PROVIDENCE —?The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has announced the sale of the Cluny Sisters Convent Provincial House Convent to Table Rock, LLC for $4,337,500. Table Rock, LLC has stated that the property will be used as a family residence.
The Cluny Sisters notified the bishop last year of their intention to vacate the property, which was purchased by The Most Rev. Russell McVinney, late Bishop of Providence.
In September, based upon recommendations by an internal Property Utilization Committee comprised of diocesan officials and members of the laity, the diocesan finance council and other consultors, the bishop announced that seven diocesan properties would be offered for sale to establish an endowment for ongoing maintenance at other properties and to reduce lines of credit.
“The funds generated from this transaction will provide much needed resources to address the needs of other buildings in which important ministry is carried out each day,” said Michael Sabatino, Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Providence. “Reducing debt and building reserves for ongoing maintenance at our many properties is a priority to ensuring continued services to those in need throughout Rhode Island.”
The Cluny Sisters convent was one of three significant properties offered which also includes Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Center in Narragansett, and undeveloped acreage in the vicinity of Dunn’s Corner in Westerly. These properties were purchased outright or donated without restrictions from donors.
“As we work each day to carry out the spiritual mission of the diocese, we must also address its financial needs,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
Four additional, smaller properties are also for sale: the former Carter Day Care building in Providence, St. Anthony House in Providence, and parcels of land in West Warwick and West Greenwich.
