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Week of April 26, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Easter
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The Pastor’s Musings
Dear Family in the Lord,
Jesus put it well when He said, “The harvest is great, but laborers are
few…” It’s not that God isn’t calling, and it certainly, as we well know, is not
that there is no longer a need; however, we live in a culture that doesn’t create a
climate for response. In many cases, those who even hint at being open to the
Lord’s call to a shepherding ministry in the Church as a priest or consecrated
religious often received ridicule, criticism, and negativity – sometimes from
their own families and circle of friends. Jesus went on to say, “Beg the harvest
master to send out laborers into his harvest.” The Holy Father has dedicated
this Fourth Sunday of Easter, commonly called “Good Shepherd Sunday,” as
the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
We all are called to live our life as response to a “vocation” – a call we
receive from God. While we may not be able to gauge with any real accuracy
the effectiveness of our lives, there is nowhere we walk in life without leaving
the imprint of who we are upon the ground we tread. As Christians, we are
called to have it be the imprint of another Christ! The gospel today (John
10:11-18) picks up the idea of Christ, the Good Shepherd, calling each of us in
varied ways.
Youth is a time of great generosity, idealism, and hope. Evidence of
this is in the way young people give of their time and talent to deprived groups
in society. We, as a faith community, are called to affirm these gifts, fan these
sparks into flame, and create a climate where those who feel the Lord might be
calling them to church vocations will sense that its okay to talk about it, that
nobody will push them into anything, but that they will be prayerfully supported and encouraged that, if indeed He is calling, it would be a gift worth
exploring!
There are a number of stirrings of vocation in our parish presently.
Some are just keeping their minds and hearts open at this point. Others are
exploring ideas in spiritual direction and in their personal prayer and reading.
Others are in active discernment to see if, indeed, the next step for them would
be to continue their discernment within a seminary or religious community.
Last June, we had a young man from our parish, Joe, take up residence
in our discernment house, Nazareth House, in the former St. Catherine Rectory.
This has been a year of deepening discernment, prayer, and involvement in the
life of the community for him. He continues to develop this as he follows the
Lord’s invitation deeper in this process. Last September, our youth minister
Shannon entered the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth to deepen her discernment.
She is truly joyful and enjoying her journey with this newly-developing religious community. Both Joe and Shannon have been deeply touched by your
ongoing prayers and your notes and cards offering support and encouragement.
Week after week, the Icon of the Knocking Christ goes from home to
home in our parish as folks commit to a special week of prayer for vocations to
rise up from Corpus Christi and for clarity and perseverance for those in various levels of discernment. This has been a powerhouse of grace! This program, along with the faithfulness of so many in being prayerful and supportive,
has made this parish a great place where vocations are fostered, and a place of
fertile soil where they can take root and blossom.
So, on this day of prayer, I thank you! I thank you for jumping both
feet into this effort for vocations, which I set as a priority for us when I arrived
here as your pastor in September of 2011. Truly, the Lord is stirring among us
and answering our prayers in powerful ways! Let’s keep up our efforts!
Indeed, the harvest is plentiful, laborers are few… so, let’s all do our part
according to our vocation, to offer a shepherd’s care to one another, and to beg
the Lord to raise up many from among us to go from us to God and God to us
as zealous and holy priests and as enthusiastic and faith-filled consecrated men
and women!
On May 18th, I will celebrate the 30th anniversary of my ordination to
the Priesthood. I hope that many will be blessed with the joy and blessed
surprises that have been mine for these past 30 years! Join me, please, in
making that a special day of prayer for vocations as well!
