Appeal Resources

Homily Points | Social Media Graphics | Prayers of the Faithful | Bulletin Blurbs

Page Contents

• Bishop’s Letter
• Homily Points
• Social Media graphics
• Bulletin blurbs
• Prayers of the Faithful

Bishop Caggiano’s Letter for Bulletins on Nov 15-16

For Parishes

Faith of Our Fathers: 2025 Campaign Resources

“Faith of Our Fathers” is a special second collection to be promoted at all Masses on November 22-23, 2025 The purpose of this campaign is to raise money for the Saint John Vianney Trust, a new fund established for retired priests.

Timeline

Nov 10
Box of pledge brochures arrives in parishes. Please place these in all pews.

Nov 15-16
Announcement Letter from Bishop Caggiano. Please include a printed letter in your parish bulletin.

Nov 22-23
In-Pew Appeal. Please invite all parishioners to give generously.

Please note that the in-pew appeal is very important, because there will not be a mailing associated with this campaign. Thank you for your help!

Your parish will receive pledge brochures for the pews around November 10.

For Priests

Homily Points for Nov 22-23

We have 70 retired priests in the Diocese of Bridgeport, a number that is projected to rise to more than 100 retired priests within 15 years.
Despite dramatically rising healthcare costs, our diocese is committed to providing excellent care for our priests, but we need financial support to do so.
The Saint John Vianney Trust is a newly established, independent non-profit dedicated to the care of retired priests.
We are immensely grateful for the many retired priests who continue to serve into their eighties—but there are many more who require living assistance.
Your gift honors the spiritual legacy of the priests who have served throughout your life: the priests who baptized you, heard your first confession, witnessed your wedding, and fed you with the Eucharist.
This campaign is an opportunity to show love and mercy especially to our elderly and vulnerable priests. There are pledge cards in your pews to make a donation. Thank you for your support to this important cause.

Social Media Graphics

For Lectors

Prayers of the Faithful

For our elderly and infirm priests who share in the sufferings of Christ, that they may be strengthened by His grace and consoled by the hope of eternal life. We pray to the Lord

In thanksgiving for our retired priests who continue to serve with joy and devotion, that their witness of perseverance may inspire us to bring Christ to others with the same zeal. We pray to the Lord

For the success of the Faith of Our Fathers Campaign, that through our parish’s generosity and prayer, our retired priests may know the deep gratitude and love of the people they have served. We pray to the Lord

For all priests of our diocese who have died, that the eternal High Priest may welcome them into the heavenly banquet, where they will rejoice forever in His presence. We pray to the Lord

Bulletin Blurbs

Nov 15-16 Bulletin

Faith of Our Fathers: Supporting Our Retired Priests

Next weekend, our parish is taking part in the Faith of Our Fathers campaign, benefitting the St. John Vianney Trust for senior and infirm priests. These faithful men have spent their lives bringing us the sacraments—baptizing our children, celebrating our marriages, and nourishing us with the Eucharist. Now it is our turn to care for them with gratitude and love. Please take time this week to pray for our retired priests and consider how you can support this important effort. More information is available at vianneytrust.org

Nov 22-23 Bulletin

Faith of Our Fathers: Give Today to Support Our Retired Priests

Today, Bishop Caggiano is asking for generous donations to the Saint John Vianney Trust, which provides housing, medical care, and compassionate assistance for the retired priests of our diocese. Why give? Just as families care for aging parents, we Catholics must care for our spiritual fathers. Our diocese has more than 70 retired priests, and healthcare costs have risen dramatically, necessitating increased financial support. Especially for our elderly and vulnerable priests, this is our opportunity to show love, tenderness, and mercy. Please give in honor of the priests who have served you throughout your life: vianneytrust.org.

Nov 29-30 Bulletin Reminder

Please Give to Support Our Retired Priests

Retirement does not end a priest’s ministry. They continue to celebrate Masses and funerals when local pastors are away. Some are confessors and mentors for our younger priests. Some serve as chaplains for Catholic organizations. In short, retired priests stay connected to the families they have served for decades. Their pastoral presence remains a gift to the diocese. As one priest remarked: “I’ll never retire from being a shepherd.” Please give to support our retired priests at vianneytrust.org.