Week of March 26, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Lent The Pastor’s ...
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Week of March 26, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Lent ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Pastor’s Musings Dear Family in the Lord, A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hosting the “Let’s Talk” night we had been announcing in the bulletin. It was an opportunity for folks who had left the practice of the faith and were considering “coming home,” or those who were away and have recently returned, to gather in an informal setting. It was a cold night, the fire- place was warm and blazing, and the rectory living room at Vianney House was a wonderful place to be as we gath- ered with some great folks who accepted the invitation! Nights like this fill me with great hope! Just because we are a community of faith, many parts of the One Body of Christ, we know that our human nature doesn’t go away. We can inspire each other. We can hurt each other. We can bring Jesus closer into focus or make Him kind of blurry by our own witness, or lack thereof. Additionally, we can allow ourselves to get lost in the stuff, some “issues,” or distracted by human weakness, and lose sight of what is essential. But, the Lord promised His Spirit would come, and through that Spirit He would not abandon His church. In so many ways, despite all the foibles, and sometimes through our limited gifts, He proves Himself faithful to that promise over and over again. That was the case that Sunday night! The youngest participant was a recent college grad. Another, who had been away for over thirty years, had a big smile on her face when she said “This is not the same Catholic Church that I left.” She shared her story, her struggle, and her joy in rediscovering her faith as she moved to our area and found our parish and decided to take another look. (We laughed about all the Mass words changing since she had left.) Another told of a hurtful incident years ago that led to he and his family drifting away. He was born and brought up here in Portsmouth. He spoke with a broad smile of what he has rediscovered! We heard about the daily “recharge” our daily Mass is. We unwrapped a few of the teachings and the why behind them. We heard about how the beauty of our church and a quiet visit in the Year of Mercy was the beginning of one person’s journey home. We heard of hope rekindled when these folks discovered our parish, were amazed at how many people are at Masses, and were deeply moved by the Liturgy, our song (the fact that so many sing!) and their ability to connect their lives with the weekly homily message. As we wrapped up, all were looking forward to tightening their connection and exploring their faith more deeply, and, even sharing it with others they know who are not part of a church family. We talked about having a “personal relationship with Jesus” rather than just knowing things in our heads. We talked about living faithfully rather than just checking off boxes. In summary, you can’t get more personal in relationship than Catholics do when we become one with Jesus in Holy Communion, and, no greater trust exists than in relationship with someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway – and of course that Somebody is Jesus, and that experience is the Sacrament of Confession! As the night ended with smiles and embraces, and looking forward with hope, I went upstairs to the chapel in the rectory to offer thanks for guiding these folks to us, opening their hearts, healing their hurts. I only wish we could have made a video of that night to show all of us who tend to take the gift of our Catholic faith and our vibrant parish for granted. We get used to the things that made their eyes light up! As we hear of Jesus touching the eyes of the blind man in today’s Gospel, know that I am praying He touch all our eyes, opening them a bit more to the great gift we have and have to share! To those who joined us that cold night, I can only say, “Welcome Home!” and thank you for opening my eyes to even more reasons to be thankful! With You on the Journey, The Week at a Glance Monday, March 27 Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC)) Tuesday, March 28 Follow Me Study – 9:00 AM (SJ H) Follow Me Study – 6:30 PM (SJ H) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98 Wednesday, March 29 Prayer Cenacle – 2:00 PM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (IC C) K of C Mtg – 6:00 PM (IC H) Thursday, March 30 Exposition/Adoration – 8:30 AM-5 PM (SC) St. Patrick School Mass – 9:30 AM (IC C) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98 Friday, March 31 Breakfast Group – 8:30 AM (SC H) Stations of the Cross – 8:30 AM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC)) Stations of the Cross in Spanish – 6PM (SC) CERS Group Meeting – 7:00 PM (SC H) Italian Class – 7:00 PM (EDPC LL) Stations of the Cross – 7:30 PM (IC C) Saturday, April 1 Rosary – 3:30 PM (IC C) Seder Supper – 5:30 PM (SJ H) Amare Cantare Concert – 7:30 PM (IC C) Sunday, April 2 Televised Parish Mass – 10AM, Channel 98 RCIA – 11:30 AM (NH) Music Ministry Rehearsal – 11:45AM (ICC) Choir Practice Spanish Mass – 12:30PM (SC) Rosary – 1:30 PM (SC C) Spanish Mass – 2:00 PM (SC C) Bible Study in Spanish – 3:30 PM (SC H) Lenten Lamentations – 6:00 PM (IC C) Sanctuary Lamps The votives at the Mary altar of Immaculate Conception Church will burn this week with birthday blessings for Ann Hebert. Traveling Vocation Icon This week, the Pierog Family will receive the Icon of Jesus Knocking at the Door into their home and intercede in a special way for Joe, Mike, and all in formation, for those discerning, and for many vocations to rise up from our community.
Transcript of Week of March 26, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Lent The Pastor’s ...
Microsoft Word - Bulletin_03_26_17The Pastor’s Musings
Dear Family in the Lord,
A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hosting the “Let’s Talk” night we had been announcing in the bulletin. It was an opportunity for folks who had left the practice of the faith and were considering “coming home,” or those who were away and have recently returned, to gather in an informal setting. It was a cold night, the fire- place was warm and blazing, and the rectory living room at Vianney House was a wonderful place to be as we gath- ered with some great folks who accepted the invitation! Nights like this fill me with great hope!
Just because we are a community of faith, many parts of the One Body of Christ, we know that our human nature doesn’t go away. We can inspire each other. We can hurt each other. We can bring Jesus closer into focus or make Him kind of blurry by our own witness, or lack thereof. Additionally, we can allow ourselves to get lost in the stuff, some “issues,” or distracted by human weakness, and lose sight of what is essential. But, the Lord promised His Spirit would come, and through that Spirit He would not abandon His church. In so many ways, despite all the foibles, and sometimes through our limited gifts, He proves Himself faithful to that promise over and over again. That was the case that Sunday night!
The youngest participant was a recent college grad. Another, who had been away for over thirty years, had a big smile on her face when she said “This is not the same Catholic Church that I left.” She shared her story, her struggle, and her joy in rediscovering her faith as she moved to our area and found our parish and decided to take another look. (We laughed about all the Mass words changing since she had left.) Another told of a hurtful incident years ago that led to he and his family drifting away. He was born and brought up here in Portsmouth. He spoke with a broad smile of what he has rediscovered! We heard about the daily “recharge” our daily Mass is. We unwrapped a few of the teachings and the why behind them. We heard about how the beauty of our church and a quiet visit in the Year of Mercy was the beginning of one person’s journey home. We heard of hope rekindled when these folks discovered our parish, were amazed at how many people are at Masses, and were deeply moved by the Liturgy, our song (the fact that so many sing!) and their ability to connect their lives with the weekly homily message.
As we wrapped up, all were looking forward to tightening their connection and exploring their faith more deeply, and, even sharing it with others they know who are not part of a church family. We talked about having a “personal relationship with Jesus” rather than just knowing things in our heads. We talked about living faithfully rather than just checking off boxes. In summary, you can’t get more personal in relationship than Catholics do when we become one with Jesus in Holy Communion, and, no greater trust exists than in relationship with someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway – and of course that Somebody is Jesus, and that experience is the Sacrament of Confession!
As the night ended with smiles and embraces, and looking forward with hope, I went upstairs to the chapel in the rectory to offer thanks for guiding these folks to us, opening their hearts, healing their hurts. I only wish we could have made a video of that night to show all of us who tend to take the gift of our Catholic faith and our vibrant parish for granted. We get used to the things that made their eyes light up! As we hear of Jesus touching the eyes of the blind man in today’s Gospel, know that I am praying He touch all our eyes, opening them a bit more to the great gift we have and have to share!
To those who joined us that cold night, I can only say, “Welcome Home!” and thank you for opening my eyes to even more reasons to be thankful!
With You on the Journey,
The Week at a Glance
Monday, March 27 Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC))
Tuesday, March 28 Follow Me Study – 9:00 AM (SJ H) Follow Me Study – 6:30 PM (SJ H) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Wednesday, March 29 Prayer Cenacle – 2:00 PM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (IC C) K of C Mtg – 6:00 PM (IC H)
Thursday, March 30 Exposition/Adoration – 8:30 AM-5 PM (SC) St. Patrick School Mass – 9:30 AM (IC C) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Friday, March 31 Breakfast Group – 8:30 AM (SC H) Stations of the Cross – 8:30 AM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC)) Stations of the Cross in Spanish – 6PM (SC) CERS Group Meeting – 7:00 PM (SC H) Italian Class – 7:00 PM (EDPC LL) Stations of the Cross – 7:30 PM (IC C)
Saturday, April 1 Rosary – 3:30 PM (IC C) Seder Supper – 5:30 PM (SJ H) Amare Cantare Concert – 7:30 PM (IC C)
Sunday, April 2 Televised Parish Mass – 10AM, Channel 98 RCIA – 11:30 AM (NH) Music Ministry Rehearsal – 11:45AM (ICC) Choir Practice Spanish Mass – 12:30PM (SC) Rosary – 1:30 PM (SC C) Spanish Mass – 2:00 PM (SC C) Bible Study in Spanish – 3:30 PM (SC H) Lenten Lamentations – 6:00 PM (IC C)
Sanctuary Lamps
Conception Church will burn this week with
birthday blessings for Ann Hebert.
Traveling Vocation Icon This week, the Pierog Family will receive the Icon of Jesus Knocking at the Door into their home and intercede in a special way for Joe, Mike, and all in formation, for those discerning, and for many vocations to rise up from our community.
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Monday MAR 27 Lenten Feria (weekday)
8:00AM SC Francis Regan, by Joe & Ruth Mitchell 7:00PM IC Irene Laverdiere, by Nancy & Jean Blais
Tuesday MAR 28 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC William & Catherine Fleckenstein, by Sue Ford
12:10PM IC Bob McDonough, by his Wife & Family
Wednesday MAR 29 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Dominic & Rose Sacramone, by Arthur Sacramone
7:00PM IC Steven McDonald, by Glen & Kate Gordon
Thursday MAR 30 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Roger Lauziere, by his Wife & Family 12:10PM IC Arthur Bunce, by his Daughter Maureen
Friday MAR 31 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Mary Grace, by Frances Lebel 7:00PM IC Theresa Lajoie, by Paul & Chris Kayne
Saturday APR 1 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Pro Populo (for our Parish Family)
Vigil – 5 th Sunday of Lent
4:00PM IC Polly Brown, by Peter & Sofie Scontras
Sunday APR 2 5 th Sunday of Lent
8:30AM IC John Hynes, by his Family 10:30AM IC Edith Searles, by the Dante Tosi Family 2:00PM SC in Spanish Celebrant’s Intention
4:30PM IC Stanley Orzechowski, by his Family
To schedule Mass intentions or for sacramental
records, please see Marilyn Chavez at the Eileen
Daly Pastoral Center, or call 436-4555.
Our reflection
Weekend of March 18/19, 2017
Envelopes/EFT $ 9,732.00 Loose $ 2,129.61
contributed 82 % of our income.
Poor Box Donations $ 2,180.00
A Live Multimedia Drama With A Modern Message Of Mercy
Tuesday, April 4th 7:00 PM
St. James Church
Admission: $ 15 for adults, $ 5 for teens (suitable for age 13 & up) For Tickets: Corpus Christi Parish Office 603-436-4555 www.corpuschristinh.org
Performed by Maria Vargo ~ Directed by Leonardo Defilippis
www.DivineMercyDrama.com
Easter Extra Effort As you know, we build into our budget income projections the income from two annual “extra effort” appeals: one at Christmas and one at Easter. In the past, this has been embraced by so many as an opportunity for generosity in support of the ongoing ministry and development of our parish. Please give prayerful consideration to what you can invest! Thank you for all your support – prayerful, personal, and financial!
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Weekday Mass
Two options are offered each day to give everyone an opportunity to join us a few times a week:
8:00 AM ~ SC - Monday through Saturday
12:10 PM ~ IC - Tuesday, Thursday
7:00 PM ~ IC - Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Stations of the Cross
Using different reflections each week, we will pray the stations each Friday at St. Catherine at 8:30 AM and again at 7:30 PM at Immaculate Conception. We’ll also pray the stations in Spanish each Friday at St. Catherine at 6:00 PM.
Lenten Lamentations
On three Sundays of Lent (March 19 and 26, April 2) we will gather for this half hour of sung reflective prayer and Benediction focused on the Passion of Christ, at 6:00 PM in IC Church. This service is in the style of the Advent Evensong we offered this year.
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for those who would like to come early for personal prayer at 5:30 PM, and will remain exposed after the devotion until 7 PM, for those who may wish to linger. Confessions will be heard from 5:30 to 5:50 and then again after the service.
Eucharistic Adoration
Mondays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Thursdays 8:30 AM-5:00 PM at St. Catherine Fridays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception
Divine Mercy Chaplet
The 3:00 PM Hour of Mercy will be observed each Thursday at St. Catherine Church before the Blessed Sacrament. A meditation from St. Faustina’s Diary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be included. This will be our weekly intercession, united with all praying and fasting with the 40 Days for Life Campaign across our nation.
Confessions
Tuesday & Thursday after 12:10 Mass (IC)
Saturday at 3 PM (IC)
Sunday at 3:45 PM (IC)
Sunday before/after 6 PM Lamentations (IC)
Lenten Faith Enrichment
Faustina: Messenger of Mercy This moving, live dramatic production performed by actress Maria Vargo, and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of St. Luke Productions, will be presented as our Lenten highlight event on Tuesday, April 4th, at 7:00 PM in St. James Church. The life of this saint, the powerful message of Divine Mercy, and its link and relevance for today will all be experienced here. The production is filled with all the elements of professional theatre, runs 90 minutes, and is suitable for all ages 13 and up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for teens. (Tickets are limited). Tickets are available at the church door after the Masses this weekend, or at the parish office during the week. You can watch the trailer at www.DivineMercyDrama.com.
Seder Supper All available tickets have been sold for this event on Saturday, April 1
st at 5:30 PM in St. James Hall.
Great Spiritual Reading We invite you to take advantage of some of the books that will be available this weekend and next (while they last!) at the back of our church. There’s also the DVD “Forgiven” and the CD “Beyond Belief” for you to use as take-home resources for Lenten prayer and enrichment. “Beyond Belief,” the CD by Fr. Mike Schmitz, offers a challenge from a dynamic speaker to live courageous faith as committed disciples. “Forgiven” is a masterful reflection on God’s abundant mercy. Great to pass on!
Soup Supper and Movie Night
Sunday, April 9th ~ 5:00 PM St. Catherine Church Hall
Journeying into Holy Week
Follow Jesus into Holy Week by joining fellow parishioners for a Simple Soup Supper and viewing of Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of Christ.” This film chronicles the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ (portrayed by Jim Caviezel), from the Agony in the Garden through His death on the cross, with a brief epilogue focusing on the Resurrection.
In our culture today, we want life to be easy, convenient, happy, and without sacrifice – but that is not the way of true discipleship. Join us as we delve into the sacrifice and suffering our Lord took upon Himself for the forgiveness of our sin.
For details, please contact Roxanne Raeside Wilton at 603-436-4555, ext. 24.
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Parish News
NEW! Divine Mercy Novena Red pamphlets are at the church entry racks for those who
would like to join in the Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday, April 14, and concludes on April 22, the eve of the Feast of Divine Mercy. You can join us for the communal prayer each day, or whatever days you can, or unite with us in praying it at home. There is a unique intention for each day, revealed by Jesus Himself to St. Faustina, as you will note in the quotes from her diary for each day, along with praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We will open the Novena at 3 PM on Good Friday, and continue on Holy Saturday at 9 AM Morning Prayer, on Easter Sunday at 7 PM with Benediction, then Monday – Friday, April 17 – 21 after the 7 PM Easter Octave Masses and on Closing Day after the 8 AM Mass. The Feast of Divine Mercy is April 23. There will be an insert in next week’s bulletin about the Image of Divine Mercy, the outline of daily Novena Intentions, and the schedule for the Novena and the celebration of the Feast in our Parish.
NEW! Five First Saturdays Devotion Next Saturday in our St. Catherine Church, we will have
the fourth of the five First Saturdays leading us up to the 100th Anniversary of our Lady's Apparition at Fatima. Holy Mass at 8:00 AM, followed by Rosary and reflection by Fr. Gary on Fatima’s Call to Penance and Conversion. We thank Semi- narian Joe for the beautiful reflection he offered last month on Mary as Mother of Sorrows and her share in Christ’s Cross.
NEW! Called Home to the Lord We remember in prayer the repose of the soul of Patricia
Kelley, whose Funeral Mass was celebrated in our parish. To her family we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayerful support as well.
NEW! Poor Box Challenge! Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we are
once again issuing a Poor Box Challenge. A parish benefactor has offered to match, dollar for dollar up to $10,000.00, all offerings given through the Poor Box during Lent. The fruits of your Lenten almsgiving can bear EXTRA fruit through this “two for one” generous offer. Let’s do all we can as we share the savings from our sacrifices in these Lenten days!
NEW! News from the Knights of Columbus Please join the Immaculate Conception Council 140 in
congratulating three Knights from our Parish who took the First Degree Exemplification on March 8th: Matthew
Dickerman, Arthur Eddy, and James Prendergast. We are pleased to have these men as new members and look forward
to their contributions to our council, parish, and community.
NEW! Casino Trip Corpus Christi Parish will be sponsoring a bus trip to
Foxwood Casino in Connecticut on Friday, May 5 th. To sign
up, call Marilyn Chavez at 436-0344. The cost is just $35.00 per person (non-refundable) and includes a surprise package when you arrive. Call soon to reserve a spot!
Easter Food Baskets Flyers at the church doors describe this wonderful tradition. This is a great way to bring the faith into family as you put a basket together with the kids, teaching them all the symbols of the various foods. We offer a special Blessing of the Baskets on Holy Saturday (April 15) at 4:00 PM at the Lord’s Tomb in Immaculate Conception Church. Take a flyer and consider it!
Easter Bunny Candy We got word that the “Easter Bunny” is once again planning a visit to Portsmouth, on Saturday, April 15th! He could use our help to have lots and lots of eggs full of candy to leave all over the grounds at St. Catherine. Could you help him out? Please bring your egg-filler candy donations to the parish office this week, or bring them with you to Mass next weekend and leave them in the boxes marked “Easter Bunny.” All
candy must be small enough to fit inside
plastic eggs and individually wrapped. If you’d like to help to stuff eggs, please call Shirley at 207-451-9483. Thank you!
Easter Flower Fund We thank you for whatever you can share to help us adorn the churches for the upcoming days of Holy Week and Easter. Envelopes are at the doors. Names of loved ones can be written on these and will be included in remembrance at the Easter Octave Masses. Simply drop into the collection before April 2nd so the names can be prepared for the memorial listing. (You can also do this online through Online Giving. Just visit www.osvonlinegiving.com/2935.)
DIVINE MERCY SHRINE
As was announced during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, we commissioned two Shrines to be crafted for our Immaculate Conception Church. One, dedicated at the opening of the Year of Mercy in December of 2015, honors our Lady as Mother of Mercy, and contains an icon of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa, one of the oldest images of our Lady known to Christians. The reproduction, which is now part of the shrine in the front right transept of our church, is over 100 years old. It is a beautiful addition, and the many votive candles kindled there are a wonderful sign of confidence in the motherly inter-cession of Mary, to whom our Parish was solemnly consecrated on September 8, 2011.
In the other transept wing on the left, we have the Divine Mercy image that Fr. Gary brought to the Parish in 2011. It was painted in Krakow and blest there at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, where St. Faustina lived and died. Originally, it was in our St. James church and the two saints of mercy – St. Faustina and St. Padre Pio – were added in 2012. In December of 2014, when we relocated all weekend Masses to Immaculate Conception, the image and statues were moved to IC.
To commemorate the great privilege that we were given – to be a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage site with a Holy Door in the Year of Mercy – we commissioned a shrine to be crafted for this area. It will be installed soon, prior to Easter, and solemnly blest on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23rd. We are deeply grateful to a small group of parishioners who have generously funded these projects. (You may note that the red candles in the Shrine may be gone for a few days while installation takes place, but wait until you seek the finished product!)
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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UPDATES!
NEW! Maintenance to Mission Update As announced last weekend, on March 16th, after pre-
senting a prospective buyer and Purchase and Sale Agree- ment for our parish property to our Bishop, the Diocesan Finance Council, and the College of Consulters, we re- ceived the unanimous recommendation of approval from both bodies, and subsequently, the permission from our Bishop to move forward with the sale and the signing of the agreement. As this bulletin goes to press, that statement is in final stages of preparation/review by attorneys, and we anticipate signing the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The buyer has agreed to the razing of the church and his use is very appropriate for the land and neighborhood. The purchase price is above appraisal value as well. A deposit will be made at signing and then the buyer will have an extended period of time to present his ideas to neighbors and submit his plans for approvals and permitting through the City process. At the end of a set time, or before if he chooses, the closing will occur and complete payment will be made. At that time, with funds in hand, we will begin the construction on St. Catherine Church for repurposing of the first floor into a parish hall and the lower level into a meeting center.
In the near future, once the P&S is signed, work will begin on repairs and a “face lift” on the rectory at St. Catherine to house all our parish offices by the summer time. More info about future use and payment will be given at the appropriate time in this process.
NEW! Academy Update On the same day, March 16th, at a meeting of the City
Planning Board, the Hope for Tomorrow Foundation re- ceived unanimous approval of the site plan for the new school and we are now looking forward to moving toward our May 13th Blessing of Site and Groundbreaking for the new school on Banfield Road, on 10+ acres of beautiful wooded land on the Seacoast Health Foundation’s Community Campus. After June 30th, when St. Patrick School transitions into St. Patrick Academy, and one more school year (as the Academy) happens in our current school building on Austin Street, the new school will open in August of 2018! (A special celebration is planned for May 13th – watch for more details!)
Income Tax Statements
If you would like a statement indicating your 2016 church contributions for income tax purposes, please email [email protected] or call 603-436-4555, X16. We can do this only for those who use envelopes or Online Giving, since we have no way of documenting what others give.
Lenten Lamentations
next Sunday. This simple half-hour of reflection in
song focuses on the Passion of Christ with words and
melodies that are truly soul-stirring. Originally
composed in Krakow, Poland in the 18th century, this
devotion was brought here to our parish in 2012 and
grows in the hearts of those who discover it each year.
Plan to come at 6:00 PM tonight. The devotion
concludes with Benediction.
(For those who wish to come early for some quiet
personal prayer, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed at
5:30 PM, and for those who may wish to linger, it
remains exposed after the devotion until 7:00 PM. Fr.
Gary hears confessions at these times as well.)
Musical Presentation
The 24 th annual performance of To God Be The Glory,
on the life, Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, will be presented at 6:30 PM Thursday – Saturday, March 30th – April 1
st , and at 3:00 PM on Sunday
Dear Family in the Lord,
A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hosting the “Let’s Talk” night we had been announcing in the bulletin. It was an opportunity for folks who had left the practice of the faith and were considering “coming home,” or those who were away and have recently returned, to gather in an informal setting. It was a cold night, the fire- place was warm and blazing, and the rectory living room at Vianney House was a wonderful place to be as we gath- ered with some great folks who accepted the invitation! Nights like this fill me with great hope!
Just because we are a community of faith, many parts of the One Body of Christ, we know that our human nature doesn’t go away. We can inspire each other. We can hurt each other. We can bring Jesus closer into focus or make Him kind of blurry by our own witness, or lack thereof. Additionally, we can allow ourselves to get lost in the stuff, some “issues,” or distracted by human weakness, and lose sight of what is essential. But, the Lord promised His Spirit would come, and through that Spirit He would not abandon His church. In so many ways, despite all the foibles, and sometimes through our limited gifts, He proves Himself faithful to that promise over and over again. That was the case that Sunday night!
The youngest participant was a recent college grad. Another, who had been away for over thirty years, had a big smile on her face when she said “This is not the same Catholic Church that I left.” She shared her story, her struggle, and her joy in rediscovering her faith as she moved to our area and found our parish and decided to take another look. (We laughed about all the Mass words changing since she had left.) Another told of a hurtful incident years ago that led to he and his family drifting away. He was born and brought up here in Portsmouth. He spoke with a broad smile of what he has rediscovered! We heard about the daily “recharge” our daily Mass is. We unwrapped a few of the teachings and the why behind them. We heard about how the beauty of our church and a quiet visit in the Year of Mercy was the beginning of one person’s journey home. We heard of hope rekindled when these folks discovered our parish, were amazed at how many people are at Masses, and were deeply moved by the Liturgy, our song (the fact that so many sing!) and their ability to connect their lives with the weekly homily message.
As we wrapped up, all were looking forward to tightening their connection and exploring their faith more deeply, and, even sharing it with others they know who are not part of a church family. We talked about having a “personal relationship with Jesus” rather than just knowing things in our heads. We talked about living faithfully rather than just checking off boxes. In summary, you can’t get more personal in relationship than Catholics do when we become one with Jesus in Holy Communion, and, no greater trust exists than in relationship with someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway – and of course that Somebody is Jesus, and that experience is the Sacrament of Confession!
As the night ended with smiles and embraces, and looking forward with hope, I went upstairs to the chapel in the rectory to offer thanks for guiding these folks to us, opening their hearts, healing their hurts. I only wish we could have made a video of that night to show all of us who tend to take the gift of our Catholic faith and our vibrant parish for granted. We get used to the things that made their eyes light up! As we hear of Jesus touching the eyes of the blind man in today’s Gospel, know that I am praying He touch all our eyes, opening them a bit more to the great gift we have and have to share!
To those who joined us that cold night, I can only say, “Welcome Home!” and thank you for opening my eyes to even more reasons to be thankful!
