Saint Margaret Parish, Saugus, MA

Saint Margaret Parish, Saugus, 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. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. 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

Saint Margaret is a small church structure with a cozy, yet brightly painted sanctuary with pastel windows placed in three-panel frames that are not unlike living room windows in many suburban homes. The pews are painted in a fashion similar to that often seen in many protestant churches of the area with the main expanses off-white, but the trim varnished or a darker color. The sanctuary has a very warm atmosphere that has a decidedly small town feel. This feeling is perhaps preserved from a generation or two ago when Saugus perhaps felt more distant and rural from Boston, whereas today many would recognize it as a busy suburb. I did not find much on the history of the building, however a website that collects information on non-profits suggests it possibly is a fairly new church dating to 1946.


The Parish

The church attendance spanned generations with children heard playfully talking in the ceremony. The bulletin also advertises various activities and ministries making up SCY or a Saugus Catholic Youth group. The church expresses inclusivity with a statement on their bulletin:

Given that we are all God's children, everyone is welcome at our parishes regardless of status in the Church, regardless of marital status, regardless of prior religious experience, personal history, background, or orientation. Everyone is invited, accepted, and respected at both Saint Margaret and Blessed Sacrament Parishes of Saugus.




The Mass

A cantor performed the hymns accompanied by piano music. Aside from Rev. Timothy J. Kelleher (Fr. Tim), and the altar boy, those assisting in the service were dressed casually which fit with the atmosphere of this community church. The primary reading of this service was Mark 10:17-30. The message of this passage was Christ telling a wealthy follower that he must trust that if he leaves all of his possessions to others who need it, that he will receive hundreds of times as much, both in the kingdom on earth, as well as in heaven.


Outreach

In the service one activity specifically mentioned was a collection of socks to donate to the homeless. This is being coordinated through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Saint Margaret Parish, collaborating along with Blessed Sacrament Parish, works towards various causes and ministries to help the greater community. Mentioned in the bulletin alone includes such activities as collecting items for troops abroad, a cancer support group, and an American Red Cross blood drive. In the bulletin there is a write up on the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, and an event being conducted in association with it. This is an organization with a mission to empower children with social and learning tools to help fight and prevent violence. Jesse Lewis was a victim of the Sandy Hook shooting.

This compact choir loft is a terrific use of space. The cantor and piano player performed from this area, and before I had the chance to look over my shoulder at the end of the Mass, I had my doubts that there was enough ceiling clearance. It seems as though more clearance was created in the space.

Statue of Saint Margaret with accents of fall emerging around her

Conclusion

Saint Margaret Parish is a fixture in Saugus that enriches the community as well as those that surround it. 


Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links


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