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Photo: Dariusz Terepka Photography
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
By Elizabeth Donnelly with Fr. David Roman
St. Thomas Aquinas, the oldest Catholic Church in Fairfield, affectionately known as the ‘Mother Church,’ was founded in 1876 with a modest parish of 140 families across Fairfield. Their school originally opened in 1882 with the intent of helping form children in faith and academic excellence. What began with an enrollment of 130 students has grown to a parish serving 1,400 families, over 300 students, and 43 lay staff members.
Today, Fr. David Roman, who likes to be referred to as Fr. David, serves at the helm of St. Thomas. Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, he felt a desire from early on to serve as an educator and made it his mission to become a teacher. Fr. David studied at Western Connecticut State University, earning a history degree, then received a Master’s in teaching at Sacred Heart University. He taught social studies and religion at St. Joseph School in Danbury, CT, for six years before responding to the call to become a priest.
Entering seminary in the Fall of 2014, he began formation for the Roman Catholic priesthood and studied Theology at the Theological College of The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Fr. David was ordained a priest in June of 2019 by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at St. Augustine’s Cathedral in Bridgeport and his first assignment as a
Parochial Vicar (i.e., an associate priest) was at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan, CT. Just before Christmas in December of 2023, Bishop Caggiano gave Fr. David the news he would be transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas in Fairfield. Fr. David was officially installed as the 16th Pastor of St.Thomas Aquinas on his 39th birthday in May of 2024.
Serving a church with such a historical legacy has been a blessing for Fr. David. The church building itself is designed in a modified Gregorian style of architecture, selected to harmonize with the character of the town of Fairfield. The main body, or nave of the church, is cruciform in design with seating accommodations for 1,100 people. The beauty of the church is in its simplicity, with gracefully curved ceilings that provide an uninterrupted view of the altar from any seat. St. Thomas is set apart not only by its architectural beauty but also by its rich history in Fairfield for the last 149 years.
In speaking with Fr. David, he shares that one of the gifts of the Fairfield community is discovering ways that so many are connected back to the church, “there is something special about St. Thomas that moves in the hearts of men and women in town.” The spirit of the parish extends across generations. “When I first arrived here in town, I was amazed at
Professional photos by Dariusz Terepka Photography, others courtesy of St. Thomas Aquinas Church
how almost everyone I met had some sort of connection to our school. Either they attended our school themselves, or a relative of theirs had. The elementary years are so formative for kids; the lessons they learn are carried with them for a lifetime.” Recently, Fr. David was summoned to the side of a woman in her nineties who recalled her time at the school; the connection to her childhood was made even sweeter as she received a care package from the present-day students of St. Thomas.
While the legacy of the school and church is well-known across Fairfield, St. Thomas continues to be a thriving community of faith, bringing families together to grow in not only their faith, but also in hope and love. The church’s many ministries seek to give people opportunities to connect to one another and to our greater community. Fr. David says, “None of this vital work would be possible without the amazing St. Thomas team of paid and volunteer workers. Each one of them brings their unique talents and gifts to the table at the service of our parish (church & school) community.” The group gathers each Thursday morning for a team meeting that consists of business duties, as well as formational meetings led by Fr. David. “The pastoral team is an awesome family,” he says, as employees come together to serve the community.
St. Thomas is currently working towards the goal of inviting individuals and families back home to the Church. They’re seeking a revival of the parish and the greater Church here in Fairfield County. Bishop Caggiano is spearheading this effort, which he has titled “The One.” Every Wednesday from 7:30 am - 12:00 pm, St. Thomas holds the Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a time for people to come and sit in the Church for silent prayer and reflection. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesdays as well. “Everyone is invited to come and spend some time in holy silence. It’s the best way to recharge by stepping away from the hustle and bustle of our busy days.”
While the church doesn’t have an official motto, Fr. David looks to the advice of their patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, who once said: ‘It is better to illuminate than merely to shine.’ St. Thomas Aquinas Parish seeks to be a beacon of light here in Fairfield by illuminating the hearts and souls of every man, woman, and child who walks through their doors. “I want people to know that St. Thomas is a home for everyone. Doors are open for anyone who might find themselves in need or a desire to root themselves in a community of love.”
For more information about St. Thomas Parish, visit stthomasfairfield.com or stop by the church on a Sunday morning for a chat with Fr. David himself, at 1719 Post Road in Fairfield. He will be glad to speak with you.
Cover Photo:
Tracy Strub, Fr. Chris Samele, Emily Lomnitzer, Mary Jane Edwards, Julie Wallace, Dcn. Frank Mantero, Fr. David Roman, Matt Kane, Janet Wrabel, Adam Fielding, Johnna Hoffman, Annie Coolidge