Sherman Connecticut News

A New Chapter for Sherman’s Catholic Community

The Completion of Holy Trinity Chapel

Holy Trinity Church - Sherman CT

After years of meticulous planning, a bittersweet demolition, and months of steady construction, the new Holy Trinity Chapel has officially opened its doors to the Sherman community. The project's completion, marked by a Dedication Mass late last year on December 21, secures the future of the Catholic presence in town for generations to come.

Original Trinity Church - 2022

Holy Trinity Church - Sherman CT - 2025

After years of meticulous planning, a bittersweet demolition, and months of steady construction, the new Holy Trinity Chapel has officially opened its doors to the Sherman community. The project's completion, marked by a Dedication Mass late last year on December 21, secures the future of the Catholic presence in town for generations to come.

A Legacy Rooted in 1964

The story of Holy Trinity is deeply woven into the fabric of Sherman's history. It began on June 8, 1964, when local resident Margaret O'Neil donated 10 acres of land to St. Edward the Confessor Parish with a single stipulation: the land could only be used for the construction of a church.

By December 1981, that vision was realized when the original Holy Trinity Chapel was dedicated. For four decades, that building served as a spiritual anchor. However, as the years passed, the aging structure faced mounting maintenance challenges, structural deterioration, and an inability to meet modern accessibility standards.

The Merger and the Rebuild

In July of 2022, a significant shift occurred. To foster collaboration and ensure financial efficiency, Holy Trinity officially merged back into New Fairfield's St. Edward the Confessor Parish under the decree of Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

With the merger complete, parish leadership made the difficult but necessary decision to tear down the 1981 structure to make way for a modern, purpose-built sanctuary. The old church celebrated its final weekend in November 2023, and demolition commenced shortly after.

Following approval by the Sherman Planning and Zoning Commission in July 2024, construction on the new chapel began in the spring of 2025. Designed to respect Sherman’s architectural heritage, the new building does not feature a traditional steeple, blending seamlessly into the rural landscape. As First Selectman Don Lowe noted during the approval process, the design is "quaint and tasteful" and serves as a vital addition to Sherman's infrastructure.

Holy Trinity Church During Construction

Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future

While the building is entirely new, the history of the parish was not discarded. Construction crews carefully preserved the altar from the original 1981 church. It has been repurposed and now sits under a protective roof as a permanent outdoor prayer station on the campus.