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VOICE OF COMPASSION – BRIDGEPORT FUND
Catholics throughout the Diocese are currently being asked to contribute to the Annual Bishop's Appeal. In the light of the current scandal of priestly sexual abuse and the cover-up by our bishops many Catholics are questioning whether they should do so. VOTF recognizes the importance of continuing to provide funds to maintain our parishes, schools, hospitals, soup kitchens, and other charitable and educational organizations throughout the Diocese.
As an alternative to the Annual Bishop's Appeal VOTF in the Diocese of Bridgeport has established the Voice of Compassion - Bridgeport Fund to be administered by VOTF
In 2003, contributions to VOC amounted to slightly more than $10,000. Grants of $2,500 each were made to The Thomas Merton House, Bridgeport; Family Stages, Bridgeport; Queen of Clergy Residence for Retired Priests, Stamford; and the Retirement Fund of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Wilton. See press releases of March 7, 2004 and April 2, 2004.
In 2004, Voice of the Faithful distributed the $12,500 contributed to the Voice of Compassion - Bridgeport Fund, in amounts of $2,500 each, to the Thomas Merton House and the Daughters of Charity’s Day Nursery in Bridgeport, New Covenant House in Stamford, Birthright of Norwalk, and Shepherds, Inc., a Diocesan high school mentoring program. See photo gallery.
In December, 2005, the Voice of Compassion Fund disbursements of $13,300 were awarded to the following:
- Bridgeport: The Thomas Merton Center - $2,500; and Shepherds, Inc. - $1,000.
- Danbury: Dorothy Day Center - $1,000.
- Norwalk: Christian Counseling Center - $2,500; Birthright - $1,000; Christian Community Action - $800.
- Stamford: Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center - $2,500; New Covenant House - $2,000.
Grants totaling $12,000 were presented in 2006 as follow:
- The Daughters of Charity Nursery School--$1250, The Thomas Merton House--$1500, Shepherds, Inc.--$1250, all of Bridgeport.
- Dorothy Day Center, of Danbury--$1500.
- Christian Counseling Center--$1250, Manna House of Hospitality--$1500, Notre Dame Convalescent Home--$1250, all of Norwalk.
- Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center--$1250, of Stamford.
- Paulist Program for Dialogue and Reconciliation--$1250, of Washington, DC.
Please see Photo Gallery.
Grants of $1,000 each were presented, 2007-08, as follow:
- From Bridgeport – Bridgeport Rescue Mission; Frank Habansky Food Pantry; Thomas Merton Center; and Shepherds, Inc.
- From Danbury – Dorothy Day Center
- From Norwalk – Manna House of Hospitality; Notre Dame Convalescent Home
- From Stamford – New Covenant House; Sexual Assault Crisis & Education Center
Contributions to the Fund are tax deductible. Monies distributed by VOTF to charities in the Diocese of Bridgeport will be announced on this website. No money will be used for the settlement of clergy abuse claims, or for legal services or insurance premiums to cover such claims or for administrative costs of the Diocese. Additional tax-deductible contributions to this growing fund may be directed to: VOTF-Bridgeport, P.O. Box 5044, Westport, CT, 06881.
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