Dear Friends in Christ:
First and foremost…on this Father’s Day Weekend I offer to all fathers, grandfathers, uncles, Godfathers, and to all those who fill the role of father in other people’s lives a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Please know that each of you are in our prayers.
For some in our parish this is a difficult day; some may be alone on this day away from their children, others may be mourning the recent death of their father or grandfather, and others may be struggling with the reality of not being able to be a father. I assure all of you of our prayers as well.
This is a celebration that has great meaning for me as well since I am not only godfather to my brother’s children and my best friend’s two children, but also as a spiritual father here in the parish. I take my fatherly role very seriously and pray that Saint Joseph helps me each day to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.
May Saint Joseph, foster father to Jesus, pray for all of us. Happy Father’s Day!
The end of the school year brings the excitement of summer and a lesson for us all…As I told the students of our school at the closing Mass for this school year this past Wednesday, summer is a time to relax, and enjoy some fun; but it is not time off from being a disciple. Summer is always a good time for each of us to wind down a little, to enjoy some time outside, to visit with family and friends, and to simply “be”.
Summer brings long days and lots of sunshine, and that is great for all our outdoor activities. But we must never forget that we are always students. We are always learning:
pick up a good book and read it at the beach or out on your deck or in your hammock.
stay in touch with the world news through your iPad, or any tool of modern technology.
and above all observe the example of those around us; emulate those things which you admire about them, and learn from their misgivings.
AND we are also disciples of Jesus all year, INCLUDING THE SUMMER! Summer can be a sort of spiritual retreat for those who have the time to enjoy some peace and quiet and spend time reflecting on our lives. Perhaps grab a spiritual book to read over the summer by the pool. But please never take a break from being a follower of Jesus, never forget that your words and actions are to reflect His presence in the lives of those around you, and never forget to attend Mass throughout the summer so that you can be spiritually fed by the Word of God and His Body and Blood in the Eucharist each Sunday. I know a lot of people travel during the summer, but please make the effort to make Sunday Mass, or daily if you can, a part of your summer experience. If you are traveling a great tool is www.masstimes.org to help you locate a Mass near where you are. My prayer for each of us throughout these coming weeks of summer is that we are rejuvenated physically and spiritually so that when the busyness of our Fall schedules starts up again we will have that strength we need to persevere.
SAVE THE DATES!!!
Family Movie Night…please mark your calendars and plan to join us for an Annual Family Movie Night on Saturday, July 20, 2019! We will be holding an outdoor (weather permitting—if it rains it will take place in the gym) movie night near the field. You can bring your own food and beverages or arrange for us to order pizza. Details are still being worked out regarding what movie will be shown and the cost for families with or without food. There will be plenty of time for socializing, and for games for our younger parishioners such as kickball or whiffle ball out on the ball field, and more prior to the movie time. Please save the date and plan to join us.
Parish Picnic…The volunteers are hard at work coordinating our Annual Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish Picnic for Sunday, September 15, 2019. We will, once again, begin with an Outdoor Mass on the field at 11AM, and the picnic will follow. I hope you will ALL mark your calendars and plan to attend with your families.
It is with profound joy and enthusiasm that I inform you that we have concluded the search for a new Principal for Saint Bridget School. I am thrilled to share with you that this past Tuesday we announced that I have appointed Mrs. Catherine Szerszen as the next Saint Bridget School Principal. I know the family of Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish and School will join me in welcoming Mrs. Szerszen when she assumes her role on July 1, 2019.
Mrs. Szerszen is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She also obtained her 6th Year in Educational Leadership, Teacher Supervision, and Evaluation. She brings with her years of experience as a social worker in elementary and middle schools, as well as years of experience as a principal and assistant principal most recently at Pomperaug High School in Southbury.
Mrs. Szerszen brings a caring demeanor, a deep Catholic faith, a commitment to education, and an understanding through experience of what it means to lead the school community.
I am most grateful to our Search Committee including Dr. Margaret Palmeri, Mr. Carey Dupont, Mr. Mark Izzo, Mrs. Joan Roczynski, and Mr. Shawn Simpson for their dedication to our parish school and their assistance in this process.
I am also most confident that Mrs. Szerszen will help build upon the legacy of Saint Bridget School as we move forward seeking innovative ways to carry out our mission of attending “to the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students within a safe and nurturing environment based upon the Gospel message of Jesus to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ with the goal of empowering each of us to serve the parish and community and make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Mrs. Szerszen stated in her application that her “style has always been a caring one that quickly builds reciprocity with my students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders by demonstrating the Christian principles of respect, morality, integrity, valuing diverse opinions, honesty and commitment.” I am confident we will see this style of leadership prove to be most effective during her tenure as Principal of Saint Bridget School.
As always, remember to pray for our parish families and ask God’s blessings as we build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.
