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Bridgeport Bishop Delivers State Of The Diocese Address In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. -- Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport delivered his first State of the Diocese address to an enthusiastic crowd at the All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk on Tuesday night despite news of declining church attendance and growing deficits.

Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano delivers the State of the Diocese address in Norwalk.

Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano delivers the State of the Diocese address in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Casey Donahue

Caggiano, who was installed as the Fifth Bishop of Bridgeport last September, outlined several challenges that the diocese is facing, including declines in church attendance and baptisms. Only 20 percent of confirmation students remain active in the church five years after being confirmed, he said. He called on the church to do more to reach out to youth and keep them engaged in their faith.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport includes all of Fairfield County, with 82 parishes. It has more than 410,000 registered Catholics, about 45 percent of the county's total population

Caggiano also discussed the financial status of the diocese, saying that schools are currently running deficits of $1 million a year. He said although enrollment in Catholic schools is slightly down, he praised the student performances and high graduation rates.

"It's time that state officials recognize the good that our schools do, and come forward with aid," Caggiano said.

The diocese currently has $32 million in debts, Caggiano said. But he added that the church has been working to consolidate past debts and make progress on reducing that number. He vowed to cut $500,000 from the church's expenses next year.

"None of what I have described frightens me. I am energized by the challenge before us and I hope you are as well,” he said.

Caggiano also made several announcements that he believes signal a bright future for the diocese. He said that the St. John Fisher Seminary in Stamford, which is in need of about $4 million in repairs, will be moved to his residence in Trumbull. He said that an extension will be built on the house for the seminary students to live, and an apartment will be built in the house for him to live. He said this will reduce the cost to about $2.2 million, and allow him to remain with the seminary students as a formational presence. 

He also announced that the church is considering moving the diocese headquarters from its current location on Jewett Avenue in Bridgeport to a smaller location downtown.

The diocese will also be launching an app this fall for smartphones that will spread Mass times and other parish information. He said the Bridgeport Diocese may be the first in the country to develop its own app, and that it will aid in reaching out to young people. The church will also be creating a position to handle social media as a way to further its outreach.

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