A Man with a Mission 

By Bridgette L. Rallo 

When Father Brian Jeffries took over as the pastor of the combined Roman Catholic parishes of Immaculate Conception in Norfolk and St. Joseph’s in Canaan two years ago, he faced serious problems. Members of both churches had initially resisted the consolidation mandated by the Archdiocese of Hartford due to a shortage of priests. Most disliked a temporary arrangement with the local Franciscan order to lend their priests to the Archdiocese until a replacement for their beloved Fr. John Ahern could be found. And, as the search for a permanent parish priest dragged on for three and a half years, it seemed that neither Norfolk nor Canaan would ever have a pastor of their own.  

It was just at that point that Fr. Jeffries, facing reassignment after 12 years in Seymour, CT, received a call from Hartford Archbishop Henry Mansell asking if he would consider relocating to the rural northwest corner of the state. He was intrigued; over the years, he had visited the area on fishing trips but had never spent any time in either town. He took a drive up to take a better look at the two churches and agreed to relocate. “I was very impressed with the beauty here and with the architecture, especially in Norfolk,” he said.  

Now, Fr. Jeffries is fully acclimated to the pace of country life and has settled in as the busy pastor of two active parishes. It’s not unusual these days to see Norfolk residents at Mass in Canaan and vice versa. Parish councils regularly have joint meetings and both churches share one bulletin and one office at the St. Joseph’s rectory. Collections are up and attendance is growing, although not as fast as Fr. Jeffries would like. Most importantly, people in the pews are smiling again. They’re involved once more in parish life. “The parishioners do a lot here,” he said. “It’s very refreshing; they’re always willing to do what’s needed.” 

Fr. Brian Jeffries on the alter at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on North Street.

Brian Jeffries grew up in Manchester, CT. Ordained 37 years ago, he knew from a very young age that the priesthood was his calling. He has never had a moment’s doubt that he made the right decision all those years ago. He is “totally committed” to religious life and equally committed to the welfare of his parishioners. His commitment to the two parishes, as well as to Norfolk and Canaan, is evident in his growing involvement in community activities. Fr. Jeffries has visited the Norfolk Curling Club during a winter bonspiel and the Norfolk Library for a concert, has become a lunchtime regular at the Black Forest Bakery and Café in Canaan, participated in Memorial Day ceremonies and taken a spot at the Norfolk Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.   

While at the market, he and members of Immaculate Conception Church groups tell interested market patrons about the various ways the church contributes to community welfare. “Our Diocesan Outreach donates to Meadowbrook, the Food Bank, the Fire Department and families in need. If someone in our community is in need, we’ll help, regardless of whether or not that person is a Catholic,” Fr. Jeffries explained. “We want everyone here to understand who we are.” 

With parish consolidation now complete and his involvement in community growing, Norfolk’s newest pastor plans to spend a long time in the Northwest Corner. Fr. Jeffries is two years into his first six-year assignment and, according to diocesan rules, is eligible to serve an additional six years in the same parish. “I’ll stay as long as they’ll have me,” he concluded. 

Photo By Bridgette L. Rallo