Parish History

In the early 1880's, the "Societe Saint Jean-Baptiste" (founded October 22, 1879) began a campaign to secure the services of a resident, French-speaking priest for the sixty-plus French-Canadian families of the area. In 1883, Bishop James A. Healy of the Portland Diocese, appointed Rev. Urbain Lamy as the first pastor of "Notre Dame Du Tres Saint Rosaire"…"Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary" and the first Sunday Mass was celebrated in the McDuffee Block on March 22, 1883. A Bridge Street site was chosen for the church building; construction was completed in time for Christmas Day Mass! Father Lamy guided the parish in purchasing land for the cemetery, in building the first school in 1888, and in building the first rectory in 1893. Rev. Cyrille Joseph Paradis, Pastor from 1900-1908, organized the "Societe des Dames de Ste- Anne" a social service group that is still quite active today. In 1913, Rev. Charles Salyme Lacroix founded St. Charles Orphanage at the junction of South Main Street and Grant Street. The Grey Nuns of St. Hyacinthe first staffed the home which is now sponsored by New Hampshire Catholic Charities as the St. Charles Children's Home. In 1939, a new Holy Rosary Elementary School constructed during the pastorate of Rev. Joseph Henri Cormier. Holy Rosary High School was built in 1957 under the direction of Rev. Andre Brunelle, Pastor from 1950-1961. In 1961 Rev. Gilles Simard arrived in Rochester and under his guidance the Holy Rosary Credit Union was established. In 1963 the rectory was moved to the renovated Snow property at 189 North Street...our current location. Within the year, new church plans were underway. The Most Reverend Ernest J. Primeau, Bishop of Manchester, officiated at the dedication of the new church facility at 189 North Main, on September 15, 1963. In accordance with Second Vatican Council directives, the sanctuary was renovated in 1977. In 1981 the Babe Ruth Baseball League established the "Msgr. Gilles Simard Park" on an unused parcel of cemetery land. Rev. Paul D. Montminy was assigned to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in 1989. Under his leadership, the administrative offices adjoining the rectory were constructed in 1994, the Holy Rosary Cemetery was landscaped and enlarged in 1995, and a new Parish Center built in the year 2000. The center features a new Hall, a Gathering Space joining the church, a library, bookstore, four conference rooms and offices for Share. In July 2007, the Rev Paul Gousse was assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and soon after established a perpetual adoration chapel. He continues to review and update the grounds and buildings, improving safety and esthetics for all. In September 2019, Fr. Adrian Frackowiak was assigned as the Parochial Vicar for Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and St. Leo Parishes. His first priestly assignment, he hails from Poland. In the context of a proud past and the promise of a new Millennium, the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary community continues to grow in faith and love.

In 1888, forty families of French Canadian descent requested that Catholic Services be held in the town of Gonic. Reverend Urbain Lamy answered that call and celebrated the community's first Mass at the Gonic Town Hall in the Spring of 1888. As time went on, the people felt more and more of a need for their own worship space. In the summer of 1889 the parishioners presented Father Lamy with a check for $2,000 and construction of a church began. Officially, St. Leo Church was not recognized as a parish until October 19th, 1892. The first resident priest assigned to the church was Reverend Louis Laroque. Father Laroque resided in a rectory which was built next to the new church located on Felker Street. In 1920 the church building was transported to its present location on Main Street and a new rectory was constructed. The following year, a Parish School staffed by the Sisters of Holy Cross opened its doors. In 1966 both the Church and the School were completely refurbished. St. Leo School, which made a valuable contribution to the community for 50 years, closed its doors in 1971. The next twenty years were years of transition and change for our small Catholic community. We remain grateful for the many priests who served in our midst and who ministered with fidelity and care. The 90s have brought about'change and newness for the people of Saint Leo. With a call for collaboration among priests, people and parishes, Father Paul Montminy, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, assumed the task of taking on the responsibility as pastor of St. Leo Parish. Many improvements have come to St. Leo Parish due to his devotion and tireless efforts. With the help of Father Bill Deschamps, the associate pastor, and Sister Lucille Monette and Sister Loretta Monette, who serve as pastoral associates, the parish has prospered and grown. St. Leo Catholic Kindercare has been established and is now housed in the school area of the church building. Our staff of five adults, working with over 40 children, is addressing a real need for our young families. There is a strong feeling of community between both young and old in the parish and a real sense of belonging. As St. Leo Parish Community celebrates its 100th year, 235 families are currently registered. Our Lord has bestowed many blessings on this Catholic Community. May we give thanks and pray that God's help and inspiration be ever present as we move toward the future together.