SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 17, 2010
On the Way....After the busyness of December, preparations for the celebration of Christmas, traveling, New Year's Day, school vacation, etc., we get back into Ordinary Time, taking up where business was at the beginning of December. Foremost on the agenda, of course, is the possible unification of St. Paul Parish, Candia, with St. Peter Parish, Auburn. Members of the Pastoral and Finance Councils of both parishes, as well as many parishioners, have been informed, active and present during the entire process.
The steps we are to follow were spelled out in detail in the St. Peter Parish bulletin of November 22, 2009. Step #5 in that process was a meeting at St. Peter Parish Hall on Monday, November 30, 2009 with the Pastoral Councils of both parishes. Mr. Patrick McGee, Director of Planning for the Diocese of Manchester, was present at this meeting, as he had been involved in all the meetings that took place in November. We started with prayer at 7 pm and reviewed the Open Meeting which had been held on Sunday, November 22, at 1 pm at St. Paul Church. Each member present was invited to ask questions, give comments, present feedback from their parishes and give their own opinions. It was very quiet in the room as each and every member spoke thoughtfully and was listened to without interruption and with great respect. At this point we asked if there was a consensus among all those present to recommend to Bishop McCormack the unification of St. Paul Parish into St. Peter Parish. All members indicated they could support such a recommendation. This was a very solemn moment for me and I looked into the eyes of each one there and sensed that they too understood the import of this discussion.
Some days later I sent a letter to Bishop McCormack outlining in detail the process we used to consider the unification. I ended by saying that we did have a unanimous consensus to move forward with unification. Since we were already into Advent and the hectic days before Christmas, I understood that there would not be a reply from the Bishop until after the New Year. As soon as I receive a letter from the Bishop's Office, I will inform you of his decision. I ask for your continued prayers for our two parishes as we move forward into this New Year 2010.
RESPECT LIFE: It is 37 years since the legalization of abortion by the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. This decision damaged our constitutional and social order, because, as Wanda Franz, president of National Right to Life states, "the ‘unalienable Right’ to life is no longer ‘endowed by the Creator’ but dependent on someone else’s moods and feelings. Under this peculiar principle, one and the same unborn child could be a ‘baby’ in the eyes of one parent and a ‘fetus’ to be aborted in the eyes of the other.
PARISH NURSE: Parish Nurse this Friday. from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $6,030
SEMINARIANS: This weekend is the annual collection for the Seminarian Fund. The gifts you make go directly to help pay for the education and formation of our own seminarians. The education of our seminarians is an investment in the future of the Catholic Church in New Hampshire, but this goal cannot be fulfilled without your help. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.
WELCOME TO NEWLY-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS George and Priscilla Long.
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) that all of our gifts are from God and that they are given, not for ourselves alone, but for the common good. But the generosity of God knows no limits - the miracle at Cana reminds us that whenever we faithfully do as God asks, he can change our gifts of water into wine!
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS
K-3 DISMISSALS this weekend.
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.
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.
ST. PETER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD: Next meeting is Tuesday, January 26, at 7:00 pm, in the Parish Conference Room.
RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. To register or for more information, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230.
Pope Benedict’s 2010 message for the World Day of Peace, "If you want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation," is the latest in a long tradition of Church teaching on our obligation to care for our environment. For a summary of some themes and excerpts from the Holy Father’s statement as well as a reflection about Catholic social teaching about care for the environment can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/2010-01-01-bulletin-world-day-peace-resource.pdf
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL in Derry: Registrations for 2010-11 for Grades preK(4 yrs. old) through Grade 8, to be held during January. Tours of the school available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 1 pm. Open House Sun., Jan. 31, from 12 noon to 2 pm. Reg. fee $50. per child, non-refundable. For further information call the school office at 432-2712 (Gr. 1-8) or the Kindergarten at 437-6651, or visit our website at www.staderry.com
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL is now accepting registrations for Pre-K through Grade 6. Parents are invited to join us for a Luncheon Open House on Monday, February 1st, from 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm. Lunch will be followed by a short presentation and school tours concluded with dessert and a Question/Answer session. Children are welcome to attend! RSVP for luncheon or to arrange a separate visit 622-0414.
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY: Winter Open House for prospective students, Grades 7-12, on Sun., Feb. 7, at 2pm, at 49 Ashland St., Manchester. Call 644-7247 for more information. Flyer on bulletin board.
CAMP BERNADETTE FOR GIRLS (on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro) and CAMP FATIMA FOR BOYS (on Upper Suncook Lake in Gilmanton, I.W.) are now accepting registrations for the Summer of 2010. You can find applications on the bulletin board at the entryway to church.
MASS INTENTIONS
Jan. 18, Mon. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Jan. 19, Tue. 7:00 am Phyllis Rogers (1st Ann.) by her daughter, Kathryn
Jan. 20, Wed. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Jan. 23, Sat. 4:00 pm Vivian Morey by Charlie and Jackie Peterson
Jan. 24, Sun. 8:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
Jan. 24, Sun. 11:00 am Archille Carignan by Ray and Jeannette Carignan
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11
This passage from the Gospel of John gives us a glimpse into the extensive symbolism of the Gospel of John. It would not be a waste of time to study a commentary on that Gospel about which St. Augustine said, "It is shallow enough for a child to play in, but profound enough for an elephant to swim in".
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.
NH CATHOLIC CHARITIES: It's time for Mardi Gras!! Won't you join us? February 6, 2010 at CR Sparks in Bedford, beginning at 6:00 pm. This Mardi Gras Benefit raises urgently needed funds to assist families and individuals in an emergency. Mardi Gras is a great party - that helps our neighbors in a time of crisis.
Reserve your tickets for a fabulous New Orleans
style dinner, dancing, games and silent auction.
Call 603-669-3030 and ask for Judy.
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.