The Traditionalists of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, Brookfield, CT

UPDATE: I have provided some additional details based on a conversation with someone who participated in the bishop’s Zoom call.

We are informed that last week Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Bridgeport diocese held a Zoom conference with those who attend the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys parish. The priest who celebrated that mass, Fr. Donald L. Kloster, has been removed from the diocese (Bishop Caggiano claims he left voluntarily). The traditionalist faithful and their Mass are also to be removed from the parish to a new location – in a school gymnasium in Danbury ( located relatively close to Brookfield).

I can find no record of these rather significant events on the parish website or bulletin, other than the disappearance, over two successive weeks in February, of (1) the name of Father Kloster from the parish staff; and (2) the Latin Mass from the list of services. I am also informed that atttendance at the Traditional Mass had increased from 4 or so in early 2021 (when it started) to, most recently, 100-150 each Sunday. Several vocations have emerged from this congregation. About 35 participated in the Zoom call (given the way it was publicized, that’s not surprising (see below)) – about 50 had attended Fr. Kloster’s farewell dinner.

We are informed that the bishop also expressed in some way his “concern” for those who attend three other diocesan Traditional Masses, notably, that at St. Mary (Norwalk). He stated he will be organizing a similar call with the parishioners of St Mary’s. His concluding words were “Please pray for the parishioners of St. Mary, Norwalk.”

(Below) This is the notice put in the pews for the Zoom call with Bishop Caggiano: