Parish History

Holy Family Parish was established May 1998 on the Feast of Pentecost. Holy Family Parish was formed by a collaboration of two parishes, Sacred Heart and Saint Joseph. The process was marked by gradual working and worshipping together. The high school confirmation class provided first opportunity to blend the parishes. The youth of the two parishes came together to pray, socialize, retreat, and serve the Catholic community with vibrancy and dedication. The youth became an instrument and example for other areas of parish life.

The Catholic community of Amesbury celebrated mass in two churches, St. Joseph's and Sacred Heart. In 1992 families were encouraged to attend mass at either church. The offertory envelopes were directed to their home parish. By 1995 the parishes came together during the most Holy of weeks to celebrate their common belief in the saving action of the cross and the institution of the Eucharist. During 1995, the administrative offices and staff of both parishes were combined and moved to the Sacred Heart Convent, which was renamed the Parish Office Building. By 1997 the joint Parish Pastoral Council formally adopted the proposal to merge the parishes. The proposal was presented to the parishes at Sunday Masses.
In March 1998, Cardinal Law decreed that Sacred Heart and St. Josph Parishes would be merged into one new parish, Holy Family Parish, effective at 4:00PM on Satuday, May 30, 1998, the Feast of Pentecost.

The driving force behind the creation of this new parish was to build a stronger sense of community. Information about the collaborative years can be found here.

History of Sacred Heart Parish		History of St. Joseph's Parish
Past Pastors		Past Pastors