BOSTON --Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap. has announced the establishment of a new parish serving two towns in the Merrimack region. The new parish is to be named Holy Redeemer. Serving the towns of Merrimac and West Newbury the parish results from the merger of two previously existing parishes: Nativity in Merrimac and St. Ann in West Newbury.

According to the decree issued by the cardinal on Sept. 21, 2006 the process that resulted in his decision included extensive consultations with the parishioners of both parishes, as well as the parish leadership. He also consulted Bishop Emilio Allué, the regional bishop, and as required by canon law the archdiocesan presbyteral council. The latter body he consulted on four different occasions.

The decree indicates that the new parish will encompass the territory of the previous parishes; the canonical registers of both parishes will be maintained at the new parish and that the goods and obligations of both parishes become those of the new parish.

Father Edward F. Sherry becomes the first pastor of the new parish at noon on Oct. 30, 2006.