Today is a new beginning for the Church in Watertown/Oakville. We are now one community of faith under the name Holy Disciples Parish. We give thanks for the legacies of St Mary Magdalen Parish and St. John the Evangelist Parish that have served Catholics for generations. We now take those legacies, unite them, and go forward with new strength and passion to accomplish our ultimate mission - proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please join me in giving thanks for those who labored to build our Catholic communities - (a legacy that will endure) and celebrate a new future filled with exciting possibilities.
Fr Anthony J Smith
Pastor, Holy Disciples Parish
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Holy Week Mass Schedule
At the direction of Fr. Anthony Smith, Holy Disciples Parish will be celebrating the Holy Thursday Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Oakville at 7pm. With Adoration until midnight.
**** PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO MASS CELEBRATED AT ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH FOR HOLY THURSDAY***
Overflow parking is available at St. Mary School grounds. Thank you.
St. John the Evangelist Church
574 Main Street, WatertownGood Friday
April 7 Service at 3:00 PM
Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PMHoly Saturday
Easter Vigil April 8 at 8:00 PMEaster Sunday Masses
Sunday, April 9 at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AMSt. Mary Magdalen Church
16 Buckingham Street, OakvilleHoly Thursday
Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 6 at 7 PMGood Friday
April 7 Service at 3:00 PM****Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass April 8 at 8:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church ONLY***
Easter Sunday Masses
Sunday, April 9 at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM -
2023 Parish Office Hours
Effective January 2023, our Parish Office and Parish Life Office will be located at 21 Academy Hill, Watertown with office hours on Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
All Offices will be closed on Fridays
Phone: 860-274-8836The Parish Life Office will also be open at 145 Buckingham Street, Oakville on Mondays ONLY from 10am to 2pm.
Phone: 860-274-9273Faith Formation Offices will be located at 9 Academy Hill, Watertown
Check the website for hours.
Phone: 860-274-4123 or 860-274-1955 -
Message from Rev. Anthony Smith - November 10, 2022
To the Holy Disciples Parish Family
Our principal, Sherried Gemmell at St John the Evangelist Middle School, part of the Unified Schools of St Mary Magdalen and St John the Evangelist, will be retiring this month.
With the recent passing of her father, Sherrie, finds herself needed to attend to her family at this time.
On behalf of the whole parish community I wish to thank Sherrie for her service to our school and offer prayers for Sherrie and her family.
I have been working with our School Board to begin the search for a new principal and we will keep you posted when we hire a qualified candidate to effectively lead our school forward through this time of transition.
Sincerely in Christ
Fr Anthony J. Smith
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October 13, 2022 - Statement of Fr. Anthony J. Smith
Today we woke up to the tragic news that three officers were shot in Bristol resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. I ask that you offer a time of prayerful silence today with your family for the deceased and the injured and for all families involved in this tragedy. Additionally, I ask that you keep the members of our Watertown Police and Fire departments in your prayers. The men and women who heroically protect us every day need our unwavering support and gratitude always, but especially during this time of mourning.
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Pastor's Letter on the Supreme Court Decision
June 25, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
After almost 50 years of marching in Washington, countless rosaries prayed and the creation of many agencies that assist women in crisis, like Carolyn’s Place, the Prolife cause has been rewarded for perseverance and trust in the power of faith. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is correct on two levels; judicial and moral.
I pray Friday, June 24th 2022 is the beginning of a change in the consciousness of America. Contrary to false claims in the media, abortion has not been outlawed. The Supreme Court ruled that each state should now decide their own laws regarding the legality of abortion and any limits where it remains legal. The decision handed down Friday is a legal matter, and, God willing, it will lead to more lives saved. But the battle for the soul of America continues. We must still work and pray hard to change the hearts and minds of many. The debate can now happen on a local level and when all the arguments are placed on the table, life will always triumph.
As a people of faith we must continue to provide support to women who face difficult decisions about unplanned pregnancies. Our responsibility to care for those in need of support does not wane with a change in the law. We must continue to support life at all stages and support those who bravely choose life despite the many challenges.
Please join me in giving thanks for a new beginning in the struggle to protect the life of the unborn, and continue to pray that our country begins to travel down a path where the sanctity of life, at all stages, is protected.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr Anthony J. Smith
