improved significantly in every area. In one of the Cluster schools, seventh-grade students have language scores at the 10th grade level. Students who have been in Bridgeport Catholic schools for more than two years show marked improvement.

One child who entered second grade with limited English improved over 20 levels on the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) test for learners in grades K-2.

Sr. Joan A. Magnetti, rscj, executive director of the Cathedral Cluster, says that there is much good news in the Education Report for the children, families and generous donors who have invested in Catholic education in innercity Bridgeport. She says that Bridgeport Catholic schools are

bucking trends in the inner city by preparing students to perform at or above grade level on the Iowa Test and are also experiencing an increase in enrollment.

“Contrary to other Catholics schools, which may have had to close due to a lack of funding or no academic progress, our six schools registered an eight percent increase in enrollment this year and we’re hopeful about another eight percent increase this coming September,” Sr. Magnetti says.

“Our total enrollment in Bridgeport Catholic schools now numbers 1,323 students. Likewise all of the Kindergarten programs are full and wait-listed,” says Sr. Magnetti, who added that 60% of the students qualify for aid and about 50% are not Catholic.

Sr. Magnetti credits the increasing use of technology in the classroom for the impressive test scores, but also says the prog-

CATHEDRAL CLUSTER STUDENTS perform at or above grade level.

ress in the schools is also due to the committed parents and students, well trained and missionoriented faculties, and the support of donors who have helped to turn the school around.

“Through their leadership and generosity we have been raising some significant endowment money, while we also work internally to make the schools more efficient. Within two years, we expect all of our schools to have balanced budgets,” she says.

She notes that students attend Mass often, pray before class and have robust religious instruction and a wide opportunity for community services. Some schools have received national recogni-

tion for service projects.

“We’re trying to get the word out that everyone can have a place in our Catholic Schools. We know that parents want to send their children to us, and we’re grateful that our board and donors have raised the money to help every child who qualifies to enroll in one of our schools and remain there,” she adds.

The six Bridgeport Catholic elementary schools in the Cathedral Cluster are St. Ambrose, St. Andrew, St. Ann, St. Augustine, St. Peter and St. Raphael.

(For more information, visit: www.cathedralcluster.org) n

v a t i c a n

e x p r e s s

Kids board the Vatican Express

W

hen you give to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, your gift covers a multitude of programs and services, including the Ministry for People with Disabilities. For the past two years, Bible Camp for Children with Special Needs has brought together children

and young adults at St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull and other parishes throughout the diocese. This year a new, exciting program called “The Vatican Express, Fun-Filled Days of Catholic Kidz

Camp” will take place on August 6–10 at St. Lawrence Parish and on August 20–24 at St. Theresa’s from 9 am to 12 noon.

As children fasten their seatbelts for the ride of their lives aboard the Vatican Express, they will experience four fun-filled days of exciting lessons, ending with a barbecue

and closing ceremony. Children will tour the Vatican Treasures and learn all about the Holy Father, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Swiss Guard, Michelangelo,

Children’s Eucharistic Adoration and more. Creative and engaging grade-appropriate lessons will be taught based on Sacred Scripture, Catholic Tradition and the Doctors of the Church. They will participate in skits, role-playing, games, Bible activities, along with easy to make crafts reflecting the theme of each day.

This year the camp at St. Lawrence will be open to children with or without disabilities; extra support for children with special needs will be provided. As in previous years, St. Theresa’s camp is planned especially for special needs children. Prior to each camp there will be hands-on training for youth counselors who will be working with the campers.

The cost of the program is $25, with a maximum cost of $40 per family with more than one child attending. Interested families should contact Fr. Mirek Stachurski at St. Lawrence Parish: 203.929.5355;

C a t h e d r a l

and Michelle O’Mara: 203.416.1502 for camp at St. Theresa Parish.

The Ministry for Persons with Disabilities creates opportunities throughout the year for meaningful participation for people with disabilities and their families in all aspects of the parish community including faith formation, sacramental preparation and the ministerial, educational and social life of the Church.

Thank you for your support to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Visit www.2012aba.com to make your gift on-line today. n

Fun-Filled Days of Catholic Kids Camp August 6th–10th St. Lawrence Parish August 20th–24th St. Theresa Parish 9:00 AM–12 Noon

C l u s t e r

Dressed for First Communion BRIDEPORT—A First Holy Communion dress or jacket gives youngsters a special glow as they prepare to receive Jesus in a new and closer way. At the same time, it’s a big expense, particularly for parents already committed to providing their children with a Catholic school education.

Thanks to the generosity of families in St. Leo Parish in Stamford, girls and boys from schools in Bridgeport’s Cathedral Cluster had a chance to “shop” for their First Communion clothing. Dresses, several brand-new with the tags still on them, veils, jackets, pants and dress shoes were collected by Sue Manning and

other St. Leo parishioners and made available to the youngsters.

In the photo at right, Sr. Joan Magnetti, rscj, executive director of the Cathedral Cluster, helps students select just the right outfit for their big day.

“How wonderful the children will look and feel when receiving Christ in the Eucharist for the first time on their Communion Day,” Archbishop William E. Lori wrote in a thank you letter to Manning and the community

S u p p o r t

t h e

of faith at St. Leo’s.

The six Cathedral Cluster schools are supported by the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. They are a unique resource for inner city children who thrive in a faith-filled and safe environment that challenges them academically and gives them the skills to move ahead with their education.

With your generosity and commitment, the Annual Appeal helps to keeps the doors open and hope in the lives of our young people. n

A b a

Give Hope Today Please renew your support. Any amount is appreciated and makes a difference.

Give Today Online! www.2012ABA.com

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June 2012

School News BioBlitz Youth Ambassador

BRIDGEPORT—When Dara Reyes, then 11 years old, attended the first National Park Service BioBlitz in Biscayne National Park, Key Biscayne, FL, in 2010, she met and impressed some of the top scientists in the world.

As a result, the St. Ann School student was asked to serve as the first National Park Service Youth Biodiversity Ambassador. Dara will attend every BioBlitz lead-

ing up to the 150th anniversary of the National Park Service.

A BioBlitz focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a given area in a short period of time, usually 24 hours.

In 2010 the National Park Service initiated a corps of youth ambassadors, of whom Dara is the first representative, to spread the word about Biodiversity Discovery and engage youth in science activities in national parks.

“I am extremely proud of the role I play in representing the children of the United States of America in biodiversity discovery,” Dara told the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Conference in Gatlinburg, TN, this spring.

The only young person at the convention of scientists and college and university professors, she presented a professional

paper, “Discovering a Different World.” During her speech to the conference, Dara talked of her experience in Biscayne’s maritime environment, and—in a world as different as possible from Connecticut—her astonishment at finding aquatic life deep in the desert during a BiBlitz at Saguaro National Park in Arizona in 2011.

“Instead of a lake or a river, which is what I usually associate with water, I discovered that there are pools of water in the desert. In those pools are thousands of living insects,” she reported. Dara was one of the reptile and aquatic inventory volunteers.

“When the inventory was revealed at the closing ceremony, more than 400

Encouraging education BRIDGEPORT—The importance of communication, in all its forms, was one of the main conclusions of a Pastors and Principals Brunch held June 7 at the Catholic Center by the Office for Education. The gathering also gave principals time to talk informally with Dr. Margaret Dames, superintendent of schools and Msgr. Jerald Doyle, administrator of the diocese.

Working in small groups arranged geographically, pastors and principals focused on two essential questions: How to encourage more parishioners to send their children to Catholic schools, and how to encourage school families to be more active in parish life.

Suggestions highlighted the importance of a variety of approaches, using everything from parish bulletins and local newspapers to speakers at weekend Masses to communicate the excellence of Catholic schools and the importance of education in the context of faith.

“We have to underscore the excellence of our schools, and let people know that they have

TIME FOR CONVERSATION was an enjoyable plus for (l-r) Sr. Deborah Lopez, ASCJ, principal of St. Raphael School; Sue Zello, principal of St. Peter School, Msgr. Doyle; Maria O’Neil, principal of St. Andrew School; and Dr. Dames. Arranging schools geographically allowed these Bridgeport principals to discuss common concerns and successes.

(Photo by Pat Hennessy)

one of the outstanding schools in the region right in their own backyard,” said Fr. Donald Guglielmi, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Stratford. St. Mark’s is one of the 12 nationally recognized Blue Ribbon Schools in the diocesan school system.

Exploring ways to connect students and their families more

closely to parish life, the groups mentioned successful activities such as having students work on community service projects in the parish, integrating elementary school graduates into parish youth groups, and holding awards ceremonies at Masses scheduled so that parents can attend. n

GREENWICH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Where Learning Lives & Faith Grows species had been found in the park during the 24-hours that were new to the National Park Service list.”

Dara, who graduated from St. Ann’s this June, received a scholarship to Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, MA, this fall. “The BioBlitz changed my life and helped me get closer to my dreams of becoming a marine biologist or a wildlife veterinarian,” she says. “Participating in species discovery efforts as a youth means that right now I am already helping to protect and discover what exists in nature.”

Students from St. Ann School will have the opportunity this summer to attend the BioBlitz at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, in August. n

Congratulations & Best Wishes to our

Class of 2012 Greenwich Catholic School 471 North Street Greenwich Connecticut 06830

www.greenwichcatholicschool.org e-mail: info@gcsct.org

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June 2012

Vals and Sals Vals and Sals from page 12

St. Joseph, Trumbull

The largest of the diocesan high schools, St. Joseph graduated 189 seniors on June 2. Their total enrollment for this year is 828. The class of 2012 is St. Joe’s “Renaissance Class,” embodying the excellence envisioned by the school’s founders in 1962.

