St. Mary's Parish — 150 Years of Faith and Community

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I write to announce an extraordinary moment in the life of our parish family. On February 6, 2027, St. Mary Parish in Franklin will begin the celebration of our 150th Anniversary — a year-long commemoration of faith, community, service, and grace.

Our anniversary celebration will officially open with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Richard Henning and will continue throughout the year, concluding in February of 2028. Together, we will honor 150 years of God’s presence among us and celebrate the generations of parishioners whose faith, sacrifice, and love helped build the beautiful parish we call home.

Since the earliest days of St. Mary Parish, this community has stood as a spiritual home for countless families in Franklin and beyond. Here, lives have been transformed through the Sacraments. Children have been baptized and confirmed. Couples have stood before God in marriage. Families have gathered in moments of joy and sorrow. Through every season, St. Mary’s has remained a place where Christ is encountered, where faith is nurtured, and where people are welcomed with compassion and hope.

As we prepare for this historic milestone, we do so not simply by looking back, but also by looking forward. The story of St. Mary Parish is 150 years in the making and is still being written. Our parish continues to grow through worship, faith formation, outreach, youth ministry, and service to those in need, music, prayer, and the everyday witness of parishioners who live the Gospel in quiet and meaningful ways.

Throughout this anniversary year, we will host multiple events and celebrations that highlight the many important pieces and parts that together make St. Mary Parish such a vibrant and faithful community. There will be opportunities for prayer, fellowship, service, storytelling, music, remembrance, and celebration. We hope to honor our history while also embracing the future God is calling us toward.

This anniversary belongs to all of us. We are all members of St. Mary’s Family.

It belongs to the families who helped establish the parish generations ago. It belongs to those who faithfully serve today in ministries, volunteer organizations, and outreach programs. It belongs to our young people who represent the future of the Church. And it belongs to every person who has ever walked through the doors of St. Mary’s seeking faith, comfort, friendship, or a deeper relationship with God.

Over the coming months, additional details about anniversary events, volunteer opportunities, historical projects, and special celebrations will be shared through the bulletin, parish website, and social media. It will take all of our family to properly honor these 150 years. I ask that you give generously of your time, talent and treasure. I invite you to volunteer on our special anniversary committees and projects. Help us create a beautiful 150th celebration. Visit our online form below to volunteer for special anniversary committees.

150TH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE SIGN UP

I am pleased to announce that Mr. John Ristaino will help me in managing this great project as our St. Mary’s 150th Anniversary Director. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the anniversary celebration you can reach out to him at 150director@stmarysfranklin.org.

As we begin this journey together, I invite every parishioner to take part in this once-in-a-generation celebration. Let us thank God for the many blessings He has poured out upon St. Mary Parish over these past 150 years of grace. Let us honor those who came before us with courage and faith. And let us move forward together with renewed hope, trusting that God will continue to guide and strengthen our parish for generations to come.

Through the intercession of our friend, St. Rocco and most importantly, our beloved Mother, Mary, may God continue to watch over our parish family.

Peace and Blessings,
Fr. Bob Poitras
Pastor