Week of April 22, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Easter The Pastor s Musings The Week at a Glance Dear Family in the Lord, As we continue these glorious days of the Easter Season, there s a lot happening! A group of our children and their families are in the last stages of preparation for the celebration of First Holy Communion here on Mother s Day. Let s keep them all in prayer that this be a significant day in the life of faith for all our families, give us a renewed appreciation of the awesome gift, and be for all of us a reminder of our own First Communion Day! May we never get used to or take for granted this most blessed Sacrament in which we receive the very life of the Risen One, body, blood, soul, and divinity! May our awareness be expressed in the way we reverently receive Him, the time we take to drop in for visits with Jesus in the tabernacle, and by taking advantage of opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration. Easter days are time for renewal! In just a few weeks, on May 13th, we will mark one year since the first shovelful of dirt was raised after the land was blest for the site of the new St. Patrick Academy. That shovel has remained near the statue of St. Patrick in church as a reminder to pray for this effort and all involved. Our prayers have borne great fruit! We will mark the anniversary with the official Blessing & Dedication of the new School at 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 13th. All are welcome! A couple of days before, our Bishop will offer Mass for our faculty and students and place the Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle, blessing and inaugurating the new chapel of Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, which is at the center and is the heart of the facility! Who would have dreamed of this day? Imagine, we end the 149th year of Catholic education in Portsmouth leaving the old home at 125 Austin Street and will begin the 150th year in a brand new state-of-the-art, deeply rooted in faith, school that is experiencing renewed growth by leaps and bounds! Next Sunday, as you see in a full page of this bulletin, Seminarian Joe will take a significant step in his journey to the Priesthood! I look forward to being there and urge you to join us this Thursday to lift him up at our special 6:00 PM Holy Hour. We have a special Parish Mission coming, as you see in this bulletin, in early May, so plan now to be here and invite others to come and go deeper in understanding the role of Mary in our lives of faith. More is in store as these days of Easter unfold! I m running out of space and you re squinting enough! More next week! With you on the Journey, Monday, April 23 NO School Mass today vacation week Tuesday, April 24 Finance Council Mtg 6:30 PM (VH) Televised Parish Mass 7 PM, Channel 98 Wednesday, April 25 Prayer Cenacle 2:00 PM (C) K of C Mtg 6:00 PM (CLL) Thursday, April 26 Exposition/Adoration 8:30AM-5PM (C) Contemporary Group Practice 7PM (CLL) Televised Parish Mass 7 PM, Channel 98 Friday, April 27 Italian Class 7:00 PM (SO) Saturday, April 28 Baptism 10:00 AM (C) Rosary 3:30 PM (C) Sunday, April 29 Children s Dismissal during 8:30 Mass (C) Televised Parish Mass 10 AM, Channel 98 RCIA 11:30 AM (PC) Music Ministry Rehearsal 11:45AM (C) Choir Practice Spanish Mass 1:00 PM (CLL) Rosary 1:30 PM (C) Spanish Mass 2:00 PM (C) KEY: At 98 Summer Street: C = Church CLL = Lower Level of Church VH = Vianney House (rectory next to Church) At 845 Woodbury Ave: PC = Parish Center (lower level of former church) PO = Parish Office (former rectory) YC = Youth Center (lower level of office) On Austin Street: SPA = St. Patrick Academy SO = SHARE Office (lower level Vianney House) Traveling Vocation Icon This week, Gwen Devoe will receive the Icon of Jesus Knocking at the Door into her home and intercede in a special way for Joe, Dan, and all in formation, for those discerning, and for many vocations to rise up from our community.
