HISTORY OF ST. DENIS PARISH 

St Denis Church in Ashburnham is the second oldest church edifice in the diocese. A former Methodist church, built in 1832 it was purchased by Ashburnham Catholics in 1871 and dedicated to St. Dennis (sic) by Bishop Patrick T. O’Reilly on October 26, 1873. 

Much has been accomplished since Bishop (Cardinal) John J. Wright formed St. Denis parish on September 5, 1951. A new parish and a new pastor were to prove an inspiring force for Catholics in Ashburnham. Rev. Joseph A. Lacey assumed the mammoth job of making an alert parish of a dormant mission. 

The old building needed restoration and the interior was renovated. Two side doors were cut through; on the east in October 1951 and on the west in November 1952. November 1951 saw the blue tile laid on the floor and a new light installed over the alter. The outside Christmas Manger was added in December 1951 giving atmosphere to the church and an external sign of Christmas to the town. There was a family in town that would go early to church to light the furnace when there was a visiting priest coming. 

The first organization in the new parish was the St. Denis Guild of Catholic Women formed in October 1951. There were fifty-five members that first year. 

The school year of 1952-53 witnessed a great change in religious instruction. Previously, parish members assisted the pastor in instructing the children, but through the efforts of Father Lacey, nuns from St. Joseph's School in Fitchburg assumed this responsibility and have continued to do so until the present. Many devoted parishioners joined the nuns in this endeavor toward the spiritual education of the children grades 1-12. 

On July 29, 1952, ground was broken in preparation for the building of the rectory and in October of that year the Cape Cod cottage was complete and Father Lacey took up residence in his new home. Before that he had lived in St. Anne's rectory in South Ashburnham and in the Hardy-Weeks-Foley house across the street from the church. The Weeks family were pillars of the Community Church back in a time when there was competition between Catholics and Protestants. It was the first ecumenical outreach in the town. 

With an eye to the future, the Smith house, an old colonial house adjoining the church property, was purchased on October 10, 1952 to be made into a recreation hall and now bears his name. 
 

Father Lacey died in 1955 and Rev. Francis Pitroff came as his successor, remaining until 1968. An eight-room parish C.C.D. center was constructed under his direction and the renovation of the church to conform to the restored liturgy was completed. Paneling replaced the ornate alter, an oak alter table was placed in the sanctuary facing the congregation, the alter rail and side alters removed to be replaced by a Repository and Baptismal Font. Paneling was also installed along the side walls. 

Rev. Alcide Brousseau replaced Father Pitroff in 1968 and served until January 1971. During his pastorate the Boutwell property on the east side of the church was purchased for a future parking area and new oak pews were added to the interior. 

In 1971 Rev. Charles Lenk came to St. Denis remaining with us until July 1974. He converted the Boutwell property into a large paved parking lot in 1973 - a most welcome feature that eased the parking problems on Main St. and added to the safety of parishioners and townspeople. A series of “Irish Nights” held on March 17th were enjoyed by those in attendance as were the Summer Bazaars. 

During the past year he was ably assisted by a young Deacon. Father Richard Ritacco. who was ordained in Christ' ministry in June 1976. This is the first time our parish has had the services of a Deacon. It was a mutually satisfying experience for all, Father Laperle, Father Ritacco, and the parishioners of St. Denis. 

When Fr. Lenk left in 1973, Rev. Theodore R. Laperle became the fifth pastor of this young and growing parish. He was ably assisted by a young Deacon, Father Richard Ritacco, who was ordained in Christ' ministry in June 1976. This is the first time our parish has had the services of a Deacon. It was a mutually satisfying experience for all, Father Laperle, Father Ritacco, and the parishioners of St. Denis. He remained until September of 1979 when Fr. Thomas M. Barry and Fr. John E. Doran served short terms as temporary administrators until Rev. Edward F. Mahan was appointed pastor in December of that year. After a year and a half, Fr. Mahan was reassigned at which time Rev. Robert L. Gauthier assumed the duties as pastor until April of 1983. Fr. Joseph A. Adamo and Fr. George J. Ridick functioned as administrators until the appointment of Rev. Donald Baker in July of 1983, the pastorate position he held for seven years. In 1990, ostensibly due to the lack of available personnel, the pastoral needs of both St. Denis and of St. Anne (South Ashburnham) were combined. Both parishes are very gratefull that Rev. Joseph J. Jurgelonis accepted the difficult challenged this new situation presented. Also in 1990, Deacon Michael P. Connor was assigned to assist in the ministry of the parishes. He was joined in this ministry by Deacon Richard C. DesJardins in 1995. 

With the encouragement of Fr. Laperle, the parish established the position of Religious Education Coordinator with Irene Parent as the first of three-master catechist to occupy this position. With this dedication and guidance, the religious education programs have grown and improved over the years. There are sacramental programs, most of which encourage some parental participation. There are enrichment experiences such as retreat days and inspiring seasonal celebrations. With the inclusion of St. Anne's Parish to form one religious education entity, enrollment swelled, yet the quality instruction of smaller classes has been maintained. This is due to the able committed leadership and to the selfless dedicated volunteers that staff this extraordinary important function of parish life. 

In the mid 80's, under the leadership of Fr. Baker and with the generous support of its members, the interior of St. Denis church was completely renovated which allowed for a larger sacristy and greatly enhanced the setting for various liturgical functions. Soon afterward, structural improvements were made to the religious education area of the parish hall. These changes provided for separate classrooms and some soundproofing which greatly improved conditions for this vital leaning experience. 

For the laity of St. Denis much has changed over the last fifty years both in the depth of involvement in the liturgy as well as ill the operational responsibilities of the parish. Male or female, young or old, the celebration of Mass utilizes lectors, ministers of the eucharist and of the Cup, altar servers, and ushers. Likewise, there are people who volunteer their time and expertise in committees to assist the pastor in the functional aspects of this faith community: pastoral council, religious education, finance, maintenance, liturgy, youth activities, ecumenism, etc. 

There have been many events intended to serve either the social and/or financial belief it of the parish community: bazaars, chicken barbeques, pot luck dinners, Irish nights, spaghetti suppers, and more. 

Through the grace of God and with unselfish determination, leaders have emerged over the years who have galvanized the community to cooperate for the successful disposition of these events which enhance the camaraderie as well as the financial condition of the parish. 

Social organizations have always been a fellowship for the social and monetary needs of a parish. In the early 90's, the St. Nicholas Society was formed with its two-fold objective: give needed services to those in hardship (patch a roof, replace a door, etc.) and form a reliable, stable prayer line. The Men’s Club and the Ladies Spiritual Enrichment Group are there for adults to continue their spiritual growth. Religoius Education program has been a very strong force of evangelization in the parish. 

Since 1951 St. Denis parish has many reasons to be grateful to God for the blessings it received from the ministry of the parish church. The faith of St Denis parish is a heritage it has received from its predecesors, priest, nuns and parishioners. Thanks for their generosity and loyalty to God. On this 25th anniversary, its present generation of parishioners is grateful to them. We pray that God will generously reward them. 

We pray and hope that the years ahead will show a similar faith in the religious traditions of the past and that St Denis Parish will continue to grow in the love of God and in the knowledge of Christ.

As your parish priest, to all the chairmen and committee members I wish to say a sincere THANK-YOU for carrying out your responsabilities so well.