In 1981, Father Sabourin was looking for a building to house six persons. Father Sabourin discussed this search with Bishop Angell who made Father aware of the fact that the Diocese of Providence had acquired property in Exeter in the hope of some day establishing a parish there. Father Sabourin looked into the location and took up the challenge to begin a church in Exeter.

To this end, he met with Father Fountain from St. Bernard Church to discuss the possibility of beginning a mission of St. Bernard Church. Father Fountain gave Father Sabourin the names of ten families in Exeter who might be willing to become members of a developing parish. He was uncertain of the outcome but was happy that Father Sabourin was willing to try to establish a Mission of St. Bernard and knew that all was in God's hands.

Five families responded to Father Sabourin's invitation. These families were Ron and Judy De Francesco, Frank and Dottie Neary, James and Donna Beaulieu, Gene and Lorrain Lusignan, and Chris and Steve Harrop.

On February 28, 1982 the first Mass was celebrated in Exeter. This Mass was celebrated in the living-dining room of the old farm house located on the property.

Within weeks others joined the group. Space was becoming tight and one Sunday there was a discussion of the time and place of future litugies. Possibilities offered were the Legion Hall on Route 2, the Ladd center also on Route 2, or building a church on the existing property. Opinions were freely offered and everyone's ideas were accepted and respected. Each voice was of equal weight.

Someone suggested that each family contribute $20 a week toward building a church but the consensus was that no collections would be made. Sal heard some of the discussion and at the following liturgy he told a first time parishioner to put her money into the unbrella stand at the door. Needless to say this information was quickly rectified.

During the warmer months, the liturgy was celebrated outdoors. In June we celebrated our first baptism: David De Francesco was baptized. Two months later, Michael Beaulieu was baptized.

The parish was growing and after intense discussions, it was decided that the four car garage should be used as a chapel. Our first Christmas Mass was celebrated in the garage. After the service, Dottie Neary pondered that this was somewhat like Jesus' brithplace, the stable.

In the spring, the men set to work to transform the garage into a suitable place to celebrate the liturgy. Shortly after the renovation was completed Bishop Gelineau came to celebrate with us and to give us our official name: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Chapel. By word of mouth the existence of the parish was made known and the numbers increased rapidly. A small seed had been sown: 6 families in prayer.

Today, here we are in awe of all that God has done for us and with us. How grateful we are for His many blessings. We pray that this is a new beginning and that greater marvels are yet to come.