Bishop Mark O'Connell (left) and Father Paul Mijas visit with parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish in Stamford following Saturday's Mass.

STAMFORD — Sacred Heart Parish in Stamford welcomed Bishop Mark O'Connell, leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, for a special visit and Mass on Saturday. Bishop O'Connell joined Father Paul Mijas, administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, in celebrating the Eucharist and visiting with parishioners following the service.

The visit provided members of the parish community with an opportunity to meet the bishop, who has spent much of his first months leading the Diocese traveling throughout its 14-county region to connect with local congregations.

Parishioners gathered for worship and fellowship, welcoming Bishop O'Connell to Stamford and sharing in a day that highlighted the strength and vitality of the local faith community. The bishop's visit underscored the importance of maintaining close ties between diocesan leadership and the rural parishes that play an essential role in the life of the Church throughout the region.