FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026
The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
By the Grace of God and Authority of the Apostolic See
Bishop of Bridgeport
DECREE MANDATING THE PROMULGATION OF THE PRIEST PERSONNEL MANUAL
On January 1, 1983, my predecessor, the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, following the Third Synod of the Diocese of Bridgeport, published the Pastoral Book that contained all policies and procedures of the Diocese. Section 300 of the Pastoral Book was concerned with issues related to priests serving in the Diocese.
I promulgated a new Priest Personnel Manual for the Diocese of Bridgeport on May 31, 2017, which was to be observed for a period of one year. After further consultation, a revision of the manual was revised and promulgated on August 22, 2019. A further revision of the Priest Personnel Manual was promulgated on January 1, 2023.
Now having taken into consideration additional modifications needed to address the changing circumstances that we have faced over the last few years, I the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, the undersigned Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, do hereby declare and decree;
- That this Priest Personnel Manual shall be in effect for all priests serving in the Diocese of Bridgeport and assigned to pastoral ministry by me or my successors effective June 30, 2026.
- All norms found in any subsequent revisions of the Pastoral Book of 1983, as well as the Manual promulgated on January 1, 2023 are superseded by this updated Priest Personnel Manual.
I order that the provisions of this decree have firm and stable effect, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, even if worthy of special mention, and that they be promulgated by inclusion in the official diocesan newspaper, The Fairfield County Catholic, entering into force on September 30, 2026.
Furthermore, I order, that the present provisions be duly communicated electronically and/or by ordinary mail to all pastors, administrators or clerics in charge of diocesan parishes, quasi-parishes, shrines, oratories and chapels that are subject to these provisions.
Click here to download the manual, which also contains the signed decree.
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
and
Reverand Monsignor Robert Kinnally
Vicar General
