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S3236
2026 -- S 3236
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LC006343
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
CONGRATULATING AND EXALTING THE PARISH OF ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH
ON THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING
Introduced By:
Senator Louis P. DiPalma
Date Introduced:
April 30, 2026
Referred To:
Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
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WHEREAS, In the year of our Lord 1951, the Most Reverend Russell J. McVinney,
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Bishop of Providence, recognized the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic community in
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Middletown, as well as those serving at the Newport Naval Base, now known as Naval Station
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Newport; and
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WHEREAS, In response to these needs, the Diocese of Providence purchased
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approximately thirty acres of land, formerly known as the Brookfield Dairy Farm, with the vision
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of establishing a parish complex including a church, school, and convent; and
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WHEREAS, On May 23, 1951, Bishop McVinney formally established the Parish of St.
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Lucy Catholic Church from portions of St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Parishes in Newport,
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appointing the Reverend James P. Casey as its first pastor; and
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WHEREAS, On June 10, 1951, the first Holy Mass of the parish was celebrated by
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Father Casey at Anchorage Hall, marking the humble yet faith-filled beginnings of a vibrant and
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enduring parish community; and
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WHEREAS, On September 16, 1951, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the
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construction of the original church building, a moment that symbolized the faith, dedication, and
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unity of its founding parishioners; and
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WHEREAS, The church was formally dedicated on June 15, 1952, and in the decades
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that followed, the parish continued to grow, including the establishment of a school and convent,
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and later the construction of a new church building dedicated in 1990; and
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WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 75-year history, St. Lucy Parish has stood as a
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beacon of faith, compassion, and service, welcoming generations of families and ministering to
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the spiritual, pastoral, and social needs of the entire Aquidneck Island community, regardless of
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creed or circumstance; and
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WHEREAS, The parish has also demonstrated a deep commitment to charitable outreach,
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including support for those in need through ministries such as sheltering women and children, and
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fostering a spirit of generosity and inclusion; and
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WHEREAS, As St. Lucy Catholic Church celebrates the milestone of its 75th
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Anniversary, it does so with a proud legacy of faith, a vibrant present, and a hopeful future
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grounded in service, community, and devotion; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby congratulates and
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extols the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church on the joyous occasion of the 75th Anniversary of
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its founding, and expresses its deepest appreciation for its many decades of faithful service to the
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community; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Parish of St. Lucy Catholic Church.
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LC006343
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