The Parish of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic community founded in 1874. The parish consists of the rectory, the stone church, parish center, and a dedicated clergy, staff and laypeople.
Mass is held daily during the week at 7am, 8am and 12:05pm, with an additional 5:30pm service during Lent. On Saturdays, a morning service is held at 8am and two vigils take place at 4pm and 5:15pm. The 7:30pm Saturday mass is read in Spanish. Sunday services are held at 7am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:15pm and 5:15pm.
Religious education classes are offered during the week for children, as well as special program to guide children through First Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. The parish youth group coordinates numerous social activities for young people.
Music echoes through the church, with sung prayer of the youth and adult choirs, comprised of volunteers and professionals. Adults can participate in a number of faith formation groups and events. The church is also home to the Hispanic Center.
The small but vibrant parish of St. Agnes is home to a shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, a grotto similar to the original in France.
Mass is held Monday through Thursday and on Holy Days at 9am. A Saturday vigil is read at 5pm, and confessions are heard on the first Saturday of the month after the evening service. Sunday services are at 8:30am and 10am.
Professional soloists and an organist fill the church with music during Mass. Catechism classes for grades one through eight meet on Wednesday afternoons and guide children through the sacraments of First Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. The church's large carriage room includes a kitchen and bar, suitable for receptions and parties. It can seat up to 220 people.
The Niantic Community Church traces its roots back to the Colonial days, as it was originally founded in 1719. Today it is a federated congregation of the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. The beautiful white building hosts a variety of services and community activities, helping the congregation to continue its rich tradition.
The Legion of Christ is a religious congregation. The college offers a range of programs and specialties and works in collaboration with the bishops and the pastoral plans of each diocese. Legionaries spend time at novitiate centers, including the one based in Cheshire. Check the main website for details on programs or for information on joining.
Pine Grove Spiritualist Camp, otherwise known as "the Camp," was established in 1882 as a resort for Spiritualists. The camp is located along the Niantic River, on the edge of Niantic Bay. Visitors can schedule private readings or attend a medium's day, Wednesday or Saturday circles, or gallery readings. Workshops are held throughout the summer.
The principles of Spiritualism can be found on the camp's website.
Cornerstone Baptist Church pulls no punches when it comes to public declaration of its mission.
"Jesus Christ... the Chief Cornerstone," one sign declares. "Prepare to Meet Thy God," says another.
The church is nestled beside the Camp Oakdale Pavilion on Route 163. Its two wings border a large parking lot, with steps leading up to one level of the church; a handicapped ramp leads to a lower level.
This Episcopal church serves congregation members from Durham and the surrounding communities. Church of The Epiphany has roots in the town dating back to the late 1700s. The current church was consecrated in 1863. The church is now an independent Episcopal parish. Epiphany teaches tolerance, and offers a range of programs aimed at giving back to the community. Sunday services are held at 9:30am and 10:45am.
The massive and stately stone of the Christ Episcopal Church has overlooked the Guilford Green for more than 250 years. It houses an active congregation that meets for regular Sunday worship as well as other special services. The church also holds special events including an annual Children's Christmas Pageant and publishes a quarterly newsletter.
The Cheshire United Methodist Church building on Academy Road was constructed in 1970 with an addition of a formal sanctuary completed in 1987. The history of the church, however, begins much earlier - in the 1830s. The original building on Spring and Main Streets was built at that time, for a cost of about $3,000.
That building now houses the Temple Beth David Synagogue.
Founded in 1958, the Bethel Assembly of God remains a vibrant spiritual community. Services are held on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A variety of ministries focusing on distinct age and interest groups are available, including the Royal Rangers for young boys. The church also sponsors special missions which send adults to the far corners of the world.
Celebrating 153 years of ministry, Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church holds Sunday worship at 9:30am with the Reverend Claudine Crooks.
The First Lutheran Church in downtown Greenwich is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Services are held year-round at 10:30am on Sundays. The congregation meets for coffee after the service, and adults are then invited to attend Bible Study. Sunday School for children is held at 9:30am before worship.
The church's parish hall can accommodate up to 100 people, and a few smaller classrooms are available for use by community groups.
The traditional service at First Presbyterian Church begins at 10am each Sunday, during which time children through the 7th grade are invited to attend education programs. The semi-professional Chancel Choir leads the service.
An additional Sunday evening service is held in the Anderson Chapel at 5pm and during the summer months, an 8:30am service is held in the Seaside Garden at Greenwich Point, weather permitting. Childcare is available during all services.
In addition to Sunday School, children can participate in the church choirs. There's a special youth group for middle school children as well as a Confirmation class. Faith Inspired Senior High (FISH) provides highschoolers with an array of faith-formation and social activities.
The Fellowship Committee coordinates a number of activities and family events throughout the year, including the annual summer picnic and Homecoming Sunday.
The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School also operates at the church.
St. Patrick Church's parish mission statement is: "Called together by God to experience Jesus in His Word, in the Sacraments of the Church and in each other. We are committed to embrace all God's people as witnesses of God's mercy." The clergy is led by Rev. Water Nagle and the congregation has more than 1,400 household members.
It's hard to miss the Second Congregational Church on the corner of Milbank and East Putnam Avenues. The church, founded in 1705, sits majestically atop a hill. Its magnificent stone building and steeple has become a town landmark. An informal worship service takes place in the chapel on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. The main service is held at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
Church School takes place during the 10:00 a.m. service. Childcare is available from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Volunteers and professional musicians comprise the Chancel Choir and the men's and women's choruses. Youth Choir Program is a popular, non-auditioned group for boys and girls.
St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church is located near Regal Cinemas on the Cross Roads. This Greek Catholic church is open every day, from 6:30am through nighttime, for open prayer. Divine Liturgy is held on Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 10am. A gift shop carrying religious items is on site.
Josh Whinston, was installed as rabbi in November 2010. The temple opened in 1968 in the location of the old Methodist Church on Main Street. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is decorated with locally made stained glass windows. Temple Beth David is a Reform synagogue.