2024 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Beer Tasting Focuses on Future of Faith

Story By Shelley Wolf

This year’s Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Beer Tasting and Cocktail Reception drew more than 400 Catholics, including many young adults, who responded enthusiastically to the evening’s focus on young people and the future of the Church in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Attendees gathered on Feb. 9 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, where they sampled a variety of locally crafted brews and wines, and socialized with friends. During the evening, they also heard from speakers who shared how the Appeal is laying a foundation for the future by supporting youths in Catholic schools, college students in campus ministry, and young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

Father Michael Casey, pastor of St. Francis Parish in New Britain and Catholic chaplain at Central Connecticut State University, served as this year’s master of ceremonies.

Father Anthony Federico, director of Vocations, gave a spirited update on the progress in the Office of Seminarians and Vocations to cheers from the crowd.

“Since we started praying the Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood,” he said, “55 young men have called the office to begin discerning a vocation to the priesthood. That is the power of prayer. That is the power of saying ‘not tomorrow’ to God’s will, but ‘yes Lord, today.’”

Father Federico also called men forward who are interested in discerning a call to the priesthood. Two young men from the audience joined him at the front of the room, receiving supportive applause from the crowd.

Father Michael Whyte, vicar for Catholic Education and Formation, and Valerie Mara, superintendent of Catholic Schools, both shared positive news and stories from Catholic schools.

According to Father Whyte, with 38 Catholic schools, the Archdiocese of Hartford operates the largest school system in the state, and its students have the highest SAT scores statewide. The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal contributes more than $1 million per year for school needs, including tuition assistance, making attendance more affordable for families.

Madeline Smith, the team director for FOCUS at CCSU, also addressed the crowd.

Throughout the evening, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair and Coadjutor Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne both mingled with the attendees, casually conversing with guests at the tables.

Archbishop Blair rounded out the night, saying, “There’s a lot of discouraging news in the world and in the Church today. But I can tell you that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in many, many, many people. The Appeal helps to keep that spark going in the archdiocese, and for that I’m grateful.”

In addition to commenting on Catholic schools, Vocations, and FOCUS, Archbishop Blair highlighted the work of Malta House of Care, which provides free medical care to the uninsured. Its Mobile Medical Clinic was parked outside the Aqua Turf and available for tours by Brian Sheehan, Malta board chair.

The Appeal is a contributor to the Malta van as well as the stationary Malta Clinic located behind the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Malta House of Care, Archbishop Blair stressed, is a ministry that should never be taken for granted.

“It is doing a remarkable service of charity for so many people in our archdiocese and for which we can be grateful to God,” Archbishop Blair said, “and grateful to all of you who continue to contribute generously to that purpose.”

This year’s Beer Tasting and Cocktail Reception included 11 participating breweries, wineries and distilleries. Hors d’oeuvres and other light fare were served. Attendees had to be age 21 or older to attend the free event.

For more information on the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, or to make a donation to the 2024 campaign, visit https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal.