Our Lady of Fatima Parish stands at 229 Danbury Road in Wilton, Connecticut, where a Roman Catholic community has grown from a wartime mission into an active parish centered on worship, the seven sacraments, Marian devotion, formation and practical service. It is known for a full rhythm of weekday and weekend Mass, a distinct Marian focus, expressive stained-glass storytelling and ministries that connect parish life with families, children, older adults, homebound parishioners and people facing food insecurity.
From the American Legion Hall to a Wilton Parish
The parish began as a mission of St. Mary's in Norwalk. During World War II, gas rationing made travel difficult, so a priest from St. Mary's began offering Mass in Wilton. Those celebrations took place at the American Legion Hall in Wilton Center. Under the direction of leading parishioners, a property committee worked to purchase land for a Catholic church of Wilton's own. Each Catholic family was asked to contribute $19.83, and the appeal succeeded.
The parish began in 1942 with sixty families. Church construction was completed in 1953, and the formal dedication took place on October 13, 1953, in commemoration of the sixth and final appearance of Our Lady at Fatima in Portugal. The church was also dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. As Connecticut's three dioceses were being established, Our Lady of Fatima became one of the first parishes in the newly formed Diocese of Bridgeport.
First pastor Reverend Leonard Conlon directed construction of the rectory in 1955. A school was added in 1962. Office areas and a conference room were added to the rectory and dedicated on January 19, 1992, when the parish counted 1,375 families. Expansion and renovation of the church and Parish Center were completed in 1995, and the expanded complex was dedicated on November 1, the Feast of All Saints.
Mass on Danbury Road
The parish schedules Mass every weekday, twice on Saturday and four times on Sunday:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m.
- Tuesday: 12:15 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday: 12:15 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. Children's Mass, 11:00 a.m. Choir Mass and 4:30 p.m. Teen Mass
Confession is offered Saturday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or by appointment. The schedule gives families and individuals a particular choice of Sunday Masses, including services identified for children, choir music and teenagers.
The parish places the Eucharist at the center of Catholic worship. Its teaching holds that the risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, not simply represented by a symbol. At Mass, the assembly hears the Word of God, responds in the psalms, listens to the homily, professes the Creed and prays for the living and the dead. Bread and wine are then prepared for the Eucharistic sacrifice, Communion strengthens the Body of Christ, and the assembly is sent forth to proclaim the Good News.
Adoration adds a contemplative rhythm to the parish's worship. On the first Friday of each month, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the upstairs chapel from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for silent prayer. From October through May, men and women also take assigned hours for nocturnal adoration, with the night concluding just before Saturday morning Mass. A parish livestream is available on YouTube.
Eucharistic Sanctuary and Mary's Journey in Glass
The 1995 renovation gave the sanctuary and the rest of the church two related stained-glass themes. Around the Eucharistic altar, the glass emphasizes the Eucharist. The crucifix that once stood at the rear of the church was moved to the redos behind the altar, where it became the central focal point as the faithful gather for the Eucharist.
The Marian sequence begins with the Magnificat, Mary's prayer of faith and praise after the Visitation. It continues with Our Lady of the Barren Tree, also called the Madonna of the Dry Wood, inspired by a painting of the 15th-century artist Petrus Christus. Mary and the Christ Child appear within a dead tree whose branches have begun to sprout new life. The image places Mary between barrenness and death below and hope, fruitfulness and redemption above.
Fifteen golden letters A hang from the branches. They represent the Ave Maria and the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. Mary is also presented as the new Eve: Eve sits in darkness, while Mary moves into the light through her faith. Other windows continue her story through the Presentation of Mary in the Temple and the Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel. Together, the windows connect Our Lady of Fatima's name with Mary's faith, the Incarnation and the Church's life in Christ.
Truth, Clarity and Unconditional Love
The parish describes itself as a community striving to be a voice of truth and clarity in faith. Its members worship God and celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament. United by the Holy Spirit, they pursue an ongoing conversion to Christ in themselves and in the parish.
This Catholic faith is presented as a tradition handed down from Jesus Christ to the Apostles and passed from one generation to the next. It is both a body of belief and a way of living. The parish's teaching emphasizes:
- Human beings are created by God in love, with human dignity placed above all else.
- God is revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a communion of knowledge and love.
- God became human in Jesus Christ, who was crucified, died and rose again.
- Believers share in the communion of saints and in the living Body of Christ.
- Catholics practice stewardship by sharing their time, talent and treasure with others.
This commitment is expressed in the parish's promise to extend Christ's unconditional love, especially to the neglected, oppressed, aged and wounded of heart. newcomers, returning Catholics and people seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith are welcomed into that communal life.
Seven Sacraments for a Catholic Life
The parish understands the liturgical life of the Church as revolving around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the seven sacraments instituted through the life of Jesus Christ. It describes the sacramental life as a source of grace that nourishes faith and strengthens the Christian community.
