All are Welcome

September 20, 2026

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been here in Lowell since 1868. That is more than 150 years of serving the people of this city. Our founder, St. Eugène de Mazenod, wanted his Oblates to be close to the people. That is still our mission today. And there may be no better place to live that mission than right here in the heart of downtown Lowell.

Every day, people walk through our doors. They come for Mass. They come to pray. They light a candle. And so many come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We hear thousands of confessions each year. People come seeking God's mercy, sometimes after being away from the Church for many years. It is a privilege for us to be here for them—and for you.

We want the Oblates to continue this ministry in Lowell for generations to come. But we cannot do it without your help. Just as the costs of maintaining your own homes have increased, the costs of operating the Shrine continue to rise. Utilities, insurance, salaries, repairs, maintenance, and everyday expenses all add up. That is why we are holding our Inaugural $10,000 Cash Raffle. Tickets are $100 and only 300 will be sold. One lucky winner will receive $10,000! Yes, it is a chance to win a nice prize. But more importantly, every ticket helps keep this Shrine open and helps the Oblates continue the mission that began here in 1868.

We have been here for generations. With your help, we hope to be here for generations to come. Thank you for supporting our Shrine and our ministry.

I remember you at Mass.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for Workers

Please come and honor the Patron of our Shrine before each Sunday Mass and Saturday vigil Mass. 

Ten minutes before each Mass all are invited to pray the prayer on the back cover of the missalettes. The prayer was written by our late Shrine Director, Fr. Terry O’Connell, OMI.

This prayer time is a good preparation for Mass and a reminder that there are many in need of our prayers to obtain a good and meaningful job to provide for their loved ones.

Oblate Associates

Interested in answering the call and living a life that matters as an Oblate Associate?

Go to the link to read more information about  a  life as an Oblate Associate.

MATTHEW 20: 1-16A

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.  After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 

Going out about nine o'clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off.  And he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise.  Going out about five o'clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'

When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.  So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.  And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you.  Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go.  What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?  Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?  Are you envious because I am generous?' Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Ms. Katerynne Patino          

2026 St. Joseph the Worker Award Recipient

The Award was presented to Ms. Patino by Father Mike Amesse at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, September 12.  She was joined by her family and friends on this joyous occasion. We are blessed to have selfless people working among us in this 21st century. Thanks for the work that she does on a daily basis.

Born in Colombia, Katerynne Patino came to the United States as a young adult, bringing with her the values of humility, compassion, service, and faith that were nurtured through her Catholic education with the Franciscan Sisters.

Katerynne never forgot what it felt like to be new to this country. That experience became central to her work with immigrant families. She began her career with Lowell Public Schools as a Family Liaison and later served districtwide as the Spanish Bilingual Family Liaison in the Office of Equity and Empowerment. Families trusted Katerynne because she understood their struggles, spoke their language, and made certain they knew they were not alone.

Today, she continues her commitment to children and families through Project LEARN, helping expand educational opportunities throughout Greater Lowell. Her service also extends beyond her professional life.  Katerynne is an active parishioner at St. Francis Parish in Dracut and serves her community as a member of the Dracut Finance Committee.

Through her work, her Catholic faith, and her love for others, Katerynne beautifully demonstrates that caring for our neighbors is one way we live out our faith. For her lifelong commitment to serving others, St. Joseph the Worker Shrine is honored to recognize Katerynne Patino as our 2026 St. Joseph the Worker Awardee.

With conflicts, suffering, fear, and war ongoing across the globe, pray for peace in our time.  Pray the rosary. Pray to ask Our Lady's intercession for peace.

Prayer to Our Lady / Queen of Peace

"O Mary, Queen of Peace, gentle Mother and loving protector, we come before you with humble hearts. Intercede for us before your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that He may grant peace to a troubled world, comfort those who suffer, and hope to those who are afraid.

Teach us to be instruments of your peace: forgive where there is hatred, bring love where there is division, and grant mercy and strength in every trial. Mother of Peace, watch over families, nations, and all the world. May your Immaculate Heart guide us always to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the true Prince of Peace. Amen."

- via USCCB