About Saint Joseph [Maronite] · Waterville, Maine
St. Joseph Antiochene Syriac Maronite Catholic Church, located at 3 Appleton Street in downtown Waterville, Maine, is the only Maronite Catholic parish in the state of Maine and one of 45 parishes of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (a Maronite Catholic diocese covering the U.S. eastern seaboard). The parish was founded in 1924 by Lebanese immigrants who began arriving in the Waterville area in 1890 to work in factories, on the railroad, and as peddlers; today the parish counts an estimated 150–160 families and traces its roots back to the ancient Antiochene Syriac Maronite tradition. Celebrated in the Maronite (Antiochian) Rite, with the Divine Liturgy of the Qurbono offered in English (and traditionally Aramaic liturgical elements), the parish maintains a distinct Eastern Catholic identity while remaining fully in communion with Rome.
- Established
- 1927
- Patron
- Saint Joseph
- Rector
- Rev. Alexander A. Joseph
- Diocese
- Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn (Maronite Catholic Diocese); geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland in Maine
Why belong here
St. Joseph's is the only Maronite Catholic parish in all of Maine, so joining means becoming part of a uniquely ancient Antiochene Syriac tradition while remaining in full communion with Rome — a rare experience even in New England. The parish offers a deeply rooted family community, descended from Lebanese immigrants who have worshipped in Waterville since 1927, and has actually grown in membership in recent years as nearby Latin-rite churches have closed, especially after keeping its doors open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With active ministries including the Knights of Columbus, Rosary Sodality, Religious Education program, choir, and a Pastoral Council, plus a strong devotional life (Maronite feasts like Ash Monday and the Commemoration of the Finding of the Cross), St. Joseph's provides both a distinctive Eastern Catholic spirituality and the warm, multigenerational character of a parish actively building for its future through an endowment fund.
Mass times at Saint Joseph [Maronite]
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM (per DiscoverMass listing)
History of St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church
Lebanese immigrants began arriving in Maine in 1890 and settled in Waterville to work in factories, on the railroad, and as peddlers. For more than three decades they worshipped at Sacred Heart and other Latin-rite parishes until, in 1924, Bishop [name] sent Father Joseph Awad I to minister to the growing Maronite community. After worshipping in the Ferris Estate, the Federal Trust Building, and the Knights of Columbus Hall, the parish purchased property on Front and Appleton Streets from the Marchetti Family in 1927 and converted a house into church and rectory. Father Awad I served until 1933; Father Philip Nagem succeeded him and opened the first Maronite School. Father Joseph Awad II oversaw the construction of the present church edifice (begun 1946, upper portion completed 1950), with Cardinal Eugene Tiserant laying the cornerstone in 1951. The parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1977 (with Archbishop Zayek dedicating St. Jude Chapel), a Diamond Jubilee in 2002, and remains the only Maronite Catholic church in Maine.
- 1890 — first Lebanese immigrants arrive in Waterville
- 1924 — Maronite Catholics begin organizing their own parish
- 1927 — Father Joseph Awad I becomes first resident pastor; Marchetti property purchased
- 1933–1942 — Father Philip Nagem opens the first Maronite School
- 1946–1950 — present church edifice constructed
- 1951 — Cardinal Tiserant lays the cornerstone
- 1977 — Golden Jubilee; St. Jude Chapel dedicated by Archbishop Zayek
- 1988 — major interior renovation; rededication by Archbishop Zayek
- 2002 — Diamond Jubilee with Bishop Stephen Doueihi
Maronite Heritage and the Antiochene Syriac Tradition
St. Joseph's formal title is 'Saint Joseph Antiochene Syriac Maronite Catholic Church,' reflecting its roots in the Antiochene Syriac (not Latin) tradition of the Catholic Church. The Maronite Church is one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome, with roots tracing to Saint Maron and the monks of the Qannubin valley in Lebanon. Liturgies follow the Antiochene rite, celebrated primarily in English but with traditional Syriac/Aramaic liturgical elements. The parish describes its mission as living and teaching the Catholic Faith 'through the Traditions of the Maronite Catholic Church.'
- Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with Rome
- Roots traced to St. Maron and the monks of Lebanon
- Antiochene Syriac Maronite Rite
- Seven Holy Mysteries (Sacraments): Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Crowning (Marriage), Holy Orders
Pastorate Lineage
Since 1927 the parish has been served by a succession of ten pastors (plus assistants). The current pastor, Rev. Alexander A. Joseph, succeeded Father James H. Doran in August 2024. Father Doran (2017–2024) was distinguished for keeping the parish open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Father Larry Jensen (2006–2017) oversaw the 2008 Capital Fund Drive and was removed in 2017 following a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. Earlier pastors built the physical church (Father Awad II), opened the Maronite School (Father Nagem), and saw the parish through its 1977 Golden Jubilee and 1988 renovation (Father Sam Najjar).
- Father Joseph Awad I (1927–1933)
- Father Philip Nagem (1933–1942)
- Father Joseph Awad II (1942–c.1957)
- Father Paul Coury (c.1957–c.1977)
- Father James Khoury (assistant, 1977)
- Father William Bartoul (1977–1986)
- Father Samuel Najjar (1986–2006)
- Father Larry Jensen (2006–2017)
- Father James H. Doran, KCHS (2017–2024)
- Father Alexander A. Joseph (2024–present)
Buildings, Renovations, and Artifacts
The present church was begun in August 1946, completed that December, and opened for formal worship in August 1950. Cardinal Eugene Tiserant laid the cornerstone in 1951. The interior was completely removed and rebuilt during a 1987–1988 renovation, during which the parish worshipped at Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Silver Street. Notable works include the Italian-marble altar (crafted in Lebanon by Father Toubia Ashkar and shipped to Waterville), a white Georgia-marble altar consecrated in 1988, a restored life-size Italian painting of St. Joseph and the Christ Child, and stained-glass windows made by Guido Studios of Montréal (originally 1950; thirteen additional windows installed 1988). A tall bell tower, granite steps at both entrances, and an elevator (installed 1992) round out the property.
- Italian-marble altar by Father Toubia Ashkar (Lebanon)
- White Georgia-marble altar, consecrated 1988
- Stained-glass windows by Guido Studios (Montréal, 1950 and 1988)
- Bell tower (repaired 2008)
- Elevator installed 1992
- St. Jude Chapel (dedicated 1977, Appleton Street side)
The Seven Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)
The Maronite tradition describes the seven sacred rites as 'Mysteries' rather than 'Sacraments.' The Mysteries of Initiation are Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and Eucharist; the Mysteries of Healing are Penance and Anointing of the Sick; the Mysteries of Vocation/Community are Crowning (Marriage) and Holy Orders. In the Maronite tradition, Chrismation (Confirmation) is normally administered together with Baptism (usually to infants). The parish requests at least six months' notice for marriages and asks that parents contact the parish email for baptism preparation.
- Baptism & Chrismation (Confirmation) — typically conferred together
- Eucharist (Qurbono / Divine Liturgy)
- Penance / Reconciliation (Confession)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Crowning (Marriage)
- Holy Orders
Parish Ministries and Organizations
The parish sustains a wide range of ministries: Religious Education under Subdeacon Steve Crate; the parish Choir directed by Dame Marie Fefa Deeb, DSG; the Knights of Columbus; the Rosary Sodality; a Pastoral Council chaired by Suzanne Paré; and a Finance Committee chaired by Matthew Stone. The parish website also hosts Adult Education materials (Becoming Maronite; The Lord of the World), Great Lent reflections (The Fruit of Repentance), and other formation resources, alongside a Ministry of Social Charity.
- Religious Education (Director: Subdeacon Steve Crate)
- Choir (Director: Dame Marie Fefa Deeb, DSG)
- Knights of Columbus
- Rosary Sodality
- Pastoral Council (Chair: Suzanne Paré)
- Finance Committee
- Adult Education (Becoming Maronite, The Lord of the World)
- Ministry of Social Charity
Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
St. Joseph's is canonically part of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, the Maronite Catholic diocese covering New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Delaware, Virginia, DC, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland. The Eparchy was established as an Apostolic Exarchate on January 10, 1966, and elevated to an Eparchy on November 11, 1971. The current Eparchial Bishop is the Most Reverend Gregory J. Mansour, S.T.L. (Bishop since 2004). Geographically, St. Joseph's lies within the territory of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland in Maine.
- Eparchy established as Exarchate: January 10, 1966
- Elevated to Eparchy: November 11, 1971
- Current Eparchial Bishop: Most Rev. Gregory J. Mansour, S.T.L.
