OUR HISTORY
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The history of Holy Rosary Parish is necessarily identified with that of Assumption Church, the mother parish of Ansonia. Our present Holy Rosary Church was formerly part of Assumption Parish. When in 1908 the number of Italian nationals was considered large enough, it was through the generosity of the pastor at Assumption that the Italians were given the use of the church. Despite the fact that from the beginning Holy Rosary had its own identity, resident priests, services and records, it only had one canonical status of a mission. The church and adjacent land continued to be the property of Assumption Parish. Both parishes shared the church on Sundays and Holy Days; Assumption having Mass at 8:00am on Sundays and 6:00pm on Holy Days, Holy Rosary the remainder of the morning. From this unique background, Holy Rosary finally reached its full maturity in 1955, when it was made into an independent parish.
On September 2, 1955, Holy Rosary was incorporated and canonically erected as a parish. On September 8, there was a transfer of the church property from the Assumption Parish to the Holy Rosary Parish. The flood of October 15, 1955 had caused negligible damage to Holy Rosary, whom had just recovered from a previous flood on August 19. On the Sundays that Holy Rosary Church was closed, Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Assumption Church.
On September 12, 1957, another great stride was made in the rapid progress and growth of our parish. Reverend Anthony J. Salemi purchased fourteen acres of land on Prindle Avenue and Ford Street, alert to possible parish needs. However, Fr. Salemi's sudden death on May 18, 1965 came before he was able to complete plans for the present Holy Rosary Church. His contributions to both Holy Rosary and the City of Ansonia were so outstanding, the Ansonia Board of Alderman named the street our current parish is located on in Fr. Salemi's honor; Father Salemi Drive.
On September 2, 1955, Holy Rosary was incorporated and canonically erected as a parish. On September 8, there was a transfer of the church property from the Assumption Parish to the Holy Rosary Parish. The flood of October 15, 1955 had caused negligible damage to Holy Rosary, whom had just recovered from a previous flood on August 19. On the Sundays that Holy Rosary Church was closed, Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Assumption Church.
On September 12, 1957, another great stride was made in the rapid progress and growth of our parish. Reverend Anthony J. Salemi purchased fourteen acres of land on Prindle Avenue and Ford Street, alert to possible parish needs. However, Fr. Salemi's sudden death on May 18, 1965 came before he was able to complete plans for the present Holy Rosary Church. His contributions to both Holy Rosary and the City of Ansonia were so outstanding, the Ansonia Board of Alderman named the street our current parish is located on in Fr. Salemi's honor; Father Salemi Drive.
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In 1966, plans for a new church were under way. A church that could seat 750 people, a day chapel to seat approximately 40 people, a social hall with a kitchen and stage, and four Sunday school classrooms. The nave and sanctuary were to be designed liturgically with a close relationship between the celebrant and congregation.
The plan was to build a circular church, wherein the pastor's desire to emphasize the role of the congregation in the Sacrifices of the Mass could best be carried out, which led to a semi-circular design for the nave and the placement of auxiliary facilities to complete the round design.
On February 13, 1988, Holy Rosary was blessed with having its first member ordained to the priesthood, Reverend Stephen Krugel. Fr. Steve's first Mass was celebrated at Holy Rosary on February 14, 1988. Fr. Steve would return to Holy Rosary as pastor in 2012.
The plan was to build a circular church, wherein the pastor's desire to emphasize the role of the congregation in the Sacrifices of the Mass could best be carried out, which led to a semi-circular design for the nave and the placement of auxiliary facilities to complete the round design.
On February 13, 1988, Holy Rosary was blessed with having its first member ordained to the priesthood, Reverend Stephen Krugel. Fr. Steve's first Mass was celebrated at Holy Rosary on February 14, 1988. Fr. Steve would return to Holy Rosary as pastor in 2012.
Since 1968, when the first Bazaar was held, Holy Rosary has held the Annual Italian Festival (The Festa). This is an opportunity for our parish family, and visitors from the surrounding areas of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, Shelton (and beyond), to visit our beautiful parish grounds and come together to help support Holy Rosary...and enjoy some great Italian Food too.
Today, Holy Rosary Parish continues to flourish and thrive. Families of all types and ages continue to join our parish and celebrate the Love of God with us. Please check our Liturgy schedule and we look forward to seeing you at Mass.
