An Adoring and Tithing Parish
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS AS A FAITH COMMUNITY
1881 – 2006

Parish Capital Campaign
Preserving Our Past
Preparing for Our Future

Please click on a group from the list below to obtain more information. Page last revised September 1, 2010.

Altar Servers
Richard Camuso (203-438-2244) rcamuso@comcast.net
Fr. Mariusz Olbrys (203-438-6538) frmariusz@smcr.org
Girls and Boys fourth grade and above are encouraged to join in this very important service. Altar server teams of four are scheduled for two Masses a month. Servers are also called upon to serve at weddings and special liturgies.  Return to top

Baptism Stoles
Lucille Leitao (203-438-0037)
Baptism stoles are lovingly embroidered and for children to beptized at St. Mary church. Kits come pre-cut and can be picked up at the Parish office. Sewing the Baptism stole is a labor of love. The stoles are a keepsake to the child as their first vestment. Return to top

Birthright of Danbury
Mev Rickert (203-790-7094)
Birthright of Greater Danbury helps women in crisis pregnancies. Volunteers are always needed, and baby clothes, matenity clothes and furniture are accepted. Return to top

Catholic Action
Mary Staudt (203-431-9849) staudtmary@sbcglobal.net
Laura Danner (203-438-2394) ldanner@smcr.org
Catholic Action is a St. Mary Social Outreach Ministry group that actively engages parishioners to develop and sustain ongoing social ministry through education, communication, and good works. Return to top

Cursillo
Jura Owczarzak (203-431-9012) jura@kw.com
John Hannigan (203-438-7392) jhannigan@choycepeterson.com
A "men's only" and a "women's only" retreat is held both in the spring and fall of each year at a retreat house in Danbury. A Cursillo retreat makes it possible for people to live what is fundamental for being a Christian, and to live it together. It helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations, and it promotes the creation of core group of Christians who live their lives with the Gospel. Many of our parishioners have attended this retreat and encourage others to pray and consider attending. Return to top

CYO Basketball Program
Burt Brazill (203-431-9290) brazilli@aol.com
Jack Jancin (203-748-3808) jjancin@hotmail.com
St. Mary Parish has a very active basketball program for boys and girls grades five through eight. Our teams compete with other area CYO, school and town teams. Our home court is the Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center in St. Mary School building. Return to top

Disciples 4 LIFE
Measi O'Rourke (203-244-5422) measio@comcast.net
The Disciples 4 LIFE Retreat is an adult retreat open to all men and women of the parish over the age of 18. It is a two night adult retreat focused on discipleship. The retreat takes place twice a year at the Seton Neumann Center in Danbury, CT. Return to top

Dorothy Day House of Hospitality
MaryAnn & Michael Hnath (203-438-6453) maryann354@aol.com
There are three ways St. Mary parishioners help the Danbury Soup Kitchen and Shelter: One Sunday a month parishioners volunteer at the soup kitchen cooking, serving, and greeting; another group makes sandwiches in the St. Mary School Kitchen to take up to Danbury, and some volunteers also spend an overnight at the shelter.  Regular volunteers and substitutes are always in demand. Return to top

EPS (Education + Parish + Service)
Janie Nneji (203-431-7675) jnneji@aol.com
Education + Parish + Service (EPS) seeks to build a dynamic, active lay apostolate by providing, in several dioceses, education/formation programs for adult Catholics who seek a deeper understanding of the faith and skills for living that faith fully. You can visit their website at http://eps.trinitydc.edu. Two venues are offered depending on a student's needs. The EPS Certificate Program, an integrated curriculum in Scripture and Theology, is offered in the evenings. On Thursday mornings, The EPS Forum offers seasonal lecture series on timely themes without sacrificing the high caliber of theological instruction that EPS is known for. In addition, EPS offers participation inTheological Reflection iwth trained facilitators as well as a Praxis Curriculum designed to prepare students for active participation in the CHurch's mission of evangelization in the family, parish, community and workplace. Classes are held at St. Philip's Parish in Norwalk. Return to top

Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
Richard Camuso (203-438-2244) rcamuso@comcast.net
Both ministries add to the beauty and the solemnity of the Mass. Parishioners interested in participating should contact Richard Camuso. Return to top

