St. Christopher Parish
November 9, 2014
St. Christopher Church
Fr. Richard Kelley, Pastor
62 Manchester St.
Nashua, New Hampshire 03064
(603) 882-0632
(603)881-8728 fax
[email protected]
www.stchrisparishnh.org
St. Christopher School
Mrs. Cindy Clarke, Principal
Grades PreK - 6
20 Cushing Ave.
Nashua, New Hampshire 03064
(603) 882-7442
(603)594-9253 fax
Veterans Day Prayer
www.stchrisschoolnh.org
Worship Schedule
Morning Prayer
Daily Mass
Saturday Vigil
Sunday Mass
Vietnamese Mass
7:00 AM Weekdays
7:15 AM Weekdays
4:00 PM
8:00 & 10:00 AM
1:00 PM Sunday
Confessions
3:00-3:30 PM Saturday
Rosary
7:00 PM Tuesday
Eucharistic Adoration
1:00-4:00 PM
1st Friday of the Month
September - June
May we remember that the freedoms we enjoy in our most
gracious home, the United States of America, did not come
without a price. May the Lord bless all those who served,
all those who continue to serve, and the families that those
serving left behind. May we never forget. Amen
Our Parish Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray for all of the people and programs of St. Christopher Parish. Unite us as a
community of believers and grant us the wisdom, grace, and strength to do your will. We ask this
through Christ Our Lord. AMEN.
Our Mission
We are a Roman Catholic parish whose members live and proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
Welcome New Parishioners! If you
would like to register or you have
changed your address, please fill out
the form on page 5. Those moving
from the parish are also asked to
contact the rectory. Thank you!
St. Christopher Church serves as a spiritual home where all are welcome to share in its ongoing
commitment to providing opportunities for
• Worship
through the celebration of the Sacraments,
• Service through active and compassionate participation in the community,
• Education
in God’s Word and the Catholic faith, and
• Fellowship
through parish events that nurture and support family life.
November 9, 2014
2
Mass Intentions
Saturday, November 8
4:00 PM Veterans Mass
Robert Desjarlais,
21st Anniversary
by John & Clarie Herbert
Sunday, November 9
8:00 AM Annette Dewhirst
Aunt Carol Ann &
Uncle Tom Skabo
10:00 AM Joan Gagnon,
1st Anniversary
by The Family
1:00 PM Vietnamese Mass
Monday, November 10
7:15 AM Thomas Long
by Family & Friends
Tuesday, November 11
7:15 AM Tony Courounis,
7th Anniversary
by His Wife
Wednesday, November 12
7:15 AM Daniels & Donahue
Families
by the Daniels Family
Thursday, November 13
7:15 AM Matthew Ennis
by His Sisters
Friday, November 14
7:15 AM John Voveris,
Month’s Mind
by St. Christopher Parish
Saturday, November 15
4:00 PM Joanbeth Gurskis
by Al & Family
Sunday, November 16
8:00 AM Mike Farren
by Michael & Andrea
Richards
10:00 AM Edward Courtemanche,
4th Anniversary
by The Koitzsch/
Courtemanche Families
1:00 PM Vietnamese Mass
The Sanctuary Lamp Burns This Week:
For Thomas Long
by Family & Friends
Altar Bread and Wine:
The Altar Bread and Wine, which
will become the Body and Blood of
Our Lord Jesus Christ at all Masses
celebrated during the month
of November 2014, is offered in
memory of Robert Desjarlais, his 21st
Anniversary, and the Desjarlais Family by John and Claire Hebert.
Hello again.....
This past week was mostly spent at the
parish but I would like to share a few of the
high-lights that took place.
On Wednesday, I visited with Fr. Richard
McAlear, an Oblate priest who lives in one
of their homes in Tewksbury. Fr. McAlear is
a good friend of mine whom I have known
since high school. Both of us are from
Boston (he is from the Jamaica Plain section,
I was raised in West Roxbury). For a few
summers when we were young, both of us
worked at a boating program which was run
by the City of Boston. I have many pleasant
memories of our younger days.
For most of his priesthood, Fr. McAlear
has been involved in the preaching
and healing ministries. He has travelled
throughout the world and is a highly
respected preacher of the gospel. Many
of you may remember him when he was
last here in 2002. He gave a very successful
retreat here at that time, so I purposely
asked him to return. He will be here on the
weekend of March 7 & 8. The parish retreat
will continue for the next three days (March
9, 10, & 11). I am really looking forward to
his return visit to the parish and I enjoyed
getting together with him this past week
while we planned the retreat.
On Thursday, I was in Boston for a
day off when I learned of the passing of
former Mayor Thomas Menino. There were
differences between some of his views and
that of some of the teachings of the church,
but it is also known that he was a churchgoing Catholic who always did what he
thought was the right thing to do. We pray
for and entrust his soul to the Lord.
On Saturday at the 4:00 PM Mass, we
especially honored and prayed for deceased
members of the parish who died during the
past year. The names of 39 people, those
who funerals were held here or who had
connections with the parish, were read.
Relatives and friends of the deceased,
some of whom came from a distance, were
at this Mass. This is a good thing to do on
All Souls weekend and it was also good
to see so many of the relatives and friends
participating in this Mass.
On Sunday, the NET team was here to
give a retreat for the Confirmation students.
They have been here many times in the past
and once again they were excellent. I can’t
praise the NET team enough and I pray that
the Lord will continue to bless them and
their ministry.
VETERANS – This weekend is Veterans Day
week-end. We honor our Veterans who have
served our nation, especially those who
have served in our nation’s wars. To our
Veterans – Thank You! It is good to have you
here this weekend.
FINANCE COMMITTEE – will meet on
Tuesday evening, November 11 at 7:00 PM at
the rectory.
From the Pastor, continued on
page 4
YOU are invited to a FREE
Parish Appreciation Breakfast
Sunday, November 9
following 8:00 and 10:00 AM Mass!
Sponsored by the Parish Council and
Finance Committee
We want to thank YOU for all you
support of St. Christopher Parish over the
past year! Please be our guest at a FREE
pancake breakfast following both the
8:00 and 10:00 AM mass. Going to the
4:00 PM or 1:00 PM masses?
Stop on by and have breakfast with us,
anyways...we’d love to see you!
November 9, 2014
Catholic Daughters
Meeting and Fundraiser
Meeting:
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas
will be holding their monthly meeting on
November 11 in St. Christopher’s Parish Hall
at 6:30 PM. You are cordially invited to come
and get acquainted with us. For information
please call Anne Carruth at 888-6459 or Lillian Anderson at 882-7004.
Fundraiser:
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas
are holding a fundraiser and raffle for three
beautiful baskets: (1) An Italian Treat; (2) A
Refreshing Spa; and (3) Movie Night. Tickets
are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. We will be
downstairs in the Parish Hall after all Masses
on the weekend of Nov. 29th and 30th.
Please come and see us - you will be glad
you did! For more information please call
Lillian Anderson at 882-7004.
Book Club to Meet
The St. Christopher Book Club will meet at
7:00 PM at the Panera Bread on Amherst
Street on Tuesday, November 25. This
month we are reading “Igniting the Flame”
by Jim Reisler. This is the story of the 14 college athletes who represented the United
States at the first modern Olympic games
in 1896. Readers will be inspired by how
the athletes succeeded in sports they have
never before attempted as well as the hospitality of Greece in hosting the games. This
is sure to be an interesting selection, and we
hope to see you there!
We extend a special welcome to Mr.
and Mrs. Gregory McDonald and their
children who recently registered at the
parish and pray that they will find a
warm welcome and spiritual home at St.
Christophers.
CREATING FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Prayer Shawl Group
Our next meeting is Tuesday, November
18 at 12:30 PM in the Pennell Center. If you
would like to knit or crochet a Prayer Shawl,
please come join us!
If you or someone you know could use
a Prayer Shawl, please contact the rectory.
Questions? Call or email Andrea Richards at 598-4295 or [email protected].
This Week’s Parish Activities
Saturday, November 8, 2014
St. Vincent de Paul Society Thanksgiving Basket Appeal
Confessions @3:00pm
Vigil Mass @4:00pm
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Parish Appreciation Breakfast
St. Vincent de Paul Society Thanksgiving Basket Appeal
Re.Ed. Pre-K to 6-Class Canceled @7:30am
Sunday Mass @8:00am
Sunday Mass @10:00am
The Carmelites @11:00am
Youth Choir Rehearsal @11:10am
Confirmation Class @7:00pm
Monday, November 10, 2014
7:15 am Morning Mass
Rel. Ed. Grades 7 & 8-Class Canceled
RCIA @7:00pm
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
7:15 am Morning Mass
Cub Scout Troop Pack 253 Meeting @6:40pm
Baptismal Class @7:00pm
Rosary @7:00pm
The Catholic Daughters of Americas meeting @7:00pm
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
7:15 am Morning Mass
Senior Yoga @8:00am
Adult Choir Rehearsal @7:00pm
Thursday, November 13, 2014
7:15 am Morning Mass
Boy Scout #773 @7:00pm
Friday, November 14, 2014
7:15 am Morning Mass
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Confessions @3:00pm
Vigil Mass @4:00pm
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Sunday Mass @8:00am
Re.Ed. Pre-K to 6 @8:30am
Sunday Mass @10:00am
Youth Choir Rehearsal @11:10am
1st Reconciliation Class @6:30pm
Confirmation Class @7:00pm
Confirmation Class @7:00pm
We’re Here for YOU at
St. Christopher Parish!
Rectory Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00-3:00
Rectory Phone:882-0632
Parish Email:
[email protected]
Vietnamese Ministry:
Rev. Thien Nguyen
Parish Life Coordinator
Linda Sanborn
[email protected]
Religious Education
Alana Kocsis
[email protected]
Confirmation
Deacon Jim Daly
[email protected]
Bookkeeper
Jean Dickson
[email protected]
Music Director
Carol Ann Skabo
[email protected]
Parish Council Chair
Elizabeth Cote
[email protected]
Right to Life Coordinator
Dan Hogan
880-8157
Bulletin
Marta Nissen
[email protected]
Bulletin submissions are due one week
before publication. Thanks!
Visitation of the Sick
Please call the Rectory, 882-0632,
if a loved one is hospitalized, in
the care of a nursing facility, or
confined at home, and would like
to receive the Sacraments.
Overwhelmed by life, by care?
May we help with our prayer?
St. Christopher’s Prayer Line -24/7 from us to Heaven!
Call the Prayer Line
(Coordinator Maureen Brown) at
882-8634
Go online to
www.stchrisparishnh.org
Send email to
[email protected]
4
November 9, 2014
cont’d.
November 2, 2014 Offertory
Envelopes$4,667.00
Loose$1,205.50
Children’s Envelopes
$6.00
Faith Direct
$1,011.00
Total$6,889.50
OVER Budget
$789.50
NH Priest Retirement
$40.00
(total to date $2,099.00)
Fuel$535.00
(total to date $712.00)
All Saints
$414.00
(total to date $504.00)
All Souls
$391.00
(total to date $636.00)
Mission Sunday
$65.00
(total to date $512.00)
Catholic Univ. & USCCB
$10.00
(total to date $481.00)
Finance Year to Date as of Sept. 2014
Income
$86,730.19
Expense$89,780.74
UNDER Funded $3,050.55
Nashua’s
Diocesan Catholic Schools
www. NashuaDiocesanSchools.org
St. Christopher School
Grades Pre-Kindergarten - 6
882-7442
www.stchrisschoolnh.org
•
Infant Jesus School
Grades Pre-Kindergarten - 6
889-2649
www.ijschool.org
•
Nashua Catholic Regional
Junior High School
Grades 7 & 8
882-7011
www.ncrjhs.org
VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK – Please
continue to encourage and pray for more
vocations to the Priesthood and Religious
Life. After 42 years and counting as a priest,
I can honestly say that I would do it all over
again. I know many priests in this diocese
and elsewhere. I would also say that I know
at least 20 happy priests for every one priest
who says he is unhappy or lonely. The job
satisfaction among priests is the highest for
any vocation as well.
