About Parish of the Messiah
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Messiah: “a welcoming Episcopal community of healing and hope, justice and song.” This phrase described the values that were at the heart of our community since our founding in 1871.
The Parish of the Messiah celebrated its last Holy Eucharist in Auburndale, MA on November 22, 2015. On Sunday, November 29, 2015, the Episcopal Parish of the Messiah in Auburndale and Trinity Parish of Newton Centre, MA merged and had its first official Sunday together at Trinity in Newton Centre. The two congregations joined together permanently at Trinity Parish on the corner of Centre and Homer Streets in Newton Centre.
The merger of the two historic parishes came after almost two years of discernment and preparation for the move. Eight Episcopal parishes currently exist in the City of Newton. But the times, together with Newton’s changing demographics, no longer support that many Episcopal churches. According to the Rev. James La Macchia, Parish of the Messiah’s rector, “The congregations of Messiah and Trinity believe that we can be more effective evangelists and missionary disciples by joining together for worship, mission, and ministry. By merging, we will be better stewards of our time, talent, and treasure.” The Bishop and Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts agreed, and in September, approved the merger of the two parishes.
For well over one-hundred years, both parishes have engaged in significant outreach to their respective surrounding communities. The Centre Street Food Pantry will continue to operate from Trinity, and the new congregation is eager to continue and to expand the outreach activities undertaken by Messiah for the last one hundred and forty-four years, including the administration of a special endowed fund for the poor of Newton. When asked about joining forces with Messiah, Rev. Todd Miller, Trinity Parish’s rector, said, “We are excited and energized by the potential we will have made possible by the merger of these two parishes.”
We invite you to come and be a part of our new parish! Trinity Parish is located at 11 Homer St. in Newton Center. Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 10:00 AM. Sunday School and childcare are offered beginning at 9:45 AM. Fellowship follows the 10:00 AM service. More information can be found on Trinity’s website: www.trinitynewton.org.
