Diocese of Providence to Merge Three Parishes in Warwick
GoLocalProv News Team
Diocese of Providence to Merge Three Parishes in Warwick
"Due to a steady decline in the number of parishioners and sacramental activity; given the sharp decrease in the number of priests available for parish assignments," Bishop Thomas J. Tobin announced he has approved that St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi parishes be merged canonically into SS. Rose and Clement Parish, effective July 1, 2021.
The Diocese announced Monday that, as of June 30, 2021. Father Pierre Plante will retire as pastor of St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi parishes, and believes that merging his two congregations and their resources into SS. Rose and Clement Parish will serve to strengthen the overall Catholic presence in Warwick."
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This is the latest closure by the Diocese who has been impacted by financial issues and faces ongoing litigation due to its role in the collapse of the St. Joseph Hospital pension plan. That litigation is still ongoing in both federal and state courts.
“We extend a very warm welcome to all who wish to join us. Working together, with the grace of Almighty God and the assistance of our Blessed Mother, good things will result,” Father Andrew Messina of SS. Rose and Clement Parish said.
“I commend Father Messina and Father Plante for their hard work throughout this process,” said Bishop Tobin. “Each pastor saw the advantage in uniting these communities, and I am confident that an even stronger and more dynamic parish will emerge at SS. Rose and Clement.”
All sacramental records for St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi parishes will be transferred to the office of SS. Rose and Clement Parish, 111 Long St., Warwick, where they will be permanently maintained.
The SS. Rose and Clement church building will remain as the primary worship site. The St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi church buildings will remain available for occasional use, as pastoral needs demand.