Without doubt, the Lord Jesus was well pleased when he arrived in the traveling caravan at St. Joseph’s Church last Friday.  It  was quite a spectacle on Church Street when the NH Eucharistic Pilgrim bus arrived with an entourage of priests, nuns and pilgrims aboard transporting Bishop Libasci’s grand monstrance, which was borne up the front stairs and into the church in       solemn procession.  Once there, the Eucharistic Lord was  greeted in the church with sacred music and many parishioners and visitors for an hour of prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament: “O Salutaris Hostia,” indeed!  A special word of thanks to the parishioners who came to pray, and to the parish staff who pulled the victory together:  Margaret Sweeney, Colin McIver, Steven Babin, Karen Gallagher, Nancy Sweeney, and Jan Wolowski.  Praise God for a beautiful and reverent holy-hour visit from the Lord Jesus!
 

Saint Columbanus is the patron saint of motorcyclists. He became a monk in Ireland in the mid-seventh century, but because of his love for the open road, he traveled throughout Western Europe, moving from one monastery to another, even crossing the Alps on foot.  Let us pray to St. Columbanus for the safety of all  motorcyclists during Laconia Bike Week,                

June 14-22, 2025!

Dear Parishioners and Friends in Christ,

Over this Easter Season, we have witnessed so much of the Lord’s goodness at work here in our  Catholic community at St. Joseph’s. As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday and continue to live in the truth of the Resurrection, it is a good time for us to reflect on the many blessings and moments of grace endowed by the Holy Spirit, and to recognize the gifts of those who have accepted the Spirit’s call to serve in parish ministries here.  

Today, let us celebrate our Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Servers/Sacristans, Greeters and  Collectors, Pastoral Musicians, Parish Office Staff, Faith Formation leaders, members of the Pastoral and Finance Councils and all the gifted people who contribute to the functioning of the parish in roles behind the scenes – including the collection counters, gardeners, altar linen experts, safety and security support and so many more.

In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter, after receiving the Holy Spirit, stands up and proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a large crowd of individuals in Jerusalem.  Scripture tells us the impact of his speech: “Those who accepted [Peter’s] message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.” For those members of God’s household here at St. Joseph Parish, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to respond faithfully to God’s plan for your life, and  may the gifts of the Holy Spirit be poured into our hearts and across the face of the earth. Veni Sancte Spiritus!

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney