Notre-Dame-de-Grace Parish / Moncton
Established: before 1930.
First church : 1939
First Pastor : 1943
The northwestern region of Moncton was located in sheer countryside and was initially called Georgetown. Later it became known as Parkton. Some families had established themselves there at the turn of the century. The people felt they were located far from their parish which, at the time, was the Cathedral.
In 1930, there were already 100 families established there. The curates of the Cathedral served in this Mission. A few years later, in 1932, a school-chapel was opened. It was called Our Lady of Good Help Mission.
In July of 1939 the construction of the church began. On November 6th of that same year, the first mass was celebrated for some 40 families of the region.
This was the first parish founded by Mgsr. Norbert Robichaud, 2nd Archbishop of Moncton, in 1943. The church was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace in memory of the first chapel built on Acadian soil by the Capuchin Fathers at La Hève, September 8, 1632.
Unfortunately, the church burnt down in September of 1947. During the following four years, mass was celebrated in a hall at the rear of the rectory.
The new church made of stone, situated on the location of the former, is today held in admiration by the parishioners and visitors.