Since the Jesuits left our parish this summer, we have only one priest to shepherd all of the families in our community. The Bishop has been closely monitoring the transition from three priests to one and has made some decisions. His observation is that in order to shepherd all the faithful in Salem, the “parish has to see itself ever more clearly as one single parish with two churches in which to gather for Mass and the celebration of the Sacraments.” As a result, he has made the following decisions: “It appears that the Saturday evening Mass at 4:00PM has become more well attended at Mary Queen of Peace Church, whereas the attendance at St. Joseph Church is not sustainable. Especially as the autumn returns to Eastern Standard Time, this will encourage many more to attend Mass at the earlier hour, and since Mary Queen of Peace is able to accommodate everyone, it is appropriate to suspend indefinitely the Saturday evening Mass at St. Joseph. Beginning on Saturday, November 3, 2018 the only Mass on Saturday evening will be celebrated at 4:00 PM at Mary Queen of Peace Church.” “Realizing that St. Joseph Church is vital to the area and provides the opportunity for early morning daily Mass, I believe that St. Joseph should be the location most suited to daily Mass and that the 9:00AM weekday Mass at Mary Queen of Peace be suspended indefinitely. Beginning on Monday, November 5, 2018 daily Mass will be celebrated only at 7:15 AM at St. Joseph Church on Main Street.” (The Wednesday Eucharistic Services are also being suspended at both campuses.) “The music ministry known as Atonement has begun to provide the music and song at the 9:30 AM Mass at Mary Queen of Peace. I am very pleased to hear of this and encourage its continued participation.” Beginning this weekend, the Atonement Band will play weekly at the 9:30 AM Mass at Mary Queen of Peace Church. “Be assured of my prayers and support as Father Vincent continues to shepherd Saints Mary and Joseph Parish and build the house of the Lord.” Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester.