Tiverton Parish Merging With Catholic Church In Little Compton

TIVERTON, RI — St, Madeline Sophie Parish in Tiverton will merge into St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Little Compton, according to the Catholic Diocese of Providence.

Diocese officials in a news release on Sunday said the merger was necessary because of declining attendance at Mass.

The two parishes — five miles apart — have shared one pastor since 2000, and since 2018 have run a combined religious education program at St Catherine. As part of their collaboration, both parishes already share a finance director, a parish office secretary, a bulletin, and a website.

Bishop Thomas Tobin approved the merger after consulting the diocesan College of Consultors and the Council of Priests.

"I commend the pastor and leaders of the two parishes for their diligence and wisdom in bringing together the union of the two parishes," Tobin said in a statement, "And I pray that, with God’s help, it will lead to a new commitment to evangelization and a vibrant spiritual life for all the members of the parish community."

Rev. Stephan Silipigni, pastor of both parishes, shared the news with parishioners at Masses this on Saturday and Sunday. Parish and sacramental records will be maintained at the St. Catherine of Siena Parish office.

The merger will take effect on Jan. 24.