The parish began as a mission founded on January 17, 1954, by Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien and entrusted to Father Eugene Moriarty of Holy Angels, South Meriden. A growing Catholic population in Yalesville inspired a successful fundraising effort and the formation of early parish societies, including the Fatima Men’s Club. Originally intended to be named for the Blessed Sacrament, the mission took the title Our Lady of Fatima at the archbishop’s suggestion in honor of the Marian Year.
Ground was broken for the church on Sunday, July 12, 1955, on land donated by Joseph and Mary McNally, though construction was delayed by the aftermath of Hurricane Diane. The church was completed and a Mass of Dedication was dedicated on August 18, 1956, celebrated by Rev. P. James McNally, son of Mr. and Mrs. McNally on August 18, 1956. The Church featuring notable handcrafted elements, including a floor-to-ceiling canvas mural of Our Lady of Fatima, and a seating capacity of 600. The McNally Room is named for this family. After Father Moriarty’s death in 1959, the mission transitioned to full parish status in September 1960, with Father Edwin A. O’Brien as its first resident pastor and a rectory eventually built on the donated land. Later expansions—including a parish social center, renovation following Vatican II, and an enhanced religious education program—shaped Our Lady of Fatima into a thriving community known for strong lay involvement and broad outreach.