It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bloody Bridge in St. Mary's, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in St. Mary's, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well-”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Memorial Park in St. Mary's, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Locals Dockside or visit Memorial Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in St. Mary's, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in St. Mary's, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in St. Mary's, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
St Mary’s University, London, welcomed the Royal Artillery yesterday for a special double-header Remembrance Rugby event, bringing together students, service members, and the wider community, to honour Remembrance through sport.St Mary’s University, London, welcomed the Royal Artillery yesterday for a special double-header Remembrance Rugby event, bringing together students, service members, and the wider community, to honour Remembrance through sport.The day, part of the University’s 175th annivers...
St Mary’s University, London, welcomed the Royal Artillery yesterday for a special double-header Remembrance Rugby event, bringing together students, service members, and the wider community, to honour Remembrance through sport.
St Mary’s University, London, welcomed the Royal Artillery yesterday for a special double-header Remembrance Rugby event, bringing together students, service members, and the wider community, to honour Remembrance through sport.
The day, part of the University’s 175th anniversary celebrations, reflected the shared values of discipline, integrity and loyalty that unite both the Armed Forces and the University’s sporting community. The event also marked a strengthening of ties between the two sides, with hopes that the fixture will become an annual tradition.
The day began with a Remembrance Service, featuring readings and hymns, a military performance of The Last Post, a two-minute silence at 11am, and a piper playing a traditional lament. The service was followed by Women’s and Men’s rugby matches, both played in a spirit of unity and respect.
In the Women’s Match, the Royal Artillery – known as the Gunners – secured a hard-fought 35-21 victory. The Men’s Royal Artillery also triumphed in the second match, winning 38-24. Each team was presented with the Remembrance Cup in recognition of their win.
Colonel Martin Wells, Chair of Royal Artillery Rugby, added, “The inaugural ‘Rugby for Remembrance’ fixture between St Mary’s and the Royal Regiment of Artillery honoured all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict. The day championed our shared values of courage, discipline, self-sacrifice, and camaraderie – combining the pursuit of sporting and education excellence, with solemn commemoration. We eagerly anticipate the return fixture in 2026 – to be held at home of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, in Larkhill. We would be honoured to host the Red Roses too – and extend a warm invitation.”
The event followed a pre-match training day held earlier in the autumn by the University, where St Mary’s students joined the Royal Artillery players for strength and conditioning sessions, a keynote talk on resilience, and an introduction to military rugby training methods, deepening the partnership between the two sides.
As part of the University’s remembrance commemorations, the names of St Mary’s students lost in the First and Second World Wars will be read aloud during Masses in St Mary’s Chapel this Sunday.
St. Mary’s Health Care System now offers Heartflow FFRCT Analysis at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro. Heartflow FFRCT Analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic option for people who may have coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition that the CDC reports causes more than 370,000 heart attacks each year in the U.S.Heartflow FFRCT Analysis uses detailed images captured through a non-invasive CT scan of the heart known as a...
St. Mary’s Health Care System now offers Heartflow FFRCT Analysis at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Greensboro. Heartflow FFRCT Analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic option for people who may have coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition that the CDC reports causes more than 370,000 heart attacks each year in the U.S.
Heartflow FFRCT Analysis uses detailed images captured through a non-invasive CT scan of the heart known as a coronary CT angiogram (CCTA). These images undergo advanced AI processing to produce a personalized, color-coded, 3D digital model of the heart. This digital model showcases how plaque buildup may be impacting blood flow. Physicians can use this technology to diagnose CAD and better understand its severity.
In the U.S., CAD is the primary cause of heart attacks – which are estimated to occur every 40 seconds and are responsible for one out of every five deaths.1 It’s often called a “silent killer” because many of the estimated 18 million adults in the U.S. and 315 million people globally living with CAD either have no symptoms or symptoms that go unrecognized.2,3
CAD develops when plaque builds up in the heart’s arteries, narrowing or blocking vessels and restricting blood flow to the heart. This restricted blood flow can lead to chest pain, heart attacks and death. FFR – fractional flow reserve – measures how much blood is able to pass through a narrowed artery. FFRCT is a fractional flow reserve study done with computed tomography, or CT, which uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
Despite CAD being the most common form of heart disease, studies have shown there is a need to improve how and when CAD is evaluated and diagnosed. Many of the non-invasive tests available today offer a low accuracy rate in detecting CAD, with a 20-30% false negative rate that can leave disease undetected4 and a 55% false positive rate that can lead to unnecessary procedures.5 Identifying exactly where and how much an artery is blocked can help improve a patient’s treatment plan, including whether or not intervention is needed.6
“Heartflow’s technology represents a major advancement in how we diagnose and manage CAD,” said Dr. Erick Avelar, a cardiologist with Oconee Heart and Vascular Center and St. Mary’s Health Care System’s medical director of cardiac imaging. “It gives us essential information that can help determine the right approach for a patient through a convenient, non-invasive platform. It is very useful as a non-invasive, highly precise tool in our diagnostic toolbox.”
The CCTA + Heartflow FFRCT Pathway:
To learn more about Heartflow FFRCT Analysis at St. Mary’s, call Oconee Heart and Vascular Center at (706) 389-3440. Please note that many insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician for a consult with a cardiac specialist.
St. Mary’s Hospital is accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI (balloon angioplasty and stent implantation), received recognition as a high-performing hospital for heart attack care and pacemaker implantation in the 2025-2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals Report, and is recognized as a Gold-Plus hospital for cardiac resuscitation by the American Heart Association.
In response to the ongoing government shutdown, which has put a hold on SNAP benefits, Phoenix has risen to the occasion, with the city partnering with St. Mary's Food Bank for a notable cause. They've kicked off a food drive that aims to provide relief to those who've found themselves in a bind without their usual assistance. "When crisis strikes, Phoenix comes together to help," Mayor Kate Gallego said, rallying the community to contribute in any way they can. FOX 10 Phoenix emphasized Gallego's call for donations, whether it be ...
In response to the ongoing government shutdown, which has put a hold on SNAP benefits, Phoenix has risen to the occasion, with the city partnering with St. Mary's Food Bank for a notable cause. They've kicked off a food drive that aims to provide relief to those who've found themselves in a bind without their usual assistance. "When crisis strikes, Phoenix comes together to help," Mayor Kate Gallego said, rallying the community to contribute in any way they can. FOX 10 Phoenix emphasized Gallego's call for donations, whether it be in the form of food, money, or time.
It's not just about dropping cans into a bin, though. The city's website, detailed on 12News, suggests that monetary contributions can have an even larger impact. "Monetary donations are strongly encouraged because food banks can stretch the donation through bulk purchasing, tax exemptions, and dollar matches from the community. Just one dollar can provide an estimated five meals for a food bank," a release from the food bank explained.
For residents who prefer to contribute tangibly, a variety of locations throughout Phoenix are set up to receive food donations. Essential items high in demand include proteins such as canned meats, beans, and peanut butter, along with canned fruits and vegetables. Locations like the Burton Barr Central Library and the Cesar Chavez Community Center, among others, are accepting donations at specified hours detailed above. For those wishing to drop off donations closer to home, a number of St. Mary’s food pantries across the city stand ready to receive contributions.
Meanwhile, as the community mobilizes to support one another, Phoenicians won't miss a beat on the latest developments. The free 12+ app from 12News is streaming valuable content, including live events and daily newscasts, to keep everyone informed on the go. Beyond the headlines and weather, moments of Zen showcasing Arizona's stunning landscapes are also featured for those who might need a brief respite from the severity of current events.
Sports 9 Hrs Ago Signal Hill climbed three places up the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings after securing a 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College when action continued at the school grounds in Tobago on November 6.A second-half strike from J’meke Watkins was the lone goal that separated both teams at the final whistle.The result for the hosts saw Signal Hill leapfrog three teams – St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College and Arima North Secondary – to go f...
Sports 9 Hrs Ago
Signal Hill climbed three places up the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings after securing a 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College when action continued at the school grounds in Tobago on November 6.
A second-half strike from J’meke Watkins was the lone goal that separated both teams at the final whistle.
The result for the hosts saw Signal Hill leapfrog three teams – St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College and Arima North Secondary – to go from tenth to seventh. Signal Hill, Arima North and QRC are all tied on 19 points each, but the Tobagonians hold a superior goal advantage.
This season, Signal Hill missed several matches owing to postponement, and still have six games in hand. If victorious in the remainder, they can break into the top three in a late-season surge.
The result for CIC (18 points), however, saw them slip from ninth to tenth with just one match remaining in the league for them.
Three south teams control the current standings with St Benedict’s College (33 points) in pole position, followed by Naparima College (31) and Presentation College San Fernando (31). Defending champions Fatima College (29) are fourth.
Benedict’s, “Pres” and Fatima both have one match to play to complete the league season while “Naps” have two.
Standings:
Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
St Benedict's*14*11*0*3*41*12*29*33
Naparima*13*10*1*2*39*7*32*31
Presentation (Sando)*14*10*1*3*37*9*28*31
Fatima*14*9*2*3*46*24*22*29
St Anthony's College*12*8*1*3*29*17*12*25
Trinity Moka*12*7*0*5*26*29*-3*21
Signal Hill*9*6*1*2*24*11*13*19
Arima North*14*5*4*5*30*27*3*19
QRC*14*5*4*5*23*23*0*19
St Mary's College*14*5*3*6*31*22*9*18
Trinity East*12*4*1*7*18*37*-19*13
Malick*13*3*3*7*27*35*-8*12
San Juan North*13*2*4*7*21*25*-4*10
St Augustine*13*2*3*8*14*43*-29*9
Scarborough*12*1*4*7*12*32*-20*7
Carapichaima East*14*0*0*14*7*68*-61*0
TAUNTON — Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha stood before members of the Taunton North Catholic Community parish on the front steps of the shuttered St. Mary's Church on Saturday, Oct. 25 for a special prayer service and a dramatic change to the parish.It was the afternoon St. Mary's parishioners — carrying a selection of symbolic items representative of the parish's 190-year history of service in Taunton — marched down the street and through a parking lot to formally become members of nearby St. Anthony's Church....
TAUNTON — Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha stood before members of the Taunton North Catholic Community parish on the front steps of the shuttered St. Mary's Church on Saturday, Oct. 25 for a special prayer service and a dramatic change to the parish.
It was the afternoon St. Mary's parishioners — carrying a selection of symbolic items representative of the parish's 190-year history of service in Taunton — marched down the street and through a parking lot to formally become members of nearby St. Anthony's Church.
St. Mary's, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, has been closed since November 2023. A detailed building assessment revealed the need for significant structural repairs and safety upgrades to make the church sustainable for future use. But the work carried an estimated $10 million price tag that far exceeded what the church judged was financially feasible.
"In light of that, it was announced in July that the parish would need to officially close," John Kearns director of communications for the Diocese of Fall River, recently announced.
Da Cunha's tone from St. Mary's stone steps the afternoon of the move seemed to console the parishioners who were losing their treasured chapel.
"The church will continue because the presence of God is in each one of you," he said. "You are the living stones that form the church. And that is important to keep in mind."
He said even though many will miss being in this historical building to pray, at their new church, "You will find God and you will find peace and consolation and strength and a place of life, love and hope."
He then led the short walk in a rough parade formation from 14 St. Mary's Square to St. Anthony's Church at 126 School St.. There, the parishioners filed up the steps of St. Anthony's Church to hear the bishop celebrate a Vigil Mass of Thanksgiving for St. Mary's Parish.
Along the route, some of the marchers were surprisingly upbeat. Fatima Bettencourt, holding a decorative holy ribbon from St. Mary's, said she and her friend are parishioners of St. Anthony's. "So we're going to get together now!" she said.
Her friend Alcelcina added, "We came to this country in '68. And we've been parishioners of St. Anthony's since then. We used to come sometimes to this church (St. Mary's.) Sometimes the four o'clock mass. It was always nice there."
Others in the march were quieter. Another walker teared up when asked to comment on the move. She said she used to be in both St. Mary's and St. Anthony's and she has had many family members who belonged to St. Mary's.
In the lobby at St. Anthony's, Barbara Curran, 79, who had carried a book on the History of St. Mary's in the procession, said she was born in St. Mary's parish. "We would like to have had one more mass there," she said sadly. "But we couldn't."
Curran said she is sad because of the memories she leaves behind at St. Mary's. "A lot of memories," she said. "The May Day processions we'd have when I was a kid. Grandparents and parents all came to see it every year."
What will she miss most? "The peacefulness when at mass there," she said. "The beautiful altar with Jesus Christ at the centerpiece."
Sheila McGrady, standing next to Curran, said she has been a St. Mary's parishioner for 20 years. "It had a true sense of family," she said of the church she is leaving behind. "I'm really, really sad. There is a lot I will miss, a lot."
Following the church's closing, St. Mary's Parish became part of the three-parish Taunton Catholic North collaborative, along with St. Anthony's and St. Jude the Apostle Parish on Whittenton Street in Taunton, sharing resources, combined ministries and one ministerial leadership team. Parishioners of St. Mary's have been invited to become members of either one of their partnering parishes.
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