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Hearts and Hands and Voices All for the Glory of God
A short item in the Nashua Telegraph in April of 1949 announced the celebration of the first Mass for the new parish of St. John the Evangelist. Mass was held on April 3, in the gymnasium of the Dr. H.O. Smith School. Celebrant was the new pastor, Rev. John J. Bellluscio. Hudson Catholics would no longer be required to travel to Nashua to fulfill their Sunday liturgical obligations.
Articles of Agreement organized by Bishop Matthew F. Brady in May of 1947 stated, among others, that the Diocese of Manchester would establish and maintain a Roman Catholic Church in Hudson. Its purpose would be to establish, maintain and conduct schools for religious instruction of the young and further other religious and charitable work. In addition, St. John the Evangelist Church would foster and cultivate religious, educational, charitable, benevolent and recreational programs. To ensure these articles of agreement, the Bishop accepted Thomas J. O'Loughlin, Jr. and Arthur L. Lougee as trustees of the new church. Fr. Belluscio was named pastor on March 17, 1949.
After the razing of the Goddard house at 15 Library Street, a rectory was built and ready for occupancy on August 15, 1949. The first associate pastor was Rev. Robert J. Faucher. The two priests quickly gathered the earnest, tee process of building the church. A $0.25 seat offering was expected but, "you can always give more," encouraged people to work together to achieve the goal of building their new church.
From the beginning, the women of St. John's offered the pastor assistance through the organization of a Catholic Women's Guild. Mrs. Zoula Rowell, appointed temporary chairman by Fr. Belluscio, called a meeting on November 7, 1949. This meeting of St. John's Women's Guild was held in the newly built rectory basement. Thirty-four women became members and elected Zoula Rowell their first president. At the end of its first year, the Women's Guild gave Fr. Belluscio a check for $425.00 to be used to purchase dishes for the parish hall.
Thanks to the Women's Guild, the parish has prospered financially, socially and spiritually. Besides donating money raised through raffles, fairs and other sales, the Guild has held Communion breakfasts, sponsored scout troops, joined other community organizations in promoting civic projects and given of their time and talent in supporting religious education.
A constant reminder of the extraordinary generosity of the St. John's Women's Guild is the stained glass window overlooking the sanctuary. Fr. Belluscio's simple request for assistance in every way possible continues to be the hallmark of the Guild to the present day.
The vitality of the parish is evidenced by the fact that choir rehearsals were held on Friday night at the American Legion Hall. Confessions on Saturday were at 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. The men of the parish formed a Men's Club, which eventually evolved into the Holy Name Society.
To raise money for the church, it was suggested to parishioners that they hold a lawn party in September. Fr. Faucher began a census on Litchfield Road and all of the side streets to Derry Road. Each family was asked to take five books to buy or sell for the lawn party (soon to be called a carnival). The first prize was a television set, second prizes a Frigidaire and third prize $100.00. Net proceeds amounted to $7430.25! This was a humble but auspicious beginning for the fledgling parish community.
The actual site of the church was on a parcel of land formerly owned by Harry Connell, the first Fire Chief and first Police Chief of Hudson. Construction was begun on the church and completed by the builder - the Brideau construction Company of Berlin - in 1950. The dedication and laying of the cornerstone took place on Sunday, December 3, 1950.
The very first Mass celebrated was in the church basement at Christmas Midnight Mass.
Even before the church's dedication, Fr. Belluscio established bingo games and envelope system, vacation school catechism classes, CYO for all boys and girls of high school age and missions held in both French and English. Fr. Belluscio insisted on reading the Gospel in French at the sole French Mass on Sunday morning. Clearly, St. John's Church was more than a building.
A series of discussion clubs were organized and a picnic held for children who attended the vacation school classes for two weeks.
The Christian Family Movement was begun in the parish. CFM consisted of married couples working together to promote happier family life. Five or six couples met every two weeks in their homes. Topics for discussion included neighborliness, recreation, finances, participating in parish life, the community and doing chores.
The first meeting of St. John the Evangelist Boy Scout Troop 252 was held in October 1955. Boys had to be between the ages of eleven and sixteen. Leo Dumont and Gus Ouellette provided the leadership for the new troop.
St. John's Men's Club launched a drive for building a new parochial school. The drive was placed under the patronage of St. John the Evangelist, and a chart was kept in the vestibule to track donations.
Parishioners sought and obtained approval for their plan for an elementary school. In July, land was acquired for the school. In July, land was acquired for the school on Library Street between Connell and School Streets.
