Signs of the Times
a short, but mighty, story of collaborative unity 

Beginning with the St. Margaret in January, and concluding in March, 2022, all new signage is now in place at each of our churches. We loved these new signs so much, designed and installed by Gath Sign in Tewksbury, that we decided to ask them to install matchining signage at our parish offices. 

The donation of the four church signs was made by long-time St. Margaret parishioner, Mary Scanlon. It was made in loving memory and in honor of her late husband, James D. Scanlon, who, in March of 2019, “went to the House of the Lord,” as beautifully stated in one of many condolences.

Mary approached Fr. Brian in July of 2021 with her wish to fund the design and installation of new signs to be placed at all three of our parishes, giving a tangible sign of our unification as the newly-formed Holy Rood Collaborative [est July 1, 2021].  Her desire to bring our families together speaks loudly of the life that she and James shared, as well as her deep and abiding love for him.

James experienced many successes in his lifetime… receiving a number of honors while serving in the US Army at Pleiku during the Vietnam war; earning a Masters in Taxation 14 years after graduating with his BS in Accounting from Bentley; and enjoying a long career in his well-loved field of accounting as a CPA. But many would say that his biggest success was his family. Mary and Jim raised three daughters: Karen, (who was baptized at St. Margaret of Scotland), Laura and Susan (both baptized at St. John the Evangelist), whom they raised in the faith that they daily lived. As their family grew through marriages and grandchildren, so did Jim's heart.

You will also hear many say that it was Jim’s deep devotion to, and great love of, his Catholic faith that gave his life direction and purpose. He exemplified the Christian virtues of kindness, compassion, generosity, and love to all he met. His influence of faithful and charitable living can be seen in the lives of those he left behind.

When you get the opportunity to stop and take in the craftsmanship of these new signs, please also take a moment to consider the generosity of our donor Mary, and James in whose name all of this was made possible. May we offer a prayer of thanks and gratitude for the legacy that both James and Mary are leaving behind.