Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 1 of 76)

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

During the months of January and February, certain areas of the church building will be under construction. To eliminate trip-and-fall risks, the torn and rippled wall-to-wall carpeting in the nave and the narthex will be replaced. Also, a new pew frontal will be installed that will provide kneelers for those seated in the front pews. This will also provide additional depth to the transept, which will facilitate the distribution of Holy Communion when a bridal party or casket are situated at the juncture of the transept and the center aisle. Of great significance, though,     I am happy to report that I have been handed checks from a number of generous donors totaling $30,000, which covers the lion’s share of these projects. While some of these donors wish to remain anonymous at this time, I will publish more about these acts of   generosity later.

With thanks and prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

A Service of Lessons & Carols will be presented at St. Rose of Lima Church, Littleton, on  Sunday, December 14, 2025 5:00 PM.  The service covers the Christmas story from the fall in the Garden through the coming of the Magi, alternating scripture readings and carols. Our Cantor, Margaret Sweeney, will be joining the St. Rose of Lima choirs and other area choirs  and musicians for this deeply meaningful and widely celebrated Christmas worship experience.
 

Francis “Joe” Huot

Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM followed by Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Berlin

Dear Parishioners and Visitors

I hope that your time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday was
blessed and enjoyable. Now, as the seasons of Advent and the Nativity of the Lord approach, we prepare our hearts to emulate God’s sharing with us the gift of His son.

Sharing resources was the theme of the Parish Outreach Committee’s recent meetings. This year the Outreach Committee has agreed, once again, to
send a $3000 cash donation from St. Joseph’s parish community to the Linwood Rotary’s Community Chest program. As you may know, the Community Chest has the personnel available to screen, to shop, and to deliver to deserving families Thanksgiving meals and food baskets, as well as Christmas dinners and gifts for children in our local neighborhoods. These proceeds come from the generous donations made to our Poor Box, located on the right side of the Nave. These proceeds are directed to many other area charitable organizations, such as Haven Pregnancy Center, The Bridge Project, Vets Rest Stop, Linwood Recreation Center and the Knights of Columbus, as well as providing Price Chopper gift cards for the hungry and bereavement refreshments for the grieving. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please utilize our Poor Box.

With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney

Please keep in your prayers all those serving in the U.S. Military and their families.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

As mentioned at the Masses last weekend, our students in the Faith Formation program are learning about the Corporal Works of Mercy.  However, in  a sense, we are all involved in a faith-formation   process.  Every day is a school day, and every day, as Christians, we are urged to engage in the discipline of practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Thank you for contributing to the Faith Formation Food Drive last weekend.  A carload of food and $696 in cash donations were delivered to the Fr. Bill Community Center from St. Joseph Parish to help deserving families in the area.

God bless you for your generosity and faithful discipleship by feeding the hungry.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney