Our History
The Parish of Christ The King (formerly known as Most Precious Blood Church) was founded on September 15, 1962, by Bishop Walter W. Curtis of Bridgeport. Originally members of St. Theresa Parish, the pioneer parishioners gathered at Madison Junior High School to share worship with the Rev. Raymond Stephenson, first Pastor of the newly created Parish.
In September of 1964 the chapel building and classroom area opened for parish use. In 1974, Christ The King became the official title of the Parish. Bishop Curtis offered a Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving on March 24, 1974, celebrating the occasion of canonical change of name. Preparation for such a transfer of title was initiated by the second Pastor, Rev. Bartholomew J. Laurello, in early Fall of 1973.
Following the directives of Vatican Council II to simplify and properly present Church titles and customs, the Parish Council, endorsed the change. After adequate Parish consultation via questionnaire, discussion and balloting, the parishioners opted to rename their Parish in honor of Christ The King. This title highlights the Lordship of Christ Jesus. The Parish Patronal Feast is celebrated on the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
THE PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED
SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE PARISH OF CHRIST THE KING IN 1962
Rev. Raymond H. Stephenson ~ 1963 - 1969
Rev. Bartholomew J. Laurello ~ 1970 - 1976
Rev. John E. Gilmartin ~ 1976 - 1986
Rev. Bernard M. Dolan ~ 1987 - 2010
Rev. Lawrence F. Carew ~ 2011 - 2014
Rev. Terrence Walsh ~ 2015 - 2021
Rev. Richard J. Gemza ~ 2021 to present
THE BISHOPS OF BRIDGEPORT SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE PARISH OF CHRIST THE KING CHURCH IN 1962
Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis
Second Bishop of Bridgeport, 1961-1988
Died October 18, 1997
Most Reverend Edward M. Egan
Third Bishop of Bridgeport, 1988-2000
Archbishop of New York, 2000-2009
Cardinal Priest of the Holy Roman Church
of the title of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, February 21, 2001
Died March 5, 2015
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Fourth Bishop of Bridgeport, 2001-2012
Archbishop of Baltimore, 2012-present
Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, 2005-present
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Fifth Bishop of Bridgeport, 2013-present
