2022 – Page 9 – Diocese of Bridgeport (2024)

BLESSING THE CORNERSTONE—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano blessed the cornerstone on the new St. Catherine of Siena Mausoleum in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Wednesday, October 5 during a brief ceremony in Trumbull.
“Congratulations to all who played a role in this great achievement that will stand for years. This is a monument to the Catholic faith and a place of great beauty, prayer and reflection, It’s a place to pray in peace and solace for our loved ones,” said the bishop.

Dean Gestal, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries, welcomed the invited guests including pastors and deacons of nearby parishes, funeral directors, diocesan leaders, cemetery staff, and others who gathered for brief remarks before the Blessing. He thanked everyone for working through the Coronavirus pandemic and supply chain problems to complete the mausoleum.

The bishop then stepped outside on a rainy day and assisted by Deacon Pat Toole, chancellor of the Diocese, and Joe McCurdy, cemeteries director of operations, blessed the cornerstone and thanked all for attending.

Workers are still putting the finishing touches on the mausoleum that will includes Choose from 600 fully body crypts and 500 cremation plus niches. Four Trumbull parish “wings” chapel sections are included in the Mausoleum including Christ the King, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Theresa and St. Stephen. There is an Italian marble statue of the Risen Christ in the foyer, and an open atrium in the center of the Mausoleum which is surrounded by with Terrazzo flooring and custom built benches for visiting with loved ones. Multi-colored glass mosaics of the eight Beatitudes surround the atrium which connects to the St. Monica Mausoleum via a glass walkway.

The St. Catherine of Siena Mausoleum will be open to visitors following the All Souls Day Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Caggiano on November 2, 11 am in the Mausoleum located at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull. Monitors, seating and facilities will be provided and carnations and bottles of Lourdes holy water will be distributed at the conclusion of the celebration. The Mass is held rain or shine. An outdoor tent, seating and facilities will be provided.

For more information or inquiries, visit www.stcatherinemaus.com, call: 203.742.1450, ext 155 or email: info@ctcemeteries.org.

A special reading of poetry by Rev. Thomas Fitzpatrick, S.J., titled “The Dream of God: Words of Hope in the Chaos,” will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Auditorium, Room 101. Register to attend the in-person event or sign up for the Zoom Livestream to attend virtually.

Fr. Fitzpatrick came to Fairfield University nine years ago, after living and working for 20 years in the Middle East. He is well-known on campus for his transformative work in leading people through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. His personal writing, which looks back on a lifetime of lived spirituality on five continents across the world, is equally transformative.

This event, free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Dean—College of Arts & Sciences, the Fairfield Jesuit Community, the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. A wine and cheese reception will follow the presentation.

BRIDGEPORT— “You are a living medallion,” Bishop Caggiano said to the nearly 150 recipients of the 2022 St. Augustine Medals of Service during a Daytime Prayer service and award ceremony held at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk.

See list of medal winners

The St. Augustine Medals were presented in morning and noon-time sessions with proud family members and friends filling the Church to show their support and admiration for the recipients, who included many married couples.

The Daytime Prayer included the chanting of Psalms, and a reading from Galatians (5:25-6:10), “If we live in the Spirit, let us allow follow the Spirit.” Following the joyful service, the Bishop greeted the recipients and their family members in the bright sunshine outside of the Church for photos and best wishes.

As he blessed the medals before the altar, the bishop said “We are here today to confer the St. Augustine medal upon those men and women who have been recognized by their pastors and parishes as having demonstrated a profound level of dedication to Christ and to his Church as evidenced in the extraordinary level of service given to their parishes, schools, and to various charitable works across the diocese.”

“I have the privilege to give you this medal named for St. Augustine our patron and spiritual father. It is just a meager symbol of what you already are– a living medallion in the image of Christ in the world.”

On one side of the medal is an image of St. Augustine of Hippo, patron saint of the diocese. The reverse features the coat of arms of the diocese.

“Wear this medallion with the thanks of the great people of this diocese, but remember what it means. It’s only an invitation for others to look beyond it to your heart, spirit and soul, and finally to that the Lord and savior of us all,” he said.

The bishop began his homily by noting that medals have been presented to people throughout recorded history as a symbol of honor and gratitude, and also as a sign of a the relationship between the recipient and a higher power.

However the medals presented by the Church are different than that of other organizations and institutions, because they are presented in the name of Jesus Christ to men and women who seek to mold themselves in Christ’s image.

“By presenting the medals we are celebrating something quite mysterious, sublime, and profoundly beautiful. What we do here, we do in the life, power and grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the model of every human life.”

The bishop noted that the process of making medals hasn’t really changed over the centuries. It begins with an artist making a cast or mold to symbolize the significance and spirit of the achievement, and it involves shaping the medal in fire.

He said that the recipients were filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit at a time when the fires of faith are dimmed in so many spiritual lives.

“We give you thanks in the name of Christ. You could not have done all the good you have done to this point in your life if you did not allow the Holy Spirt to mold and purify you by the power of grace.”

He praised the recipients for performing many sacrificial and selfless acts, “even menial tasks ,that no one in your parish every saw, but in doing so, you were doing were the hidden hard work that allows family to prosper and grow. You did it not for recognition and honor, but out of love for your sisters and brother in Christ, in whose name we have gathered.”

“Allow me to simply say thank you for striving for holiness in life, being servants of one who came not to be served, for being light in a world that has become very dim, and for allowing the Spirit to lead you to this point,”

Among this year’s recipients was Al Barber, retired Catholic Charities executive, who has called the recipients forward each year. His name was read by Anne McCrory, Chief Legal and Real Estate Office of the Diocese.

Following the prayer service and conferral of medals, the bishop thanked the pastors, deacons, religious and all those who attended. He lef all those who attended with one final thought:

“We live in time where institutions are not trusted and leaders are held in suspicion. Where will the renewal of the church come? He asked. “The renewal has already begun in you an in your countless ways bringing Christs forgiveness, mercy and love to all those willing to receive it.”

The St. Augustine Medal of Service was instituted in 2005 to recognize the “unsung heroes” who unselfishly give of their time and talents to build up parish communities and in Diocesan ministries.

St. Augustine Medal Winners | 10:00am Mass

St. Augustine Medal Winners | 12:30pm Mass

Medal Award Winnter Photos

WASHINGTON (CNS) — During their fall general assembly in Baltimore Nov. 14-17, the U.S. bishops will elect the next president and vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from a slate of 10 candidates nominated by their fellow bishops.

They also will vote on chairmen-elect for six standing USCCB committees.

Pictured: Candidates for the upcoming 2022 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops presidential and vice presidential elections are shown clockwise from top left: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City; Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Conn.; Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va.; San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone; Seattle Archbishop Paul D. Etienne; Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio; Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas; Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori; and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind. (CNS composite/photos by Tyler Orsburn; Archdiocese of Oklahoma City; Gregory A. Shemitz; Bob Roller; Dennis Callahan, Catholic San Francisco; Paul Haring; Bob Roller; Bob Roller; Tyler Orsburn; and Bob Roller)

The president and vice president are elected to three-year terms, which begin at the conclusion of this year’s general assembly. At that time, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit will complete their terms as president and vice president, respectively.

The candidates for president and vice president are, in alphabetical order:

— Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.

— Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia.

— Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City.

— Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco.

— Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle.

— Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas.

— Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio.

— Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore.

— Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana.

According to the USCCB bylaws, the president is elected first by a simple majority vote of members present and voting. The vice president is then elected from the remaining nine candidates.

In either election, if a candidate does not receive more than half of the votes cast on the first ballot, a second vote is taken. If a third round of voting is necessary, that ballot is a runoff between the two bishops who received the most votes on the second ballot.

During the meeting, the bishops also will vote for chairmen-elect of six USCCB standing committees on: Canonical Affairs and Church Governance; Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; Evangelization and Catechesis; International Justice and Peace; Protection of Children and Young People; and Religious Liberty.

The six bishops will each serve for one year as chairman-elect of their respective committee before beginning a three-year term as chairman at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2023 Fall General Assembly.

The nominees are, in alphabetical order:

— Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance: Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, and Bishop Alfred A. Schlert of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

— Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs: Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Auxiliary Bishop Peter L. Smith of Portland, Oregon.

— Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis: Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis and Bishop William D. Byrne of Springfield, Massachusetts.

