Our Lady of Mercy and the West River Missions

05/23/2026

Today we pray for Deacon Paul Kendall and his ministry at Holy Family Parish in Springfield and Chester.

05/12/2026

Today we pray for Fr. Frederick McLachlan, S.S.E. and his Priestly Ministry.

05/05/2026

Today we pray for Deacon Richard Anderberg and that God may continue to bless him in his retirement.

03/22/2026

Amen!

Here's a myth we need to dispel: "I can't be involved in my parish until our kids are older."

In fact, I would argue that being involved in your parish while your kids are still young is one of the best ways to impart the faith to them long-term.

I know how difficult it can be. I know some kids really do need 100% full-on attention and support that makes being involved at church hard or even impossible.

In the vast majority of cases, you can still be involved in your church and be with your kids, modeling for them the kind of investment of time and energy that matches the level of importance you put in your faith:
-Serve as greeters and welcome people to Mass, enriching the sense of community in the parish
-Serve as ushers and assist with the collection, helping people find seats/problem solve, and build up a sense of responsibility
-Serve as sacristan to prepare the vessels and other liturgical items, teaching your children about the Mass and bringing them "behind the scenes" to see things they normally wouldn't be able to.

Finally, (you had to know this was coming) sing in the choir! The assumption many people make is that their children will be too unruly and fidgety to make that possible--and it may be true on occasion--but the majority of the time, children like to "be involved" and see how a big group action like the Mass comes together. And you can teach them to sing to the Lord with their sweet little hearts!

They are curious, they are impressionable, they are being formed to have a relationship with Jesus. Allow them proximity to the action and watch them grow up involved and invested in their faith, supporting your parish through it all. There are so many ways this can be done in your parish, give something a try!

03/16/2026

Today we pray for Fr. Luke Austin and his Priestly Ministry as the Delegate for Clergy in the Diocese of Burlington.

02/22/2026

Today we pray for Fr. Joseph Sanderson and his Priestly Ministry at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in the Champlain Islands.

02/02/2026

Today we pray for the Diocese of Burlington’s Bishop John J. McDermott.

01/24/2026

Due to weather concerns there will be NO mass at 11 AM , Our Lady of the Valley in Townshend or at Chapel of Snows 12:30 PM, Stratton.

The priest covering would like you to know that there are Saturday afternoon masses at St Michales, Brattleboro, St Charles in BellowsFalls or St Joseph in Chester.
Also St Paul’s in Manchester.

Be safe and stay warm.
Our Lady of Mercy and the West River Missions.

12/31/2025

New Years Day Mass will be celebrated by Father Luke Austin at 11am