November 9, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Sergio Torres plays some tunes on the top-prize-winning St. Andrew's Church float in the 2026 Not Quite Independence Day parade in Waterbury. Photo by Gordon Miller
It’s been a busy year at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Waterbury as the congregation has celebrated the parish’s 150th anniversary with multiple projects and events.
The finale happens this month with a Variety Show planned for this Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. An anniversary closing ceremony is also planned for Nov. 29, when Bishop of Burlington John Joseph McDermott is scheduled to visit for a 6 p.m. prayer event where he will preach, and the church choir and musicians will perform. A reception at that event will feature a special exhibit sharing the church’s history.
First is this Saturday’s variety show, billed as “Something for Everyone.” It will be held at the parish’s St. Leo’s Hall, adjacent to the church at 109 South Main Street in Waterbury.
The program will feature an assortment of local talent, including performances by George Woodard, Ann Harvey, Elisabeth VonTrapp, and the parish’s own “Music Men” – Father Matthew Rensch and Sergio Torres – along with local Irish dancers from Green Mountain Performing Arts as well as several surprises.
Tickets: $20 for adults; $10 for seniors (65+); $5 for kids under 12; $40 for a family of two adults and kids under 12. Tickets are available in advance online by credit card or Venmo, or at the door if it’s not sold out. Find more information online or contact St. Andrew’s Rectory at 802-244-7734 or by email to rcc.office@vermontcatholic.org.
Anniversary recap
St. Andrew’s Church was acquired by the first Bishop of Vermont, Louis de Goësbriand, in February 1876 for the sum of $1,800. The church was dedicated that year on Nov. 30, the feast of St. Andrew, its patron.
According to church history and lore, it has weathered many storms, both literally and figuratively. The church’s statue of Mary became known as Our Lady of the Flood following the 1927 disaster in which it was the only statue to survive unbroken from flooding in the church. Mary’s intercession later is credited with the healing of an injured boy, whose abandoned crutches remain at the church to this day.
Church members this year have taken part in a number of special activities and projects connected with the anniversary, including a monthly speakers series.
A highlight was Waterbury’s Not Quite Independence Day parade when the St. Andrew’s Church entry won the parade’s top “Best in Parade Overall” prize. The float was a replica of the church with guitarist Sergio Torres riding aboard, playing music and singing along the parade route.
During the year, a variety of renovations took place at the church and rectory. The original front steps to the church – carved from a single block of Barre granite – were removed for the addition of a new foundation to stabilize the base. When the steps were put back, a new landing and handrails were added to improve access and safety, and landscaping was refreshed in the front of the building.
Rectory renovations included reconfiguring and upgrading the kitchen and living areas, allowing room for new office space. The building had some electrical work as well to address water leaks from rain.
Church leaders have outlined several additional projects planned for 2027, including painting the steeple, replacing exterior church doors, and updating the ramp in the rear of the building.
Volunteer Richard Charland explained that proceeds from the Variety Show and other fundraising done this year will support the various renovations. The parish so far has reached about two-thirds of its $150,000 fundraising goal for all of the improvements, he said.
More information is on the parish website.