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7 Unforgettable Facts About St. Matthew Church Norwalk CT: The 2025 Guide To Its Unique Outreach And Community

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St. Matthew Church in Norwalk, CT, continues to stand as a vibrant cornerstone of the Fairfield County Catholic community, blending deep-rooted tradition with innovative, modern outreach. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the parish is actively involved in major diocesan initiatives and unique local programs that have captured regional attention, including an award-winning community fair and a distinctive street ministry.

The parish, located on Scribner Avenue, serves a large and active congregation of over 2,400 families, providing a dynamic spiritual home that extends its influence well beyond Sunday Mass. From its founding in the mid-20th century to its current status as a 'Pilot Parish' for new diocesan programs, St. Matthew's remains a focal point for faith, education, and community service in Norwalk, Connecticut.

St. Matthew Church Norwalk CT: Clergy, Staff, and Parish Profile

St. Matthew Church is a Roman Catholic parish within the Diocese of Bridgeport, known for its extensive community involvement and commitment to service. The parish leadership and staff are central to maintaining its status as a warm and welcoming spiritual center.

  • Location: 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
  • Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport
  • Establishment: Founded on November 14, 1957
  • Parish Size: Home to a large congregation of over 2,400 families
  • Current Pastor: Rev. Francis T. Hoffmann (known as Fr. Frank Hoffmann)
  • Clergy & Staff Entities:
    • Pastor: Rev. Francis T. Hoffmann
    • Bishop: Most Rev. Frank Joseph Caggiano (Diocese of Bridgeport)
    • Organist: Valerie Wyman
    • Parish Council & Ministries: Knights of Columbus Council #14360 (a key supporting entity)
    • Religious Education Director: (Staff member overseeing the 2024-2025 programs)
  • Related Educational Entity: St. Matthew's Parish School (Focus on Catholic Identity and academic excellence)

The Innovative Outreach: Ashes-to-Go and The "Pilot Parish" Role

St. Matthew Church has gained recognition for its willingness to embrace innovative methods of evangelization, ensuring that faith meets people where they are in the modern world. This forward-thinking approach has been highlighted by two major initiatives: its unique Ash Wednesday ministry and its selection as a key diocesan partner.

The 'Ashes-to-Go' Ministry: Meeting People Where They Are

A highly publicized and unique community outreach effort is the annual "Ashes-to-Go" program. Utilizing a dedicated bus, clergy and volunteers from St. Matthew's hit the streets of Norwalk on Ash Wednesday to distribute ashes to the faithful who cannot make it to a traditional Mass. This mobile ministry has been praised for its ability to "meet people where they are," bringing the sacramental sign of repentance directly to commuters, workers, and those with limited mobility.

The program perfectly embodies the parish's mission of service, extending the church's presence beyond the walls of the Scribner Avenue location and into the daily life of the greater Norwalk community. It is a powerful example of modern Catholic community service and evangelization.

A Diocesan 'Pilot Parish' for Formation Reimagined

St. Matthew Church has been "CHOSEN as PILOT PARISH for THE ONE," a significant distinction within the Diocese of Bridgeport. This role positions St. Matthew's at the forefront of the Diocese's major initiative called "Formation Reimagined." As a pilot parish, St. Matthew's is among the first to implement new programs and strategies designed to deepen faith formation, engagement, and spiritual encounter for its parishioners.

This forward-looking involvement, often in partnership with Bishop Frank Caggiano's vision, underscores the parish's commitment to not just maintaining, but actively growing and evolving its spiritual offerings for the 21st century. The parish is serving as a model for other churches in the region, focusing on programs like "First Witnesses" to inspire deeper discipleship.

2024-2025: Key Programs, Schedules, and Community Life

The life of St. Matthew Parish is characterized by a robust schedule of spiritual, educational, and social events. The 2024-2025 academic and liturgical calendars highlight the parish's focus on all age groups, from pre-school liturgy to adult faith formation.

Weekend Mass and Daily Worship Schedule

The parish offers multiple opportunities for worship throughout the week, accommodating the schedules of its large congregation. The current Mass schedule is a key piece of information for both current parishioners and visitors to the Norwalk, CT area.

Weekend Mass Times:

  • Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM (Live Stream available)
  • Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (Family Mass/Youth Liturgy), 10:30 AM (Pre-School Liturgy & Live Stream), 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM

Daily Mass Times:

  • Monday: 12:10 PM (Live Stream)
  • Tuesday - Friday: (Typically 12:10 PM, check parish bulletin for specific daily changes)
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM

Religious Education and Confirmation for 2025

The Religious Education Program at St. Matthew's is a foundational element of the parish, with a detailed class schedule running through the 2024-2025 year. Classes are structured by grade level, with sessions typically held on Monday afternoons. The program is designed to instill Catholic identity and prepare young parishioners for the sacraments.

The Confirmation Program for the 2024–2025 year also follows a structured calendar, with sessions and meetings scheduled to prepare candidates and their sponsors. These programs are vital for the spiritual growth of the youth in the South Norwalk and greater Fairfield County region.

The Annual Christmas Fair and Knights of Columbus

Community events are a major part of St. Matthew's identity. The parish's second annual Christmas Fair, held in the lead-up to the holiday season, was a packed-house success, demonstrating strong local support and fellowship.

A driving force behind many of the parish's charitable and community efforts is the Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360. Established at the church, this council operates under the founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, providing essential support for the parish, local families, and various outreach programs. They are often key sponsors and organizers for major events like the Christmas Fair and other fundraisers.

St. Matthew's Parish School and Educational Entities

While St. Matthew's is primarily known for its church and parish life, it maintains a strong connection to Catholic education in the area. St. Matthew's Parish School provides a nurturing environment for students, with recent updates focusing on preparing classrooms for the new academic year and encouraging students to "finish strong" in their studies.

The commitment to education ensures a continuous pipeline of engaged young people into the parish community. The school's mission is closely aligned with the parish’s goal of forming faithful and responsible citizens within the Diocese of Bridgeport. The school, alongside other Catholic schools in Norwalk like All Saints Catholic School, contributes significantly to the educational landscape of Western Connecticut.

7 Unforgettable Facts About St. Matthew Church Norwalk CT: The 2025 Guide to Its Unique Outreach and Community
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