Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 1 of 26)

Dear Parishioners,

I wish you to be aware of some repairs around the parish property that need to be addressed, some sooner rather than later. Originally, most of these proposed projects were scheduled to be addressed in 2017-2019 but were postponed due to changes in parish leadership and the disruption of the pandemic.  Over recent months, I have been in consultation with the Parish Finance Council and with Mike Iarocci, Chairperson of Buildings and Grounds, about obtaining estimates and prioritizing the projects.

1.  The front porch of the rectory has been heaving and buckling over the past two to three years, causing warping of the railings and decking and dislocating of multiple spindles. Mike Iarocci and Gene Duquette have examined the condition of the porch and report that the infrastructure, especially the in-ground footings underneath the deck, need reinforcement, finding insect and water damage. This required removal of shrubbery, and will entail dismantling of the porch’s superstructure (not the roof), reassembling, and painting the rectory porch. Navarra’s Landscaping, under regular contract with St. Joseph’s, has removed the shrubbery in front of the porch structure.

2. Presby Construction Company in Franconia, who has done work for our area churches in the past, will provide next week an estimate to repair 1) the church’s granite front steps, 2) the insecure and unsafe handrails leading to the church’s front door, and 3) the church’s four front doors that need realignment and refinishing. Reportedly, Presby was contracted a few years ago to construct the handicapped ramp on the Church.

3. J.S. Adams Lock & Security Company, who installed the cur-rent security system in the church, will provide an estimate to upgrade and/or install a fifth video camera in the church’s nave that will capture all spots where money is donated – i.e., the poor box and all candle money boxes. Also, locks will be replaced on all three doors leading into the sacristy. These upgrades and replacements are needed in light of past and recent security problems. They are recommended following the recent investigation of the church property by the Internal Auditor’s Office at the Diocese of Manchester.

4. New England Power Sound, who is contracted to service the church’s sound system, will visit the church in October or November to assess and upgrade as necessary the transmitters, microphones and speakers.

5. At some point in the future, I plan to appoint a committee to discuss painting and carpeting the interior of the church edifice.

    More information will be forthcoming as plans develop for these construction projects, large and small, but all manageable.  In the meantime, thank you for your spiritual and financial support of St. Joseph’s Parish!

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney 

We only have only so much psychological and spiritual energy. We easily get tired. Responding to life’s demands and people’s needs can really zap us of all of our energy. Anger, frustration, exhaustion, discouragement, helplessness, and even apathy can run wild. We can find ourselves bitter and irritated by the fact that we have to do it all again. We need to rest, connect, and focus. Deserted places, free of unnecessary distractions and demands, are great places of refreshment and we all need them. Desiring to be alone for a bit and rest does not indicate selfishness. Rather it radiates wisdom. God is the source of all we do and the satisfaction of every human heart. If we are going to use the gifts God gave us well, then we have to make sure our batteries are recharged and replenished. Jesus invites us to go to a desert place to rest and pray. Where is yours?

Liturgical Training Press

Dear Parishioners,

Now that the new budget year has ended, I had a chance to assess some Parish Finance Council matters with Chris Thompson, who, as you know, has served for a good number of years on the PFC, most recently as Chairperson.  For a few years now, Chris has been weighing his readiness to resign from the PFC, but because of his sense of commitment and responsibility did not do so while the parish was undergoing multiple transitions.  This past Friday, he offered his letter of resignation, which I have accepted with a mix of pastoral understanding and professional regret.  Characteristic of Chris, he has offered to be available in the future for any consultation we may need.

Please join me in thanking Chris for all he has done over the years to guide the parish’s fiscal operations.  We extend to him and to his family our heartfelt prayers and best wishes for good health and continued happiness.

Fr. John Mahoney

Thank you to the parishioner who has assumed the
meticulous task of caring for the sacred linens used at
our Eucharistic liturgies. As with so many others in
the parish community, yours is an anonymous and
quiet gift, but of great service to the Lord’s table ministry

When [Jesus] disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them. For Jesus, the ignorance of a loving Lord who guides and supports his people is the saddest sight there is. Even when he was personally
exhausted, shepherd-less masses awakened in Jesus the desire to offer guidance. Today, our Jewish friends pray and sacrifice to memorialize the saddest
day on the Jewish calendar. Tisha B’av, the day when the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed not just once, but twice, in history. The despair of being without divine
moorings is acute for any displaced people. Consider offering a kind and compassionate word today to a friend who has lost his or her way in faith.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
The St. Joseph’s Parish Capital Campaign expires on Saturday, July 31, 2021, with a gross amount of $152,102 raised. Thank you to so many who prayed and sacrificed to support the renovations needed to our church edifice. If you had arranged for electronic contributions, please remember to cancel automatic deductions and transfers. God bless you for your generosity!

SANITIZATION PROTOCOLS
After consultation with the Parish Safety Committee and members of the local medical community, I have decided that our sanitization protocols should continue
at least into the autumn season. Following each of the weekend Masses, then, the pews and high-touch areas of the church building will be sprayed with Bioesque,
a botanically-based antiseptic. Additionally, the air conditioning units in the nave were cleaned and sanitized last week. (Thank you to the professionals who
donated their time and energy for the project!)

Welcome to visitors and blessings to all who enter God’s house!
Fr. John Mahoney