“In the name of the Lord, I, Russell Joseph, by the grace of God and the favor of the Apostolic See, Bishop of the Church of Providence in the State of Rhode Island, United States of America, for the good of the souls of the large number of faithful, residing on the fringes of St. Ann's Parish in Cranston and St. Joseph's Parish, Natick, having consulted the Reverend Pastors of the said Parishes above-mentioned, together with the Board of Diocesan Consultors, do hereby decree that a new parish under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception and with Reverend Robert E. Meadows as first Pastor be canonically erected to care of the spiritual needs of all the faithful.”- Most Rev. Russell J. McVinney Bishop of Providence September 30, 1958

…and so we began our journey of faith. Father Robert Meadows, then Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Bradford, was appointed our first pastor. A deeply spiritual man, with a ready wit and a wide smile, Father Meadows came to us filled with many plans and dreams for his new parish. But his dreams would never become reality. Soon after he arrived it was discovered that he had an already far advanced terminal illness. In January he was confined to a sick bed. On April 8th, 1959 — not even six months after he began — Father Meadows was born to eternal life. He did not have many days but he was admirable in his service and steadfast in his devotion for the people whose care he was entrusted.

But as one is called to plant, so another is called to cultivate. Msgr. William Murray, Chancellor of the Diocese of Providence, was appointed administrator pro-temp and immediately work was begun to provide a suitable house of worship for the 275 "pioneer" families of our parish. Upon Father Meadow's death, he was appointed the second pastor of our parish.

The first "church," of course, was the old Alpine Club and the first Masses were celebrated in one of the game rooms with the over-flow crowd seated in one of the club's dining rooms. Soon a cinder block addition was erected which would seat three hundred and eighty five people. Though small, the new church soon became the center of activity for this ever-growing parish family.

Our "early years" saw the development of many organizations within the parish. Matthew Sweeney was the first president of the Bowling League, which lasted over 25 years. John Corrigan was named president of the first Holy Name Society, which today we know as the St. Joseph Men's Guild. Mrs. James Sweeney was elected the first president of the Rosary and Altar Sodality. This organization is still strong and vibrant after 45 years of generous service not only to the women of the parish but also to the parish itself.

In late 1962, Monsignor Murray and our two parish trustees, Dr. Vincent MacAndrew and Sylvester Pezzullo, convened a meeting to begin a discussion for the building of a new Church, school, library-auditorium and convent on the 81/2 acres of land that the parish had acquired. While the vision of this initial planning was wide in scope it had to be tempered by some years of delay caused by a diocesan project known as the "Bishop's Campaign." It really was a blessing in disguise. With the rapid increase in construction costs, it became evident that the cost of a church-school-convent complex, planned in 1963, would now cover only the cost of the new Church alone. In addition to that, the teaching nuns who were to staff the new school were no longer available.

In June of 1964, Msgr. Murray left his post as Chancellor of the diocese to devote all his energies to the needs of our parish. The first parish secretary was Mrs. M. Eleanor Allard. At that time Mr. Oresto DiSaia was contracted to be the architect for the new church and Mr. Louis Armento was chosen to be the interior liturgical consultant.

To raise the necessary money to complete the dream of a new church meant a commitment by all the 918 families that now made up Immaculate Conception Parish. A door-to-door campaign was held under the direction of Mr. Raymond J. McEnerney. The results were edifying. The generosity and spirit of self-sacrifice, which heralded this campaign, allowed the parish to go forward with its plans for the new church.

Although yet unfinished, the first Mass was celebrated in the new church on Palm Sunday in April 1968. It was on June 30, 1968 that our new church under the patronage of the Mother of God was blessed and a Pontifical Mass was celebrated. The Most Rev. Russell J. McVinney, Bishop of Providence, presided over the ceremonies and the music was sup plied by the seminary choir under the direction of Ronald E. Brassard. Encased in the cornerstone are the following items which someday will be looked at by individuals in the far distant future: a Project 20 card, a church bulletin, coins, a copy of the parish Charter and the minutes of the first Corporation meeting. That evening a formal dedication banquet was held at the Alpine Country Club.

While the social life of the parish flourished and events such as parish reunions were held on an annual basis, the rapid growth of the parish family demanded that we provide for a place for the young people of our parish to assemble. The youth center was born. Under the guidance of Gus Napolitano several of the men in the parish donated their time and talents to construct this building. Except for the foundation and some of the materials, the cost of the structure was minimal. Members of the parish CYO helped with the painting and finish work. Dedication was held on Sunday, December 13, 1970.

