Week of January 4, 2015 Epiphany of the Lord ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Pastor’s Page

Dear Family in the Lord,

The story of the Epiphany captures the imagination with its rich mixture of mystery and intrigue. Into the impoverished and most unlikely shelter of the Holy Family come wise men from the East, dressed in majestic robes and bearing exotic gifts. They had travelled long and far, guided by a star, and had experienced the deviousness of King Herod before they were filled with wonder and delight in finding the newborn child. After paying homage, they returned home, to what they knew, to ponder what they had encountered.

The story of the Magi is so colorful we may overlook its significance and fail to see its deeper meaning. The wise men represent all of us. Their journey through barren deserts and over mountains following a star reflects our life-long search for purpose and meaning in life, which is not possible unless we are guided by faith which enables us to see beneath the surface of appearances. At

the center of it all is the innocence of the newborn child, surrounded by adoration, wonder, and mystery, who is able to stir the emotions, imagina-tions, and wills of all those drawn into His presence. The story is always relevant because God sees to it that those who really search will find Him – often, in places, moments, and situations most unexpected! He will

shed His light in our darkness and make us new. His Word, the teaching of our Church, the authentic witness of believers, His voice within us as we enter quiet reflection, all provide the “guiding star” for this searching adventure.

As the Christmas season draws to a close and decorations are packed away, the ordinariness returns in many ways to our homes and our daily lives. This Feast of the Epiphany reminds us that the seeking goes on! We are urged to step into the new year on the unique path that each of us is to tread. Life is a pilgrimage, some-times filled with great joy, other times with seemingly overwhelm-ing tragedy and sadness. We are reminded that we do not need to travel alone fumbling in darkness in search of our destination. It calls us to look around and search for Christ present in our midst, in the here and now. To strain to see by His light what we cannot always quickly and easily perceive or understand. One thing for sure, He comes in people and places we least expect, and at times when we are most unprepared for His company. Nothing is ever the same again for those who discover His light.

The responsibility we all bear is to let the divine light within us shine through to others. The gospel of love, forgiveness, and redemption is certainly Good News! It’s not something to keep quiet about! May this Solemnity of the Epiphany – the manifestation of the Lord – stir in us a greater zeal of manifesting Him in us to all we encounter as we make our way, guided by His light, reflecting His light!

Yours in His Love,

The Week at a Glance

Monday, January 5

Tuesday, January 6 Preschool Playgroup – 9:30 AM (SPS) Bible Study (in Spanish) – 5:00 PM (EDPC LL) First Reconciliation Practice – 6:30 PM (ICC) Bible Timeline – 6:30 PM (SJ H) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98

Wednesday, January 7 Prayer Cenacle – 2:00 PM (SC C) K of C Mtg – 7:00 PM (IC H)

Thursday, January 8 Exposition/Adoration – 8:30 AM-7 PM (SC)

Preschool Playgroup – 9:30 AM (SPS) Prayer Shawl Ministry Mtg – 2 PM (SJ H) Benediction – 7:00 PM (SC C) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98 Contemporary Choir Rehearsal – 7 PM (IC)

Friday, January 9 Breakfast Group – 8:30 AM (SC H) Italian Class – 7:00 PM (EDPC LL)

Saturday, January 10 First Reconciliation – 10:00 AM (IC C) Rosary – 3:30 PM (IC C)

Sunday, January 11 Children K-5 Class Group A – 10:00 AM (SPS) Adult Enrichment Session (A) – 10:00AM (SPS2) Televised Parish Mass – 10 AM, Channel 98 RCIA – Noon (SPS Library) Children’s Choir Practice – Noon (IC C) Choir Practice Spanish Mass – 1:30 PM (SC) Spanish Mass – 2:00 PM (SC C) Dominican Laity Mtg – 2:30 PM (EDPC) HSYM C1 & C2 – 5:30-6:30 PM (YR SPS)

Thank You

Farrell Funeral Home!

Our sincere thanks go to John Leith of Farrell Funeral Home, who generously supplied us with 2015 Calendars, which were available at church entrances last weekend.

20/20 WINNER$

$25 Winners ~ Week 18

# 52 Bob Rais # 62 Joe Mitchell

January 4, 2015 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH

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Intentions For Holy Mass

Monday JAN 5 St. John Neumann

8:00AM SC John Hynes, by Peg Ibscher

Tuesday JAN 6 St. Andre Bessette

8:00AM SC William McQuillen, by the Reidy Family

Wednesday JAN 7 Christmas Feria (weekday)

8:00AM SC Deceased members of the Ricci & Addorio

Families, by the Family

Thursday JAN 8 Christmas Feria

8:00AM SC Norman Croteau, by Joe & Gerri Botelho

Friday JAN 9 Christmas Feria

8:00AM SC Mary Homicz, by Gerry & Brenda Kelley

Saturday JAN 10 Christmas Feria

8:00AM SC Intentions of Marian Bunce, by her daughter Maureen

Vigil Baptism of the Lord

4:00PM IC Sr. Bernadette Whitney, by the Maloney Family

Sunday JAN 11 Baptism of the Lord

8:30AM IC Josephine Phillipe, by Kathleen A Morrissey

10:30AM IC The Walsh and Driscoll Families, by the McDonough Family

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.

Morning Prayer 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.

Our Reflection

Of God’s Generosity To Us!

Weekend of December 20/21, 2014

Envelopes/EFT $ 8,480.50 Loose $ 2,034.02

Total $ 10,514.52 Last weekend 311 envelope users

contributed 81 % of our income.

Poor Box Donations $ 380.81

Retired Religious Collection $ 3,508.00

Sanctuary Lamps

The sanctuary lamp at St. Catherine Church

will burn for Bob Wylie this week, as requested by

Becky Wylie and family.

20 20 20 20 11115555

House Blessing for

Epiphany

This year, we continue with the beautiful

tradition of the blessing of chalk on this Epiphany

day to be used in blessing the homes of our

parish. We invite you to take a piece from the

table before the altar.

Gather your family in your home at the most

often used door. Using the chalk, inscribe the

following on the top of the door, on the wall

above, or on the trim, wherever it will stand out:

20 + C M B + 1520 + C M B + 1520 + C M B + 1520 + C M B + 15

The initials represent the legendary names of

the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

The numbers ask the Lord’s blessing on the year

ahead, with the crosses asking blessing on those

“coming” and “going” through the portal. After

inscription, someone reads the prayer of blessing

below, and then all join in praying the Our

Father.

Heavenly Father, bless this home,

all who dwell here, and all who visit here.

As the Magi found Christ on their arrival,

may all our guests see Christ in us

and in the life we share.

Be our protector as we leave this house

and our comfort and joy as we return.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,

the Word made flesh,

who lives forever and ever.

Amen.

January 4, 2015 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH

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Parish News

NEW! Adoration Resumes We will resume our weekly opportunity for prayer and

adoration this week. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM every Thursday in our St. Catherine Church. The day concludes with Evening Prayer and Benediction at 7:00 PM. Consider a weekly time for a little one-on-one with the Lord!

NEW! First Confession A group of our children will encounter the loving mercy

of our God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation next Saturday, January 10

th, at 10:00 AM in our Immaculate Conception

Church with their families. A rehearsal for the celebration

will take place for children/parents at 6:30 PM Tuesday,

January 6th, in Immaculate Conception Church. Please

keep these families in prayer as they draw near to this graced moment in their journey of faith. A special thanks to all who worked with our families and kids in preparing for this Sacrament.

NEW! Parent Enrichment Session In response to the many adults who have expressed a

desire to have a better understanding of our faith, we will be offering Parent Enrichment Sessions periodically during the year. These sessions will provide you with a foundational knowledge of our faith and will include time for questions and discussion. Sessions will coincide with children’s class time. The next session (Group A) will be held next Sunday, January 11

th, in the St. Patrick School library, from 10:00 to 11:20 AM. The sessions begin after our Sunday Morning

Fellowship, and are open to ALL who want to stay!

NEW! Income Tax Statements If you would like a statement indicating your 2014 church

contributions for income tax purposes, please call the parish office at 603-436-4555 for a mailed statement, or email your request to aa2.ccnh@gmail.com for an emailed statement. We can do this only for those who use envelopes, checks, or electronic fund transfer (EFT), since we have no way of knowing what others give.

NEW! Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet this Thursday,

January 8th, at 2:00 PM in the hall at St. James. New people

are welcome to join at any time. Please call Elaine Wilder, 603-436-8379, or Cyndi Gagnon, 603-373-0094, for details.