— Committee on International Justice and Peace: Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia and Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.

— Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People: Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Virginia, and Auxiliary Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo of Newark, New Jersey.

— Committee for Religious Liberty: Archbishop Cordileone and Bishop Rhoades.

Because the elections for USCCB president and vice president are also taking place at the general assembly, if any of the candidates for committee chairmanship are elected to fill either of those higher offices, the USCCB’s Committee on Priorities and Plans will convene to nominate a new candidate for that committee.

Last November, the bishops voted for chairmen-elect for five standing committees. At the end of this year’s fall assembly, they will take over as chairmen of their respective committees on:

— Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations: Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing, Michigan.

— Divine Worship: Bishop Steven J. Lopes, who heads the Houston-based Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.

— Domestic Justice and Human Development: Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

— Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth: then-Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of Los Angeles, who now heads the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota.

— Migration: Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso.

Source: November 8, 2022 – Catholic News Service

Stratford, CT — Students at St. Mark School in Stratford participated in the 2022 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge – an annual, statewide program encouraging students to read books during the summer months. This year’s theme was “Read Beyond the Beaten Path!”

St. Mark School reports that 166 students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight participated in the 2022 Challenge, reading 1,878 books this past summer.

Alyssa DiMaio, Fifth Grade Teacher at St. Mark School who coordinated the school-wide program shares, “I am so impressed – that’s an average of 11.3 books per student! Keeping students engaged in fun learning experiences over the summer months will set them up for success the following school year.”

The State of Connecticut sponsors the program because research shows that reading is crucial to a child’s brain development and intellectual stimulation. Studies show that when students don’t engage in learning activities over the summer months they could lose up to two months of math and reading skills.

Each year, the schools with the highest percentage of participating enrollment and the highest number of books read by participating students at the end of the summer are acknowledged for their accomplishments.

Last year, St. Mark School was recognized as a top-performing school in the 2021 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Tails and Tales.” They were among the fifteen elementary and middle schools awarded in the state of Connecticut, among the three in the category of Private Schools, and the only Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic School recognized.

St. Mark Principal Melissa Warner, “I am very proud of our students and confident they will be recognized again this year as we broke last year’s record.”

To recognize their achievements, Principal Warner invited Jim’s Ice Cream truck to the school and treated students who participated in this year’s program to a tasty treat.

St. Mark School is a 2009 Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. St. Mark School will host an Open House on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 10 am – 12 noon and invite prospective families to tour the school and meet the community. For more information, visit www.stmarkschool.org.

STAMFORD—The work of school custodians is appreciated by everyone, but much of it tends to be invisible or unnoticed. However, earlier this month, the Catholic Academy of Stamford made sure one of their most valued employees got his flowers.

Al Calderon, who has been a custodian at Catholic Academy since its opening in 2017, was honored by the school’s student body on October 2—National Custodian Day. Calderon has worked in the Catholic school system at large for over 30 years.

“Everyone at CAS wanted to show him how loved and appreciated he is for all of his tremendous hard work around CAS,” said Jen Hanley, Catholic Academy’s director of marketing and communication. “The entire school gathered and presented gifts and cards to Mr. Al and sang to him.”

Catholic Academy of Stamford serves grades PreK through 8 and is located on Newfield Avenue in Stamford. To learn more, visit catholicacademystamford.org.

BRIDGEPORT—Noted author, theologian and international speaker, Dr. Scott Hahn will be the keynote speaker at the Sixth Convocation of Priests of the Diocese of Bridgeport on Sunday, October 9, through Wednesday, October 12.

The convocation, held every three years, is expected to draw 150 active and retired priests from the Diocese of Bridgeport. The three-day retreat will be held at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, West Neck Road, Lloyds Harbor, Long Island, New York.

The theme of the convocation is “The Road to Emmaus: reading scripture from the Heart of the Church.”

“We look forward to getting together at the convocation which is a means to strengthen the fraternal bonds among us and contribute to our spiritual formation,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in his invitation letter to priests.

The bishop said Dr. Hahn is known for his research on Early Christianity during the Apostolic Age and brings scholarly insight into the early Church Fathers as the diocese works toward renewal and in the spirit of evangelization.

Dr. Hahn, who is the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, will give four talks beginning on Sunday evening at 7:30 pm.

