All are Welcome

Shrine Summer Schedule  begins June 8.

Morning confessions will be from 

10:30-11:45 AM

All other ministry remains the same.  

The Gift Shop will close  at 4:00 PM daily.  

August 9, 2026

Each year, I look forward to the Lowell Folk Festival. Thousands of people come to Lowell to celebrate music, culture, and community. During those three days, many of them also find their way to St. Joseph the Worker Shrine. Some come inside to pray. Others simply sit in the shade for a few moments of peace. Many visit our museum, light a candle, or browse the religious articles we offer outside the Shrine. Some have never been here before. Others return every year. Watching all of this fills my heart with joy. It also reminds me why the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are here.

Our founder, St. Eugène de Mazenod, believed that we should never wait for people to come to us. Instead, we are called to go where the people are and bring Christ to them. The Folk Festival gives us that opportunity. For one weekend, thousands of people come to our doorstep, and we have the privilege of welcoming them.

This ministry would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Their warm smiles, generous hospitality, and willingness to serve are often the first encounter visitors have with our Shrine. I am especially grateful to Brother Richard, whose joyful spirit and love for this Shrine are evident to everyone he meets. Together, they make our visitors feel welcome and at home.

In this Sunday's Gospel, Peter hears Jesus say, "Come." Peter steps out of the boat and walks toward the Lord. We too are called to step out in faith. Sometimes that means leaving the comfort of familiar surroundings to meet people where they are. Sometimes it means simply opening the doors of our church and welcoming those whom God sends to us.

We may never know what brings someone through our doors. Perhaps they are seeking a quiet place to rest. Perhaps they are searching for God. Perhaps they simply need someone to welcome them with kindness. Whatever the reason, we hope that every person who visits the Shrine leaves knowing they have encountered the love of Christ. This is what St. Eugène wanted for his Oblates. That is our mission today. And it is a privilege to share it with all who come to St. Joseph the Worker Shrine.

I remember you at Mass.

          St. Joseph the Worker Shrine 2026

          Christian Worker Recognition Award

Nominations for this year’s St. Joseph the Worker Award have closed. Thank you to all who submitted thoughtful recommendations.

The Awardee will be announced on Labor Day weekend - September 6th, and the award will be presented at the 4:00 o’clock Vigil Mass on Sept. 12th

St. Joseph the Worker Shrine again served as  a Place of Welcoming Respite  during the 

Lowell Folk Festival - 2026

The annual Lowell Folk Festival is the 2nd largest such Festival in the United States and draws an estimated 100,000 visitors to our city during the last weekend in July – this year: July 24-25 -26.  

Many of these vistors stopped by to take advantage of the quiet, cooling place during their sojourn through the festival. Many utilized our tables and chairs to eat, hydrate, socialize, and to just take a break in the shade during the urban fesival activity. Many browsed through our collection of free religious items and literature. 

Numerous visitors stepped inside to view the interior of our beautiful shrine and visit the  Oblate musem and gift shop. Many visitors, as well as festival workers, took the time to say a quiet prayer in the Shrine or participate in the sacrifice of the Mass.

There was much interest in the special presentaion of the statue of our newest saint, Saint Carlo  Acutis. 

Thank you to the Shrine staff and  to all the volunteers who greeted people, gave narrated tours, helped to clean up, and assisted in so many other ways during the festival. 

Click on the link below to go to the 2026 Festival photo gallery.