This data was last updated on 5 February 2018.
Address: 240 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA 02122
Phone: 617-265-5302
Website: http://stmark-stambrose.org/
History: Saint Ambrose Parish was founded in 1914 as an offshoot of Saint Peter Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The parish was established to serve the Irish Catholic population, which was rapidly increasing at that time. In 1936, a parish school was established at Saint Ambrose to educate and protect the faith of the children of immigrant families. The congregation was faced with a huge challenge in January of 1984 when a fire completely destroyed the church building. The following year, ground was broken for the construction of a new building designed by local architect, Dennis Keefe. The new Saint Ambrose building incorporated large stained glass windows and statues that were rescued from the old building, and was dedicated in 1987 with a service that included readings in both English and Spanish. Saint Ambrose Parish continues to be a vibrant multi-ethnic congregation today.
Description: Saint Ambrose Parish is located in Field’s Corner in Dorchester. Masses are held in the sanctuary, which has high ceilings with built-in stained glass windows. Behind the main altar there is a stained glass window portraying Jesus at the Last Supper. In the back of the sanctuary, there is an altar with a surrounding space that can be closed off from the rest of the sanctuary for smaller services. The church seats approximately 500 people.
Activities and Schedule: Weekly Masses are offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Weekday Masses are also celebrated in English and Vietnamese. The Parish has several different groups that meet for a variety of purposes. The Parish Sodality is a women’s group that meets to pray the Rosary, visit hospitals, and go on outings. Boy and Girl Scout groups and the church youth group meet at the Parish. Outreach Saint Ambrose Parish facilitates several programs and services for people in need. The Parish hosts Alateen, a program that helps young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs are also available. The Parish Pro-Life Committee works in collaboration with Catholic Charities and other organizations to provide support to pregnant women in need. Saint Ambrose Parish also distributes food to the Field’s Corner community through their food pantry.