In October 1956, a parish reunion and harvest supper was held to kick off the fund drive for the new school. It was determined that $180,000 would be needed to build the school. Parishioners were asked to contribute $5.00 a month for sixty months.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on April 28, 1957 with St. Anthony's Friary choir rendering two selections in Gregorian Chant. Construction for the school began in August and was completed in 1958.
In September 1957, the St. John the Evangelist School opened with two classrooms under the supervision of the Sisters of Presentation of Mary. Classes were held in the church basement. The Men's Club met at the school on a regular basis. They brought tools with them. Every Monday through Friday, there was an average of seventeen men putting in two to three hours of work to prepare the school. Dedication was held in October 1958, and the first and second grade students moved into their new school on Tuesday, November 12, 1958
An item in the weekly bulletin of January 1959 reminds all that history does indeed repeat itself. The item stated that "double parking on Library Street makes it very hazardous in case of fire."
A Cub Scout pack was begun in 1959 for boys between the ages of eight and eleven. Also in 1959, a new lay teacher named Jeanne Pinard began teaching at St. John's school. Jeanne, of Dracut, Massachusetts, was a graduate of Merrimack College and working on her thesis for a Master's Degree in Education.
A CYO Sports Banquet was held at Green Ridge Turkey Farm in Nashua in 1960. The Fr. Faucher Memorial Trophy was presented to the outstanding member of the CYO. The Women's Guild compiled recipes for a cookbook. One hundred of the best recipes were chosen by the Guild.
On Sunday, October 15, 1961, a tribute was held for Fr. Belluscio. A twenty-two person committee comprised of the Women's Guild, Holy Name Society, CYO, CCD, CFM and the Knights of Columbus, and others, worked to celebrate the founding pastor's vision of building St. John's. A large portrait of Fr. Belluscio hangs in the Parish Center today.
Pre-Cana conferences were held at St. Aloysius (St. Louis) Church in Nashua. To be admitted, couples needed a note from their parish priest. High school students learned about their religion from a weekly paper entitled Hi-Time.
Between 1961 and 1962, a building on Library Street was made into a convent for the Sisters of Presentation of Mary by Spraue Brothers, Inc. Also, and eight-room classroom addition was built onto St. John's School by Carrion Construction Company.
The Second Vatican Council opened October 11, 1962
The parish issued a report in 1962 stating there were 850 families (3,119 people) in the parish register. That year there were 122 baptisms, 17 marriages, 16 deaths and four converts. Masses were held on Sunday mornings at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:15, 10:30 and 11:30 A.M. during the week, daily Masses were at 7:00 and 8:00A.M. Confessions were held on Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M and 7:00 to 8:00P.M.
In 1963 the school administration, students and parents agreed to require jumper uniforms with blouses and ties, for the girls. Boys were required to wear white shirts and ties.
A Solemn High Mass was celebrated for the assassinated President John F. Kennedy on Monday, November 25. The high school students attended the Mass instead of their usual classes.
For the feast of the Holy Family in 1964, parents were invited to bring their babies and pre-school children to the church for a special blessing ceremony in honor of the Holy Family. Each child was blessed and given a specially-blessed medal. It was also the last opportunity for families to visit the Christ Child in the crib as it would be dismantled the following day.
An annual supper was held in the church hall for bingo workers, members of the choir and church ushers. This event has been continued annually and includes volunteers and parish lay ministers.
The American Legion, Post #48 of Hudson donated an American flag for the front foyer of St. John's School in May of 1964. In June of that year, the very first graduating class of St. John's School held their ceremony in church at a 6:00 P.M Mass.
In August, CCD Director Jeanne Pinard launched a new program: the CCD Executive Board was formed and consisted of parishioners serving as Fishers, Helpers, Teachers and Members of the Apostolate of Good Will.
Starting on September 16, 1964, lectures were held in the church basement to explain the updating, renewal and reform going on within the Catholic Church as a result of Vatican II.
Pope Paul VI changed the Eucharistic fast regulations reducing the time of fasting from solid foods before Communion from three hours to one hour.
The American Mothers Committee made up of Protestant, Orthodox and Jewish mothers in New Hampshire asked parishioners for prayers for peace in the world, especially in Vietnam.
The weekly bulletins served many purposes. One noted here is particularly worth mentioning: From the May 29, 1966 bulletin - "If you find a mistake in our bulletin, please be informed that it was put there for a purpose. We try to print something for everybody, and some people are always looking for mistakes."