Intentions For Holy Mass Monday Tuesday APR 23 St. Adalbert Marilyn Bellini, by Victoria, Olivia, & Kristen APR 24 St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen Albert Red Moylan, by his Wife & Family Wednesday APR 25 St. Mark Anna Crowley, by the Anna Crowley Fund Thursday Friday Saturday 4:00PM APR 26 Easter Feria (weekday) Joseph Gionet, by his Wife & Family APR 27 Easter Feria Betty Carrol, by Kathleen Ildeniz and Geraldine Gregorowicz APR 28 St. Louis Grignion de Montfort Pro Populo (For our Parish Family) Vigil 5 th Sunday of Easter Msgr. Lawrence Burns (6 th anniversary), by the Chavez & Linscott Families Sunday APR 29 5 th Sunday of Easter 8:30AM Ann Roberts, by Tom & Diana Pearson 10:30AM Michael Barrett, by his aunt Rosemary Spinney 2:00PM in Spanish Celebrant s Intention 4:30PM Claire Walsh, by her sister-in-law Kathleen Walsh To schedule Mass intentions or for sacramental records, please see Marilyn Chavez at the parish office, 845 Woodbury Avenue, or call 436-4555. Our reflection of God s generosity to us! Weekend of April 14/15, 2018 Envelopes/EFT $ 15,718.00 Loose $ 1,731.97 Total $ 17,449.97 Last weekend 241 envelope/44 Online Giving users contributed 90 % of our income. Poor Box Donations $ 734.07 20/20 WINNER$ $25 Winners ~ Week 10 # 101 Faith Gowen # 174 Roy Helsel Baby Shower Underway! The Elizabeth Ministry will be holding their third annual Baby Shower to benefit Seacoast Birthright and New Generation (a safe, family-oriented shelter for homeless pregnant women, their babies and children). This weekend, April 21/22, we will hand out baby bottles after the Masses for you to take home to fill with coins. They will be collected, along with donations of any of the items listed below, on the weekends of April 28/29 and May 5/6. Thank you for your support of these important organizations that are providing support to pregnant women. For information, contact Bridget Barker at 603-498-5460 or bridgetbarker@comcast.net. Wish List swaddle blankets (light, gauzy cotton about 40 x40, not flannel) disposable diapers, size 4, 5 & 6 baby wash, shampoo, lotion unscented/for sensitive skin baby wipes, unscented baby bath towels and wash cloths gas drops baby monitors crib sheets white onesies baby bottles and bottle brushes sunscreen and bug spray made for children new outfits for babies, sizes 0 12 months unscented/sensitive skin laundry detergent baby sleepers and play outfits, sizes 0 12 months rattles and teethers Also, New Generation has a special need for used Arms Reach Co-Sleepers (bedside cribs), if anyone has one of these that they are done using. New Moms love having a safe option for keeping their babies as close as this type of crib allows. Parish Mission 2018 In the past few years we have had our annual Parish Mission, in different styles and with varied focus, in the Fall. This year, we were able to get a well-known speaker, Father David Gunther, a Marian Father from Stockbridge, to come to offer a Parish Mission focused on deepening our appreciation of Mary, authentic Marian devotion, and the powerful heavenly message our Lady has brought to the world. Many have remarked about the deepening of their relationship with Mary, a desire to grow in that relationship, and to be able to give witness to the role of Mary in our lives as Catholic Christians. This Mission The Triumph will be a great follow up to last year s observances in the 100th anniversary year of the Fatima apparitions. Fr. David Gunther will introduce the Mission in the homily at all the weekend Masses on May 5 and 6. The Mission talks will take place nightly from Sunday, May 6, to Wednesday, May 9, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Save the dates! Get info cards from the church entrance to share with friends! Plan now to go deeper in your appreciation of the wonderful gift Jesus gave us all from the cross: Behold, your Mother!
Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders Our brother, Joseph Moynahan, a native son of our parish, and seminarian of the Diocese of Manchester residing with us, will take a first step in his journey to Holy Orders with the Rite of Candidacy on April 29th at St. John Seminary. These are the words the Bishop addresses to those to be admitted to candidacy in this rite: Dear brethren in Christ, our brother stands here today in the presence of the Church, recommended to us and to you for admission among the candidates for holy orders. Christ gave this command: Ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest. Our brother knows the Lord s concern for his flock, he sees the needs of the Church, and he feels ready to respond generously to the Lord in the words of the prophet: Here I am, send me forth. He put his hope in the Lord, trusting that he may answer his call faithfully. This call from the Lord should be recognized and understood from the daily signs which reveal God s will to discerning people. When God chooses people to share in the ordained priesthood of Christ, he moves and helps them by his grace. At the same time, he entrusts us with the task of calling suitable and approved candidates and of consecrating them by a special seal of the Holy Spirit to the ministry of God and of the Church. By the sacrament of holy orders, he will be given part in our ministry of service to the Church, and buildup by word and sacrament the Christian communities to which he will be sent. Our brother has already begun his preparation so that later he may be called to ordination by the bishop. Day by day, he will learn to live the life of the Gospel and deepen his faith, hope, love, and compassion. In the practice of these virtues, he will gain the spirit of prayer and grow in zeal to win the world to Christ. Urged by his love and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, he has come here to declare his desire to bind himself to the service of God and of humankind. Join us, as a supportive parish family, in lifting Joe up and praying for vocations this Thursday, April 27th, at a Holy Hour at 6:00 PM in our parish church. If you would like to send Joe a note of congratulations and prayerful support, you may address it to him at: Joseph Moynahan St. John Seminary 127 Lake St. Brighton, MA 02135
