CLERGY GREETING

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I hope and pray that you’re giving our website a glance and see that it is different from most church websites - and we at Saint Joseph’s are happy to present it to you!

I’d like to share a few things about myself and about St. Joseph’s. Most people refer to me as Father Joe, and I have been a pastor here for nearly 29 years.  I was born and brought up in New Hampshire and my home parish was Holy Trinity National Catholic Cathedral in Manchester.

Prior to my assignment here, I served as an assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Cathedral in Scranton, PA for two years. Following that, I was assigned as the pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in South Deerfield, MA for two years then assigned to Holy Savior Parish in Union City, CT where I served for nine years. Then on to Westfield! I am a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Westfield and Chaplain of the Westfield Fire Department.

I am a married National Catholic priest and have four children, all boys and my wonderful wife Janice has been my life partner for 42 years. Celibacy among priests and bishops is optional in the National Catholic Church.

Our Church is one that I know could be a good fit for you. The liturgy is Catholic, and parish decisions are made by the pastor and Parish Committee working together. The entire congregation votes on large matters and projects as well. The Church property is owned by its members. Our congregation is warm and welcoming and will certainly make you feel part of our parish family. So in their spirit, I personally invite you to come to our parish at 73 Main Street and experience what we’re all about.

May God’s blessing be upon you and your Family,

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Senior Father Joseph Soltysiak, Pastor