THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

JANUARY 10, 2010

On the Way....The church calendar reminds us that the Christmas Season comes to an end this weekend, with the Baptism of the Lord. This coming week we will be entering into Ordinary Time until the opening of the Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17. You, the parishioners of St. Peter, have once again made a noticeable difference in the lives of people by your generosity to those in need, not only through your regular sacrificial offerings in the weekly envelopes, but also by your extra efforts during the Advent Season. You showered the residents of Maple Leaf Nursing Home with many gifts that brought smiles to the sick and elderly, many of whom have little or no family left. You did the same for the children at Salvation Army's Kids' Cafe. And once again the homebound parishioners in their homes were touched by the number of you who took a moment to send Christmas cards. A couple of them got in touch with me to make sure to thank you, and to especially thank the children who crafted their greetings with personal words and drawings. I also want to thank all of you who sent along some home-made goodies, cards and photos of your children, American currency, gift certificates "to take your mother out to eat", greetings, and the list goes on. Thank you very much.

 

PARISH NURSE: Parish Nurse this Friday from 7:30-10:00 am.

 

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $4,700.

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: $800.

 

SEMINARIANS APPEAL: Next weekend is the annual appeal for the Seminarians of our Diocese. In the enclosed bulletin insert, you will see the pictures of our 8 Seminarians, along with information regarding this appeal. Please be generous.

 

SACRIFICIAL GIVING: Jesus, whom God called "my beloved Son" is also the "servant" of whom Isaiah speaks in the first reading. We who are baptized in Christ must follow His example and use our time and resources in the service of God and neighbor.

 

GROUP WORK CAMP: The sign-up and first deposit for Group Work Camp is due by February 1st. The check can be mailed to the rectory, or put in an envelope, with the teen's name and GWC noted on it, and put in the collection basket.

 

CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS

K-3 DISMISSALS this weekend at all Masses.

 

GENERATIONS OF FAITH: Next Session for grades 4-10 and parents is this Sunday, January 10, from 4:00-6:00 pm in church.

 

INCOME TAX TIME! If you need a statement of contributions for income tax purposes, please contact Shirley at the rectory, leave a message at 623-5429 (Voice Mail#2), e-mail to stpeteraub@comcast.net , or put a stamped, self-addressed envelope in the collection basket.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

THOSE WHO DIED RECENTLY:

Msgr. Colin MacDonald

Patrick Perkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Perkinsof this parish

Barbara Doyle, mother of Suzanne Parodi of this parish.

 

ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL is presently registering for the 2010-11 school year. We are a pre-K-6 school that offers a rigorous curriculum in a supportive environment where we help every child reach their personal best. Please contact the school at 424-3312, or check our website at www.stfrancisschoolnh.org  for more information.

 

RESPECT LIFE: "1973’s Roe v. Wade decision was billed as a way to guarantee women’s rights - but what about the right to be free from the coercion to abort their offspring? Scientific surveys have confirmed that most women are having abortions they don’t want. Is that a mark of women’s freedom?"

Maria Vitale, public relations director for Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINES OF ITALY: From Boston, March 8-17. Price $2,949. Visit Rome (audience with the Pope), Monte Cassino (Sts. Benedict and Scholastica), etc. For more information check website: www.206tours.com/fr.charles. For a flyer, call or write to Fr. Charles DesRuisseaux, 51 River Front Drive, #3, Manchester, NH 03102, tel. 836-5283, e-mail: papacharles@comcast.net

 

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.

 

 

MANCHESTER PARISH UNDERGOING MAJOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: "Hola, padre!" shouts a worker from scaffolding that runs along the church’s southern eave. "Como estas," says Fr. Joseph Gurdak, O.F.M. Cap., pastor of St. Anne-St. Augustin Parish. He is reviewing the exterior refurbishments to the church’s copper trim, slate roof, and brick façade that have gone on since October. Last spring, St. Anne-St. Augustin launched a $235,000 capital campaign to keep the church in good condition for decades to come. It has so far raised all but $50,000 of the funding it needs. Though work has now paused until the snows thaw in the spring, the parish is still receiving contributions. "Some of the men working here are parishioners as well," says Fr. Joe. "I tell them to take care. This is their church they’re restoring." Built in 1871, St. Augustine Church is the oldest French Canadian Catholic community in New Hampshire, though now it has grown to embrace a much broader number of cultures. The parish ministers French, English, Spanish, and Vietnamese speakers. Some parishioners were born in Africa, some grew up just down the street. When the capital campaign was first launched earlier this spring, Fr. Joe needed to convince each community of the need. "It had to be done," he says. "It was now or the church would have to go. This gives our parish a lift in spirit. If you have a nice church, it lifts you up also." The renovations taking place now are the first major improvements made to the church since the 19th century. They include replacing tons of copper, slate, grouting, and brick. The church’s iconic copper tower is expected to be refurbished this spring with bronze.

"Some folks said we should just take the copper off the tower and leave it bare, but that would have ruined the original architecture," says Fr. Joe. The church is a multi-lingual center for many Manchester residents. Alcoholics Anonymous hosts regular meetings in English and Spanish. The Sisters of Mercy teach English as a Second Language courses. There is also a multi-lingual after school program where students can get a head start on homework. "There’s always someone using the church, despite the repairs" says Fr. Joe. "Sometimes, even during Mass, we’ll hear the bang bang of hammers on the roof. I just think of how they’re ensuring a new generation gets to continue worshiping here." Those interested in supporting the renewal effort should contact Fr. Joseph Gurdak at 623-8809.

 

 

 

MASS INTENTIONS

Jan. 11, Mon. 7:00 am Rita Ficek by Irene Black

Jan. 12, Tue. 7:00 am Josephine Giroux by Madeleine Grenier

Jan. 13, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant

Jan. 16, Sat. 4:00 pm Charles and Marcelle Laflamme by Gene and Lorraine Ducas

Jan. 17, Sun. 8:00 am Ruth McQueeney by Pauline Heckathorne

Jan. 17, Sun. 11:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church

 

 

REFLECTION OF THE WEEK

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of Jesus, we are invited to reflect upon the significance of our own Baptisms. Do I really believe that I have died to one form of life so that I might live in Christ? What does it mean for me to be a child of God? Do I renew my Baptismal promises every time I sign myself with the Sign of the Cross with holy water whenever I enter or leave my church? Do I celebrate the anniversary of my Baptism? Do I fulfill my responsibilities to the children of whom I am a Godparent?

 

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.

 

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: By offering Married Couples the beautiful experience of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, the Catholic Church is affirming and supporting you in your chosen vocation - Marriage. Take advantage of this great gift to enhance your relationship and enjoy a love-filled weekend away together. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends in New England are January 29-31 and February 12-14. For more information call Ralph & Jane Becker at 1-800-710-WWME or visit our Web page at http://www.wwmeMA.org

 

 

RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. To register for a weekend or for more information, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com  or call 1-800-470-2230.