Finance Committee
Richard Camuso (203-438-2244) rcamuso@comcast.net
The Finance Council is advisory to the Pastor and its decisions and recommendations must be accepted and ratified by the Pastor. The council presents a quarterly report to the Parish.
Members of the Finance Council include; Msgr. Laurence Bronkiewicz, Rev. Mariusz Olbrys, Digby Barrios, Nanette Bracken, Richard Camuso (chair), Fred Caruso, Anthony Giobbi, John Mitchell, Barbara Rizzo, Sylvana Serravezza, Alicia Snakard, James Stoveken, Ray Sturz, and Elizabeth Zaglauer. Return to top

Homebound Visits
Lloyd Jensen (203-438-4435) lloyd.jensen@sbcglobal.net   Return to top

Knights of Columbus
Thad Belfanti, Grand Knight (203-431-1492) gk@KofC245.org
Marquette Council #245 has served our Church and community for over 100 years. We provide an opportunity for Catholic men to grow in the knowledge and practice of their faith to be of service to the Church, and enjoy Christian fellowship. Please join us, become involved, and help continue our tradition. Return to top

Men's Ministry
Timothy O'Connell (203-438-6538) timothytoconnell@gmail.com
The Men's Ministry provides an opportunity for men to share their faith with each other, grow in their spirituality and be of service to various groups and people in our parish and community. We are looking for men to become involved in this very exciting and enriching ministry. Return to top

Midnight Run
Elma Stoveken (203-894-1341) jstoveken@comcast.net
St. Mary Parish participates in an area-wide program to take food, clothing, and toiletries to those living on th estreets of New York City. Collections of items, sorting and preparation of food are part of the process. Vans are borrowed from the "Midnight Run" organization.  Return to top

Mission Society
Peg Short (203-438-8281) bps53@sbcglobal.net
Frs. Greg and Peter Short, both graduates of St. Mary's School, are in South America and the Philippines assisted by the Annual Mission Boutique which raises funds for their missions. Mrs. Peg Short and her committee gather unique and valuable items which are sold at the boutique in November.  Return to top

Music Ministry
Louis S. Vollono, Jr. (203-438-6538, ext: 300) music@smcr.org
The Music Ministry at St. Mary's is a multi-faceted organization that aids in the spiritual enhancement of the weekend and weekday liturgies. There are many opportunities to help out and to participate through various adult choirs, children's choirs and instrumental ensembles. In addition to the music provided for at the various yearly liturgies, the Music Ministry sponsors concerts of all sorts to help bring the community closer in prayer and fellowship. We welcome volunteers of any sort to help us in our ministry - no commitment is too large or too small! We are currently seeking volunteers to help in all facets of the Music Ministry - singers, instrumentalists, office volunteers, concert helpers, etc. Return to top

Natural Family Planning
Michelle Daniels (203-438-2645) daniels.michelle@sbcglobal.net
Family planning is the method for planning and preventing pregnancies by observing the naturally occuring signs and symptoms of fertility. It is medically safe and effective, while respecting the dignity of the woman and the integrity of marriage by working with the natural procreative system.  Return to top

Parish Advisory Council
PAC@smcr.org
Ron Singer, Chair (203-438-4115) singer.consulting@snet.net
The Parish Advisory Council is composed of Parish clergy and parishioners who, in addition to their own active personal involvement in Parish activities, have been selected to advise the Pastor on issues relating to the life of the Parish, and the pastoral care of its people. Return to top

Parish Nurse Program
Colleen Minchik, R.N. (203-431-8949)
The Parish Nurse Program uses a holistic approach to promote health and healing in the congregation. Their weekly visits to nursing homes and hospitals are a comfort to many parishioners. Return to top

Perpetual Adoration
Monica & Bill Brown (914-533-2832)
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is round-the-clock exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a constant vigil of prayer. Adorers are present in the Chapel throughout the year. The Chapel is within the school building. Parishioners are encouraged to sign up for one hour a week in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Please contact Dr. and Mrs. Brown or the Parish Office for more information on becoming an adorer. Return to top

Pre-Baptism Instruction
Deacon Bob Salvestrini (203-438-2761) salvo95@aol.com
First time parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptism instructional class/meeting held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Barn. Baptisms are heald on Sundays at 12:30 PM. Godparents are required to obtain sponsor certificate from their Church stating that they are practicing Catholics. A non-Catholic Christian can also be a witness to a Baptism. Return to top

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults)
Deacon Bob Salvestrini (203-438-2761) salvo95@aol.com
Preparing un-baptized and baptized, but un-catechized adults for initiation into a full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA sessions typically start with four pre-catechumenate sessions in October/November, followed by catechumenate sessions from the first Sunday of Advent to Palm Sunday, every Sunday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. We have a team of highly motivated instructors, and can always use help from Catholics with the proper catechetical training. Return to top

