St. Mary's Parish

What St. Mary's Parish does

St. Mary's Parish is a Catholic parish founded in 1922 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, operating under the Diocese of Worcester. The parish celebrated its centennial in 2022 and describes itself as a vibrant Catholic community serving more than 2,800 households. It is governed by Pastor Msgr. Michael Rose and Associate Pastor Fr. Zack Sullivan, with an 11-person staff including a Business Office, Parish Secretary, three Youth Faith Formation Coordinators, a Pastoral Associate, and the Saint Mary School Principal. Worship and sacramental life are delivered through an extensive Mass schedule (five Sunday services plus daily Mass), Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and the seven Catholic sacraments, with office operations handled at 20 Summer Street.

The parish's core offerings center on faith formation across the full life cycle, organized as discrete programs: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-5), Grades 1-6, Grades 7-8 (Augustine Institute Word of Life curriculum), and two-year Confirmation preparation in Grades 9-10 using the Purpose Program from Life Teen. Adult formation includes OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), the University of Mary lecture series, Walking with Purpose women's Bible study, and the Light of the World Retreat. Outreach ministries include monthly volunteering at the Mustard Seed soup kitchen in Worcester, the Giving Tree, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and Respect Life advocacy. The parish's technology stack is composed entirely of third-party SaaS products: ParishSoft by Ministry Brands for online giving, the FORMED Catholic media platform for content, the Hallow prayer app for digital prayer engagement, and Flocknote for email/text communications, all deployed on an eCatholic-hosted website.

The revenue model is non-profit and donation-driven. Primary income is tithes and offerings from parishioners, encouraged as intentional, sacrificial, and consistent giving, processed via envelope and online channels through ParishSoft. Secondary streams include Mass intentions at $10 per intention, faith formation registration fees of $50-$200 per student depending on program and family cap, and a $14 confirmation robe fee. The parish participates annually in the Diocese of Worcester's Partners in Charity appeal with a 2026 parish goal of $181,000. There is no disclosed revenue figure, no venture or external ownership, and no fundraising events beyond community activities such as the Family Festival and Grand Raffle. The parish engages in regulatory advocacy, most notably as the named party in the U.S. Supreme Court case St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy concerning religious preschool funding.

Name

St. Mary's Parish

Legal name

St. Mary's Parish

Website

https://stmarysparish.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1922

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

St. Mary's Parish is a Catholic parish in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, founded in 1922 and operating under the Diocese of Worcester. It serves more than 2,800 households with worship, sacraments, faith formation programs from pre-school through adult, and community outreach ministries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Catholic Parish Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (813110), Religious Organizations (8131), Religious Organizations (81311)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences) (BPAGAJAB), Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC), Faith-Based Childcare Centers (EDACAAAN)

Keywords

• Catholic parish services
• Religious education programs
• Sacramental preparation services
• Faith formation programs
• Outreach ministries

Headquarters

HQ city

Shrewsbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Regular financial contributions from parishioners through envelope-based giving and online donations via ParishSoft. Parishioners are encouraged to give intentionally, sacrificially, and consistently. Year-end statements provided for tax purposes.
2. Partners in Charity Appeal: Annual diocesan-wide appeal where the parish seeks to reach its assigned goal ($181,000 for 2026). Funds support Catholic Charities, Catholic education, and diocesan ministries across Worcester County.
3. Mass Intentions: Parishioners request specific Masses to be offered for intentions (e.g., deceased loved ones, special intentions) at $10 per intention.
4. Faith Formation Registration Fees: Program fees for religious education: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd $50/student; Public School Students Grades 1-10 $100/student (capped at $200); Catholic School Students in Grade 2 or 10 $50/student.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

St. Mary's Parish is a Catholic parish that delivers weekly and daily worship services (Mass, Confession, Adoration) and the seven sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation, Funeral rites). It also runs a comprehensive faith formation curriculum for children and youth from Pre-School through Grade 10, adult faith formation (OCIA, Bible studies, retreats), liturgical ministries, and community outreach programs serving the broader Worcester County area.

Product overview

St. Mary's Parish operates as a Catholic parish offering a unified portfolio of faith formation and community service programs. The core offerings center on religious education across all life stages: Pre-School through Grade 10 faith formation classes, sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation), and adult formation programs (OCIA, University of Mary, Walking with Purpose Bible study). These are complemented by liturgical ministries (Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, choirs), outreach services (soup kitchen, homebound visits, Giving Tree), and Respect Life ministry. The parish also provides digital resources including Online Giving via ParishSoft/WeShare and FORMED Catholic media subscription. The programs work together to support the parish's mission of leading others to know, grow in relationship with, and go forth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Saint Mary School: Parish school serving students and operated under the parish.

Products and services

• Pre-School Faith Formation (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) Montessori-based religious education program for children ages 3-5, held weekly on Sunday mornings in a specially prepared Atrium learning environment. $50 per student.
• Grade School Religious Education (Grades 1-6) Religious education classes for grades 1-6 that help children develop a closer personal relationship with God and deepen understanding of the Catholic faith, including two-year preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. $100 per student (capped at $200 per family).
• Middle School Faith Formation (Grades 7-8) Faith formation program using the Augustine Institute's Word of Life curriculum, exploring Scripture, the Catechism, lives of saints, prayer, and fundamental questions of life with separate groups for boys and girls.
• Confirmation Preparation (Grades 9-10) Two-year Confirmation preparation program using the Purpose program from Life Teen. Grade 9 focuses on initial formation while Grade 10 Catholic school students join January through April for sacramental preparation.
• OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) Journey of discovery and formation for adults considering becoming Catholic or seeking sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation. Formerly known as RCIA, welcoming those exploring the Catholic faith.
• University of Mary Adult Faith Formation Series Adult faith formation series exploring the Catholic faith and deepening relationship with Jesus Christ through presentations and open discussion. Topics include the Mass, Bible, and Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Walking with Purpose Bible Study Catholic Bible study program for women introducing personal relationship with Jesus through Scripture while connecting participants to community. Uses studies that have received imprimatur from the Roman Catholic Church.
• Light of the World Retreat Multi-day retreat program providing opportunity for faith rekindling or growth through immersive retreat experience with flexible format allowing participants to return home each evening.
• Hallow Parish-wide Prayer Challenge Parish-wide prayer initiative using the Hallow Catholic prayer app, offering guided prayers, Scripture reflections, meditations, and Bible studies available to the entire parish and school community.
• FORMED Catholic Media Subscription Free parish subscription service described as 'Catholic Netflix' offering inspiring movies, studies, audio talks, and e-books from compelling speakers and authors. Available on web, iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and AndroidTV. Parish registration code: 01545.
• Liturgical Ministries Liturgical service opportunities including Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Ushers, Sacristans, Cantors, Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Art & Environment committee, and Children's Liturgy of the Word.
• Outreach Ministries Community service programs including The Mustard Seed soup kitchen volunteering (serving approximately 120 people per monthly meal session since the 1970s), Christmas caroling to homebound, Fish Fry deliveries, Parish-wide Day of Service, The Giving Tree, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and visits to homebound parishioners.
• Respect Life Ministry Ministry striving to build a culture of life and uphold human dignity from conception to natural death through prayer, pastoral care, and public policy advocacy, including participation in 40 Days for Life vigils.
• Online Giving Platform (ParishSoft/WeShare) Online giving platform powered by ParishSoft (Ministry Brands) enabling secure, recurring donations, year-end statements, and special collections. Replaces traditional envelope system for convenient parish contributions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22% return rate on 2025 Parish Survey, indicating active engagement from congregation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Diocese of WorcestercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt. Mary's Parish is under the authority of the Diocese of Worcester. The diocese provides guidelines for liturgical practices, safe environment programs, and coordinates the Partners in Charity annual appeal. Parish follows national guidelines for protection of children and young people approved by US Bishops.
• ParishSoft by Ministry BrandscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline giving platform enabling recurring donations, one-time gifts, special collections, and year-end donation summaries. Platform eliminates check processing bank fees and enables more accurate revenue forecasting for the parish.
• The Mustard SeedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity soup kitchen at 93 Piedmont St, Worcester, MA where St. Mary's volunteers serve meals on the third Wednesday of each month. St. Mary's has been serving there since the 1970s, serving approximately 120 people per session.
• UMass Memorial Hospital / Dr. Heather ForkeyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Heather Forkey, pediatrician at UMass/Memorial Hospital and Diocesan Review Committee member, presents Safe Environment Training for parish staff and volunteers.
• Partners in CharitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiocesan-wide annual charitable appeal coordinated through Partners in Charity Office. Parish goal of $181,000 for 2026 supports Catholic Charities, Catholic education, and diocesan ministries serving tens of thousands in Worcester County.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Diocese of Worcester: Parent ecclesiastical jurisdiction governing St. Mary's Parish and other parishes across Worcester County. Operates the Partners in Charity appeal and diocesan ministries that frame the parish's operating context, fundraising goals, and governance.
• Our Sunday Visitor (OSV): Catholic publishing and parish services organization offering curricula, giving platforms, and resources to U.S. Catholic parishes. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving the same parish procurement and formation needs.

Emerging players

• Hallow: Catholic prayer and meditation app that is a technology partner of St. Mary's via the parish-wide Hallow Prayer Challenge. Comparable as a faith-formation technology provider targeting the same Catholic audience and competing for parishioner engagement time.
• FORMED (Ascension): Catholic media subscription platform ('Catholic Netflix') integrated with St. Mary's Parish programming. Serves overlapping Catholic audience with movies, studies, audio talks, and e-books for faith formation at parish and household level.
• Dynamic Catholic: Catholic content and evangelization organization producing parish-based programs and resources. Comparable as a faith-formation content provider serving Catholic parishes and their congregations.

Others

• ParishSoft (Ministry Brands): Software vendor providing St. Mary's online giving and parish management platform. Adjacent enabling peer serving the same parish market segment with back-office technology infrastructure.
• Life Teen: Catholic youth ministry organization whose Purpose Program is the Confirmation curriculum selected by St. Mary's Parish. Comparable as a youth-formation content and program provider within the same Catholic ecosystem.
• Augustine Institute: Catholic educational content provider whose Word of Life curriculum is used for St. Mary's Middle School faith formation. Adjacent enabling peer offering faith formation curriculum for the same Catholic audience.
• Flocknote: Catholic parish communications platform used by St. Mary's for email/text messaging, prayer requests, and event notifications. Adjacent enabling technology peer serving the same parish communications market.
• eCatholic: Catholic website platform provider that hosts St. Mary's Parish website. Adjacent enabling technology peer providing digital presence infrastructure for Catholic parishes.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYkfd6Psgkqgy2GCWbvRczw
• Facebookfacebook.com/StMarysShrewsburyMA
• Instagraminstagram.com/stmarysshrewsburyma
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/st-marys-parish

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St. Mary's Parish