Updates: Building for the Future

Fall 2023- Completion

Summer 2023- Moving Forward

The siding, bricks, and exterior masonry have been placed and the construction indoors has begun. 

Spring 2023- Construction Progresses

Framing continues, courtyard cement has been laid and trusses are built. The roofing is in the process of being build. Playground area is cleared and leveled and exterior masonry is placed.

Winter 2023- Construction Continues

Foundation has been poured and framing is starting to be placed.

Winter 2022- Construction Begins

Trenches have been dug and the foundation for the expansion is being poured.

Groundbreaking Ceremony - Friday, December 16, 2022

L-R: Jose Imery of architectural firm Antinozzi Associates; Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport; Elena Schlegel (center); Charles Chiusano, Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors; Helen Burland, Executive Director; and students and adults from the Center.  Read the story in the CT Post.  View photos.

Fall 2022

A road for fire emergency access was constructed behind the building.

Tree trimming 3 11-2022

In anticipation of the expansion, tree trimming around the perimeter of the Center began in late November.
View more photos

Spring 2022

Our expansion project went before the Planning and Zoning Commission for the Town of Fairfield on May 10, 2022. It was unanimously approved. Read the letter to building supporters. Our hope is to break ground in early Fall 2022.

Update to Building Project Supporters

Notice of Public Hearing

Winter 2022

We are excited about these updated visuals of the new building, showing the different sides and more more details of the inside.

We have also alerted our neighbors of our plans. Read the letter.

Boring for soil samples 8-31-21

Fall 2021

As part of the preliminary exploration for our building expansion, workers with special drilling equipment bored holes in the parking lot to check soil solidity. Test pits were also dug in the parking lot to observe and confirm sufficient water drainage.

Summer 2021

A Productive Collaboration

We are grateful for the assistance of parish leadership from Holy Cross Church, including Fr. Alfred Pecaric, Bob Kokorda, Bill Sekelsky, Frank Ficko, and Ed Colon, as we worked together on the plan to best meet the needs of the Center and the Parish. Monsignor Thomas Powers, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bridgeport, coordinated our collaboration that also included four Board members from Saint Catherine Center. Read a letter to members of the Holy Cross Parish.

We are working with Antinozzi and Associates, the architects for the project, to draw up final plans to be presented to the Town of Fairfield for approval from the appropriate Boards and officials. As construction begins, we will provide weekly updates on this page.

“Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs is at the very heart of the mission of the Church, for if there was one thing that characterized Our Lord’s Ministry, it was that He always stood by those who were vulnerable. I have watched the Center grow and thrive as they companion children and young adults with disabilities, teaching, challenging, and nurturing them to become as independent as possible. It is both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to this new phase of growth.”

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport