Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

“Up” is always a good direction to move when seeking a holy encounter. Moses met God atop Mt. Sinai in a unique revelation. The prophet Elijah ended the great drought over Israel atop Mt. Carmel; later, early Christian monks would gather on Mt. Carmel to replicate that heavenly proximity. King David built his temple on Mt. Zion. Jesus climbed Mt. Tabor before his Transfiguration and offered his most memorable sermon on a mount. Modern mountain climbers and skiers still seek the higher view, the wide-open perspective, the big picture. Look up when you visit New Hampshire’s White Mountains! The vistas can be astounding!

And don’t forget to look us up!  Visit the Lord of it all when you’re enjoying the area.  Here at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, just up Main Street, parishioners and visitors appreciate its welcoming spirit, along with the convenience of being in the center of “The Whites.”

In your bulletin today, and at the entrances to the church, you will find postcards of St. Joseph’s Church nestled in the snowy mountains.  They were provided by the time, talent, and treasures of Forrest Govoni and Bart and Paula King. Please take some home to post on your refrigerator, prop up on your desk, use as a bookmark, or send to a friend.

Thank you for joining us to worship God in the beauty of His creation – up here in the Whites!

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

Over the past year,, I have administered the Anointing of the Sick many times to members and friends of the St. Joseph’s parish community.  It is always a moment of great grace and comfort, not only for the person who is sick, but also for their loved ones.  The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Church that recalls the healing presence and power of Jesus in times when the faithful touch their mortality most vulnerably, like during a serious illness, when facing surgery, in the infirmity of advanced age, in recognition of mental or physical debility, and at the hour when death is near.  Beautiful in its simplicity, the ritual includes readings from Sacred Scripture, prayers, laying hands on the head of the recipient, and the anointing with blessed oil on their forehead and palms of their hands.  The Sacraments of Reconciliation and of Holy Communion are often celebrated at the same time, as may be necessary or possible.  If you or a family member would like to receive the many graces and healing powers of the Anointing of the Sick, whether at home, in the church or rectory, or in a healthcare facility, please do let me know.  I am happy to visit or meet.    

With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney