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What's Next? AT THE INSTITUTE 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025. 
​
9:00am (08/11) - 4:00pm (08/16)

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Cyber Monday
 
 

FEATURED EVENT

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

August 11, 2025 - August 16, 2025
9:00am (08/11) - 4:00pm (08/16)

St. Stephen Church Hall
6948 Main St
Trumbull, CT 06611

This formation session is intended to train catechists in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).

CGS is a reflective-based catechetical program for children ages 3-12 that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, Sunday worship, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Andre

In the coastal town of Rockport, Maine in 1962, seven-year-old Toni Whitney and her family find themselves caring for an orphaned seal pup after local fishermen accidentally kill its mother. While solving the challenge of getting the baby seal to eat, Toni forms an unbreakable bond with the animal, naming him Andre and hoping their friendship will last a lifetime. Andre soon grows into a playful, intelligent seal who becomes a local celebrity by delighting tourists with his tricks and charm.

Loosely based on a true story, the film explores themes of acceptance, letting go, and the meaning of home. Rated PG for mild thematic elements, the film contains a few emotionally intense scenes, but overall offers a gentle, playful story celebrating the simple joys that animals can bring to our lives.

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Deacon Eric Keener: The Role of Parents

This week, Eric explains how parents are the first teachers, and must model their own faith in order to successfully instill it in their children's lives.

 
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Living Into OCIA May 16, 2025  9:30am - 2:00pm St. Matthew Parish

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Cyber Monday
 
 
 

THIS WEEK!

Living Into OCIA

May 16, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

St. Matthew Parish
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Living Into OCIA

May 17, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment.

 
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 

FEATURED EVENT

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

August 11, 2025 - August 16, 2025
9:00am (08/11) - 4:00pm (08/16)

St. Stephen Church Hall
6948 Main St
Trumbull, CT 06611

This formation session is intended to train catechists in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).

CGS is a reflective-based catechetical program for children ages 3-12 that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, Sunday worship, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
 
 

FOLLOW US!

We're on FaceBook and Instagram!

Follow us on social media and never miss out on what's happening!

 
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

My Side of the Mountain

Upset after his parents cancel a summer camping trip, and inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, thirteen-year-old Sam decides to test his self-reliance by running away from home to live off the land on his own. With his pet raccoon by his side, Sam heads deep into the Canadian wilderness where he makes a home inside a hollow tree, learns to forage for food, and trains a young falcon to help him hunt.

Based on Jean Craighead George’s popular novel, this slower-paced 1969 film offers a refreshing contrast to today’s action-packed movies with its reflective portrayal of a young person’s determination and resourcefulness. While the film admittedly makes wilderness survival look easier than it would be in reality, it beautifully explores the unique relationship between humans and nature; how our creativity and problem-solving abilities allow us to adapt to wild environments, yet ultimately how nature’s forces remain powerful and humbling. Though the premise of a young boy living alone in the wilderness might raise parental eyebrows, the film delivers valuable messages about self-reliance, respect for nature, and the thirst for knowledge.

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Mike Buckler: How to Help Your Young Person to Grow Closer to the Lord

Our children and youth watch us a lot more closely than we might think. This week, Mike explains why it's so important to live our faith to the fullest in order to show them the way.

 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
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Living Into OCIA May 16, 2025  9:30am - 2:00pm St. Matthew Parish

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Cyber Monday
 
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Living Into OCIA

May 16, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

St. Matthew Parish
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Living Into OCIA

May 17, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment.

 
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 

FEATURED EVENT

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

August 11, 2025 - August 16, 2025
9:00am (08/11) - 4:00pm (08/16)

St. Stephen Church Hall
6948 Main St
Trumbull, CT 06611

This formation session is intended to train catechists in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).

CGS is a reflective-based catechetical program for children ages 3-12 that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, Sunday worship, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
 
 

SAVE THE DATE

Fall Forum 2025

September 13, 2024
9:00am - 1:00pm

Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

Bishop Caggiano is inviting all parish catechetical leaders to join him for a conversation, updates on initiatives, and more.

 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

McFarland, USA

In 1987, high school football coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) moves his reluctant family to the predominantly Latino farming community of McFarland, California after being fired from his previous position. Looking for a fresh start at the local high school, Jim struggles to connect with his students until he notices something special—several of the boys show remarkable speed and endurance despite working grueling hours in the fields before and after school. Seeing potential where others have not, he forms the school’s first-ever cross-country team.

Based on an inspiring true story, McFarland, USA portrays how a dedicated coach and a group of underestimated teens achieve greatness through hard work and solidarity. Though seasoned movie watchers will admittedly recognize the underdog sports movie formula, the film also offers valuable messages about cultural understanding and seeing potential in unexpected places. 

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 
 

The Face of Prayer

The Face of Prayer has shared more than 20 million prayers to date. Signing up is easy: text the word pray to 55778 and receive a new invitation to pray ever afternoon around 3 pm. Pause and pray. Every day.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Devon McCormick: What Does Being a Witness Mean to Me?

Living our faith in our daily lives can be challenging. This week, Devon explains how responding to others with love, mercy and kindness, as Jesus would, is a wonderful way to accomplish that.

 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

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Living Into OCIA May 16, 2025 9:30am - 2:00pm. St. Matthew Parish

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Cyber Monday
 
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Living Into OCIA

May 16, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

St. Matthew Parish
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment. Whether you’re new to initiation ministry or have years of experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you fosters deeper conversion and discipleship for those approaching the sacraments.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Living Into OCIA

May 17, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment. Whether you’re new to initiation ministry or have years of experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you fosters deeper conversion and discipleship for those approaching the sacraments.

 
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 

NEW RESOURCES

New Quizzes and Classroom Resources

To help catechists and parents remember Pope Francis and learn more about what's next for the Catholic Church around the world, we have created a resource page for your use.

New resources for use in the classroom, including quizzes for kids, teens, and adults have now been added. We will continue to update this page as resources become available.

SEE THE RESOURCES
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Wish Dragon

In modern-day Shanghai, college student Din lives a modest life, dreaming of reuniting with his childhood best friend Li Na, who moved away years ago and now lives a glamorous life. When Din receives a mysterious teapot, he unleashes a wish-granting dragon who can fulfill three desires. Din sees this as his chance to reconnect with Li Na, but soon discovers that his straightforward wish is more complicated than anticipated.

While the overall plot may resemble Disney’s Aladdin, the film powerfully illustrates how the pursuit of wealth and status not only fails to solve life’s real problems but can distract us from the things that truly matter, such as family, friends, and the people who genuinely care about us.

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Ela Milewska: Parents as Partners

Parents are not only spiritual guides for their children, but are also children of God on their own faith journey. This week, Ela shares how we can help them along as partners and mentors.

 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
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Bridgeport, CT 06606

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Remembering Pope Francis

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Cyber Monday
 
 

NEW RESOURCES

Remembering Pope Francis

To help catechists and parents remember Pope Francis and learn more about what's next for the Catholic Church around the world, we have created a resource page for your use. We will continue to update this page as resources become available.

SEE THE RESOURCES
 
 

EVENT POSTPONED

Brunch with the Bishop has been Postponed

Due to the death of the Holy Father, this event will be rescheduled.

 
 
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Living Into OCIA

May 16, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

St. Matthew Parish
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment. Whether you’re new to initiation ministry or have years of experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you fosters deeper conversion and discipleship for those approaching the sacraments.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Living Into OCIA

May 17, 2025
9:30am - 2:00pm

The Catholic Center
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

This workshop will explore the revised Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, clarify which process to use for various circumstances, and offer practical strategies to shift from a “catch up” model of sacramental preparation to a spirit of true accompaniment. Whether you’re new to initiation ministry or have years of experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you fosters deeper conversion and discipleship for those approaching the sacraments.

 
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Belle and Sebastian

This week’s film is French, but is dubbed on most streaming platforms.

In the French Alps during World War II, a resourceful seven-year-old orphan named Sebastian lives with his adoptive grandfather and other family members. When sheep begin mysteriously disappearing from their village, the locals blame a large white dog they call “the Beast” and organize a hunt to kill it. But Sebastian discovers that the misunderstood animal is actually gentle and forms a secret friendship with her, naming her Belle.

Belle and Sebastian showcases the value of looking past initial appearances and the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Older viewers may also notice how the moral choices made by adults in the film profoundly shape the child’s worldview and inspire his own decisions. Rated PG, the film is family friendly, but does include some mild violence and frightening scenes (though much of the war-related drama remains very tame).

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Fr. Joseph Gill: If I Am Struggling with My Own Faith as an Adult, Where Can I Go?

As more of us become catechists through various paths, we may find ourselves asking how to best continue our own faith journey. This week, Fr. Joseph shows us how we can flourish in our own faith through practice, mentorship, and daily prayer.

 
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Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

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Cyber Monday
 
 

Newly elected Pope Francis appears on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013. Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images file

 

Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Source

  • Vatican News - Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

Additional Resources

  • USCCB - Pope Francis In Memoriam
  • Franciscan Media - Pope Francis
 
 

What Happens Next?

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

His death has triggered a mourning period which involves centuries-old rites.

It has also set into motion the process for electing a new pontiff. A conclave can be expected to be held between 15 and 20 days after Francis's death.

The Vatican said on Easter Monday, hours after announcing his death, that Francis's body would be laid in a coffin in a chapel at his Saint Martha residence at 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT). The Pope's camerlengo or chamberlain, currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, would preside over those rites, the Vatican said.

After performing the duties of sealing the Pope's personal residence in the Vatican's Saint Martha guesthouse and destroying the Pope's ring and lead seal to prevent further use, Farrell and a team of three assisting cardinals will then set out the mourning schedule for Pope Francis - including the date of the funeral and burial.

The period of mourning rites typically lasts nine days, and church rules say those events should begin between the fourth and sixth day after the Pope's death.

Farrell and his team will also decide when the Pope's body will be moved into St Peter's Basilica before burial so the public can pay their respects. On Monday afternoon, the Vatican said this transfer could happen as early as Wednesday morning but that cardinals would decide on Tuesday.

His funeral, according to Church custom, should typically be held within four to six days after his death, with the funeral Mass taking place in St Peter's Square.

He will be the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in the Vatican, in the crypt of St Peter's Basilica – opting instead to be laid to rest in Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major, near his favourite icon of the Madonna.

Francis also requested to be buried in a simple wooden casket – unlike his predecessors who were buried in the traditional three nesting coffins made of cypress, lead and oak.

Resources

  • BBC - What next after the death of Pope Francis?
     
  • Reuters - Pope Francis death: what happens next?
     
  • 206 Tours - Upon the Death of a Pope: Procedures and Traditions
 
 

The Church's Rites After the Pope Dies

The death of a pope starts a centuries-old ritual involving sacred oaths by the cardinals electing a successor, the piercing of ballots with a needle and thread after they're counted, and then burning them to produce either the white or black smoke to signal if there's a new leader for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

After the pope has died, the camerlengo, or chamberlain, must certify the death and seal the papal apartment. He runs administrative and financial duties of the Holy See until a new pope takes over.

The death of a pope begins a precise sequence of events that include the confirmation of death in the pontiff's home, the transfer of the coffin to St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing, a funeral Mass and burial. Interment must take place between the fourth and sixth day after his death.

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.”

During this period, the cardinals arrive in Rome. To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15-20 days after the “sede vacante” is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

A first ballot is held in the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon after the initial Mass. If no pope is elected, over the ensuing days two ballots are held each morning and two each afternoon.

If no one gets the needed two-thirds of votes, the ballots are pierced with a needle and thread, which is then knotted and placed on a tray, and another round of voting is prepared.

After the ballots are pierced, they are burned in a cylindrical stove at the end of the voting session. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means no decision; white smoke signals the cardinals have chosen a pope and that he has accepted.

The new pope is introduced from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square with the words, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”) and his chosen papal name. The new pope then emerges and gives his first blessing.

Resources

  • US News and World Report - What Are the Church's Rites for the Death of a Pope and the Election of a New One?
     
  • EWTN - When a Pope Dies
     
  • Apostolic Succession | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia
    This article explains the Catholic doctrine of apostolic succession, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the continuity and authority of the Church.

     
  • Papal Elections - New Advent
    The article explains the historical and procedural aspects of papal elections, detailing how the College of Cardinals convenes in a conclave to elect a new pope through a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority.
 
 

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the first pope from the Western Hemisphere and the first from the Jesuit order. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, Pope Francis made significant contributions to the Catholic Church, including his encyclical Laudato si' on environmental stewardship.

Resources

  • Pope Francis Biography - Catholic News Agency
    This source provides a detailed biography of Pope Francis, highlighting his journey from a Jesuit priest to the leader of the Catholic Church.
     
  • Pope Francis Biography - The Holy See
    A biography of Pope Francis from the Vatican’s official site.
     
  • AP News - What to know about the death of Pope Francis
    A detailed summary of Pope Francis' final days, death, and legacy.
  • Pope Francis Coloring Pages (and more here) - Just for kids. Print and pray.
  • Teach your children about Pope Francis' Five-Finger Prayer 
 
 

The Life of Pope Francis in Photos

See the Photos

  • Newsweek - Pope Francis: His Life in Photos
     
  • NBC News - The life of Pope Francis in pictures
     
  • Britannica - Francis
     
  • BBC - Pope Francis's life in pictures
 
 

The Role of Pope

The pope is the successor of Saint Peter, the apostle appointed by Jesus Christ as the head of His Church. As the Bishop of Rome, the pope holds a unique and supreme authority in matters of faith and morals, serving as the Vicar of Christ on earth. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the pope provides infallible teachings when speaking ex cathedra on doctrines of faith and morals. The pope's role encompasses spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and global representation of the Catholic Church. Residing in Vatican City, the pope shepherds the universal Church, promoting unity, peace, and the teachings of Christ to all corners of the world.

Resources

  • Defending the Papacy | Catholic Answers Magazine
    This article provides a defense of the papacy, addressing common arguments against it and explaining the Catholic perspective on the historical and biblical basis for the papacy.
     
  • The Papacy - Catholic News Agency
    This resource offers historical insights and explanations about the papacy, including its origins and development.
     
  • The Biblical Evidence for Apostolic Succession - Catholic Answers
    This article explores the biblical foundations for apostolic succession, highlighting scriptural support for the Catholic Church's teachings on this topic.
 
 

How Can We Get Involved?

Join Catholics around the world in lifting up prayers for the guidance of the electors, the soul of Pope Francis, and the purity of the new Pope.

PRAY FOR THE POPE
NOVENA FOR POPE FRANCIS

Liturgical Notes and Musical Resources

  • English
  • Español
 
 

Looking Back

Conclave Elects New Pope: Francis

Pope Benedict announces his resignation

 

CNN Coverage of the Death of Pope John Paul II

Conclave:
The making of a pope

 
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Brunch with the Bishop.       April 27, 2025.        10:00am - 1:00pm

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Cyber Monday
 
 

FEATURED EVENT

Brunch with the Bishop

April 27, 2025
10:00am - 1:00pm

The Cathedral of St. Augustine
399 Washington Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06604

To celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, please join Bishop Frank Caggiano for Mass and brunch. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 10 am and will include the blessing of statue and reliquary for Carlo Acutis, who will be declared a saint earlier that morning in Rome.

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OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Follow Me to the Cross

April 5, 2025
12:00pm - 5:00pm

St. Joseph High School
2320 Huntington Tpke
Trumbull, CT 06611

Cost: $30

Bishop Caggiano invites our high school youth for a special Lenten encounter! This one-day event includes Mass, Stations of the Cross, Confessions, Visio Divina (Divine Seeing), an inspirational reflection from the Bishop, and Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship. Lunch will be provided.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Spiritual Spa: Come to the Living Waters

April 12, 2025
8:00am - 3:00pm

St. Matthew Church
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

Cost: $30 - $225

The WINE: Catholic Women's Conference is hosting "A Spiritual Spa" themed event for women of all ages on Saturday, April 12, 2025, focusing on spiritual renewal through "Living Waters." The event begins with a special Friday evening gathering limited to 100 women at the Norwalk Inn, featuring worship, fellowship, and refreshments.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 

GETTING READY FOR MASS

Prepare Your Children for Sunday Mass

Start with Sunday equips parishes to create an environment where children, their parents, and the distinctive learning needs of all are welcomed so that successful, innovative ways for sharing the faith abound. Subscribe today to get readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox weekly.

LEARN MORE
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FEATURED RESOURCES

2025 Lenten Resources

This Lent, why not let us do the heavy lifting and provide you with a plethora of resources from across the web to make your Lenten load a little lighter.

Lenten Calendar

The practice of using a calendar during Lent can be a helpful tool for spiritual growth. A Lenten calendar typically includes daily reflections, prayers, and small sacrifices to be made throughout the season. It serves as a reminder to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and can help your family journey with Christ towards Easter. By following a Lenten calendar at home, your family can deepen their relationship with God and grow in holiness during the penitential season.