Religious Education
Sr. Joan Brennan, CND; Sr. Margaret Brennan, CND; Nancy Cofone (203-438-7335) religioused@smcr.org
One of our fundamental obligations is to pass on our Catholic faith to our children. We are a pilgrim people journeying in the company of the Master. We are fed on our pilgrim way: by the word of God, by the sacraments, and by one another. Catechists are needed for the very large Religious Education program and thorough training and support are in place to assist new Catechists. Return to top

Respect Life Committee
Hank Vosswinkle (203-545-0989) voss1000@aol.com
Jack Gilchrist (203-438-4753) fairview@aol.com
Purpose: To act as a lay apostolate in proclaiming the gospel of life and in working toward implementation of the NCCB "Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities". The committee seeks to promulgate a culture of life, change hearts and minds via educational efforts, support post-abortion healing and pregnancy advisory services. Return to top

Rosary Society
Joan MacDonald (203-794-9024)
The Rosary Society gathers monthly on the second Tuesday of every month to pray the Rosary prior to the Senior Citizens' Mass and Luncheon in the Parish Hall. Return to top

Saint Mary School
Mr. Edward Brennan, Principal (203-438-7288) brennane@diobptedu.org
Saint Mary School, located at 183 High Ridge Avenue in Ridgefield, offers programs from preschool through eighth grade. A community of educators, parents, and clergy all dedicated to the success of each child, Saint Mary School welcomes students from Ridgefield as well as from surrounding towns. Saint Mary School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is honored to be a Blue Ribbon nominee. Return to top

Scripture Study
Daytime - Mary Jo Calami (203-431-1309) mjcalamai@gmail.com
Evening - Bev Scott (914-763-6243) bscott@scottassociatesllc.com
Enrich your understanding of the Bible and what it means to live out our Catholic faith. Monday morning and evening sessions are offered. Return to top

Senior Citizens
Sr. Joan Brennan, CND (203-438-7335) religioused@smcr.org
The monthly meetings begin with noon Mass in the hall followed by a luncheon (from October through June) and a variety of activities and guest speakers. The Rosary Society recites the rosary at 11:30 AM before the luncheon. Return to top

Sewing & Crafts Guild
Carmel Battista (203-438-3482)
The group meets Wednesday mornings from 9:30 AM to noon in the Barn behind the Church. Many hands make light work; we welcome new faces! Return to top

Social Events Committee
Fr. Mariusz Olbrys (203-438-6538, ext: 117) frmariusz@smcr.org
This committee's purpose is to coordinate various social and spiritual functions/events throughout the year such as our Pasta Night, Fish Fryday Dinners during Lent, and the annual Parish Mass and Picnic at Ballard Park each June. Return to top

Ushers and Greeters
Ron Singer (203-438-4115) singer.consulting@snet.net
Ushers and greeters are needed at all weekend liturgies and holy days of obligation to greet, assist in finding seats, take up the collection and solicit people to bring up the gifts to the Altar. Substitute ushers and greeters are needed to supplement the group. Open to all men and women, young and old. Return to top

Van Service
John McNicholas (203-894-9620)
The Church van is available to take parishioners to Mass on Sunday morning. For those who need a ride for medical purposes, the van is also available. Return to top

Web Page
webteam@smcr.org
St. Mary's web page, www.smcr.org, contains the weekly Parish bulletin, activities calendar, plus listings of all ministries. Return to top

Widows and Widowers Club
Kathy Brennan (203-894-1309) katebrennan2000@aol.com
Founded in 1992, the Club welcomes all men and women who have suffered the loss of a spouse. We meet twice a month, in the church at the First Friday noon mass, celebrated in remembrance of our spouses. This is followed by a meeting in the Barn. We also have dinner at a local restaurant on the third Wednesday of the month. We have a bake sale in October to provide food to our parishioners in need. We strive to support each other.  Return to top

Women's Day of Recollection
Michelle Daniels (203-438-2645) daniels.michelle@sbcglobal.net
Women's Day of Recollection is held several times throughout the year. Please check the bulletin often for updates. Return to top

Youth Ministry
Laura Danner, Coordinator of Youth Ministry (203-438-2394) ldanner@smcr.org
St. Mary Parish has an active LIFE TEEN program for ninth through twelfth graders. They meet Sundays at 5:00 PM for Mass, followed by dinner and a LIFE Night at 6:00 PM, both in our Parish Hall. Return to top