It was announced in August of 1966 that a mission church would be built in Hudson. The church was the gift of William J. Henry of Exeter, NH in memory of his wife Kathryn.
On November 20, 1966 the Holy Name Society sponsored one of their Sunday afternoon movies - Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter. Admission was $0.25, and the audience loved it.
Every Tuesday evening, an Inquiry Class was held to enable those interested in learning about the basic beliefs and principles of the Catholic Faith.
On May 26, 1968 Bishop Primeau presented the St. George Award to Gus Ouellette. The award. restricted to Catholics registered as Scouters, honors outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth within the program of the Boy Scouts of America.
In the August 18, 1968 bulletin - "A reminder that people have to put up with you, so strive to be more tolerant of others."
Altar boys were treated to an outing on August 20, 1968 to Wells Beach, Maine. It was noted that the last one in the icy Atlantic would be "a monkey's uncle."
The Sacred Congregation of Rites issued an instruction on March 5, 1967 sounding a new note in music for the liturgy. It encouraged experimentation with various musical instruments in common use today. This incentive to explore new avenues of inspiration opened the doors to the guitar. Since this form of music has proven to be so meaningful for a large segment of our society, St. John's Planned to make regular use of guitars at the 9:15 A.M. Mass on Sundays, starting September 8, 1968. If this form of musical expression "turns you on," parishioners were invited to join in worshipping our Creator in the folk idiom starting the following Sunday.
On September 29, 1968 it was announced that Rev. Gerald Fr. Chalifour was named pastor of St. Kathryn's Church, effective October 4.
In the February 12, 1969 bulletin - "A reminder: Judd was the first person to leave Mass early."
Between March 2 and 16, 1969 permission was granted to anticipate the Sunday and Holydays of Obligation on the eve of the previous day (not before 4:00 P.M.) to all parishes and missions of the diocese. Saturday and eve of Holydays Masses would begin on the first Sunday of Lent. It was also announced there would no longer be a 6:30 P.M. Mass on Sunday.
St. John's School board was formed. First members were George LaRocque, Jack Moran, Joe Stout, Mary Finn, Mindy Gajda and Joan Theberge.
For Wednesday devotions, a Lenten film was shown after the 6:30 P.M. Mass. The film entitled The Chevy That Wanted To Be A Cadillac was geared for discussion.
From the June29, 1969 bulletin: "You may have heard via news media that our bishop has requested that each parish in the diocese form a parish council. The responsibilities of a parish council are wide and varied. You will hear more about the formation of a parish council in the months to come. It is something each parishioner should take an active interest in because the council will certainly have an effect on the life of the parish."
October 26, 1969 - Election results for an interim parish council resulted in Dan Carraher being appointed chairman. Vice-chairman was Paul Keenan and Secretary Margaret Shepard. The job of the interim council will be to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the permanent council.
From the January 4, 1970 bulletin- GIFTS
Talent is God-given…Be Humble
Fame in Man-given…Be Grateful
Conceit is Self-given…Be Careful
Permanent parish council election results: John Sullivan, Ron Kersey, Jack Cantara, Peg Shepard, Margaret LaRocque,
Bob LaBonte, Jeanne O'Loughlin, Maurice Bernier, Norm Ledoux, Dan Caraher, Jo Steckevicz, John Bednar. First officers were President - Dan Carraher, Vice-President - Jeanne O'Loughlin, Secretary - Peg Shepard.
On June 23, 1971 a parish testimonial dinner was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ordination of Fr. Dumas. The dinner was held at the 99 Restaurant in Nashua.
St.John's held its first parish outing for families on August 22, 1971 at Camp Sargent, Lake Naticook, South Merrimack, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A Folk Mass was celebrated on the campground. Games, picnic lunches and swimming were included and enjoyed by all. Many thanks were extended to Nick Bolton ad the social committee. One softball enthusiast, however, did suffer a line drive to the nose.
A coffeehouse, drop-in center was opened in the church hall from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M for teen-agers, September 18, 1971.
From the October 24, 1971 bulletin a quote from the Lay Apostle - "Every Chistian occupies some kind of pulpit and preaches some kind of sermon every day."
The Community Affairs committee of the parish council held a Variety Show at Memorial School on April 28, 1973. The show was to benefit an emergency fund, which would assist any person or family in Hudson in a time of need.
Suggestions for Lent, March 31, 1973 - "Mend a quarrel, seek out a forgotten friend, try to understand, welcome a stranger, take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth."
