SAINT MATTHEW PARISH 2 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087 Telephone: 603-893-3336 Sunday, November 5, 2017 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time MASS SCHEDULE WEEKENDS IN ST. MATTHEW CHURCH SAT: 4:00 PM SUN: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30AM & 6:00 PM WEEKDAYS AT WARDE HEALTH CTR MON - THUR: 8:30 AM WEEKDAYS IN ST. MATTHEW CHURCH WEDS: 7:00 PM FRI: 8:30 AM HOLY DAYS Contact Parish for Mass Schedule SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION SAT: 2:30-3:30 PM or by appointment PARISH EMAIL windstmatt@comcast.net PARISH WEBSITE stmatthew-nh.org Office: 603-893-3336 Rel.Ed.: 603-898-4818 Fax: 603-898-4008 Rev. Brian Kennedy, CSsR, Pastor The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
LITURGY Dear Family of Saint Matthew As you read this, we are in the process of rebounding from a strong wind storm that toppled a surprising number of trees. Poets imagine wind storms as threats to cultural stability while sturdy trees are seen as anchors for a culture to the ground of meaning. The tree of marriage, understood as only between a man and a woman; the tree of identity based upon biology; the tree of strong censorship against obscenity and fake news on the radio or digital media; the tree of national pride in a heritage of faith... majestic trees over the last 30 years have been hit with severe winds... Edmond Burke lived at a time when the winds of cultural change posed a danger to trees he valued. In order to caution those celebrating the damage inflicted by the winds, he wrote that a culture and a society are not things run for the convenience of the people who happen to be here right now, but a deep pact between the dead, the living and those yet to be born... Even were you to decide that some of the views or lifestyles of your ancestors could be improved upon, it does not follow that you should hand over to the next generation a society that is chaotic, fractured and unrecognizable. Murray, Douglas. The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam. Is our society becoming chaotic, fractured and unrecognizable? Ecologists distinguish between pioneer and climax tree species. The pioneers quickly reseed an open area in a forest canopy but have weak roots and soft wood -- while the climax species take more time to grow but produce hard, durable wood. A forest dominated with pioneer species resembles a chaotic culture. Puerto Rico has gone through more cultural change than perhaps any other territory in the USA. It is also over-run with pioneer species (one reason why hurricane Maria could inflict such devastation on her power lines). If only pioneer trees surround us, how will we keep the power on to core values such as self-sacrifice for God and country? Today, many Puerto Ricans want to replant their island with sturdy trees, rather than shallow rooted ones. Will you and I devote ourselves to planting and protecting the climax, durable species in our culture? If we don t move in this direction, our culture will continue to be colonized by pioneer species. -Father Brian Kennedy Mass Intentions For The Week SATURDAY, November 4 4:00 PM Warren Hyam by his wife and daughters SUNDAY, November 5 7:30 AM For all parishioners of St. Matthew 9:30 AM Francis A. Leonard Jr. by Sara Leonard McManus (5th Anniversary) 11:30 AM Ed Morris by the Root family 6:00 PM Odile Tolme (living) by the Guepy family DAILY MASS WARDE HEALTH CENTER CHAPEL MONDAY, November 6 8:30 AM Frederick C. Pucillo by Carol & Steve Kampa TUESDAY, November 7 8:30 AM Krissy Righini by Bernie & Sue MacDonald WEDNESDAY, November 8 8:30 AM Stephanie Koslow by Jack & Pat Kennedy 7:00 PM Carol Pizzarello by Barbara Smith (church) THURSDAY, November 9 8:30 AM Mother Catherine McAuley (foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Deceased 11/11/1831) FRIDAY, November 10 8:30 AM Judith Courchesne by Jeanne & Roger Rouleau (church) * * * * * SATURDAY, November 11 - Veteran s Day 4:00 PM Henry Fischer by his wife, Noella SUNDAY, November 12 7:30 AM Roland J. Demers by Shelagh Demers and family 9:30 AM Dorothy Costa by her family 11:30 AM Valerie McElhone-Iversen by Kathy Altott 6:00 PM Emma Petruzzi by family Thanksgiving Day Mass Thursday, November 23rd at 9:30 AM In St. Matthew Church
