SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME + JULY 19, 2009
On the Way....
Bishop McCormack has lifted liturgical restrictions surrounding the H1N1 virus. Parishes may resume the practice of distributing Communion from the Cup to the faithful. In addition to that, people who choose to do so may continue the practice of receiving Communion on the tongue. The sign of peace through the shaking of hands, etc. may also be resumed. People who cough, sneeze or have a fever are still encouraged to refrain from physically sharing the sign of peace and from receiving Communion from the Cup. If the threat does not resume, Eucharistic Ministers of the Cup will be assigned beginning with the September schedule.
Also On the Way.... Group Work Camp 2009 was "awesome" according to some of the teen participants. The chaperones also came home pleased and rewarded, even if a bit bleary-eyed. Work is already underway for another venture next year. Teens and chaperones can begin dreaming.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $4,669.
PARISH TO PARISH: This weekend we have the opportunity to help provide grants to parishes in NH experiencing financial difficulties. Please be generous.
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: In today’s Gospel, Jesus had planned to slip away from the crowds for a few moments of peace and a little rest. When He saw the people gathered, however, He put His needs aside to meet the needs of others. Sometimes, as good stewards, we are called to do the same.
WELCOME TO NEWLY-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS: Lucy Bouchard; Eileen Watts; Keith and Sandi Leclair, and children Ashlynn, Tyler and Gabrielle.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES UPDATE: As of June 30th, our total donations of cash and pledges from our parish to Catholic Charities totals $24,694.98. Thank you so much.
Is your marriage tearing you apart? Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. Call Retrouvaille at 1-800-470-2230 or go to: www.retrouvaille.org
AUBURN GRIFFIN LIBRARY ANNUAL MULTI-MEDIA/BOOK SALE at the Auburn Village School, Saturday, July 25, from 8-2 pm, and Sunday, July 26, from 11-2 pm. FYI: Sunday is Bargain Day, fill a bag with books for $4.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our Parish Nurse is returning on Friday, August 21, from 7:30-10:00 am. Welcome back, Kathy!
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Bishop John McCormack invites to a Special Anniversary Mass all couples who are celebrating their 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th - or beyond - Wedding Anniversary, anytime during the current year 2009. This celebration will be held on October 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm, at Saint Anselm Abbey Church, Manchester. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, or 50th anniversary, as well as any couple beyond their 50th, or if you know of anyone who is, please submit name and address (and year of the anniversary) of the anniversary couple to Shirley at the rectory at 623-5429, or mail to St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn, NH 03032, or e-mail stpeteraub@comcast.net , no later than August 14.
FROM RESPECT LIFE: It is not enough for us even to defend innocent human life. Of course, if we fail to do this, we fail in our most urgent task. But by good deeds of love and charity, we must build this active culture of life that is ready and capable of turning back hell itself. If we won’t put the abortionist out of business we are pitiable souls. If we don’t enact laws and work tirelessly to change human hearts so that life is forever reverenced and protected, we have not fought the good fight which is our charge as the Church Militant. As warriors we must first beat back the enemy. But then let us not forget that we are warriors for the victory of life!
--Most Rev. Robert W. Finn, Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Address to Gospel of Life Convention, April 18, 2009
CRAFTERS WANTED! St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford, NH, will be hosting a "QUALITY" Craft Fair on November 7, 2009, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. This fair featuring high quality, hand-crafted items is held in a fantastic location that has easy access to the highway, free parking and is handicapped accessible. For inquiries and application form, call Sharon at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish at 669-7444. You may also access an application form through our website at http://stelizabethsetonchurch.org . Application deadline is October 15 or when space sells out.
TEACHERS NEEDED: If you would be interested in helping with our weekly dismissals of K-3 during Mass, or at our once-a-month Generations of Faith sessions, please call Jake at 669-5134, or e-mail to stpetercf@comcast.net , and Jake will be in touch with you.
LIVE YOUR FAITH: NEW SERIES FROM CATHOLICNH.ORG: This summer visit www.catholicnh.org for a new series called "Live Your Faith." Each week a new theme is presented along with suggestions and resources selected to enrich your spiritual life. Practical day-to-day topics explore ways we can come to a deeper relationship with the Lord and with others. Read about forgiveness, prayer, participating in your community, managing your household, and much more. Please join us for this summer journey of faith and hope.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS
All children from K–10 must register for the Fall Christian Formation program each year. The registration does not roll over from one year to the next. Registration forms can be found at the entrances to church, on the back porch of the rectory, or at our website - www.stpeteraub.org . If your child is new to the program, please submit a Baptism Certificate, if not baptized at St. Peter Church. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of the following, please call Jake at 669-5134 and he will be in touch with you.
Grades K- 3 The children in grades K–3 attend classes during the weekend liturgies. We use a Lectionary Catechesis which is based on the Gospel of the week. Kindergarten students are not obliged to attend regularly. However, beginning with grade 1, students must attend classes on a weekly basis during the Mass, as the program for First Communion is a two-year program. The program for the school year 2009-2010 will begin on the weekend of September 26/27. Classes are held during all weekend Masses.
Generations of Faith: Grades 4–10 and parents. This program is designed for both parents and children. Parents who have children in grades 4-10 are asked to attend these monthly sessions. The adult session gives them an opportunity to refresh their memory on important matters of the faith as well as giving them the chance to share with other adults on pertinent issues of faith. GOF classes are held one Sunday a month from 4–6 pm. Our first session for 2009-10 is October 18. See you all next fall.
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation students will begin their two-year program on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Students are asked to attend the 11:00 am Mass, and class follows until 1:00 pm. Students must be registered in the program and must be registered members of the parish.
MASS INTENTIONS
July 20, Mon. 7:00 am Souls in Purgatory by S.M.
July 21, Tue. 7:00 am Fr. Roland Montplaisir by George and Sue Mercier
July 22, Wed. 7:00 am Bruce Rogers (2nd Ann.) by his daughter, Kathryn
July 25, Sat. 4:00 pm Stanley and Sarah Cann by their son Karl
July 26, Sun. 8:00 am Zachary Demers (1st Ann.) by Mike, Laurie & Charolette Caron
July 26, Sun. 11:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-18
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
Finding the balance in our lives is always difficult. This is true of finding the balance between work and rest, between obligations to our family and those to people outside of our families, between God and those around us, between serving others and preserving a bit of time for recharging our own batteries.
None of us does this perfectly. Just as soon as we think that we have the right balance, something happens to throw it out of balance again (as we saw in today's Gospel). Finding a balance is a lifetime task that needs constant attention and will never be complete.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: The Rite of Christian Initiation takes place yearly at the Easter Vigil - Holy Saturday. This is the time when adults who have never been baptized in the Christian faith are baptized. It is also the time when baptized Christians of other Christian denominations are welcomed into the Catholic Church as they make a public profession of faith. This rite is also offered to baptized Catholics who were not fully initiated into the Church (never made their First Communion or Confirmation). As a general rule, this rite is not for adults who have received their First Communion, but never been confirmed. If Confirmation is the only sacrament they have not received, there will be a special course given for them during the year and an adult Confirmation will be held at the Cathedral in the Spring. If you or someone you know is a candidate for the Rite of Initiation or if someone is interested in finding out more about what is entailed in the preparation or for adult confirmation, please call Jake Linxweiler at 483-5571. The program will begin in the Fall.
REMINDERS: In order to create a more respectful and reverential Communion time, please remain kneeling until there is room in the aisle for you to stand. Also, please gently lift the kneelers when leaving your pew, and gently put them down when returning to your pew. Thank you.