JOHNSTON — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has announced that St. Brigid Church in Johnston will become a ‘mission’ of St. Rocco Parish in Johnston, effective July 1, 2018.
Due to a steady decline in Mass attendance, sacramental practice, overall parish income, and lack of available priests to replace the retiring pastor, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has granted a request from the pastor and leadership of the parish to change the status of St. Brigid Church to a ‘mission’ of nearby St. Rocco Parish, effective July 1, 2018. Parishioners at both parishes were informed of the decision at Masses this past weekend.
Recent attendance at weekend Masses at St. Brigid Parish totaled approximately 150. Sacramental practices have also declined: from 2013-2017, there were two parish weddings. In 2017, five students received First Communion and 11 received Confirmation.
The church will remain open for liturgical celebrations only. All sacramental records of St. Brigid Parish will be transferred to the rectory office of St. Rocco Parish where they will be maintained.
St. Brigid Parish was established in 1915 to serve the faith community in the Thornton section of Johnston.
