Sacred Heart Church - Southbury, Connecticut, U.S.A.


Deacon Joe Lavoie
Farewell Mass Before Leaving The Parish
October 2, 2011

It is with grateful hearts that we wish Deacon Joe Lavoie a fond farewell. Joe has served Sacred Heart Church for 29 years. Through his service at Sunday Liturgies and in Baptismal Ministry, Joe was a beautiful presence of God’s love in action. His gentle way, his gift of carpentry and with the ministry of his lovely wife, Helen, added to the joy of our parish. We send Joe and Helen off with our blessings of peace and joy and with our deepest affection. May God bless you abundantly for all you have been to us!

Be sure to read Deacon Joe's letter to the parish at the end.
Mass is underway, and Deacon Joe is in his usual spot in the deacon's chair, assisting the community in worship.
Having read the petitions, Joe takes a moment to reflect on them, and offer a silent prayer.
As the consecration approaches, Joe is beside Fr. Collins.
At the end of Mass, there was a brief ceremony of thanks to Joe, and his wonderful wife, "Saint" Helen, for their years of service to the parish.
All eyes were on Deacon Chuck as he thanks Joe.
Joe received a blessing from Deacon Chuck, Sister Pat, and the entire congregation at the end of Mass.
Deacon to Deacon, the blessing and thanks of a grateful community flowed to Joe.
Never one to avoid a microphone, Joe took to the ambo to offer few words of thanks for all he had received during his time here.
Standing front and center, Joe expressed an emotional goodby.
A few words from Fr. Collins, who has known Joe for only a few months, but has come to appreciate all he does.
Joe has a few last words to thank his wife, Helen for her support, and to let us in on a few family secrets about how they met. It seems that...well, perhaps that's best left for another time.
Following Mass, there was a reception held for Joe in the hall. An opportunity for many parishioners, family, and friends to wish Joe and Helen peace and blessing.
Joe and Helen, we wish you all the best, as you start life's next great adventure.
Dear Sacred Heart Church Family,
It is with great sorrow that I am leaving this parish and transferring to a church closer to where we are living. I believe it is time for me to say adios. First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to the staff for their support through the years that I have been here. Above all, I am very grateful for the support that Father Joe gave me, and the encouragement that he was able to give during my tenure at Sacred Heart Church. I am grateful to the deacons, Chuck and Vin, for filling in for me while I was out of action. I can’t say enough about all of you for your prayers and well wishes through my sickness. A really big THANK YOU to all of you. Thanks again Father Joe, Sister Pat, Chuck, Vin, Ami and Mary and to all of you I consider my family.

I leave with many good memories
Deacon Joe
© Sacred Heart Church, Southbury, Connecticut, U.S.A. 1999-2013