First Holy Communion Lance’s mom from St.

Joseph Parish, says,

“St. Joseph’s Church has helped Lance
William Scheyd, Pastor at St. Aloysius, New
Canaan, says, “The Diocese assists us with
Education Programs says, “What a beautiful
and joyous time of the year for us to witness

and Confirmation Celebrated

understand Jesus’ life as the ultimate formation programs for catechists that are to so many children receiving Jesus for the
sacrifice. My son truly realizes what a great very valuable. They become familiar with first time, and our young people receiving
gift and honor it is to receive Him during new programs and aids that provide better the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament
Mass. This parish has helped my husband opportunities to acquaint students in the of Confirmation – gifts that will involve
Faith in Jesus helps us to become the people and me with our efforts to raise our children formation process.” them in the life and mission of the Church.

God made us to be in the Faith. The entire staff at St. Joseph’s

has truly been role models to our family who Each year thousands of children attend
The Church needs young people alive in the
Spirit in the world today. As Director of
radiate great love and God’s Holiness. They religious education programs across the Religious Education Programs, I am so June 2011 Newsletter
willingly share their time, love, and wisdom, Diocese of Bridgeport. During the Easter grateful for the opportunity in helping DREs
and are passionate about their mission while season and shortly after, Confirmation and to awaken a desire for God for all of our
Reverend George O’Neill and Mia

T
gently guiding parents.” First Holy Communion services usher in children throughout the Diocese.” Your
hundreds of children eager to learn more gift to the 2011 Annual Bishop’s Appeal
he sacraments have their foundation Diocese of Bridgeport and the Catechism.  program with at least six hours of immediate Pastors not only depend on DREs and about their faith in God and the Church. assists in supporting religious education
in the very life of Christ Himself. Twice a month they are given a home study preparation, apart from and in addition to the catechists but the Diocese as well. Msgr. Carol Pinard, Director of Religious programs. Thank you for your support.
The sacraments of First Holy packet to complete and hand in.  They regular ongoing parish or school catechetical
Communion and Confirmation are the
continuation of His salvation and the fullness
attend Mass and BLAST – where we meet
in the gym at the end of the session and
program. Also, all candidates are required
to perform service hours. Wyn Falvey says, Inside
of the Holy Spirit. Evangelization is a crucial learn Scripture stories from the Old and “By going through the Confirmation process
component in the process of sacramental New Testaments and then play a game or an this year I personally realized why I wanted A Renaissance in Catholic Education...
preparation for the person celebrating the activity which further teaches the story.  We to be confirmed and be part of the Church.
sacraments, aided by the family, sponsors,
and godparents, and provides the
begin with Genesis and teach all of the main
stories from the Bible.  The format of our
I understand that God is always watching
over me and the Bible confirms He is always
Lance and Jeannie Lowengart The late Hub Schlafly, Jr., Donor
foundation for a life in Jesus Christ. program incorporates classroom and home with me. I know this will help me be a & Friend to the Diocese of Bridgeport...
Mia and Lance from St. Joseph Parish in study and, most importantly, Mass each better parent when I raise my children.” His Making my Communion will be part of my life forever because every
Brookfield recently made their First Holy week.  Instead of simply learning about the mother, Jennifer, sees a real change in him time I go to Church I will look forward to receiving the Eucharist. In times First Holy Communion
Communion and Wyn, from St. Aloysius, Mass, each child now and says, “Wyn is more of need, I know I can receive Jesus and it will make me strong. God will and Confirmation Celebrated...
New Canaan made his Confirmation. Mia, experiences Mass.”    interested in the always be with me.
Lance and Wyn along with their parents are details of the Mass and
grateful to the catechists and priests for the Parents agree it is he understands each
opportunity to make their commitment as important for children part of it. He’s taken
disciples of Christ. to begin learning about initiative in his prayers Wyn and Jennifer Falvey
their faith at an early and relationship to Jesus.
First Holy Communion is a person’s first age, as it provides the One of the most valuable
reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist. foundation that will lessons I see from this I liked learning about how Jesus’ life was different than ours and why he
It involves a two year program of classroom sustain them through process is the personal was nailed to the cross. I am excited about taking the bread of life in Jesus
preparation. In addition to the classroom, their lifetime and relationship candidates’ and praying to Him.
there are six hours of concentration on the overcome challenges. form with Jesus, not just
sacrament. Andrea Woronick, Director of Dr. Bryan Luizzi, an obligation to go to
Religious parishioner, St. Church once a week.”
Education
at St. Joseph
Joseph and father of
Mia, feels, “First and While each parish runs
Marie Pascale
Parish foremost faith in Jesus the program that best
comments, helps us to become the suits the needs of their By inviting parents to participate with their children at a class
“Our program people God made us families, the Catechetical or Mass, or including parents in a Church tour, we get the
has three to be. It’s important at a young age for faith Handbook for Policies and Resources de- chance to remind parents of what they do know and give them
elements and to become part of a young person’s life, so veloped by the Office for Pastoral Services
the words to teach their children.
includes Mass, they have something bigger than themselves provides guidelines for Pastors, directors of
class and what to believe in and to know there is a heavenly religious education and catechists to follow.
we call BLAST Father who cares for them. Later in their life,
– Bible Learn- they can rely on faith to face the challenges.” Fr. O’Neill, Pastor at St. Joseph agrees, “The
ing and Story guidelines by grade have told us exactly
Telling.  We
meet for
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a
sacrament of initiation and a deepening of
what the kids need to learn as they proceed
from 1st through 8th grade. We plan our
Msgr. William Scheyd 238 Jewett Avenue • Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892