In the September 29, 1973 bulletin - "Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what god and the angels know of us." Thomas Paine
The twenty-fifth anniversary of the parish was celebrated on March 23, 1974. Festivities began with a co-celebrated pontifical Mass at which time Bishop Primeau consecrated the altar. A dinner dance followed at St. John's school gym.
Volunteers continued their tradition of maintaining the parish buildings by painting the interior of the Sisters convent on August 17, 1974.
Starting the weekend of September 28,-29, 1974 parishioners were asked to bring to the altar the hosts, water and wine. This was deemed another way of participating in the Mass.
In June of 1975, four parishioners were chosen to be the first Eucharistic Ministers to aid in the distribution of Communion. They were Bill Irwin, Mary Ellen Morn, Gus Ouellette and Marge Yagielowicz.
The Catholic Church in the U.S produced a program "Liberty and Justice for All," as a means of observing our nation's bicentennial. In parishes throughout the county discussion groups met to examine, pray about and discuss nationhood, the Church, humankind, local community, family, person-hood, work and the state.
The annual High School CCD Family Mountain Climb was held on September 19, 1975. Mass was celebrated atop Pack Monadnock.
September 20-21, 1975 marked youth weekend to give high school students an opportunity to get involved in the parish in a special way and to recognize the role they already played in the life of the parish. A planning committee organized a special youth liturgy, a potluck supper, and on Sunday afternoon fun and games with basketball and volleyball.
The high school CCD program was titled "Faith Series." The program included guest speakers, discussion groups and social activities, along with a Mass celebrated in the parish center. Students in grades nine through twelve participated in a monthly meeting held in the church hall on the first Sunday of the month from October to May. "Faith Series" generally consisted of three parts: presentation of topic, discussion and Mass.
The Trivia Quiz for February 12, 1978 asked, "What is an ambry?" Answer: "An ambry is a recess or a niche in the wall of churches, near the altar where sacred utensils are deposited."
An open house and blessing of the Parish Center was held on Sunday, May 7, 1978.
Genesis II - a program of spiritual enrichment was offered in the parish in the Fall of 1978. This was a twelve-week program. Registrations were sent to the Christian Life Center in Hudson.
Beginning in October, the morning Mass was celebrated at 8:30 A.M. instead of at 8:00 A.M., Monday through Saturday.
The Girl Scouts of Hudson observed Girl Scout Week with an ecumenical service held at St. John's on March 17, 1979. The service centered on the year's theme: "Find a Gift in Every Child."
Something Beautiful for God, a film on the life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta was presented in the church hall on Sunday, April 29, 1979.
The parish, since the closing of St. John's School, continued the practice of paying $100.00 for each child registered in a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Manchester.
On Wednesday, October 31, 1979 the Parish Council social committee sponsored a special Eve of All Saints Children's Mass. This was followed by a Halloween party in the church basement for children of the parish in grades one through six. Junior and senior high students volunteered to work at the food tables and to supervise games for the children. All of the children were asked to come in costume.
The 50th Jubilee Mass for Monsignor John J. Belluscio, Founding pastor of St. Johns was concelebrated on October 21. A reception was held afterwards in the church hall where refreshments were served.
A parish retreat was held for the high school students on February 29 through March 2, 1980 at the new Emmaus House retreat center in Manchester.
The first Easter sunrise service was held at Pack Monadnock on Sunday on Sunday, April 6, 1980.
Family roller-skating was sponsored by the parish and held at the Hi Hat in Lowell.
A Harvest Mass was celebrated on Sunday, September 21, 1980 on the Michaud Farm, 228 Webster Street at 1:30 P.M. Cider and doughnuts were served after Mass.
Announced in the September 21, 1980 bulletin - "plans being made to start a support group for single parents (divorced parents raising children alone)."
Daily Mass began to be celebrated in the Parish Center chapel at 8:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M.
The Youth Group sponsored a ski week-end at Wildcat Mountain from January 30 to February 1, 1981.
Music is You presented their version of Godspell on Saturday, April 25, 1981. Godspell is a musical based on the Gospel of St. Matthew.
Youth Day was held at Camp Doucet for graduation eighth graders and high school students on June 20, 1981. This was a day of fun and fellowship with swimming, softball, soccer and a closing celebration of Mass.
