About Sacred Heart - St. Francis de Sales · Bennington, Vermont
Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales is a Catholic parish in Bennington, Vermont, served by the Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.). Located at 238 West Main Street in the heart of downtown Bennington, the parish traces its roots to two of southern Vermont's oldest Catholic communities — the St. Francis de Sales Church (the first Roman Catholic church in southern Vermont) and the French-Canadian Sacred Heart parish. They merged in 1995 into today's combined Sacred Heart–St. Francis de Sales Parish, which also includes the school of the same name at 307 School Street. The parish belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington and offers daily Mass, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, faith formation for children and youth, and a coed PreK–8th grade Catholic school guided by the Holy Cross tradition.
- Established
- 1995 (merger); constituent parishes: Sacred Heart 1885, St. Francis de Sales 1854
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Francis de Sales
- Rector
- Fr. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. (Holy Cross Fathers; reassignment announced for summer 2026)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
Why belong here
Sacred Heart–St. Francis de Sales is a warm, vibrant parish that explicitly welcomes new faces — whether newcomers to the Bennington area or longtime friends of the parish. It offers daily and weekend Mass, weekly Eucharistic Adoration (every Friday morning through 8:00 p.m., with First Friday Benediction), a robust faith formation program using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for PreK–Grade 3, Confirmation preparation for grades 6+, and a youth ministry for grades 7–12. Families can also send their children to The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales, a PreK–8 coeducational Holy Cross Catholic school that has been part of the community for 130 years, making this a true cradle-through-12th-grade Catholic home in southern Vermont.
Mass times at Sacred Heart - St. Francis de Sales
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00 – 3:30 PM (Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales, Bennington) — or by appointment
Adoration times
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (immediately following the 9:00 AM daily Mass)
- First Friday: begins at 9:30 AM, concludes at 7:00 PM with Benediction
- Rosary recited immediately following daily Mass
Parish Identity & Welcome
Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales describes itself as 'a warm, vibrant parish' that welcomes newcomers and longtime friends alike. Its website invites anyone new to the Bennington area to stop by the parish office to register. The parish is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington and is entrusted to the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.), marked by the motto 'Educators in the Faith.' Patrons are the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Francis de Sales.
- Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
- Served by: Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.)
- Address: 238 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
- Phone: (802) 442-3141
- Website: sacredheartsaintfrancis.org
History of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales
Catholic life in Bennington began in the 1830s with visits from diocesan priests. The St. Francis de Sales parish was formally established in 1854 when Father Zephyrin Druon was appointed pastor and the cornerstone of the first church was blessed on August 3, 1854 by Bishop Louis de Goësbriand — it was the first Roman Catholic church in southern Vermont. By the 1880s the parish had outgrown the building (which became the Bennington Museum in 1923), and in 1887 Bishop de Goësbriand purchased Main Street land. The Gothic blue-limestone second church, designed by George H. Guernsey, had its cornerstone laid on July 4, 1889 by Pastor J.S. Michaud, was dedicated on Columbus Day 1892, and saw its 96-foot bell tower dismantled in 1920.
- 1854: St. Francis de Sales parish formally founded; Fr. Zephyrin Druon first pastor
- 1887: Land purchased for second St. Francis de Sales church
- 1889 July 4: Cornerstone of second church laid by Pastor J.S. Michaud
- 1892 April 17: First Mass celebrated (Easter Sunday)
- 1892 October 12: Church formally dedicated
- 1920: Bell tower dismantled after swaying in wind
- 1971: Interior renovation to implement Vatican II directives
- 1923: Original 1854 church sold and became the Bennington Museum
History of the Sacred Heart (French-Canadian) Parish
French-Canadian families settled in the Bennington area beginning in the early 1850s and grew rapidly with the textile industry, but felt unwelcome at the English-speaking St. Francis de Sales. On November 15, 1880, Rev. Joseph Brouillet of Albany celebrated the first French Mass, and the parish was formally organized that day. In 1883 the parish bought a house and lot at 307 School Street as a rectory, and a 30-by-60-foot church was built on the lot, dedicated in 1885 by Bishop de Goësbriand as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A new chapel and school on School Street followed in 1929.
- 1880 November 15: First French Mass celebrated by Fr. Joseph Brouillet; parish formally organized
- 1881 August: Rev. Jerome Marie Gelot, C.S.C. assigned as first pastor
- 1883 March 31: House and lot at 307 School Street purchased as rectory
- 1885: Sacred Heart church dedicated by Bishop de Goësbriand
- 1929: New chapel and school built on School Street
The 1995 Merger
On July 1, 1995 the parishes of St. Francis de Sales (Irish) and Sacred Heart (French-Canadian) merged into today's combined Sacred Heart–St. Francis de Sales Parish, joining the two ethnic Catholic communities into a single worshipping and school community. The merger has shaped the parish's bilingual heritage and remains the founding moment of today's parish entity.
- July 1, 1995: St. Francis de Sales and Sacred Heart formally merged
- Combined parish retains the twin-patron identity (Sacred Heart of Jesus + St. Francis de Sales)
Congregation of Holy Cross in Bennington
The Congregation of Holy Cross first came to Bennington in 1952 with the establishment of the Holy Cross Novitiate at the site later known as Southern Vermont College. Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales was placed under Holy Cross pastoral care, and for nearly 75 years Holy Cross priests and brothers have served the parish and its school. In 2024 the Congregation announced that, effective June 2026, it would conclude its service at the parish; Pastor Fr. Kevin Russeau was reassigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Viera, Florida.
- 1952: Holy Cross Novitiate established in Bennington
- Pastoral and educational ministry by the Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) for ~75 years
- June 2026: Departure of the Congregation of Holy Cross announced (2024); transition of pastoral care
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish runs a comprehensive faith formation program serving both Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales and St. John the Baptist. The program uses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium method (Level I for ages 3–6 and Level II for Grades 1–3) plus a Grades 4–5 Sunday-after-Mass class. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically celebrated in May (usually in Grade 2) as part of Level II. Confirmation preparation for Grades 6 and up meets at St. John the Baptist Church, North Bennington.
- Director of Faith Formation: Kathy Murphy
- Director of Youth Discipleship: Mary Drew
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (ages 3–6) — Sundays 9:00–10:30 AM
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II (Grades 1–3) — Sundays 9:00–10:30 AM
- Grades 4–5 class — meets after the 8:00 AM Mass
- First Reconciliation & First Communion — typically Grade 2, scheduled for May
- Confirmation preparation (Grades 6+) — at St. John the Baptist Church, North Bennington
- CGS catechists: Kathy Murphy, Martha Hojnowski, Mary Drew, Jennie Jepson Smith, Wendy Murphy, Jen McGean, Kathy Zack
- Grades 4–5 catechists: Jessica O'Connell, Helene Deysenroth
- Confirmation team: Mary Drew, Kathy Murphy, Maria Gorry, Ann Anderson, Scott Frost
Youth Ministry (Grades 7–12)
Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Parish's Youth Ministry Program is committed to supporting the faith discovery, education, and vocational discernment of the parish's young people. The youth group meets monthly on Sunday evenings 6:15–7:30 PM and runs annual activities such as Totus Tuus (a summer catechetical program for Grades 1–8 and Grades 9–12), pumpkin carving, and caroling. The program is led by Mary Drew, Director of Youth Discipleship, and is animated by the Holy Cross tradition of forming young disciples.
- Director of Youth Discipleship: Mary Drew ([email protected], 802-442-3141)
- Youth Group (Grades 7–12): Sunday evenings 6:15–7:30 PM
- Totus Tuus summer program — Grades 1–8 and Grades 9–12 weeks
- Annual activities include pumpkin carving and caroling
Sacraments
The parish prepares Catholics of every age for the sacraments of Christian initiation and beyond. Forms for Baptism, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), marriage preparation, and Sponsor/Godparent eligibility are linked on the parish website. Children typically celebrate First Reconciliation and First Communion in Grade 2 (May), and Confirmation is conferred after the Grades 6+ preparation program at St. John the Baptist.
- Baptism — Baptism Registration Form (fillable) on parish website
- Sponsor/Godparent Form (fillable) — eligibility documentation
- OCIA (formerly RCIA) — OCIA Registration Form available for adults seeking initiation
- First Reconciliation & First Communion (May; typically Grade 2)
- Confirmation (Grades 6+) — preparation at St. John the Baptist, North Bennington
- Marriage — contact parish office
- Anointing of the Sick / Funeral Ministry — coordinated through parish office
The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales
The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales is a coeducational Catholic school, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 in the traditions of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Located at 307 School Street, Bennington, the school has been part of the parish community for over a century and recently celebrated 130 years of Catholic education in Bennington. Its mission is 'to make Christ known, loved, and served' through a respectful and challenging academic environment. Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. serves as Pastor; Mrs. Tiffany McKenna is Principal.
- Address: 307 School Street, Bennington, VT 05201
- Phone: 802.442.2446
- Grade range: PreK – 8th Grade
- Pastor: Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C.