Baptism and Confirmation
Baptism ushers a person into divine life, cleanses sin and initiates membership in the Christian community. The presider prays over the water, which is poured in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Oil represents entry into the life of Christ as priest, prophet and king. Light signifies Christ and the call to share that light, while the white garment represents victory over death and resurrection. Infant baptism is common, while unbaptized adults are generally initiated at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Those already validly baptized in another Christian church are not baptized again. In an emergency, a person with the proper intention may baptize another while saying the required formula.
Confirmation completes baptismal grace through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The bishop anoints candidates with chrism and lays hands on them. They renew baptismal promises, are strengthened in their bond with the Church and are called to witness to Christian faith through both word and action.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist stands at the center of the Church's sacraments and worship. The parish teaches that Jesus Christ is present in truth, reality and substance through the consecrated bread and wine, using the term transubstantiation for the change accomplished by the priest through the power of ordination and the action of the Holy Spirit. Those receiving Communion are called to be in a state of grace, and the sacrament signifies and effects the unity of the Christian community.
Reconciliation and Anointing
Penance is the sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven and the person is reconciled with God and the Church. Its four steps are:
- Contrition for sin and a conversion of heart.
- Confession of sins and human sinfulness to a priest.
- Acceptance of God's forgiveness and absolution.
- A commitment to celebrate God's love and live as a Christian.
The parish holds that only an ordained priest has the faculty to absolve sins. The effects include reconciliation with God and the Church, peace, spiritual consolation and increased strength.
The Anointing of the Sick gives strength and support to anyone struggling with illness. It is intended for healing and comfort, not only for someone approaching death, and is ideally celebrated within a communal setting surrounded by prayer and fraternal care. Physical healing may occur through God's power, but the sacrament also communicates God's presence amid human suffering.
Marriage and Holy Orders
Marriage is a visible sign of God's love for the Church and a covenant that binds spouses for life. The parish teaches that the sacrament gives spouses the grace to love one another as Christ loves the Church, strengthening their unity and sanctifying them. Couples are asked to begin the marriage process at least eight months before the ceremony and complete the required planning.
Holy Orders continues the mission entrusted by Christ to the Apostles. It has three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate. The parish teaches that these orders belong to the ordained ministry, that Holy Orders is normally conferred on baptized men and that bishops, priests and deacons continue the apostolic work of the Church.
Funeral Care and Hospitality
Parish staff help families arrange a funeral Mass and wake that reflect faith in Christ's mercy. The funeral Mass and wake are coordinated with the pastor and funeral home. Funerals are not held on Sundays, Holy Days or during the Sacred Triduum. The wake normally takes place at the funeral home, although a wake may be held at the church when space and scheduling permit.
The Funeral Mass includes the greeting, sprinkling with holy water, procession to the altar, opening prayer, readings, responsorial psalm, Gospel, homily and intercessions. It continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, final commendation and the place of committal. A funeral reception or luncheon can be arranged in the Parish Center according to the family's wishes and availability.
Formation That Begins at Home
The faith formation mission is to work with parents so children develop a knowledge and love of God that deepens through prayer, good works, sacraments and service. Eucharist and Confirmation are especially important, and the program emphasizes a strong connection between home and classroom. In a typical year, the program has served about 350 students, primarily from Wilton and also from Norwalk, Weston and Westport.
In-Person and Homeschool Learning
The in-person program combines weekly Mass attendance with classroom learning. Classes typically meet two or three Sundays each month. Elementary children in grades one through five meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. after the 9:30 Mass. Middle school students in grades six through eight meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. after the Teen Mass. Instruction uses the Christ Our Life series from Loyola Press, with additional books for sacramental preparation. Each grade is invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation annually on a dedicated Saturday morning.
The homeschool program also includes weekly Mass and learning at home. Parents guide the same Christ Our Life series and supplement it with videos through the FORMED app. Students view two age-appropriate films or episodes and submit written responses, with books and responses reviewed twice each year. A beginning-of-year meeting distributes materials and outlines the program.
First Sacraments and Becoming Catholic
First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are prepared through the combined efforts of family, classroom and parish. The parish's work with children emphasizes that faith begins at home and should be reinforced through prayer, learning, sacraments and service.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a communal process for adults and older children seeking full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. Unbaptized participants prepare for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, while those baptized in another Christian tradition prepare for Eucharist and Confirmation. The process includes a period of inquiry, the catechumenate, election by the bishop and community, the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil and a period of reflection known as mystagogy. Scripture study, shared faith, worship and the support of sponsors accompany the journey.
Choirs, Readers, Servers and Shared Prayer
Music Director and Youth Choir Director Daniel Alasuvanto leads three choirs with distinct roles. The Adult Choir is open to high school age and older and sings hymns, psalms and anthems in a variety of styles. It rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings before Mass. The Family Choir welcomes families, singles, couples, young people and older adults. Its repertoire includes contemporary songs of praise accompanied by guitars, keyboard and other instruments, with rehearsals Tuesday evenings and before Sunday Mass. The Children's Choir is open to children in kindergarten through grade five and rehearses Thursday afternoons while school is in session.
Altar servers may begin in fifth grade after completing training. Their principal role is to assist the celebrant during Mass and special celebrations, with weekend assignments arranged according to family availability. They take part in an annual server training.
Lectors prepare carefully to proclaim Scripture and communicate the Word of God. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve within Mass or may bring Communion to a sick person when an ordained minister is absent. These ministries welcome people who want to prepare, proclaim, serve and pray with the parish community.
The Bible Study group explores a different biblical book each season. The Spiritual Break Group gathers for prayer, faith-sharing and discussion of a selected book from September through May. These gatherings provide smaller settings for reflection beyond the parish's principal Sunday and weekday Masses.
Growing for Good and Food for Neighbors
The Growing for Good garden began in 2016 on the field behind the church. Its purpose is to grow fresh organic produce for local food pantries, residential shelters and families who need food assistance. The garden produces leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, okra and herbs. A blueberry garden annex was added in 2020. One beneficiary has been Malta House, where specially grown butternut squash is turned into baby food for resident mothers and babies.
Middle school science classes and elementary youth groups visit for hands-on learning about cultivation and harvest. Families can work together in the garden, and the annual Grange fair provides another way for the local community to participate. The garden connects Catholic stewardship with visible, practical support for people experiencing food insecurity.
The parish's food ministry also works with Open Doors in Norwalk and Person to Person. Open Doors operates an overnight shelter, soup kitchen, food pantry and community closet, while Person to Person provides food, housing and other assistance. Our Lady of Fatima parishioners donate assigned food items for the Open Doors soup kitchen on the first or third Tuesday of each month. Donations are collected at the Parish Center for a 10:00 a.m. pickup.
Volunteer drivers also deliver rescued food from Village Market and Wilton Stop and Shop to food pantries on weekday mornings and two Saturday mornings each month. An annual October collection stocks Open Doors' pantry shelves, and special nonperishable drives may be hosted at the Parish Center. The parish additionally directs Lenten giving toward Catholic Charities' Loaves and Fishes campaign so that more food reaches vulnerable neighbors.
Older Adults, Grief, Family Healing and Protection
The Elderly and Homebound program uses parish volunteers to reach people at Ogden House, Wilton Meadows, The Greens, Brookdale Place of Wilton, Meadow Ridge in Redding and homebound parishioners. Its scope includes attention to the needs, concerns and hopes of older adults and people who cannot readily come to parish activities.
The bereavement ministry offers sympathy, private counseling and conversations with members of its support team. When needs are apparent, a four-session support group meets in the spring or fall. The separated and divorced group addresses healing, belonging within the Catholic Church and the annulment process, with meetings arranged as needs arise.
Respect for every human life from fertilization through natural death is central to the Respect Life Ministry. Its educational work includes abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, cloning, assisted suicide, the death penalty and end-of-life medical issues.
Child protection is also part of parish life through the Diocese of Bridgeport's Safe Environment program. Its measures include victim assistance, criminal background checks, written Codes of Conduct and child sexual abuse awareness and prevention training for priests, deacons, employees, volunteers, children and youth.
Organizations That Shape Parish Life
The Wilton Knights of Columbus meets every third Monday at 8:00 p.m. Its founding principles remain charity, unity and fraternity, expressed through mutual aid, family support and service to the wider community. The parish also has a Columbiettes organization that promotes the same ideals alongside the Knights.
The Men's Group is open to all parish men. Founded in 2007, it gathers on Saturday mornings with coffee at 6:30 a.m. and discussion at 7:00 a.m. Prayer, Scripture and small-group sharing help husbands, fathers and single men apply faith to family life and parish discipleship.
Our Lady's Association welcomes women for retreats, trips, lunches and brunches, as well as times of Mass and the Rosary. Moms and Tots uses structured activities, play and social interaction to support children's language, literacy, motor skills and independence. It gathers on school premises during the school year. Moms' Book Club brings together women from different professions and backgrounds who share an interest in deepening their relationship with God.
Theology on Tap meets at 8:00 p.m. at a different restaurant each time. A priest introduces a chosen topic and leads a discussion, with subjects such as raising Catholic children, marriage, pain and suffering. These groups complement the parish's sacramental life with conversation, friendship and practical attention to family and community concerns.
A Parish Rooted in Wilton
Pastor Fr. Pawel Hrebenko leads the parish. Kathleen Rooney directs faith formation, Daniel Alasuvanto directs music ministry, and Deacon Tony Conti serves in the parish's Bible study ministry. Together with parish staff, catechists, readers, musicians, servers, volunteers and families, they sustain a community in which worship and service are closely joined.
The parish supports one-time, recurring and future gifts through secure online giving. Financial statements and Accountability Sunday materials are also part of the parish's commitment to transparency.
At 229 Danbury Road, the parish office can be reached at (203) 762-3928 and ourlady229@gmail.com. Our Lady of Fatima welcomes newcomers and returning Catholics into its Catholic heritage, formation and sacramental life. Its identity remains centered on the Word, the Eucharist, Marian devotion, conversion and service to others.