NEW! Dominican Laity Meeting The Dominican Laity will meet next Sunday, January 11,

following the Rosary at 2:30 PM in the Eileen Daly Pastoral Center (note new location – enter through back door at top of driveway). Refreshments to follow. FMI, call Helen, 431-4425.

NEW! Baptism Preparation Class Parents preparing to have their child baptized must attend

a special class, which is held monthly at the Eileen Daly Pastoral Center. The next class will be held on Wednesday, January 14

th, at 6:30 PM. Please call to register, 436-4555.

CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Your generosity of time, talent, and treasure was

over-whelming! Our beautiful environment, the music,

liturgical ministries, behind-the-scenes work; and your

generosity in the Christmas Extra Collection, the

Flower Fund, and donations to help SHARE meet

urgent needs, the K of C efforts with Christmas cards

and wafers, your personal cards, gifts, offerings, and

goodies to Fr. Gary, and the staff, …all this, and all

done with such joy and great spirit …all reason to

offer thanks to all of you, and to God who has blest us

with the gift of one another!

May the Lord, never outdone in generosity, bless

you abundantly as the new year unfolds. Know that

you are lifted up daily in the heart and prayers of a

grateful pastor who pens these words in his name and

that of our staff!

~Fr. Gary

NEW! Blankets for the Homeless There are lots of people around us suffering through the

cold this year. Our Middle School Youth Ministry program is planning a project of making fleece blankets for the homeless in our local area. In order to do this, they can use our help with supplies.

All that is needed are pinking shears to cut the fabric, and four-yard pieces of fleece in any color – plain or patterned. You can purchase these items at Walmart or at any craft or fabric store. If you are able, please help by purchasing some supplies (perhaps when they are on sale?) and deliver them to the Eileen Daly Pastoral Center. If you would rather have someone else do the shopping for you, you can give a donation toward "homeless blankets," and we will purchase the items for you. If you have any questions, please call Roxanne Raeside-Wilton at the parish office, 603-436-4555.

NEW! Traveling Vocation Icon This week, Marilyn & Manny Chavez

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! Preschool Playgroup at SPS On Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:00, St.

Patrick School hosts a free playgroup for 2 and 3 year-olds. Children are welcome, with an adult, on a drop-in basis. This is a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to make new friends and explore everything that St. Patrick School has to offer them. Please call 603-436-0739 or e-mail mgould@stpatsportsmouth.org to find out more information.

January 4, 2015 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH

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Old Fashioned Ham & Bean Supper!

Saturday, January 31st 5:00 – 6:30 PM

St. Catherine Hall The second in a series of four parish fellowship

dinners, our Ham & Bean Supper, is coming up soon! Our St. Patrick School community will co-host the supper to promote Catholic Schools Week. Doors will open at 5 PM, and dinner will be served 5:30 – 6 PM.

Tickets will be on sale after Masses the weekends of January 18 and 25, or from the parish office during the week. The deadline is January 26th, or until the limited number of tickets is sold out. Don’t delay! Bring the whole family; bring friends! Tickets will be $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children aged 5-12, free for under 5, and a family price (immediate family only) of $25.

Join us at our Parish Supper for good company and good food! Contact the parish office, 436-4555, if you have any questions.

Helping Hands Needed: Can you lend a hand? We could really use your

help! Can we count on you? We are looking for people willing to help sell tickets, plan, prep, make baked beans, setup, serve, clear plates, do dishes, deliver drinks, and bring desserts to tables at our Ham & Bean Supper. If you can help, please e-mail qatoday@yahoo.com to give your name and contact information or contact Liz at 603-742-6701 or Rachel at 603-817-9017.

Additional Christmas Flower Memorials

We remember in prayer those souls in whose memory

additional donations were received for the Christmas

flowers and decorations that adorned our churches.

Alfred & Lina Bald Charles Gallagher

Phil Bald Joseph & Emilina Roy

Rosemarie Boucher Anthony Syracusa

Arthur & Lucy Bergeron Roger & Frances Therrien

James and Ruth Carlin June Thompson

Yvette Demko William A Thomson

Children’s Ministry

Children’s Faith Formation This Week

Grades K – 5 B Sunday 10:00 – 11:45 AM St. Patrick School

Youth Ministry

NEW! Confirmation Schedule

Sunday, January 11 5:30 PM, YR SPS T3 Bible Timeline

Sunday, January 18 5:30-7:30 PM, YR SPS Decision Point – Night of Prayer For all in HSYM

NEW! High School YM Upcoming Dates!

Friday, January 9 7:00-9:00 PM, YR SPS Handmaids of the Lord (girls grp) Sons of the Servant (guys group)

Community Postings

NEW! Host an STA International Student? As St. Thomas Aquinas High School begins its partner-

ship with University Track Preparation (UTP), an international education program, please help us to find safe and supportive households for our international students who are here experiencing a Catholic education beginning January 2015. Hosting is a great opportunity to help mentor high school aged students while experiencing a new culture in your home. A hosting stipend of $650 a month is provided with an additional $100 per month to families who provide transportation. If you are interested, please contact Adam Birke at 516-673-6285 or adam@unitrackprep.com. Your participation would be greatly appreciated!

NEW! Bereavement Groups Rockingham VNA & Hospice will be offering three

separate Bereavement Support Groups this January. General Groups will be held on Tuesday afternoons 2:30 to 4:00 PM, and Tuesday evenings 5:30 to 7:00 PM, January 6 through February 10. A Motherless Daughter Group will be held on Tuesday evenings 5:30 to 7:00 PM, January 13 through February 17. To register, please call Dick Munsey at 603-772-2981. These groups are free to the public, but must have at least four registered participants each. Meetings are held at the Offices of RVNA & Hospice, 137 Epping Road in Exeter.

NEW! NH March for Life ~ January 17 All are invited to join NH Right to Life in a March for

Life on Saturday, January 17th, in Concord. The day begins with a memorial service at 9 AM, followed by Mass with Bishop Libasci at 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, a rally at the State House steps at 11:15 AM, and the march at 11:45 AM. The event ends with refreshments and featured speaker Catherine Adair, author of The Truth Will Set You Free, at 1 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church. For details, call 603-626-7950 or visit nhrtl.org.

January 4, 2015 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH

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The Rite of Acceptance and Welcome

Next Saturday, January 10, during the 4:00 PM Mass at Immaculate Conception Church,

we will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome for our RCIA inquirers.

What is the RCIA Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens? The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens is for inquirers in the RCIA process who are preparing for their Baptism. They are now ready to publicly declare their intention to continue their journey towards becoming Catholics. At this Rite, they are asked to more fully embrace the Gospel message with the help of God, and are signed with the Cross to show that they now belong to Christ. In this Rite, the parish community has the opportunity to more fully participate in and pray for those in the RCIA process. This Rite places these catechumens in a formal relationship with the universal Church. The Pope and all bishops are to pray for those who have gone through this Rite. We encourage all parishioners to pray as well, as they continue in the initiation process over the coming months, and to reach out to them as fellow members of our Catholic community. Next Saturday, we welcome George Pantelakos through the Rite of Acceptance into the order of the catechumenate.

What is the RCIA Rite of Welcoming? The Rite of Welcoming is for inquirers who have been previously baptized and are ready to publicly declare their intention to continue their journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church. At this Rite, they are asked if they are ready to listen to the apostles’ instruction, gather with the worshipping community in prayer, and join that community in the love and service of others. They are signed with the Cross to show that they belong to Christ. Next Saturday, we welcome Gail Johnson and Morgan Foster as they continue their instruction in the Catholic Faith and their path to become full members of the Catholic Community.

Why is the parish community important at the Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming? Members of the parish community should affirm that they are ready to help and support the RCIA candidates seeking to follow Christ. The Rites of Acceptance and Welcome are celebrated at a time designated by the parish, and can be offered multiple times, depending upon when a given inquirer is ready to move forward. Please pray for our candidates as they take this important step.

Why are RCIA participants dismissed in the middle of the Mass? Adults who have celebrated the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome will be dismissed at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. This will continue each Sunday until the Easter Vigil when they will then join us at the Table of the Eucharist for the first time. The parish is not sending them out because they are somehow “unworthy” to stay for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Though they cannot yet come to the table of the Eucharist, we still have an obligation to nourish those who have entered into a relationship with us through the Rite. God’s Word is their food during this period. The participants depart from the Mass with one or more team members to discuss the scripture readings for the day and to experience more fully the impact of the Scriptures in their lives.