FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER + MAY 3, 2009
On the Way....
Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - are celebrated any time of the year, but during this Easter Season we often get a deeper insight into the presence of the risen Lord. The Baptism of infants, Confirmation of our young parishioners two weeks ago and this weekend First Communion. Not only are these sacred moments for those who experience the presence of the Lord in their lives, but also for the rest of the parish: as we witness the young parishioners, we remember and re-live our own experience so long ago, and the parish as a whole is given a pledge that we are living and passing on the Faith. We are a living organism, the Body of Christ; we are His members, He is our Head. Congratulations to our newly confirmed, to those receiving the Eucharist for the first time, to their parents, relatives and friends.
Also On the Way.... we are being asked to make our yearly donation to New Hampshire Catholic Charities. As mentioned last weekend, in 2008 we contributed $29,921.00. This sum of money was given by 162 donors. That is commendable. However, if those who have never contributed to this worthwhile effort do so this year, the parish effort will be shared by more people. So please consider seriously your part. Letters were sent to all registered parishioners last week; however, a few have indicated to Shirley that they did not receive their packet. There are extra donation envelopes at the entryways to church.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $5,161.78
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: To be good stewards we must be good shepherds, willing to lay down our lives for those committed to our care, not mere hired hands who run off, "leaving the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf."
BANNS OF MARRIAGE I Jacob Linxweiler, Jr. - Kristen Cecchetti
MANY THANKS FROM SHIRLEY to those who helped in some way with the Catholic Charities mailing: Bobbi Frisella, Judy Minakin, Dianne St. Laurent, Jeanne Vachon, Debi Gardner, Vivian Dumont, and Mary Stevens.
Miracles Happen Everyday
New Hampshire Catholic Charities needs your support to continue to make miracles happen for those who are struggling in our state. As more people come to Catholic Charities for assistance during difficult times, the need for donations grows. With your gift, over 90 cents of every donated dollar goes directly into programs and services to help those in need. Your donation can make the difference.
MAY DEVOTIONS: The Rosary will be prayed on the Tuesdays of May, at 6:30 pm in church, to honor Our Blessed Mother.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died last week, and especially Marie Mongeau, mother of Real Mongeau of this parish, and also former parishioner Robert Frisella, who for many years was part our of choir. Bob was the father of John Frisella and brother of Fred Frisella, both of this parish.
PLEASE NOTE: A piece of jewelry was found in our parking lot last week. Please call Shirley at 623-5429 to describe and claim.
OUR MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE this weekend is for St. Paul Church’s Food Pantry. Items most needed are tuna, jelly, canned pasta, beef stew, evaporated milk.
From N.H. Food Bank: Dear friends at St. Peter Church - Despite the challenges of the economy, you chose to help others who are worse off by supporting the NH Food Bank. The 400 lbs. of food you donated is enough for 312 meals for men, women and children in need. We can’t thank you enough for helping all of those NH families during these difficult times
CHRISTIAN FORMATION: Our Christian Formation programs have concluded for the 2008-09 year. Registration forms for 2009-10 can be found at the entrances to church. If your child is new to the program, please submit a Baptism Certificate, if not baptized at St. Peter Church. NOTE: For your convenience, Kathryn has posted the Christian Formation registration form on the website. Go to www.stpeteraub.org and click on "Bulletin" and the link to the form comes right up - print a copy of the form, fill it out completely, and place in the collection basket, or mail to us. The form can also be found under "Christian Formation Schedule" on the website.
GROUP WORK CAMP meeting May 16, 2:00 pm, at the home of Alan and Carrie Cote. Call Laura Lambert at 483-5125 for directions. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all our generous parishioners here at St Peter's. Our bake sale was a great success (over $700!).
WELCOME TO NEWLY-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS Jaime and Michelle Navarro, and children Dylan and Cooper; John and Elizabeth Corrao and daughter Samantha.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT FOR MARCH AND APRIL, 2009
Our March offertory was $29,913.62. Our April offertory was $25,347.39. The carryover amount from February is $1,253. Added to the tithe of $2,990 for March, $2,534 for April, the total tithe is $6,777, which was donated as follows:
New Horizons of NH, Inc. (2 months @ $400. a month): $800.
Sonshine Soup Kitchen, Derry (2 months @ $400. a month): 800.
Kid’s Cafe, Salvation Army (2 months @ $400. a month): 800.
Aid to Churches in Eastern Europe (Ash Wednesday collection) 100.
Good Friday collection for Holy Places: 300.
Group Work Camp Chaperones cost @ $409 each, 3 chaperones: 1227.
Blessed Sacrament/St. Anthony Food Pantry: 400.
Care-Net Pregnancy Center (in honor of Mother’s Day): 400.
Birthright of Manchester, Inc. (in honor of Mother’s Day): 400.
This leaves $1,550 to be carried over to our May tithe. Our young people’s donations totaled $70., one-half of which was sent to St. Charles Children’s’ Home, and one half to our offertory.
BAPTISM: We welcomed Brody Christopher Clermont, son of Jeffrey and Lisa, to our parish community through the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, April 26.
Refugee Assistance: We are looking for caring persons to support and guide refugee families in the Manchester Community. Informational Meetings will be held at Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester, on Monday, May 18th at 7 pm and at St. Catherine Parish, Manchester, on Tuesday, May 19th at 10 am. Please call or e-mail to register for one of these meetings: Sr. Irene-Marie 623-8809 ext. 23 OR Pam Gordon 432-9371 / pandergo@aol.com .
St. Anthony School located at 148 Belmont St in Manchester has openings available for the 2009-2010 school year. New for next year the school will offer various half day Pre-kindergarten along with our full day Pre-kindergarten program. We offer comprehensive Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and daily Religion classes. In addition all our students from Pre-K through Sixth Grade enjoy introductory Language Instruction in Spanish, French and Chinese, Computer, Art, Library, Music and Gym. We also offer Before and After School Programs. City school bus transportation is available for those who qualify. For more information visit us on the web at www.stanthonyschool-nh.com or call 622-0414 for a tour.
MASS INTENTIONS
May 4, Mon. 7:00 am Lorraine Samson by her family
May 5, Tue. 7:00 am Florence Nault by Kathryn
May 6, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
May 9, Sat. 4:00 pm For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
May 10, Sun. 8:00 am Dorothy Sanel (14th Anniversary) by Robert McNamara
May 10, Sun. 11:00 am Virginia Mandigo by the Mandigo family
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Around the time of the Babylonian exile (587 B.C.), there was a theme that was very popular among the Prophets. It was that God had appointed shepherds to Israel (their kings and priests) but these shepherds had misled God’s people. Therefore, God himself would be Israel’s shepherd and lead her in His own ways. The Gospel passage that we are hearing speaks of Jesus being in the temple for the Feast of the Dedication. One of the Scripture passages proclaimed during that feast was taken from Ezekiel the Prophet. It was the passage that proclaimed God as our shepherd. When Jesus spoke of Himself being the Good Shepherd, He was applying that prophecy to Himself. He speaks in tremendously affectionate terms of His care and concern for His beloved flock. He calls them by name, for He knows them like no one else knows them. He will give His life for them. He will protect them from all dangers (especially the dangers of sin and death and alienation).
CHOIR REHEARSALS: May 6, May 20,
May 27, 7:00-8:30 pm, in church. All are welcome.
THE COLUMBIETTE AUXILIARY #5163 will sponsor a Benefit Supper on Sat., May 9, after the 4:00 pm mass at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 247 South Main St. Manchester. See flyer on bulletin board.