We are now in need of another show of support for church

To The Daily Sun,

When word went out in our community last May that St. Joseph Church would be sold and demolished a meeting was hastily convened at the Belknap Mill. It was a large meeting.

What was completely unexpected was the makeup of that group. It was heartening to see people from every surrounding town in attendance to offer their support. Many people prefaced their remarks with comments like, “I am not a Catholic, but I want to help, St Joseph Church matters to me.” It was a large gathering of many faiths and many communities standing beside our own.

That gathering was inspiring and filled all of us with renewed hope and strength. Now we are in need of another such gathering.

St. Andre Bessette Parish has graciously given permission for us to gather in gratitude and hope to show support for ongoing efforts to preserve St. Joseph’s. Although the sale of the church has fallen through, there is still an active permit for demolition outstanding. That is worrisome.

We encourage and implore anyone interested in raising their voice in support of St. Joseph’s future to gather for a short ceremony forming a circle of Unity at Joseph Church this Sunday night, August 3 at 6 p.m. We will be very brief, but we will raise our voices to sing and speak of our hopes for St. Joseph.

We invite all community members to show your support to save St. Joseph Church building in this positive and respectful way.

Patty Thibeault

Laconia