Yours in His Love,
The Week at a Glance
Monday, April 27
Tuesday, April 28
Bible Study (in Spanish) – 5:00 PM (EDPC LL)
Bible Timeline – 6:30 PM (SJ H)
Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Wednesday, April 29
Prayer Cenacle – 2:00 PM (SC C)
K of C Mtg – 6:30 PM (IC H)
Thursday, April 30
Exposition/Adoration – 8:30 AM-7 PM (SC)
Benediction – 7:00 PM (SC C)
Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Contemporary Choir Rehearsal – 7 PM (SO)
Friday, May 1
Breakfast Group – 8:30 AM (SC H)
Setup for Italian Dinner – 10AM-8PM (SC H)
Italian Class – 7:00 PM (EDPC LL)
First Friday Mass – 7:00 PM (SC C)
Nocturnal Adoration – 7:30-Midnight (SC C)
Saturday, May 2
NYC/St. Patrick Cathedral Trip
Rosary – 3:30 PM (IC C)
Italian Dinner! – 5:00 PM (SC H)
Sunday, May 3
Televised Parish Mass – 10 AM, Channel 98
Choir Practice Spanish Mass – 1:30 PM (SC)
Spanish Mass – 2:00 PM (SC C)
KEY:
IC = Immaculate Conception
SC = St. Catherine
SJ = St. James
C = Church
H = Hall
R = Rectory (at SC)
SPS = St. Patrick School
EDPC = Eileen Daly Pastoral Center
SO = SHARE Office
LL = Lower Level (enter door at driveway end)
FF = First Floor
VH = Vianney House (rectory at IC)
20/20 WINNER$
$25 Winners ~ Week 10
# 51
# 38
Irene Laverdiere
Jim McDonough
April 26, 2015
Corpus Christi Parish
Portsmouth, NH
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Intentions For Holy Mass
Monday
APR 27 Easter Feria (weekday)
8:00AM SC Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Burns,
by Maryann Parnell
Tuesday
APR 28 St. Louis de Montfort
8:00AM SC Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Burns
and Rev. Thomas Savage,
by the Cronk Family
Wednesday APR 29 St. Catherine of Siena
8:00AM SC Robert and Christopher Keefe,
by John Hill
Thursday
APR 30 St. Pius V
8:00AM SC Sylvie &Anna Crow, by Sue Ford
Friday
MAY 1 St. Joseph the Worker
8:00AM SC John Leary, by his estate
7:00PM SC Patty Flynn, by the McMaster Family
Saturday
MAY 2 St. Athanasius
8:00AM SC Paul Harvey, by Don & Sonya Desjardins
Vigil
5th Sunday of Easter
4:00PM IC Jennie Perry, by Paul & Josephine Russo
Sunday
MAY 3 5th Sunday of Easter
8:30AM IC T J Bassett, by the Maloney Family
10:30AM IC Lindsay DiNapoli,
by Mary Tosi and Donna Barrett
2:00PM SC in Spanish
Celebrant’s Intention
4:30PM IC Pro Populo (For our Parish Family)
To schedule Mass intentions, please call Marilyn
Chavez at the St. Catherine office, 436-0344.
FIRST FRIDAY
This Friday, we invite you to join us for our monthly parish
devotion in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as revealed
by the Lord to St. Margaret Mary. It’s so easy to take the
great gift of the Blessed Sacrament for granted! The recent
celebration of Lent and Holy Week has certainly reminded us
all of the great love that flows from the Heart of Christ! The
Divine Mercy celebration further underscores this gift! Will
you join us in a spirit of gratitude and in reparation for so
much ingratitude?
• Holy Mass at 7:00 PM
• Litany of Sacred Heart & Exposition after Mass
• Ongoing opportunity for adoration follows throughout the night
• Compline (Night Prayer) & Benediction, 11:45 PM
This monthly evening of prayer takes place in our St.
Catherine Church.
MAY DEVOTIONS
Next weekend, we usher in the beautiful month that traditionally has been set apart as a time to lovingly honor our Blessed
Mother. We urge you to create a special place of prayer and
honor in your home: an image of Mary, perhaps candles and
flowers? You could gather the family there, or go before her
alone, each day of this month for prayer. Perhaps the shrine
could further be enhanced with photos placed there of your
mom, godmother, grandmother, daughter who is a mom?
In addition, we invite you to join us in praying the rosary
together – after 8:00 AM Mass on Monday through Saturday
(at St. Catherine) and on Saturday afternoons at 3:30 PM at
Immaculate Conception.
A special Marian Triduum will also be offered as a May
special event (details below). Whatever we do, let’s be sure
that we use these days to rediscover our Blessed Mother and
her powerful intercession in our lives!
Morning Prayer
FATIMA TRIDUUM
All are invited to join the community gathered before
the daily Mass, Monday through Saturday, as they
pray Lauds (Morning Prayer) from the Liturgy of the
Hours at 7:40 AM at our St. Catherine Church.
At Fatima, our Lady spoke of the devotion of the five
First Saturdays of the month. Praying the Rosary and
reflecting on the mysteries for 15
minutes were part of this devotion,
along with Holy Mass and communion.
Many have remarked that they would
love to enter the mysteries more deeply
and be able to connect them to their
daily life. We are offering this Fatima
Triduum
to
help
deepen
the
appreciation of the mysteries of the
Holy Rosary. Join us! Tell others! We
will gather nightly and will culminate with the celebration
of the Feast day of our Lady of Fatima on May 13th.
(Nightly services at our Immaculate Conception Church.)
• Holy Mass at 7:00 PM followed by praying the
Scriptural Rosary
• Teaching on the mysteries each night at Mass
• Monday through Wednesday, May 11th to 13th
Our Reflection
Of God’s Generosity To Us!
Weekend of April 18/19, 2015
Envelopes/EFT
Loose
Total
$ 11,782.21
$ 1,651.80
$ 13,434.01
Last weekend 298 envelope/22 EFT users
contributed 88 % of our income.
Poor Box Donations
$
468.22
April 26, 2015
Corpus Christi Parish
Portsmouth, NH
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Parish News
NEW! Catholic Charities Appeal
Throughout our state, the compassionate care of Christ
and His Church continues day in and day out. To many, it
may all go unnoticed, but, to those who find themselves in
need, the services offered provide a tangible sign of care and a
great source of support and comfort.
Here in our Seacoast area, the local Catholic Charities
efforts are directed out of the satellite office in Rochester, with
counseling offered in office space at our Nazareth House, the
former St. Catherine Rectory. In addition to counseling
services, NH Catholic Charities operates the NH Food Bank
and offers a variety of parish and community services, as well
as outreach to young parents in crisis through Our Place. The
elderly receive wonderful loving care in a number of nursing
homes operated by NHCC as well. A portion of what is
collected in each parish is available for use in the local parish
as well, through its outreach efforts, in our case, Portsmouth
Catholic SHARE.
The annual appeal to support these ongoing efforts is now
underway! You’ll find envelopes and informative brochures
with more details at the church entrances. Please prayerfully
consider your investment in supporting this vital work! Our
parish has, historically, been most generous in support. After
you consider what you can do, in a pledge or one time gift,
please return the envelope in our collection or mail it directly
to the NH Catholic Charities office in Manchester. Thanks in
advance for your consideration of this vital need!
NEW! Anointing of the Sick
As we observe these Easter days of healing, wholeness,
and new life, we are planning to offer an opportunity for those
who may be struggling with major health issues or chronic
illness to approach the comforting and healing touch of the
Lord in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
This sacrament is not reserved to those on death’s door,
nor is it given simply as a blessing. The sacramental grace can
be of great benefit to those who struggle with chronic illness,
those battling major diseases, those increasingly weakened
and challenged by age, and those suffering the debilitating
effects of mental illness as well. You? Someone you know
and could invite? (If you have further questions regarding
this, please feel free to speak with Father Gary or Carol, our
Pastoral Associate.) Those who will be facing serious surgery
are likewise invited to be anointed. The anointing will be
imparted following each weekend Mass on May 16/17.
The homily on that day will dispel many of the false ideas
that are often out there that keep people from asking for the
graces of this great sacrament, or that cause situations where
fear keeps people from asking for the anointing, for themselves or for a loved one, until death is imminent, and, oftentimes, by the time we are able to get to them it is too late. We
hope you’ll find the homily that weekend enlightening and
that you can get the word out to those you know too!
NEW! Spring Clean Up
Hey guys, can you join us at St Catherine on Saturday,
May 2, from 9 to 12? All or any part of that time? A group of
guys will be getting together to get some yard work done.
Bring a rake if you can. Coffee will be on! Give us a heads
up if you can help by leaving a message for John Boyd at 603498-3131. Maybe a good father and son project? Thanks!
NEW! First Communion Information
Below are the dates and times for our First Communion
rehearsal and celebration. The rehearsal is very important, so
please attend. At least one parent must attend the rehearsal
with your child.
May 5 Tuesday ~ 6:30 PM at Immaculate Conception
First Communion Rehearsal
May 9 Saturday ~ 10:00 AM
First Communion at Immaculate Conception
NEW! Pot O’ Gold Raffle!
Saint Patrick School is having a gift card raffle! We are
filling a big bowl ("Pot O' Gold") with gift cards from all
kinds of places, with a winner-take-all raffle on the last day of
school, June 11th. Tickets are only $10.00 each and will be
sold until the drawing! The winner will take home over a
hundred gift cards! Visit the Saint Patrick School main office
to buy your ticket today!
Congratulations to Denise Martell, the winner of the Gas
Card Raffle! $1,740.00 was raised for the 8th grade class trip
to NYC! Thank you for your support!
Italian
Dinner!
Saturday, May 2nd
5:00 – 6:30 PM
St. Catherine Hall
The last of this year’s parish dinners is coming soon!
Doors will open at 5 PM, and a meal of cioppino (an
Italian fish dish) with pasta will be served from 5:30 to
6 PM. Tickets will be sold after all the Masses this
weekend. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.
Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, $6.00
for children aged 5-12, free for under 5, and $30 for a
family (immediate family only). Invite your family and
friends!
Volunteers needed!
We’re looking for people to help plan, prep, setup,
clear plates, do dishes, and we could really use extra
people to serve! If you can help in any of these tasks,
please contact Liz at [email protected] or 603742-6701!
April 26, 2015
Corpus Christi Parish
Portsmouth, NH
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Mother’s Spiritual Bouquet
Once again, we will offer an opportunity for you to enroll
Mothers, living or deceased, in a special remembrance at
Masses offered in our parish on Mother’s Day. We will have
beautiful cards which you can use to send
to the mothers you enroll – your mom,
grandmother, godmother, daughter, or
relatives and friends who are mothers – to
let them know of the spiritual gift you are
offering them.
There is a printed
envelope you need to take, fill in, enclose
your free will donation, and return to us
by May 8 so they can be placed at the
altar for the Masses on Mother’s Day weekend. These will be
available after all the Masses this weekend, in the parish
office during the week, and next weekend.
NEW! Brief Eucharistic Minister Meeting
Any Eucharistic Ministers that were not able to attend one
of the brief “after Mass” meetings with Fr. Gary in the sacristy
this weekend are reminded that he will provide another opportunity after all Masses next weekend. Only ten minutes, but,
important that we connect with all who serve in this ministry
of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
NEW! Young Adult Idea Swap
All young adults, ages 18 to 30 something, are invited to
come to Fr. Gary's house next Sunday night, May 3, for
supper and an open discussion of how we can establish a
young adult ministry and outreach in our parish. There are
lots of possibilities, and every now and then more ideas surface, so, it’s time to get together, share ideas, and get something going. Whether you're married or single, your input will
be important. Among possibilities, we would like to launch a
“Tapas & Theology” outreach, on the idea of “Theology on
Tap” programs that have been very effective all over the
country. We are a willing venue; there are lots of ideas; it's
time to move!
So... will you come for dinner and conversation? We
invite you to join us for 4:30 PM Mass next Sunday, then head
over to our rectory next door, Vianney House, for dinner and
brainstorming, wrapping up by 7:30 PM. To plan for dinner
preparation, please let Fr. Gary know you're coming by
emailing [email protected] by this Tuesday.
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 members of Corpus Christi
Parish who have attended area high schools. The application
deadline is May 15. Applications are available from the
parish office or on our website: www.corpuschristinh.org.
NEW! Traveling Vocation Icon
This week, the St. Pierre Family will receive
the Icon of Jesus Knocking at the Door into their
home and intercede in a special way for Shannon
and all in formation, for those discerning, and for
many vocations to rise up from our community.
NEW! YouthFest
We’re excited that over 50 people from our parish will be
joining with hundreds of others from all over our Diocese for
Youthfest at St. Anselm College next Saturday! Let’s keep
our youth and those accompanying them in our prayers that
this day of faith, fellowship, and celebration have a soulstirring effect in their lives!
NEW! Ladies’ Night/Game Night
Women of the parish are invited to join us for a Game
Night on Friday, May 8th, beginning at 6:00 PM, at St. James
Church Hall. We’ll have a variety of games to play, including
Scrabble, Farkel, Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories, CatchPhrase,
and more (or bring a favorite game of your own). Participants
can play the game(s) of their choice. We’re aiming for easy
setup and cleanup, so if you’d like to bring something, please
stick to finger foods. Tea, coffee, and water will be provided.
NEW! Prayer Shawl Meeting Guest Speaker
The next Prayer Shawl Meeting will be held on Thursday,
May 7th, at 2:00 PM in St. James Hall. Corpus Christi parishioner June Kapitan has recently served as a Chaplain Intern at
Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. June will share some
of her experiences with how patients and their families have
responded to the gift of prayer that comes in the visible form
of prayer shawls. June will begin her presentation at 2:30 PM.
All are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. For
further information, please contact Elaine Wilder at 603-4368379 or Cyndi Gagnon at 603-373-0094.
World Youth Day
Enough interest has been expressed, so, we will have an
info night on Wednesday, May 6th, at 7:00 PM in our St.
James Hall for those who may be interested in the possibility
of registering and joining us! We will be heading to Krakow,
Poland from July 24 to August 1, 2016 to join youth from all
over the world who will gather with our Holy Father. We will
take some time in the days before to explore the spiritual
riches of Poland. Flyers with details are at church doors.
Take one. If you might be interested, plan to join us May 6th!
NEW! Attention Snowbirds
Reminder to parishioners who are returning from their
winter down south and who use envelopes: If you would like
to start receiving your envelopes again, please let us know so
we can inform our envelope supplier.
Sanctuary Lamps
The sanctuary lamp at St. Catherine Church will
burn in memory of Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. Burns this
week, in gratitude.
The sanctuary lamp at St. James Church will burn
this week for Rev. Thomas Savage, in gratitude.
At Immaculate Conception Church, the sanctuary
lamp will burn this week in memory of Lindsay
DiNapoli, as requested by her husband.
The votives at the Mary altar will burn for the
intentions of Fran Price, on the occasion of her
birthday, as requested by the parish staff.
April 26, 2015
Corpus Christi Parish
Portsmouth, NH
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2nd Annual Car Boot Sale!
Community Postings
Bereavement Support Group
Saturday, May 16
8:00AM – 1:00PM
St. James Church Parking Lot
*Clearing out your closet?
*Downsizing your house?
*Kids heading off to college?
*Want to get organized?
Whatever your reason might be, if you have too
much stuff, consider donating it to our spring sale.
The Car Boot Sale supports our teens for summer
programs. Donating items for the sale is easy. To
schedule a merchandise pickup from your house, call
603-498-3131. Or donate items at the parish office,
2075 Lafayette Road, on Mondays from 10:00 AM
to 12:00 PM.
We are accepting items in good saleable condition:
home décor, furniture, lamps, china, glassware,
sporting equipment, small working appliances, print,
paintings, bikes, and children’s indoor and outdoor
furniture.
Vendor space is also available.
For more information, please contact
Maureen Boyd at 603-498-3631
Candle Memorials/Intentions
You can remember deceased loved ones on
birthday weeks, anniversary of death, or perhaps offer thanks for a wedding anniversary,
favor obtained, or ask birthday blessings for
someone living. You can contact Mary Kay in
our office to select a week to have any of the
following candles burn for your intention.
These are published in the bulletin at the start of
the week you select for prayerful remembrance.
Options include:
• Sanctuary lamps that burn near the tabernacle in all three
churches ($15/week)
• Votive lamps (2) on St. Joseph’s altar or on the Blessed
Mother's altar at Immaculate Conception ($10/week)
• Votive lamps at the Divine Mercy Shrine in St. James
($10/week)
Due to the winter of all winters, our Bereavement group
that was to meet during January and February was postponed
over and over. Now that Spring is here, we will try again.
Catholic Charities NH, in conjunction with St. Thomas
More Parish in Durham, will host a Bereavement Support
Group. The group will meet Sundays after the 11:15 Mass
from approximately 12:30 to 2 PM. Our first meeting will be
Sunday, May 17, and will be held in basement of St. Thomas
More Church on Madbury Road in Durham.
Please pre-register by calling Sr. Helene at Catholic Charities NH, 603-332-7701. There is no fee for participating, but
you may wish to make a donation toward the cost of books.
The Family in the World Today and
Pope Francis’ Visit to the US
The 8th World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadelphia, PA, from September 22 to 27, 2015. Pope Francis
will celebrate a public Mass on Sunday, September 27. The
Diocese of Manchester is sponsoring a pilgrimage to this
World Meeting and Papal Mass. Families and those who minister to families can join others from around the country and
the world to explore issues that affect family life. For information and pilgrimage details, please visit the diocesan
website www.catholicnh.org/wmof.
Trip to Poland
Join us for “The Legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II.” This
pilgrimage, sponsored by Fr. Paul Montminy and Fr. Ray
Labrie, is a 10 day round trip, including the following cities
and sites: Warsaw, Niepokalanow, with a visit to the Franciscan Friary of Maximilian Kolbe, Czestochowa, and a visit to
Jasna Gora Shrine and the Black Madonna, Auschwitz and the
infamous concentration camp, Krakow, and a stay at the
Shrine of Divine Mercy, Wadowicz, the birth place of John
Paul II. The pilgrimage takes place October 16th – 25th. Per
person price based on double occupancy: $3,399.00. Call Fr.
Paul at 603-622-4966 for a brochure or for more information.
Catholic Family Weekend
All are invited to the 10th Annual Catholic Family
Weekend, August 14 – 16, at the Barbara C. Harris Center on
Otter Lake in Greenfield, NH (www.bchcenter.org). The
theme for this year is “A Higher Love: Called to Serve –
Imitating Christ in Word and Action!” The focus of the weekend is the family. We will explore ways that you can build a
strong, Christ-centered family life. By sharing with other families, we will seek to build stronger communities of support.
Your family will bunk together, play games together, pray
together, and most importantly be together. There will be
activities for children of all ages, family activities, and free
time for family fun. Mass on Saturday evening, lighted
rosary, and an outdoor concert. Come make memories and
connections with Catholic families from all across the state!
Best of all, no cooking! To register, visit www.vitanova.org.
Please contact Shawn & Teresa Rouillard with any questions
at (603) 641-8878 or email Teresa at [email protected].