St Gabriel is a Roman Catholic Community, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  It is part of the Diocese of Manchester.   Our mission is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ  with our neighbors and visitors as we do our best to incorporate our Master’s teachings in our own daily life. On October 1, 2011, St. Paul’s was twinned with St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Tilton, NH.  Since then, both parishes share a pastor, parish bulletin,  religious services, programs and activities.
Please visit our site to learn more about out community.  Read about our programs and activities, our instructional offerings and our outreach efforts.
 

Our Objective was to choose a name that is unique and reflects the idenitity and mission of our formed community.  It was to be a name that would be distinct from that of the two merging parishes and not already taken by another parish or institution in our diocese, and would be well accepted and approved by both parishioners and the bishop.

Who is St. Gabriel?

Gabriel is one of three angels identified by name in the Bible (Michael and Raphael are the other two).  The name Gabriel means:  "God is my strength" or "God is mighty".  He is a messenger of good news.  In the Old Testament, he brings hope and comfort to Daniel in the days of the Babylonian exile (Dan. 8:15-27, 9:20-27, 10:4-6).  In the New Testament he announces the birth of John the Baptist to an incredulous Zechariah (Luke 1: 10-20) and the birth of the Son of God to a faith-filled Mary of Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38).  Thus, as the King of Heaven's Chief Ambassador, he set in motion God's Incarnation and our Redemption.

According to Tradition and folk legend, it was Gabriel who announced to the shepherds of Bethlehem the birth of our sweet Lord and it was he who led the multitude of blessed spirits who sang around the crib the blessed song, "Glory to God in the highest..."  It was also he who consoled dear St. Joseph in his sorrows, and accompanied the Holy Family in their flight to Egypt.  St. Gabriel is looked upon as the angel who comforted our Lord when he suffered the bloody agony in the Garden of Olives, and rolled away the stone that sealed the tomb on Easter morning.
 

Why St. Gabriel?

Our prime mission as a parish community is to spread the Good News that God loves us.  Jesus, the Son of God revealed the Father to us, died so that our sins might be forgiven and we could claim the place He has prepared for us in heaven.  And, of course, that God the Holy Spirit will guide us and bring us ever closer to God as we journey through this earthly life.  We are challenged to proclaim this positive message in a credible manner through our words, deeds and life-style.  So many people have yet to hear or embrace this important, life-changing message.  Our work is cut out for us.  The intercession of one of God's seven archangels, especially one with such great accomplishments and responsibilities, is more than welcome!

May St. Gabriel help us change lives and serve God in the process!