Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 34 of 78)

     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

I am recovering so well from my recent heart attack and associated complications only because of your prayerful interventions.  Thank you for the prayers, good thoughts, cards, emails, and texts, all of which are contributing as I move forward in the right direction!

Peace and Good Health,

Fr. John Mahoney

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Congratulations!  There is no adequate way to express gratitude for your generous contributions to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.  Here is Bishop Libasci’s message to you and me regarding our accomplishment:

          “Congratulations and God Reward you!! As  I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and your     parishioners for exceeding your goal for the 2023 New Hampshire Catholic Appeal:  Future of our Faith II!
You and the parishioners of Saint Joseph  Parish have responded generously to this call to action to serve the needs of the people of our      diocese and reminded us that although we are Many Parts, we are One Body in Christ.  Thank you for living out the gospel values and breathing life into this Appeal in its first full year.
May God bless you and all who will come   to see the loving hand of God through the NHCA.  I will continue to pray for you and your parish  family at my daily Masses.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, D.D.  Bishop of Manchester”

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney