St. Andrew's parish is very large, encompassing thousands of families in Newtown and surrounding towns. This vastness allows St. Andrew to tap into vast resources (both financial and volunteer) to support noteworthy causes both locally and globally. There are many programs and opportunities available for people of all ages in which to take part if they feel so inclined. St. Andrew has a strong leader in Fr. Michael Picard who provides a good face for the entire parish. Parish facilities are modern with a new school completed in the mid-1990s and a church dating to 1985. The parish also has a preschool across from a very old church, both of which date back 80+ years. The main challenge that has faced St. Andrew for years is its crowded masses and increasing school enrollment. The new school has already needed 4 expansions to contain its growing student body. Sunday masses are usually full, but not terribly overcrowded. Holiday masses are a disaster and require arriving at the church at least half an hour early. Unfortunately there are few good solutions to the crowding problem short of holding more masses in the school's gym (undesirable) or the old church where parking can be a challenge.
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