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NOTE FROM FATHER MURRAY
Posted @ 12:49 PM 11/26/2008
As we begin to celebrate 150 years of parish life, I think it is important to recall the words of former pastors and parishioners. Their words of love and thanksgiving, and recognition of the mighty and wonderful hand of God are evident throughout our parish’s history. Every where one goes in the greater Haverhill area, it is possible to meet parishioners whose memories are filled with the greatness of the parish and the hope that it would always flourish. What is always evident is what drew the first immigrants to first walk to Lawrence to attend Mass, and then to eventually build a church and welcome the first pastor and priests to proclaim the glorious Catholic Faith that is our privilege to profess, and it has continued.
Today we mark the beginning of a year of celebration and remembrance of Faith in Jesus Christ. This faith, handed down to us from the Apostles to our ancestors, has changed the world and brought more of it to our doors. The mother church of Haverhill was the seed bed for Churches that have continued to flourish throughout the city. We offer congratulations to Sacred Hearts and All Saints Parish as they celebrate their years of proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ.
Our present parish is comprised of three communities all striving toward the same goal. We praise and worship God, ask his strength, beg his pardon, strive to know and do his will in every mass, celebration, prayer or program. The great heritage of Irish Catholicism has been joined by the joyful spirit of the Latino Catholics who now comprise more than a third of our parish. The deeply prayerful expression of our faith evidenced by Vietnamese brothers and sisters has gloriously complemented our parish community. Their faith, still strong after enduring separation of home and oppression of their faith has helped us to remember the gift of the freedom of religion.
Together we are striving to forge ourselves, with the same eternal faith of all who have come before us, to become a holy, Spirit filled church. May we use this moment to begin the next 150 years, worshiping God our Father, evangelizing and proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ and continue to carry forth the work begun by out by all those who came before us. Under the protection of Our Mother Mary, and through the intercession of Saint James, may we continue to grow in God’s grace.
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