Author: Fr. Mahoney (Page 1 of 63)

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Visiting the sick and the homebound of a parish community – and those visiting the parish territory – is one of the more significant aspects of a pastor’s ministry. It has been one of the greatest joys of my priestly vocation to visit the sick and the homebound of St. Joseph’s parish community and its visitors here, whether the parishioner is at home, in a healthcare facility, or hospitalized, and even to visit a family member who is not of the Catholic faith.

As those I visit regularly these days will attest, my pastoral visits – whether Communion calls, confessions, or administering the Sacrament of the Sick – are simple and peaceful occasions for an encounter with Christ. While Thursdays and Fridays are my usual days for pastoral visits, I am happy to stop by and say hello at any time, and I always check your availability and interest before visiting. Remember, please, that the Sacrament of the Sick, formerly referred to as Extreme Unction or the “Last Rites of the Church,” should not be postponed until the time of death is imminent.

The act of visiting those who cannot come to Mass reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles, and that they continue to be valued members of the parish community. Pastoral visits provide a tangible expression of the Church’s care. Please call the parish office at 603-745-2266 if you or a family member would like me to visit.

With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney

Pierrette Clermont

Mass of Christian Burial on  Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 11:00 A.M      
Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Lincoln at a later date.

Charles E. Harrington

Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. preceded by a viewing in the church beginning at 9:00 A.M. Interment at Woodstock Cemetery at a later date.

Let us pray together, as a community of faith, that this Lenten Season will be a time of faith development and growth in the Spirit for us, for all who gather here, and especially for those who have lost their way in faith.

Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and Good Friday, April 18, 2025, are days of universal fast, observed by all who are 18 to 58 years of age, inclusive, permitting medicine, one full meal and two much lighter meals, with nothing to eat in between meals other than water, milk, and juices. 

In addition, both of these holy days are days of full abstinence from meat (unless excused for reasons of health) — as are all Fridays of Lent — binding all who are 14 years of age and older.

Let us pray together, as a community of faith, that this Lenten Season will be a time of faith development and growth in the Spirit for us, for all who gather here, and especially for those who have lost their way in faith.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Here we are, ready to begin again the holy season of Lent. Throughout these forty days,  we turn our attention to reestablishing the Lord as the center of our lives, through fasting, increased prayer, and special acts of charity.

In his gospel, St. Luke tells us that Jesus began his public ministry when “He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went, according to his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day.” As Catholics, we are called to go to church at least for one hour a week to participate in the Holy Mass. There, we give thanks to God for the many graces He gives so freely to us. Lent is a time for us to reflect on God’s infinite love, and especially to  receive the Eucharist – the real, true, and substantial gift of God’s presence among us.

I invite you to nourish your faith, especially  during Lent. Come to Sunday Mass with your  burdens and your joys! Consider attending daily Mass. Set aside time for a holy hour at Wednesday Adoration. Make time for sacramental confession. Pray with us the Passion of the Lord at Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney