Holy Ghost Parish at a Glance
A Living Catholic Community in North Tiverton
Rooted in tradition, renewed in faith, and united in worship along Mount Hope Bay.
Quick History
- 1874: First Catholic family settles in North Tiverton.
- 1915: Mission church dedicated (Holy Paraclete/Holy Ghost).
- 1923–1925: Raised to parish; rectory completed.
- 1950–1962: School opens (1950), new building (1958), convent (1962).
- 1984–1987: Fire destroys sanctuary; new church dedicated in 1987.
- 1997–present: Strong pastoral leadership, major restorations, renewed liturgy.
Recent Highlights under Fr. Jay A. Finelli
- Sacred Worship: Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) weekly; restored Ad Orientem posture; traditional music program (hymns, chant, polyphony).
- Sacred Art & Furnishings:
- St. Pio and Divine Mercy images; restored statue of St. Thérèse.
- Statue of the Holy Ghost above the reredos; central sanctuary lamp.
- Two Raphael-style angels and Disputation of the Holy Sacrament on east wall.
- Life-size crucifix (2005).
- High Altar & Reredos: Designed/built by Fr. Finelli in 2019; reredos dedicated to Jerry Finelli by Fr. Jay & Shirley Finelli; altar from St. John’s (Worcester, MA) dedicated to Eileen George. Niche paintings by David & Linè Tutwiler blessed Aug 6, 2020.
- Devotions: Our Lady Queen of Peace Adoration Chapel (opened 2011); Adoration every Friday; expanded confession schedule.
- Community Life: Knights & Ladies of Divine Mercy; Lenten Fish & Chips; Harvest Festival.
- Vocations:
- Rev. Nicholas Fleming – Ordained June 27, 2015; First Solemn Mass June 28, 2015.
- Rev. Shane Conlon, F.S.S.P. – Ordained May 28, 2026 for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
- Michael Santos – Entered Marian Fathers Aug 1, 2025; in formation.
- COVID Response: Drive-through confessions; daily livestreamed Mass & Adoration; ongoing outreach to welcome back parishioners.
v. 8/15/2025
View our full and updated history [here].