From the Stratford Star: World AIDS Day service at St. Joseph’s Dec. 1

St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Road, will host the annual World AIDS Day Interfaith Service Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

Bishop Anthony D. Kopka is the host pastor and Karen E. Lasecki is the parish organist.

The event is sponsored and conducted by the Stratford Clergy Association. Officers are President, the Rev. Julie-Ann Silberman-Bunn, pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport in Stratford; vice president, the Rev. Edward Rawls, pastor of First Congregational Church in Stratford; and treasurer, the Rev. Fredric Jackson, pastor of Stratford United Methodist Church.

World AIDS Day started in 1988 and the Stratford Clergy Association has embraced the effort to increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education about AIDS. Members also gather to remember those in their congregations and in the community who are suffering with AIDS or have died from it, as well as their families.

This year’s service was planned by Bishop Kopka, the Rev. Silberman-Bunn, the Rev. Robert Genevicz, the pastor of Stratford Baptist Church, and the Rev. Mary Snell Willis, the pastor of Lordship Community Church in Stratford.

The service will begin in the courtyard of St. Joseph’s with a candlelight ceremony, then proceed into the church. Interfaith hymns, prayers and readings will be offered by members of the town clergy. Three brief reflections and a history and perspective on World AIDS Day will also be offered by clergy. The congregation will be encouraged to remember by name those who have died from AIDS and those who are suffering, followed by silent meditation.

Afterwards, the parish members of St. Joseph’s of Stratford will welcome everyone into Prime Bishop Hodur Hall for a reception and time for sharing.

Clergy who wish to participate in the service are asked to notify Bishop Kopka by calling 203-377-9901.