The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux

If you are ever fortunate enough to pass through the doors of the Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux, there are a few things you should expect:

One, you should expect to feel completely at home ~ man, woman, child. You are home when you are here.

Two, you should expect to see others just like you ~ gay, straight, or any other way you identify.  No one is excluded here.

Three, you should expect to see a volunteer clergy who receive no compensation for their dedication, service, and commitment to their congregation. 

Four, you should expect to see women serving alongside their male counterparts as ordained Deacons, Ministers and even married Priests. 

Five, you should expect to see divorcees partaking in all the rituals and blessings that their married and single friends enjoy. 

Six, you should expect a welcoming hand, an outstretched arm, an embrace, and an invitation to return.

The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux is an independent, inclusive Catholic Community that functions outside the jurisdiction of Rome.  As Father Charles Vohs, the congregation’s Priest explains, this is a faith community whose mission it is to reclaim those whose experiences have left them feeling marginalized by the traditional Catholic Church. The church is a haven for those whose abiding faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ have not always been in alignment with their lifestyles, leaving them feeling estranged, conflicted, and often unwanted.  Father Chuck would say to those who feel left on the fringes of their faith ~ come, you are a Child of God and you are welcome here. Come to be replenished, edified, supported, and uplifted.

A quick peruse of the chapel’s website best sums up the church’s mission: “The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux welcomes all individuals seeking God’s love; we keep our doors open to every soul seeking to welcome Jesus into their hearts. We invite you to open your heart and allow His grace to penetrate your soul.

Our church stands as a beacon of hope in West Warwick.  We are a place of acceptance, peace, and joy to all who are moved to join us.  Our church family is richly diverse, with people of different ages and backgrounds coming together to worship and serve together.”

Come visit this all-embracing church in West Warwick with its lovingly dedicated and meaningful Marian Memorial Prayer Garden, complete with its statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux is located at 1500 Main Street in West Warwick. Services are every Sunday at 10:30, either in person or via Zoom.  Feel free to call 401-680-9076 or email stocc1500@gmail.com for more information.  The website is also a great resource, visit them at www.go1500.org.