save the date:

We are very proud of our Catholic

Schools! The following schools
have all received the U.S.
Department of Education’s 2009
Blue Ribbon Schools Award:
Greenwich Catholic School – Greenwich
Our Lady of Fatima School – Wilton
Saint Cecilia School – Stamford
Saint Mark School – Stratford
Saint Rose of Lima School – Newtown
Please join us to launch the 2010 Annual Bishop’s
Appeal at one of our donor receptions at our
Blue Ribbon Schools on the following dates:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Our Lady of Fatima School, Wilton October 2009
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
St. Cecilia School, Stamford (in the parish hall)
Thursday, January 14, 2010 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Greenwich Catholic School, Greenwich

These schools join St. Mary
School in Bethel, which received
the award last year. They are
recognized as among the top 50
private schools in the nation!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
St. Mark School, Stratford
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
St. Rose of Lima School, Newtown
If you plan to attend, please e-mail 2010abalaunch@diobpt.org
and mention your preferred date.

Construction Under Way at Thomas Merton Center

Building a dream for poor and homeless families – Appeal Gifts in Action

Construction has begun on the Catholic Charities
Thomas Merton Homes on the Thomas Merton Center
Campus on Madison Avenue and nearby Catherine Street in
Bridgeport. The project includes 22 two and three bedroom
apartments and will provide permanent supportive housing
for the working poor and those at risk of homelessness. The
multi-million dollar project is expected to be completed and
available for occupancy by September 2010.
238 Jewett Avenue • Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892
“This much needed facility furthers the Thomas
PERMIT NO 248
ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL
Merton Center’s mission of providing a full continuum of
STAMFORD, CT
PAID
US POSTAGE
2009 LIVING OUR FAITH services for individuals and families in need. This is the
NONPROFIT DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT culmination of a multi-year effort at Merton that will add
permanent family housing to our very substantial food
programs, a family center for mothers and children, a broad
range of counseling services, a single resident housing
facility, and on-site health care through a collaboration with
St. Vincent’s Medical Center”, said Al Barber, President of
Catholic Charities.
“Safe, affordable, permanent housing is a cornerstone
of human dignity,” adds Barber. “The housing will also
significantly enhance the environment of one of the most
challenged neighborhoods in Bridgeport”.
Thomas Merton Homes was made possible by a
partnership including the Diocese, Catholic Charities,
Mutual Housing of Southwestern Connecticut, the City of a

Bridgeport and its Housing Authority,
a
and the Connecticut Housing Finance
Administration (CHFA).
The Catholic Charities housing program
now provides homes for more than 150
individuals in the Greater Bridgeport
area. With these new units and other
programs under development, it is
anticipated that about 300 individuals
will be housed by Catholic Charities by
the end of 2010.
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal support for
all of the activities of the Thomas Merton
Center Campus is essential to its growth
and success. This is only one of the more
than 25 programs of Catholic Charities
that rely so much on your generosity.
Thank you for your gifts to the Annual
Bishop’s Appeal. You make a real differ-
ence in the lives of many!
Monthly Payments Assist
Why I Give...
2009 Donors
Donors contribute 2009 Appeal payments through
December 31
Frank Mantero Family
St. Joseph Parish, Shelton
“For us, giving to the Appeal is an important part of our giving strategy. We
give to the church, the school and to the diocese. They are transparent. We
know where the money is going and the impact of giving on the lives of others.”
John Leydon Family
June Wood of St. Mary’s Parish in Stamford and her mother,
St. John the Evangelist Parish, Stamford
Margaret, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford,
consider the Annual Bishop’s Appeal a high priority in their annual
“We are happy to support Bishop Lori’s efforts in our Diocese.
giving.
As a family, we are thankful for the presence of the Church in Fairfield County
and hope it continues to grow. We especially appreciate the efforts of our
Contributors for 20 years, June says, “Both my mother and I feel it’s priests and the services they provide to families and parishes.”
important to help our parishes reach their goal and also support the
good works of the Diocese”. Both retired, they make a pledge at the
beginning of the Appeal and make monthly payments.
Benjamin Rodriquez
“We have also increased our giving over the years as we see how Blessed Sacrament Parish, Bridgeport
programs and services help not only diocesan ministries, but reach
out to the poor. We are able to budget our donations by making “I think it’s important to help the diocese fund its schools and vital ministries.”
monthly payments.”
The 2009 Annual Bishop Appeal received pledges for $11,902,632
from 29,814 donors to fund vital programs and services offered Jane Reichle
through the Diocese of Bridgeport. To date, $10,738,087 has been St. Mary Parish, Norwalk
received in cash payments. Pledges are payable through December 31st.
“The diocese has so many good things going for it. There is no question they are
The needs in the Diocese this past year were stretched. The stretching every dollar and the money goes where it’s intended.”
demands on our food services and counseling programs increased
dramatically and have been made possible through the generous
donors to the 2009 Appeal. Like June and Margaret, we depend on Lou Roller (with Msgr. Martin Ryan and Bishop Lori)
your faithfulness in fulfilling your commitment. St. Edward the Confessor Parish, New Fairfield
If you have not paid your pledge, a monthly credit card payment “If you are busy and you can’t give your time and talent, help by giving
can be set up by calling the Development Office at 203-416-1470. your treasure to keep ministries going strong.”
Pledges are payable through December 31st for credit to the 2009
Appeal goal. Thank you in advance for your kindness and good will.