FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
NOVEMBER 29, 2009
On the Way....The Pastoral and Finance Councils of our parish met November 17 as part of the formal process for the proposed unification of St. Paul Parish with ours. Mr. Patrick McGee, who represents Bishop McCormack, assured us that all parishioners have the opportunity to make their comments and raise their concerns and questions. Several members of St. Paul Church met last Sunday afternoon at an open meeting. On Monday, November 30, the Pastoral Councils of both parishes will meet.
After Mr. McGee left the meeting I asked both Councils to remain to address the issue of installing an elevator between the church level and the parish hall level. As I presented the issue to you earlier this Fall, we had the area in question examined by an architect and engineer. At the same time several of you wrote to me via e-mail about your questions and comments. The Pastoral and Finance Councils deliberated the issue. So many areas of concern arose that the discussion was lengthy and thorough. After the Pastoral Council left last Monday’s meeting, the Finance Council held its usual quarterly meeting.
After hearing and considering the issues raised and after considering the overall direction of the parish, I have decided at this time that we should not pursue this major effort. Although there is room for improvement, we do have access for the handicapped to both the church and the parish hall. I believe that at this time the direct cost, hidden costs and future costs would be disproportionate to the amount of usage. I know many will be disappointed and so am I. But let me assure you that the members of the Pastoral Council, true to their mission, have put on the table all of the pastoral factors that you can think of. At the same time the Finance Council considered the many long term and short term factors. As I mentioned, several parishioners also made clear their opinions on the pastoral needs, as well as the fiscal implications of this project. I am at your disposal to answer any other questions you may have on this issue. Let me commend all of you who have participated in this worthwhile discussion and thank you for your concern and understanding.
PARISH NURSE: Friday, December 4, from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $5,328
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: "Be on guard," Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, "lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence." Let us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul, conducting ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with love for one another.
MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE: Next weekend our food drive is for the N.H. Food Bank. The need for food donations continues to grow. The number of local soup kitchens, pantries and agencies has now increased to over 400. That's just here in NH. The supply cannot keep up with the demand. Items most needed now are canned vegetables and meats, including tuna and soups, pasta and tomato sauce. Non-food items needed are shampoo and soap. Anything you can donate, one item or several, will be greatly appreciated.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY: December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses are Tuesday at 7:00 am and 6:30 pm at St. Peter Church. There is a 7:00 pm Mass at St. Paul Church on Dec. 7th.
BANNS OF MARRIAGE
III Brian Fleming - Lyndsey Hooper
CHRISTMAS: If you did not pick up a Christmas information sheet last weekend (insert in the bulletin), there are extras at the entryways to church. Our giving tree gifts are listed, information for donations for Christmas decorations, schedule of Christmas Masses, and a list of our shut-ins for purposes of sending them Christmas cards. NOTE: Names of those to be remembered through gifts of our Christmas flowers will be published in the December 29 bulletin, NOT the December 22 bulletin as previously stated.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died last week, and especially parishioner Chris Logue. Our prayers are with his wife Ellen and son Sean.
JOINT PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING: On Monday, November 30, a joint meeting of both Pastoral Councils of St. Peter and St. Paul Churches will be held at St. Peter Church, Conference Room, 7:00 pm.
RETROUVAILLE…..a Lifeline: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. Call Retrouvaille at 1-800-470-2230 or go to www.retrouvaille.org
MEDITATION FOR ADVENT: It can be difficult to prepare our lives for Christ amidst the busy preparations of a material Christmas. The four weeks before Christmas are a time to prepare our families to celebrate Christ’s birth; To prepare our minds to accept that God’s Son became a baby and lived and died for us; to prepare our hearts to accept God’s forgiveness and to change our ways; to prepare our souls to receive God’s healing grace through the celebration of Mass; to take part not only in the work of preparation but also the hope and joy in the midst of our work. Amen.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS
NO K-3 DISMISSALS this weekend. Dismissals begin again the weekend of December 5 & 6.
CONFIRMATION I & II: Class on Sunday,
December 6. Please attend the 11:00 am Mass,
and class will follow until 1:00 pm.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH: Next Session for grades 4-10 and parents is Sunday, December 13, from 4:00-6:00 pm in church.
EXPOSITION OF NATIVITY SCENES from around the world, at America’s Credit Union Museum, corner of Amory Street and Notre Dame Ave., entry on Amory St. Handicap accessibility. Free admission. Sundays during Advent through Epiphany from 1 to 3 pm, and on Mon., Wed. & Fri. from 1-4 pm.
CHOIR REHEARSAL: Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 8:30 pm. All are welcome, enter through the back door of the church.
CALENDARS: Please feel free to take home one of the calendars for 2010, found at the entrances to church. (sponsored by Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium). One per family, please.
RESPECT LIFE: "Abortion kills not only unborn children; it destroys constitutional order and the common good, which is assured only when the life of every human being is legally protected". Cardinal Francis George of Chicago
MASS INTENTIONS
Nov. 30, Mon. 7:00 am Henri Dupont by Lucille Morand
Dec. 1, Tue. 7:00 am Walter and Jeanne Champagne by Marcel and Deb Champagne
Dec. 2, Wed. 7:00 am Phyllis and Bruce Rogers by their daughter, Kathryn
Dec. 4, Fri. 7:00 am To end abortions, from parishioners
Dec. 5, Sat. 4:00 pm Roger Godbout by Don and Claudette Martel
Dec. 6, Sun. 8:00 am Cecile Laliberte by Alice Laliberte
Dec. 6, Sun. 11:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
We hear Jesus describe the end of the world in Apocalyptic terms (e.g., the great signs that would be seen in the heavens, the Son of Man coming in glory upon the cloud, etc.). This was a common way of speaking about the last days in the time of Jesus. It does not necessarily mean that the description should be understood in a literal manner. Jesus might have been speaking symbolically so that those listening to Him could understand. There is an eternal truth, no matter how the world will come to an end: that we should be vigilant. We do not know how much time we have to live, so we should treat each moment of our lives a precious. We cannot afford to put our conversion off until tomorrow. We should dedicate ourselves to virtue and prayer (especially in this holy season). The goal is that we be ready to greet the Lord whenever He call us to Himself (whether it be at the end of the world or at the end of our earthly lives.)
DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH HEATING
THIS WINTER? 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 Jim and Meg Stack, who’s estates set up this fund for parishioners. Please remember your parish in your will.
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.