Father Frank T. Hoffman, diocesan Vicar for Clergy, has coordinated planning for the convocation experience, which is designed to support each priest spiritually and emotionally and to promote understanding and collaboration.

Father Hoffman said that on Tuesday evening the priests will gather for a banquet to gathering to honor priests who will be celebrating special anniversaries of ordination. The celebration will also be an opportunity to welcome newly ordained priests and recognize those who are about to retire after years of faithful priestly service.

Committee members who have joined in planning the convocation are Father Frank Hoffmann, Dr. Corey Piccinino, Father Robert Kinnally, Father Peter Lenox, Msgr. William Scheyd, Father Rolando Arias, and Father Augustine Nguyen.

Mass will be celebrated on a limited schedule in some parishes throughout the diocese during the three days of the convocation (from Monday through Wednesday, October 10-12). Click here for a list of parishes offering Mass during Convocation. (Religious order priests will be available for sacramental emergencies.)

Dr. Scott Hahn
Dr. Scott Hahn was born in 1957, and has been married to Kimberly since 1979. He and Kimberly have six children (two of which are seminarians for the diocese of Steubenville) and eighteen grandchildren. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. His talks have been effective in helping thousands of Protestants and fallen away Catholics to (re)embrace the Catholic faith.

He is the Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R., Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990, and is the founder and president of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Hahn held the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa. From 2014 to 2015, he served as the McEssy Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization, University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL.

Dr. Hahn is also the bestselling author of numerous books including The Lamb’s Supper, Reasons to Believe, and Rome Sweet Home (co-authored with his wife, Kimberly). Some of his newest books are The First Society, The Fourth Cup, Romans: A Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, The Creed, Evangelizing Catholics, Angels and Saints, and Joy to the World.

Scott received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, Pennsylvania, in 1979, his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1982, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University in 1995. Scott has ten years of youth and pastoral ministry experience in Protestant congregations (in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Kansas and Virginia) and is a former Professor of Theology at Chesapeake Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, 1986.

WINDSOR LOCKS—A conference dedicated to exposing the truth about assisted suicide and teaching others the best techniques to oppose it in their states.

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9 am–5:30 pm at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hartford – Bradley Airport, 16 Ella T. Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks, CT 06096.

SPEAKERS
Keynote Speaker!!: Wesley J. Smith, contributor to The Corner at National Review and a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism.

Confirmed speakers also include Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition; Gordon Friesen, President of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition; Peter Wolfgang, Executive Director of Family Instititute of Connecticut; Lynn Varco, Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare; William L. Toffler, MD is the National Director of Physicians for Compassionate Care Education Foundation (PCCEF) and Margaret Dore, President of “Choice” is an Illusion.

WHY THIS CONFERENCE?
People who oppose assisted suicide do “care about everyone” and we must work together. Join us for an extremely informative and inspiring conference and learn more about how to defeat it in your own state. You will go home with the best techniques from national and local leaders who have worked for years to support opponents and witness against the expansion of assisted suicide. This conference is underwritten by EPC-USA, the Family Institute of Connecticut and other national and international organizations.

Click here for more information and to register

FAIRFIELD—Presented by Fairfield University’s Office for Mission & Ministry, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of the Diocese of Washington, D.C., will present the inaugural “Faith Leaders for Racial Justice” lecture at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at 7 pm on Thursday, October 13. This event is free and open to the public; tickets are required. Reserve your tickets at quickcenter.com.

“We are deeply honored to have one of the leaders of the Church in the United States and one of the outstanding faith leaders of our time join us to inaugurate our ‘Faith Leaders for Racial Justice’ series,” said Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry. “Cardinal Gregory has been a consistent and eloquent voice for human dignity at all stages and a courageous and insightful leader in the Church’s efforts to address the sinful legacy of racism.”

Appointed as the seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington in 2019, Pope Francis named Archbishop Gregory one of thirteen new cardinals from around the world on October 25, 2020. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in a November 28, 2020, Consistory in Rome.

Born and raised in Chicago, Cardinal Gregory converted to Catholicism as a student at St. Carthage Grammar School. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College (now St. Joseph’s College Seminary) of Loyola University Chicago, and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1973, and three years after his ordination, began graduate studies at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (Sant’ Anselmo) in Rome. There, he earned his doctorate in sacred liturgy in 1980.

