History

Our patron - Saint Lucy (click here)

History of Saint Lucy’s Parish, Middletown, RI

1951  February 21        A 30 acre plot (Brookfield Farm) was purchased by the Diocese of Providence from Dr. James Callahan for the purpose 
                                               of establishing a church, school, and convent.

1951  May 23                  St. Lucy’s Parish was founded and Rev. James P. Casey was appointed Pastor.
           June 10                  First Mass celebrated in the Anchorage Hall on West Main Road, now the site of the Middletown Public Library.
           September 16      Ground was broken for the Church and the Diocese gave permission to build a church for approximately $150,000. 
                                                There were approximately 660 families in the parish.

1952  June                       First Mass celebrated in St. Lucy’s Church

1963  November 20     The Diocese gave permission to build a school and convent for approximately $750,000.

1964  December 13     The school and convent were blessed on the feast of St. Lucy.

1971  September          School transitioned from a Parish sponsored to Regionalized, Diocesan school now known as All Saints Academy.

1977  April 30              Less than an acre (0.92) of land was sold to defray the cost of building the rectory. 
                                                That parcel, with frontage on West Main Road, was sold for nearly $100,000.

1978  June 21              The Diocese gave approval to build a new rectory for an approximate cost of $125,000.

1979  May                   The rectory opened for use.

1983  May                   Rev. Eugene J. McKenna is appointed Pastor.

1984  September 23     The convent was converted to Lucy’s Hearth, a shelter for women and their children.

1987  April 6                The Parish Council recommends construction of a new church building
                                                     and renovation of the existing church for use as a Parish Center.

1989  June 10              Ground breaking for the new St. Lucy’s Church.

1990  March 3             First Mass in the new Church.
            August 5             Dedication of the new Church.

2001                            50^th Anniversary of St. Lucy’s Parish with Jubilee Year events,
                                          activities and celebrations.

2008  July 1             Rev. John W. O’Brien is appointed Pastor,
                                        Rev. Eugene J. McKenna is named Pastor Emeritus.

2010  July 1              St. Lucy’s Parish focuses on six Areas of Mission: Parish Life; 
                                           Worship & Spirituality; Christian Education; Social Justice & Peace;
                                           Family Life & Youth; Finance & Administration.