Jessica Jowdy from St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown is this year’s valedictorian at St. Joseph’s.

A four year varsity soccer and basketball player, Jessica served as captain of both teams as a senior and was president of the Spanish National Honor Society. Winner of the Connecticut High School

Coaches Association ScholarAthlete and Big Y scholarships, Jessica will attend Swarthmore College and major in engineering.

Elisabeth McIntosh, a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Stamford, has been named salutatorian at St. Joseph’s. In addition to her academic achievement, Elisabeth served as president of the French National Honor Society. She is also an accomplished equestrian, being a member of the United States Eventing Association and a nationally ranked member of United States Pony Clubs. This fall, Elisabeth will matriculate at

the University of Virginia, where she earned a scholarship to study pre-med in the Echols Scholar program.

“Jessica embodies all the best of St. Joseph High School, and Elisabeth is a natural leader and will be successful in any endeavor,” says Ken Mayo, St. Joseph’s principal. “We are proud to have them represent us as our valedictorian and salutatorian.”

In addition to the five diocesan high schools, students from this diocese have the opportunity to attend several private Catholic schools in the area.

SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL, TRUMBULL – Jessica Jowdy, valedictorian; Elisabeth McIntosh, salutatorian

Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich For its 163rd commencement

Congratulations to the Fairfield Prep Class of 2012!

Dimitrios A. Alatakis Raymond J. Altieri Evan C. Antisdale Franciscus M. Araya Arancibia John A. Arrix Brett B. Baekey Emerson T. Ball Kyle A. Banquer Conor B. Barr Peter J. Barston Patrick A. Barthelemy Edward C. Baugier Ryan F. Belger Matthew T. Bennett Ryan T. Blake John R. Boehringer Austin D. Bonadio Scott E. Booth John X. Borde Raymond T. Boudiette Daniel P. Boyle Joseph S. Bramante Thomas V. Brewster Matthew T. Brophy Benjamin G. Brown Joseph J. Buongiorno Henry L. Burbank Peter F. Burt Conor P. Callahan Duncan W. Campbell Youngmin Chang Kenneth A. Clancy Jacob C. Cogguillo Brendan A. Collins Ramon N. Colon Matthew F. Connelly Colin C. Cooper Patrick W. Corona Christopher R. Cortina Wesley J. Craft Matthew B. Craighead Juwan A. Crawley Alec R. Creta Johnathan R. Crist Ryan J. Crowell Joseph C. Cullina Conor P. Cunningham William H. Curley Jack A. Curry Alexander J. Curtis

Michael A. D’Amato Delvone A. Davis Gregory P. Davis Matthew A. DeGennaro Michael F. Demakos Shane W. Dempsey Anthony L. Detres Cameron J. Dickey Matthew C. DiMaria Kevin M. Doering Thomas M. Dolan Stephen T. Domanick John E. Donnelly Bryan J. Dougherty Keith P. Dougherty Charles H. Duffy Oliver L. Dumoulin Gregory J. English Jonathan A. Ficko Brendan L. Fossi Timothy R. Fray Xavier L. Frey Jack P. Gavey Nicolas F. Girard Russell L. Gough Kevin J. Greene Jack E. Grella Kevin Gutierrez Timothy J. Hagan Justin J. Haley Peter S. Hallett Connor R. Hansen Christopher J. Harris William Hauer Patrick C. Hayes Walker W. Haynes Joseph L. Herlihy Alex J. Hernandez Rexford W. Hoadley Eric J. Hoffman Chandler K. Holcomb Mathew R. Holmes Justin V. Hubbard Austin D. Hughes Brenden J. Hultgren Joseph G. Humes Douglas L. Jackson Serge C. Jean-Baptiste Kevin Jimenez-Cowell Euihun M. Jung

Paul A. Kavanewsky Charles C. Keady Robert F. Keating Adam C. Kee Timothy C. Keenoy Sean P. Kelly Colin J. Kenning Ha Hoon Kim Jason R. L’Homme Adam T. Lebow Romario E. Lemy Joseph J. Leonard Andrew H. Levinsky Dylan C. Levinson Keegan A. Lombard Matthew Lopez Daniel J. Luciano Aaron J. Lynn Robert J. MacKay Nicholas J. Maffei Humza Malik Timothy J. E. Mapley Brandon C. Marquis Matthew J. Mastronardi Michael Q. Matera Patrick O. McGeady Jack W. McManus Jeremy M. Mellinger Matthew A. Mendicino Patrick T. Migliore Colin J. Morris Benjamin S. Morrison Peter C. Morrison Colin D. Morrissey Matthew J. Morrow David W. Mullany Andrew Muntean David N. Murljacic R. Quinn Myers James E. Nealon Charles K. Nguyen Michael S. Niche Robert M. Nick Connor H. O’Brien Michael J. O’Donnell Nicholas H. O’Kane Ryan C. O’Keefe Michael J. Olynick Michael T. Osborne Benjamin H. Patrick

Joseph R. Paulin John P. Pavia Nicholas J. Pedalino Sevi C. Perez James R. Pesci Nathaniel M. Peter Christopher E. Petersen Conor J. Peterson Allen Q. Pham Tony Phantharangsy Andrew M. Pompa Jay M. Power Douglas J. Prescott Trevor B. Provost Carl J. Rauscher Andrew R. Richmond Derek S. Rizzitelli James T. Roach Joseph B. Roberts John N. Rodriguez Connor J. Rog Brendan M. Rooney Jackson S. Roth Matthew M. Ryan Adam M. Safi Robert S. Salandra Martin J. Salvatierra Daniel A. Sanchez William M. Sargent William E. Schloth Scott T. Sedgwick Michael E. Seelye Justin R. Shea David V. Sheehan Patrick R. Sheeran Jacob E. Simkovitz Kevin T. Sinclair Michael T. Smeriglio John Tyler Smith

Brandon P. Somers Christopher E. Sousa Christopher D. Stachurski Tyler D. Stankye Miles O. Steinert Don R. Stimpson John W. Stow Benjamin P. Sullivan Andrew W. Talley Conor M. Tanzman Terence M. Tarpey Salvatore M. Tartaglione Brendan C. Terry Peter C. Tortora Huythanh N. Tran Kendall G. Trojanowski Michael J. Trotta Miles D. Turner Anthony J. Unker Robert J. Valdes-Rodriguez Nithin Vallabhaneni Rick J. Vazzano Alexander J. Vegliante Thomas S. Voreyer Michael Q. Ward Christopher A. Weir Daniel L. Welch Brendan A. Westerholm Kevin C. Westfahl Michael C. Whelan Riley J. Wikman Thomas J. Worsfold Michael J. Wright Ryan J. Wright Brett W. Young Marek Zaleski Matthew P. Zielinski Cameron P. Zuckert

Fairfield College Preparatory School A Jesuit, Catholic School of Excellence

www.fairfieldprep.org

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June 2012

Vals and Sals

CONVENT OF THE SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL, GREENWICH – Nicole Narea, salutatorian

The University of Alabama Allegheny College American University Arizona State University The University of Arizona Assumption College Babson College Bard College Baylor University Belmont University Bentley University Binghamton University – SUNY Boston College Boston University University of Bridgeport Bryant University Bucknell University Buffalo State College – SUNY University of California at Davis University of California at San Diego Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America Central Connecticut State University Champlain College College of Charleston Chestnut Hill College University of Chicago The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina Coastal Carolina University Colby College University of Colorado at Boulder Colorado College Colorado State University Columbia College Concordia College University of Connecticut Curry College Daniel Webster College University of Dayton University of Delaware Denison University University of Denver Dickinson College Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University Eastern Connecticut State University Elon University

on June 1, the Convent of the Sacred Heart honored two covaledictorians and a salutatorian.

The school for girls from preschool through grade 12 has an enrollment of 775.

The co-valedictorians for the Class of 2012 are Claudia Khoury of Purchase, NY, and Catherine Colford of Scarsdale, NY. Claudia and her family are members of the Assyrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Paramus, NJ, where her father, who is a medical doctor, serves as a priest. She will attend Columbia University in the fall. Catherine, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scarsdale, will attend Yale University in the fall.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – FL Emmanuel College Endicott College Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison Flagler College Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Franklin Pierce University Full Sail University Furman University George Mason University

Salutatorian Nicole Narea of Greenwich is a special correspondent for Greenwich Time newspaper, a former columnist for Greenwich Post and editor-in-chief of her school’s newspaper. Her journalism has gained national recognition from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Columbia Scholastic Press Association, as well as professional distinction from the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists. She is a National Merit scholarship winner and the recipient of the World Affairs Forum’s Future Global Leader Scholarship for Fairfield County. She is a National Hispanic Scholar, an AP Scholar

Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Lynchburg College Lyndon State College Lynn University Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marietta College Marist College Marquette University University of Mary Washington

Members of the Fairfield Prep Class of 2012 were accepted at these Colleges and Universities The George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Goucher College University of Hartford Hartwick College Harvard University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University College of the Holy Cross University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign Indiana University at Bloomington Iona College The University of Iowa Ithaca College James Madison University John Carroll University Kenyon College King’s College La Salle University Lafayette College Lasell College Lehigh University

University of Maryland, College Park Maryville University University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts, Lowell McGill University Miami University, Oxford University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Middlebury College Mount Saint Mary’s University Muhlenberg College University of New Hampshire University of New Haven The College of New Jersey New York University Niagara University Nichols College University of North Carolina at Greensboro Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Occidental College Ohio Wesleyan University

FAIRFIELD PREP HIGH SCHOOL, FAIRFIELD – Top scholars, Michael Whalen and Nicholas Maffei

with Distinction and a member of the Cum Laude Society. She will attend Yale University this fall, where she plans to pursue journalism at the Yale Daily News.

