At 119 Broad Street in Waterford, New York, St. Mary of the Assumption Church is a Roman Catholic parish distinguished by its historic English Gothic sanctuary, Eucharistic-centered mission, parish school, and service to people in need. St. Mary's has long called the building the 'little cathedral of the North,' a name that reflects both its architecture and the central place the parish has had in Waterford since the first Mass in 1843.
A Eucharistic-Centered Parish on Broad Street
St. Mary's describes itself as a Eucharistic-Centered community that bears witness to its faith through sacraments, ministries, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through those ministries, the parish offers praise to God, supports and comforts people in need, and supports Catholic education through a parochial school and faith formation. Its mission also asks parishioners to grow in love of God and use their time, talents, and resources responsibly.
- Worship: The celebration of the sacraments stands at the center of parish life.
- Service: Ministries extend the parish's Christian service to people who are needy or suffering.
- Education: A parish school and classes through grade 10 support Catholic family life.
- Stewardship: Members strive to be good stewards of the gifts entrusted to them.
From the 1843 First Mass to the English Gothic Church
Parish life in Waterford began in 1843 when the Rev. William P. Hogan of Lansingburgh celebrated the first Mass at the Town Hall. Five years later, the first St. Mary's Church was built on its original site; it still stands there and is used as a meeting hall. In 1858, Bishop John McCloskey invited the Augustinian Order to assume charge of the parish, and Rev. George Meagher, O.S.A., became its first pastor.
Rev. Michael Collins, O.S.A., directed the first improvements from 1862 through 1865, adding a basement, sacristy, and bell tower. A tornado caused extensive damage in 1894, and repairs were made under Rev. James Curran, O.S.A. The present church was approved on March 14, 1911, and blessed by Bishop Burke on November 23, 1913, with Rev. Alfred H. Valiquette, O.S.A., as pastor.
The parish restored the original church hall during the 1990s. Improvements initiated under Fr. David J. Kelley, O.S.A., beginning in 2005 created the parking lot next to the hall and a new front entrance four years later. A capital campaign from 2011 through 2014 financed a complete interior renovation and roof repairs, with the work finished in time for the church's 100th anniversary in 2013. Kelley served from 2002 through 2024 and was the longest-serving pastor at 22 years and the last Augustinian friar to hold the post.
Woodbury Granite and Green River Limestone
The present sanctuary was created in the English Gothic style. Its face stone is Woodbury granite laid in coarse rubble, with cut stone from the same quarry, and its window frames are Green River Limestone. The scale and craftsmanship behind the building led parishioners to call it the 'little cathedral of the North,' and it was erected as a tribute to the Blessed Mother.
A Full Week of Mass and Prayer
Mass is celebrated according to this regular weekly rhythm:
- Saturday: 4:00 PM vigil Mass.
- Sunday: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Mass.
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 AM Mass.
- First Friday: 11:00 AM Mass at St. Mary's School.
The 8:00 AM Sunday Mass is livestreamed each week on YouTube. Reconciliation is offered Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:30 PM before the vigil Mass, and appointments are also available.
Private prayer is possible daily from 7:00 to 11:00 AM, Monday through Friday, while the church is open. The Rosary is recited at 7:30 AM on weekdays, and First Saturday Devotions also begin at 7:30 AM. During Lent, Stations of the Cross are held Friday at 7:00 PM. The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed Thursday evening at 6:30 PM, and Eucharistic Adoration is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Holy Hour includes hymns, prayer, Scripture, the Rosary, quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction.
Faith Formation Through Grade 10
St. Mary's Faith Formation serves students in grades 1 through 10 from September through May. The hybrid program meets in person about every other Sunday from 9:00 to 9:50 AM, with other lessons completed at home through St. Mary's Press materials. Classes are held in St. Mary's Parish School and are taught by a staff of dedicated catechists.
- Grade 5: Prayer, comfort with confession, use of the Bible, belief in the Trinity, and a Nativity play.
- Grade 6: The Nicene Creed, Beatitudes, faith shown through Mass, prayer, and faithfulness, charity through good works, and the sacraments.
- Grade 7: Creation, gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments, the life of Jesus, and the Ten Commandments.
- Grade 8: The Church's beginnings, the apostles, the papacy, the workings of the Church, moral choices, and living Stations of the Cross.
A two-year First Communion and Reconciliation program introduces children to basic prayers, God as Father, the Trinity, Creation, sin, Mary, Jesus, and Mass. Its second year focuses on examining conscience, the meaning of Reconciliation, and receiving the Eucharist.
Confirmation also spans two years and uses 'YouCat.' Year one covers the Creed and sacraments; year two reviews morality, the sacraments of initiation, corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and the Beatitudes. Requirements include 20 hours of service each year, Mass attendance, Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, a second-year retreat, an essay, a saint report, and an interview with a priest. Candidates also select a qualified sponsor in the second year.
St. Mary's School and CYO Basketball
St. Mary's School opened in the fall of 1953 with 230 students in grades K through 5 and was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Gibbons on November 1 of that year. Five Sisters of Mercy initially staffed the school, which graduated its first class in June 1957. An addition was built in the early 1960s, and the parish continues to identify its parochial school and faith formation as central expressions of its support for Catholic education.
The Catholic Youth Organization basketball program brings together children in grades 3 through 8 for Pee Wee, Biddy, and Junior teams, with cheerleading opportunities for girls in grades 3, 4, 7, and 8. St. Mary's Youth Group draws students from faith formation into service and fundraising, including helping the Altar Society with fundraisers.
Sacraments for Individuals and Families
Adults and youth preparing for Baptism follow the Church's catechumenate, a gradual introduction to Catholic life that leads to Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. Infant and preschool baptisms are celebrated on the third Sunday of each month at 9:30 AM after the morning Mass, except during Lent, and at Easter Vigil. Parents must be registered parishioners, provide at least six weeks' notice, and take part in regular preparation.
Marriage preparation is a year-long process of discernment, preparation, and planning. St. Mary's welcomes engaged couples who are registered parishioners, have registered parents, or live in Waterford or a surrounding community and are interested in becoming registered parishioners. The parish also provides the Sacrament of the Sick in emergencies for those who are hospitalized, seriously ill, or confined at home.
St. Mary's Cemetery has been a parish ministry since about 1860 and is located at 65 Middletown Road. A certificate of interment rights grants use, rather than ownership, of a burial space, and perpetual care is included in the cost of a grave.
Food Distribution and Visits to Shut-Ins
The Society of St. Vincent dePaul provides weekly food distribution, holiday baskets, and other assistance for people in need. Its food pantry accepts staple items such as pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix and syrup, crackers, coffee, shampoo, laundry detergent, paper towels, and toilet paper. The society's lay members meet monthly and collaborate with other people of good will who want to help relieve need.
A Shut-In Committee visits parishioners in hospitals, senior residences, and private homes, attends to various needs, and prepares special holiday gifts. These ministries embody the mission's promise of Christian service, support, and comfort for those who are struggling.
Altar Society, Music and Lay Ministry
The Altar Society, one of the parish's oldest continuing organizations, has about 50 members and meets roughly seven times a year. Members clean the altar and altar cloths, organize fundraisers, and hold social activities for the parish. Sharon Fletcher serves as president, while parish youth assist with fundraisers.
Music remains part of parish worship, although the choir has not been active since the COVID pandemic ended. Jim Charles serves as organist and director of music. Other opportunities include altar service, beginning in third grade for students who have received Holy Communion and completed training; lectors; ushers; and Eucharistic ministers, who are trained and serve on a rotating basis.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes people interested in becoming Catholic, baptized Catholics who have not received Confirmation, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Its study covers the Nicene Creed, the sacraments, and questions about Catholic belief and practice. The Knights of Columbus continues its lay Catholic family service through charitable work. Fr. Timothy Ennis, O.Carm, serves as Sacramental Minister, and Lee Ann Hamilton directs faith formation.
Stewardship at the Heart of Parish Life
St. Mary's mission ties worship, education, service, and stewardship together. The parish office at 119 Broad Street is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and closed Friday; it can be reached at 518.237.3131 or smwaterford@gmail.com. Giving is available through the parish's secure E-Giving service. St. Mary of the Assumption in Waterford continues to center parish life on the Eucharist, Catholic education, care for those in need, and faithful use of time, talents, and resources.