Transition Phase Information

- Resources

Transition Update, May 29...

During the transition phase of the Parish Renewal Process, parishioners and clergy have been working to create strong, unified parishes equipped with sustainable operational foundations and resources. Just as representatives were chosen to participate in the discernment phase of the renewal process, so too representatives were chosen to participate in this transition phase.

Parish Representatives for the Transition Phase

from Good Shepherd Parish, Linwood: Jason Cote Mary Beth Guertin	from Saint Augustine Parish, Millville: Colleen Curis Herve Richer

from Saint Mary Parish, Uxbridge: Erica Colonero Randy Colonero	from Saint Paul Parish, Blackstone: Colleen Ahearn Suzanne Clark

Support Team: Parish Clergy Diane Moriarty	from Saint Theresa Parish, Blackstone: Toni Harvey John Marino

Introducing Divine Mercy Parish for Blackstone & Millville
The parishioners of Saint Augustine, Saint Paul, and Saint Theresa parishes participated in submitting suggestions of names for the new parish, and then voted for their three favorite names. More than 40 names were submitted for the new parish for Blackstone and Millville and more than 750 votes were cast. Once the votes were tabulated, the five names that received the most votes were presented to Bishop McManus for his consideration. Bishop McManus chose the name that received the greatest number of votes. Therefore, the newly established parish for Blackstone and Millville will be known as Divine Mercy Parish.

In September, as the five parishes began this process for Parish Renewal, we made a pilgrimage together to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The message of Divine Mercy is an invitation to each one of us to trust in Jesus, even in difficult moments. We pray that each one of us will make every effort to share this love and mercy with others. Together, let us all be bearers of the message of God’s infinite mercy. Jesus, I trust in you.

More Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a church and a parish?
A “church” is a physical place of worship, whereas a “parish”, in this context, indicates a geographical area. Thus, Blackstone and Millville is the geographical area that will be called, Divine Mercy Parish. Yet, the physical place of worship within the parish is Saint Paul Church. The name of a church cannot be changed once it is consecrated.

Why does Saint Mary Parish in Uxbridge get to keep its name?
Whereas the three parishes in Blackstone and Millville will each close and merge in order to form a brand-new parish, the situation in Linwood and Uxbridge is different. Good Shepherd Parish in Linwood will close, but Saint Mary Parish will not. Good Shepherd Parish will unite with Saint Mary Parish. Because Saint Mary Parish is not closing, the name of the parish will not change.

I donated an item to my parish that is closing. Can I have it back?
Once an item is gifted to a parish, it becomes part of that parish’s patrimony. Sacred objects in particular cannot be returned to an individual for private use. A committee of parishioners will recommend which items from the closed parishes will be transferred to either Saint Mary Church (from Good Shepherd Church) or to Saint Paul Church (from Saint Augustine Church and Saint Theresa Church). Sacred objects that are not needed may be sold to another parish but cannot be given or returned to any individual. Therefore, parishioners are not permitted to remove any objects, sacred or otherwise, from the church without the expressed permission of the pastor/administrator.

When will the final Masses be held in the churches that are closing?
For Good Shepherd Church:    the final Mass will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 2:00 pm. This will be the only Mass offered at Good Shepherd Church that weekend.

For Saint Augustine Church:    on the last weekend there will only be one Mass on Saturday, June 25 at 4:00 pm. Then the final Mass will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 7:00 pm.

For Saint Theresa Church:       the final Mass will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 6:00 pm.

Have any of the closing parishes been sold?
No, not yet. While none of the parish properties have been sold yet, there has been interest expressed in each one. Also, an official offer has been received for the Good Shepherd properties that includes the church, school, and rectory. This offer has been presented to the Good Shepherd Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Council for their consideration, as well as to Bishop McManus. All parties are eager to move forward with this potential sale.

If my parish is closing, will I automatically be registered in another parish?

If you are currently a registered parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish, you will automatically be registered at Saint Mary Parish.
If you are currently a registered parishioner of Saint Augustine, Saint Paul, or Saint Theresa parishes, you will automatically be registered at Divine Mercy Parish.
Of course, you have the option of registering at another parish of your choosing if you wish. If you will be registering elsewhere, please contact your parish office to let us know.

Parish Renewal Initiative

Lower Blackstone Valley, MA

Transition Phase Information

Transition Update, May 29...