In 1972, Father Henry Shelton organized the first Thanksgiving Mass at which donations of food and money were brought to the altar at the preparation rite. This marked the beginning of Immaculate Conception's generous charity towards those in need. Today we support many places of assistance within the wider diocese. Of special importance to our parish is our relationship to Holy Name Parish in Providence. In June of 2002 the pastors and trustees of both parishes signed a covenant in the presence of Bishop Robert Mulvee. This ceremony took place at Immaculate Conception on Saturday evening and at Holy Name Church on Sunday morning. Bound together by prayer, shared programming and financial assistance, both parishes seek to share with each other their talents and strengths in order that each might benefit by the other’s blessings and strengths.

In 1973 Monsignor Murray finished his work as second pastor of our parish. At the request of Bishop Gelineau, Monsignor Murray assumed the duties of direction of Our Lady of Peace Retreat House in Narragansett. As always speculation ran high as to whom the new pastor would be. Finally the announcement made... Rev. Albert J. Cerrito, pastor of St. Alexander's in Warren, would be the third pastor of our parish. A man of tireless energy and deep spirituality, Fr. Cerrito began what would be a 20-year term as pastor.

Father Cerrito's leadership brought many new dimensions to the life of our parish. Beginning in 1973 a Parish Mission was held and with great success. Since that time our parish mission has become an annual event. Besides the mission, Father Cerrito directed a very successful implementation of the Renew Program that heralded a spiritual rebirth for Immaculate Conception. A greater sensitivity to the power of prayer and the need to pray for the needs of others was evidenced in the beginning of an Intercessory Prayer Group which was a source of comfort and solace for many in our parish who struggled with the problems we all encounter in a day-to-day living.

Social events also flourished. In February of 1974, the parish held its first Mardi Gras Dinner-dance at the Quonset "O". Under the chairmanship of Walter and Betty McGarry, this gala event was a huge success and continued to be part of parish life until 1990. 1974 also saw our first Sta-lite dance. Under the capable leadership of Sylvia Procaccini and Ed Lannon the plaza in front of the church became a spectacular array of colorful lanterns, flowers and gorgeously attired couples dancing to the strains of the Drew-Corcoran Orchestra while a wonderful meal awaited them on candlelit tables.

With the dissolution of the Holy Name Society and the recommendation of Father Cerrito, a new men's group called the St. Joseph's Men's Guild of Immaculate Conception parish was formed. The first president was Ed Grady. Immediately they began work on a program of activity that would benefit the men of the parish and at the same time assist the parish financially. One of the most successful events sponsored by the men's guild was the Sports Memorabilia show initiated by Tom McDonough. This affair attracts sports enthusiasts and collectors from all over the East Coast. The Sports Show continues to today to be one of the parish's outstanding annual events. And yes, Tom McDonough is still at the helm.

The years of stewardship by Father Cerrito produced four permanent deacons -Rev. Mr. Thomas Lennon, Rev. Mr. Robert Gallo, Rev. Mr. Carmine Forlingieri and Rev. Mr. Thomas Raspallo. Of these, Rev. Mr. Carmine Forlingieri & Rev. Mr. Thomas Raspallo continue to server our parish with a generosity that is without equal.   The religious education program also developed. Frances Gallo, later join by husband, Deacon Robert Gallo, Sister Carlene, and Peg Ormond are names that are both well remembered and respected as Directors of this program of faith formation and sacramental preparation. Their tradition of excellence is continued today by Barbara Prata.

In October of 1983 ground was broken for a new parish center. The dedication took place a year later in November of 1984. The rectory — a small building with more usage than one could ever imagine — was now free to be renovated and repaired and finally become a true home for the priests of our parish.

In June of 1989 Father Cerrito was elevated to the rank of Honorary Prelate by our Holy Father, John Paul II. The ceremony of investiture for Monsignor Cerrito was presided by Bishop Louis E. Gelineau, the Bishop of Providence, in the presence of Bishop Kenneth Angell, the Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, and Bishop Daniel Reilly, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, CT. Our parish church was filled to overflowing and the reception that followed was a grand affair.

In August of 1992, Sylvester Pezzullo, our loyal and dedicated parish trustee, died. His loyalty and service to the parish was a mainstay of our community. His death was a real loss. After prayer and consultation Msgr. Cerrito nominated Joseph Dailey to be the new parish trustee. Sadly, Joe died quite unexpectedly some eight years later. Today, James Souza generously serves as one of our parish as trustee.