Pace University – SUNY Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania State University University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia University University of Pittsburgh Plymouth State University Providence College Purchase College – SUNY Purdue University Queen’s University Quinnipiac University Regis College Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Rhode Island University of Richmond Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology University of Rochester Rockhurst University Roger Williams University Saint Anselm College Saint Joseph’s College – ME Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University Saint Michael’s College Saint Peter’s College Salve Regina University University of San Diego University of San Francisco Santa Clara University The University of Scranton Seton Hall University Siena College Skidmore College University of South Carolina Southern Connecticut State University Southern Methodist University University of St. Andrews (Scotland)

Fairfield Prep

Alumni Hall was the setting on June 3 for the graduation of 227 young men from Fairfield ➤ continued on page

St. John’s College St. John’s University St. Lawrence University St. Thomas University Stevenson University Stonehill College Suffolk University Syracuse University The University of Tampa University of Tennessee, Knoxville Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Tufts University Tulane University Union College United States Air Force Academy United States Coast Guard Academy University of Utah University of Vermont Villanova University Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University University of Virginia Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis University of Washington Western Connecticut State University Western New England University University of Western Ontario Wheaton College MA Wheeling Jesuit University Whittier College Widener University College of William and Mary Winthrop University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University Yale University York College of Pennsylvania

Fairfield College Preparatory School A Jesuit, Catholic School of Excellence

www.fairfieldprep.org

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June 2012

School News

Students explore injustice and racism

By KAREN KOVACS DYDZUHN

Eighth-grade classes from three different Catholic schools in Bridgeport recently got together to discuss hot-button issues—such as racism and the negative effects of gossip and judging others—as seen in the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students enrolled in St. Augustine, St. Ann and St. Andrew schools culminated their six-week study of this classic coming-of-age tale with a workshop led by St. Augustine School’s teacher Ann Marie Donnelly.

The good news is that teens today don’t feel the impact of racist attitudes in the way the book describes. However, they do experience bullying behaviors, which as student Angela Rivera insightfully observed, “is just another form of judging someone without getting to know them. We still have kids who pre-judge you before they know the whole story.”

The eighth-graders said they enjoyed getting together with students they didn’t know to talk about the novel. “We’re all very different and to see the book through other people’s eyes gives you a better perspective,” said Leonora Torres, a student at St. Augustine School. “You need to walk in someone else’s shoes before you start to make judg-

ments. This is such a powerful message.”

Her classmate, Teyondra Cheatham, agreed. “We learned you don’t judge a book by its cover,” said Teyondra. “You need to get to know someone before you talk about them and judge them.”

Through the character of Atticus Finch, a white Southern lawyer who defends a poor black man accused of rape, students learned about justice that occurs both inside and outside of the courtroom. For example, Atticus insists that his son, Jem, make amends to a sick, elderly woman, even though she is a bigot. Jem and his sister Scout also witness their father stand up to a mob by using only his words. He later tells them that they don’t have to use a gun to act like a man. These were powerful messages for the young people to absorb.

Student Ryan Tacuri commented, “You need to stand up for yourself and what you believe in.”

Donnelly felt the workshop, which had 65 participants, was “a huge success.” When students discussed the book, Donnelly said they compared the accused man in the novel to Trevon Martin, a 17-year old, unarmed black youth who was fatally shot by a white member of a Florida neighborhood watch committee. “There is absolutely a relevance to today’s world,” Donnelly said.

O ur Lady OF FATIMA SCHOOL Respect, Knowledge, Faith

Congratulations to the 8th Grade Graduates from Father Michael Palmer, Principal Dina Monti, and the Faculty & Staff!

Mary Josephine Conlon Zachary Ryan Duffy Caraline Marie Higgins Nicholas Andrew Howard Stephen Daniel Howard Thomas Martin Kobak, Jr. Peter Max Koziolkowsky Mary Catherine Lynch Andrew Joseph Manion Ryan Patrick Murphy Ciaran Patrick O’Reilly Alexandra Reeves Oskam Trevor Alexander Rivkin Brendan Leo Rooney Mariah Danielle Ventrella Class of 2012 Our Lady of Fatima, Wilton, CT – A Blue Ribbon School

“Next year these students may be at the same high school so it’s important for them to see how well they could work together,” Donnelly added.

Though the students come from diverse racial and economic backgrounds, they didn’t truly

understand the realities of segregation and inequality. Donnelly told them, “This is your heritage. These are the people (like Atticus Finch) who fought for your rights.”

Each individual school enhanced their study with hands-on projects. These were

all on display at the workshop, which was held at St. Augustine School. For example, several St. Augustine students proudly showed off three-dimensional dioramas and maps of the town where the events in To Kill A Mockingbird unravel. They also recorded a song on a CD that exemplified part of the novel.

Leonora chose “The Colors of the Wind” from the Disney musical “Pocahontas” because she felt it addressed the themes about the need to walk in another person’s shoes before making judgments.

Kayle Funtes liked the pop song “Sweet Home Alabama” because its lyrics reminded her of the novel’s setting in the Deep South.

The literary workshop had benefits for the teachers, too.

“It was a good sharing opportunity for us,” Donnelly said.

“We received ideas for projects we might want to implement next year when we teach the book again.” n

Find joy and serve others FAIRFIELD—In her commencement address to graduates who will soon begin working in the nursing and allied health fields, Susan L. Davis, Ed.D., CEO of St. Vincent’s Health Services, put talk of healthcare aside and focused on the importance of character and integrity in their personal and professional lives.

“Today is the day you dreamed of,” she told the 112 graduates of St. Vincent’s College at the 2012 Commencement ceremony, held on May 18 in the Quick Center of Fairfield University.

“God has your back,” she said, adding that the healthcare calling is “a life force that drives you to make a difference in life.”

In an honest and heartfelt talk, she reminded graduates that even when they get their “dream job,” they’re going to face adversity and challenges that they can’t predict. “Even if you follow your passion, you’re not going to love it every day,” she said, urging the new healthcare workers to

“GOD HAS YOUR BACK,” said Susan L. Davis, Ed.D., CEO of St. Vincent’s Health Services at St. Vincent’s College commencements.

be hard working, humble, selfaware and put service before self.

Dr. Davis told the men and women graduates that they must be prepared to make decisions in the face of adversity, and “to reach inside and move forward in spite of disappointments.”

During her commencement talk, she praised Virginia O’Brien Fortin of Easton, the retired vice president of Preferred Tool & Die Company (which she owns

with her husband, Denis, in Shelton) and member of the Board of Trustees of St. Vincent’s College, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of her many years of service and support for St. Vincent’s College and the Medical Center.

Noting that Fortin’s own dreams of becoming a nurse ➤ continued on page

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June 2012

School News

iPads transform learning The kind of mindnumbing algebra equations adults remember with a shudder are displayed on the blackboard at St. Gregory the Great School in Danbury. But this isn’t a blackboard, it’s a SmartBoard. And at St. Gregory’s, students follow interactively—on iPads, not textbooks.

The eighth-graders at St. Gregory’s are part of a pilot program for diocesan elementary schools. They use iPads in every class, from math and science to social studies, English and religion.

The pilot program required intense research. “We want our students to use 21st century technologies in order to be global learners,” says Dr. Margaret Dames, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

“At the same time, we wanted to make sure that we are using best practices in teaching and learning, and that safety protocols were in place to protect students.”

Once the details had been worked out, St. Gregory’s technology coordinator Mary Freitas met with teachers and parents to make sure everyone was engaged in the plan. Firewalls are in place to make sure the Internet connections are protected.

Instead of standing in the front of the room to teach factorials, teacher Kathy Cannaverde moves energetically around the room,

answering questions and offering assistance. In place of lockstep learning—boring the bright, swamping slow learners—learning is completely individualized.

“Steph, you can go out of that and move on to the next step,” Cannaverde says, looking at one student’s work. Another holds up his iPad, displaying a confusing answer. “Do the factoring completely first before you go on to grouping,” she advises.

Who knew there was more than one way to approach an equation? “Math isn’t just about getting the right solution,” Cannaverde explains during a pause. “We want students to think. How did you get there?

What method works best for you?”

When the students head off to their next class, they carry their iPads, not textbooks. Cannaverde posts homework assignments on the SmartBoard, where students can access it at home—no lost assignments. If they have a question, they can email Cannaverde or one of their other teachers.

Math and science are only the beginning of the subjects iPads assist. In addition to their downloaded text, the iPads contain a calculator, a Bible, a thesaurus and a Spanish-English dictionary.

Even religious studies benefit. For a Lenten prayer service, eighth-graders Morgan McNamara, Julia Reisert and Isabella Mingachos downloaded symbols of the Easter season, searched out the meaning of each, downloaded religious music to go with the photos, and put together a PowerPoint presentation.

