By Peter Barhydt
A major expansion project at St. Aloysius Parish is nearing completion, poised to address the needs of a rapidly growing congregation while expanding faith-based educational programs for the community. The project, which aims to enhance both worship and community engagement, ensures a more accessible and inclusive space for all parishioners.
“We moved from 2,600 families to 3,400 families in a span of about seven or eight years,” said Monsignor Rob Kinnally, pastor of St. Aloysius. “We needed to make the space more user-friendly.”
The project, now in its third year of construction, includes a new Education and Faith Center, a chapel, green spaces, and a multipurpose gymnasium. Designed to accommodate increased enrollment in religious education, the new campus will serve as a dedicated home for youth ministry and community gatherings. The state-of-the-art facilities will foster a sense of belonging and faith enrichment for all generations. In addition, the campus will feature improved accessibility, ensuring that individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges can fully participate in all parish activities.
The centerpiece of the expansion is the Education and Faith Center, which will house St. Aloysius Catholic Preschool for children aged two through five. The building will also serve the parish’s religious education program, which enrolls approximately 800 children. Along with classroom space, the new center will include common areas designed for collaborative learning, spiritual retreats, and guest speakers from the faith community.
“This building will be used at least five days a week for religious education and then in the evenings for parish ministry meetings,” Kinnally explained. “It’s a widely used space, and we are excited to offer even more opportunities for faith formation.”
Chris Otis, director of youth and family ministry, emphasized the importance of having dedicated youth space. “Right now, we don’t really have a home on campus. This will be a space where teens can gather, pray, socialize, and grow in their faith,” Otis said. “It’s a vision that we’ve been working toward for a long time, and it will be a game-changer for our ministry.” The addition of a modern technology suite will allow youth groups to engage in virtual faith programs, interactive catechesis, and global outreach initiatives.
The campus will also feature a new chapel, which Kinnally hopes will be open 24/7 for personal prayer and worship. “We have so many working people commuting to New York City, and by the time they return, everything is closed,” he said. “Having an accessible chapel aligns with the broader Eucharistic revival happening nationwide. It will be a sacred space that allows for personal reflection and communal prayer at any time of day.” The chapel will also serve as a place for small-group prayer services, reconciliation, and special liturgical celebrations outside of Mass times.
Green Spaces and Sustainability
Green space has also been a priority in the redesign. “We wanted a space for everyone to enjoy, with native plantings, pollinator pathways, and areas for quiet reflection,” Kinnally said. The outdoor area will include a spiritual spaces; a Good Shepherd garden, and areas for outdoor worship services. Seating areas and walking paths will invite visitors to meditate and relax, fostering a connection between nature and spirituality. The landscaping has been thoughtfully designed to promote biodiversity while also providing shaded areas for meditation and small group discussions.
Sustainability is at the forefront of the project. “We’re incorporating geothermal heating for the community room, solar energy for the school, and electric vehicle charging stations,” Kinnally noted. “We’re making a long-term investment in both our faith community and the environment.” Additional measures include water conservation initiatives, high-efficiency lighting, and the use of recycled materials in construction. The parish is also exploring partnerships with environmental organizations to further integrate sustainable practices into campus operations.
Next Phases and Community Impact
A second phase of construction will include a two-story building featuring a large community room on the first floor and a dedicated youth ministry space, named “The Upper Room,” on the second floor. “We’re creating a space where young people can feel safe, grow in their faith, and engage with their peers in meaningful ways,” Otis said. “This will give them a home base for their faith journey.” The community room will also be available for parish events, family gatherings, and faith-based workshops.
Another major component of the expansion is the gymnasium, which will serve as both an elementary school regulation gym and an auditorium. “We’ve always made our space available to the community, and now we’ll have brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities,” Kinnally said. The gym will host parish and community sports programs, school activities, and special events, providing a versatile venue for engagement and development. The new facility is also expected to enhance interfaith and intergenerational programs, allowing for greater community interaction.
The new Education and Faith Center is expected to be completed in June, with preschool classes for two-year-olds beginning in January 2026 and full enrollment by September 2026. Religious education programs will begin using the space this fall, providing an improved learning environment for the parish’s young members. Parish leaders anticipate that the new facilities will significantly enhance the church’s ability to provide holistic faith formation for families and individuals of all ages.
While a formal celebration will wait until all phases of the project are complete, the parish hopes to mark its patron saint’s feast day, June 21, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We will recognize our donors and celebrate this milestone together,” Kinnally said. “It’s a testament to the generosity and faith of our community.”
St. Aloysius Parish: A Rich History
Founded in 1896, St. Aloysius Parish was established to serve the growing Catholic population of New Canaan. Over 120 years and three church buildings later, the parish continues to thrive, now welcoming nearly 3,000 families. The mission remains unchanged: to bring Christ—present in Word and Sacrament—to all.
“This parish family lives the Gospel with great joy and boundless energy,” Kinnally said. “You will find Jesus fully alive in this place, and no matter where you are in your faith life, you will be at home here.”
With vibrant ministries, faith formation programs, and a commitment to serving others, St. Aloysius Parish continues to be a beacon of hope and spiritual growth in the New Canaan community. The parish offers a variety of outreach initiatives, including food drives, support for struggling families, and engagement with local shelters and aid organizations.
For more information on the project or to support the campaign, visit www.starcc.com.
