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The History of St. Clare's Parish
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In December 1958, Rev. James Kelleher, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Braintree announced the formation of a new Parish as authorized by Richard Cardinal Cushing and placed under the patronage of St. Clare. The church opened January 1, 1959. The parish census showed 650 families and 660 students in CCD, and by September 1959, the Mass schedule increased from three to five Masses. A total of 44 altar boys served the Parish. On June 9, 1969, the parish was debt free. In that year, the parish accepted a generous donation from Francis X. Messina of a shrine to Our Lady of Fatima and Stations of the Cross. These events all occurred during the pastorate of Fr. John Connor, 1959-1973.
Liturgical renovations to meet the expectations of Vatican II occurred in the mid 1970's as the Tabernacle was moved to the right of the main altar and Baptismal font to the left. The main altar also was moved closer to the people. The Church interior was painted and refurbished. A chapel was located to the left of the main Sanctuary. Religious Education, Holy Name Society, Sodality, the Mr. & Mrs. Club, the Parish Council (formed in 1968), Troop 138, CCD Board and the altar guild all thrived as Parish organizations. Eight classrooms were constructed in the Parish Hall. These events occurred during the pastorate of Fr. A. Paul Gallivan, 1974-1981.
St. Clare established a finance council in l986 to keep track of fiscal responsibilities and initiated the Parish Stewardship Program. An annual program began to assist the needs of an inner city parish in Boston. Each year at the Mass of Thanksgiving parishioners donated new toys for children of that parish. The third Sunday of each month featured a family liturgy at the l0am Mass, thanks in part to the formation of the Liturgy Committee. The Parish became spiritually responsible for the patients at the Mass Respiratory Hospital. Each October, the Parish hosted the celebration of the annual Anointing of the Sick Liturgy. The needs of those residing at Pine Street Inn were also addressed by volunteers who would prepare and serve food for the homeless. Other organizations which thrived during this time period included Respect for Life, St. Clare Social Club and a Parish Bowling league. A new permanent ramp for the disabled was installed in the front of the Church. The St. Clare Forum served the needs of adult education. These events took place during the pastorate of Rev. William O'Connor l981 -1997.
Rev. Paul S. Sughrue is a graduate of Holy Cross College. He has served in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston for over 36 years. Since he was named Pastor of St. Clare's in 1997, Fr. Paul has provided overall vision and leadership in the parish. Fr. Paul has renewed the stewardship activity to the parish, leading to many improvements to our facilities.
Below is the list of the
St. Clare Parish Charter Members:
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