A special parish pilgrimage to Weston Priory in Vermont was held on Sunday, June 28, 1981. Weston Priory is home to an extraordinary group of Benedictine monks who have produced several recording albums. Their spiritual lifestyle comes through so vividly in their liturgy.
A 50th Jubilee Mass for Fr.Alfred J. Dumas, pastor of St. John's from 1961 to 1973 was concelebrated on June 14. A reception with refreshments was held after Mass, and all parishioners were invited to join in the celebration.
Official approval was received from Rome for the practice of omitting the word "men" from the Consecration of the Mass. From this point on , the priest would say "this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, it will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven."
A divorced, separated and remarried group was formed in the parish.
The Youth Group "Faith Series" presented A Passion Play-His Last Days on April 4, 1982 in the church. The play was so impressive, the young people were asked to present their Passion Play at St. Christopher's Church in Nashua on April 13.
1982 marked the beginning of the RCIA program in the parish.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Day was held April 25 to make parishioners aware of the work of the Society in St. John's parish.
Godspell was presented by the Nashua Area Deanery Support Group on October 8 at Memorial School and October 9 at Mount Saint Mary High School in Nashua. Several members of the cast and some support staff were parishioners of St. John's
Gus Ouellette was recognized with the Daniel Webster Council's highest award for service to our Boy Scout Troop. Gus was given the Silver Beaver for his many years of dedicated service to St. John's, the Hudson community and to Troop 252.
The Junior High Youth Group began hosting a coffee and doughnut cafe every other Sunday in October.
Congratulations were extended to St. John's Eagles for winning the New Hampshire CYO basketball championship. They represented the Diocese of Manchester in the New England championship in Bridgeport, CT, April 8-10, 1983, where they placed second.
Many thanks were extended to Roland Begin and Leon Barry for installing new windows in the Center chapel.
Parish Outreach was established with parishioners contacting every household within the parish boundaries on behalf of the Catholic Church. The purpose of Parish Outreach is to encourage church-gores to continue, to welcome back lapsed or alienated Catholics, to invite the unchurched to Catholicism and to discover the needs of our people in order to develop effective programs for them.
A reception was held on Sunday, June 3, 1984 for Jeanne Pinard to extend the thanks of the parish for her many years of service. Jeanne planned to continue her work for the church in Lowell, MA.
From the July 15, 1984 bulletin - "Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist, the parachute."
Clara Guerra and Ruth Bamford and friends received thanks for making the banners decorating the sanctuary.
Parishioners voted to celebrate the Saturday Mass at 4:00 P.M. rather than at 4:30 P.M or 5:00 P.M
Sister Linda Greenwood was hired to be the new religious education director, replacing Mrs. Barbara Comer who served for a year in the position.
Eighty-seven young men and women were confirmed by Bishop Gendron on May 13, 1985.
On June 4, 1985, Fr. Henry and other parishioners presented an informal evening on Haiti based on their visit there in April. The work of international, Catholic missionary groups and local parishes was highlighted.
The organ could no longer be repaired or tuned. A new organ was purchased.
Marc Michaud, son of Mr. And Mrs. Louis Michaud was congratulated for receiving Scouting's highest award - the Eagle Award.
On September 22, 1985 Fr. Jim Decker led a parish motorcycle trip to the White Mountains, along the Kancamagus Highway, to view the foliage.
A new pre-school, kindergarten program was instituted for children ages three, four and five. The program was designed to teach children their faith, at their level.
The parish staff announced its commitment to the parish in its Mission Statement:
In October 1985 St. John's began a Bereavement Support Group.
Bill Irwin was instrumental in raising money for the purchase of round tables for the church hall.
In the January 5, 1986 bulletin - "Human life is precious because it is the gift of God whose love is infinite; so when God gives life, it is forever." Pope John Paul 11.
The high school cheerleaders won four trophies for First in Cheerleading, First in Dance Competition, Originality, Stunts, Jumps and Extras. Liz McGovern got Super Psyched Cheerleader Award.
A visit to Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua was organized for the students and families of Grade 6 CCD class.
Mr David Brown, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 252, received the St. George Award in April. The St. George is a national and diocesan award.
"A Night at the Races" - a fund-raiser billed as the best in armchair racing was scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 1986. Seems only the Parish Council enjoyed the races, however!
A parish auction was held in October and raised $2200.
"Fundamentalism - A Catholic Response", by Brother Ed Nolan, co-director of the Manchester Christian Life Center, was presented at two night sessions at the parish center. Brother Nolan helped attendees examine issues like the origins of fundamentalism, whether Catholics are saved, if Catholics believe the Bible is the truth, and how to respond to evangelists at the door.
In December 1986 a spiritual reading area in the basement of the parish center was made available. Parishioners were encouraged to stop by and browse.
A Holy Hour of Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was held each Tuesday at 11:00A.M. in the parish center chapel during 1987.
The Rev. Robert Faucher Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored the annual Free Throw Basketball contest. Winners of the local contest were then eligible to complete in the state Championship held in March at St. Anslems's College. The contest was open to boys and girls, ages eleven through fourteen.
The Rev. Robert Faucher Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored the annual Free Throw Basketball contest. Winners of the local contest were then eligible to compete in the state championship held in March at St. Anselm's College. The contest was open to boys and girls, ages eleven through fourteen.
Time Out for Parents was held February 2,9 and 16, 1987. Classes were held concurrently at St. John's with religious education on Monday evening. The focus was on three topics: "Privacy and Growth" given by Rev. Gerard Desmarais; "Sexuality" given by Mary Ellen Moran; "Family" given by Sr. Bernadette Turgeon, SND.
The new Felgemaker organ, played by Mr. Kenneth Grinnell, was dedicated on Sunday, February 15.
Marriage Encounter weekends were promoted for couples with good marriages who are interested in growing closer and learning valuable communication techniques.
On May 24, 1987 many thanks were expressed to St. John's Women's Guild for all of their hard work to raise money for the parish. They donated $4,077.46.
In June of 1987 parishioners were invited to come together to help recreate a religious education and youth ministry program for St. John's. They were asked to share ideas and plan a program that would help youth better understand the meaning of their faith.
Parishioner Karen Ogrodowczyk won a scholarship granted by the Nashua Council of Churches.
September 20 - To go along with the "our Time and Talent" segment of stewardship, a mini-fair was held in the church hall after all the Masses. This was an opportunity for everyone to view and inquire about the different ministries and activities the parish offers.
Parishioner Holly Latulippe was named Miss New Hampshire Teenager for 1987.
A note was found with some candy in the St. Vincent de Paul Society's food pantry by Junior High Youth Ministry members when they were putting away some goods: "our daughter chose to share her Halloween candy with St. Vincent's so they could distribute it to people, who could use a treat. (All the packages were checked.)"
A family outing to the LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro was scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 1987 as a way to participate in the year's Advent season.
A teacher-training program was offered at St. John's. Open to anyone in the deanery interested in learning about the faith, the course explored areas such as:
*The Dignity and Uniqueness of the Human Person
*The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures
*The Person of Jesus
*Sin and Morality
The course was conducted over ten consecutive Tuesdays, beginning in January 1988.
The purple crosses on the door of the church and rectory were an expression of the community's outward symbol for Lent, 1988. Everyone was encouraged to make a purple cross to place on their door as a sign of their participation in the Lenten season.
A special service was offered to children of the parish on Good Friday from 2:00-3:00P.M. Schools were informed and parent s were asked to write permission slips for their child to be dismissed. I was a coming together in prayer to thank Jesus gift of dying for us.
A Religious Vocation Fair was scheduled for June 4 and 5 after each of the Masses. Besides the Diocesan priesthood, there are eight religious communities for men and thirty-one religious communities for women.
A special Mass was held for anyone who had a child baptized in the past year, or recently joined the parish, or became a member of the church through the RCIA program. A social followed in the church basement. The purpose was to give thanks to God for the witness of faith to the Church.
A Welcome Committee began to greet new members of the parish, using a novel process. Almost thirty people helped to put together "Welcome Packets" made available in the church.
In the September 4, 1988 bulletin - "As a result of the high school youth group game with the Knights of Columbus, the kids challenged the Knights to another softball game and state - "Wait until next year."
On Saturday, January 28, 1989 from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M a Liturgy Day was held for all those who help in weekly Masses. The focus was on enrichment and reflection of how we are doing. Also, it was hoped to discover how the liturgy could be made more
meaningful.
An elderly outreach committee was formed and kept busy recruiting members to spend more time in volunteer service to the elders of the parish.
Fr. Ed Tlucek, OFM returned to lead a parish retreat during Lent. The theme presented was :"Forgiveness in Our Life."
Sr. Linda Greenwood announced she would resign as Director of Religious Education, effective in June.
St. John's 5th and 6th grades basketball team won the New England championship. The parish was very proud of Coach Mike McGivern's team.
