St. Mary’s Parish was established on September 10, 1922 by Bishop Thomas O’Leary, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, who also on the same day named Fr. Thomas McKoan the first resident pastor for the town of Shrewsbury. St. Theresa’s Church on Main Street continued to be used as the parish church while the mission in the Lake Shore area was moved from the Palais Royal, first to a tent on the grounds behind St. Anne’s Cemetery and then to the old dye building across the street.
The ending weeks of August are always hectic, busy and even exciting as students and their families begin a new school year. As students were finishing up their summer reading, I had the opportunity to read more about the early days of St. Mary’s and St. Anne’s in Shrewsbury and St. Mary of the Hills in Boylston. This September 10th marks the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Parish and the appointment of Fr. Thomas F. McKoan as the first Pastor . Happy 100th Birthday St. Mary’s Parish! We are looking forward to celebrating our 100th Anniversary on September 11th with a Mass & Reception as we open a year long observance of our centennial. Please be sure to join us!
This September 10th marks the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Parish and the appointment of Fr. Thomas F. McKoan as the first Pastor . Happy 100th Birthday St. Mary’s Parish! We are looking forward to celebrating our 100th Anniversary on September 11th with a Mass & Reception as we open a year long observance of our centennial. Please be sure to join us!