Who we are
Holy Family Parish was formed in December of 2006 after the amalgamation of the two Catholic Parishes in Amherst - Saint Charles Borromeo and Nativity of Our Lady. This was a result of the Forward in Faith Process put forth by the Archdiocese of Halifax. Plans began in 2008 to build a new Holy Family Church and Parish Center and on July 25, 2010 the new facility was formally dedicated.
Amherst, Nova Scotia is a community with a population of 10,000 plus located on the Nova Scotia - New Brunswick border. Amherst is the commercial center for Cumberland County in Northern Nova Scotia. The town is only a two-hour drive on a major four-lane highway from Nova Scotia's provincial capital, Halifax. Moncton, New Brunswick is only a 40-minute drive and the 12.9 km (8 mile) Confederation Bridge, linking New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, is less than 45 minutes away.
The original Town of Amherst was established in 1764, two miles west of its present location. Following the expulsion of the Acadians, settlers from New England were invited to settle many communities along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. One of these settlements grew to become the town of Amherst.
Present day Amherst continues to prosper with new commercial and industrial developments to support a growing community. Amherst's stately homes, some nearing 200 years in age along with its beautiful churches charm visitors to the community. Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish is an integral part of the Christian faith life of our town.
While the population of the Town of Amherst is stable, it is an aging community, as Cumberland County has the highest per capita population of senior citizens in Canada. The aging population, coupled with diminishing pastoral resources, has necessitated bringing our founding parishes together as one faith community.
The Archdiocese of Halifax in January 2004 published a pastoral document called "Forward in Faith". This document speaks to our diocesan Church about the need for Pastoral Renewal and makes specific recommendations regarding our diocesan structure in the coming years.
As a result of the "Forward in Faith" document Holy Family Parish became a reality in December 2006. Despite the growing pains of bringing two separate and distinct founding parishes ( Saint Charles Borremo and Nativity of Our Lady) together as one worshipping community many are truly excited about the future of the Roman Catholic Church in Amherst as we move Forward in Faith.
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Amherst, Nova Scotia is a community with a population of 10,000 plus located on the Nova Scotia - New Brunswick border. Amherst is the commercial center for Cumberland County in Northern Nova Scotia. The town is only a two-hour drive on a major four-lane highway from Nova Scotia's provincial capital, Halifax. Moncton, New Brunswick is only a 40-minute drive and the 12.9 km (8 mile) Confederation Bridge, linking New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, is less than 45 minutes away.
The original Town of Amherst was established in 1764, two miles west of its present location. Following the expulsion of the Acadians, settlers from New England were invited to settle many communities along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. One of these settlements grew to become the town of Amherst.
While the population of the Town of Amherst is stable, it is an aging community, as Cumberland County has the highest per capita population of senior citizens in Canada. The aging population, coupled with diminishing pastoral resources, has necessitated bringing our founding parishes together as one faith community.
The Archdiocese of Halifax in January 2004 published a pastoral document called "Forward in Faith". This document speaks to our diocesan Church about the need for Pastoral Renewal and makes specific recommendations regarding our diocesan structure in the coming years.
As a result of the "Forward in Faith" document Holy Family Parish became a reality in December 2006. Despite the growing pains of bringing two separate and distinct founding parishes ( Saint Charles Borremo and Nativity of Our Lady) together as one worshipping community many are truly excited about the future of the Roman Catholic Church in Amherst as we move Forward in Faith.
Church Website
Holy Family Parish on Social Media
Holy Family Parish YouTube Video
Facebook Video: Holy Family Parish Facebook Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Gregory Agyeman Â
Leader Position:
Parish Priest Â
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Rev. Gregory Agyeman Â
Other Church Leaders:
Deacons:
Rev. Mr. Howard Gotell
Deacon Rick Hartnett Â
Rev. Mr. Howard Gotell
Deacon Rick Hartnett Â
Administration
Admin Name:
Evelyn Currie Â
Admin Position:
Secretary Â
Phone:
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Evelyn Currie Â
Mailing Address
PO Box 1075
Amherst, NS
B4H 4E2 Â
Amherst, NS
B4H 4E2 Â
Holy Family Parish Mass Times
WEEKEND MASSES
Saturday
3:00pm - St Thomas Aquinas, Joggins Mass
4:30pm - Holy Family, Amherst Mass
6:30 pm- St Cornelius, Streets Ridge Mass
Sunday
9:00am - St Brigid’s, Parrsboro Mass
9:00am - St Thomas More, Pugwash Mass
11:00am- St John the Baptist, Springhill Mass
11:15am - Holy Family, Amherst Mass
It's been more than a year since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Saturday
3:00pm - St Thomas Aquinas, Joggins Mass
4:30pm - Holy Family, Amherst Mass
6:30 pm- St Cornelius, Streets Ridge Mass
Sunday
9:00am - St Brigid’s, Parrsboro Mass
9:00am - St Thomas More, Pugwash Mass
11:00am- St John the Baptist, Springhill Mass
11:15am - Holy Family, Amherst Mass
It's been more than a year since the last mass times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm mass times.
Please contact the church to confirm Mass Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Dress Code
Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
Other activities & ministries
Parish Groups and Societies
Our Lady's Community of the Lord's Praise
The Catholic Women's League of Canada
The Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council 2916
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society Â
Our Lady's Community of the Lord's Praise
The Catholic Women's League of Canada
The Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council 2916
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society Â
Other information
Holy Family Parish History
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Help my unbelief
Dear God, help my unbelief. When I'm in pain, I forget that you care about me. I forget that you have helped me through my trials. I forget that you hold me in your arms to keep me safe. I forget that you are feeling my pain with me. I forget that you love me, I forget that I am important to you. Show me your presence - let me feel your enveloping love. Heal my hurting soul. Thank you for staying with me even in my unbelief.
Dear God, help my unbelief. When I'm in pain, I forget that you care about me. I forget that you have helped me through my trials. I forget that you hold me in your arms to keep me safe. I forget that you are feeling my pain with me. I forget that you love me, I forget that I am important to you. Show me your presence - let me feel your enveloping love. Heal my hurting soul. Thank you for staying with me even in my unbelief.
Holy Family Parish listing was last updated on the 6th of March, 2023