On Monday, June 15, St. Peter Church, in partnership with Foundations in Faith and the St. Francis Xavier Fund, hosted a Gratitude Lunch with St. Anthony of Padua Church. St. Peter Church, located in Bridgeport, is just four miles north of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield.
Fr. Alexis Moronta enthusiastically welcomed the group of twenty as friends gathered in fellowship. Following introductions and prayer, representatives from both parishes enjoyed lively conversation and a delicious meal together.
Fr. Alexis expressed gratitude for past financial support for his youth music ministry, which has grown into a vibrant choir with full instrumental accompaniment. He invited members of St. Anthony of Padua to brainstorm ways the two parishes might create opportunities for deeper human connection, suggesting that their shared love for music ministry could be a natural place to begin. Eleanor Sauers of St. Anthony of Padua shared her enthusiasm for strengthening the relationship. She first met Fr. Alexis five years ago when he served at St. George Parish, and that connection continued after his assignment to St. Peter Church.
Following lunch and discussion, the group toured both the interior and exterior of St. Peter Church. Many had never visited before and were awed by the beauty of the church, including its exquisite stained glass windows, statues, sacred art, and the Monstrance that Fr. Alexis brought back from a trip to Mexico.
“The St. Francis Xavier Fund is built upon the power of partnership,” said Kelly Weldon, Program Officer for the SFX Fund. “Cultivating opportunities like this gathering is at the heart of our work. By bringing parishes together in friendship and shared purpose, we support Bishop Caggiano’s commitment to The One and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one Church.”
The afternoon left the group energized and hopeful. As fellowship gives rise to friendship, the four miles between these two parishes will not stand in the way of their shared call to unity.
For more information, contact Kelly Weldon, Program Officer, St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Fund for Missionary Parishes, Foundations in Faith, at Kelly.Weldon@foundationsinfaith.org.
