Lakeville needs Father Joe - Save our Pastor and our Parish

We have so many seniors here who will be unable to travel long distances for church. We have ZERO public transportation in our small towns. This is devestating

I may not attend church as often as I would like but I can personally say if it wasn't for Father Joe I wouldn't have gotten married at St Mary's!

For more than 25 years, Father Joe and St. Mary's have generously provided space free of charge for The Corner Food Pantry (formerly OWL's Kitchen). We distribute more than 110,000 lbs. of food every year to hungry families in the local community. Losing that space would drastically impact the organization and our efforts to alleviate hunger in the tri-state area.

Father Joe with his loving and inclusive spirit has created a spiritual area of respect,love and inclusiveness for all people. We cannot lose him.

This church has been in my family for six generations. This is heartbreaking. Next weekend my second son will be baptized here. Sad to think it may be one of last times our family will be there. Praying something positive takes place to rectify the situation. ❤️

It would be a shame to close a church that clearly serves all of its community.

We need Father Joe to remain as our pastor and for St Mary's to remain open!

Losing St. Mary's and Father Joe would be a great disservice to the Lakeville/Salisbury community. Please, do not do away with a beautiful church and its intelligent, kind and thoughtful pastor. Both fill the spiritual and communal needs of many.

I attend this church BECAUSE of Father Joe---I can't imagine losing him!

I am not Catholic. However, I have had the distinct honor of talking with Father Joe on numerous occasions. He is truly a rare gem that needs to stay with his beloved parishioners in Lakeville

I had my baptism at this particular church, and have many fond memories. It is the only concrete religious house of worship that I go to and consider my own.

Please save him he is an amazing man

I grew up in St Mary's. Was baptized, made my first communion and was confirmed there. My husband and I were married in this church. It holds great memories. Father Joe performed the Mass when my 99 yr old grandmother died. The oldest living resident in Lakeville(that was born in town). St Mary's is an integral part of the fabric of Lakeville

We must keep St Mary's parish and Father Joe.

Id like to see father Joe stay please!

The leadership of Father Joe is greatly needed by the entire Northwest Region of Connecticut. He is a beacon of compassion and faithfulness for so many of us, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

This chuch and priest are a cornerstone of our community. Taking it away would nother nail in the death of a faith based community!

I'm a CEO of a multi national company. I was an alter boy at St. Mary's, I buried both my parents there, I was married there and my eldest son was babrized there. Call me if I can help in anyway. 706-206-3276

The Lakeville Parish with Farther Joe is such a strong community...for many it is the spiritual center. I've attended many important services here and would consider it a tremendous loss to see Father Joe leave and the church at risk. Believe in our town and support our community!

Please keep father Joe at our parish