About Jesus Saviour · Newport, Rhode Island
The Church of Jesus Saviour is a Roman Catholic parish in Newport, Rhode Island, founded on Christmas Day, 1926 to serve the local Portuguese community while welcoming Catholics of every ethnic background. The parish is part of the Diocese of Providence and remains rooted in the sacramental life and devotional traditions brought to Aquidneck Island by Portuguese immigrants, while ministering to all who come. Today it is led by Rev. Hiep Nguyen as pastor, with Very Rev. Francis O'Loughlin serving as Pastor Emeritus, and a small staff supporting religious education, music, and parish operations.
- Established
- 1926
- Patron
- Jesus the Saviour
- Rector
- Rev. Hiep Nguyen
- Diocese
- Diocese of Providence
Why belong here
Jesus Saviour is a welcoming sacramental parish with a strong devotional life and tight-knit community. Daily Mass, Saturday confession, Friday Eucharistic Adoration, a Director of Religious Education for faith formation, a Rosary Sodality, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helping Newport County neighbors with rent, utilities, and food, and beloved Portuguese-heritage traditions like the Holy Ghost Feast and the Summer Bazaar give parishioners many ways to pray, serve, and belong.
Mass times at Jesus Saviour
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:00–3:30 PM
Adoration times
- Friday 8:30–9:30 AM (check bulletin for updates)
Parish Identity & Welcome
The Church of Jesus Saviour describes itself as 'a Roman Catholic Parish founded to serve the Portuguese Community' that 'welcome[s] all spiritual Catholics of every ethnic background.' The parish centers its faith on the Sacraments and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and serves the Lord 'by adhering to the gospels, through evangelization,' and by using 'the time, talent and treasure of our members as the corner stone of our many parish ministries.' It belongs to the Diocese of Providence and is led pastorally by Rev. Hiep Nguyen, with Very Rev. Francis O'Loughlin serving as Pastor Emeritus.
- Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Providence
- Founded to serve Newport's Portuguese community; welcomes all Catholics
- Centered on the Sacraments, evangelization, and parish ministries
History
The parish was established on Christmas Day, 25 December 1926, to serve Portuguese Catholics in Newport, Rhode Island. It was formally incorporated in Rhode Island on 18 August 1939 as 'Church of Jesus-Saviour, Newport.' For nearly a century it has kept Portuguese Catholic devotional life alive through institutions like the Rosary Sodality, the Holy Ghost Feast, the Summer Bazaar, and the parish tradition of making malassadas — Portuguese fried dough that the parish produces as both a cultural and fundraising event.
- Founded 25 December 1926
- Incorporated in Rhode Island 18 August 1939
- Long-running Portuguese Catholic heritage: Holy Ghost Feast, Summer Bazaar, Malassadas
Clergy & Staff
The parish is served by Rev. Hiep Nguyen as Pastor, with Very Rev. Francis O'Loughlin continuing in the role of Pastor Emeritus. A small lay staff supports parish operations, faith formation, and music.
- Rev. Hiep Nguyen — Pastor
- Very Rev. Francis O'Loughlin — Pastor Emeritus
- Mrs. Wendy Ferrara — Secretary
- Ms. Lynn Banigan — Director of Religious Education
- Mrs. Penny Rinfret — Religious Education Coordinator
- Mr. Denis Tetrault — Music Director/Organist
Office Hours & Contact
The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The mailing address is 1 Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. The listed phone is (401) 847-1267.
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Phone: (401) 847-1267
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1 Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Parish Ministries & Organizations
Jesus Saviour sustains an active network of parish organizations. The Parish Council and Finance Council handle governance and stewardship; the Rosary Sodality brings together women of the parish for monthly prayer and fellowship; the Holy Ghost Feast and Summer Bazaar committees organize two of the parish's signature annual events; Religious Education forms the children of the parish in the faith; and the parish's conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society serves those in material need throughout Newport County.
- Parish Council
- Finance Council
- Rosary Sodality — meets third Tuesday of the month (Jan–Mar excepted); first Sunday after 10 AM Mass in summer
- Holy Ghost Feast Committee
- Summer Bazaar Committee
- St. Vincent de Paul Society — 401-236-2453; [email protected]
- Religious Education — Director Lynn Banigan; Coordinator Penny Rinfret
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The parish's St. Vincent de Paul conference is a frontline outreach to neighbors in material need. The conference helps with rental payments, utility bills, and food for residents of Newport County who contact them. Those needing assistance are invited to call 401-236-2453 and leave a message; a Vincentian volunteer will return the call. Email contact for the conference is [email protected].
- Serves Newport County residents
- Assistance with rent, utilities, and food
- Voicemail line: 401-236-2453
- Email: [email protected]
Religious Education / Faith Formation
Faith formation for the parish's children and families is coordinated through the Director of Religious Education, Lynn Banigan, with Penny Rinfret serving as Religious Education Coordinator. Together they organize catechesis and sacramental preparation for parish youth. Families seeking information should contact the parish office.
- Director of Religious Education: Lynn Banigan
- Religious Education Coordinator: Penny Rinfret
- Contact the parish office for current program information
Rosary Sodality
The Rosary Sodality is open to all practicing Catholic women of the parish. The Sodality meets on the third Tuesday of each month (January through March excepted); during the summer months the group meets on the first Sunday after the 10 AM Mass for recitation of the rosary, followed by a meeting. Interested women are welcome to attend; meeting days and times are published in the parish calendar and bulletin.
- Open to all practicing Catholic women of the parish
- Regular meetings: third Tuesday of the month (except Jan–Mar)
- Summer: first Sunday after 10 AM Mass with recitation of the rosary
Portuguese-Heritage Devotions & Traditions
Among the most distinctive features of parish life at Jesus Saviour are the Portuguese Catholic devotions and traditions that have been kept alive for nearly a century. The Holy Ghost Feast is the parish's signature annual devotion, and the Summer Bazaar is a major community gathering. The parish also maintains the time-honored tradition of making malassadas — Portuguese fried dough — a multi-day volunteer effort that doubles as a fundraiser and a beloved parish custom.
- Holy Ghost Feast — annual parish devotion
- Summer Bazaar — annual community event
- Malassada-making — multi-day volunteer tradition and fundraiser
- Rosary Sodality — Marian devotion with Portuguese Catholic roots
Liturgical Music
Music at Mass is directed by Music Director and Organist Denis Tetrault, supporting the parish's weekend and weekday liturgies.
- Music Director / Organist: Denis Tetrault
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Very Rev. Francis A. O'Loughlin
Long-serving pastor; now Pastor Emeritus