Appreciation Nights continued to be held in May. At these events, the many volunteers and lay ministers of the parish enjoy an evening of dining and dancing.
St. John's hired a new coordinator for religious education. Mrs. Kathleen Cox, a resident of Merrimack and mother of five young adults, previously coordinated for the Nashua Christian Life Center.
St. John's Women's Guild held a quilt exhibit on August 19, in the church hall. This was a collection of quilts made by area women, presented in conjunction with Hudson's Old Home Days.
A 1989 graduate of Alvirne High School, parishioner Kristina Creeden was the recipient of a $500.00 scholarship awarded by the St. John's Women's Guild.
The Diocese of Manchester welcomed its new bishop, Most Rev. Leo E. O'Neill, D.D., with a liturgy celebrated at St. Joseph Cathedral, Manchester on November 30.
In June of 1990, Fr. John Horan was named pastor of St. John's
Sheila Boucher took on leadership of the Adult Choir.
A Senior picnic was planned for June 23.
From the November 1990 bulletin - "The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, having the power and responsibility to oppose evil, did nothing to extinguish it." Dante
The Jr. High Youth Group held a Christmas dance to begin a project for the soldiers en route to the Mideast. The Youth adopted the 2nd Platoon Co., 9th Engineering Support Battalion of the USMC. The teens wrote letters, sent cards and collected items to be sent overseas. Many thanks to Kathy Martinek and Leon Barry for supervising the effort.
In conjunction with the diocesan plan "Renewing the Covenant," a combined meeting of the Pastoral Councils of St. John's and St. Kathryn's took place on February 18, 1991 at St. Kathryn's parish center.
Bishop Leo O'Neill was the guest of honor at the Knights of Columbus' dinner dance on March 16.
A decision was made by Fr. Jack and the Pastoral Council that Holyday collections (excluding Christmas) would be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist parishioners in financial need.
Congratulations were given to Richard Watson for receiving the Bronze Pelican, a diocesan Catholic Scouter's award. Rich is on the St. John's Boy Scout Troop 252 Committee.
Congratulations to Fr. Jack on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.
In the August 4, 1991 bulletin - "A note from Lance Cpl. Mark Nichols thanking St. John's Youth Group for its support of him and his fellow Marines. 'Knowing the support we had from you and the whole country kept us going and highly motivated.'"
A special memorial Mass for all parishioners who died during the year was celebrated on November 2 in the church.
A sacrificial giving program officially began the weekend of November 30 - December 1, 1991. As part of the process, St. John's would give ten percent of its weekly offering to charity.
February 2, 1992 - Congratulations to Steven Bouchard, Shawn Tibbetts, Brian Gries, David Starr and Ronald Fontaine for receiving the Ad Altare Dei awards.
St. John's adopted St. Brenden's parish in Colebrook, N.H. for the year.
"The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer!" (Pope Paul VI)
Fr. Joe began a Bible Study on the New Testament to run from October 13 through December 15 at the parish center.
The Junior High and Parents' food Drive netted 2200 canned goods and non-perishable items. Parishioners also took eight bushels of apples and brought back pies, cakes, breads and cookies for sale.
May 9, 1994 - Congratulations Troop 252 for winning first place in the Arrow Head Spring Camporee and the Spirit Award Plaque.
Free baby-sitting was made available in the parish center during the 10:00 Mass for any parishioner who wanted to drop off an infant or pre-schoolchild. The service was available each week while Religious Education was in session.
The last weekend of each month is Youth-oriented. There is story time for the little ones and Junior High students serve as readers of the Word.
The bishops of the U.S. decided that when certain Holydays fall on a Saturday or a Monday, there is no obligation on the part of the faithful. January 1 (Solemnity of Mary), the Assumption in August and All Saints Day on November 1.
Rev. Robert Faucher Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored a public prayer service on November 30 at St. John's. The prayer service honored the Holy Family and was centered on a framed picture depicting Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Pope John Paul II said, "The ideal of the Holy Family offers us an opportunity to rediscover the family's value and its vocation."
January 30, 1994 - "Deepest gratitude to all volunteers. There are so many making the parish what it is. If we tried to mention all of you, we would surely forget someone. At this time, though, we must say thank you to the Knights of Columbus for refinishing the Parish Center hall and kitchen."
February 13, 1994 - Connie St. Jean announced she would retire as parish secretary as of June 1994.