FAMILY MEN OF ST. JOSEPH - Monthly Meeting Our next Men of St. Joseph meeting will be on Saturday, November 11th beginning with the rosary in Church at 7:15am, followed by Mass. There will be a light breakfast and guest speaker/reflection after in Room 208 of the Parish Center. All men are welcome. Keeping Christ in Christmas The Knights of Columbus will have Christmas cards that proclaim the true spirit of Christmas available for sale in the gathering space after each of the weekend Masses November 11 through November 26. Have we not all the one father?... Why then do we break faith with one another HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS If you or someone you know in the parish are having a difficult time or experiencing a hardship and would like assistance from the parish for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, please call the parish office at 893-3336 and speak with Peg Donahue-Turner. This assistance is offered to Individuals, especially the elderly on fixed incomes, and any families in need! During the holiday season, we wish for those in need to know that we care, and will receive God s blessings to help them through. Responsorial Psalm In you, Lord, I have found my peace. A New Faithful Alternative for OBGYN Care Do you feel that it s been a challenge to manage your reproductive health in a manner that respects your faith? Are you interested in a natural alternative to birth control? Do you suffer from infertility and wish there were more Catholic options? There is now a solution! Catholic Medical Center is pleased to announce the opening of the Women s Wellness and Fertility Center of New England featuring a familycentered, holistic approach to obstetric and gynecologic care grounded in alternative, evidence-based medical practices including NaProTECHNOLOGY. Call 603.314.7595 or visit the website at cmcwomenswellness.org today! 23rd WINDHAM TURKEY TROT - FAMILY FRIENDLY - THANKSGIVING 9:00 AM - ALL WEATHER Join us at the Turkey Trot to benefit The Shepherd's Pantry & Windham Helping Hands. 3 & 5 mile courses that you can run, walk, or roll (bikes, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs etc.) - 70 Blossom Road Windham. Entry is a monetary donation of your choice;100% is goes to charity. Long sleeved T-shirts are available for a minimum donation of $20 per shirt. To date the Turkey Trot has donated over $217,000 to the charities. Info & Registration: www.windhamturkeytrot.org Questions? WindhamTurkeyTrot@ gmail.com Baptisms We welcome into our parish family those children who were recently baptized! Ana Manzo and Madelyn Morello Please pray for these little ones and their families that they embrace with joy their faith and friendship with the Lord! Pilgrimage to Poland Dr. Michael Speidel is planning a special pilgrimage to Poland from June 2-16, 2018 including: Warsaw: Jewish Ghetto & Museum, Old Town, Royal Castle, Opera/Symphony performance, birthplace of Frederic Chopin near Warsaw and Madame Sklodowska-Curie, Czestochowa: Black Madonna Shrine (many miracles happened since 1650) and Krakow: Auschwitz, very unusual and rare Wieliczka Salt Mine (optional), Sister Faustina Shrine, Wadowice: John Paul II hometown, private audience with the Archbishop of Krakow etc. It will be a private audiences in Shrine with a special access to the Holy Mother's painting (Black Madonna) and private audience and Mass in Krakow with Archbishop/Cardinal (by 2018), Marek Jedraszewski, friend of Dr Speidel since 1960-. About 14 days trip. Cost: about $2800 (or less, flights by Swiss Air from Boston via Zurich) per person/double occupancy. Transfer by: Taxi, high speed trains and coaches. All meals, drinks (excluding alcohol) & tips included! Maximum 16 persons! Dr. Speidel will be your tour guide and he will make all arrangements. Additional excursion (4-5 days) to Medjugorie (Croatia) is an option and can be arranged upon request Due to complexity of this tour, please respond ASAP to: drspeidel@gmail.com or call him directly at: (603) 421-9982.
CATECHESIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST hosted by the Cub Scouts will take place on Saturday, November 11th from 7:00am-Noon. Join us for breakfast and support your local cub scouts! Breakfast will be served in the parish center hall. NEXT HOME SCHOOL SESSION will be on Tuesday, November 7th at 6:15pm in the Parish Center Hall. Please bring all completed work with you. At least one parent must attend the session with your child. UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE: Sat. 11/4 Year II Retreat at St. Anselm Sunday, 11/5 8:00am Gr. 6, 7, 8, Yr. I (No Yr. II - Retreat at St. Anselm) 8:15am Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 11:00am Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4:30pm Gr. 6, 7, 8, Yr. I (No Yr. II - Retreat at St. Anselm) Monday, 11/6 4:15pm Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Tues., 11/7 6:15pm Home School Session Weds., 11/8 3-8pm Gr. 7 NET Retreat 4:15pm Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6:00pm Gr. 6, Yr. II (No Yr. I) Thur., 11/9 3-8pm Gr. 8 NET Retreat Sunday, 11/12 8:00am Gr. 6, 7, Yr. II 8:15am Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 11:00am Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 3:00pm Year I Retreat w/sponsors 4:30pm at Warde Center Gr. 6, 7, Yr. II (No Grade 8 because of NET retreat) Readings for the Week of November 5, 2017 Sunday: Mal 1:14b 2:2b, 8-10/Ps 131:1-3/1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13/Mt 23:1-12 Monday: Rom 11:29-36/Ps 69:30-31-34, 36/Lk 14:12-14 Tuesday: Rom 12:5-16b/Ps 131:1bcde-3/Lk 14:15-24 Wednesday: Rom 13:8-10/Ps 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9/Lk 14:25-33 Thursday: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12/Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9/1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17/Jn 2:13-22 Friday: Rom 15:14-21/Ps 98:1-4/Lk 16:1-8 Saturday: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27/Ps 145:2-5, 10-11/Lk 16:9-15 Next Sunday: Wis 6:12-16/Ps 63:2-8/1 Thes 4:13-18 Gospel For All Ages "For they preach but they do not practice." The scribes and Pharisees may be the ones Jesus was speaking about in today's Gospel, but we must be careful not to dismiss his words when it comes to our own actions. Jesus offered a difficult challenge to those honor-seekers that we must also heed when he said, "The greatest among you must be your servant." This is not the way the world usually works. Generally speaking, the idea of being a servant is considered inferior to being someone who has risen to high levels of leadership or status. But Jesus wants people in positions of authority to selflessly serve those over whom they have influence. And he insists that the leaders who establish laws, rules, and guidelines do not excuse themselves from following their own directives! "Practice what you preach," as the saying goes. Whether or not we have extensive public influence, almost all of us at certain points are in a position to exercise leadership--with our children and families, with classmates, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and sometimes strangers. When these moments arise, we are called to step into this role without being hypocrites. It's important to be sure we don't issue unrealistic demands on others that we ourselves would find it burdensome or even impossible to fulfill. This requires the virtue of humility. Instead of reveling in the authority we may have at any given moment, instead of creating "heavy burdens hard to carry and laying them on people's shoulders," we need to be ready and willing to walk a mile in their shoes, and lead accordingly. And Jesus tells us clearly that this servant leadership will be rewarded, for "whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Life Question: How could you be a better servant for Christ and His people? HONOR ROLL Sunday: National Vocation Awareness Week Thursday: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Friday: St. Leo the Great, Pope Saturday: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop; Veterans Day
YOUTH MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SCHEDULE: Sat. November 4th Year II Retreat at St. Anselm Sun. November 5th Gr. 6, 7, 8, Yr. I 8:00am Gr. 6, 7, 8, Yr. I 4:30pm (No Yr. II - Retreat at St. Anselm) Wed., November 8th Gr. 7 NET retreat 3-8pm Gr. 6, Yr. II Class 6:00pm Thu., November 9th ( No class for Gr.8, Yr.I ) Gr. 8 NET retreat 3-8pm Sun., November 12th Gr. 6, 7, Yr. II 8:00am Year II Retreat at Warde 3-8pm With Sponsors Gr. 6, 7, Yr. II 4:30pm Wed., November 15th Gr. 6, 7, 8, Yr. I, Yr. II 6:00pm Don t forget to mark your calendar for these upcoming RETREATS! Wed. Nov. 8th NET Retreat Gr. 7 from 3-8pm in the parish center hall Thu. Nov. 9th NET Retreat Gr. 8 from 3-8pm in the parish center hall Sun. Nov. 12th Year I Retreat w/ sponsors from 3-8pm at Warde Center Respect Life Essay Contest ATTENTION STUDENTS -- $600!! The NH Knights of Columbus is once again sponsoring a Student Respect Life Essay contest. The contest is open to any Jr-High (grades 6,7,8) and Sr-High (grades 9,10,11,12) student in NH. The NH Knights of Columbus will make up to six cash awards of $100. The theme is: How would you respond to claims that Pro-Life denies a woman s choice? DEADLINE: Midnight, Dec 15, 2017 RULES: Essays may not be longer than 500 words; typed, and submitted as a PDF or Word Document and emailed to matu19@comcast.net. Include student name, age, grade, school, parent name and address, phone, parish and email. Students may obtain help & information, including from parents, teachers, friends, and internet but the essay itself must be their own work. Further contest details may be obtained from KofC NH contest chairman John P. Matuszewski (603-434-4098) or KofC NH State Pro-Life Chairman Ron Distasio (603-595- 7837). Pope Francis Tweeted this on October 30th Learn from wonder; nurture astonishment. Live, Love, Believe. And, with the Grace of God, never despair. Follow Pope Francis on Twitter @Pontifex Spiritual Fitness Training! Monthly Training and Monthly Service for HS Juniors & Seniors You can still join us! Bring you re A-game! If you re not sure exactly what this is no sweat! - neither do we! But we are committed to help you strengthen your spiritual life! Training Sessions Sundays from 4:30-6pm Dec. 3, Jan.28, Feb.18, Mar. 11, Apr.8-Life in the Spirit Workouts Included: Cor Unum, New Horizons, Kid s Café, Souper Bowl, Living Stations, Mass of the Spirit, missions & more! Contact Sandy at the parish office X21 or email sgibbonsstmatt@comcast.net for info! CHECK OUT OUR TEAM AND TRAINERS FROM OUR FIRST CROSSFIT WORKOUT AT COR UNUM!... It s hard work, but rewarding! Best workout ever!
