FEAST OF ALL SAINTS + NOVEMBER 1, 2009
On the Way....
This Sunday, November 1, at the 11:00 am Mass, we are celebrating our Mass of Remembrance. All those whose funeral was celebrated here at St. Peter since last November will be remembered in a special way in the Prayer of the Faithful, and by the lighting of a special candle in their memory. Family members were invited to be part of this beautiful remembrance in honor of the following:
Edna Gregoire Paul Balcius Thomas Warren Louis Dionne
Marie Mongeau Robert Frisella Ruth McQueeney Rita Ficek
Francis Huard Vivian Morey John Hornyak Gabrielle Lessard
Traditionally, the month of November is dedicated to those who have returned to the home of the Father. We pray for all our parishioners, friends and family members who have died and also remember those who have no one to pray for them.
PARISH NURSE: Friday from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $6,318.55
WORLD MISSION: $145 (total $945.)
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: Today’s Psalm says, "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy." Good stewards demonstrate by their living and giving that they understand God as the Source of all they are and have.
BOOK OF LIFE: Our Book of Life will be displayed in the back of church from November 1-23. We have placed some blank pages in the back of the book for those of you who would like to add names of deceased loved ones, who will be remembered at all Masses through November 22.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS
K-3 DISMISSALS at all Masses this weekend.
CONFIRMATION I & II: Confirmation I & II students will attend the 11:00 Mass this Sunday, November 1, and class will follow until 1:00 pm.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH: Sunday, November 15, from 4:00-6:00 pm, in church. Grades 4-10 and parents.
GROUP WORK CAMP BAKE SALE: We will be holding a Bake Sale on the weekend of Nov. 7/8 after all Masses. Any donations of baked goods from parishioners would be very welcome. Donations may be left on the back porch of the rectory on Saturday, Nov. 7, or dropped off at the Bake Sale Table.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died this week, and especially former parishioner Lynne Bagnall. Lynne is the daughter of parishioner Bernard Devine, and sister of parishioners Lori Pelletier and Robin Wilson.
FOOD DRIVE: This weekend, Oct. 31/Nov. 1, for the Sonshine Soup Kitchen. Items most needed are stuffing mix, decaf coffee, salad dressings, Crystal Light (sugar free drink mix), canned chicken or turkey, canned vegetables, fruit juice. Also, plastic forks and knives, paper towels.
N.H. CATHOLIC CHARITIES REPORT
FOR ST. PETER CHURCH:
Cash donations: $26,553.59
Balance on pledges: 2,601.65
Total for our parish: $29,155.24
Thanks to donations such as yours, NH Catholic Charities received the following thank you letter: "I’d like to thank you so much for all of your help and generosity you gave to me and my children during the holidays. I can not tell you how much it meant to us. Since the loss of my husband, times have grown increasingly difficult both financially and emotionally for all of us and I’d like to stress the importance of all that you do to make a difference and help those in need. You truly brought tears of joy and greatly improved our outlook on life and I just cannot say enough".
DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH HEATING
THIS WINTER? Last year we received a donation from the Estate of Jim and Meg Stack, deceased of our parish. The stipulation was that the people of the parish who are in need would be the sole beneficiaries. So as we begin this heating season if you are having difficulty making ends meet, please call Fr. Dumont at 623-5429. If you are "skimping" on medical expenses or food to pay your heating bill, please call. If your budget is overtaxed because of limited income in the face of increased expenses, please call. Fr. Dumont will talk it over with you for a few minutes and determine the level of assistance. The matter will be held in the strictest confidence. Please remember in your prayers these benefactors, Jim and Meg. Please remember your parish in your will.
FROM RESPECT LIFE: Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs….And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. … Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose them [to die]. They share their meals, but not their wives. They live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law. Christians love all men, but all men persecute them. … They live in poverty, but enrich many; they are totally destitute, but possess an abundance of everything. They suffer dishonor, but that is their glory. They are defamed, but vindicated. A blessing is their answer to abuse, deference their response to insult. For the good they do they receive the punishment of malefactors, but even then they, rejoice, as though receiving the gift of life. Letter to Diognetus #5 (2nd century)
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
REMINDER: THE FLU SEASON AND THE CELEBRATION OF MASS: At the recommendation of the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Bishop McCormack has instituted the following precautions that will remain in effect through cold and flu season:
(1) If you are ill, please stay home and refrain from attendance at Church celebrations.
(2) The Sign of Peace should be shared without touching hands or kissing. This can be done with meaningful eye contact, smiles, and a bow of the head in reverence to one another.
(3) Parishioners should receive Holy Communion in their hands, and not on their tongue. Parishioners who receive Holy Communion on the tongue by necessity (i.e., because of a disability) should receive at the end of Communion.
(4) The Precious Blood: Communion is only to be given in the species of the consecrated bread. If you are unable to receive Holy Communion in the species of the consecrated bread (Celiac Disease), please see the pastor.
MASS INTENTIONS
Nov. 2, Mon. 7:00 am Souls in Purgatory by S.M.
Nov. 3, Tue. 7:00 am Walter and Jeanne Champagne by Marcel and Deb Champagne
Nov. 4, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Nov. 6, Fri. 7:00 am To end abortions, from parishioners
Nov. 7, Sat. 4:00 pm Thomas Warren by Joan O’Brien
Nov. 8, Sun. 8:00 am Richard Thomas by his wife and family
Nov. 8, Sun. 11:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Today’s feast offers an excellent opportunity to consider those people in our lives who taught us the meaning of sanctity. Very few of us will ever meet someone who will one day be canonized, but we all meet people who lovingly respond to God’s call. This is why St. Paul called the members of the Christian communities "saints" for he realized that there are many saints all around us.
BEDFORD CRAFT FAIR: St. Elizabeth Seton Craft Fair, Sat., Nov. 7th at Elizabeth Seton Parish Activity Center, 190 Meetinghouse Rd., Bedford, just off Rt. 3, from 9:00 am–3:00 pm. With over 60 crafters, there is a wide variety of quality, individually created, hand-made items which will be offered for sale. There is something there for the whole family. Free admission, free parking and the Activity Center is handicapped accessible.
CRAFTERS WANTED: St. Anthony School is accepting reservations for a Craft Fair to be held on Sat., Nov. 21. Table rentals are $50 for an 8-ft. table. If you have your own table, there are a limited amount of 8 x 8 spaces available. Reservations on a first come-first served basis. For more information call St. Anthony School at 622-0414 or download an application at our website: www.stanthonyschool-nh.com .
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY, a private school located in Manchester, provides a classical education in the Roman Catholic tradition for students in grades 7-12. The Academy will hold a FALL OPEN HOUSE for prospective students on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 pm. Call 644-7247 for further information.
PLEASE NOTE: Our Mass attendance continues to increase! In order to accommodate our growing flock, please be courteous, and slide to the center of the pew. Many people seem to prefer the "aisle" seats, but this leaves many seats in the center not being used, or difficult to get to. Please consider either moving to the center of the pew, or if for some reason, you need to sit on the end seat, please make it easier for people to get to the available seats. Thank you.