Our Lady of Aparecida Parish in Danbury/Bethel, Connecticut
Role of Episcopal Vicars
The role of Episcopal Vicars is defined in the Code of Canon Law, can. 476.
Following its spirit, in the Diocese of Bridgeport Episcopal Vicars are the Diocesan Bishop’s appointed personal representatives, each overseeing a diocese-wide initiative or serving the pastoral needs of an ethnic community or another specific group of persons. As such an Episcopal Vicar enters a two-way line of communication with the Diocesan Bishop and his office so the proper flow of information is maintained, and the Vicar’s positions are taken into consideration before any major decision is made regarding his entrusted ministry and his pertinent duties.
Episcopal Vicar for Brazilian Catholics
Today, Father Leonel Medeiros is the appointed Episcopal Vicar for Brazilian Catholics in the diocese. He is directly responsible for the sacramental life and ministry of the Brazilian-American Catholic Community Our Lady Aparecida Parish in Danbury, CT, and oversees the priests and laity ministering to the needs of the Brazilian Catholic Community in Bridgeport, CT. Since he also administers Our Lady of Aparecida Catholic Community Center, unde this responsibility he be also the Community Center Director.
Community Description
The Brazilian-American Catholic Community Our Lady Aparecida has more than 1100 families officially registered, and many other families and individuals not yet registered but who help populate many exceptionally well-attended religious, social, and cultural events. It has many children, adolescents, and youth, and most of its adults are under 45 years of age.
The community is sustainable, solvent, and thriving, meets its obligations, and fulfills its responsibilities; it has the human talents it needs, eager to serve.
Background & Opportunity
Established on January 25, 2020, Our Lady of Aparecida Parish community has been a cornerstone of faith and love in the Brazilian Catholic community for over 27 years. This vibrant community is dedicated to serving the Lord through its 28 pastoral ministries and service groups. Focused on meeting sacramental needs, Our Lady of Aparecida encourages faith development through various activities including social gatherings, retreats, bible studies, and lay leadership development.
The parish, initially a part of St. Peter’s Parish as a Quasi-Parish for over 17 year, has celebrated weekend Masses at St. Peter’s Church and has now acquired a new facility at 42 Vail Rd. Bethel, CT 06801. This expansion addresses the need for more space to foster fraternity, welcome, and Christian coexistence among the faithful. It also enables the parish to offer religious formation courses and services to the needy, while gaining administrative and financial autonomy.
The Brazilian Community Center Our Lady of Aparecida, then located at 61 Liberty Street, Danbury, stood as a testament to the parish's commitment to seizing opportunities. There, the community hosted daily and weekend Masses, meetings, and activities for its pastoral ministries. The center, a cherished asset bought through diligent efforts, caters to the Brazilian-American Catholic Community.
The Diocesan Capital Campaign played a pivotal role in the evolution of Our Lady of Aparecida. It facilitated the transformation of the Brazilian Community Center into an instituted Our Lady of Aparecida Quasi-Parish and supported the acquisition and repurposing of the new property at 42 Vail Rd. The parish oversees the conversion of the former Michael’s At The Grove reception hall into a new worship space, along with offices and classrooms. This development marks the realization of 27 years of dedicated service to the Brazilian-American Catholics.
Our Lady of Aparecida Parish extends immense gratitude to St. Peter’s Parish for its 20 years of partnership, aiding in the mission of preaching the Gospel and the salvation of souls. The Parish continues to strive towards meeting the evolving needs of its community while cherishing the legacy of its past.
Combined Duties: Diocesan Bishop’s Vicar for Brazilian Catholics/Our Lady Aparecida Parish - Director
