MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – The state’s Roman Catholic diocese is merging three parishes in the Lakes Region, due to a shortage of priests.

St. Matthew in Plymouth, St. Timothy in Bristol and St. Agnes in Ashland will be merged by July 1, parishioners were told during Easter Mass on Sunday. They were asked to come up with a name for the new parish.

Two priests serve the three churches now. The Rev. Leo LaBlanc, pastor for St. Matthew and St. Agnes, will head the new parish. The Rev. Eddy Bisson could remain at St. Timothy as a senior priest or could be sent to another parish, said diocese spokesman Pat McGee.

Service schedules remain the same, McGee said. Pastoral leaders will meet soon to discuss any changes the merger may require.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.