Cardinal Gregory has served in many leading roles in the Catholic Church including as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from 2001 to 2004. He has written extensively on church issues, in pastoral statements on the death penalty, social justice, euthanasia/physician-assisted suicide, and interreligious and ecumenical affairs, and has published numerous articles about liturgy, particularly in the African American community.

Cardinal Gregory currently serves as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, and on the Board of Trustees for the Papal Foundation. Additionally, he is the Catholic Co-Chair of the National Council of Synagogues consultation for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The recipient of nine honorary doctoral degrees, Cardinal Gregory was awarded the Great Preacher Award from Aquinas Institute of Theology in 2002; a doctorate of humanities from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. (2002-2003); the Sword of Loyola from Loyola University of Chicago (2004); a doctorate of humane letters from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama (2005); a doctorate of humane letters from Xavier University in Cincinnati; a doctorate of humane letters from McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill.; a doctorate of humanities from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO; an honorary law degree from Notre Dame University (2012); and the Chicago Catholic Theological Union Honorary Doctorate (2013).

Said Father Rourke, “Cardinal Gregory will inaugurate a lecture series dedicated to telling the story of faith’s role in promoting racial equality and the dignity of all people. The story of the Abolition movement, the Civil Rights movement and the ongoing work of building a just society are all interwoven with the story of faith and the work of faith leaders. Cardinal Gregory will help us tell that story, and I cannot imagine a better person to help us start the ‘Faith Leaders for Racial Justice’ series.”

Presented by Fairfield University’s Office of Mission & Ministry, the inaugural “Faith Leaders for Racial Justice” lecture with Wilton Cardinal Gregory is free and open to the public. Tickets are required. The event will take place at 7 pm on Thursday, October 13, at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. To reserve your ticket to this event, please visit quickcenter.com.

New Presbyteral Council by-laws have been released by Bishop Caggiano, effective September 29, 2022.

You may download both documents here:

Decree for Revised Presbyteral Council By-laws
Revised Presbyteral Council By-laws

29 IX 2022 - Decree for Revised PC By-laws
30 IX 2022 - Revised PC By-laws

DANBURY, CT, – Principal Wendy Neil of Immaculate High School announced that Olivia Esposito (Danbury), Alyssa Hartnett (Ridgefield), Anna Kopec (Bethel) and Michaela Martin (Ridgefield) have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal at an awards ceremony to these two exceptional students.

Pictured from L-R: Michaela Martin, Alyssa Hartnett, Olivia Esposito, Anna Kopec

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. All four students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 national competition by taking the 2021 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success, commented a spokesman for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role that their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

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Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on their spiritual development, personal moral commitments and service to others. Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of a Diocesan-sponsored school.

Signature gift—the single largest by an alumna in the University’s history— leads the way.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (September 28, 2022)— Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD today announced that the University’s new 85,000-square foot arena will be named the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. The new arena which will officially open in November, replaces the institution’s long-standing landmark Alumni Hall.

A leadership gift by Fairfield University Board of Trustee Shelagh Mahoney-McNamee ’87 will have a significant impact on the University’s Athletic programs and the student experience on campus. This signature gift is the single largest by an alumna in the University’s history.

“This historic gift and naming of Fairfield’s new Arena is a significant milestone as the University continues its rise as an institution of national prominence, and a model of the modern, Jesuit Catholic university,” said Nemec. “Our rise has been predicated on a commitment to our core values, and this building will carry forward our commitment to cura personalis—in the spirit of our tradition — serving the life of the mind, body, and spirit of our students and community. This moment is filled with immense gratitude and personifies the commitment and caring of our Fairfield family.”

“It is an honor to be a part of this new chapter in Fairfield’s history,” said Mahoney-McNamee. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my alma mater, that has given me so much both personally and professionally, and to honor my father, with this dedication. This new arena will be a hub of Stag spirit and tradition, school engagement and lifelong memories for the entire University community. GO STAGS!”

Leo D. Mahoney and his loving wife of 46 years, Joan E. Mahoney, were the children of Irish immigrants and did not attend college themselves. Leo and Joan’s belief in the importance of Jesuit education and their Catholic values led them to support all three of their children, Shelagh Mahoney ’87, Meghan Mahoney ’89, and Patrick Mahoney ‘93, in attending Fairfield University. Fairfield held a special place in their hearts as they watched their children develop into the people they are today. In the early 1990’s Leo sat on the Fairfield University Trustees Advisory Council. Leo was the President and co-founder of one of the largest suppliers of road salt in the northeastern United States. Beginning in the early 1950s with a single contract for salt with the City of Lowell, the business grew steadily over the next 60 years. Leo actively engaged his children in his philanthropic and business endeavors. He took pleasure in passing along the lessons learned, especially the importance of making decisions with your heart. Leo was active in the company until the time of his death always stopping by the office after daily Mass to work with his daughter, Shelagh Mahoney, who is now President of his companies. While Leo always enjoyed the give and take of business, he was happiest spending time with friends and family and especially his cherished grandchildren; Molly McNamee Cary, Sean McNamee, Michael McNamee, Leo McNamee, Kate McNamee, James Finneral, Grace Finneral, and Finn Mahoney.

His daughter Shelagh is a Fairfield University alumna, Board of Trustee member and supporter of Fairfield University. Shelagh and her husband Joe McNamee are the happy parents of five children, all of whom have received Jesuit educations: two current Fairfield University students, two Fairfield University alumni, one Boston College alum, and parents-in-law to one Fairfield University alum.

“This extraordinary gift, coupled with support from many Fairfield alumni, parents and friends, has inspired our community,” said Vice President for University Advancement Wally Halas. “The Fairfield family is among the most thoughtful and generous in the nation.”

The new venue is an 85,000-square foot, 3,500-seat multi-use space for basketball and volleyball games, University events, and concerts. The $51 million project will be 100 percent donor-funded.

Season tickets for the 2022-23 Fairfield Men’s and Women’s Basketball season are now on sale at FairfieldStags.com/TIX. All tickets for the 2022-23 Fairfield Basketball season will be digital and fans will have access to an online account to manage tickets throughout the season.

The Fairfield Women’s Basketball program will open the 2022-23 season against Stonehill College in Mahoney Arena on Friday, November 18 and play the University of Michigan at home two days later, on Sunday, November 20.

The Fairfield Men’s Basketball program will play their first game in Mahoney Arena on Saturday, December 3 against Saint Peter’s University.

Information regarding opening events for both programs will be announced at a later date.

For additional questions regarding arena ticket sales please contact, Joe Cappucci’19, director of ticket sales and service at joseph.cappucci@fairfield.edu or call 203-254-4335.

NEW FAIRFIELD — St. Edward the Confessor Church once again led diocesan attendance at the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference with 21 men from the parish taking part, according to Don Mallozzi, co-captain of the parish conference with Otis Shelton.

They joined almost 600 Catholic men, from 13 years old to 85, for the 15th annual conference and heard a keynote address by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, who said it’s time to bring Christ back to a troubled society, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Holy Eucharist.

The daylong event, which featured nationally known speakers, was centered on the theme “The Most Holy Eucharist,” which was chosen as part of the National Eucharistic Revival initiated by the U.S. bishops “to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States.”

“The Catholic Men’s Conference is an event in which I learn about how I, as a Catholic, can improve my family, community, and our society by stepping up and applying Christian principles within my circle of influence,” said Shelton.

Mallozzi added, “It was an excellent conference once again. It reignited our belief in the Real Presence and our belief that only our Lord Jesus Christ can lead us forward to do the miraculous that we cannot do on our own to lift the world out of the mess it is currently in.”

Every year, Parish Conference Co-Captains, Shelton and Mallozzi, make every effort to get as many men to the conference as possible. This year the parish also invited four humanists — men professing their intention to enter the priesthood — and two novices from Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire.

Legionaries have helped the church with its pro-life efforts in the Greater Danbury Area and joined in their Jericho Marches at Planned Parenthood in Danbury and in New Fairfield’s Fourth of July parade. At the conference, the Legionaries had the table to provide information about vocations, and speak to interested men.

