About St. Lawrence Martyr · New Bedford, Massachusetts
St. Lawrence Martyr Parish is an inner-city Catholic parish in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River. Originally established as St. Mary's Church on March 19, 1821, it is the fourth oldest Catholic church in Massachusetts. The parish is part of the Whaling City Catholic Community Collaborative, which unites it with Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and (until recently) St. Francis of Assisi. St. Lawrence serves a diverse, historically significant community and takes its patron's mission of caring for those in need as its defining characteristic.
- Established
- 1821
- Patron
- St. Lawrence (Deacon and Martyr)
- Rector
- Rev. Kevin Cook
- Diocese
- Diocese of Fall River
Why belong here
St. Lawrence Martyr is an inner-city parish that takes its patron's example of serving those in need as its defining mission, sustaining a Food Pantry, Birthright office, and St. Vincent de Paul outreach while operating as part of a historic Catholic community. Parishioners belong to the mother Church of the Diocese of Fall River — the fourth oldest Catholic church in Massachusetts — and worship in a Keely-designed granite landmark whose 14 named bells and consecrated altar testify to two centuries of faith. As one of the founding parishes of the Whaling City Catholic Community Collaborative, it offers vibrant Faith Formation (K–9), Sacramental preparation, music ministry, and a Women's Guild that keeps the parish socially alive.
Mass times at St. Lawrence Martyr
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Friday 5:00–5:55 PM (at St. Lawrence)
Adoration times
- Saturday 7:15–7:45 AM (at St. Lawrence)
- Saturday 8:45–9:15 AM (at St. Lawrence)
Parish History
St. Lawrence Martyr Parish traces its origins to March 19, 1821, when land on Allen Street in New Bedford was sold for $80 to John Lefebvre de Cheverus, the first Bishop of Boston, and a small wooden chapel — recorded in Bishop Benedict J. Fenwick's diary — was dedicated as St. Mary's Church. The parish grew rapidly, eventually becoming the mother Church of what would become the Diocese of Fall River. The current granite edifice on County Street was completed in 1871, designed by Patrick Charles Keely (architect of St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York), and was solemnly consecrated in 1953 by Bishop James L. Connolly, who sealed a relic of St. Lawrence in the altar. The parish celebrated its bicentennial in 2021, and on January 15, 2023 the New Bedford City Council presented the parish with a formal citation. The parish has spawned a Catholic Cemetery, three parochial grammar schools, the area's first Catholic high school, and a Catholic hospital — all served by the Sisters of Mercy — and remains a seedbed of priestly and religious vocations.
- Founded March 19, 1821 (Feast of St. Joseph) as St. Mary's Church
- Original wooden chapel on Allen Street (site now Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home)
- Current granite church dedicated 1871 by Bishop John J. Williams of Boston
- Architect: Patrick Charles Keely (also designed St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC)
- 14 bells dedicated in 1888 under Fr. Hugh J. Smyth (pastor 42 years)
- Solemn consecration by Bishop James L. Connolly in 1953 with relic of St. Lawrence
- Bicentennial celebrated 2021; City Council citation January 15, 2023
Architecture & Sacred Heritage
St. Lawrence Martyr's imposing 19th-century granite structure was designed by Patrick Charles Keely and built with granite from Sullivan's Quarry on Hathaway Road. Its defining landmark is the bell and clock tower containing 14 named bells (dedicated 1888) — Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Lawrence, St. Patrick, and the nine choirs of angels. The 1953 consecration placed a relic of St. Lawrence, brought from Rome by Bishop Connolly, in the altar. The parish is currently raising funds to restore the church clock tower ($28,000 project, handled by Verdin Bells) and to repaint and replaster the interior ($200,000 project) — work that is being carried out without interruption to Sunday Mass, funerals, weddings, or baptisms.
- Keely-designed granite edifice, dedicated 1871
- Bell and clock tower with 14 named bells (1888)
- Relic of St. Lawrence in the altar (1953)
- Clock-tower restoration by Verdin Bells ($28,000)
- Interior painting/plastering project ($200,000)
Mission & Patron — Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome and was martyred in the persecution of Emperor Valerian in AD 258. The parish draws its mission from his example: serving those in need, believing them to be the true treasures of the Church. In 1995, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta visited and worshipped at St. Lawrence, and the convent of the Missionary Sisters of Charity sits directly across the street — a continuing sign of the parish's commitment to the poor.
- Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr (died AD 258 under Emperor Valerian)
- Feast day: August 10
- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta visited in 1995
- Missionary Sisters of Charity convent located across from the church
Mass & Sacramental Schedule
St. Lawrence Martyr celebrates Mass three times a week in its historic church at 110 Summer Street. Confessions are heard before Friday evening Mass and Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered on Saturday mornings. The collaborative also publishes a weekly bulletin and live-streamed Masses online.
- Sunday Mass — 11:30 AM
- Friday Mass — 6:00 PM
- Saturday Mass — 8:00 AM
- Confessions — Friday 5:00–5:55 PM
- Eucharistic Adoration — Saturday 7:15–7:45 AM and 8:45–9:15 AM
- Live Stream available via the parish website
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Whaling City Catholic Community Faith Formation program serves children in Grades K–9, including preparation and reception of the Sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Confirmation. All sacramental preparation requires two consecutive years of attendance, with classes enrolling in the fall. All catechists are CORI-cleared per Diocese of Fall River Safe Environment guidelines. Classes meet at Holy Name Parish Center (121 Mt. Pleasant Street) on Sunday mornings 9:30–10:45 AM.
- Grades 1–7 Coordinator: Mrs. Eileen Frasier (774-202-5758)
- Confirmation Coordinator: Ted Machado ([email protected])
- Gr. 1 – Stephanie deSousa
- Gr. 2 – Avali Vieira and Zizzie Frasier
- Gr. 3 & 4 – Priscilla Costa and Krystal Marques
- Gr. 5 & 6 – Rosie Byrnes
- Gr. 7 – Catarina Morrissette
- Conf. 1 – Ted Machado and Dorothy Dean
- Conf. 2 – Jill Fernandes
Sacraments
St. Lawrence Martyr prepares parishioners for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Penance, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage. Sacramental preparation for First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation takes place through the two-year Faith Formation program. Baptisms require Baptismal Preparation classes.
- Baptism — Baptismal Preparation classes required
- First Penance — 2-year Faith Formation prerequisite
- First Eucharist — 2-year Faith Formation prerequisite
- Confirmation — 2-year program with Christian service and retreat requirements
- Marriage — contact the parish office
- Funerals — accommodated during current restoration work
Music & Liturgical Ministries
St. Lawrence Martyr is served by Music Director Fran Gorman and Sacristan Debbie Caron. The parish publishes monthly Ministry Schedules for lectors, extraordinary ministers, and other liturgical roles. (Holy Name counterpart roles are filled by Music Director Denise Weaver and Sacristan Kevin Harney.)
- Music Director (St. Lawrence): Fran Gorman
- Sacristan (St. Lawrence): Debbie Caron
- Monthly Ministry Schedules published on the parish website
Outreach & Charity
True to the legacy of its patron, St. Lawrence Martyr maintains several outreach ministries rooted in the parish and the rectory at 110 Summer Street. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, Food Pantry, and Birthright office are the principal works of mercy operated by and through the parish community.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society — Matt Nowick (St. Lawrence contact: [email protected], 508-992-4251 Ext.2)
- Food Pantry — Kathy & George Boucher (508-991-1042); info line 774-322-1444
- Birthright Office — housed at St. Lawrence Rectory, 110 Summer Street
Women's Guild
The St. Lawrence Martyr Women's Guild is a parish-wide fellowship led by President Cheryl McCormack. The Guild supports the parish's social and fundraising life and is a long-standing avenue for women parishioners to participate in parish life.
- President: Cheryl McCormack ([email protected])
Parish Staff & Contacts
The collaborative offices for both Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Martyr are located at the Holy Name Rectory. The St. Lawrence Rectory (110 Summer Street) houses only the Birthright office and Food Pantry. Office hours are Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 3 PM (Wednesdays until 2 PM).
- Rev. Kevin Cook – Pastor ([email protected], 508-992-3184)
- Rev. Michael Racine – Pastor Emeritus (2019–2025)
- Rev. Michael Ciryak – Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Maurice Ouellette
- Holly Clavell – Administrative Assistant ([email protected])
- Jackie Shidell – Bookkeeper ([email protected])
- George Moujabber – Facilities Manager ([email protected], 508-508-4370)
- Collaborative office: Holy Name Rectory, 121 Mt. Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508-992-3184)
Whaling City Catholic Community Collaborative
St. Lawrence Martyr is one of the parishes in the Whaling City Catholic Community, a collaborative partnership in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The collaborative was formed under the leadership of Fr. Michael Racine during his pastorate, uniting parishes in the historical center of New Bedford to share resources and strengthen ministry.
- St. Lawrence Martyr — 110 Summer Street (church) / 565 County Street (rectory/mailing)
- Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — 121 Mt. Pleasant Street
- Previously included St. Francis of Assisi — Mill Street
- Formed under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Bishop Benedict J. Fenwick (oversight)1821 (founding era)
Boston-area bishop whose diary records the original wooden chapel.
- Father Hugh J. Smyth
Led the parish for 42 years; oversaw completion of the bell tower and dedication of the 14 named bells in 1888.
- Bishop James L. Connolly1953
Performed the solemn consecration of the church and brought a relic of St. Lawrence from Rome.
- Rev. Barry W. Wall
Retired priest from St. Lawrence who wrote the parish's 200-year history.
- Rev. Michael RacineJune 2019 – June 29, 2025
Past 30th anniversary of ordination coincided with his departure; led clock-tower and interior restoration projects; helped form the Whaling City Catholic Community collaborative.
- Rev. Kevin Cook2025 – present
Current pastor following Fr. Racine's appointment to St. Bernard (Assonet) and St. John Neumann (East Freetown).