OUTREACH SUPPER Saturday, November 18th after the 4:00pm Mass. Hosted by St. Matthew Knights of Columbus Council #7572 Mark your calendar and join us!! Come enjoy homemade Ham, Beans, Brown Bread, and more! All Proceeds to benefit the DR10 Mission Trip coming up in February! Tickets just $5 per person and will be available after all Masses the next two weekends and at the parish office! It s a great meal for a great cause!! DR 10 - FINAL Information Meeting Anyone interested in joining Father Brian on our next Dominican Republic Mission Trip (DR10) in February is urged to attend one upcoming information meeting: THIS Sunday, Nov. 5th after the 6pm Mass in church Deadline for signing up for the Mission Trip is DEC. 1st FYI: Minors MUST have a parent present. Vocation Awareness Well done, good and faithful servant. How are you called to use your talents? If Christ may be inviting you to faithful service as a priest or consecrated religious, call Father Jason Jalbert 663-0132, or write: jjalbert@rcbm.org. Brown Bag Sunday - Next Weekend The weekend of November 11 & 12 is Brown Bag weekend. We invite you to bring non-perishable food and personal care items to help stock the shelves of Shepherd s Pantry in Windham. The Pantry serves hundreds of families in our community each week and your donations ensure that help is there when people turn to them. Please drop items in the blue bins in the gathering space. Thank you!! SACRIFICIAL GIVING Sacrificial Giving for Oct. 28 & 29 $11,240.00 Thank you for your faithful support! TOYS! TOYS! TOYS! Gently Used Toys Wanted! St. Gianna's Closet is accepting toy donations for its annual used toy sale to be held on December 2, 2017 at St. Thomas Church, 26 Crystal Ave in Derry. Please consider donating your gently used toys in the bin located in the gathering space. Proceeds from this sale go to help the needy in our community through St. Thomas' outreach programs. If you have a large donation, it may be brought to 36 Bear Hill Road or 12 Rolling Ridge. Simply leave your bagged donation on the driveway. Donations will be accepted through the last week of November. Thank you in advance! St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 190 Meetinghouse Road in Bedford will have their Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 11th from 9am-3pm. It will feature over 45 New England crafters, raffles, and food. The Knights of Columbus at Immaculate Conception Parish, Nashua, are having a Craft Fair on Friday, November 17 th (5-8pm) and Saturday, November 18 th (9am-3pm) in the Parish Center (216 East Dunstable Rd, Nashua, NH). Saint Thomas Aquinas parish in Derry will be having their Candy Cane Fair on Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 9:00a.m. 3:00 p.m. The fair will be held in the Aquinas Center. Free admission and parking. There will be raffle baskets, bake sale table, a white elephant sale along with over 50 different kinds of crafters. Lunch will be served starting at 11:00 a.m. Please join us. St. Patrick Parish, 12 Main St. Pelham, NH is hosting its annual Christmas Craft Fair in our Parish Center. Please join us on Dec. 2 nd from 9am-6pm and get great gifts for your holiday shopping. We have many local crafters who amaze us every year! We will also have food, a Home Made Baked Goods Table, a coloring contest and raffles.