St. Francis Xavier School

Twenty-seven year old Richard Lavalley was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1964. In his more than sixty years as a priest, Monsignor Lavalley has worked tirelessly for thousands of parishioners.
​Monsignor Lavalley has always had a love for Catholic education. His first assignment as a priest was at St. Peter’s in Rutland where he was active at the parish school and taught religion at nearby Mount St. Joseph Academy. He served as principal there for nine years. Even after leaving Mount St. Joseph for parish and diocesan work, Monsignor would make a point of serving Mass or teaching classes at local Catholic schools.

​His greatest gift to Catholic education is the love and guidance he has brought to St. Francis Xavier School for thirty years. Even as a senior priest and SFX Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Lavalley continues to advise administrators, meet with parents, preside over the school Masses, hear confessions and, most importantly, counsel and console whenever someone needs him. To paraphrase Pope Francis, it is a demanding life, but full of joy.

Monsignor often mentions his special connection to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. “She has been with me all the way,” says Monsignor, speaking of his life as a priest. “She is the first one I go to in the morning and the last one I go to at night.” It is fitting that a priest who perpetually helps others feels a bond with Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Thank you, Monsignor, for all you do.