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A Letter from former pastor, Father Raymond A. Picard Dear Parishioners and Friends, St. Patrick’s Parish has been serving the needs of our parish community since 1798, when Father Cheverus celebrated the first Mass here. By 1807, construction of the present church was begun and it was completed by 1808. St. Patrick’s Parish has the distinction of being the oldest standing Catholic Church still being used in all of New England. Our current early style Federal building, with a capacity of 110, provides a deep sense of history for our parish. However, over the past few years, our parish has doubled in size. Attendance at Mass swells to 1,000 during the summer months in the "Chapel in the Pines", the original church and the parish center. Our vibrant parish community includes nearly 95 active students in the Religious Education Program, as well as many parish organizations, each with a full schedule of events. Our Church is particularly committed to community service that is reflected in many parish activities, such as visits to shut-ins, support of the food pantry, clothes for the needy, ecumenical participation in local activities and community suppers. The parishioners also enjoy the fellowship of social events and family outings. The growth in the number of church families and activities and the lack of available space highlight the need for more space. For over a year, the Building Committee and Parish Finance Council have been deliberating on how to increase space for worship, religious education and adult activities. We have embarked on an exciting challenge - to fund a larger sanctuary with a new parish hall on the lower level. I am pleased to invite all parishioners, summer visitors and friends to participate in Preserving the Past... Preparing for the Future. We continue to raise the funds necessary to complete a beautiful sanctuary that will hold everyone, rain or shine! This is an historic moment in the life of St. Patrick’s. We want to insure that our hospitality and service of St. Patrick’s will continue for years to come. Perhaps there is no greater tribute to past generations than to preserve the past and prepare for the future. God Bless you, Father Raymond A. Picard, Pastor |
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