Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 32 of 76)

To be a catechist is to be of service to the Lord and to one another through the ministry of handing on the faith through witness, word, and example.  In many ways, it is a humbling ministry, for none of us is perfect nor knows all there is to know about our faith.  Yet in our imperfection, God calls us to “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” Mt. 28:19-20  

     As a parish community, we should be eternally grateful to our Faith Formation teachers as they exercise their ministry here in St. Joseph’s faith community.  Co-directors Paula King and Annie Anderson, and teachers Karen Gallagher and Kathleen McDermott, not only lead our   catechetical program, but they do so effectively because they live their faith every day, bearing  witness to the    Gospel message in word and action.  As such – and in conjunction with their weekly classroom instruction – their students learn Christian values and spirituality, and incorporate them into their daily lives.

As we observe Catechetical Sunday on the weekend of  September 9 and 10, 2023, please join me in thanking our Faith Formation teachers for their faith-filled dedication to pass on the message of the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church to our fine young students who achieve so much under their tutelage and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

 New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

A celebration of Scottish Heritage

September 15-17, 2023             Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, NH

www.nhscot.org

We are most grateful to the two skiers who   volunteer so much time and care into making the parish property look like the gardens of paradise!

New Hampshire   Highland Games  & Festival
A celebration of Scottish Heritage
September 15-17, 2023 Loon Mountain Resort Lincoln, NH
www.nhscot.org

     The Scala Sancta (the “Holy Stairs”) are one of the most treasured stops by religious pilgrims who tour the City of Rome. The 28 white marble steps are believed to be the staircase from Pontius Pilate’s palace that Jesus climbed during his Passion. They were transported from the Holy Land to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth  century and are considered such a holy relic that pilgrims ascend the steps on their knees while praying.

     Closer to home, you may have noticed that the project of realigning the granite front steps of the church edifice here at St. Joseph’s has been completed, with new railings installed. This needed to be done as a safety measure for all those who climb them to access Holy Mass and prayer.

     While the repair costs totaled $21,200, the parish received a safety grant from the Diocese of Manchester  of $10,600, and private donations from parishioners of over $28,000! Whereas all these contributions are meritorious and appreciated, of particular mention is the $25,000 gift from Millie Berry. When you see Millie, please extend a word of thanks, and do keep all the donors in your prayers. The surplus funds will be used to address other safety repairs needed in the church building.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

       In order to avoid the illicit mingling of personal   belongings with Church patrimony, our cleaning crew  has been instructed to remove and discard any             personal items left in the church, such as flyers,  flowers, brochures, prayer cards, furniture, books, statues, rosaries, and any political propaganda, etc.   If you would like to donate religious items, please  contact the parish office for approval.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Our prayers and best wishes  to Betty Poirier, a long-time, faithful parishioner of St. Joseph’s and member of our Outreach Committee. God bless you, Betty, with your future endeavors