St. Rose of Lima

About St. Rose of Lima Parish

St. Rose of Lima Parish is a Roman Catholic community of faith located at 244 W. Main Street in Northborough, Massachusetts, in the Diocese of Worcester. The parish's prayer, displayed on the homepage, asks to be a family that heals the wounded, feeds the hungry, and 'builds love on justice and justice on love,' so that together its members may become 'the family You long for us to be.' Visitors are warmly invited to attend Mass, meet others, and participate where they feel called — whether as parishioners or as newcomers exploring the Catholic faith.

History and Stewardship

St. Rose of Lima is known for its decades-long culture of faithful stewardship. In 2014 the parish celebrated the 20th anniversary of its practice of tithing 10 percent of its weekly income to persons, agencies, and causes in need, with cumulative giving reported at more than $1,000,000 and immeasurable volunteer service hours. The anniversary celebration included a Mass with Bishop Robert McManus of the Diocese of Worcester, and $2,500 tithe gifts to Nativity School of Worcester, Fr. Rick Frechette's Haiti Mission, the Priests' Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Worcester, and the Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope.

• 20th anniversary of stewardship celebrated in 2014
• More than $1,000,000 donated to charity through stewardship
• 100+ teens involved in Young Neighbors in Action, NCYC, and Steubenville East
• Annual Charity Golf Tournament (13th annual reported in 2014) benefiting Youth Ministry

Pastor and Staff

The parish is led by Fr. Juan Escudero, who became pastor of St. Rose of Lima in 2021 after serving as pastor of St. Denis in Douglas, MA, and earlier as associate pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury. A native of Medellín, Colombia, Fr. Juan attended Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, entered seminary at the Seminario Conciliar de Medellín, joined the Diocese of Worcester in 2012, studied English at Clark University, and completed his seminary formation at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore.

• Fr. Juan Escudero — Pastor (ext. 3; [email protected])
• Susan McGoldrick — Director of Faith Formation ([email protected])
• Theresa Fugardi — Pastoral Associate (ext. 2; [email protected])

Faith Formation (Grades K–5)

Faith formation at St. Rose of Lima is presented as a lifelong journey that begins in the home. The parish uses Sadlier's 'Christ in Us' curriculum, with both student texts and an online portal of interactive resources to enrich each lesson at home. Sacramental preparation typically begins in second grade, with Reconciliation preparation in January of that year and Eucharist preparation in the spring, after one year of religious education. Families register children in Pre-K through Grade 8 by June 1 each year for the following year.

• Sadlier 'Christ in Us' curriculum
• Online family portal for at-home enrichment
• Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation (January of 2nd grade) and Eucharist (spring of 2nd grade)
• Contact: Susan McGoldrick, Director of Faith Formation

Vacation Bible School

St. Rose of Lima's Summer Vacation Bible School is described by the parish as 'a beloved program offered for more than thirty years.' Open to children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5, VBS takes place in the Family Life Center and surrounding outdoor areas, which are transformed into an immersive themed environment. Activities include engaging Bible stories, stories of inspiring saints, 'God Sightings' reflections, music, games, snacks, and activities that reinforce the daily lessons.

• Open to children entering K–5
• More than 30 years of VBS tradition
• Held in the Family Life Center and outdoor areas
• Teen and adult volunteers welcomed — contact Susan McGoldrick

Youth Ministry and Life Teen

The parish runs a youth ministry program that includes the Sunday 5:00 PM Life Teen Mass. Parish teens have traveled together for service and faith experiences including Young Neighbors in Action, the National Catholic Youth Conference, and the Steubenville East Conference. The parish also hosts an annual Charity Golf Tournament whose proceeds benefit Youth Ministry.

• Life Teen Mass — Sundays at 5:00 PM
• Young Neighbors in Action service trips
• National Catholic Youth Conference participation
• Steubenville East Conference participation
• Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Youth Ministry

Altar Servers

Boys and girls in Grade 4 and above are invited to serve the parish at Mass. Servers are assigned to teams and receive training. The parish also has a need for adult altar servers to assist at funeral Masses (typically weekday or Saturday mornings); no experience is necessary and training is provided.

• Youth altar servers — Grade 4 and up
• Adult funeral Mass assistants needed
• Contact: Theresa Fugardi, Pastoral Associate

Sacraments

Beyond the regular schedule of Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration, the parish supports families in preparing children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, typically beginning in second grade after one year of religious education. The community also prepares candidates for Confirmation, including a Confirmation Retreat Weekend. Fr. Juan Escudero and parish staff can be reached through the parish office for information on Baptism, Marriage, and other sacraments.

• Sacrament of Reconciliation — Saturday 4:00–4:45 PM and by appointment
• First Reconciliation preparation (January of 2nd grade)
• First Eucharist preparation (spring of 2nd grade)
• Confirmation preparation, including a Confirmation Retreat Weekend

Contact and Visit

St. Rose of Lima Parish is located at 244 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532, and can be reached by phone at (508) 393-2413. The parish maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Flocknote, and offers online prayer requests through its website.

• Address: 244 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532
• Phone: (508) 393-2413
• Website: www.saintroseoflima.com
• Social: Facebook, Instagram, Flocknote