At the present time we have 9 seminarians
who are in various stages of preparation
for service in the Diocese of Manchester.
They are the following:
• at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore,
Maryland: Michael Sartori, Joshua
Livingston
• at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton,
Massachusetts: David Harris, Matthew
Schultz, David Wong, Andrew St.Hilaire
• at Our Lady of Providence Seminary
in Providence, Rhode Island: David
Gagnon, Ryan Amazeen, Rory Traynor
Please pray for them and for more men to
serve as priests of Jesus Christ. They are
needed.
St. Christopher School
PreKindergarten to Grade 1
Open House
Friday, November 21
9:30 AM -- Church Hall
Do you have a child or grandchild who will
be entering PreKindergarten, Kindergarten or Grade One for the 2015-2016 school
year? St. Christopher School invites you and
your family to visit the school at their Open
House on Friday, November 21 at 9:30 AM!
The presentation will focus on the younger
grades and the advantages St. Christopher
School offers young learners. A tour will
follow the presentation. No reservations
are necessary to attend. Come see what we
mean by “Not just an education. A moral
foundation”!
The parts preceding the liturgy of the word
namely, the Entrance Song, Greeting, Pentitential Rite, Kyrie, Gloria and Opening Prayer
have the character of a beginning, introduction and preparation. In October I talked
about the purpose of the Entrance Hymn. I
will continue this journey through the Gloria, Responsorial Psalm and the Alleluia over
the next few weeks. The Gloria is an ancient Hymn in which
the Church assembled in the Holy Spirit,
praise and entreats the Father and the
Lamb. The Gloria is sung or said on Sundays
outside Advent and Lent, on solemnities
and Feasts and in special, more solemn
celebrations.
I will not leave my computer keyboard
without pleading for Choir Members. We are
in need of new members to join our Adult
Choir and our Youth Choir. Please come and
join us in Praising God in Song! We look
forward to hearing from you.
Christmas Book Fair
Thanks again to all who came to this year’s
“Keep Christ in Your Family’s Christmas”
Book & Gift Fair! The event raised $235.13 for St. Christopher Parish. In case you want
to do some more shopping, similar events
are happening this weekend (Saturday
evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday
evening) at St. John Neumann in Merrimack,
and then in Saint John XXIII parish Nov.
15/16 (at Infant Jesus) and Nov. 22/23 (at St.
John the Evangelist across the river). Or you
can give us a call any time—we promise to
find what you want and give you a great
price on it. (Contact information for The
Christian Book Corner is on the back of the
bulletin.)
Corpus Christi Brown Bag
The Pantry’s needs are year round. For those
of you who would like to continue to help, suggested donations include: pancake mix, syrup,
creamed soups, toilet paper, canned stew and
toothpaste. As always, there are baskets at each
of the church entrances for your donated items.
5
November 9, 2014
A.O.H. Winter Clothing Drive
Once again, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bishop O’Neil Division, Greater Nashua,
is conducting their annual Winter Clothing
Drive on the weekend of November 22 and
23. All the clothing that is collected will be
distributed within the Greater Nashua area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Let
your old but clean and serviceable winter
coat warm twice. Once for the person who
receives it, and you for helping someone in
need. Bring adult and children sized winter
coats or sweaters to Mass on the November
22 or 23 or call Pat Heffernan at 603 882-8736.
Parish Nurse Notes
As mentioned last week, the GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT occurs NEXT week on
Thursday the 20th. Mark this date on your
calendar and plan to NOT smoke on that
day, if a smoker, or encourage a smoker that
you know to observe that one day of not
smoking as a positive step to ceasing entirely. Cigarettes should be put on the shelf
for that day and ignored! A good first step.
Smoking cessation is DIFFICULT but there
are many new helpful aids to assist you in
beating the habit. Take it one day at a time.
And good luck in your efforts!!!!
Parish Nurse is present at the Pennell
Center the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
following daily Mass (8:00 to 10:00 AM) to
assist you with health issues.
Yoga for Seniors
Are you looking to improve your overall health and well being? Create a new
healthy habit and join the St. Christopher
Yoga for Seniors class weekly on Wednesday mornings at 8:00 AM in the Church Hall.
Yoga for Seniors is a class that moves the
whole body through a series of seated and
standing yoga poses to increase flexibility
and range of motion, improve balance
and core strength, and help promote stress
reduction and mental clarity. Classes are
provided free of charge to St. Christopher’s seniors. Please take note of our upcoming
class schedule:
November 12 -- Regular Class 8:00 AM
November 19 -- NO CLASS
November 26 --Regular Class 8:00 AM
Discerning a Vocation?
“For we are God’s co-workers….” How are
you being called to build the kingdom of
God as His co-worker? Consider the generous service of priesthood or consecrated
life. Call Fr. Jason Jalbert at (603) 663-0132
or write: [email protected].
Families of Nazareth
Our Church Stands Strong
Against the Chaos
“In the face of great historical storms, in a
world tormented so often by barbarianism,
where people have lost understanding of the
sense of human life, in a world that doubts
everything including itself, the Church alone
gives the impression that she knows well
what she is aiming for.”
Rev. Tadeusz Dajczer, in The Gift of Faith.
HAVE YOU BEEN THINKING ABOUT DOING
SOMETHING NEW TO DEEPEN YOUR
EXPERIENCE OF LIVING THE GOSPEL IN
UNION WITH THE EXAMPLE AND INTERCESSION OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER?
Come to 27 Biscayne Pkwy in Nashua
this coming THURSDAY, November
13th. All are welcome -- you may pick
up a flyer in the vestibule of the church
ahead of time, if you wish to find out
what these Families of Nazareth meetings are all about. Join us for coffee/
tea at 7 PM or just arrive in time for the
Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
beginning at 7:15. Meeting concludes
approximately 8:30 PM.
Lord, hold our troops in your loving
hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families,
For the selfless acts they perform,
For us in our time of need.
And give us peace.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Our
Lord and Savior. Amen.
Please pray for the following service
people from our parish:
Children of William and Yvette
Berthelotte:
Maj. Joseph Berthelotte (Army);
Maj. Brian Berthelotte (Army);
Maj. Mark Berthelotte (Air Force);
Lt. Brad Berthelotte (Navy)
Son of John and Alana Kocsis:
Pfc. John Kocsis III, (Army)
Son of Joseph and Sue Strob:
Maj. Rob Strob
Husband/Father of Lynn, Thomas
and Jack:
Sgt. Francis Hyland (Army)
Grandson of Pat and Kaye
Heffernan:
Eamonn Garber, Corporal (USMC)
Son of David and Patricia Taylor:
SFC James Taylor (Army)
To add names to our weekly military
prayer list, please call Linda at the
rectory at 882-0632.
Welcome!
St. Christopher Parish welcomes all visitors to our Spiritual Home! If you are interested in
joining the parish, please complete the form below and either drop it in the Offertory Basket or mail it to the Rectory. One of our Parish staff members will be in touch. Registration
forms are also available online at www.StChrisParishNH.org.
Name ____________________________
Phone _________________
Address __________________________
Email __________________
_________________________________
November 9, 2014
6
Prayer to Saint Michael
With so many challenges
confronting us these days, we
need help and strength to meet
them head on. Please join us in
praying daily that through the
intercession of Saint Michael,
we will remain faithful and
strong in the Lord’s service and
in defending the Truth which
resides in the Church!
St. Michael the Archangel defend
us in battle; be our protection
against the wickedness and
snares of the devil. May God
rebuke him, we humbly pray; and
do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,
thrust into hell, Satan and all the
evil spirits who prowl around the
world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Faith Formation News
Classes for Faith Formation are underway. There is still time to join us. Register now! Forms
are available on our parish website, on the bulletin board in the church hall and by calling
the parish office. The schedule for the next few weeks:
Sunday Morning classes meet in the school. Parents and children are to gather in the
parish hall at 8:30 AM November 9 - No Class, Veterans Day
November 16 -- Regular Class
Junior High meets on Monday evening for Grades 7 and 8 at 6:30 PM in the church hall. November 10 -- No Class, Veterans Day
November 17 -- Regular Class
Sacrament Preparation
The next class for First Penance is Sunday, November 16 at 5:30 PM in the church hall. The
children are to come prepared to discuss chapters 6 and 7 in the study book.
The Good Shepherd Banner
Take a moment to notice the Good Shepherd Banner that is hanging to the left of the Altar. Each sheep on this banner represents a child that is preparing to celebrate First Penance on
December 6th. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers.
Home Study Program
Our parish offers a Home Study Program for families who wish to teach our Catholic Faith to
their children. This option is open to children in Grades Pre-K to 8. Registration is required.
The next meeting for this program is November 30 at 6:00 PM in the church hall.
Confirmation News
Corpus Christi
Adoration Chapel
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
12:00 —8:00 PM
43 Franklin Street
Nashua , NH
Volunteers are needed to commit to one hour of adoration
each week. Adoration provides
a wonderful time of grace-filled
peace in the presence of our
Lord. Please contact Sr. Elizabeth Castro, H.M.S.P. at 8820893 or 882-2262 to sign up.
“You will receive power!” This was the theme of the Confirmation Retreat that took place
on November 2nd. The Confirmation Directors of St. Christopher and St. Aloysius came
together as hosts to 75 high school students, including some from Immaculate Conception.
A team of 11 young adults working for the NET Ministries (National Evangelical Team)
conducted the retreat. These young adults dedicate a year of service traveling from diocese
to diocese. They describe their ministry as “Challenging Young Catholics to Love Christ and
Embrace the Life of The Church.”
During the retreat the students had the opportunity to take time out of their busy lives
to concentrate on their faith. Through fellowship, prayer, testimonies, music, skits and
games, the students learned ways to keep Christ in their everyday lives and many reasons to
embrace their Catholic faith. The retreat ended with the students receiving the Sacrament
of Reconciliation. This NET Team’s strong
love of our Catholic faith and their gentle
approach to conveying their faith during
this retreat is an example to all.
Thank you to the Host Families
We thank the families who opened their
homes to members of the NET Team. We
especially thank Father Marcos GonzalezTorres, Dennis and Janet Murphy, Phil and
Giselle North, and Tom and Karen Prieto for
their hospitality. We also thank Jean Dickson
and Tom Nardone for help serving lunch.
“A good example brings about so
much good, but hypocrisy brings
about much evil.”
Pope Francis I @ Pontifex
November 1, 2014
November 9, 2014
7
Family Connection to this Week’s Gospel
Families take pride in their homes and strive to keep
them neat and clean inside and out. Talk as a family
about the various chores that each family member has
that contributes to the upkeep of the home. Thank
each member for doing his or her chores and encourage everyone to take pride in the home. Explain that
people’s homes are a reflection of themselves and that
a home that is clean and welcoming shows respect
and hospitality. Point out that this Sunday, the Church celebrates one of its very special
homes: the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Explain that this basilica is the seat of the
Bishop of Rome, the pope, and that, as we celebrate its dedication, we are reminded of the
people the building represents: the pope and all God’s people throughout the world. Read
aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, John 2:13-22. Say: When we celebrate the dedication of this
great church, we are reminded of our own parish church where we gather to celebrate and,
even more so, of our domestic church, our home, where we encounter God every day. Remind family members that when they are asked to do chores that contribute to the upkeep
of the home, they are contributing to the upkeep of the domestic church.
Reprinted from http://www.loyolapress.com/
Readings for the Week
Monday: Ti 1:1-9; Ps 24:1b4ab, 5-6; Lk 17:1-6
Tuesday: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; Ps
37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29; Lk 17:7-10
Wednesday: Ti 3:1-7; Ps
23:1b-6; Lk 17:11-19
Thursday: Phlm 7-20; Ps
146:7-10; Lk 17:20-25
Friday: 2 Jn 4-9; Ps 119:1-2,
10-11, 17-18; Lk 17:26-37
Saturday: 3 Jn 5-8; Ps 112:16; Lk 18:1-8
Sunday: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20,
30-31; Ps 128:1-5; 1 Thes 5:1-6;
Mt 25:14-30 [14-15, 19-21]