Changes At Catholic Churches: Diocese Of Providence

JOHNSTON, RI — Some changes are coming to Catholic churches in Rhode Island. In Johnston, St. Brigid Church will become a 'mission' of St. Rocco parish, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence announced. That change is effective July 1.

Also, effective July 1, the diocese said, two Newport churches are sharing a pastor. According to the communications office, the Very Rev. Francis A. O'Loughlin is to officially become St. Joseph Church pastor, "while continuing as Pastor, Jesus Savior Parish, Newport, and Chaplain, Newport Hospital." He has already been serving as pastor at St. Joseph Church. Both churches are located on Broadway. Historically, Jesus Savior was founded to serve the Portuguese community.

No reasons were cited for the Newport change. But practical considerations prompted the church to change the status of St. Brigid Church, the diocese said. The pastor was retiring, and there were problems finding a replacement, "due to a steady decline in Mass attendance, sacramental practice, overall parish income, and lack of available priests to replace the retiring pastor," the diocese said. Both pastors asked Bishop Thomas J. Tobin to approve the new arrangement. Parishioners found out last weekend.

After July 1, St. Brigid Church will stay open "for liturgical celebrations only," the diocese said. All the records are being moved to St. Rocco's rectory.

"St. Brigid Parish was established in 1915 to serve the faith community," the diocese said, but attendance has dwindled.

"Recent attendance at weekend Masses at St. Brigid Parish totaled approximately 150.
Sacramental practices have also declined: from 2013-2017, there were two parish weddings. In
2017, five students received First Communion and 11 received Confirmation," the diocese said.

Photo Caption: St. Joseph Church, Newport. Photo Credit: Sarah Fernandez