40 Ways to Enter Into Lent

While not our regular poster, we did want to highlight this great resource from First Witnesses.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR

You can also download our previous Lenten posters in our
Lenten Poster Archive.

 
 

Catholic history of Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Lent and Ash Wednesday

The historical roots of Carnival and Mardi Gras lie in the Catholic calendar. It is the “last hurrah” before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. That’s why the enormous party in New Orleans, for example, ends abruptly at midnight on Tuesday, with battalions of street sweepers pushing the crowds out of the French Quarter towards home. Learn about how these are all connected in this video.

 

This Time of Forty Days

This comedy song is Nick Alexander’s attempt to inject some much needed joy into the Lenten season. May it encourage you and give you laughter!

 

Ash Wednesday explained…

In this animated video Dusty explains the meaning and origins of Ash Wednesday to Mercury.

 
SEE ALL LENTEN RESOURCES
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Think Like a Dog

Middle schooler and science prodigy Oliver is upset when his mind-reading invention seems to fail during a science fair presentation. Trying to fix his invention later that night, he accidentally pairs his brain with his dog’s, allowing him to hear his pet’s simple yet insightful thoughts. As Oliver navigates the typical challenges of adolescence, the canine’s alternate perspective on life offers Oliver a chance to reevaluate his own.

Think Like a Dog is a heartwarming family comedy that delivers gentle humor alongside meaningful messages about communication, finding joy in simple things, and the importance of focusing on what’s truly important in life: love and family.

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Tony and Jose Melendez: We Need Each Other

The different ways in which we need each others' help aren't always obvious, and it's sometimes easy to forget that in ourselves. This week, Tony and Jose point out how we can stay attuned to how and when we can best help each other.

 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
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UPCOMING EVENTS

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Cyber Monday
 
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Follow Me to the Cross

April 5, 2025
12:00pm - 5:00pm

St. Joseph High School
2320 Huntington Tpke
Trumbull, CT 06611

Cost: $30

Bishop Caggiano invites our high school youth for a special Lenten encounter! This one-day event includes Mass, Stations of the Cross, Confessions, Visio Divina (Divine Seeing), an inspirational reflection from the Bishop, and Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship. Lunch will be provided.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 
 

Spiritual Spa: Come to the Living Waters

April 12, 2025
8:00am - 3:00pm

St. Matthew Church
216 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854

Cost: $30 - $225

The WINE: Catholic Women's Conference is hosting "A Spiritual Spa" themed event for women of all ages on Saturday, April 12, 2025, focusing on spiritual renewal through "Living Waters." The event begins with a special Friday evening gathering limited to 100 women at the Norwalk Inn, featuring worship, fellowship, and refreshments.

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SAVE THE DATE!

Brunch with the Bishop

April 27, 2025
10:00am - 1:00pm

The Cathedral of St. Augustine
399 Washington Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06604

To celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, please join Bishop Frank Caggiano for Mass and brunch. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 10 am and will include the blessing of statue and reliquary for Carlo Acutis, who will be declared a saint earlier that morning in Rome.

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FEATURED RESOURCES

2025 Lenten Resources

This Lent, why not let us do the heavy lifting and provide you with a plethora of resources from across the web to make your Lenten load a little lighter.

Lenten Calendar

The practice of using a calendar during Lent can be a helpful tool for spiritual growth. A Lenten calendar typically includes daily reflections, prayers, and small sacrifices to be made throughout the season. It serves as a reminder to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and can help your family journey with Christ towards Easter. By following a Lenten calendar at home, your family can deepen their relationship with God and grow in holiness during the penitential season.

40 Ways to Enter Into Lent

While not our regular poster, we did want to highlight this great resource from First Witnesses.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR

You can also download our previous Lenten posters in our
Lenten Poster Archive.

 
 

A Catholic Guide to Holy Week Symbols

Ever wonder what exactly the palm branches used on Palm Sunday represent? Or why the Easter Vigil begins with a fire? This guide explains all of that and more.

 
 
 

Holy Week Around the World

Holy Week is a worldwide celebration, with many cultures honoring the occasion in many different ways. Here, read about the celebrations in Spain, the Philippines, and more.