- Comprises 45 parishes and missions across the U.S. eastern seaboard
- St. Joseph's is the only Maronite parish in Maine
Notable Visits and Honors
St. Joseph's has hosted some of the highest-ranking prelates of the Maronite Catholic Church. Cardinal Patriarch Moran Mor Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, head of the worldwide Maronite Church, presided over the Saturday evening liturgy on June 25, 2016, welcomed by Bishop Robert P. Deeley of Portland. In September 2018, Dame Marie Fefa Deeb became the first parishioner invested into the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Maronite Bishop Gregory of Brooklyn, in recognition of more than 70 years of service to the parish.
- June 25, 2016 — Cardinal Patriarch al-Rahi presides at liturgy
- September 2018 — Dame Marie Fefa Deeb invested into the Order of St. Gregory the Great
- 1977 — Archbishop Zayek celebrates Golden Jubilee, dedicates St. Jude Chapel
- 2002 — Bishop Stephen Doueihi attends Diamond Jubilee
Endowment, Stewardship, and the Lebanese Youth Society
With many Waterville-area churches having closed and the local population aging and shrinking, St. Joseph's is actively building an Endowment Fund to sustain the parish for future generations. The Lebanese Youth Society, a long-standing local Lebanese-American organization, sold its property and contributed $100,000 to the fund. Earlier stewardship efforts include the 2008 Capital Fund Drive, which raised over $125,000 (including a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar match from parishioner John D. Joseph and $25,000 from the Lebanese Youth Society) for repairs to the bell tower, granite steps, rectory windows, stained-glass re-leading, and a new garage.
- Endowment Fund established for long-term sustainability
- Lebanese Youth Society contributed $100,000
- 2008 Capital Fund Drive raised $125,000+
- Recent building maintenance projects include brickwork and weather-damage repair
Visiting and Contact Information
St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church is located at 3 Appleton Street, Waterville, ME 04901-6630. The parish office can be reached at (207) 872-8515 or by email at [email protected] (alternate: [email protected]; [email protected]). The parish publishes weekly bulletins (archived at sjmaronite.org/files/) and maintains a YouTube channel with weekly liturgy recordings. The parish website lists Mass times, confession and adoration schedules, bulletins, Adult Education materials, and information on the Maronite tradition.
- Address: 3 Appleton Street, Waterville, ME 04901-6630
- Phone: (207) 872-8515
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://sjmaronite.org/index.php/en-us/
- Weekly liturgy available on YouTube
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph Awad I1927–1933
First resident pastor; first liturgy held in the Ferris Estate (Front & Temple Streets); acquired Marchetti property at Front & Appleton Streets; parish of 50–60 families.
- Father Philip Nagem1933–1942
Converted the garage and part of the first floor into the first Maronite School; renowned for involving youth in Maronite history and spirituality. Transferred to California in 1942.
- Father Joseph Awad II1942–c.1957
Purchased 3 Appleton Street from the Gurney Family as the parish house; later acquired 5 Appleton Street from Ed Sawyer for the Maronite School. Oversaw construction of the present edifice (foundation begun August 1946; upper portion completed 1950).
- Father Paul Coury1957–c.1977
Arrived to pastorate of approximately 120 families. Served until retirement around 1977.
- Father James Khouryc.1977
Assistant to Father Paul at the time of the 1977 Golden Jubilee and dedication of St. Jude Chapel.
- Father William (Bill) BartoulOctober 1977 – August 1986
Replaced Father Khoury as assistant, then succeeded Father Paul as pastor when Father Paul retired.
- Father Samuel (Sam) NajjarAugust 1986 – July 2006
Oversaw the major 1988 interior renovation and rededication; thirteen new stained-glass windows installed (Guido Studios).
- Father Larry JensenJuly 2006 – May 2017
Succeeded Father Sam. 2008 Capital Fund Drive raised over $125,000 (including a $50,000 match from John D. Joseph) and funded bell tower, steps, rectory windows, stained-glass re-leading, and new garage. Removed from the parish by Bishop Mansour in May 2017 following a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
- Rev. Fr. James H. Doran, KCHSMay 2017 – July 2024
Born in Detroit, MI; ordained 1988 in the Latin rite at St. Pius X International Seminary (Ecône, Switzerland); later received into the Maronite (Antiochene Syro-Maronite) Rite. Knight (2019) then Commander (2023) of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Kept the church open throughout COVID-19, growing parish membership and youth.
- Rev. Fr. Alexander A. JosephAugust 2024 – present
Current pastor; succeeding Father Doran.