To ensure a large turnout at the conference, the St. Edward’s co-captains sent out an invitation from Fr. Robert Wolfe, parish administrator, to men of the parish, along with digital promotions, personal invitations, bulletin promotions and announcements from the pulpit, Mallozzi said.

The conference, which attracted men from parishes throughout the state, was held on September 24 at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford and saw a dramatic increase in attendance after two years of being hampered by COVID.

The speakers included Bishop Caggiano; Deacon Michael Forrest of Springfield, a writer, speaker and catechist; Father Wade Menezes, CPM of the Fathers of Mercy, who appears on EWTN and is author of several books; and Father Chris Alar, MIC, a member of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, a religious community entrusted with spreading the message and devotion of Divine Mercy. The master of ceremonies was Sam Todzia, a Catholic husband, father, carpenter, and founder of Red Barn Ministries.

The conference concluded with a vigil Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair and priests in attendance.

In his keynote speech, Bishop Caggiano told the men that they live in a “post-Christian, secular and ever-more atheist world … and we have to do something about it,” urging them to become “Marines for Christ and men of hope” whose lives are centered on the Holy Eucharist.

“The Holy Spirit brought every single one of us here today for a reason, as brothers in faith, because you and I are living in a unique moment in the life of our country and of our Church, unique in time because the challenges we face continue to grow,” the bishop said. “We have come here to be resolved in courage and to make decisions in grace so that we answer those challenges together, just as in the Ancient Church, where the Fathers with their people faced similar challenges and rose to the occasion. Are we ready now to rise to the occasion?”

He told the audience that “the world out there is a mess, an absolute mess” and asked, “What are you and I going to do about it?”

The conference is a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Hartford and the dioceses of Bridgeport and Norwich. “This event was not only a Men’s Conference, but also a mini Eucharistic Congress to serve the spiritual needs of our men who need to be knowledgeable about the Real Presence and advocates of their Catholic faith,” said Ken Santopietro, director of the conference.

STAMFORD—Writer and theologian Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D. will look at the inspiring spiritual journey of St. Titus Brandsma on Wednesday, October 19, 7 pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Holy Family Hall, 403 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford.

“Adoring Him Whom I am Carrying” is the topic of Dr. Traflet’s talk in the ongoing Church of the Holy Spirit speakers series. She is the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Seton Hall University.

“We will look at the inspiring spiritual journey of St. Titus Brandsma who was brutally punished for speaking out against Nazism, yet he never wavered in his faith and never lost his joy. Transferred to Dachau concentration camp, he was beaten mercilessly, but advised his fellow prisoners not to worry for he was consoled by the Eucharistic Lord.”

Dr. Traflet said that while in Schevenigen prison, St. Titus noted, “The Adoro Te has become my favorite prayer. Frequently I sing it softly and this helps me to make a spiritual communion.

“As we consider Saint Titus’ love of the Eucharist, we also will ponder how his witness might inspire our National Eucharistic Revival,” she said.

Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., earned a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, an M.A. in Catholic Theology and Pastoral Ministry from The Institute of Advanced Studies of Catholic Doctrine, St. John’s University, and an S.T.L. and an S.T.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum), Rome.

Dr. Traflet is a key leader in the Center for Diaconal Formation, and she gives numerous lectures, retreats, and days of recollection, including some specific to wives of deacons and deacon candidates.

She is the author of Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait(Pauline Media, 2008). Dr. Traflet serves on the Board of Governors of St. Joseph’s Seminary (Dunwoodie), NY, and is a member of the theological faculty of the Pastoral Provision. Her recent courses include Franciscan Spirituality, Women Mystics, Theology and Practice of Prayer, Marian Spirituality, and History of Christian Spirituality.

The talk is open to all. For more information and directions to the parish visit www.holyspiritstamford.org.

RIVERSIDE—The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes Festival Choir, directed by Dr. Liya Petridesand distinguished Ukrainian-born guest musicians, will perform a concert to benefit the people of the war-torn Ukraine.

A light reception will follow in the Lucey Parish Hall provided by the Help for Ukraine committee.

All free-will donations will benefit the people of Ukraine via the United Help Ukraine organization.

Guest Soloists
Viktoriya Papayani—Pianist
Hanna Golodinskii—Soprano
Nadezhda Papayani—Pianist and Organist
Elena Peres—Violinist