SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME + FEBRUARY 15, 2009

 

On the Way....We observe at this time of the year World Marriage Day, a recent celebration around St. Valentine’s Day which honors Marriage, a sacred institution between one man and one woman. Join me in praying that all of you who live in the Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony will have your union become deeper and more loving with each passing day. I offer this prayer for you:

Almighty and eternal God, you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage that it has become the sacramental sign of your Son’s union with the Church as His spouse. Look with favor on the married couples of our parish, whom you have united in marriage, as they ask for your help and the protection of the Virgin Mary. They pray that in good times and in bad they will grow in love for each other; that they will resolve to be of one heart in the bond of peace. Lord, in their struggles let them rejoice that you are near to help them; in their needs let them know that you are there to rescue them; in their joys let them see that you are the source and completion of every happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

PARISH NURSE: Due to medical issues, our parish nurse will be unavailable until further notice. Kathy hopes to return after Easter. Watch the bulletin for the return date.

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $5,999

 

SACRIFICIAL GIVING: In today’s second reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians to "do all for the glory of God." If we follow that advice in everything we do, we cannot help but be good stewards!

 

BANNS OF MARRIAGE: I Brian Zakrajsek - Jessica Dodier

 

Choir Rehearsals: February 18 and March 4 from 7:00-8:30 pm, in church.

 

CHRISTIAN FORMATION: Dismissals for K-3 at all Masses.

 

GENERATIONS OF FAITH this Sunday, February 15 from 4:00-6:00 pm.

 

CONFIRMATION I & II classes are on Sunday, March 1. Students are asked to attend the 11:00 Mass, and meet thereafter until 1:00 pm.

 

INTRODUCTION TO PARISH NURSING: St. Anselm College, Continuing Nursing Education, will be hosting an Introduction to Parish Nursing program on Wed., March 4, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Any nurses in the parish are invited to attend, and there are registration forms on the bulletin board. This wonderful program gives nurses the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and faith within their community. If you have any questions, contact Colleen Lagasse at 641-7086 or clagasse@anselm.edu.

 

Is your marriage tearing you apart? Call Retrouvaille at 1-800-470-2230 or go to www.retrouvaille.org

 

FIRST EUCHARIST: Parent meeting on Monday, February 23, at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall. Make-up session Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall. If you have any questions, please call Jake at 669-5134.

 

ST. PETER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 24th. Our "Sweetheart Basket Raffle", will be held this Valentine’s Day weekend, February 14th & 15th. Also, all children up to the age of 12 are encouraged to enter their name for a FREE chance to win a "Boy & Girl Gift Basket.

 

AUBURN VILLAGE SCHOOL: The Auburn School District will be conducting a Childfind Clinic on March 14 (snow date March 21) from 9:00-1:00 at the Auburn Village School. The project involves screening your child in speech, motor and learning skills; if you suspect that your child has a disability that affects his or her learning please call the school at 483-2769 to make an appointment. The professional staff of the Auburn School District will administer the screening. To be eligible, your child must live in Auburn, be under six years old, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CLASS

Discover a natural way to postpone or achieve a pregnancy. In CCL's NFP classes, couples will learn how to interpret a woman's fertility. It is healthy for your body, safe for the environment and over 99% effective. Natural Family Planning has been known to have a positive effect on a couple's marriage. Our newly revised course includes Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body" and thus enables couples to understand the beauty of the married vocation. Classes to begin on April 5th at St. Luke the Evangelist in Plaistow. Pre-registration required by March 27. For more information contact Barbara or Paul at 463-7456.

 

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 10973 ST. PETER CHURCH, AUBURN

are collecting items needed for the Manchester Battered Women’s Shelter. THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND FOR DONATIONS. 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. Thank you in advance for your donations.

 

STE. MARIE CHILD CARE CENTER is now taking registrations for 2009 Summer Camp. For more information, call 668-2356.

 

ST. JOSEPH DIOCESAN REGIONAL JR. HIGH SCHOOL at 460 Pine St. Manchester, is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year. Please call the school at 624-4811 for more information or a registration packet.

 

"Wednesday Evenings Is Saint Francis Night"

Please join us for an evening of "Fun and Fellowship" at the Community Bingo Center on 1050 Holt Ave. in Manchester. Doors open at 4 pm, games at 6:45 pm. Dinner specials every day! For more details, please contact Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Office at 424-3456. Hope to see you there!

STAY INFORMED WITH FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP NEWS The Diocese of Manchester is launching a new initiative to inform Catholics about important public policy matters facing our elected officials. Faithful Citizenship News provides briefs on legislation as well as information about Catholic social teaching on some of today’s pressing issues. To read the current issue of Faithful Citizenship News and to subscribe, visit www.catholicnh.org/fcnews  .

 

 

 

MASS INTENTIONS

Feb. 16, Mon. 7:00 am Phyllis Rogers by Bob and Rita Booker

Feb. 17, Mon. 7:00 am In honor of St. Padre Pio by Madeleine Grenier

Feb. 18, Mon. 7:00 am Phyllis Rogers by the Liturgy Committee

Feb. 21, Sat. 4:00 pm Albert Ouellette (13th Ann.) by his mother, Loretta Ouellette

Feb. 22, Sun. 8:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church

Feb. 22, Sun. 11:00 am Francis Laforge (22nd Ann.) by the family

 

REFLECTION OF THE WEEK

First Reading: Leviticus 12:1-2, 44-46

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

The Gospel today is the account of a miracle. Most miracle stories have four elements: a description of the situation, an appeal for help, an intervention on the part of Jesus, and a reaction of the people who witnessed that miracle. Jesus healed this man because he was moved with pity. In this Gospel and others, Jesus often heals because of compassion. Jesus heals the man and orders him not to tell anyone except for the priests who could certify his healing (and thus allow him to reenter society from which he had been excluded because of his disease). Jesus’ command not to say anything about him is typical of the Gospel of Mark wherein Jesus does not want to become famous as a miracle worker, for His mission is much more profound than that. In spite of this command, Jesus’ fame spread throughout the land.

 

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.

 

FROM RESPECT LIFE.....The framers of the Declaration of Independence asserted that all human beings have inalienable rights, bestowed on them not by any human power, but by their Creator. Those who hold a more exclusionary view need to explain why we should divide humanity into those who have moral value and those who do not. This moral line-drawing poses a serious threat to the dignity and rights of other poor and vulnerable members of the human family who need and deserve our respect and protection.