Thank you to everyone for your generous support of furnishing the church with Christmas flowers!
Among the many donations were these poinsettias memorializing and honoring loved ones:
Herman & Helen Cadorette, Claire Ward, Aline Stocker, by Janet Peltier.
Deceased members of of Albert Family, by David Albert
Rosemary Mehrmann, Margaret Caron, by Peggy & Fred Mehrmann
Jeremiah T. McCarthy, All souls in Purgatory, by JoAnn McCarthy
Charles Harrington, Marie & Leonard Bossie, by Pauline Harrington
Wolowski Family, Golik Family, Janina Wolowski, Rafal Wolowski, Kay LaBrecque, by Jan and Gracie Wolowski
F. Hamdan, M.D., Holy Mother Mary, by Patricia Hamdan
Eric Johnson, Barbara Eiserlo, Clough Family, Macedo Family, The Perron Family, by Rae Perron.
Joseph Carneglio, Betty Zeto, Ester Carneglio, Catherine Montesanto, by Rosemarie Henderson.
James & Marion Whitlock, Harry & Ann Lent, Barry Bagnati, by Ed & Elaine Whitlock
Sam Boyle, Laura Boyle, Quentin W. Boyle. by Quentin & Judy Boyle.
Erving & Helena Haynes, Joseph & Mabel Lahoullier, Patty Papio, by Nina & Nathan Haynes.
Dale Whitman, Randolph & Blanche Boyle, Sandra & Randy Borgnis, Robert, Shirley, Michael Leclerc, Cameron Morrisette, Mary Boyle, by Susan Whitman
Mary & Michael Iarocci, Sr., Celia & Albert Pieroni, Eugenio & Nicolena Muscatelli, Luigi & Lena Iarocci, Angelo Pezzo,
Amato & Emma Iadicola, Octavio & Pauline Pieroni, Michelina Muscatelli, Marguerite Lemieux, Isabelle Rafferty, by Mary Pieroni.
Joseph W. Laufenberg Jr., by Laura Laufenberg.
Gade family & Doherty family, by Thomas and Carol Doherty
Julie Gilligon, by Karen Bartlett
Saiza and Petty Families by Don and Joanna Petty
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, All the holy souls in Purgatory, A ll the people on earth, by Patrick and Christine Walsh
Marqarite and Millard Young, Marshall Young, Roger Libby, Michael Vitale, Gloria Vitale, by Barbara Vitale
Lance and Kimberly Shaw by Lori Smith
Andre, by Donald Dostie
Plante and Tzitzouris Family, by Maria Plante
Nena Garza Sexton, by Norman Franklin
Father John Mahoney, Grace Duggan, Sandy Crisp, Anne and Charles McCullough, Cadorette and Peltier Families,
Patricia Guitelli, Michael, By Anonymous Donor
Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 1 of 77)
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Being sinless himself, it may seem strange that Jesus received baptism in the Jordan River by his cousin, St. John the Baptist. Although the baptism St. John offered to the people of Israel was not the same as the true, sacramental baptism that Jesus would bring, it was a symbolic forerunner of it. In submitting to baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus is identifying himself with sinners – though he was sinless – but would later take our sins upon himself and submerge himself in our place, into the waters of purification, and then rise up from the waters to show the new life that he will gain for us. In fact, Jesus refers to his passion, death, and resurrection as his “baptism,” just as he would rise from the tomb glorified and victorious over death on Easter morning. Because of Christ’s actions, the heavens are opened, and we—through our own baptism in living water and “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” – are cleansed from original sin and incorporated into the holy household of God.
Wishing you a blessed and healthy new year,
Fr. John Mahoney
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
As the calendar turns and we step into a new year, we often feel a mix of emotions—hope for what’s ahead, gratitude for what’s behind, and maybe even a little uncertainty about the unknown. New Year’s Day is more than just a date change, it’s a gentle reminder from God that renewal is possible, that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). This time of year invites us to pause and reflect: What burdens from the past year can we lay down at the foot of the cross? What blessings can we carry forward with joy? And how might we open our hearts to the fresh work God longs to do in us? Just as winter’s stillness prepares the earth for spring, this season can prepare our souls for growth. Let us enter the new year not with hurried resolutions, but with a prayerful posture—asking God to shape our days, guide our steps, and deepen our love for Him and for one another. May this New Year 2026 be a chapter where God’s grace writes our story, faith lights our pathways, and charity is the language we speak most often.
With prayerful best wishes for you in the year ahead,
Fr. John Mahoney
Although exchanging the sign of peace at Holy Mass was discontinued when the pandemic struck, its restoration has been delayed for another reason. In a past issue of Parable Magazine, Bishop Libasci explains that a clearer and theological understanding of the rite is needed by the faithful of the Diocese. He writes, “We’re not just saying, ‘Hi.’ We are really supposed to be ratifying our belief in the new creation we have become and the new creation standing before us: God’s children adopted through baptism and saved for eternal life. As soon as we can get this message out and rediscover the true meaning, we’ll let you know when and how best to offer the sign of peace.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With deep joy and gratitude, I extend to you – parishioners and visitors alike – my prayerful best wishes for a holy and blessed Christmas Season and New Year!
Several years ago, I received a Christmas card with this message: “This Christmas, I wish you Jesus.” On the inside it read: “Isn’t it nice to have everything!” Miracles come to us in all shapes and sizes during the Advent Season, but the perfect gift is always the miracle found in the manger on that first Christmas morning – a perfect gift because it keeps on giving and giving and giving.
The Christmas Season has a way of bringing back to church individuals and families who, for various reasons, have not been to Mass for a while. What a wonderful and grace-filled opportunity to put aside past differences and old habits and to begin anew into 2024 that prayerful relationship with the Lord. Over the year to come – and amid all our current challenges and concerns – may we grow together in strength and grace to know and celebrate God’s presence in our lives.
May our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, bless you, your families and loved ones at this holy time of hope and grace, and may Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother, watch over you always.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Fr. John Mahoney
Please keep in your prayers all those serving in the U.S. Military and their families.