PROVIDENCE— Bishop Lewandowski has spoken openly about the need to review the strength, viability, and long-term plans of parishes across the Diocese of Providence. Strong, vibrant, and well-resourced parishes are needed to further the Church’s mission of living and sharing the Gospel.
Two parishes, one in Ashaway and the other in Hope Valley have received approval to finalize their merger. After consulting the Council of Priests, Most Rev. Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence, approved the requests of the pastor, trustees, and finance councils of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Ashaway and St. Joseph Parish, Hope Valley for Our Lady of Victory Parish to merge into St. Joseph Parish. Parishioners were informed of the bishop’s approval at Masses this weekend, at which time the decree became effective.
"They and their pastor are in my prayers. With God’s help, the merger will create a stronger parish, to enable the Church to continue Christ’s mission and ministry,” said Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Bishop of Providence.
Our Lady of Victory Parish
Our Lady of Victory Parish, located at 169 Main St., Hopkinton (Ashaway) had experienced a decline in parish and sacramental life.
In 2024, Our Lady of Victory reported 0 baptisms, 3 first communions, 5 confirmations, and 0 marriages with an average approximate total of 90 persons attended the weekend Masses. Our Lady of Victory Parish has only one Sunday Mass; and since July 2026, it has averaged an approximate total of 71 people. Registered parishioners at Our Lady of Victory totaled approximately 154 individuals, as of May 2026. Conversely, neighboring St. Joseph Parish, located at 1105 Main St., Hopkinton (Hope Valley) has experienced slightly more steadiness in sacramental practice and Mass attendance.
The two parishes had already taken steps towards unification, having shared a pastor and a common bookkeeper, secretary, and religious education director and having already shared various programs and resources for many years. Sacramental records of Our Lady of Victory Parish will all be maintained at St. Joseph Parish in accordance with Canon 535 CIC.
Rev. Francesco Francese, administrator of Our Lady of Victory Parish, 169 Main St., Hopkinton (Ashaway) and pastor of St. Joseph Parish, 1105 Main St., Hopkinton (Hope Valley) said, "The parishes of Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Victory have shared a pastor since 2019. Given the current state of both parishes, of the surrounding area in Washington County, and the Diocese as a whole, as Pastor/Administrator I discerned that it would benefit the mission of the Church to strengthen the relationship between them. After consulting with parish leadership and representatives from the Diocese of Providence I proposed that the parishes be merged, with the enlarged Parish of Saint Joseph being composed of Saint Joseph Church and Our Lady of Victory Church and pastoral life continuing at both locations, with the help of God and according to our means."