“They presented it to the entire school,” says Cannaverde. “As

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the music and the photos were playing, they explained the background of each of the symbols.”

“It’s thrilling for me to see children excited about learning,” says Sr. Mary John O’Rourke, St. Gregory’s principal. “It’s made them curious. They use primary sources for social studies, their writing has improved, they use vocabulary words in a better way.

They’re engaged in what they’re learning.”

The program has been so successful that St. Gregory’s is going to introduce it to the seventh grade this year, and will have several iPads in the classroom for use in the younger grades. In addition, Immaculate High School in Danbury has kept a close eye on the pilot program. Due to its success, they will begin using iPads in freshman classes this fall.

While the use of iPads has

STUDENTS FROM ST. JUDE SCHOOL in Monroe had the chance to use iPads in the classroom during a visit to St. Gregory the Great. The technology allows for both individual and collaborative learning. “We learned about every educational app imaginable, from dictionaries and calculators to presentations and homework,” reports St. Jude eighth-grader Kevin Wilemski.

been an overwhelming success at St. Gregory’s, an even greater transformation in learning has been taking place in another pilot program. St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown was chosen to explore the impact of using iPads with younger students, specifically the youngsters in the pre-K 4 class.

For these young students, the iPads carried only apps that were strictly learning related.

“It engages them directly,” says St. Rose’s principal, Mary Maloney. “There’s been measurable growth in their ability to listen, in their fine motor skills and in their letter recognition—the connection between the shape

and the sound of a letter.”

The pace of learning was so far ahead of the standard guides that, although a year had been allotted to assess the results, iPads have already been introduced into St. Rose’s kindergarten and first grade.

“Thanks to generous donors and fundraising efforts, many diocesan schools are introducing iPad technology into their educational program,” says Dr. Dames.

“We continue to evaluate our pilot programs as well as other iPad initiatives in order to assist our schools in long-range planning that will enhance our strong school curriculum.” n

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26

June 2012

Education

Mother and son receive diplomas

FAIRFIELD—When Ulysses Youngblood, Jr., received his bachelor’s degree diploma in business administration from Sacred Heart University on May 13, his mom Leslie probably cheered the loudest, though not from the audience. The mother of three was also wearing a black cap and gown at the university’s 46th annual commencement ceremony, receiving diplomas for a double major in both nursing and business administration.

While it’s common for cousins and even siblings to graduate together, the same can’t be said for mother and son.

“It would be very fun if we planned it this way, but we didn’t. It’s just the way things turned out. Still I am very excited,” said Leslie Youngblood, 47, of Trumbull. “It’s a dream I’ve waited a long time for, both for Ulysses and myself.”

A part-time student since 2005, Leslie said she put off going to college to get married and raise her three children, Tikenya, 27; Ulysses, 24 and LaFaith, 12. She worked on and off over the years, but realized when LaFaith began

elementary school that it was time for her to go back to school, too.

“I wanted more for myself, for my life and for my kids. I also wanted to set a good example for my kids by showing them that you can achieve anything if you

are willing to work hard—and I really did work hard. It was tough taking care of the kids and a house while keeping up with my studies,” Leslie said, adding that she probably couldn’t have done it without the support of her husband, also named Ulysses.

The support Leslie received from her professors made her believe Sacred Heart would also be the right college for her son Ulysses, who was attending college in Massachusetts and was just not happy there.

“I knew the small class sizes and one-on-one attention you get from the instructors at Sacred Heart would be just what he needed, and it turns out I was right. He really did terrific here,” Leslie said.

Although the two were often on campus at the same time, they rarely met on the campus quad or in the cafeteria. There were also no nights sitting at the kitchen

table doing homework together.

“Not too many 24-year-olds want to hang out with their moms when they can hang out with their friends,” laughed Leslie, who plans to pursue a career in public health.

“But it was great knowing that he was at the school, and I was at the school, and that we were both succeeding. Success is what every mother wants for her child, right?”

That Sacred Heart’s graduation day was also Mother’s Day made celebrating their successes extra sweet. Family attended the ceremonies, and then they all headed back to the Youngbloods’ house for a big dinner.

Leslie did not cook.

“No way! It’s Mother’s Day, and we had it catered,” said Leslie. “But in truth, in my mind the day is more about Ulysses than it is about me. I am so excited for him to graduate. I’m very proud.” n

Sacred Heart Academy CONGRATULATES the CLASS OF 2012 The Class of 2012 has been accepted to 185 four year colleges and universities including American University, Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Case Western Reserve University, College of the Holy Cross, Connecticut College, Cornell University, Emory University, Fordham University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Gettysburg College, Kenyon College, Lafayette College, Loyola University, Middlebury College, New York University, Northeastern University, Ohio State University, Princeton University, Providence College, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Skidmore College, Stony Brook University, Syracuse University, Trinity College, Tufts University, Union College, University of Connecticut, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, University of Massachusetts, University of Rochester, University of Southern California, Villanova University, and Yale University.

THE CLASS OF 2012 100% WILL FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION...16 MILLION AWARDED IN MERIT, SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS...

34% GRADUATED WITH HONORS AND 16% GRADUATED AS 4.0 SCHOLARS...100% HAVE EMBRACED THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE THROUGH 7,735 HOURS OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Hannah Ahern, Kaitlyn Allen, Desiree Anderson, Andrea Antoni, Gabriella Arnold, Elizabeth Bailey, Caitlin Baker, Stephanie Baldwin, Natalie Bastian, Kaitlyn Beaver, Samantha Bowers, Nicole Bowman, Alexandra Brzezinski, Jenna Buccetti—Fifth in the Class, Meghan Buckley, Halle Cairns—Third in the Class, Sara Campos, Sophia Cantore, Maria Capasso, Elizabeth Carlson, Alexandra Carlton, Lauren Carotenuto, Nicole Casasanta, Aria Casey, Aleshia Ceste, Rachael Cisto, Carrolline Consorte, Brittany Conte, Clare Cosgrove, Kimberly Cuthbert-Holmes, Alexia Davis, Linsey DeDomenico, Anastasia DeMaio, Taylor DeRosa, Hayley DiGianni, Cristina DiSorbo, Clare Donohue, Alexis Egidio, Julie Federico, Marisa Ferraro, Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Hope Foster, Chelsea Freel, Sarah Fusco, Brittany Gagnon, Ellen Gensicki, Brigid Gerrity, Rachel Ghiroli, Allysandra Giannini—Fourth in the Class, Megan Gilbert, Ashley Girola, Melissa Guerin, Ashley Hally, Molly Hanchuruck, Jenna Hernandez, Erin Hillis, Carly Horvath, Bridget Hughes, Ariana Jankovic, Iva Jukic, Jordan Juniewic, Sierra Kaptain, Jessica Keib, Hannah Kolb, Sarah Kondziela, Kaitlynn LaPolt, Emily Laucks, Sheilagh Lichtenfels, Joyce Lopes, Nina LoRicco, Katherine Louie, Caroline Luciani, Caitlin Malloy, Anna Marren, Kellie Mason, Meghan Mastriano, Rita Matta, Amanda Maturo, Katherine McCarthy, Karrianne McNulty, Angela Mirabella, Bethany Naccarato, Trinity Nofsinger, Caleigh O’Hare, Hannah Oman, Oluwaseyi Oyefeso, Natalie Pacileo, Kristine Pakalnis, Tess Pieragostini, Nicole Popolizio, Florette Pursell, Roxanne Raiolo—Salutatorian, Valentina Ramirez, Jessica Rindgen, Taylor Rispoli, Jessica Rodriguez, Maegan Rodriguez, Emily Roth, Victoria Ryan, Caroline Salgado, Kerryann Scirocco, Caroline Secola, Allyson Serniak, Staysha Silva, Alexus Skobodzinski, Carrie Slayton, Christine Smith—Valedictorian, Nicole Sroka, Jasmine Thengumthyil, Danielle Thorne, Caroline Thornton, Gabrielle Ukleja, Gina Valentine, Krystina Velleca, Brianna Wilson, Quingyu Xu, Dana Yakabowskas, Mikayla Zagata, Xenia Zueva.

The Excelsior Graduate of Sacred Heart Academy A woman who is impelled by the Love of Christ to live authentically and passionately, sharing her compassion and integrity with the world, continuing to be a life long learner, thinking critically, communicating effectively and intelligently, upholding the human dignity of each person, committing to be an active participant in her faith community, valuing strong bonds with her class and the wider Sacred Heart community fully embracing the gifts God has given her to strive ever higher.

265 Benham Street • Hamden, CT • 203.288.2309 • www.sacredhearthamden.org Sacred Heart Academy ı A ministry of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

27

June 2012

Vals and Sals Vals and Sals from page 23 Preparatory School, better known simply as Prep. The school enjoys a total enrollment of 898 students. While Prep does not rank students academically, Michael Whalen and Nicholas Maffei are in the top 1% of the Class of 2012 while taking the strongest course of studies. In an unusual note, both boys were from Holy Family Parish in Fairfield.

Michael Whelan has been on Prep’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams, and as co-captain of Prep’s cross country team he helped them win the State Open Championship and SCC conference championship. He is a member of the Jazz Band, a leader in the Political Awareness Club and a writer for Prep’s political newspaper Zeitgeist. A member of the National Honor Society, Michael participated in Prep’s Urban Plunge, is a peer tutor, and is an altar server in the Campus Ministry Program and at his home parish. He was honored as a Connecticut CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athlete and SCC Scholar-Athlete, and was recognized on the CT Post AllStar Cross Country Team. At graduation, Michael received the prestigious Jesuit Secondary Education Award, recognized as embracing the Jesuit ideal of being a “man for others.” He will attend Georgetown University in the fall.

Nicholas Maffei was a four year soccer-athlete, a leader in student government serving as executive officer in junior and senior years, a member of the Cardinal Key Society and Campus Ministry programs, a peer tutor, and a freshman retreat leader for his

junior and senior years. He was honored as both a member of the National Honor Society and as an AP Scholar. Nicholas has been a member of the Fairfield Town Youth Council, Relay for Life team captain, member the Keystone Club at the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club and a volunteer coach through the Fairfield Recreation Department. A lector at Holy Family, Nick will attend Georgetown University in the fall.

“Michael’s teachers note that he is much more than a high achiever—he loves to learn, pursuing investigation and discussion well beyond the classroom,” says Prep’s Principal, Dr. Robert Perrotta. “Among Nick’s many extraordinary achievements, his contributions to student government have left an outstanding imprint on both his class and on Fairfield Prep.”

Lauralton Hall, Milford (Our Lady of Mercy Academy)

Lauralton Hall’s 106th Graduation Ceremony was held on Sunday, June 3rd at 10 am. A total of 108 young women from 26 towns across Connecticut received diplomas; Lauralton has a student body of 460.

Their valedictorian is Megan Cogguillo and the salutatorian is Abbey Guerino. Both are parishioners at St. Mary Parish in Milford. Megan will attend Dartmouth College this fall; Abbey is heading for Providence College in Rhode Island.

The Catherine McCauley Award is the highest honor given at Lauralton. This year’s McAuley Award winner is Marisa Dowling, a Shelton resident and member of St. James Parish in Stratford. Captain of the

hockey, basketball and softball teams, Marisa earned Lauralton’s Crusader of the Year Award, voted solely by the student body, as the finest athlete in the school.

In addition, she received the Southwest Conference Athletic Leadership Award for outstanding leadership qualities.

Marisa is president of her class, a peer tutor and an active member of the Environmental Club. She has volunteered countless hours at Bridgeport Hospital working in the Women’s Care Center. Marisa will attend Colgate University in the fall where she will continue to further her academics studies and play softball.

“The foundation Marisa built

P

while at Lauralton is as strong as her character,” says Marisa’s science teacher and coach Theresa Napolitano. “Her impact on the outside world will be far reaching.”

Sacred Heart Academy, Hamden

LAURALTON HALL HIGH SCHOOL, MILFORD – Marisa Dowling, McAuley Winner.

Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden held its graduation on May 26. Statistics show the 119 graduates to be the strong women of the future. Fully 100% of the Class of 2012 will further their education and all of them have embraced the spirit of service through community outreach during their years at Sacred Heart.

There are currently 510 students at Sacred Heart Academy, which was founded in 1946 by ➤ continued on page

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28

June 2012

Sports

Epp-ceptional in classroom, on fields and court

By DON HARRISON

The whole package. What else can you say about a 17-yearold who captained the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams and became the salutatorian of his graduating class?

If you’re of a certain age, you’d say that description would fit Chip Hilton, the straight-arrow student-athlete who sprang from the mind and typewriter of author Clair Bee in the popular book series in the 1950s.

In real life, the young man who accomplished all of this—and more—is Kevin Epp, Class of 2012, Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford. The Stamford-born, Notre Dame University-bound Epp is clearly one of the most exceptional student-athletes in Trinity Catholic’s proud history, and that’s saying a lot.

“Kevin is a breath of fresh air,” says Tracy Nichols, the Crusaders’ longtime athletic director and baseball coach. “He is a polite yet competitive young man. A super athlete and outstanding student.

One of the most perfect kids you’d ever want to coach.”

How is it possible for Kevin Epp, the second of three sons

born to William and Laura Epp, to cram more into a 24-hour day than most teens?

“It was really difficult at times,” he admits. “Sometimes it meant some late nights to finish a paper. I’m very focused at what I do. What it came down to was time management and being organized.”

In the fall, Epp was a two-way starter at tight end and strong safety, and one of four team captains. When one of Trinity Catholic’s best running backs went down early in the season with a torn ACL, he stepped in—quite literally.

Against Warren Harding of Bridgeport, the 6-foot-3, 195pound Epp ran for 49 yards and a touchdown, made three catches for 41 yards, recorded a dozen tackles and thwarted a Harding

Patio Dining

ONE OF THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL student-athletes in Trinity Catholic’s history, Kevin Epp captained the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams and is salutatorian of his graduating class.

touchdown by making an interception on the goal line. Final score: Crusaders 32, Harding 7.

On the whole, though, Trinity’s football season wasn’t what Kevin and his teammates had anticipated—three wins, seven losses.

Basketball was another story.

Coach Mike Walsh’s Crusaders followed up on their Class M state championship of a year ago by putting together a 19-7 record.

Kevin, as co-captain, served as an inspirational leader who worked harder than everyone else.

“He was a co-captain because of his leadership abilities; he made the other players better. It’s rare today to have somebody be a leader without being on the floor all the time,” says Walsh, who has amassed six state titles and 542 wins across 32 seasons at his alma mater.“Kevin is an excellent leaper, probably one our best rebounders, very tenacious,” adds the coach. “I probably should have played him more.”

Nichols, after putting on his baseball cap, can expound on Epp, the third baseman and tricaptain who batted a sound .380 and earned FCIAC All-East honors as a senior. “Baseball’s probably his best sport, with football a close second,” says Nichols. “He was one of our strongest hitters this season. As a sophomore, he wasn’t one of our better fielders.

He worked very hard since then and became the most outstanding fielder on the team.”

Although Trinity was ousted

by Housatonic Valley Regional, 7-6, in the opening round of the

Class S state tournament, Kevin concluded his scholastic career on a personal high, with a home run and a double.

The list of academic honors won by Kevin is both lengthy and notable, including the prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award for 201112, presented by the Connecticut Association of Schools and Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. (Classmate Mackenzie Griffin was the girls’ winner.) His grade point average for four years was a lustrous 3.95.

Some may be surprised to learn that this exceptional scholar-athlete isn’t planning to play varsity sports at Notre Dame. “I’m kind of expecting not to. I’ll probably play intramurals,” he says matterof-factly. “Just being part of the Notre Dame community will be enough.” He intends to major in “some discipline in engineering.”

Still, when spring arrives in South Bend, it’s entirely possible that Kevin Epp will scratch the baseball itch once more and become a member of the Fighting Irish team. If time management and organization coupled with desire means anything, it might happen. n

Perfect game

NORWALK—Jessica Stamatis, a member of St. Matthew Parish, led Brien McMahon’s softball team to a six-inning perfect game against Bridgeport’s Harding High School. The 12-0 victory in the Senators’ final game of the regular season qualified them for the state tournament for the first time since 2006.

Jessica, a team captain whom Coach Dani Brown called “a leader on and off the field,” has also been involved with the Senators Community Foundation. Following her perfect game, Jessica was profiled for her success in Norwalk’s The Hour newspaper.

Jessica will be attending the University of New Haven this fall.

She intends to major in art, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be hanging up her glove. “I might try to play club softball,” she told The Hour’s associate sports editor, George Albano. (Photo by Leslie Lajoie) n

29

June 2012

Nuestra Voz

Tres hispanos se ordenan diáconos permanentes Por SONIA BURNS

“Nombrad de entre vosotros siete sujetos de buena fama, llenos del Espíritu Santo y de inteligencia, a los cuales encarguemos este ministerio” (Hech. VI.3). El pasado sábado 9 de junio en la Iglesia de Santa Teresa en Trumbull, el Obispo Denis J. Madden, Obispo Auxiliar de Baltimore, a petición del Arzobispo William E. Lori ordenó a nueve hombres a la sagrada orden del diaconado permanente.

La elección de los diáconos se remonta al tiempo de los apóstoles, cuando los doce no podían atender todas las necesidades de los cristianos y necesitaban la ayuda de personas buenas y capacitadas para ayudarle en la tarea que se les había impuesto, el ir y predicar la palabra divina.

Cuando el diácono durante la ceremonia de ordenación es presentado por el obispo con el Libro del Evangelio, el obispo le dice “Recibe el Evangelio de Cristo cuyo heraldo has llegado a ser. Cree lo que leas, enseña lo que crees, y practica lo que enseñes”. Al escuchar estas palabras el diácono permanente en su ordenación integra su vida en el mensaje vivo del evangelio en el que se ha convertido. El Sacramento del Sagrado Orden del Diaconado que representa a Cristo, es el no ser servido, sino servir.

Después de completar cuatro años y medio de estudio en preparación al Ministerio del Diaconado, tres hombres de parroquias hispanas de la Diócesis de Bridgeport fueron entre los seis que se ordenaron diáconos permanentes. Según el Director del Programa para Diáconos, el Diácono Anthony Detje, con la adición de Diácono Eduardo Rodrigues, nacido en Brazil, esta clase fue la primera donde el idioma del inglés no fue la lengua primordial de los candidatos.

“Estos representan el guía del Espiritu Santo y lo previsto del Arzobispo Lori, al ordenar diáconos que representan el cambio de la Iglesia en la Diócesis de Bridgeport. Ellos no solo brindan su idioma, sino una variedad de experiencias a la mesa de Cristo.

