TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME + SEPTEMBER 26, 2010
On the Way.....
The death of Father Babineau two weeks ago and his funeral services last week have kept the parish busy for these days. (Life-time parishioners agree that this is the first time in its history that the funeral of a priest is celebrated in our church). So many of you, and you know who you are and I know who you are, have done so much for him over the years, and for me over the past 3 months of his illness. I want to thank those of you who sent a sympathy note, who gave me a hand shake or hug of compassion. It is wonderful how that simple act can be so uplifting to those in grief, as most of you know so well. Mr. James Babineau and his family were so well received by you, as you went out of your way to say hello to these complete strangers and express your sympathies. The people of Berlin and Franklin who attended felt at home. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd from Saco, Maine, and the priests who assembled, diocesan, Jesuits, Benedictines, and two bishops were touched by your piety, they way you pray and sing, your sensitivity and goodness. Thank you to all of you for the great consolations you give me.
PARISH NURSE Friday from 7:30-10:00 am.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: $6,578.
RETIRED PRIESTS FUND: This weekend is the annual collection for our Retired Priests Fund. If you did not receive a bulletin insert last weekend, there are extra bulletins and inserts from September 19 on the table at the entryway to church. When you contribute toward this Fund, your gift will go toward helping current and future retired priests. Thank you for whatever donation you can give.
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: The sin of the rich man in today’s parable was not that he was rich, but that he failed to share his wealth with the beggar at his gate. He knew Lazarus, perhaps walked by him every time he came in or out, but did nothing to relieve his suffering. Is there a Lazarus in my life? What am I doing to help?
FOOD DRIVE NEXT WEEKEND is for New Horizons. Items most needed are canned tuna, peanut butter, jam and jelly, baked beans, pasta.
ST. PETER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD: Our year-opening meeting will be held on September 28, Tuesday, at 7:00 pm, in the Parish Hall Conference Room. All registered ladies of the parish 18 and over are invited to join us. We especially welcome former St. Paul Parishioners, and invite you to come and join us for a fun year. For more information, call Jeanne Vachon at 625-2831.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died recently, and especially Alice Phillips, mother of Ray Phillips of this parish, and David Bickford, brother of Beverly LeBlanc of this parish.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWS:
K-3 DISMISSALS begin this weekend.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH TEACHER
MEETING: Monday, October 4, at 7:30 pm, in the downstairs conference room. Call Jake at 669-5134 if you have any questions.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH for Grades 4-10, and parents, will be held on Sunday, October 17, from 4:00-6:00 pm. Please meet in church.
R.C.I.A. - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Do you feel something missing in your life? Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? People are drawn to explore the Catholic faith for many different reasons. Perhaps they experienced a Catholic Mass at the time of a wedding or funeral and were attracted by the prayer and ritual. They may have witnessed the source of hope and comfort a Catholic relative, friend or co-worker found in their faith at a time of difficulty or crisis. Any one of these experiences—or a thousand more like them—might have started you thinking about what it would be like to be a Catholic. How do you find out? Where do you start? Call Jake Linxweiler at 669-5134.
OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY: Please join us in church to pray the rosary on the 4 Tuesday evenings in October at 6:30 pm.
RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. To register for the weekend or for more information, call 1-800-470-2230 or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com
The Ricky McGregor Scholarship Fund Inc.
Ricky McGregor, a parishioner of St. Paul in Candia, was a healthy, happy 13 year old young man who lived and loved many things. Ricky went to school on May 26th, 2006, like every other day. On his way out to recess that afternoon, Ricky was running from the school to the playground when he collapsed. Every effort was made to revive Ricky, but they were unsuccessful. Ricky was extremely athletic and loved many sports; basketball, golf, bike riding, swimming, to name just a few, but his true love was football. Ricky was a gifted Quarterback and led his team to the 2005 NH State Championship.
The scholarship fund was set up to provide the youth of the local area with Academic and Athletic Scholarships.It is our hope to give Scholarships to Local Schools and also to support student Athletes in the local area. Some of our Athletic Scholarships may send children of the local area to a football camp, Something Ricky loved to attend. All donations are tax deductible. We are registered with the NH Attorney General and the IRS as a 501c3 not-for-profit charity. Please make checks payable to: The Ricky McGregor Scholarship Fund Inc., and send to 29 Island Rd., Candia NH 03034.
Questions: 603-365-5969 Email: rickymcgregor@comcast.net Thank you.
40 Days for Life is in Manchester!! September 22-October 31. Calling all prayer warriors!
Manchester is one of 238 locations participating in this national campaign for life. Can you join us in prayer, fasting and peaceful witness for 40 days to end abortion? Can you pray for life each day? For moral leaders? Can you give up TV or dessert and offer the sacrifice for the unborn? Can you pray at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Manchester at 24 Pennacook St? We are holding vigil 7 days a week, 12 hours per day, from 7 am to 7 pm. We go to the clinic to pray and be a witness for the sanctity of human life. We NEED you! Your prayers could save a life. You can learn more and sign up at www.40daysforlife.com/manchester, or contact Mike at mcal0904@aol.com or leave a message at 626-7950. Be not afraid! Find out more at the kick-off rally, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 pm, 24 Pennacook Street, Manchester NH
MASS INTENTIONS
Sept. 27, Mon. 7:00 am Anthony Amato by Adela Amato
Sept. 28, Tues. 7:00 am Claire Schlesinger by Mr. & Mrs. Len Bienvenue
Sept. 29, Wed. 7:00 am Souls in Purgatory by S.M.
Oct. 1, Fri. 7:00 am To end abortions, from parishioners
Oct. 2, Sat. 4:00 pm Albert Duval (10th Ann.) by his wife Lillian
Oct. 3, Sun. 8:00 am For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
Oct. 3, Sun. 10:30 am Mil Bianchi by the DiGenova family
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
The Gospel presents the beautiful and challenging story of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus was a common name in New Testament times. We should therefore not think that this is the same person as Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. The rich man is dressed in purple garments. Purple was very rare in ancient times, usually reserved for the royal family. This man, therefore, was incredibly rich. Saint Luke typically describes the heartlessness of the rich man in terms of his not being willing to share his meal. Lazarus did not even ask to sit at the rich man’s table; he would have been satisfied with the smallest scraps from the table. Yet, the rich man refused to share his beneficence with the poor man in any way. Note that it is not that the rich man did anything wrong to the poor man. He simply did not do the good that he could have. This is what is called a sin of omission. When the rich man dies, he is punished by being sent to hell. The poor man, on the other hand, is placed in the bosom of Abraham (a euphemism for heaven). At the end of the story, we hear that God would not send any messengers to warn the brothers of the rich man. God told him that they already had the law and the prophets. We should not expect to receive miraculous appearances or utterances. We already have all we need in Scripture. The last line, "neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead," is obviously a reminder that Jesus has risen and that should be enough for us.
The Consolers of Jesus and Mary Lay Apostolate's 15th anniversary retreat is on October 2 at St. Pius X church on 575 Candia Rd., Manchester, NH 03109. This year's theme is The Blessed Virgin in history: approved apparitions in the church presented by Deacon Mark Hobson, spiritual director for the consolers. The parish mass is at 8:00 am, rosary at 8:30. Registration is at 9:00 am in the church basement concluding at 3:30 pm. The fee is $15.00 per person. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. Remittance may be sent to Theresa Maynard, 65 Wellington Hill Rd., Manchester, NH 03104. PH# 603-622-2094. E-mail address is consolers_uh_prayerline@comcast.net