CELEBRATING 50 YEARS ON THE PULPIT: Linda Pane, Coordinator of Stoughton Life Teen told About Town that Father Joseph McDermott observed the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood this weekend.

Immaculate Conception Church marked this occasion with a Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5. A reception with light refreshments was held following the Mass. Many parishioners and townspeople turned out to honor Father Joe on this momentous occasion.

Father Joe is an integral part of the Stoughton Clergy Association, as well as the Friends for Seniors organization. He is a down-to-earth, well-liked, approachable man of the cloth. He hesitates to grab the spotlight and would have preferred that no one outside his church knew about it. 

But, I had the pleasant opportunity to sit in the Sacristy room at Immaculate Conception Church, where Barbara, Louise and others made me feel quite comfortable. There's a lot of love in that room.

The faithful at ICC have great love and respect for Father Joe, who has been at the Canton Street church for twenty years. About Town had the opportunity to speak with Father Joe just before his 12:30 p.m. 50th Anniversary service.

He told me, "The past 50 years have had both joyous and difficult times. I'm thankful to God that I have made it to this point, and have been able to serve Him and His people. I hope and pray for more years to continue His work."

The 76-year old Priest talked about the biggest differences in the Catholic Church from fifty years ago to today. He added, "Back in 1962, when I was first ordained, we spoke Latin and had our backs to the people. Now, we face the people and speak English."

The Hudson native wanted to thank the people of Stoughton and his parish. "So many people give their prayers, their time, their talents and their treasures," he added.

One member of his parish said to me, "I've been working with priests for 48 years and Father Joe is the best I've ever worked with." Another, a Portuguese member, added, "We really have five different cultures here. Father Joe is the only one who could bring them all together. He is God's gift to our church."  

About Town congratulates Father Joe on this momentous occasion. 

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THE OLD COFFEE HOUSE IS REOPENING! The decades-long house of gossip will be re-opening once again. The old Stoughton Coffee House, most recently “Best Pals,” is opening again. 

Melanie Cobb secured a common victualler license for “Corner Café” at 79 Canton St. Renovations are taking place as this is written.

The Corner Café will offer breakfast, lunch and takeout. 

We’ll let you know when it opens.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Carmela Denneno, matriarch of the great Denneno's Pizza family. The best pizza ever cut with scissors!

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