THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME + JANUARY 25, 2009
On the Way....The 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s legalization of abortion coincides this year with the inauguration of a new president and the new Congress. President Obama has taken the oath of office and the 111th Congress is in session. The Annual March for Life has taken place in Washington, D.C. and similar activities have taken place at the local level, especially in Concord. Americans everywhere are still engaged in the debate on respect for human life. If the length of this debate discourages you, remember that it took about 150 years for the issue of human slavery to be understood in America. Slaves were not considered human, were owned and were beholden. Even the US Supreme Court in the Dred Scott vs Sanford decision of 1857 stated that slaves are not citizens of any state or the United States. This brings us to the next battle in the war for recognition of the human being in the womb: the Freedom of Choice Act. Bishop McCormack writes in a January 2nd letter to all pastors of the Diocese: "As you know, a radical proposal called ‘the Freedom of Choice Act’ (FOCA) was introduced in the 110th session of Congress. In spite of its name, FOCA was drafted to deprive Americans of the freedom to enact restraints on abortion at every stage of pregnancy. It would overturn hundreds of current laws that concern many conscience rights, informed consent, partial-birth abortion and limits on tax-funded abortions. We expect that FOCA (or the overall agenda that it embodies) will be reintroduced in the 111th session of Congress, when both chambers of Congress will have pro-abortion majorities and when the sitting President has indicated an intention to sign FOCA into law. Along with the Catholic Bishops of the United States, I have decided to work at mobilizing the Catholic faithful of our diocese in a massive postcard campaign to oppose FOCA and urge Congress and the President to retain all existing federal laws that prevent government funding and promotion of abortion." I urge registered voters and parishioners of St. Peter to heed the call of our Bishop in union with bishops throughout the country and take a few moments to participate in this campaign, which will take place in church this weekend. St. Peter Parish Pro-Life Coordinator Laura Lambert and her crew will help you. Sign the three cards, print your name and address, and we will do the rest.
PARISH NURSE: Friday from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $4,685
SEMINARIANS: $621 to date
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: There is a certain urgency in today’s Gospel as Jesus calls His first
disciples - Andrew and Simon, James and John. Each one follows Jesus immediately, unhesitatingly abandoning nets and boats and father and fellow-workers. To what is Jesus calling me - at this moment, in these circumstances? What will I need to abandon in order to follow Him?
FOOD DRIVE next weekend is for New Horizons of NH (Soup Kitchen in Manchester). Food items most needed are: canned vegetables, sugar, creamer, coffee, salt, tuna, pasta, macaroni and cheese.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died this week, and especially Phyllis Rogers, mother of Kathryn Rogers of this parish.
ST. PETER CHURCH UPCOMING MEETINGS
Finance Council: January 27, Tuesday, at 6:30 pm, Rectory Conference Room
Liturgy Committee: February 3, Tuesday, at 6:30 pm, Rectory Conference Room
Pastoral Council: February 10, Tuesday, at 6:30 pm, Hall Conference Room
Choir Rehearsals: February 4 and 18, and March 4 from 7:00-8:30 pm, in church.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION: Dismissals for K-3 at all Masses.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH scheduled for last Sunday, Jan. 18, was canceled due to the storm. The next Session is on February 15 from 4:00-6:00 pm.
CONFIRMATION I & II classes are on Sunday, February 1st. Students are asked to attend the 11:00 Mass, and meet thereafter until 1:00 pm.
ST. PETER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD At our next meeting on Tuesday, January 27, we welcome Susan Antkowiak as our guest speaker. Susan will give a talk about Alzheimer’s. Also, the minutes from the December meeting are on the table at the rear of the Church. Please pick your copy up today.
GROUP WORK CAMP: Final date to sign up for Group Work Camp 2009 and pay your deposit is February 1st. We have limited openings still available. Contact Laura Lambert 483-5125 of Linda Bouchard 483-0560.
INCOME TAX TIME: If you need a statement of contributions for income tax purposes, please contact Shirley at the rectory, (1) leave a message at 623-5429, Voice Mail #2, (2) e-mail her at stpeteraub@comcast.net , or (3) put a stamped self-addressed envelope in the collection basket. You will receive your statement by Jan. 31.
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 10973 ST. PETER CHURCH, AUBURN
are once again collecting items needed for the Manchester Battered Women’s Shelter. Emily’s Wish List is as follows: small garbage buckets, batteries, string mops, mattress pads and sheets (twin size only), bedroom lamps/night lights, alarm clocks, trash bags, playpens, office supplies, light bulbs, flashlights, shower curtains, blankets. Also needed are cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent, floor cleaners, sponges, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaner. Gift certificates for food, haircuts, clothing, etc. Curtain panels (very long), large bath towels, toilet paper, and Pampers.
DONATIONS ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF ONLY ON THE BACK PORCH OF ST. PETER CHURCH, anytime from January 31-February 15. Thank you in advance for your donations.
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2:00 pm (rescheduled from Jan. 11 due to the storm). The Open House will be held at the Academy at 49 Ashland St., Manchester (for students in grades 7-12). Go to the website for more information: www.holyfamilyacademy.org
WELCOME TO NEWLY REGISTERED PARISHIONERS Patrick Keenan, and sons Patrick and Brendan.
A PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Gracious and loving God, we come to you in humble prayer for the United States of America.
Bless our President. Give him wisdom and strength to serve the American people and lead our country in ways that are pleasing to you.
Bless our Congress. Instill in them knowledge and understanding to enact laws that protect the sanctity of life - from the unborn to the elderly; and promote the good of all people.
Bless the people of the United States. Make us aware of our responsibility as citizens to uphold the principles of life, liberty, justice and equality.
Send your Holy Spirit upon our beloved country. Make us people of faith in time of uncertainty. Make us people of hope in times of trouble. Make us people of compassion with those who are less fortunate. Make us people of peace in our homes, our communities, our country, and our world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
MASS INTENTIONS
Jan. 26, Mon. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Jan. 27, Tue. 7:00 am Beatrice Boucher by the family
Jan. 28, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Jan. 31, Sat. 4:00 pm Roland Dumont (9th Anniversary) by the family
Feb. 1, Sun. 8:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
Feb. 1, Sun. 11:00 am Deceased members of the Labbe family by Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Paul Labbe
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
This Gospel passage recounts the call of the first apostles: Peter and Andrew, James and John. Both groups of brothers were fishermen, and Jesus called them from their activities to become proclaimers of the Word of God. The time of fulfillment and the Kingdom of God are that time when God’s law would be observed in righteousness. All people would turn their hearts back to the ways of the Lord. Jesus both proclaimed the dawning of that era and was the personification of the Kingdom of God. This is the Good News (Gospel) that Jesus proclaims. These first apostles left all they had and they followed Jesus wherever He went. This is our call as well. We do not necessarily have to leave our homes and families, but we do have to live our Christian calling in such a way that everything else - work, possessions, status, etc., is secondary.
ADULT CONFIRMATION: Do you know an adult who has been attending Mass regularly but was never confirmed? The Religious Education Directors in the Amoskeag Deanery will be hosting a series of classes designed to help these individuals receive their Confirmation. Adult Confirmation differs from RCIA in that these individuals will have: (1) been baptized in the Catholic Faith (2) received their First Communion, and (3) are currently attending Mass on a regular basis. The classes are to be held on Tuesday evenings from March 3 through April 21, with Confirmation scheduled for April 26 at St. Joseph Cathedral at 2:00 pm. If you are interested, please contact Shirley at the parish office and she will get the relevant forms and information to you.