In 2012, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan, Disciples in Mission, was introduced.  Part 1 of the plan, entitled “Strengthening Parishes for the Work of New Evangelization,” gives its attention to strengthening our parishes for the mission of evangelization. Recommendation #1 is to organize the 288 parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston into approximately 135 Collaboratives in order to foster common pastoral action and a common vision (click HERE for the entire document).

On June 2, 2015, in accordance with the vision as set forth in Disciples in Mission, St. John the Evangelist and St. Mary formed the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative.  Rev. Brian E. Mahoney was named Pastor, and installed as such on October 31^st at St. Mary’s and November 7^th at St. John’s.  Other clergy named to our collaboration at that time were Rev. Laurence “Ren” Tocci, Parochial Vicar; Rev. Thomas B. Corcoran, Parochial Vicar; and Rev. Arnold F. Colletti, Sr. Priest in Residence.

On July 1, 2021, after months of discernment by our clergy, lay staff and parish families, the parishes of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative joined with St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Lowell to form a brand new three-parish collaborative called The Holy Rood Collaborative. Fr. Raymond Benoit, the administrator of St. Margaret for the past 17 years was granted Retirement Status and now resides in the Rectory with Fr. Brian, our Pastor, and Fr. Colletti, our other Sr. Priest in Residence. To see our current staff listing and bios, click [HERE].

With this powerful pastoral team, we can continue to revel in our past one-hundred-plus years, celebrate our present vigorous parish life, and anticipate our continued Journey of Faith into the next 100 years as Disciples in Mission.

Thank you for your prayerful presence in our community.
Let us keep each other in prayer.
God Bless us All!