Estamos bendecidos de tenerlos”.

El Diácono Guillermo Bernal, de la Parroquia de San Carlos Borromeo en Bridgeport, recibió

sus vestiduras de manos del párroco, el Padre Edicson Orozco.

“Es una persona muy conocida en el campo espiritual y en los negocios. Su fe lo ha transformado y su vocación ha inspirado a otros hombres, mucho esfuerzo, estamos muy orgullosos”, dice el Padre Orozco.

El Diácono Bernal es dueño de una agencia de bienes y raíces Buyer’s Capital y una agencia de viajes Caribe Travel. Nació en Colombia, y asistió a la escuela elemental y secundaria de Santo Domingo Guzmán y se graduó con un título en educación de la universidad pedagógica en Colombia. Junto con su esposa, Conzuelo, son los padres de cuatro hijos. Su pri-mera Misa de Acción de Gracias se celebró el 10 de junio en San Carlos, con el Padre Orozco como celebrante.

El Diácono William Miranda es un oficial de policía en la Ciudad de Bridgeport. Nativo de Bridgeport, el Diácono Miranda se educó en la escuela elemental de Walterville, luego inmigró a Puerto Rico donde cursó parte de su secundaria en el colegio Lino Padrón Rivera, después regresó a Bridgeport y completó sus estudios en Warren Harding High School. El Diácono Miranda está casado con Gloria, y son padres de dos hijas, Marsha y Elizabeth. El Diácono Miranda recibió sus vestiduras de manos de Monseñor Aniceto Villamide, párroco de la Iglesia de San Pedro en Bridgeport. Su Misa de Acción de Gracias se celebró el 17 de junio en la Parroquia de San Jorge en Bridgeport, con el Padre Julio Lopresti como celebrante. “Es una bendición para la parroquia tener otro diácono.

Ellos son servidores para las necesidades espirituales de la parroquia”, dice el Padre Lopresti.

El Diácono Rafael Regus nació en Bonao, la República Dominicana, y asistió a la escuela elemental Manuel Aybar y la escuela secundaria Elías Rodríguez en Bonao. El Diácono Regus trabaja para Pitney Bowes en Danbury, y junto con su esposa, María, son los padres de dos hijos, Pamela y Pavel.

La familia Regus pertenece a la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Danbury, y él es el primer diácono de la parroquia.

Su misa de Acción de Gracias

El Diácono Regus recibió sus vestiduras de manos del Padre José Jesús Montoya, vicario parroquial. “Estamos muy alagados de tener un diácono en la familia. El esfuerzo de una persona casada de alcanzar este logro, nos hace sentir muy bien”, dijo el Señor Máximo Reinoso, primo del diácono.

De acuerdo a la ley de la Iglesia, para ser candidato al diaconado permanente y para entrar al programa la persona debe tener entre 31 y 60 años de edad. La formación al diaconado permanente en la Diócesis de Bridgeport toma cinco años y medio de estudio.

“Es una alegría para la comunidad diocesana, y en particular para los católicos que hablan español, contar con tres vocaciones más que Dios nos ha regalado para la prédica del evangelio y la celebración del sacramento.

Oremos por las vocaciones”, dijo el Padre Gustavo A. Falla, director del ministerio a los católicos de habla español de la Diócesis de Bridgeport.

El Señor Vidal Castrillón, feligrés de San Carlos, dice que el Diácono Bernal lo ha inspirado mucho, al punto que el próximo año comenzará sus estudios al diaconado permanente. n

“ESTOS REPRESENTAN EL GUÍA del Espiritu Santo y lo previsto del Arzobispo Lori, al ordenar diáconos que representan el cambio de la Iglesia en la diócesis de Bridgeport,” dice el Director del Programa para Diáconos, el Diácono Anthony Detje. (i-d) Diácono Detje; los nuevos diáconos Guillermo Bernal; William Miranda; Rafael Regus; y Diácono John Moranski, asistente al director de formacion al diaconado; con el Obispo Denis J. Madden.

“THESE MEN REPRESENT THE GUIDANCE of the Holy Spirit and the foresight of Archbishop Lori to ordain deacons who represent the change in the Church here in the Diocese of Bridgeport,” says Deacon Anthony Detje, director of deacons. “They bring not only their language but a variety of experiences to the table of Christ. We are blessed to have them.” Of the six permanent deacons ordained on June 9, four have a language other than English as their primary language, a historic first for the diocese. (Photo by Michelle Babyak)

se celebró el mismo día de su ordenación, el 9 de junio a las 7

de la noche, con el Padre Héctor León, párroco, como celebrante.

Saint Mary’s Church

“The Mother Church of Norwalk” | 669 West Ave., Norwalk | Est. 1848 | www.stmarynorwalk.net | 203.866.5546 Pastor: Fr. Greg J. Markey Parochial Vicar: Fr. Richard G. Cipolla In Residence: Fr. Paul N. Check, Director of Courage

Deacon Stephan Genovese Choirmaster: David J. Hughes

Confessions: Monday-Friday: 11:30-12noon; Wednesday: 6:30-6:50pm; Saturday 3:00-4:30pm Sunday Masses: 8:00am, 9:30am Extraordinary Form Solemn High Mass, 11:30am Ordinary Form High Mass, 1:15pm in Spanish

Music for the 9:30am Sunday Solemn High Latin Mass July 1: Feast of the Most Precious Blood - Missa sine nomine à 4 (Palestrina) July 8: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Fons bonitatis (Vatican Gradual, Mass II) July 15: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Rex splendens (Vatican Gradual, Mass VII) July 22: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Orbis Factor (Weber); organ & violin music of Mozart July 29: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae (Josquin); organ music of Bach August 5: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - Missa carminum (Isaac); organ music of Howells August 12: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Ancor che col partire (Jacquet de Mantua); organ music of Buxtehude Thursday, August 15, 5:30pm: Feast of the Assumption of the BMV - Missa de Beata Maria (Hughes); organ music of Bach and Langlais August 19: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Missa Spem in alium (Palestrina); organ music of Vierne

St. Mary’s 5th annual Chant Camp! August 20 to 24; 10:00 to 3:00 each day for more information, please e-mail music@stmarynorwalk.net

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30

June 2012

Obituaries

Msgr. Edward J. Howley, 89 Msgr. Edward J. Howley, founding pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Darien, passed away peacefully on June 6 in Arcadia, Florida. He was 89 years old and had just observed his 65th jubilee as a priest. Still known by his friends as “Father Ed,” he was pastor of St. Thomas from 1966-97.

“Energy, goodwill, and insight characterize Ed,” says Fr. J. Barry Furey, currently pastor of Assumption Parish in Fairfield, who succeeded Msgr. Howley as pastor of St. Thomas. “He started a parish, built a church, and dealt with all the legal, logistical, and personal complexity of that undertaking. One of his legacies is the Children’s Mass at St. Thomas. He had a great

way of making children feel they were part of the Church.

The Appalachia Project, raising funds and building a home every year in Kentucky, stands out as a defining characteristic: in an affluent parish, he never forgot those who have less.”

Edward Joseph Howley was born on October 13, 1922, in New Britain. Following graduation from elementary school in 1935, he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, at that time the minor seminary for the Diocese of Hartford. He went on to the major seminary of St. Mary’s in Baltimore, MD. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Fairfield University.

He was ordained on May

15, 1947, by Bishop Henry J. O’Brien at St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford. At the time of Fr. Howley’s ordination, the Diocese of Hartford included Fairfield County. His first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish in Stamford. On August 6, 1953, Pope Pius XII established the Diocese of Bridgeport; Fr. Howley became part of the new diocese. He also served at St. Patrick Parish in Bridgeport and St. Joseph Parish in South Norwalk.

In 1954 he was assigned to St. Mary Parish in Bethel, where he also served as administrator. While there, Fr. Howley was responsible for the building of St. Mary School.

It later became the first Blue Ribbon School in the diocese.

In 1966, Bishop Walter W. Curtis created St. Thomas More Parish and called Fr. Howley to become its first pastor. At first, Mass was celebrated in the auditorium of the former school of St. John Parish. Fr. Howley oversaw the building of the current St. Thomas Church, which was dedicated on October 27, 1973.

In 1996 he was appointed Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor. Msgr. Howley retired on October 13, 1997, his 75th birthday. He had been a priest for 50 years, 31 of which were spent as pastor of St. Thomas More.

In 2006, St. Thomas celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Msgr. Howley

was the homilist at the anniversary Mass. He had three messages for his former parishioners: trust in God, do not let your hearts be troubled, and be an optimist.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Msgr. Howley at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, FL, on June 13. Fr. Vincent Clemente, St. Paul’s pastor, was the celebrant. Msgr. Howley’s friend, Msgr. G. Thomas Burns, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, gave the homily.