Two events took place during Msgr. Cerrito's tenure as pastor that were of great significance to the parish. In November of 1988, Peter Andrews became the first parishioner ordained to the priesthood. In June of 1993 David Procaccini became the second parishioner to follow the Lord's call to the priesthood. The generosity of these two priests who serve our diocese has been continued by other young men who have followed the call to priesthood. Rev. David Farnum CSP is a member of the Paulist Fathers and Father Roman Manches was ordained to the priesthood in June of  2005.

In June of 1993, Msgr. Cerrito announced to the parish that he had submitted his resignation to the Bishop for reasons of health. Bishop Gelineau, while regretting the loss of such a fine pastor, graciously accepted his resignation and appointed him Pastor Emeritus. In January of 1994 Msgr. Cerrito completed his term as pastor. In the following May a fitting tribute was given to Msgr. Cerrito in a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist followed by a glittering reception at the West Valley Inn. At that time it was announced that the parish center, which Msgr. Cerrito had built, would now be known as the "Msgr. Cerrito Parish Center."

Our parish has had many wonderful priest assistants who have given tremendous amount of vitality to the life of our community No matter how long or how brief their stay, their contributions have been so very important. Father James Hamilton, Father Roger Belhumer, Fathers Jack Kennedy, John Davey, Henry Shelton, William Tanguay, Donald Messier, John Allard, Al Leech, Jacques Plante, Charles Galligan and Ronald Brassard. It was the last of these assistants who became the fourth pastor of Immaculate Conception. Father Ronald Brassard came to Immaculate Conception in 1988. Previous to arriving here, Father Ron had served as Director of Liturgy and Music for the Diocese of Providence and then later in the same position for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Snows in Belleville, Ill. In December of 1993 Bishop Gelineau appointed Father Ron as the new pastor of our parish.

When Father Ron came to the parish he brought with him his love of liturgy. It is that love of liturgy that has become the trademark of Fr. Ron's pastorate. With full support for the wonderful work of Terry Lindsay, our minister of music, and the parish choir, our parish cantors and the bell choirs our liturgical celebrations have excelled. A deep spirit of prayer and quality in music are evident to all those who come to our parish.

Because of an ever-growing shortage of priests, there is no longer an assistant priest in our parish. Michelle Colgan-Larney serves as the pastoral assistant for the parish. She assists in many of the varied pastoral obligations that are part of the life of our parish. Joseph Shekerow, who serves as the administrative assistant, also assists Father Ron. Joe responsibly oversees the property and business details of the parish.

In the late Fall of 1996, Dr. Vincent MacAndrew resigned as parish trustee. After 39 years of truly dedicated service and commitment to the parish, Dr. MacAndrew felt that it was time for a change. Coinciding with his retirement from his medical practice, he also retired as trustee. After reflection, prayer and consultation, Fr. Ron nominated Carol Malloy as the new trustee. In April of 1997, Bishop Gelineau appointed Carol as the first woman trustee of the parish. She and Jim Souza work closely with Fr. Ron in making all major decisions that affect the life of the parish.

Youth Ministry has also flourished in our parish. The names of those dedicated youth ministers who have guided the youth of our parish are a litany of dedicated individuals who have rendered wonderful service to the youth. Peg Ormond, Richard Raspallo (who served at two different times), Mike Najim, Mark Moitoza, Jon Jenkins and Keith Dorsey are the names of youth ministers who have touched the lives of so many of the youth of our parish. Today our parish youth minister is Shawn McKay whose sensitivity and capability are apparent to both the youth and adult population of our parish.

In October of 2008 Bishop Thomas Tobin broke ground for the new Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School which opens in the Fall of 2009.  This school which brings the best of modern technology is a Catholic School dedicated to the full development of all its students.  The school features a wonderful theater that seats 200, a music studio, an art studio, a 3000 square foot library, a new gym, a separate cafeteria, smart boards and wireless capabilities.  Beginning with pre-k and going through to the eighth grade,  it is capable of serving a total of  370 students.

Today, Immaculate Conception Parish is a thriving community of faith. It is a warm, and loving community where great care is taken to bring compassion and understanding not only to each other but also to those outside our parish who stand in need. It is impossible for any history of the parish to capture in words the true spirit of our community. But what has been written should give us some indication that the Spirit of God has truly been at work. From the smallest of beginnings to this point in our history we echo the sentiments of St. Paul who wrote to the Philippians:

"Yet, my friends, I do not consider myself to have arrived spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ Jesus grasped me."