Saint-Joseph Parish - Pointe-Sapin
Established in 1813
First church 1821
First pastor 1939
Settled around 1813 by several Acadian families, the community of ‘Pointe au Grand Sapin’ was first administered by missionary priests from Richibouctou-Village during many years. There probably was a chapel around 1821, date on which begin parish registers.
In 1849, the inhabitants of ‘Pointe au Grand Sapin’ started the construction of a small chapel under the jurisdiction of the pastor of Saint-Louis, Father Hugh McGuirk.
Father Edmond Pattenaude had a larger church and a sacristy constructed in 1884.
In 1939, Father Camille D. Cormier became the founding pastor of the parish St-Joseph de Pointe-Sapin and the first residing priest.
The Pointe Sapin church went up in flames in 1947.
The very next year, Father Oscar Gaudet had the current church built. The corner stone of the new church was blessed by Msgr. Norbert Robichaud on August 28, 1949.
Current situation of our parish
Today, the pastor of Saint-Joseph de Pointe-Sapin is Father Jean-Bernard Mallais. There are about 500 parishioners. Thanks to their Faith and their commitment, numerous volunteers continue Jesus’ mission. They are involved in: the local pastoral committee, the financial committee, the repairs committee, catechesis to the youth, liturgy, sacramental preparation, ministry to the sick, funerals, choir, help to the needy, financial campaigns, l’Arbre de l’espoir, family violence.
All of these contributions illustrate the generosity, the availability and the determination of the people to continue the work of Jesus.
The local pastoral committee
Guy Léger, president; Ernest Mazerolle, vice-president, Aline Savoie, secretary; and members: Huguette Richard, Murielle Mazerolle, Michel Robichaud, Uldège Robichaud.