There will be a memorial service later this summer at Saint Thomas More. n

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Deceased Clergy of the Diocese of Bridgeport: July 1-August 25 July Year 1 Rev. Anthony J. Intagliata........ 1990 2 Rev. Alfred J. Carmody............ 1958 5 Msgr. John J. Hayes................. 1964 6 Msgr. Philip N. Salmone.......... 1967 8 Rev. James J. Kane.................. 1956 9 Rev. Sean F. Flynn................... 1978 10 Rev. Edward F. Doyle.............. 1981

Deacon Stephen Sebestyen....... 2011 13 Msgr. James P. Devine............. 1972

Rev. A. Fred Constantino......... 1980 17 Msgr. Walter R. Conroy........... 1997

Fr. Robert Terentieff................. 2011 19 Msgr. Bartholomew Laurello.... 2004 20 Rev. John M. Conlisk............... 1990

Rev. Kevin P. Fitzpatrick......... 2008

Rev. Chester Kicia, O.F.M....... 2003

Msgr. John J. Wigh.................. 1995 21 Rev. David H. Krahel.................2008 22 Msgr. Nicholas Coleman, p.a......1963 24 Fr. Paul Lalic..............................2011 25 Rev. Hubert P. Carrig............... 1978 26 Msgr. Francis M. Wladasz....... 1959

28 Rev. William G. Mahoney....... 1973 29 Deacon Ian Black..................... 2006 August Year 1 Msgr. Daniel J. Foley................1999

Msgr. John J. Toomey, P.A.......1992 2 Rev. Patrick V. Lavery..............1976

Msgr. James J. McLaughlin.......1985 3 Rev. Francis E. Fention.............1995 4 Msgr. Michael J. Guerin............1981

Msgr. James F. Leary................1994 7 Rev. Thomas G. Keeney...........1990 9 Msgr. John J. Kennedy, P.A......1955

Msgr. Frank C. Dellolio............1983

Msgr. Richard T. Scully.............1988 14 Deacon Gerardo Ramos............2007 15 Msgr. Edward J. Duffy..............1977 16 Rev. Victor E. Piaskowski.........1961 18 Rev. Alexander Z. Seregely.......1971 21 Rev. John J. Dillon...................1959

Msgr. Thomas P. Guinan..........1998 22 Rev. Michael Fay......................2009 23 Msgr. Emilio C. Iasiello, P.A.....1969

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June 2012

Education Find Joy from page 24 were never realized, Dr. Davis said she passed that dream along to others by funding nursing scholarships and providing innumerable “acts of kindness and compassion.”

Dr. Davis concluded her talk by asking graduates to find true joy in life by reveling in the moment, being kind to others, and taking courage. “Nothing happens in the future,” she said, “It happens now. Be fearless, take risks.”

St .Vincent’s College President/CEO Martha K. Shouldis, Ed.D., and Marianne Laska, RN, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented diplomas to 96 graduates who received associate of science degrees in nursing; 14 receiving degrees in radiography and two who earned associate of science degrees in medical assisting, making it the largest graduating class in 21 years.

“Earning a healthcare degree will change your life forever and change the lives of those you care for,” said Dr. Shouldis, who reminded graduates that the health profession calls for “lifetime learning.”

The new Francis Scifo, MD, Award for Excellence was presented to radiography graduate Rachel Levy, RS, of Derby, and the Rafael Squitieri, MD, Award

Vals and Sals from page 27 the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sacred Heart’s valedictorian is Christine Smith. A member of St. Margaret Parish in Madison, Christine will be attending Princeton University this fall to study political science.

Salutatorian Roxanne Raiola, a parishioner of St. Mary Parish in Branford will attend the honors program at Regis College in Weston, MA, on a full scholarship.

She plans to major in nursing.

The Mother Clelia Merloni Award, named for the foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is presented to the graduate who has consistently exemplified dedication to the charism of Mother Clelia. Erin Hillis, a member of St. Mary Parish in Derby, was presented with the award at the 2012 honors convocation. Erin will attend College of the Holy Cross in the fall and will major in molecular biology and biochemistry. n

for Excellence went to nursing graduate Ralph Behlok, RN, of Bridgeport. The Pasquariello Memorial Award for caring was awarded to Stacy Plaskowitz, RN, of Orange (nursing), and

Meredith Toth, RS, of Stratford (radiography); the Connecticut General Assembly Citation of Merit was awarded to Priscilla Soberal, RN, of Shelton.

During the ceremony, the college also presented the Vincentian Award to Ronald

Bianchi of Trumbull, who is retiring in July after 37 years of service to St. Vincent’s Health Services as president of the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation and corporate senior vice president. Bianchi was also instrumental in the creation

and growth of Swim Across the Sound, a leading provider of cancer prevention and patient support services in the region.

(For information on enrolling in St. Vincent’s College, call 800-8731013 or visit the college website at www.stvincentscollege.edu.) n

32

Column

June 2012

What insurance covers matters!

Catholic

by Grace

By Denise Bossert Denise Bossert is a nationally syndicated Catholic columnist.

I

had a poorly formed conscience by the time I graduated from high school. My engaged cousins were whisked off to their family doctors to get a prescription for birth control pills, while the rest of us watched and waited for our own love stories to unfold. Our mothers had made it clear that sex was to be saved for marriage, but they also said that responsible husbands and wives made sure that they managed their fertility.

At 17, I bought the lie about artificial birth control.

With pregnancy averted, I ran headlong down the path of premarital sex. I married young, and the two of us worked on our undergraduate degrees. Planned Parenthood offered free birth

control. We took it without question. The ease with which we could get artificial contraception lulled me into thinking our choices were fine. I didn’t think twice about artificial contraception until my husband had his first post-college job and the health insurance did not cover birth control pills.

I distinctly remember my confusion. I was irritated, but I was mostly just perplexed. Why wouldn’t an insurance company cover this when my whole family (with its plethora of Protestant preachers and missionaries) believed it was right and necessary? I purchased the contraception out-of-pocket, but the “no” from the insurance company gave me pause. In fact, it was

the first time I realized that not everyone believed artificial contraception had the divine stamp of approval.

When my non-sacramental marriage was crumbling, I discovered I was pregnant again. I believed that abortion was wrong, but I scheduled the sterilization surgery for the afternoon following my baby’s birth to avoid another unplanned pregnancy.

Once again, I had my family’s blessings. Most of my cousins had already undergone vasectomies or tubal ligations.

The non-sacramental marriage ended anyway.

In time, I remarried. My husband had no children of his own. I desperately wanted to have a child with him. I had a choice. I could have the tubal ligation reversed or I could pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF). At that time, Illinois and California were the only states requiring insurance companies to cover IVF. Tubal reversals weren’t covered by any insurance policies— not in any state.

It is a fact that insurance standards affect one’s perceptions.

I saw it as a green light for IVF and a red light for tubal reversal.

The insurance companies had

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“It sends a message to the policy holder.

This is acceptable.

That is unacceptable.

This is good. And that is bad. And the American public buys into the lies.” into the lies. We begin to accept birth control as a standard. We believe sterilization is the final stop on the path to family planning. Some consider abortion when their decisions fail to prevent pregnancy.

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fertility triumphs. And the soul entrenched in mortal sin barely remembers how grace looks, sounds and feels. The journey back from that place is long. It’s a practically impossible journey from mortal sin to the words: “My fault, my fault, my most grievous fault.”

I suppose there are many Catholics who don’t feel they should voice their opposition to the mandate by the HHS that institutions that serve people outside of their religious organization must offer insurance coverage that includes artificial contraceptives, abortifacient drugs, and sterilization.

Sometimes, a simple “no” will shake someone out of apathy or break through the lies that lull the masses into places where angels fear to tread.

The reality is this: what insurance covers matters. There is a hidden message. And institutions that follow the HHS Mandate actually facilitate and participate in the lie.

We cannot remain silent at this most critical time in our nation’s history. Woe to me if I do not speak, St. Paul says. Woe to me, indeed. n

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June 2012

Column

The Aging Angel Potpourri

By Thomas H. Hicks

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

S

he stands firmly in my dear friend’s garden, staring perpetually at the oak trees across the road and the power lines going downward like ribbons through the trees. She has been standing vigil there for over thirty years now. Whenever I drive the steep hill leading up to the house and turn the final corner, I come into sight of her.

She is a statue of an angel about two feet high. She has stood there without stirring as the years passed with their thousands of days and hundreds of thousands of hours.

The angel is aging. The slow grinding of time has scarred and

Transitional Deacons from page 7 a position as assistant manager of Mercedes Benz of Greenwich.

Once he was certain of God’s call to the priesthood, he talked to Fr. Kinnally and began seminary studies at Mount St. Mary’s, where he earned his M.Div. degree this year. Deacon Segura will be serving as a transitional deacon at St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan this coming year.

“When I at first heard the call to discern a vocation to the priesthood, I was in wonder at the great plan of salvation, he says. “Yet, what has taken place in me personally through prayer and discernment involves a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus himself.

The call to the priesthood is that which requires a lifelong, personal friendship and journey with Jesus, and all that I am to do begins and end with him, for the sake of his beloved people.

Deacon Segura will assist at his first Mass at St. Mary’s on June 24 at 11:30. Fr. Greg Markey, pastor, will be the principal celebrant. n

discolored her a bit. The paint on her plaster face is now cracked so that she seems wiser, somehow marked by lines of pain and laughter. Some of her fragile fingers are chipped at the tips. Still, year and after year, she stands in my friend’s garden in noble quietude. In crepuscular light her still-regal form acquires a certain luster, it seems oddly tender.

I think of how the angel’s calm gaze cuts through time. She has watched the birth and death of days and watched the days and nights gather as months and years. She watched some saplings flourish into sturdy young trees and watched large old craggy oak trees develop lumpy, bulbous

trunks.

How many drifting summer clouds have passed above that statue; how many winter winds have pounded it; how many flowers have bloomed and faded around it. All those rains and snows. She watched Springs mature into Summers, Summers ripen into Falls, Falls deepen into Winters.

