Holy Cross Church to become a ‘mission’ of St. Thomas Parish

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)   Due to a steady decline in Mass attendance, sacramental practice and in overall parish income, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has granted a request by Father Carl Fisette, administrator of Holy Cross Parish, Providence, to change the status of Holy Cross Church to become a ‘mission’ of nearby St. Thomas Parish in Providence, effective April 2, 2018.  Parishioners at both parishes were informed of the decision at Masses this past weekend.

“This decision is the result of a long and comprehensive consultation, and I am grateful to all those who shared their input,” said Bishop Tobin.  “I am pleased that this new arrangement will allow some sacramental ministry to remain at Holy Cross Church while also reflecting the pastoral changes taking place very rapidly throughout the Diocese of Providence.”

Father John Soares, pastor of St. Thomas Church, said, “The parishioners of St. Thomas would like to welcome the parishioners of Holy Cross into our parish family. We look forward to sharing our various ministries as we continue to serve the Lord and his people.”

There has been a steady decrease in weekend Mass attendance for some time – only 250 people recently attended the three scheduled Masses.  Sacramental practices such as baptisms have also declined from 17 in 2008 to 9 in 2017, as well as children preparing for First Communion, which totaled 17 in 2008 and just 5 in 2017.  There are presently 31 students registered in the faith formation program, which now will integrate into the religious education program at St. Thomas.

Further undermining parish viability, Holy Cross parish has struggled to meet its ordinary expenses and has continued with deficits in eight of the past ten fiscal years. Budget collections fell nearly $17,000 from FYE June 30, 2016 to FYE June 30, 2017. 

The church will remain open for liturgical celebrations only.  All sacramental records of Holy Cross will be transferred to the rectory office of St. Thomas where they will be maintained. 

Holy Cross Parish was first established as a Mission of St. Bartholomew Parish in 1949 under the care of the Scalabrini Fathers until 1977 when it became a diocesan parish.