NEW HAVEN — Enthusiastic supporters of Catholic education came out in force for the 12th annual Archbishop’s Columbus Day Breakfast held Oct. 5 at the Omni Hotel to raise scholarship funds for students attending Catholic schools.
Drawing nearly 300 people, the event was hosted by the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS). Proceeds will benefit Catholic elementary school students and the 14 Catholic schools in the Greater New Haven area. FACS has already awarded over $535,000 in scholarships and grants for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Noting that the local Catholic Church faces demographic and financial challenges, Archbishop Blair thanked participants and those who work on behalf of FACS.
Among the highlights was a lively and optimistic presentation given by student speaker, Camryn Marie Flaherty, 13, of St. Lawrence School in West Haven.
Guest speaker Steve Rushin gave a humorous talk. He is a journalist, sportswriter and novelist who, as husband of Connecticut’s celebrated Rebecca Lobo, talked about his life as “Mr. Lobo.” He and his wife have four children, all of whom attend Catholic schools in Connecticut.
Emcee for the gathering was Meghan Pattyson Culmo, Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.
Schools benefitting from the breakfast are: Assumption, Ansonia; East Shoreline Catholic Academy, Branford; St. Bridget, Cheshire; St. Mary-St. Michael, Derby; St. Rita, Hamden; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Meriden; St. Mary, Milford; Catholic Academy of New Haven, New Haven; St. Bernadette, New Haven; St. Francis & St. Rose of Lima, New Haven; St. Lawrence, West Haven; St. Martin de Porres Academy, New Haven; Southington Catholic, Southington and Holy Trinity, Wallingford.
Students from Catholic Academy of New Haven led the pledge of allegiance, while students from St. Bernadette School in New Haven sang the national anthem and provided entertainment during breakfast.
Other presentations and words of appreciation were offered by Brian Giantonio, FACS chairman and president; Timothy Stewart, event chairman; and Cynthia Basil Howard, FACS executive director. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Peter A. Rosazza led the closing benediction.