Engagement with the world is important for our diocese. Our parishes reach out to serve the wider community through our food pantries, after-school music programs, community suppers, and blessings of animals and even motorcycles. The Episcopal Church Women of the diocese is recognized for claiming a powerful voice as Christian women and supporting ministries in- diocese, out of diocese and parishes. Our urban parishes are vital contributors to urban renewal in the state, and there are numerous suburban-urban partnerships between parishes. The mission of the Church is revealed in the Diocese of Connecticut through its involvement in activities such as Companions in Mission and the Anti-Racism Committees.
Young people are important in this diocese. Camp Washington is a diocesan ministry, offering summer camp and year-round retreat experiences to children and youth. The Bishop's Fund for Children offers grants to programs that support and nurture children at risk throughout the state. The diocesan staff includes a full-time missioner for youth and young adults, and a full time missioner for children.
Congregational and personal spiritual development are important here. The diocese continues to offer training in areas of stewardship, evangelism, Christian education, community organization, parish development, liturgy, worship and youth. There are retreats and days of prayer sponsored by the diocese, individual parishes, and organizations. The Ministry Exploration Education Program assists lay people in discovering the gifts God has given them and in discerning God's call to ministry. The call may be to servant leadership in the world or the parish, or a call to ordained diaconal or priestly ministry.
Communications are important in the diocese. We employ a full-time Diocesan Editor who coordinates communications. All diocesan communication is disseminated online, including regular e-newsletters on parish administration and the weekly e-news. The diocesan newspaper, Good News, is mailed four times a year to nearly 32,000 households. The monthly newsletter Pass It On, listing current diocesan events, parishes in transition, and upcoming diocesan Safe Church training sessions, is available online or through the mail. There is also a radio program in Spanish, Acontecer Episcopal, sponsored by the Hispanic community at St. Luke/St. Paul Church in Bridgeport.
