Saint Joseph Parish, Malden, MA

Saint Joseph Parish, Malden, MA

Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.



Building & History

St. Joseph Parish of Malden resides in a structure with modern aesthetics on the edge of an urban, yet intimate neighborhood called Maplewood. The inside of the nave has a low profile with horizontally arranged strips of colorful glass framing the slightly arched ceiling. The morning sun shining through from the eastern windows splashes color across the pews and adding highlights to the off white walls. Tan and marble accents finish out the décor. This soft pallet contrasts to the dark woodwork of the pews creating the perfect calming atmosphere for reflection and prayer. 

In the foyer of the church I found a pamphlet containing information about the parish including history, much of which can also be found in the comprehensive website. The parish dates to 1902, and the current building was constructed in 1962. The building stands as part of a complex which once included a school, and currently is leased to Mystic Valley Regional Charter School. For a more detailed account of the history please visit the parish's link above.



The Parish

This is an active Catholic parish with 4 weekend Masses (Sat. 4:00 P.M., Sunday 7:30 A.M., 9:00 A.M., and 10:30 A.M.) They also have Daily Rosary at 8:30 A.M. and Daily Mass at 9:00 A.M. The parish provides religious education for children, as well as various ministries, volunteer and social activities which I will detail further in the outreach section below.



The Mass


I attended the 7:30 A.M. Mass, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear an organist and a very talented cantor leading the hymns at this early time. 

The Mass on August 5th had readings focused in part around God providing bread for followers (Reading 1, Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54; Gospel, John 6:24-35; Reading 2, Ephesians 4:17, 20-24) Ephesians 4:17 provides the essential message that helps connect all of the selected readings. "You were to put aside your old self, which belongs to your old way of life and is corrupted by following illusory desires." The bread is explained to be an allegory for the "knowledge" that faith in God provides. That one who believes, will never be hungry or thirsty. The hunger and thirst is described to represent purpose. This purpose, as explained in Father William J. Minigan's homily is to build community, care for family, reach out to the people in one's life. Fr. Minigan discussed about distractions (illusory desires) such as technology, and how we often want more. Such items can cause people to lose track of what is most important. The items of importance, our valuable relationships should be nourished regularly, as that is the purpose of life.


Outreach


Saint Joseph's has many ways in which parishioners can give back to both the immediate community and also contribute to broader charitable causes. They support Bread of Life in Malden to help those in need of assistance for meals, the Saint Vincent DePaul Society which is a charitable organization donated to many causes, and provide various other outreach programs including a youth ministry and spiritual development. The church hosts Bingo every Wednesday night and has other periodic social activities and gatherings as well.

It is clear to see that St. Joseph Parish richly contributes to the fabric of Malden enriching the lives of generations past and those yet to come.


Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links


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