A Roman Catholic Parish in the Heart of New Canaan
Saint Aloysius Parish sits at 21 Cherry Street in New Canaan, Connecticut, with its parish office at 40 Maple Street, and it has served the Catholic families of the greater New Canaan area since 1896. More than a century and three church buildings later, the parish is just shy of 3,000 families strong, and its mission as Church remains the same as the day it was founded: bring Christ, who is present to us in Word and in Sacrament, to all. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Bridgeport and follows the liturgical life of the Roman Catholic Church.
The parish takes its name from Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, a humble, loving servant who poured out his life helping others. Visitors are invited to pray to him and to discover a community that lives the Gospel, in the words of Monsignor Rob Kinnally, with great joy and boundless energy.
From Forest Street to Cherry Street: A Walk Through Parish History
The Catholic roots in New Canaan stretch back to 1850, when the first Catholics settled in the town. The first Mass was celebrated in 1855 by Reverend Hugh O'Reilly of Saint Mary's, Norwalk, and the first Catholic Church on Forest Street was built in 1862. For forty years the New Canaan mission was served from Saint Mary's.
On June 1, 1896, the New Canaan Mission was separated from Saint Mary's Parish, and Reverend John T. McMahon was appointed as the first pastor of the new Saint Aloysius Parish. The first child baptized in the parish was Maurice Corrigan, son of Joseph and Rose Corrigan. In 1907, property was acquired on the corner of South Avenue and Maple Street, and on July 15, 1917, the South Avenue Church was dedicated. Reverend William J. Fox became pastor in 1929 and served for thirty-three years, the longest term of service in the parish's history.
In 1945, a convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur was established on Cherry Street, and a parochial school was built on the school grounds in 1956. The present Cherry Street Church was dedicated on November 26, 1967. After the parish center was completed, the old church was converted into the rectory and parish center in 1985. On December 8, 1995, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the renovated Saint Aloysius Church was rededicated by Bishop Edward M. Egan.
A new master plan finalized in 2005 called for relocation of the rectory, a complete renovation of the parish center, expansion of Stapleton Hall, and an upgrade to the Tudor House. The five-million-dollar "Foundations for the Future" campaign followed. After pledges of more than 5.4 million dollars, the new rectory at 39-41 Maple Street was purchased in 2007, and renovation of the parish center under architect Peter Gisolfi Associates began. The new Parish Center and Stapleton Social Hall was unveiled in June 2009, and the renovation brought the building into total ADA compliance with an elevator serving all floors. Religious Education and Youth Ministry moved from the Tudor House into the main floor, three conference rooms were added, Stapleton Social Hall was doubled in size, and a shrine to Saint Aloysius was placed in front of the restored building facing South Avenue. In 2010, a statue of Our Lady was donated to the parish and dedicated on the Feast of the Assumption.
Most recently, the parish completed an Education and Faith Center, with a ribbon-cutting and dedication held in September 2026. A new chapel in the center has been named for Blessed Carlo Acutis, and parishioners are invited to participate in the Saint Carlo Acutis Chapel Donation Program to furnish and beautify the space.
Mass, Reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration
The liturgical rhythm of the parish centers on the Eucharist. The Sunday schedule begins with the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m., followed by Sunday Masses at 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. The 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is live-streamed and recorded for those unable to be present. Weekday Masses are celebrated Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday at 7:00 a.m.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the chapel. During the summer, Eucharistic Adoration is held on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the chapel, ending with benediction before the 5:30 p.m. Mass.
A Mass in Spanish, Misa en Español, is celebrated on Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m., bringing worship to Spanish-speaking parishioners in the area.
The parish also reaches beyond the sanctuary through Catholic radio and online resources. The parish has partnered with Relevant Radio for streaming audio and offers on-demand video, audio, and books through Formed, an online Catholic study platform.
Music That Enriches Prayer
The Music Ministry of Saint Aloysius is led by Dr. John Michniewicz, Director, and Nancy Leville, Co-Director for Youth Choir and Cherub Director. The parish considers music a gift to God, and a place is open for all ages to share in serving God through song.
The Adult Choir is a group of volunteers and professionals dedicated to enriching the worship experience. Adults of all ages are welcome, and the choir sings every Sunday from September through June, presents an annual Advent-Christmas concert, and sings for solemnities and feasts.
The Youth Choir is for children in grades three through eight and develops musical skills such as part-singing and vocal development. The choir participates in the 10:00 a.m. liturgy most Sundays, September through June, as well as special liturgies and events. The Cherub Choir introduces music fundamentals and singing to children in grades K-2 and sings for special liturgies and events.
For teens, the StAY Teen Choir and Praise Band brings together seventh- and eighth-graders and high school students who sing at the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Teen Mass, accompanied by keyboard and guitars. The group rehearses at 3:30 p.m. before Mass.
Each week, Dr. Michniewicz posts Music Notes, an in-depth reflection on the music for the coming Sunday's Mass, walking parishioners through the readings and the liturgical season.
Children, Religious Education, and Youth
The parish's PreK to Grade 6 Religious Education program, directed by Danielle Sibilia, forms children in the faith in partnership with their parents. Marie Osterndorf directs Confirmation Catechesis, walking teens through the preparation for receiving the sacrament.
Teen and family ministry is led by Chris Otis, Director of Youth and Family Ministry. The youth ministry gathers teens for prayer, service, and worship, with the goal of encountering Christ through truth, beauty, and goodness. A signature gathering is the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Teen Mass, which features a contemporary praise and worship band and a student section, alongside the more traditional choirs at other Masses.
Teen Emmaus, a retreat experience, is offered twice a year, and teens are invited to mission trips and conferences, including the National Catholic Youth Conference. Emmaus 89, a leadership team for high school teens, meets regularly during the program year.
Teen Liturgical Ministries welcome high schoolers as altar servers, lectors at the Teen Mass, singers with the praise band, and ushers. Before-school Teen Masses offer an additional weekday option for students. Teen Eucharistic Adoration and a teen-friendly Rosary gather young people once a month for prayer.
Catholic Parents Connect offers daytime and evening forums throughout the year on topics of interest to Catholic parents, including discussions on substance abuse and social media. The ministry oversees the Never Too Young to Serve program, which invites younger disciples and their parents and grandparents into quarterly hands-on service projects after the Family Mass.
Becoming Catholic and Adult Faith Formation
For adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly known as RCIA, is led by Deacon William Santulli and Joanne Santulli. The parish welcomes inquirers throughout the year.
Adult Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom, currently reading, praying, and discussing the Book of Genesis, focusing on the story of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt.
Men's Fellowship and Bible Study gathers on Saturday mornings in the Maple Street Dining Room at the Parish Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a light breakfast and fellowship, with prayer and study from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The group begins each season studying the Letters of Saint Paul. The ministry is led by Bob Mantilia.
The Women's Bible Study begins its fall session in late September and is open to all women of the parish.
The parish also maintains a robust list of recommended Catholic resources for individuals and groups, including Formed, the Augustine Institute, Ascension Press, Relevant Radio, Bishop Robert Barron's Word on Fire, the Theology of the Body Institute, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, and Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center.
Marriage, Family, and the Gifted Life
Sacraments and family life are woven throughout the life of the parish. Marriage preparation is coordinated by Jozie and Andrew Bell, and the Married Couples Ministry, led by Sarah and Tony Leopold, fosters fellowship among couples at every stage. The Respect Life Ministry, led by Kevin Leitao, promotes the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
Stephen Ministry offers a confidential, prayerful listening presence to parishioners navigating difficult life situations, such as the loss of a loved one, serious illness, divorce, or job loss. Stephen Ministers are commissioned, highly trained lay men and women who meet one-on-one with those in need.
The Journey to Light Bereavement Ministry welcomes anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, at any stage of the journey. Led by Patricia Pagano, LCSW, a clinician and trained Stephen Minister, the group meets in the Stapleton Hall upstairs Maple Street Room on selected evenings, beginning and ending each session with prayer.
Our Lady's Guild brings together the women of the parish for fellowship, and Questions Along the Way offers spiritual companionship through Rita Ferri.
Young Adults and Men
The Young Adult Ministry invites Catholics aged 18-35 to grow in faith through Bible study, discussion, and social gatherings. The group meets twice a month on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Parish Office Building at 40 Maple Street. Father Flavian Bejan, Danielle Mank, and Katie Cunningham lead the ministry, which communicates through Flocknote and an active Instagram presence, YA St. Aloysius.
For men of the parish, in addition to the Saturday Bible study, the Men's Ministry offers resources and connections for spiritual growth, including the That Man Is You program, the Sons of Saint Joseph, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and the Adoration Community Theology Service Connecticut. The Knights of Columbus, led by Andy Mank, brings Catholic men together for fraternity and service. A Men's Spirituality and Funeral Ministry is led by Michael Crane.
Special Needs, Seniors, and Wellness
The Special Needs Ministry works to raise awareness of all people with special needs, of every age and every cognitive and physical challenge, through inclusivity, encounter, engagement, and loving understanding. The group meets once a month to discuss topics that assist families and to plan events that broaden fellowship within the parish community. Debbie Burke-Smith leads the ministry.
Mike and Rose McGlinn lead the Seniors Ministry, and the parish also welcomes adult children with special needs through its programs.
The Wellness Ministry, known as Peace in the Storm, supports parishioners facing mental health and wellness challenges and is led by Colette Gardner.
The Parish Nurse Program offers monthly blood pressure screenings after weekend Masses, providing a healthy service to the parish. Kim McNamara coordinates the program.
Scouting and Eagle Scout Projects
Saint Aloysius has an active Scouting program supported by Keith Duggar and Steve Proster, and the parish regularly hosts Eagle Scout service projects on its grounds.
Liturgical Ministries: Serving at the Altar
The parish relies on a large corps of lay liturgical ministers. Adult altar servers, both men and women, assist at funerals and at weekday and Saturday morning Masses. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned by the pastor and the diocese to serve at Mass and to bring the Eucharist to the homebound. Those who are gluten-free can receive specially consecrated hosts by stopping by the Priest's Sacristy ten minutes before Mass.
Readers, both men and women, proclaim the Word of God at weekday, weekend, and holy day Masses, and must be VIRTUS-trained. Ushers, drawn from across the parish including women, teenagers, and children, embody the principles of hospitality and welcome, helping parishioners find seats, taking up the collections, and distributing bulletins after Mass.
Teen altar servers, teen lectors, and teen ushers serve at the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Teen Mass under the coordination of Chris Otis, Dr. John Michniewicz, and Father Flavian Bejan.
Outreach and Service: Loving the Neighbor
The parish takes to heart the words of Matthew 25: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me." The Outreach program coordinates support for several local organizations:
- New Covenant Center
- New Canaan Food Pantry - non-perishables are collected weekly; the Knights of Columbus partner with Youth Ministry and Confirmation students for the annual Love Your Neighbor Food Drive each November. Donations can be dropped off inside the door at the back of the church by the left-side Chapel entrance.
- Malta House
- Saint Charles Borromeo
- Mother Teresa's Closet - a small red house in the back of the parking lot serves as the drop-off for gently used clothing that is sorted and distributed to families in need throughout the local area. Mary Ward leads this ministry.
- Breakfast Run to New York City
The Christmas Star Program invites families to take a "star family" from the Christmas tree in church, shop for them, wrap the gifts, and bring them to the gym where volunteer elves load up and deliver them to families in need. The Events Team coordinates parish parties and celebrations. The parish also partners with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Bridgeport, which offers behavioral health counseling, a family loan program, and immigration services.
Formation for Children: The Preschool and Religious Education
The Saint Aloysius Catholic Preschool is preparing to open in Fall 2026 under the leadership of John Alfone and Molly Luppi. The preschool will serve as an extension of the parish's mission to form children in the Catholic faith from the earliest ages. Registration is now open.
Families with children in PreK through sixth grade are served by the Religious Education program, with classes meeting on a weekly schedule and Confirmation preparation offered separately for older students.
Pastoral Council, Trustees, and Parish Governance
The Pastoral Council was formed in the fall of 2017 and meets three or four times a year at a local retreat house. The council's work is framed by the question, "How is Saint Aloysius parish experiencing Christ and what could we be doing to draw us closer to God and one another?" Members are asked to commit to daily prayer for fellow council members and the parish. The twelve council members, drawn by lot in 2019, work alongside two parish trustees. Christine Hussey and Stephen Schlegel serve as the parish trustees.
The Parish Finance Council, led by Colette LeBrun, provides stewardship and oversight of the parish's resources.
Safe Environment and VIRTUS
Saint Aloysius follows the Safe Environment programs established by the United States Roman Catholic Bishops in 2002 under The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Diocese of Bridgeport's Safe Environment program oversees implementation of Charter mandates, including victim assistance, criminal background checks, written Codes of Conduct, and child sexual abuse awareness and prevention training for priests, deacons, lay employees, volunteers, children, and youth. All clergy, staff, and volunteers who work with children are required to complete VIRTUS training.
The People Who Lead Saint Aloysius
Monsignor Rob Kinnally serves as pastor of Saint Aloysius Parish, joined by two parochial vicars, Reverend Flavian Bejan and Reverend David W. Franklin, with Reverend Robert Uzzilio in residence. Deacon William Santulli assists in ministry. John Palma serves as Pastoral Assistant for Administration, Jerry Murray as Business Manager, and Allison McCarthy and Susan Kiernan as Administrative Assistants. Willie Roeder oversees facilities, and Lynn Turiano edits the parish bulletin.
Danielle Sibilia directs Religious Education, Marie Osterndorf directs Confirmation Catechesis, Chris Otis directs Youth and Family Ministry, Dr. John Michniewicz directs the Music Ministry, and Nancy Leville co-directs the youth choirs. The parish is served by a large team of ministry leaders across liturgical, formation, outreach, and family ministries, all working together to bring Christ, present in Word and Sacrament, to the people of New Canaan.