By Angela Piscitello May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on our communities’ urgent mental health crisis. As Chief Program Officer at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, I see the stark realities of this issue daily. From anxiety and depression to more severe conditions, mental health disorders impact people of all ages and backgrounds. The pandemic has amplified this crisis. Heightened stress, isolation, and economic instability have led to a significant increase in mental health cases. Our clinics across Fairfield County are witnessing a surge in demand, particularl ..read more

By Joe Pisani Twenty years ago, composer Father Michael Joncas, best known for the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings,” was diagnosed with the debilitating neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome, after he realized he couldn’t elevate the chalice during the consecration. A lifetime of creating sacred music seemed as if it might end because of the disorder. He couldn’t play guitar anymore, and he endured constant tingling in his fingers and feet, which required medication. “I was paralyzed for a while, and actually for the first two weeks of the experience, I have no memories at all, because they in ..read more

BROOKFIELD—Over 100 diocesan deacons, along with their wives and men in formation, gathered on Saturday, April 13 for their annual Diaconate Convocation, reflecting on how they have served God and others in the past while looking ahead to a growth in discernment that Bishop Frank J. Caggiano calls a “remarkable testimony to the reflowering of this ministry.” Centering on the theme of forgiveness, this convocation, held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish in Brookfield, featured speakers throughout the day who offered insight and spiritual guidance to allow both the men and women present to enr ..read more

By Emily Clark TRUMBULL—When Ramona Trevino became pregnant at age 16, she never considered abortion. Instead, she chose life, married her 19-year-old boyfriend, and gave birth to a baby girl. The marriage, however, turned abusive and ended in divorce. Hoping to prevent young women from facing the same situation she did, Trevino began working at a Texas Planned Parenthood clinic, a job that weighed heavily on her for the three years she was employed. “I was a very broken woman and needed healing,” Trevino told a group gathered at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. “I never considered myself pro ..read more

By Ann Yanetti NORWALK—What does women’s spirituality look like as we navigate a culture of materialism, consumerism, and individualism? That was the question Sister Sally Norcross, CND, sought to answer at an event that drew over 80 women at St. Matthew Parish, hosted by the Catholic Daughters. “There are many different kinds of spirituality,” said Sister Sally. “Some encourage people to search for the sacred, others find God in nature, and others in mindful living in the present moment. Gerard Manley Hopkins, an English poet and Jesuit priest, spoke about an incarnational spirituality built ..read more

By Dr. Patrick Donovan Thirty years ago this month, the people of Rwanda experienced a tragedy my western American mind could not fathom. Over the course of 90 days or so, members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutus, were killed by armed Hutu militias. Neighbors killed neighbors. Family members turned on other members of their family. Even ministers, gathering their flock into the Church, betrayed the faithful and saved themselves. By the time it was over, nearly one million people were dead. Most of the world, including the U.S., just watched. Because justice w ..read more

April 8, 2024 My Dear Pastoral Leaders: It is with gratitude for the many people who were involved in the drafting of the attached pastoral instruction that I am pleased to present it to you as valuable guidance in your pastoral ministry ..read more

WE HAVE A GREAT NIGHT PLANNED FOR YOU! This year’s Gala will be a fun-filled evening and a wonderful opportunity to come together. Family and friends celebrate Catholic Education!   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What should I wear? The dress for the evening is cocktail attire. What to expect?The cocktail hour begins at 6:00 pm, followed by a student performance, a delicious dinner, engaging student program, and recognition of our honorees, Michael Shea and M&T Bank. We will have an exciting live auction and an opportunity to “Raise Your Paddle” in support of future Leaders of Tomo ..read more

TRUMBULL—St. Catherine of Siena Parish celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday in a unique and special way this year: with a visit of the major reliquary of St. André Bessette. At all five weekend Masses, the reliquary containing a piece of St. André’s heart, together with rock from beneath St. Joseph’s Oratory and a medallion with the image of the saint, was exposed for veneration.  After each Mass, Father Joseph Marcello, Deacon Patrick Toole, and Father Jomon Kalladanthiyil, CSC, who accompanied the relic from Canada, imparted blessings with the Oil of St. Joseph, a sacramental from St. Joseph ..read more

By Emily Clark When Bella Augusztin was a child, she enjoyed playing “dress up” with her older sisters and pretending to compete with them as they “worked” at their own fashionable boutiques. That sense of competition and drive for success only grew as Bella, now a senior at Notre Dame in Fairfield, became an honors student and a highly ranked soccer player while in high school. And today, she is most grateful for an award that will allow her to continue pursuing these passions in college and beyond. Each year, the University of Connecticut grants between 15 to 20 Nutmeg Scholarships to excep ..read more