A New Chapter for Saint Mary’s – Launching a Childcare Center

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s:

As many of you know, a committee of parishioners was tasked by Father Nathan Ferrell and the Vestry to evaluate the feasibility of developing a child care center at Saint Mary’s.

That committee has worked hard for almost a year, talking to experts, state and local officials, and experienced child care operators and many parishioners.

The Feasibility Committee has determined that a child care center would be financially feasible for Saint Mary’s, fall within St. Mary’s mission, and help to meet a critical need in the community. The Vestry on March 19 voted to approve the detailed plan for the center and to charge the initial Feasibility Committee with implementation of the plan. Preparations will begin soon, and the plans call for the center to open no earlier than January of 2026. It will be administered by a separate, non-profit board that will have majority representation from Saint Mary’s.

As Bishop Brown has reminded us, we need to find new ways to serve our community that go beyond the traditional Sunday celebration. The Vestry believes that a child care center is an important project at this time when the need is great and major outside financing is available. Our hope is that after the first year of operation we will be able to reach underserved communities that may be outside our immediate environs. The Committee has already begun collaborative work with groups serving these communities in Portland and South Portland, and they are supportive of our efforts.

The Vestry and the Feasibility Committee listened carefully to the concerns about the project that were raised by some parishioners. Committee members made efforts where possible to meet with those who had concerns. We are grateful to those who took the time to share their thoughts, which helped us to think more carefully about the project.

We are grateful to the members of the Feasibility Committee who worked so hard on this project. Co-chairs Melissa Roland and Toosie Smith were joined by Rayle Ainsworth, Jim Kane, Emily Kennerly, Valerie Kyros, and Pat Peard. This group met faithfully for the past year and will now continue to develop this project. They will be updating the parish at intervals during this year as they continue to plan for the center.

Just as the Lord has helped to lead us to this decision, we shall pray for God’s continued guidance for our community in bringing this wonderful opportunity to fruition.

The Rev. Jane Milliken Hague, Interim Priest in Charge
Tom LaPlante, Senior Warden
Chris Martin, Junior Warden