Statement Regarding St. Joseph Church, Laconia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025

Statement Regarding St. Joseph Church, Laconia

LACONIA, NH – The Diocese of Manchester, the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire, has issued the following statement:

The Diocese of Manchester has determined that the proposed repair and renovation of St. Joseph Church in Laconia cannot proceed as planned. In a good faith effort over the past year, the Diocese invested in necessary construction work to preserve the exterior of the building, along with covering all operating costs. This included repointing mortar, replacing limestone and missing slate shingles, repairing damaged slate shingles and exit doors, resetting granite stone, and replacing copper roofing, among other costly projects.

However, extensive interior repairs are still required to restore the building, even before columbarium construction could begin. Some of these high-cost needs include a new heating and ventilation system, mold and asbestos remediation, creating accessible bathrooms, and extensive plaster repair and painting.

The St. Joseph Preservation Society had committed to fundraise for the exterior and interior repair costs, but minimal funds have been contributed to the project to date. Compounding these circumstances, the results of a feasibility study indicate the amount of available financial support in the community would not be able to cover even the lower threshold of the repair costs. Unfortunately, these factors, in addition to rising construction costs, were insurmountable to overcome.

The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, D.D., Bishop of Manchester, said of the decision, “As a Diocese, we must confront the realities that certain parishes face today and the painful decisions that must be made. Continuing this project with neither tangible assurance nor realistic hope that this project can succeed, would be an irresponsible use of the faithful’s resources entrusted to us. We must remember that Church buildings, structures, or worship sites are meant to house and reflect a living and thriving community of the baptized living the Faith and handing on that Faith authentically and fervently to succeeding generations. That vitality, in this particular case, has waned and diminished to a point of no return; even these well-meaning hopes and efforts have proven so.

The Diocese collaborated with the St. Joseph Preservation Society toward a positive outcome with hope that the project would be feasible. But due to increased costs and lack of available funding, regrettably, as owner of the property, the Diocese will likely place St. Joseph Church back on the market for sale.

The faithful are encouraged to participate with faith and fervor in the Sacramental and communal life through Laconia’s St. André Bessette Parish.”

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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire, serving the needs of nearly 200,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org/overview.