two and a half the baptismal gifts, rooting candidates more own program, but the guidelines are very
2011 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

hours every deeply in their unity to Christ and important and they help us implement the The Diocese assists us with formation programs for catechists that are very
Diocese of Bridgeport
other Sunday. strengthening them in His mission so they program and impart the knowledge.” valuable. They become familiar with new programs and aids that provide
The children are taught Catholic doctrine become witnesses by words and actions. Catechetical programs help parents reinforce better opportunities to acquaint students in the formation process.
in class, following the Guidelines of the Preparation consists of two years in a parish gospel values at home. Jeannie Loewengart,
 A Renaissance in This process ensures that students will learn the full body of
knowledge, taught by the best practices for each subject area for
in collaboration with Fairfield University on
Saturday mornings.
administrators are involved in a multitude
of activities that include a Professional
Catholics, with a desire for lifelong
learning.”

Catholic Education
their grade in every school in the Diocese. Mapping is also Learning Community, N.A.S.A. training,
available on-line for parents to review so they know exactly what Academic excellence in an environment of and national grants for new programming Your Annual Bishop’s Appeal gift
their child is learning. Teachers are attentive of student performance. faith and moral values are the blueprint of and attendance at seminars. The focus and along with the gifts of others assists
Jo-Anne Jakab, principal at Kolbe-Cathedral High School pointed the tradition of Catholic education. “While goal for schools in the Diocese continues to Catholic Education in the Diocese of
While education can change a person’s life, out, “We utilize testing in our schools to see where our student’s we all follow a standard based curriculum, build on its faith-filled academic success. Bridgeport. Thank you for your support.
Catholic Education transforms a life and strengths and weaknesses are and we adjust and apply strategies to we hold our children accountable,” added Dr. Dames concluded, “While education can
develops leaders for the future the weaker areas.” Students in Diocesan elementary schools take Nancy DiBuono, principal at All Saints change a person’s life, Catholic Education
national Iowa tests, while high school Juniors take the ACT test. School in Norwalk. Students are taught transforms a life and develops leaders for
The ACT test assesses high school students’ general educational gospel values and learn superior behavioral the future. There is a definite culture here

C
development and their ability to complete college-level work. standards in every one of their classes. Sr. and a lot of energy that results in high
Mary Grace added that, “We have a class academic expectations. Our students
atholic Schools in the Diocese professionals that has benefitted students Mary John O’Rourke, principal of St.
As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that called religion, but that’s not where it become good citizens and practicing
of Bridgeport continue to and parents? Principals from five areas in Gregory the Great in Danbury. Dr. Dames’
demands innovation, 21st century readiness is essential for every ends; our Gospel values start with our
experience a Renaissance. the Diocese called “clusters” met recently vision integrates the State of Connecticut
student. 21st Century Skills fuse the traditional three Rs – reading, teachers. For example, physical
Last year, six schools received along with Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, Deputy educational standards, with Gospel values
(L to R) Jo-Anne Jakab, principal Kolbe-Cathedral, Bridgeport; writing and arithmetic; and four Cs – critical thinking and problem education class teaches respect, honesty and
the United States Department Superintendent, and Dr. Margaret along with concepts and skills every student
Sr. Mary John O’Rourke, principal, St. Gregory the Great, solving; communication; collaboration; and creativity and community, through the sports they play
of Education Blue Ribbon Dames, Superintendent, and needs to compete in society and become
Danbury; Dr. Joanne Borchetta, principal, St. Cecilia, Stamford; innovation. These skills enable students to problem solve and and the rules of the game.” These
Award, and a total of 12 highlighted what is behind the successful members of their communities.
Nancy DiBuono, principal, All Saints, Norwalk; Sue Zello, create, utilize and interact with products and environments that do values are seen as a curriculum within the
schools in this Diocese exceptional academics and an With the support of Bishop William E. Lori,
principal, St Peter, Bridgeport; (Center) Dr. Margaret Dames, not exist now, but will in the future. Thinking back to the 1960s curriculum. Every student is included in
have received this atmosphere that embodies faith the superintendent’s vision became a
Superintendent, Catholic Schools Diocese of Bridgeport when cell phones did not exist, we can only wonder what products religious practices and programs, and there
prestigious award, which and values. reality. Vision is vital, but the principals and
will be developed in the future that will be so heavily depended on? are no exceptions. Many parents view the
ranks students in the top teachers must implement the vision. It starts
21st Century skills provide students the ability to create and work classroom as an extension of the home
10% in math and reading Vision, testing, evaluation and at the grassroots and includes every teacher
accomplish in that area for the quarter.” says Sue Zello, principal of confidently in new situations. The S.T.E.M. program, (Science, and they desire to have those values
scores based on national tests. strategy are the building blocks that and administrator’s guidance and agreement
St. Peter school on Bridgeport. We determine what we want students Technology, Engineering and Math) taught from Kindergarten to reinforced including learning that
Is “Renaissance” a buzz word used form the foundation of Catholic Education on the final curriculum.
to develop and take away.” Once those are established, Curriculum 12th grade, utilizes these subjects that allow students to stretch outscores the public school.
to renew interest in Catholic Schools or in the Diocese. “The most important factor
Mapping, a detailed teaching plan for each subject and grade level, their thinking to solve unknown problems. In addition high Where does Catholic Education
is it the result of a vision, a detailed plan in gaining a solid education in our Diocese “We use the State standards for each subject
is created by all teachers and school administrators. school students have an opportunity to take an engineering course go from here? Our teachers and
and adept follow – through of engaged started with Dr. Dame’s vision,” says Sr. area and we look at what we want to

The late Hub Schlafly, Jr., Donor & Hub Schlafly expressed his gratitude by
sharing with others and giving back
Msgr. Wissel says that Hub helped put many
young people through school including a
us even after he is gone. There is not a day in
my life that passes without me feeling thank-
Born in St. Louis in 1919, Schafly graduated from the University
of Notre Dame, Class of 1941 with a degree in Electrical Engineer-
Continuing Care Community in Stamford.

