Congratulating and Exalting the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church on the Joyous Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Its Founding

WHEREAS, In the year of our Lord 1951, the Most Reverend Russell J. McVinney, Bishop of Providence, recognized the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic community in Middletown, as well as those serving at the Newport Naval Base, now known as Naval Station Newport; and

WHEREAS, In response to these needs, the Diocese of Providence purchased approximately thirty acres of land, formerly known as the Brookfield Dairy Farm, with the vision of establishing a parish complex including a church, school, and convent; and

WHEREAS, On May 23, 1951, Bishop McVinney formally established the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church from portions of St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Parishes in Newport, appointing the Reverend James P. Casey as its first pastor; and

WHEREAS, On June 10, 1951, the first Holy Mass of the parish was celebrated by Father Casey at Anchorage Hall, marking the humble yet faith-filled beginnings of a vibrant and enduring parish community; and

WHEREAS, On September 16, 1951, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the construction of the original church building, a moment that symbolized the faith, dedication, and unity of its founding parishioners; and

WHEREAS, The church was formally dedicated on June 15, 1952, and in the decades that followed, the parish continued to grow, including the establishment of a school and convent, and later the construction of a new church building dedicated in 1990; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 75-year history, St. Lucy Parish has stood as a beacon of faith, compassion, and service, welcoming generations of families and ministering to the spiritual, pastoral, and social needs of the entire Aquidneck Island community, regardless of creed or circumstance; and

WHEREAS, The parish has also demonstrated a deep commitment to charitable outreach, including support for those in need through ministries such as sheltering women and children, and fostering a spirit of generosity and inclusion; and

WHEREAS, As St. Lucy Catholic Church celebrates the milestone of its th Anniversary, it does so with a proud legacy of faith, a vibrant present, and a hopeful future grounded in service, community, and devotion; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby congratulates and extols the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church on the joyous occasion of the th Anniversary of its founding, and expresses its deepest appreciation for its many decades of faithful service to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church.