Click here for Visitation Parish On Line Giving Link

For Religious Education payments, please select 

Religious Education from the drop down menu. 

Dear Parish Members,                                                                                                                                            

 Having just completed our third year as a merged parish, we continue to move forward and are proud that the transition has gone so well. This of course, is because of the wonderful spirit of our Parishioners, your cooperation, understanding, and prayers make all this possible.

We can look at St. John’s Church now completely renovated, with amazing steeple and bells. Because of the generosity of the Peg and Joe Smith’s Trust (One Family), we were able to repair and renovate St. John’s Church to where it really is a beautiful gem that “everyone” loves.

With our adjusted Mass Schedule, one Saturday evening Mass at 5:00 pm, which alternates between the two Churches every 6 months, June to November at St. John’s and December to May at Sacred Heart this is truly an equality adjustment, with both Churches sharing in one worshiping spirit.

Just two weeks ago, Eric Anderson (our Music Director) reported that the organ has stopped working! It was used when it arrived in 2009 and no longer can be repaired. We discerned through prayer, and advice of the professionals and a decision was made to replace the organ with a new instrument, one which will integrate, in the future, with our pipe system. Until that time, this new electronic instrument will serve us well. You will hear the difference! The price of the new organ, installation, and disposal of the old organ is more than $55,000. I hope you appreciate this expenditure as much as I do. Music is an important part of who we are as a worship community.

In our future vision as a Parish, Sacred Heart Church will also need to undergo interior renovation.  It is apparent that we need new flooring and paint.  Of note is the fact that nothing has been done to the interior of the Church in more than 40 years. Let us work together to make a difference in this Historical Church.

The time has arrived when we need to move forward on Sacred Heart renovations. In the past year, we have spent over $100,000 on slate roof repairs and continued maintenance. We feel better when we “look up” and do not see more water staining or wetness on the floor. We have gotten through another rainy season (springtime on the New England Coast!) We are currently gathering estimates for painting and flooring, one in hand and two more to go. We also need electrical upgrading in our church as bringing the church up to code is paramount.

All that is needed is very expensive! Please pray with me and our staff on how we can finance all that is needed. Imagine that our visions come together to: Repair, Restore and Beautify our Church for another hundred years.

As we continue to move forward as one Parish with two Churches, I am asking that you take some time this summer to consider your own Stewardship to our new parish. Our Summer Anniversary Appeal will help us to thrive because of your Care, Concern, and Generosity. Please think about how you can contribute your time, talent, and treasure for us to continue to move forward with great hope.       

We make it very easy for our parishioners to contribute to our offertory pledge program.  This is an excellent way to give because it helps us to know what to expect from you and your commitment to our Parish. Contributions can be monthly, quarterly, annually, and statements are available.  Most parishioners give online with credit, debit, or bank options, like any reoccurring gift or pledge this is easy to set up. We appreciate it greatly when you use this option because “it makes bookkeeping simple.”

For those who like to give at Church our Offertory Box is at the entrance of the Church, it is convenient to drop your contribution on the way in or on the way out of Church. We began this option at the start of Covid.

Do not forget your children, letting them make a Drop in the Box, helps them to learn that Stewardship in the family of the Church is important. And of course, our QR code is very visible. Point your “smart” phone at the code and give to Visitation Parish.

Visit our website mecatholic.org and all our media platforms for more information and opportunities to be connected to Visitation Parish.

With many Blessings and Prayers on our 3rd Anniversary and thanking you for your Summer contribution.

I am grateful for you All.

Blessings,

Fr. Paul

Sacred Heart – Manchester by the Sea and St. John the Baptist – Essex

As of July 1, 2021 Sacred Heart Church and St. John the Baptist Church will merge into one parish called

VISITATION PARISH

We are excited about our new name and we look forward with a future filled with hope.

Click here to watch the live-stream Installation of the Pastor