Parish News NEW! Let s Talk Supper Due to a storm, as hard to believe as that is, we had to cancel the second meal that was scheduled for the rectory. We have rescheduled it for Monday, April 30th, at 6:00 PM. If you, or someone you know, recently returned to the practice of their Catholic faith, and would like to gather for some informal fellowship and opportunity for questions and input, please RSVP to Fr. Gary by emailing frgary.ccnh@gmail.com by April 27th. We will gather at Vianney House, our rectory next door to the church. Simply ring the bell at the front door at 98 Summer Street. NEW! Spiritual Bouquets We have envelopes available on the table in the back of the church to enroll men and women you know in our Spiritual Bouquet of Masses for both Mother s Day and Father s Day. Simply fill out and return the printed envelope to enroll them. These will be carried up at all Masses on those weekends and placed at the altar for remembrance in the Holy Masses offered. For the remainder of the month they will be placed on the side altars (Mary in May, Joseph in June). You may enroll anyone you know, whether living or deceased. For those who are living, you may take a card/mailing envelope to send to them informing them of your prayers, wishes, and this special spiritual gift you are giving them. Please return enrollment envelopes, in the collection basket or to the office, by May 10 for Mother s Day or June 13th for Father s Day. You can feel free to return them all together if that would make it easier by May deadline as well. NEW! Pilgrimage Meeting We are anxiously awaiting our May 20th departure for our parish Holy Land Pilgrimage, In the footsteps of Jesus! All who are registered are reminded of our pre-trip get together to go over details, answer any questions, and share fellowship on Saturday, May 5th. Due to construction and lack of available space, we had to change plans for the night slightly. Rather than a supper, we will meet at 7:00 PM that night in the back section of the church for the meeting portion, and then all are invited next door to the rectory, Vianney House, for wine and cheese, desserts, and coffee. Please let Fr. Gary know via email (frgary.ccnh@gmail.com) if you can t attend, and he will put aside your info and things for pick up later. NEW! Rosary Volunteers Needed We are in need of volunteers to lead the rosary on Saturday afternoons at 3:30 PM before Mass. If you are able to commit to one Saturday a month, or even just sign on as a substitute when needed, please contact Carol Jacques-Dow at 436-4555, X115 or pastoralassoc.ccnh@gmail.com. NEW! Congratulations Aidan! Congratulations to Corpus Christi parishioner and altar server Aidan Lena for being honored recently at the Methuen Rotary dinner! Aidan was named Student of the year at The Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen. NEW! Catholic Charities Appeal This weekend, we launch the annual appeal to support the many diverse works throughout our state that count on the generous response to this annual appeal for their funding and continuation. The needs increase, as you can well imagine, and, in a diversity of ways, the programs of NH Catholic Charities makes tangible the care and concern of Christ and His Church for those in need among us. We urge you to take a brochure that gives more details, along with an envelope, from the church doors. Prayerfully consider your pledge or one time gift. Simply return the envelope in the collection or mail in directly. Know that your response will make a difference! The appeal runs through the end of May. NEW! High School Guys Invited Fr. Gary would like to invite all guys in high school to join him for a St. Andrew Dinner this Friday, April 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Joseph House in Manchester. These opportunities are being offered at various places throughout our diocese. Fellowship, a good meal, and an opportunity to reflect a bit on how to discern God s call in our lives is what is involved. This is not just for guys who feel called to priesthood. Guys who might be feeling nudged will benefit certainly, but it s also about ways everybody can prayerfully consider their gifts, talents, and hopes and bring God into the mix in considering what do I want to do with my life? Relaxed and informal, everybody welcome! Want to join us? Please email Fr. Gary (frgary.ccnh@gmail.com) or see him after Mass and let him know you re interested. We will provide transportation. We ll meet at 5:00 PM that night at the rectory and head out from there. Please let Fr. Gary know by Monday, April 23rd, if you can join us! NEW! Parish Scholarships Each year, Corpus Christi parish offers a number of partial scholarships to students who will be/are attending college for undergraduate studies. Father David Alexander Sullivan Scholarships are available to parish members who ve attended area high schools. Applications are available from the parish office or at: www.corpuschristinh.org. The deadline is May 4. Sanctuary Lamp & Votives The sanctuary lamp will burn this week in memory of Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Burns (6 th anniversary) and Rev. Thomas Savage (5 th anniversary), in gratitude. The votives at the Mary altar will burn with Birthday Blessings for Sr. Nina Underwood. At the St. Joseph altar, the votives will burn with Birthday Blessings for Marcie Harris. Altar Flowers The flowers on the high altar this week were given in memory of Fran Price, by Corpus Christi Parish Staff, in gratitude.
St Patrick Academy Updates The students are on vacation this week. Upon return from vacation, students will be dropped off that Monday morning at the new facility on Banfield Road, with classes starting there April 30th. Final touches will still be underway, but it will be possible for the school to be up and running! On Friday, May 11th, Bishop Libasci will be with us to offer the first school Mass for students and staff and bless the school chapel. From that day forward, the Blessed Sacrament will be reserved in the chapel s tabernacle, located in the very center, the heart of the new school! On Sunday, May 13th, the Bishop will return for the official Blessing and Dedication of the new school building at 3:00 PM (one year to the day that the groundbreaking shovel touched ground there)! More info can be found on the St. Patrick Academy website. All are invited to come and share the joy. With the opening of the new school, we wrap up the 149th year and enter into the 150th anniversary year of Catholic education in Portsmouth! We have so much to be thankful for!! Diocesan Vocation Prayer Weekend Usually our diocese ordains new priests on the first Saturday of June. The weekend before, we ordain men to the transitional diaconate (deacons who will be ordained priests a year later). This year, however, while we have two men to be ordained deacons on Memorial Day weekend, we have no candidates for Ordination to the Priesthood for the following weekend. In light of this, the Bishop asks that we observe this year without Priestly Ordinations as a time to kick up our commitment to praying for, fostering, and encouraging priestly vocations as never before! That first weekend of June is the Feast of Corpus Christi the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. Without priests, we cannot have the Eucharist! What better weekend to dedicate to this state-wide effort at storming heaven? In the future, other initiatives to promote and support vocations will be announced for implementation in every parish of our diocese. For now please watch for opportunities to be part of this weekend of prayer here as we observe our patronal feast day that weekend Corpus Christi! We will be holding 40 Hours Devotion here! Friday, June 1st, through Sunday, June 3rd, will have extended times of Eucharistic adoration totaling 40 hours. Folks will be asked to sign up as scheduled adorers so we are assured of continued presence of adorers before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. This will be ongoing through the day and night. We will look to have four people committed to each hour, and of course, hope everyone in the parish, whether you can commit to a certain time or not, will drop in at varied times or at least once, in the 40 hours! Special Touch the Hem of His Garment candlelight Mass/Procession will take place that Friday and the annual outdoor Eucharistic Procession will take place after the 10:30 AM Solemn Mass that Sunday. Watch for more! Men s Ministry Update Thank you to our Men s Ministry for sponsoring the excellent presentation by author and adventurer Paul Stutzman at the Music Hall Loft last weekend. The two shows were very well attended and enjoyed by all. Our Men s Ministry is also currently raising funds for the next mission trip to Ecuador. Donations are already coming in through Online Giving. If you would also like to make a donation online, simply use the General Donation fund and note that your gift is for Men s Ministry Ecuador Mission in the special intentions box. You can also donate by cash or check by putting your donation in an envelope marked Men s Ministry Ecuador Mission and placing it in the collection basket or mailing it to the parish office. Community Postings NYC Bus Trip! Members of Corpus Christi Parish are organizing a trip to New York City and St. Patrick Cathedral. We will be there in time to attend the mid-day Mass, and then everyone will be free to spend time in the city as they please. The cost is $130 per person, which covers the cost of transportation. The bus will leave at 6:00 AM on Saturday, May 5th, and return by 1:00 AM. For information or to make a reservation, contact Egizia Brown, 603-436-6381, or egiziabrown@comcast.net. Padre Pio Relics The relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, will be on display at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Monday, April 30 th, from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. Saint Pio was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. During his lifetime, Padre Pio was known as a mystic with miraculous powers of healing and knowledge, who bore the stigmata. Pope John Paul II canonized him in 2002. Catherine of Siena: A Woman for Our Times Saint Kathryn Church, at 4 Dracut Road, in Hudson, has the joy of welcoming Sister Nancy Murray, O.P., who will present a one-woman performance based on the life of Saint Catherine of Siena. This presentation will be offered in the church on Sunday, April 29 th, at 3:00 PM. Sister Nancy, a Dominican Sister from Adrian, Michigan, brings to us a wonderful performance, revealing to us the greatness of Saint Catherine and the beauty and depth of her relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be a general admission, so register NOW for complimentary tickets: https://catherine-of-siena.eventbrite.com! We have enough tickets for only the number of seats in the church. Once they are gone, they are gone so don t delay! For details, please contact Charlene Maniotis in the parish office at 603-882-7793. 3rd Annual Tea Party The Parish of the Ascension in southern Maine invites you to their 3 rd annual Tea Party on Sunday, April 29, at 1PM in St. Christopher Church Hall, 4 Barrell Lane in York. Develop/ decorate your table (tablecloth, teapot, centerpiece, silverware, cups/saucers, etc.) around a theme! Tables sit 8 9 guests! We provide: tea sandwiches & desserts, tea! A YCSA Fashion Show and violinists will entertain you, and you can purchase modeled clothing. To reserve a table, call 207-361-7629.