Category: Volunteering

  • Parish Picnic Sep 2026

    Parish Picnic Sep 2026

    On a picture-perfect late-summer evening, nearly 200 parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Fatima gathered in the circle beneath the great tree for our annual Parish Picnic. The weather could not have been better: clear blue skies, a gentle breeze, and the warm golden light you can see in the photos below as the sun settled behind the trees.

    Above all, the evening was about people. Young families sat alongside parishioners who have called Fatima home for decades. Newcomers were welcomed at every table, and longtime friends caught up on summer news over plates of terrific food. As the photos show, the tables filled quickly and the conversation never stopped.

    Before we ate, Father Pawel led us in grace, reminding us that every meal shared in gratitude is a gift from God. It was a fitting beginning. Jesus promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Looking across the circle that evening, it was easy to sense His presence in the laughter, the kindness, and the simple joy of breaking bread together.

    Nancy made sure there was something for everyone. Children lined up for fresh popcorn and cotton candy, gathered around the fire to toast s’mores, and played games on the lawn, while others lingered at the tables well past sunset. You’ll spot a few happy popcorn customers in the pictures.

    None of it would have been possible without the Columbiettes and the Knights of Columbus, who pitched in from setup to cleanup and were more than happy to help. Their spirit of service is at the heart of our parish family.

    It was, quite simply, so much fun. Thank you to everyone who came. We look forward to gathering under the great tree again next year!


  • Sep 11 2026 Memorial

    Sep 11 2026 Memorial

    On the morning of Friday, September 11, before the 9 a.m. Mass, parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima gathered outside the parish center for a memorial prayer service arranged by the Knights of Columbus. It was a well-attended gathering. As the photos show, Knights in their navy polos stood beside veterans, longtime parishioners, and friends, forming a quiet circle in prayer.

    This year marked twenty-five years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The group gathered at the parish’s 9/11 memorial, where a white statue shelters a small child and a granite stone bears the names of our five parishioners who “went home to God” that day. Fresh flowers and a small American flag had been placed at its base, a simple and fitting tribute you can see in the photos.

    Wearing a purple stole, Father Pawel led the congregants in prayer. With heads bowed, we remembered all who were lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families who have carried their grief for a quarter century. In a special way, we prayed for the members of our own parish family:

    Edward T. Fergus Jr.
    Peter Christian Fry
    John F. Iskyan
    Edward York
    John Christopher Henwood


    We do not grieve as those without hope. Christ, who wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, stands beside every family who mourns, and He has promised that death does not have the final word. Gathered in His name at the foot of that memorial, we entrusted these souls to His mercy and prayed that His light would continue to shine where darkness once seemed so great.

    Afterward, the group paused for a photograph together before carrying the memory of these men into Mass, where the Eucharist unites the living and the departed in one communion of saints.

    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.


  • Enter the Parish Raffle

    Enter the Parish Raffle

    There are fantastic prizes to be won in Our Lady of Fatima Parish Raffle – as the saying goes, “if you are not in, you can’t win!”

    Or scan the QR code


  • Volunteers needed for House of Hero’s Project

    Volunteers needed for House of Hero’s Project

    The Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100’s House of Heroes project is set for Saturday, July 25th at 8am. The address is 35 Maher Drive, Norwalk, CT 06850. Breakfast & lunch will be served – tasks will include staining a deck and doing some extensive yardwork. Please wear long sleeves & long pants to protect yourself if possible.

    The sign up genius link is below:

    https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C48ACAF2BAAFC1-64703843-2026


  • 2026 Easter Egg Hunt

    2026 Easter Egg Hunt

    Another fantastic Easter Egg Hunt happened on Saturday, April 4th, at 10am. The Columbiettes in tandem with the Knights put together a great set of entertainment for everyone who turned out. There was coffee and an assortment of juices for adults and kids alike, twinned with a choice of munchin donuts that would have fed an army! Earlier in the morning, the Columbiettes had teamed with a large group of very energetic older kids who helped set everything up, getting tables in place and strategically placing eggs throughout the field behind the school. Once it came time for the Egg Hunt, children were quickly on the search and each child returned with plenty of eggs and a very happy smile on their face.

    I would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time over the Easter period, including the flower sale, the washing of the feet, the cleaning of the Church, the purchasing of the food, the Easter Egg Hunt, and many other activities. They helped make it a very special Easter for young and old alike!


  • A fantastic evening celebrating St. Patricks Day!

    A fantastic evening celebrating St. Patricks Day!

    On Saturday evening, March 14th 2026, about 120 people gathered at Our Lady of Fatima’s School Gym to celebrate St. Patricks Day in style. The evening kicked off with Fr. Pawel giving an Irish Blessing before the food was served. O’Neills pub in Norwalk once again provided the Irish food, corn beef with cabbage, mash and a choice of vegetables. Immediately after that, dessert was served, with the Village Market providing two very large trays of Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Tony Boucher also provided some Cookies – needless to say, we were only counting crumbs at the end.
    There was then a draw for the children and each child was given a toy that was provided by the “Wild Child” shop in Wilton. It put a smile on every childs face and was hugely appreciated. We then had a draw for the Adults and some fantastic prizes were won by a lot of people, with prizes ranging from $25 to $160 in vouchers that were provided by some very generous businesses that I have named below.
    Once the draws were completed, everyone was treated to some great Irish dancing provided by the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance. To cap it off, they brought the children up on the stage at the end and involved them in a traditional Irish Dance which they loved! It made everyone extremely happy to see the kids so involved in the event.
    Thanks must be given to everyone involved – to all the businesses who supported us, to the Knights and the Columbiettes who helped organise and run the event, and to the Parish who turned out in big numbers to enjoy themselves and support a great cause at the same time.
    Míle buíochas!!!!!!!!

    Thank you again to all the businesses that supported us, including O’Neills Pub of Norwalk, The Village Market, ASML, Dynamic Edge Physiotherapy, YMCA, The Little Pub, Stop & Shop, Wilton Hardware, Eco Chic Salon, Marleys Restaurant, Craft 14 Kitchen & Bar, Cactus Rose Restaurant, Pinocchio Pizza, Nova Cafe, Ancona’s Wines, The Red Rooster, The Wild Child, Sweet Pierre’s, Tavern on 7, and the Tusk & Cup, Wilton


  • Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Competition Winners

    Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Competition Winners

    Each year, our Council 12698 Wilton Knights of Columbus host a “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster competition. The “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster competition is an annual program run by the Knights of Columbus for youth (typically grades K-8) to creatively express the religious meaning of Christmas through art, focusing on Jesus’s birth rather than secular holiday commercialism. Participants create 11″x17″ posters with original slogans and images, with winners advancing through local, district, state, and even international levels, with prizes awarded at various stages.

    This year, the competition in Our Lady of Fatima was managed by Knights Peter Rubsam and Brad Wolf who worked with the Parish and CCD Parents to distribute the initiative to all the children. As a result, there was a lot of entries and competition to win the 1st prize for each grade was highly competitive.

    Congratulations to Ella Trojek Grade 2, Isabella Ciano Grade 3 and Aurora Dusi Grade 6.

    The 3 winners posters will now be sent onwards to compete against winners from other Councils in our District, so please wish them the best of luck going forwards!

    Thanks to everyone who took part and helped with the competition.


  • Creche Goes Up In Town Center

    Creche Goes Up In Town Center

    It reminded me of the joke – It only takes one man to put something together, but it takes many to read the directions: one to read them aloud, and the other to say, “I told you so!”

    Thanks to Rich Cunningham for providing the van to move the Creche from the Church to the town center, and to everyone who volunteered and turned out to make it an occasion to remember! On to 2026!


  • Keep Christ In Christmas Contest

    Keep Christ In Christmas Contest

    OLF Wilton Knights of Columbus are inviting all boys and girls in Grades 1 to 8 to participate in a “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest.

    A workshop for the kids to get started will be held Sunday December 7th after 9:30am mass (10:30am) in the parish center. All supplies will be provided by the OLF Knights of Columbus. Hot cocoa (for the kids), tea and coffee ((for parents) will be available.

    Winners in each grade category (1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, 7th-8th) will receive a $25 gift card.

    The rules are:

    • Poster must reflect the theme of Keep Christ in Christmas
    • Each poster should be the original work of a single person
    • Poster should be approximately 11″ x 17″ in size in color or black and white
    • Name and grade of artist should be included on back of the poster
    • Submit posters at the OLF parish office by Friday 12/19
    • Winners will be selected by 12/31 and have an opportunity to advance to the district, state and national contest levels

    Please contact Peter Rubsam at 203-984-5909 with any questions.


  • Christmas Tree Lighting!

    Christmas Tree Lighting!

    Mark your calendars! The traditional Our Lady of Fatima Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held on December 6th after the 4:30pm mass. This traditionally is a very festive event led by the Knights and Columbiettes with a very tasty free dinner provided in the Parish Center after the tree lighting. Everyone is asked to bring their own beverages (BYOB) and registration is not required. Volunteers will be needed to set up in advance – please email wiltonknightsofcolumbus@gmail.com.

    Come join us to truly kick off the Christmas Season!