With You on the Journey,
The Week at a Glance
Monday, March 27 Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC))
Tuesday, March 28 Follow Me Study – 9:00 AM (SJ H) Follow Me Study – 6:30 PM (SJ H) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Wednesday, March 29 Prayer Cenacle – 2:00 PM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (IC C) K of C Mtg – 6:00 PM (IC H)
Thursday, March 30 Exposition/Adoration – 8:30 AM-5 PM (SC) St. Patrick School Mass – 9:30 AM (IC C) Televised Parish Mass – 7 PM, Channel 98
Friday, March 31 Breakfast Group – 8:30 AM (SC H) Stations of the Cross – 8:30 AM (SC C) Eucharistic Adoration Hour – 6-7PM (ICC)) Stations of the Cross in Spanish – 6PM (SC) CERS Group Meeting – 7:00 PM (SC H) Italian Class – 7:00 PM (EDPC LL) Stations of the Cross – 7:30 PM (IC C)
Saturday, April 1 Rosary – 3:30 PM (IC C) Seder Supper – 5:30 PM (SJ H) Amare Cantare Concert – 7:30 PM (IC C)
Sunday, April 2 Televised Parish Mass – 10AM, Channel 98 RCIA – 11:30 AM (NH) Music Ministry Rehearsal – 11:45AM (ICC) Choir Practice Spanish Mass – 12:30PM (SC) Rosary – 1:30 PM (SC C) Spanish Mass – 2:00 PM (SC C) Bible Study in Spanish – 3:30 PM (SC H) Lenten Lamentations – 6:00 PM (IC C)
Sanctuary Lamps
Conception Church will burn this week with
birthday blessings for Ann Hebert.
Traveling Vocation Icon This week, the Pierog Family will receive the Icon of Jesus Knocking at the Door into their home and intercede in a special way for Joe, Mike, and all in formation, for those discerning, and for many vocations to rise up from our community.
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Monday MAR 27 Lenten Feria (weekday)
8:00AM SC Francis Regan, by Joe & Ruth Mitchell 7:00PM IC Irene Laverdiere, by Nancy & Jean Blais
Tuesday MAR 28 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC William & Catherine Fleckenstein, by Sue Ford
12:10PM IC Bob McDonough, by his Wife & Family
Wednesday MAR 29 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Dominic & Rose Sacramone, by Arthur Sacramone
7:00PM IC Steven McDonald, by Glen & Kate Gordon
Thursday MAR 30 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Roger Lauziere, by his Wife & Family 12:10PM IC Arthur Bunce, by his Daughter Maureen
Friday MAR 31 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Mary Grace, by Frances Lebel 7:00PM IC Theresa Lajoie, by Paul & Chris Kayne
Saturday APR 1 Lenten Feria
8:00AM SC Pro Populo (for our Parish Family)
Vigil – 5 th Sunday of Lent
4:00PM IC Polly Brown, by Peter & Sofie Scontras
Sunday APR 2 5 th Sunday of Lent
8:30AM IC John Hynes, by his Family 10:30AM IC Edith Searles, by the Dante Tosi Family 2:00PM SC in Spanish Celebrant’s Intention
4:30PM IC Stanley Orzechowski, by his Family
To schedule Mass intentions or for sacramental
records, please see Marilyn Chavez at the Eileen
Daly Pastoral Center, or call 436-4555.
Our reflection
Weekend of March 18/19, 2017
Envelopes/EFT $ 9,732.00 Loose $ 2,129.61
contributed 82 % of our income.
Poor Box Donations $ 2,180.00
A Live Multimedia Drama With A Modern Message Of Mercy
Tuesday, April 4th 7:00 PM
St. James Church
Admission: $ 15 for adults, $ 5 for teens (suitable for age 13 & up) For Tickets: Corpus Christi Parish Office 603-436-4555 www.corpuschristinh.org
Performed by Maria Vargo ~ Directed by Leonardo Defilippis
www.DivineMercyDrama.com
Easter Extra Effort As you know, we build into our budget income projections the income from two annual “extra effort” appeals: one at Christmas and one at Easter. In the past, this has been embraced by so many as an opportunity for generosity in support of the ongoing ministry and development of our parish. Please give prayerful consideration to what you can invest! Thank you for all your support – prayerful, personal, and financial!
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Weekday Mass
Two options are offered each day to give everyone an opportunity to join us a few times a week:
8:00 AM ~ SC - Monday through Saturday
12:10 PM ~ IC - Tuesday, Thursday
7:00 PM ~ IC - Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Stations of the Cross
Using different reflections each week, we will pray the stations each Friday at St. Catherine at 8:30 AM and again at 7:30 PM at Immaculate Conception. We’ll also pray the stations in Spanish each Friday at St. Catherine at 6:00 PM.
Lenten Lamentations
On three Sundays of Lent (March 19 and 26, April 2) we will gather for this half hour of sung reflective prayer and Benediction focused on the Passion of Christ, at 6:00 PM in IC Church. This service is in the style of the Advent Evensong we offered this year.
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for those who would like to come early for personal prayer at 5:30 PM, and will remain exposed after the devotion until 7 PM, for those who may wish to linger. Confessions will be heard from 5:30 to 5:50 and then again after the service.