St. John's, St. Kathryn's and the Knights of Columbus sponsored a workshop on HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and their families on April 17 at St. John's. The seminar was given by two leading experts on the social, moral and religious issues surrounding HIV/AIDS: Dr. Jane Dwyer of the Manchester Christian Life Center co-presented the seminar with Mr. Robert Cormier. The program was directed towards young adults, parents, and other adults and families interested. Some of the topics presented were:
A retirement testimonial was held on June 5 at the Courtyard for Connie St. Jean to express the deep appreciation of the parish for her many years work as parish secretary.
The new kneelers in the church were made possible by the generous contribution of the St. John's Women's Guild.
Sunday, October 23, 1994 St. John's celebrated the 100th birthday of its organ with a concert featuring Michael Joseph, organist at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester.
March 19, 1995 - "A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to an existing student attending Bishop Guertin High School from the boundaries of St. John's Parish in Litchfield and Hudson. The scholarship is determined by the Headmaster of BG, based on the ideals of the school as well as need. The scholarship is given in memory of Shawn McGivern."
In April, the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was destroyed by a car bomb. Parishioners were reminded that "each of us is called to promote understanding by the way we live in hope that waves of peace can bring a calm to a society brimming with tension and fear." Cardinal William H. Keeler, President, National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Volunteer Sunday was held on September 3, 1995. Each parish organization was responsible for having a representative at their table after each Mass to assist those interested in joining or wanting information.
St. John's has a commitment to help serve the evening meal at the Nashua Soup Kitchen, the fourth Monday of each month. The meal is prepared so that parishioners assist only in the serving of food. The hours are 4:00 to 6:00 P.M Gordon Rhyner coordinates this effort.
March 24, 1996 - "Congratulations to the Senior CYO Basketball team for winning the New Hampshire state finals. They played in the New England tournament in April. St. John's Eagles won the Intermediate Division CYO championship by defeating St. Sebastian of Norwich, Conneticut in the title game played at Rivier College."
St. John's annual golf tournament was held August 31 at Passaconaway in Litchfield.
The Giving Tree is presented in the sanctuary during Advent so that parishioners may take a tag or two, buy gifts, wrap them and return them to church by the day the St. Vincent de Paul Society distributes gifts and food baskets.
Presentation of Mary's choir sang at the 4:00 Mass on April 5, 1997. The choir is made up of girls and boys, from grades five through eight, including some of our own parishioners.
St. John's Junior High sponsored a "Heat Wave" dance on Saturday, April 5, 1997 in the church hall.
Questionnaires regarding the St. John's 50th Anniversary in 1999 were distributed to determine what activities would be included in the celebration.
May 17-18 we celebrated Fr. Joe's 50 years of service as a priest in the Diocese of Manchester.
Reflections on the Gospel: As we grow older, storms happen more frequently in our lives. They are usually more serious and last longer. A job loss, for example, threatens to take away our home, security, our health. And we long for the stamina and recovery powers of our youth.
Faith is our port in these storms. Like the apostles in the Gospel, we must learn to let go and let God do the rest. We must put ourselves into the hands of the One whom even the wind and sea obey.
Another Junior Choir was formed for young people in grades three through eight, but anyone was welcome to join. The choir sings at the last Saturday of each month at the 4:00 Mass, as well as for special occasions.
Beginning October 2 and continuing for eight weeks, Fr. Joe gave a review of the Hebrew Scriptures in the parish center.
The first meeting of the 50th Anniversary Committee was held November 18, 1997 in the parish hall.
The Knights of Columbus sponsored a play portraying the Passion of Jesus. The spiritual event was performed by young people of Mary, Queen of Peace Youth Ministry, Salem, N.H. on March 22, 1998 in the church.
Reflections of a fifth grade religious education class:
"I learned God loves us and wants us to obey.
I pray at night.
I learned that Jesus loves us very much and that He wants us to love, too.
I learned about things the Gospels and readings teach us, like
the rooster crowing because Peter denied God three times.
I learned that sometimes I need to sacrifice things like Jesus did.
I learned that Jesus healed a lot of Jewish people.
I learned that God will always love us even if we do something very bad."
Cicero wrote that "History is the witness of the times, the torch of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity." In its fifty year history, St. John the Evangelist Church has provided witness, truth, memories, teachings and messages for its parish community. From humble beginnings the parish has grown to include 1800 families. Fr. Belluscio's leadership has passed down through the years to our present pastor, Fr. John Horan. The guidance and direction of every pastor in the 50-year history of St. John's has created a vibrant membership in the Body of Christ.
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