 
 
 

Holy Week in Three Minutes

This video describes the different days throughout Holy Week – focusing on the Triduum – and why Catholic traditions stand as they do.

 
SEE ALL LENTEN RESOURCES
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

City of Ember

Twelve-year old Lina Mayfleet lives in the underground city of Ember, which for the past two hundred years has been humanity’s last refuge, protecting them from an unnamed catastrophe that destroyed the world above. Powered by a massive generator designed by the city’s Builders, Ember has provided a safe haven for generations, but now the lights regularly flicker and supplies are running dangerously low.

Based on Jeanne DuPrau’s popular novel, City of Ember combines post-apocalyptic adventure with a message about the importance of curiosity, courage, and refusing to accept the status quo when something is clearly wrong. Rated PG, the film is family-friendly, but contains some tense moments and mild peril that might frighten very young viewers.

 
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FROM THE FIELD

Katie Patrizio: Making Sense of “Peter, Do You Love Me?”

The Bible is full of seemingly benign minute details, but if we pay closer attention to them, they can open up a whole new realm of meaning to those familiar stories.

 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

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Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025

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Cyber Monday
 
 

FEATURED EVENTS

Join us for a transformative Eucharistic Retreat this March 2025, offered in both English and Spanish at two locations across the Diocese. These three-day retreats will deeply explore our relationship with the Eucharist through inspiring presentations, daily Mass, Adoration, and opportunities for Reconciliation.

Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (English)

March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025
(03/11) - (03/13)

Notre Dame of Easton
655 Morehouse Rd
Easton, CT 06612

Join Fr. Richard Veras at Notre Dame in Easton for "The Word Made Flesh," a three-day Eucharistic retreat exploring Christ's presence from Old Testament to present day, March 11-13, 2025.

Presentations will include:

  • Day #1: The Longing of the Heart and the Promise of Israel: Jesus in the Old Testament
  • Day #2: Emmanuel, the Promise Fulfilled: Jesus in the Gospels
  • Day #3: The Promise Remains Present: Jesus in the Church
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Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (Spanish)

March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025
6:00pm (03/11) - (03/13)

St. Peter Church
104 Main St
Danbury, CT 06810

Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR leads "Repara mi Casa," a three-day Eucharistic retreat at St. Peter in Danbury exploring Eucharistic amazement and love of neighbor, March 11-13, 2025.

Presentations will include:

  • Day #1: Asombro Eucaristico (Eucharistic Amazement)
  • Day #2: 2 Cor 2:8 Reafirmar (Reaffirm)
  • Day #3: Amor al Projimo (Love of Neighbor)
 
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
 
 

FEATURED RESOURCES

2025 Lenten Resources

This Lent, why not let us do the heavy lifting and provide you with a plethora of resources from across the web to make your Lenten load a little lighter.

Lenten Poster Archive

Check out and download some of our past Lenten posters in the archive.

LENTEN POSTER ARCHIVE
 

USCCB : What is Lent?

A concise guide to the Lenten season from the USCCB, including information about Lent, an audio-based Stations of the Cross, videos, calendars, prayers, devotions, and more.

 
 
 

Spirit Juice

Spirit Juice has a trove of videos to help you level up your Lent.

 
 
 

CRS Rice Bowl

CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.

 
SEE ALL LENTEN RESOURCES
 
 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Because of Winn-Dixie

Ten-year-old Opal has just moved to a small Florida town with her father. Lonely and missing her mother who abandoned them years earlier, Opal’s life changes when she adopts a stray dog she discovers causing chaos in the local Winn-Dixie supermarket. Naming him after the store where they met, Opal soon finds that the scruffy dog has a remarkable ability to help her connect with the eccentric residents of her new town.

Based on Kate DiCamillo’s popular children’s book, Because of Winn-Dixie is a heartwarming story about how unexpected friendships can help us overcome loneliness and grief. The film deals gently with difficult topics like parental abandonment and alcoholism, but balances these moments with humor and warmth. Rated PG, this family-friendly tale celebrates the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and community.

 
CHECK IT OUT
 
 

FROM THE FIELD

Brenner LeCompte: Sin Explained and How to Explain It to Youth

Sin is a complicated topic, but one we all relate to. This week, Brenner points out how looking within can help us both understand our own sin and help others to understand as well.

 
WATCH NOW
 
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Diocese of Bridgeport
238 Jewett Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606

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