Eucharistic Adoration
Mondays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Thursdays 8:30 AM-5:00 PM at St. Catherine Fridays 6:00-7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception
Divine Mercy Chaplet
The 3:00 PM Hour of Mercy will be observed each Thursday at St. Catherine Church before the Blessed Sacrament. A meditation from St. Faustina’s Diary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be included. This will be our weekly intercession, united with all praying and fasting with the 40 Days for Life Campaign across our nation.
Confessions
Tuesday & Thursday after 12:10 Mass (IC)
Saturday at 3 PM (IC)
Sunday at 3:45 PM (IC)
Sunday before/after 6 PM Lamentations (IC)
Lenten Faith Enrichment
Faustina: Messenger of Mercy This moving, live dramatic production performed by actress Maria Vargo, and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of St. Luke Productions, will be presented as our Lenten highlight event on Tuesday, April 4th, at 7:00 PM in St. James Church. The life of this saint, the powerful message of Divine Mercy, and its link and relevance for today will all be experienced here. The production is filled with all the elements of professional theatre, runs 90 minutes, and is suitable for all ages 13 and up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for teens. (Tickets are limited). Tickets are available at the church door after the Masses this weekend, or at the parish office during the week. You can watch the trailer at www.DivineMercyDrama.com.
Seder Supper All available tickets have been sold for this event on Saturday, April 1
st at 5:30 PM in St. James Hall.
Great Spiritual Reading We invite you to take advantage of some of the books that will be available this weekend and next (while they last!) at the back of our church. There’s also the DVD “Forgiven” and the CD “Beyond Belief” for you to use as take-home resources for Lenten prayer and enrichment. “Beyond Belief,” the CD by Fr. Mike Schmitz, offers a challenge from a dynamic speaker to live courageous faith as committed disciples. “Forgiven” is a masterful reflection on God’s abundant mercy. Great to pass on!
Soup Supper and Movie Night
Sunday, April 9th ~ 5:00 PM St. Catherine Church Hall
Journeying into Holy Week
Follow Jesus into Holy Week by joining fellow parishioners for a Simple Soup Supper and viewing of Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of Christ.” This film chronicles the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ (portrayed by Jim Caviezel), from the Agony in the Garden through His death on the cross, with a brief epilogue focusing on the Resurrection.
In our culture today, we want life to be easy, convenient, happy, and without sacrifice – but that is not the way of true discipleship. Join us as we delve into the sacrifice and suffering our Lord took upon Himself for the forgiveness of our sin.
For details, please contact Roxanne Raeside Wilton at 603-436-4555, ext. 24.
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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Parish News
NEW! Divine Mercy Novena Red pamphlets are at the church entry racks for those who
would like to join in the Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday, April 14, and concludes on April 22, the eve of the Feast of Divine Mercy. You can join us for the communal prayer each day, or whatever days you can, or unite with us in praying it at home. There is a unique intention for each day, revealed by Jesus Himself to St. Faustina, as you will note in the quotes from her diary for each day, along with praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We will open the Novena at 3 PM on Good Friday, and continue on Holy Saturday at 9 AM Morning Prayer, on Easter Sunday at 7 PM with Benediction, then Monday – Friday, April 17 – 21 after the 7 PM Easter Octave Masses and on Closing Day after the 8 AM Mass. The Feast of Divine Mercy is April 23. There will be an insert in next week’s bulletin about the Image of Divine Mercy, the outline of daily Novena Intentions, and the schedule for the Novena and the celebration of the Feast in our Parish.
NEW! Five First Saturdays Devotion Next Saturday in our St. Catherine Church, we will have
the fourth of the five First Saturdays leading us up to the 100th Anniversary of our Lady's Apparition at Fatima. Holy Mass at 8:00 AM, followed by Rosary and reflection by Fr. Gary on Fatima’s Call to Penance and Conversion. We thank Semi- narian Joe for the beautiful reflection he offered last month on Mary as Mother of Sorrows and her share in Christ’s Cross.
NEW! Called Home to the Lord We remember in prayer the repose of the soul of Patricia
Kelley, whose Funeral Mass was celebrated in our parish. To her family we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayerful support as well.
NEW! Poor Box Challenge! Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we are
once again issuing a Poor Box Challenge. A parish benefactor has offered to match, dollar for dollar up to $10,000.00, all offerings given through the Poor Box during Lent. The fruits of your Lenten almsgiving can bear EXTRA fruit through this “two for one” generous offer. Let’s do all we can as we share the savings from our sacrifices in these Lenten days!
NEW! News from the Knights of Columbus Please join the Immaculate Conception Council 140 in
congratulating three Knights from our Parish who took the First Degree Exemplification on March 8th: Matthew
Dickerman, Arthur Eddy, and James Prendergast. We are pleased to have these men as new members and look forward
to their contributions to our council, parish, and community.
NEW! Casino Trip Corpus Christi Parish will be sponsoring a bus trip to
Foxwood Casino in Connecticut on Friday, May 5 th. To sign
up, call Marilyn Chavez at 436-0344. The cost is just $35.00 per person (non-refundable) and includes a surprise package when you arrive. Call soon to reserve a spot!
Easter Food Baskets Flyers at the church doors describe this wonderful tradition. This is a great way to bring the faith into family as you put a basket together with the kids, teaching them all the symbols of the various foods. We offer a special Blessing of the Baskets on Holy Saturday (April 15) at 4:00 PM at the Lord’s Tomb in Immaculate Conception Church. Take a flyer and consider it!
Easter Bunny Candy We got word that the “Easter Bunny” is once again planning a visit to Portsmouth, on Saturday, April 15th! He could use our help to have lots and lots of eggs full of candy to leave all over the grounds at St. Catherine. Could you help him out? Please bring your egg-filler candy donations to the parish office this week, or bring them with you to Mass next weekend and leave them in the boxes marked “Easter Bunny.” All
candy must be small enough to fit inside
plastic eggs and individually wrapped. If you’d like to help to stuff eggs, please call Shirley at 207-451-9483. Thank you!
Easter Flower Fund We thank you for whatever you can share to help us adorn the churches for the upcoming days of Holy Week and Easter. Envelopes are at the doors. Names of loved ones can be written on these and will be included in remembrance at the Easter Octave Masses. Simply drop into the collection before April 2nd so the names can be prepared for the memorial listing. (You can also do this online through Online Giving. Just visit www.osvonlinegiving.com/2935.)
DIVINE MERCY SHRINE
As was announced during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, we commissioned two Shrines to be crafted for our Immaculate Conception Church. One, dedicated at the opening of the Year of Mercy in December of 2015, honors our Lady as Mother of Mercy, and contains an icon of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Czestochowa, one of the oldest images of our Lady known to Christians. The reproduction, which is now part of the shrine in the front right transept of our church, is over 100 years old. It is a beautiful addition, and the many votive candles kindled there are a wonderful sign of confidence in the motherly inter-cession of Mary, to whom our Parish was solemnly consecrated on September 8, 2011.
In the other transept wing on the left, we have the Divine Mercy image that Fr. Gary brought to the Parish in 2011. It was painted in Krakow and blest there at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, where St. Faustina lived and died. Originally, it was in our St. James church and the two saints of mercy – St. Faustina and St. Padre Pio – were added in 2012. In December of 2014, when we relocated all weekend Masses to Immaculate Conception, the image and statues were moved to IC.
To commemorate the great privilege that we were given – to be a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage site with a Holy Door in the Year of Mercy – we commissioned a shrine to be crafted for this area. It will be installed soon, prior to Easter, and solemnly blest on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23rd. We are deeply grateful to a small group of parishioners who have generously funded these projects. (You may note that the red candles in the Shrine may be gone for a few days while installation takes place, but wait until you seek the finished product!)
March 26, 2017 Corpus Christi Parish Portsmouth, NH
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UPDATES!
NEW! Maintenance to Mission Update As announced last weekend, on March 16th, after pre-
senting a prospective buyer and Purchase and Sale Agree- ment for our parish property to our Bishop, the Diocesan Finance Council, and the College of Consulters, we re- ceived the unanimous recommendation of approval from both bodies, and subsequently, the permission from our Bishop to move forward with the sale and the signing of the agreement. As this bulletin goes to press, that statement is in final stages of preparation/review by attorneys, and we anticipate signing the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The buyer has agreed to the razing of the church and his use is very appropriate for the land and neighborhood. The purchase price is above appraisal value as well. A deposit will be made at signing and then the buyer will have an extended period of time to present his ideas to neighbors and submit his plans for approvals and permitting through the City process. At the end of a set time, or before if he chooses, the closing will occur and complete payment will be made. At that time, with funds in hand, we will begin the construction on St. Catherine Church for repurposing of the first floor into a parish hall and the lower level into a meeting center.
In the near future, once the P&S is signed, work will begin on repairs and a “face lift” on the rectory at St. Catherine to house all our parish offices by the summer time. More info about future use and payment will be given at the appropriate time in this process.
NEW! Academy Update On the same day, March 16th, at a meeting of the City
Planning Board, the Hope for Tomorrow Foundation re- ceived unanimous approval of the site plan for the new school and we are now looking forward to moving toward our May 13th Blessing of Site and Groundbreaking for the new school on Banfield Road, on 10+ acres of beautiful wooded land on the Seacoast Health Foundation’s Community Campus. After June 30th, when St. Patrick School transitions into St. Patrick Academy, and one more school year (as the Academy) happens in our current school building on Austin Street, the new school will open in August of 2018! (A special celebration is planned for May 13th – watch for more details!)
Income Tax Statements
If you would like a statement indicating your 2016 church contributions for income tax purposes, please email [email protected] or call 603-436-4555, X16. We can do this only for those who use envelopes or Online Giving, since we have no way of documenting what others give.
Lenten Lamentations
next Sunday. This simple half-hour of reflection in
song focuses on the Passion of Christ with words and
melodies that are truly soul-stirring. Originally
composed in Krakow, Poland in the 18th century, this
devotion was brought here to our parish in 2012 and
grows in the hearts of those who discover it each year.
Plan to come at 6:00 PM tonight. The devotion
concludes with Benediction.
(For those who wish to come early for some quiet
personal prayer, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed at
5:30 PM, and for those who may wish to linger, it
remains exposed after the devotion until 7:00 PM. Fr.
Gary hears confessions at these times as well.)
Musical Presentation
The 24 th annual performance of To God Be The Glory,
on the life, Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, will be presented at 6:30 PM Thursday – Saturday, March 30th – April 1
st , and at 3:00 PM on Sunday
