St. Joseph Parish absorbs Our Lady of Victory in Hopkinton merger
Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski approved the consolidation, which leaves both church buildings open for worship despite declining attendance at the Ashaway site.
By Christopher Singh ·
Average Sunday Mass attendance at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Ashaway fell to 71 worshippers in the months following July 2026. This drop occurred against a backdrop of shrinking sacramental numbers that prompted the Diocese of Providence to consolidate the parish into its neighbor, St. Joseph Parish in Hope Valley.
Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski issued the decree merging the two communities, effective immediately upon announcement at weekend Masses. The diocese confirmed that both churches will remain open for liturgical use. The new entity operates under the name St. Joseph Parish, with its administrative center at 1105 Main St. in Hope Valley.
The merger follows a request from the pastors, trustees, and finance councils of both parishes. Diocesan officials reviewed the proposal with the Council of Priests before granting approval. This action aligns with a pattern of consolidation across the diocese earlier in the year. In May, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Warren merged with St. Mary of the Bay Parish. Also in May, parishes in East Providence combined to form Saints Brendan and Martha Parish while retaining both worship sites.
Our Lady of Victory at 169 Main St. in Ashaway reported no baptisms or marriages in 2024. That year, the parish recorded three First Communions and five confirmations. Average weekend attendance hovered around 90 during that period. By May, the number of registered parishioners stood at approximately 154.
St. Joseph Parish has maintained more stable attendance and sacramental engagement, according to diocesan records. Both villages are located within Hopkinton. The parishes have shared a pastor since 2019 and already divided administrative duties, including a bookkeeper, secretary, and religious education director.
Rev. Francesco Francese, pastor of St. Joseph and administrator of Our Lady of Victory, stated that the proposal resulted from consultation with parish leadership and diocesan representatives. He noted that strengthening the relationship between the two sites would benefit the Church's mission in Washington County. Sacramental records for Our Lady of Victory will be maintained at the St. Joseph facility.
Lewandowski said he prayed for the parishioners and expressed confidence that the merger would create a stronger parish. He emphasized the need for adequately resourced communities to continue the Church's ministry. The bishop's office cited the review of parish viability and long-term planning as the framework for this decision.
