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2021 APPEAL PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT –
“Arise” is the theme that I have chosen for the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) because it calls us to renewed hope and a deepened commitment to serve our neighbor. The call to “Arise” challenges us to put our personal faith into action and provide for the needs of our sisters and brothers, no matter who they may be.
Over the last few months, the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead has deeply touched me. Recall the words of the Lord Jesus to Lazarus, “Untie him and let him go free.” In profound ways, I believe that the Lord is offering to you and me these same words. He is inviting us to be set free to preach, teach, witness, innovate and to serve His people in love.
As I look back upon the past year, with all its sufferings, heartaches and sacrifices, I am deeply grateful for your generous response to the Annual Catholic Appeal, which brought the mercy of Christ to so many people who turned to the Church when no one else could help. For example, the celebration of Mass, the sacraments and religious education were made available both virtually and in person. Our Catholic schools responded by providing an on-line academy and in class personalized learning, safeguarding the lives of students and teachers. Catholic Charities remained highly active, providing food, clothing, shelter and psychological counseling to an unprecedented number of persons, many of whom found themselves facing need for the first time in their lives.
As we arise from these difficult months, we are inaugurating new and innovative initiatives designed to effectively address the changed landscape created by the pandemic. Among them are a long-term program of Eucharistic renewal; a new strategic plan for our schools and programs of faith formation; and the creation of four pastoral centers focusing on family life, culture and arts, young adult entrepreneurship and evangelization. Please review the brochure you recently received.
In addition, for the first time, a new partnership has been established between the diocese and our parishes to share resources generated from the ACA. More specifically, once your parish has exceeded its ACA goal, the additional proceeds will be available to address a critical need within your parish, in a neighboring parish, or to specific diocese missions supported by the appeal. Your pastor and finance council will determine this allocation and they will provide more details.
This year’s goal is $8.1 million, 10% less than last year due to the success of the We Stand With Christ Capital Campaign, and will allow the diocese to maintain works of charity, pastoral ministry, education and catechesis. Please join with me and support this year’s, Arise, Annual Catholic Appeal.
With your renewed support, the good works of the Church will continue to address the needs of those in need. Thank you for your generosity and support.
With every best wish for God‘s blessings upon you and your family, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
Additional Information
The Appeal enables Catholic Charities to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and needy people across Fairfield County through 30+ programs that:
Nourish the Hungry
Catholic Charities served over 1.2 million meals since the pandemic began via its soup kitchens, food pantries, the Meals on Wheels program for homebound elderly, and for the families of the Room to Grow Pre-school.
Shelter the Homeless
Established an Advisory Council for Bethlehem House in Stratford to move forward expanding transitional housing for formerly homeless families.
Caseworkers helped over 60 homeless individuals move off the streets and into safe
housing.
Strengthen Families and Individuals
Catholic Charities quickly pivoted its Mental Health Counseling services during the pandemic to provide telehealth counseling to clients suffering from anxiety and depression due to the pandemic.
Room to Grow Preschool in Norwalk opened its own food pantry, enabling them to feed the families that attend the Center throughout the pandemic. They are working class families, many who either lost jobs or had their income reduce due to the effects of the pandemic.
Immigrant families are assisted with immigration consultations and were helped during the the health crisis, many of whom suffered significant job losses and struggled to make ends meet.
Your gifts to the Appeal also helped make it possible to:
“Arise” is the theme that I have chosen for the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) because it calls us to renewed hope and a deepened commitment to serve our neighbor. The call to “Arise” challenges us to put our personal faith into action and provide for the needs of our sisters and brothers, no matter who they may be.
Over the last few months, the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead has deeply touched me. Recall the words of the Lord Jesus to Lazarus, “Untie him and let him go free.” In profound ways, I believe that the Lord is offering to you and me these same words. He is inviting us to be set free to preach, teach, witness, innovate and to serve His people in love.
As I look back upon the past year, with all its sufferings, heartaches and sacrifices, I am deeply grateful for your generous response to the Annual Catholic Appeal, which brought the mercy of Christ to so many people who turned to the Church when no one else could help. For example, the celebration of Mass, the sacraments and religious education were made available both virtually and in person. Our Catholic schools responded by providing an on-line academy and in class personalized learning, safeguarding the lives of students and teachers. Catholic Charities remained highly active, providing food, clothing, shelter and psychological counseling to an unprecedented number of persons, many of whom found themselves facing need for the first time in their lives.
As we arise from these difficult months, we are inaugurating new and innovative initiatives designed to effectively address the changed landscape created by the pandemic. Among them are a long-term program of Eucharistic renewal; a new strategic plan for our schools and programs of faith formation; and the creation of four pastoral centers focusing on family life, culture and arts, young adult entrepreneurship and evangelization. Please review the brochure you recently received.
In addition, for the first time, a new partnership has been established between the diocese and our parishes to share resources generated from the ACA. More specifically, once your parish has exceeded its ACA goal, the additional proceeds will be available to address a critical need within your parish, in a neighboring parish, or to specific diocese missions supported by the appeal. Your pastor and finance council will determine this allocation and they will provide more details.
This year’s goal is $8.1 million, 10% less than last year due to the success of the We Stand With Christ Capital Campaign, and will allow the diocese to maintain works of charity, pastoral ministry, education and catechesis. Please join with me and support this year’s, Arise, Annual Catholic Appeal.
With your renewed support, the good works of the Church will continue to address the needs of those in need. Thank you for your generosity and support.
With every best wish for God‘s blessings upon you and your family, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
Additional Information
The Appeal enables Catholic Charities to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and needy people across Fairfield County through 30+ programs that:
Nourish the Hungry
Catholic Charities served over 1.2 million meals since the pandemic began via its soup kitchens, food pantries, the Meals on Wheels program for homebound elderly, and for the families of the Room to Grow Pre-school.
Shelter the Homeless
Established an Advisory Council for Bethlehem House in Stratford to move forward expanding transitional housing for formerly homeless families.
Caseworkers helped over 60 homeless individuals move off the streets and into safe
housing.
Strengthen Families and Individuals
Catholic Charities quickly pivoted its Mental Health Counseling services during the pandemic to provide telehealth counseling to clients suffering from anxiety and depression due to the pandemic.
Room to Grow Preschool in Norwalk opened its own food pantry, enabling them to feed the families that attend the Center throughout the pandemic. They are working class families, many who either lost jobs or had their income reduce due to the effects of the pandemic.
Immigrant families are assisted with immigration consultations and were helped during the the health crisis, many of whom suffered significant job losses and struggled to make ends meet.
Your gifts to the Appeal also helped make it possible to:
- Award financial scholarships to 85% of students in the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport;
- Award financial assistance for Catholic education through the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund;
- Ensure that children and young adults had the opportunity to participate in religious education programs;
- Educate and train 24 men for ordination to priesthood in our Diocese;
- Educate and train 8 men for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate program;
- Care for 74 senior priests in their dignified retirement;
- Afford our youth with meaningful opportunities to mature as holy and active members of society through a wide range of faith-based programs;
- Respond to spiritual, educational and social needs of persons with disabilities through the St. Catherine Center for Special Needs.
