St. Charles Borromeo Church Building to close for an indefinite period

(WOONSOCKET, R.I.) – In light of multiple considerations involving St. Charles Borromeo church building in Woonsocket, the Diocese of Providence has announced that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has revoked (rescinded) his decree for the relegation (permanent closing) of the church building. This comes after the written request of December 2 from Father Joseph Upton, Administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, as well as Bishop Tobin’s additional consultations with the Council of Priests and College of Consultors on December 4. The church building was set to close permanently as of January 13, 2020. 

At the same time, Bishop Tobin has also approved Father Upton’s December 2 written request for St. Charles Borromeo church building to be closed for an indefinite period beginning on January 13, 2020. 

The decree for the suppression of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, however, remains in effect for January 13, 2020.

“The rescinding of the decree of permanent closure and relegation would not only permit occasional use of the church for special liturgical events, (e.g., funerals, weddings), but would also provide needed time to consider some of the issues that have been raised regarding the future of the church building,” said Father Upton.

Bishop Tobin intends to create a special task force to begin a comprehensive study and work with the various parties involved to discuss the future of the church building. 

St. Charles Borromeo church building in Woonsocket was dedicated in 1870.