This Week's Message
from Fr. Amesse
January 19, 2025

We have a problem.  On First Friday, we do not have enough people making adoration.  The problem is there are times when no one is in the Shrine.  That’s not good.  So, what can we do?  I think of the “Uncle Sam wants you” posters.  Let’s place St. Joseph the worker in US’s spot.   

Adoration on First Friday goes from after the noon Mass, till 5:15 pm.  So, how about on Sunday, the 26th and then on Sunday, February 2, we invite people to sign up.  As you go through the back doors of the Shrine, there will be a table with a paper and pencil.  If you want, sign up for the 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm or 5pm spot.  This way, there will always be enough adorers.  Know that at 2:30pm the high school lets out.  If you come at 2 or 3, there’s no problem or inconvenience.  It’s a Holy Year.  Every visit grants us the possibility of an indulgence.   

What a good way to receive one through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for some time before the Sacred Host in the Monstrance.  We gain an indulgence by making an act of faith, praying for Pope Francis’ intention, promising Christ to give up our attachment to sin.  Problem solved!!!

I remember you at Mass.

Winter Weather Emergencies

Remember that on the first day of Lowell city-wide Winter Weather Emergencies, if the Lowell Public Schools are closed, the Shrine will also be closed for that day.

The second day of city-wide school closures may not affect Shrine operations, however, if the streets to neighboring Lowell High School are cleared.

Of course, the Shrine will be closed during any city-wide travel or parking bans.

Simple delays in opening the schools, however, will NOT affect the Shrine’s operation.

First Fridays at the Shrine
Next First Friday, February 7

Immediately following the 8:00 am Mass, we will pray the Rosary with reflections written by the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen.

Immediately after the Noon Mass to 5:15 we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Please keep First Fridays fervent here at the Shrine by spending some time with our Lord. 

Catholic Conversations

Dr. Rebecca Duda interviews Brother Richard about Candlemass Day and sacramentals.

Legion of Mary
at the Shrine

Meetings are held in the downstairs Conference Hall each week after the Sunday 12:00 noon Mass.

The Legion of Mary is a Marian movement founded in Ireland in the 1920’s. It is currently the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis’ January
Prayer Intention

Let us pray for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

Words of wisdom from the letters St. Eugene de Mazoned, founder of the Oblates of Mary  Immaculate and the patron saint of dysfunctional families: 

“God knows better than we do what we need…Do always as much good as you can.”

—-St. Eugene to Fr. Richard Letter 1852

St. Joseph
Most Prudent
Pray for us!

Full Litany of St. Joseph

Praying with the Stained Glass Windows of
St. Joseph the Worker Shrine

Part I - The 100 Year+ Windows Series
Part II - The St. Joseph Windows

May 27, 2024 - End of 40 Hours of Devotion Eucharistic Procession

Self-Guided Tour
St. Joseph the Worker Shrine

Ring the Bells of the Shrine

Everyday of the year, the “Bells of St. Joseph” ring-out God’s praise for all to hear!

Our Carillon can play Special Hymns of your choice any day of the year. At your request, our chimes will ring in honor of loved ones for the entire community to hear and prayerfully remember.Your offering of $20.00 will be greatly appreciated and will assist us in maintaining the Shrine and its ministries. Thank You!

Bell-ringing selections may be reserved for specific days & times throughout the year(s) in the Shrine Gift Shop/Bookstore.

St. Eugene de Mazenod’s Prayer to the Sorrowful Mother

 O Lord, Almighty God, you endowed the Blessed Virgin Mary with the fullness of every gift and grace. By allowing her heart to be pierced with the deepest sorrow, you crowned her merit and placed her at the head of countless legions of martyrs who, for love of your Son Jesus Christ, have shed their blood. Through the painful martyrdom endured by this gentle Mother seeing her beloved Son dying as a Victim because of his love for us, grant us the grace to bear with fortitude the disappointments and setbacks in our life, and not to fear torment or death itself, when we are called to confess our faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Confession

Mon - Friday
10:00 am - noon
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

Saturday 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

First Wednesday of the month

Eucharistic Adoration

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration on -

Saturday after the noon Mass until the 4:00 pm Mass
First Fridays after the noon Mass until the 5:30 pm Mass