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BUSINESSSpotlight
feeling estranged, conflicted, and often unwanted.
Father Chuck Vohs, the congregation’s Priest, would say to those who feel left outside the circle ~ come, you are a Child of God and you are welcome here. Come to be replenished, edified, supported, and uplifted.
BY JENNIFER COATES
In a world that, at times, seems adrift and full of confusing messages, finding a faith community of fellow believers is more important than ever. For those whose beliefs are grounded in the Catholic faith but who have felt increasingly unwelcome in the traditional church, finding such a faith community takes on extra urgency.
This is what is bringing congregants from around the state to The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux in West Warwick.
The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux is a Catholic Community that functions outside the jurisdiction of Rome. This embracing community is guided by this mission: To make our faith experience relevant by being an inclusive, ministrycentered community that makes the living Jesus present in our world in a radical way.
The mission of “Saint T’s”
(as it is affectionately known) is simply stated: “To welcome ALL; To be the Body of Christ; To be growing disciples who are growing disciples.”
What does it look like to be a “growing disciple”? It looks like someone who lives what they preach and who follows in the path of Jesus Christ, serving, loving, accepting, and welcoming.
Those who attend Saint “T’s” will feel welcome there. They see families of all shapes & sizes, they see women in the clergy, they see divorcees participating in all the rituals and blessings their married and single friends enjoy, they hear contemporary music, they see those who extend kindness and love to them.
The church is a haven for those whose abiding faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ have not always been in alignment with the expectations of the church of their childhoods, leaving them
A quick peruse of the chapel’s website best sums up the church’s overarching philosophy: “The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux welcomes all individuals seeking God’s love; we keep our doors open to every soul seeking to welcome Jesus into their hearts. We invite you to open your heart and allow His grace to penetrate your soul.
Our church stands as a beacon of hope in West Warwick. We are a place of acceptance, peace, and joy to all who are moved to join us. Our church family is richly diverse, with people of different ages and backgrounds coming together to worship and serve together.”
For more details, check the church website at www. go1500.org.
Please come to “Saint T’s”, located at 1500 Main Street in West Warwick. Services are every Sunday at 10:30, either in person or via Zoom. Sunday rosaries begin at 9:45am. Feel free to call 401-680-9076 or email stocc1500@gmail.com for more information.
