January 7, 2007
Feast of the Epiphany

Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday,  January 6
    6:00 PM  For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  January 7
    9:30 AM  For Julie Boisvert by Richard & Madeleine Bilodeau
Saturday,  January 13
   6:00 PM   For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  January 14
   9:30 AM  Intention of the Celebrant

Parish News and Notes

Parish office hours
    Our parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The Pastoral Associate is in most afternoons until 4:00 PM.  If you need to come in the PM please give us a call to make sure someone is here. Messages can always be left on the answering machine. 

Are you registered?
     Are you new to our parish?   If you are, please pick up a registration form in the vestibule of the church. Registration is very important.  Just drop it in the basket or mail it to our office.  Thanks!  We are always happy to receive new parishioners.  We welcome you and pray you will be happy here with us.

Please use church envelopes 
    Envelope users provide the bedrock of our financial support.  Please consider using them.  New packets of envelopes are mailed every three months. If you would like to receive some but you are not yet on the mailing list, please call Jeannine to give her your name and address. Thank you!

Envelope Request Form ____ I want to support our parish on a regular basis. Please add me to the envelope list. Name ______________________________ Address___________________________ Town ________________,NH Zip ________

Christian Formation News

Grades K – High School     If you have children of age for Religious Education, please remember to pick up a registration form for Religious Education for the coming year.  All children from grade K – the end of Confirmation must register.  The registration does not roll over from one year to the next.  You can pick up a form in the back of the church or you can visit the parish office Monday – Thursday during office hours or give us a call at 483-8481 and ask us to mail you a form.  We would be happy to do this Grades K- 3  Classes for children in these grades has resumed on the weekend of September 16/17. Grades 4 – 10 +    Last year we initiated a new program for the children in these grade levels.  The classes are held once a month and the program is geared to the entire family. Parents are strongly urged to attend the sessions as there is an adult component to the program which helps them to deepen their knowledge of the faith as well as making it possible for them to compliment the practice of the faith in the home. Our first class was held on Sunday, October 15, 2006.  Our next class is scheduled for January 14th.   This year, the classes will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm here at St. Paul’s.        2006-2007 Schedule (click here)

Question of the Week
Feast of the Epiphany
Theme: (The Light to the Nations)
Reading  Isaiah 60:1-6( The Lord Shall Shine)
Reading  Eph 3: 2-3 (Light to the Gentiles)
Gospel: Matt: 2:1-12 (The Magi are led by the Star)

Question for Adults: What areas of my life need to be visited by Jesus’ light?     We all have areas of our life that seem to be hidden in the dark recesses of our inner self.  Sometimes they are so well hidden that we have difficulty seeing them or perhaps even realizing that they exist. 
    The visit of the Magi is significant in our lives because it tells us that Christ brought light to everyone, even to people who were not necessarily aware of the fact that they needed him.
    Also, it is not a coincidence that one of the main characters in this story is King Herod, a man who wanted nothing to do with the new born child.  King Herod represents all of us who want our own way in life and fear that the presence of Christ in our lives will destroy our comfortable practices.   The presence of Herod in the story tells us that we must be open to the light if we are to benefit from it. 
    Hopefully, we are closer to the Magi than to Herod.  But even the Magi needed to be touched by grace.  Scripture does not elaborate but we must not fail to reflect.  Did the visit to the Child change their lives or was it simply a one time visit that caused some excitement for these men?  Did they return to their homes only to fall back into their old ways?
    Let us take some time this week to dust off some of those dark corners of our self that need a little shine.  Let’s not allow the Christmas season to be dismissed and forgotten until next December.

Question for Children? Does the presence of Jesus in my life make a difference to me and to the people that live or play with me? How?
    Take a few minutes to brainstorm a list of people who could be affected by the behavior of your child.  Then, help them to think of ways that would help others be happy.  Sharing is always a good way but try to encourage them to realize that they can share their joy and happiness with a smile and a cheerful word.  A pleasant attitude does wonders for others in our company.  As adults we are usually aware of this but children are not always aware.  How does knowing that Jesus loves them make a difference in their attitude?  
 

Community News