IN ORDINARY TIME + SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
From the Pastor…The Creed continued. I would like to address what I spoke about a couple of weeks ago in my homily in regard to the adding of the words, “Consubstantial with the Father.” I am well aware that this is a mouthful, even for me. Some feel that this addition is very technical theological language. And it is. Yet, at the same time, it does allow us to speak in precise terms when talking about the nature of God. The revised translation of the Creed aims at helping us more precisely profess a concept about the nature of the Son and His relationship with God the Father. The previous wording referred to Jesus, as "one in being with the Father." We will now use the phrase in speaking of Jesus as being "consubstantial with the Father."
You may ask, "so what's the difference?" The new wording more closely reflects the theological language of the bishops at the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) who wanted to safeguard that Jesus was acknowledged as the eternal Son of God, equal to the Father. The council condemned the false teaching of a man named Arius who held that there was a time when the Son did not exist. According to Arius, God created the Son and then adopted Him. He said “the Son of God came to be from things that were not’' and the Son was “from another substance than that of the Father” (Catechism, no.465)
The Council of Nicea rightly opposed Arius' teaching and taught that Jesus, the Son is "God from God, light from light, true God from true God" and "of the same substance" as the Father. The Son was not created by the Father, but rather is a distinct divine Person who has existed from all eternity, sharing the same divine nature with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Although this term consubstantial might not be easily spoken it does help us to reflect more on the divine nature of Jesus, the Christ and the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
Blessings,
Fr. Michael
PARISH NURSE: Thursday 3:30-5:30 pm
OFFERTORY: $5,715
RETIRED PRIESTS FUND: The more than fifty diocesan priests supported by the Priests Retirement Fund have given many years, often forty or more, in service to God and the Catholic communities of New Hampshire. The parish priest is a part of every Catholic family. They offer counsel and comfort, and they lead us in celebrating the sacraments. Please consider supporting our retired priests during our collection this weekend.
SACRIFICIAL GIVING: The first son in today’s Gospel said he would do his father’s bidding, but did not. The second son balked at first, but then repented and did as he was asked. What service is God calling me to do? Which son am I more like?
FOOD DRIVE: Our monthly food drive next
weekend is for New Horizons of NH. Items most needed are: baked beans, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, jelly.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who died last week, and especially Albert Karam, long-time parishioner.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Next Sunday, Oct. 2, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Michael will “Bless the Animals” in the back parking lot at 1:00 pm.
K-3 DISMISSALS begin this weekend, Sept. 24/25 at all Masses.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH MEETING for teachers and aides Monday, Oct. 3, at 7:00 pm, Parish Hall Conference Room. Call Jake at 669-5134 for more information. Our first GOF for grades 4-10 and parents is on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 4:00-5:30 pm.
ST. PETER CHURCH WOMEN’S GUILD: The first meeting of the Women’s Guild 2011-12 year will be held on Tuesday, September 27, at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall Conference Room. We will be discussing our schedule of activities for the year. All women 18 and older are cordially invited to join us. Please bring a friend. Contact Donna Kula at 669-9830 if you have any questions.
LECTORS, ALTAR SERVERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: The schedule from Oct. 1/2 through December 3/4 has been posted on the website. Phone lists have been e-mailed to all.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION: If you would like to be part of the ministry of serving Communion at Mass, please call Fr. Michael at 623-5429 or see him after Mass. Qualifications: 21 years of age, a Confirmed practicing Catholic, if married must be in a valid Catholic marriage, and if single, not co-habitating. Training provided.
ST. PETER CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY invites you to join us on Wednesday, September 28, from 7:00-8:30 pm in church. New voices are always welcome! Please use the rear entrance to the church. Come and help us “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”.
WELCOME TO NEWLY-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS: William and Christine Mlodynia, and daughters Samantha and Alexandra.
Support Group (here at St. Peter Church) for the unemployed or underemployed who are searching for employment of a better job will meet on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Parish Nurse Room. Call Steven Knight at Catholic Charities, 624-4717, Ext. 12, to see what dates are scheduled.
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. Call Jake Linxweiler at 669-5134.
RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. To register for the weekend or for m ore information, call 1-800-470-2230 or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com
SISTERS OF HOLY CROSS ANNUAL FALL FAIR:
Sat., October 15, from 9:00 to 4:00, held at Assumption Greek Church Hall, 111 Island Pond Rd., Manchester. Penny Sale, Crafts, Games, Free Admission and parking.
Sept. 26, Mon. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Sept. 27, Tue. 7:00 am Bridget Rovatsos by her husband, Peter
Sept. 28, Wed. 7:00 am Lorraine Bernier by Dorothy Bernard
Sept. 30, Fri. 7:00 am Intention of the celebrant
Oct. 1, Sat. 4:00 pm For all parishioners of St. Peter Church
Oct. 2, Sun. 8:00 am Roger Beane (1st Ann.) by the Kopetz family
Oct. 2, Sun. 10:30 am Francis Huard by his wife and family
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
Today we hear a parable concerning those who do the will of God and those who do not. Jesus speaks of a man with two sons; Their father tells them to go out to the vineyard. One says that he will go, but does not. The other says that he will not go, but does. Jesus asks His listeners which son did the father’s will.
His listeners answer: the son who said no but then did it. Jesus then tells them that this is an example of what will happen at the Last Judgment. Religious people say they will do the Father’s will, but they do not. Prostitutes and tax collectors say they will not do God’s will, but then they end up doing it. They will enter the kingdom of heaven before the so-called religious people.
Jesus often warned people who are religious that they should be careful, for their judgment would be more severe than that of great sinners. They have received a gift from the Lord in being able to practice their religion. From those to whom much has been given, much will be expected.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Let your Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders be the rock for your vocation. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in New England is October 21-23 in Contoocook, NH. For more information call Ralph & Jane Becker at 1-800-710-WWME or visit our web page at www.wwme.org
BIRTHRIGHT OF MANCHESTER – 307 Kelley Street
Would you like to help women in distress and help us stop abortion? We are in great need of volunteers to staff our office. We need to increase our hours in order to be immediately available for those who need our help. An unanswered call may cause a visit to an abortion clinic. Please consider becoming a Birthright volunteer. All that is asked is to be over 18 years of age, ardently pro-life, and have a sincere desire to listen with concern and with a non-judgmental attitude. No prior training or experience is necessary as we provide that for you. Come join our team. You will find it to be a rich experience. Hours are flexible. Call Mary at the (office 668-3443) or (Phyllis 472-5410).