Diocese: Three Catholic Parishes In Warwick To Merge Into One

WARWICK — Three Catholic parishes in Warwick will be merged into one, the Providence Diocese announced today.

Effective July 1, St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi parishes will be merged canonically into SS. Rose and Clement Parish, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin stated in a news release. He said the decision was prompted by a steady decline in parishioners and a sharp decrease in the number of priests available. The affected parishes were consulted along with the College of Consultors and the Council of Priests. The full Canonical Decree can be downloaded here.

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At the end of June, Father Pierre Plante will retire as pastor of St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi. Plante is on board with the plan and believes that merging the congregations and their resources will strengthen the overall Catholic presence in Warwick, Tobin said.

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“Having one parish office will make administrative tasks run more efficiently and joining together volunteers in various parish ministries and activities will make a more vibrant parish with even greater outreach to the wider community in Warwick," Plante stated.

Father Andrew Messina, pastor of SS. Rose and Clement Parish, also offered positive words.

“We extend a very warm welcome to all who wish to join us. Working together, with the grace of Almighty God and the assistance of our Blessed Mother, good things will result,” stated Messina.

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Bishop Tobin commended the priests and said he is confident that a stronger and more dynamic parish will emerge.

All sacramental records for St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi will be transferred to the office of SS. Rose and Clement Parish at 111 Long St. in Warwick, where they will be permanently maintained. While the SS. Rose and Clement church will be the primary worship site, the St. Catherine and St. Francis of Assisi church buildings will remain available for occasional use as pastoral needs demand.