St. Mary's Catholic Parish is a Passionist congregation dedicated to proclaiming God's love through the Passion of Jesus Christ. We are committed to keep alive the memory of Christ's passion through our commitment to family, community, ministries of the Word, and service to those who suffer and are in need. We welcome all who see the renewed power of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

With the success of the Passionists’ efforts in Birmingham, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fairfield began as a mission of Holy Family Church in Ensley in 1942. A small frame church was built and dedicated on March 12, 1943, by Bishop Toolen. In 1951 a school was built serving 178 students; Assisting with the establishment of the school were Fr. Miles, C.P., as a teacher, and Sr. Anthony, M.S.B.T. The sisters also began a kindergarten for the children non-school aged children.​

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In 1961, Fr. Nicholas broke ground on a new church building. The new St. Mary’s Church was dedicated April 29, 1962, by Auxiliary Bishop Durick with 35 members. By 1951 the school had grown with seven grades. (The school was closed in 2013 due to funding and diminishing enrollment).

Two years later a convent was built which housed the sisters of St. Frances. In 1961 Fr. Nicholas broke grounds on a new church which was completed and dedicated in 1962 by Auxiliary Bishop Durick. In 1985, an addition to the church, begun by Fr. Bernie, included office space and meeting rooms, and 2018 under Fr. Justin Nelson a new social hall was built and dedicated.​

MISSION

St. Mary's Catholic Parish is a Passionist congregation dedicated to proclaiming God's love through the Passion of Jesus Christ. We are committed to keep alive the memory of Christ's passion through our commitment to family, community, ministries of the Word, and service to those who suffer and are in need. We welcome all who see the renewed power of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.

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