- Principal: Mrs. Tiffany McKenna
- Assistant to the Principal & Librarian: Mrs. Marcia Hendery
- Preschool: Mrs. Julie Lloyd (aides: Erin Lyon, Annah Coyne, Annette Baldic)
- Kindergarten: Mr. Matthew Bersaw
- Grades 1–2: Mrs. Sarah Paquin
- Grade 4: Mrs. Maria Gorry (with Mrs. Christine Becker as school aide)
- Grade 5 homeroom & Middle School Social Studies: Ms. Abigal Adams
- Grade 6 homeroom & Middle School English/ELA: Mrs. Kathleen Backus
- Grade 7 homeroom & Middle School Science: Mr. Nathan Adams
- Grade 8 homeroom & Middle School Mathematics: Mrs. Kristi Knapp Steere
- Music & Band: Ms. Karen Webster
- Art & PE: Mrs. Jennie Hogan (with Mrs. Nora Kennedy for Middle School Art and Mrs. Samantha Lauzon for Middle School PE/Health)
- Middle School Journalism: Mrs. Laura Krause
- Middle School Latin: Mrs. Christine Cope
- School Aide: Mrs. Christine Becker (Before School Program), Mrs. Jillian Weaver
- Office: Mrs. Kristi Segura (Receptionist), Mrs. Nichole Lother (Office Manager), Mr. Robert Gorry (Bookkeeper and Technology)
Liturgy & Live Streaming
The parish live-streams its Saturday 4:00 PM Vigil Mass on its YouTube channel, allowing home-bound parishioners and those at a distance to join in worship. Recent broadcasts and a recording schedule are prominently displayed on the parish homepage, and the pastor has referenced the live-stream audience as part of the parish's wider community during homilies and bulletins.
- Saturday 4:00 PM Vigil Mass live-streamed on the parish YouTube channel
- Previous broadcasts available on the channel
- Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration opportunities continue to be posted as part of parish faith engagement
Office Hours & Contact
The parish office is staffed weekday mornings; the parish office and St. John the Baptist office share the pastoral grouping. Callers can reach the parish office at (802) 442-3141 and the St. John the Baptist office at (802) 447-7504. Faith formation staff (Kathy Murphy, Mary Drew) can be emailed directly via the addresses listed on the parish website.
- Sacred Heart St. Francis Office Hours — Monday 8:30 AM–Noon & 1:00–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday 8:30 AM–Noon
- St. John the Baptist Office Hours — Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Parish Office phone: (802) 442-3141
- St. John the Baptist office phone: (802) 447-7504
- Faith Formation Director (Kathy Murphy): [email protected]
- Youth Discipleship Director (Mary Drew): [email protected]
Architecture & Building
Worship takes place in the second St. Francis de Sales Church on West Main Street, a Gothic-style blue-limestone landmark designed by George H. Guernsey of Montpelier and completed in 1892. Its 96-foot bell tower was a defining downtown silhouette until 1920; subsequent renovations (notably the 1970s Vatican II–era interior work) brought the sanctuary to its current form.
- Style: Gothic
- Architect: George H. Guernsey of Montpelier
- Material: native blue limestone from the 'House' Quarry in Bennington
- Cornerstone: July 4, 1889; dedicated October 12, 1892
- Interior renovation: completed post-1971 (begun after Vatican Council deliberations of 1969)
Heritage & Notable Facts
The parish's deep roots in southern Vermont Catholic history are remembered in community publications. The original 1854 St. Francis de Sales church has continued in secular life as the Bennington Museum since 1923, and the parish marks 130 years of Catholic education with its PreK–8 school. The combined parish also marks the Congregation of Holy Cross's nearly 75 years of pastoral ministry in Bennington (1952–2026).
- St. Francis de Sales was the first Roman Catholic church in southern Vermont
- Original 1854 church is now the Bennington Museum
- 130 years of Catholic education in Bennington being celebrated by the parish and school
- Congregation of Holy Cross: nearly 75 years of ministry in Bennington (1952 – June 2026)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Zephyrin Druon1854 (founding pastor)
French priest appointed by Bishop Louis de Goësbriand to lead the parish after it was formally established; cornerstone of the original St. Francis de Sales laid Aug 3, 1854.
- Rev. Joseph Brouillet (Albany)1880
Celebrated the first French Mass for the French-Canadian community; parish formally organized on Nov 15, 1880.
- Rev. Jerome Marie Gelot, C.S.C.1881 –
Pastor of Sacré Coeur de Marie in Rutland, assigned in August 1881 to oversee the new Sacred Heart parish; led the 1883 purchase of the School Street rectory site and the construction of the first Sacred Heart church.
- Pastor J.S. Michaud1889
Laid the cornerstone of the second St. Francis de Sales Church on July 4, 1889; the church was dedicated on Oct 12, 1892.
- Fr. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C.
Current pastor; Holy Cross priest; reassignment to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Viera, Florida, announced for summer 2026 as the Congregation of Holy Cross ends 75 years of ministry in Bennington.