Diocese of Providence Merges Catholic Parishes in Ashaway and Hope Valley

Ashaway, Hope Valley Catholic parishes merge; both churches to remain in use

Our Lady of Victory Parish in Ashaway has merged into St. Joseph Parish in Hope Valley, following approval by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski of the Diocese of Providence. Pastoral life will continue at both churches under the enlarged St. Joseph Parish.

Parishioners were informed at weekend Masses, when the bishop’s decree took effect. The merger was requested by the pastor, trustees and finance councils of both parishes and approved after consultation with the diocesan Council of Priests.

The decision follows other parish mergers in the diocese this year. In May, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Warren merged into St. Mary of the Bay Parish. Also in May, St. Brendan and St. Martha parishes in East Providence combined to form Saints Brendan and Martha Parish, retaining both worship sites.

Lewandowski has called for a review of parish strength, viability and long-term planning across the diocese, emphasizing the need for vibrant, adequately resourced parishes to carry out the Church’s mission.

“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,” the bishop said.

Our Lady of Victory, at 169 Main St. in Ashaway, has experienced declining Mass attendance and sacramental participation, according to the diocese. In 2024, the parish recorded no baptisms or marriages, three First Communions and five confirmations. Average weekend Mass attendance was approximately 90.

Since July 2026, attendance at its single Sunday Mass has averaged about 71. The parish had approximately 154 registered individuals as of May.

Neighboring St. Joseph, at 1105 Main St. in Hope Valley, has experienced comparatively steadier Mass attendance and sacramental participation, the diocese said. Both villages are within Hopkinton.

The parishes have shared a pastor since 2019 and already share a bookkeeper, secretary and religious education director, along with programs and other resources.

The Rev. Francesco Francese, pastor of St. Joseph and administrator of Our Lady of Victory, said the proposal followed consultation with parish leadership and diocesan representatives.

“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,” Francese said.

He described the enlarged parish as encompassing both St. Joseph Church and Our Lady of Victory Church, with “pastoral life continuing at both locations, with the help of God and according to our means.”

Our Lady of Victory’s sacramental records will be maintained at St. Joseph Parish.