TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME + SEPTEMBER 27, 2009
On the Way....Last Spring a request was made by a parishioner that we investigate the possibility of installing an elevator from the church level to the parish hall level. This request was made with specific reference to the Christian Formation Sessions. Children in grades K-3 with a handicap do not have easy access to the Parish Hall, especially during the winter months. The present stair lift to the parish hall is accessible only from the rear doors. Adding an elevator would become a major project and expense for the parish, so it was presented to the Pastoral Council. After some discussion, the idea was endorsed in principle and sent along to the Finance Council for input, advice and consideration. The Finance Council did a lot of investigation and leg work. The first consideration was the concern about the radiant heating units in the floor of the church. The only area where the floor is not used for radiant heat is in the present Reconciliation Room. Just below this room is a storage room near the downstairs stage which would be the only area where such a project would be feasible. The next consideration was the possible moving of pipes and the water meter in the lower area. The Finance Council also foresaw that in the future there might be a request for a handicap-accessible bathroom, since the present ones do not meet the requirements. Many options were studied extensively: a "chair-lift" down one of the stairwells, a "scissor-lift", a regular elevator, etc. The Finance Council recommended that a professional be consulted; this was done and we have received preliminary recommendations. At this point it looks as if the elevator itself would cost about $22,000. Site work would add another $20,000-$40,000. This project could cost anywhere from $42,000 to $62,000, barring any unforeseen problems. This would be a major project in our parish. We would have to relocate the Reconciliation Room. We would have to refurbish the downstairs storage room. We might have to put in an additional bathroom. These changes are not reflected in the above estimate. The Pastoral Council approved the general idea at our Sept. 15th meeting. The matter will now be returned to the Finance Council for further discussion. I remind you that we are not bound by the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, since we are a private institution. We have, however, lived up to the "spirit" of the law.
I now bring it to your attention. What are your thoughts? What are your questions or concerns? You are invited to voice your ideas. You can speak to members of the Pastoral or Finance Council. You can speak to me personally, e-mail me at stpeteraub@comcast.net , or write your opinions and mail them to the Parish Office (or put in the collection basket), to my attention. If you decide to do this in writing, please make sure you identify yourself. Thank you.
PARISH NURSE: Friday from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $4,614
This weekend is the annual collection for Retired Priests of our Diocese. We hope you will help support our retired priests, who served parishes so well over the years. Thank you for your generosity.
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: St. James warns in today’s second reading that those who hoard their wealth and live only for themselves will be condemned. But in the Gospel, Jesus assures us that all who give of themselves for His sake will be rewarded.
FOOD DRIVE NEXT WEEKEND is for New Horizons of NH Soup Kitchen. Items most needed are: canned tuna, jelly, baked beans, peanut butter, any canned food.
WELCOME TO NEWLY-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS Stephen and Donna Davis, and daughter Shayna; Steven and Deanna Pereira, and sons Ayden and Jaxon; Adam and Nita Boucher, and sons Derek, Nolan, and Colin.
RETROUVAILLE…..a Lifeline: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. Call Retrouvaille at 1-800-470-2230 or go to www.retrouvaille.org
CHOIR MASS: St. Peter Choir usually spreads itself across all three Masses during every weekend. Three times a year we concentrate our attention on each one of the weekend Masses. Next Saturday, October 3, the entire choir will sing at the 4:00 pm Mass. We have learned some new harmony lines for old favorite hymns. As we all sing together, we lift up our voices in praise of God.
CHOIR REHEARSAL: Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 7:00-8:30 pm in church. Enter church from back parking lot.
Sisters of Holy Cross Fall Fair: To benefit the Community, on Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, at Holy Cross Center, 357 Island Pond Road, Manchester. Penny sale, crafts, games. Free admission - free parking.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS
REMINDER: YOU NEED TO RE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD EVERY YEAR! REGISTRATION DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CARRY OVER EACH YEAR!
K-3 DISMISSALS begin this weekend at all Masses.
CONFIRMATION I & II AND PARENTS: Students and parents are asked to attend the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday, October 4. The students and parents will stay in church following Mass, and after a brief overview by Fr. Dumont, the parents will proceed to the Parish Hall with Jake Linxweiler, our Christian Formation Coordinator, to receive detailed information on our Confirmation program. Students will remain in church until 1:00 pm for Class with Fr. Dumont. If you are unable to make this meeting, please call Jake at 669-5134.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH: Grades 4-10, and parents, Sunday, Oct. 18, from 4-6 pm in church. PLEASE REGISTER IMMEDIATELY. Forms are available at www.stpeteraub.org , our website.
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Numbers 11:25-29
Second Reading: James 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
The Gospels use an exaggerated form of discourse that was common in the times of Jesus. He did not intend for people to cut off body parts, but rather to make clear choices. When we read the Sacred Scriptures, we must remember to interpret them within their cultural context lest we make them say something that Jesus never intended.
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 on a later time in the year. 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. Our program is just beginning, so it is not too late to join us.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sept. 28, Mon. 7:00 am Frank Huard by George and Sue Mercier
Sept. 29, Tue. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Sept. 30, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Oct. 2, Fri. 7:00 am To end abortions, from parishioners
Oct. 3, Sat. 4:00 pm Mary Hanna by Karl Cann
Oct. 4, Sun. 8:00 am Andy and Leona Senechal by Roland and Lorraine
Oct. 4, Sun. 11:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
CELEBRATE AT THE BIG BAND BASH: Join your friends and neighbors at Saint Joseph Cathedral’s 2nd annual Big Band Bash! Proceeds will directly benefit the Saint Vincent de Paul Society food pantry, an outreach service of the Cathedral providing food and household necessities to residents of greater Manchester. Saturday, October 3, 6:00-10:00 pm, Saint Joseph Regional Junior High School auditorium, 460 Pine Street, Manchester. Featuring a catered dinner, dance, silent auction, and entertainment by the Freese Brothers Big Band, the Big Band Bash is also a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Saint Joseph Cathedral being named the Cathedral parish of the Diocese of Manchester. A special exhibit will chronicle the interwoven histories of the people of the Cathedral and the city of Manchester. Additionally, silent auction items will include a baseball bat signed by 40 Red Sox legends; a football autographed by former New England Patriot stars; a winter weekend at a 4-bedroom gatehouse on Lake Sunapee; and items and gift certificates from local businesses. Tickets: $50/person, cash bar. To reserve, call 622-6404, extension 15 (no tickets will be sold at the door). Checks payable to Steps to Steeple Fund and mailed or delivered to the Cathedral at 145 Lowell Street, Manchester, 03104. Visit www.stjoesbigbandbash.org for more information. Event sponsored by Catholic Medical Center.