Friend to the Diocese of Bridgeport

generously to the community. In addition to 1993 Kolbe House graduate named Carlos ful for what Mr. Schlafly did in my life. He ing. He began his career working for General Electric and the MIT Msgr. Wissel says that with Hub Schlafly’s passing he has lost a good
personal generosity to those who crossed his Constante from Quito, Ecuador. With a full gave me a way of living, and what is most Radiation Laboratory. In 1947, he was invited to join Twentieth friend who had a positive impact on the life of so many people.
path, he was generous to many institutions. scholarship from Mr. Schlafly, the young important, he left me the responsibility to do Century Fox in New York City as Director of Television research. “We all learned so much from him, but most importantly I learned
Over the years he contributed generously man graduated from Notre Dame University the same or more for others. He really knew that you can live a good life as he did, a blessed life as he did,
to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal because he and now works for a major corporation in how to set the bar higher and higher every While best known for developing the teleprompter and serving as and a giving life as he did. He learned from an early age that
When Hubert J. (Hub) Schlafly, Jr., inventor of the
knew how much it helped people throughout Ecuador. time. I will always find inspiration from executive of the TelePrompTer Corporation, he was a visionary gratitude is the attitude that brings the greatest happiness. And he
teleprompter, passed away on April 20 at the age of 91,
the Diocese. him… inspiration to always do better, and to in the field of telecommunications and held 16 patents that helped to was grateful every day of his life.”
the world lost a genius and a television industry pioneer
“Hub knew how important it was because know that nothing is impossible,” Constante shape the modern television industry. He is credited with executing
who was much honored and revered in his lifetime.
In particular, Hub, as his many friends called as an immigrant, Carlos did not qualify for says. the first satellite transmission of a cable TV program and “Hub was a most accomplished individual in technology and
him, was deeply committed to Catholic any source of aid or scholarship. And he engineering the famous HB0 satellite transmission of the Ali business. Even more importantly, he was a man of deep faith
But closer to home, the Diocese of Bridgeport lost a
education and to the St. John Fisher understood the value of this young man to Of the many honors and awards he Frazier boxing match in Manila. and abiding charity. So many of us have been blessed by his
proud and faithful Catholic, a loyal parishioner, a good
Seminary Residence in Stamford. our society and to the one he would return received, Hub Schlafly got the friendship and wisdom, and we will greatly miss him. May his
friend, and a generous donor to the Church.

He was
to. What Carlos got from Hub Schlafly is biggest kick out of his two Emmy Awards, Later in his career he was President of Transponder Corporation and great soul rejoice forever in the Presence of God,” says Bishop
Msgr. Wissel, who delivered the homily at what so many others got, whether he built his induction into the Cable Television Hall Portal Services network. He also served as the chairman of the FCC William E. Lori.
Msgr. Francis Wissel, pastor of St. Mary Parish
the funeral Mass, remembers Hub as a tall, a chapel, paid for a church roof, or gave of Fame, and the Honorary Doctorate of Cable Television Advisory Commission. He was a fellow in the

a grateful
in Greenwich, knew Hub Schlafly as a daily
truly gentle man whose life was based on charitably through the Knights of Malta. Human Letters he was presented by Sacred Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers. A lifelong
communicant and friend of 14 years. He says that
love for his wife and his Church. After Mr. He was always there for others,” he says. Heart University, where the Digital Media Catholic, Hub Schlafly was a member of the Order of Malta and
Mass and the sacraments were an important part of

man. He was
Schlafly’s wife passed away, he and Msgr. Lab was dedicated in his honor. In the Knights of Saint Gregory the Great.
the famous inventor and communications executive’s
Wissel would sometimes share a light lunch When Carlos learned that Mr. Schlafly was honor of his wife, Leona, he For over 30 years, he was a parishioner
schedule because it was his way of showing gratitude
of soup and grilled cheese in the rectory gravely ill, he jumped on a plane and flew underwrote the cost of the of Saint Mary Parish
for the many good things in his life.

grateful for
after noontime Mass. back to thank him personally. Chapel of the Nativity, the in Greenwich. In the
daily worship space of the stunning final four years of
“He was a grateful man. He was grateful for
“He was such a genius and he knew it, but “Mr. Schlafly has done something that very new Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Sacred life he resided

everything
everything,” says Msgr. Wissel. “He was blessed with
he had a great humility and acted like an or- few people have done in this world. He was Heart. at Edgehill
great intelligence, a legendary career and the love of his
dinary, unassuming man,” Msgr. Wissel says. able to give himself to others and stay with Retirement and
wife, Lee, for over 50 years.”