Sometimes I feel I see the sadness of time dwelling in that statue. It comes over me how many people must have said good-byes in that garden. I wonder if the statue holds its memories of all the many farewells that have been said in her presence. There were the farewells with pledges of speedy reunions. Yet how many final good-byes, how many last kisses did the statue witness. How much pain of loss and separation did she witness.

How many farewelling ghosts surround the statue? Possibly the ghosts of all past partings hang in the air.

The lady of the house speaks of how it seems preternaturally quiet after a loved one drives away. “How I hate that moment

when the car vanishes down the road! The last wave out of the car window is like the flutter of a bird wing, and there is a sense of how short life is. In any case, I’m dispirited. The silence after people leave is very loud.”

The angel witnessed the birthdays, holidays and landmark days, such as graduations and weddings. She watched time swallow children’s childhoods.

Four children have grown and gone. Three young girls have grown into young ladies and now were mothers themselves.

I think of how if the statue could speak it could no doubt tell of all the prayers, supplications, confidences that have been entrusted to her. What names were whispered to her, souls entrusted to her, as she stood there in patches of light and shade?

In its little spot of earth, that statue makes me conscious of time, of the parade of days. It often brings the sad thought of how the river of time flows gently. Days go by, seasons change, and things pass, all things pass away, nothing stays. In a way,

SAINTLYLIVES

that aging angel is a symbol of how time flows away with fragments of our lives.

Perhaps no aspect of Catholic piety is as comforting as the belief that an angel, appointed and set over us by the Father, protects us from dangers; that our lives are surrounded by its watchful care and intercession “They come to watch around us here, To soothe our sorrow, calm our fear.”

(Liturgy of the Hours, Hymn, “Guardian Angels,” October 2.)

It can be noted that for thirty years no great harm has befallen the house in whose garden the angel statue stands.

When I leave the house in whose garden the angel statue stands, before my car disappears around the curve of the road, I take a final look at the angel and, as I think many others do, I say one of those “get-mehome-safely” prayers. The one I use is taken from St. Therese of Lisieux: “For tomorrow I cannot pray.

Cover me with your shadow just for today.”

n

BY ED WALDRON

34

Bits & Pieces

CURSILLO ULTREYAS are held at locations around the diocese: Tues., Jul. 3, at the Catholic Center, Bridgeport, at 7 pm; Thurs., Jul. 19, at St. Mary Parish, Bethel; at 7:30 pm; Wed., Jul. 25, at St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield, at 7:30 pm; Tues., Aug. 7, at the Catholic Center at 7 pm; Thurs., Aug. 16, at St. Mary’s, Bethel; at 7:30 pm; and Wed., Aug. 22, at St. Mary’s, Ridgefield, at 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Ray Bourdeau: 203.268.8857.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP is offered at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, first Tues. of each month (Jul. 3; Aug. 7) from 4-5:30 pm for adult patients, family members and friends who are coping with a diagnose of

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Hodgkin’s Disease. No reservation required.

For more information, call the SWIM line: 203.576.6158 or email tmclaugh@stvincent.org.

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR support group meets the first and third Tues. of each month (Jul. 3 & 17; Aug. 7 & 21) from 5:30-7 pm at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport. No reservations required, free parking with validated ticket. For more information, call St. Vincent’s SWIM line: 203.576.6158 or tmclaugh@ stvincentss.org “BUG US” is the theme of this year’s Summer Outreach Camp for youth offered free of charge by St. Vincent’s College.

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from all schools in the Bridgeport area are invited to register. There will be two sessions, Jul. 9-13 for returning students and Jul. 16-20 for new students. The camp provides young people with a mix of learning, science and fun activities held at the college, adjoining the campus of St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Students can choose between morning (8:30 am-12:30 pm) and afternoon (1-4:30 pm) classes. Admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To register, contact Myriam Alvarado: 203.576.5264 or email malvarado@stvincentscollege.edu APPALACHIAN CRAFT FAIR will be hosted by Holy Trinity Parish, Sherman (junctions of routes 37 & 39), Fri.Sun, Jul. 13-15: Fri. 12 noon-6 pm; Sat. 10 am-6 pm; Sun. 12 noon-5 pm. Quilts, woodwork, stained glass, pottery, etc. 100% of proceeds are returned to the crafters in Appalachia. For more information, contact the parish: 860.354.1414 or email appcraftfair@gmail.com.

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SHARE FOR THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT SHARE (Sacred Heart Adult Religious Education) for the Diocese of Bridgeport has announced its fall courses.

American Church History, taught Tues. in Sept-Oct., will begin Sept. 4; Acts of the Apostles, held Weds., starts Sept. 5. Following courses are Psalms, Interfaith Dialogue, Catholic Social Teaching and Blessed Trinity.

All courses are from 7-9 pm at Sacred Heart University Stamford Campus, 12 Omega Drive. For more information, contact Gina Donnarummo: 203.416.1446 or SHARE@diobpt.org.

home, will take place the week of Jul. 14-21. Discover the presence of God in Scripture and in the daily events of your life!

Reservations requested by Mon., Jul. 9. For more information or to register, call St. James Parish Center, Stratford: 203.375.5887 or email Betsy Redgate: bredgate. stjamesparish@gmail.com.

GOSPEL OF LIFE SOCIETY meets the second Sat. of the month (Jul. 14, Aug. 11) at St. Mary Parish, Norwalk, at 10 am after the 9 am ProLife Mass. For more information, contact Eileen Bianchini: 203.847.5727 or stmarygols @aol.com.

SECULAR FRANCISCAN Holy Spirit Fraternity invites everyone to a Mass for our Nation with Msgr. Ernest Esposito at St. Emery Parish, Fairfield, on Sat., Jul. 14, at 9:30 am. Social and meeting follow the Mass. For more information, call 203.255.8801.

CO-ED SUMMER SOCCER CAMP will be hosted at Notre Dame of West Haven from Jul. 23-27. The cost-free camp is designed for serious players

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June 2012

Bits & Pieces (boys and girls) entering grades 6 through 8 and runs from 9 am-12 noon. To for more information or to register, contact Coach Rudy Raffone: 860.227.1797 or rraffone@notredamehs.com.

“THE COMMUNION CAFÉ,” a place where people can gather for fellowship, will be open every Wed. from 6-8:30 pm in August: Aug. 1, 15, 22, 29, at St. Andrew Parish, Bridgeport. A peaceful place to relax! Biblical beverages and treats, poetry readings and a trivia question of the evening. A childrens’ table will have fun things for the little ones.

Admission free; “temple offerings” accepted.

MASS OF HEALING AND HOPE sponsored by the Charismatic Renewal Office will be offered Wed., Aug. 8, at 7:30 pm at St. Marguerite Parish, Brookfield, with Fr. George Sankoorikal. For more information, call 203.268.8253.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER program for female cancer patients will be held at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, on Thurs., Aug. Sabbath 3.9 pm.

4/25/12 1:46 PM Page 1 9, from 1-3 By promoting

emotional recovery, the program helps women look and feel their best. Lunch is provided.

Reservations required. For more information and for reservations, call 203.576.6158. .

DOZYNKI, the Polish word for parish celebration, will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stamford, Aug. 11-12 with a dance on Sat., Aug. 11 and fair on Sun., Aug. 12, beginning at 12:30 pm. Polish food, entertainment, and raffle. For more information, call 203.323.4967.

SUMMER FAIR will be held at St. Leo Parish, Stamford, on Tues.-Sat., Aug. 28-Sept. 1.

Foods, rides, games (one price ride bracelets), bingo; live entertainment each night starting at 7:30. For more information, call the parish: 203.322.1669.

50 YEARS AT ST. JUDE SCHOOL: St. Jude School in Monroe will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a Mass on Sun., Sept. 9, at 12 noon in St. Jude Church. Reception will follow in the school gym. We’re looking for alumni, along with class photos and memorabilia to display at the reception. For more information

or to participate, contact Mary Beth Rauser: 203.516.1821 or mbrauser@hotmail.com SAINTS OF SPAIN PILGRIMAGE with Fr. Robert Uzzilio will take place Sept.

13-22. Experience the homeland of Ignatius Loyola, Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Francis Xavier as well as the beautiful cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Cost of $2,845 is all-inclusive. Few spaces open. For complete itinerary or to register contact St. James Parish, Stratford: 203.375.5887. n

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• Medical Reminders • Light Housekeeping

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Brave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-II (PG) Rock of Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O (PG-13)

USCCB RATINGS:

Meditations on Holy Week

Now thru Sept. 16 One State Street, New Haven • 203-865-0400 • kofcmuseum.org • Free admission & parking

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-I (PG) Prometheus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O (R)

A-I – General patronage A-II – Adults & adolescents Snow White and the Huntsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-III (PG-13) A-III – Adults Chernobyl Diaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L (R) L – Limited Adult Audience Crooked Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-III (PG-13) O – Morally Offensive Men in Black 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-III (PG-13)

Illness and injury don’t make appointments.

And neither do you. Walk into St. Vincent’s Urgent Care Centers with life’s unexpected ailments.

4600 Main St, BRIDGEPORT 401 Monroe Tnpk, MONROE 2 Trap Falls Rd, SHELTON 1055 Post Rd, FAIRFIELD

(203) 371-4445 (203) 268-2501 (203) 929-1109 (203) 259-3440

stvincents.org/walkin