Dear Parishioners,
    Our Pastoral and Finance Councils have had very open and frank discussions about the future of St. Paul Parish over the past year.  Ms. Lorette Nault has presented a series of reflections in the Sunday bulletin.  The pastor has met with several diocesan representatives, including Mr. Guy Chapdelaine, Chief Finance Officer of the Diocese of Manchester, Mr. Paul Harrington, Secretary of Real Estate, and Mr. Timothy Murray, Development Director for the diocese.  We must now make a determination, given the facts that we have at our disposal: funds needed, clergy shortage, etc.
    The most reasonable scenario at this point is to re-roof our present church, paint the inside and replace the carpet, install pews (expanding the seating capacity), and continue to serve the people of the area for the short term.
    With regards to the clergy shortage, it seems unlikely that there will be a priest available to serve the parish full time.  Lorette and I are seeing the retirement years coming faster and faster.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to celebrate 5 Masses every weekend.  I am happy to be able to continue serving here at St. Paul Parish.  With Lorette’s experience and dedication, and especially her pastoral presence to you, as well as with the able assistance of Deacon George Borkush, things are much easier.  At this point Father Michael Taylor and I are in good health, thanks be to God.  No one can predict the future, but I know that the Holy Spirit is at work and that Christ is still with His Church, no matter how difficult it may seem.
                                           Fr. C. Peter Dumont

Electronic Offering:
Our Parish is now able to take your offertory donations through Credit or Debit card.  If you wish to make you contribution in this manner, simply fill in the following and return to our office. 
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Ste. Marie Child Care Center
     Openings are available for 4 year old Preschool and Kindergarten Programs as well as Before & After School Programs for the fall of 2007.  For more information, please call 668-2356.
    Ste. Marie Child Care Center is located in the Ste. Marie complex  at 133 Wayne Street in Manchester, NH.

Bereavement Support Groups
    Rockingham VNA and Hospice will be running two 6-week bereavement support groups starting Tuesday, August 28th and concluding October 2nd.  The first is a General Group supporting those who have experienced the death of a spouse, sibling, friend etc.  The second is a Motherless Daughter Group open to any women who has experienced the death of her mother no matter how long it has been.  The general group will meet on Tuesday morning from 10:30 to noon and the Motherless Daughter group will meet Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.  Both groups will meet at the Rockingham VNA and Hospice office at 137 Epping Road in Exeter, NH.
    The goal of a bereavement support group is to help individuals better understand the grief process and meet others who have also experienced the death of a loved one.  Sharing the pain can help ease some of the loneliness and feelings of isolation.  If you are interested in joning the group which is free of charge, please call Lee Maher, Bereavement Coordinator, at 772-2981 or 1-800-540-2981 to register.

Camp Phoenix. . .A Weekend Camp for Grieving Families – Sept. 7 – 9
    The Phoenix, a legendary bird of Greek Mythology, was brilliantly colored and lived many hundreds of years.  Upon dying, the bird was cremated and a new Phoenix arose from the ashes making the legend one of death and renewal.
    Those of us facing the death of a loved one, find our families and ourselves on a journey that may be overwhelming and debilitating.  The hard work of grieving may drain our resources at every level.  Camp Phoenix is a healthy opportunity for individuals and families to heal by facing the challenges of their loss. 
    Camp Phoenix will be celebrated at Wanakee Conference Center in conveniently located Meredith, NH, offering the natural beauty and peace of lakes and the forest along with complete accessibility.  Several activities, including hikes, high ropes, arts and crafts and music will help people to focus on the range of emotions, feelings and issues arising from loss.
    Evenings will center on the campfire where we will remember and tell stories of our loved ones and seek to let go of some of the regrets that may still linger.  Later, the adolescents and adults will gather to gave at the stars and learn of their role through the ages in dealing with loss.
    We welcome families with children from infants through 21 years of age.  It is our belief that in having families who have experienced a loss gather together we can promote healthy ways of grieving and draw upon each other’s strengths.  The VNA Hospice program will provide this wonderful opportunity at no cost to those who attend.  Childcare will be provided.
For more info and/or a registration packet, please contact:
Gary Andy, M.Div.  at 603-663-4005,   Bereavement Coordinator
      VNA Hospice
      33 So. Commercial St.   Suite 401
      Manchester, NH  03101

27th Annual Scout Retreat
    All Boy Scouts Girl Scouts in grades 5 – 12, and adult leaders, are invited to the 27th Annual High Adventure Scout Retreat Fri. Sept. 14 – Sun. Sept. 16, 2007 at Camp Fatima in Gilmanton Iron Works NH!  $8-scouts/$5-adults.  This is an active weekend, involving the scouts in a number of fun, interesting, challenging, though provoking and faith filled activities.  It includes a climbing wall, high ropes, capture the flag, and dance.  For info or to register, go to:  www.geocities.com/dmccs/, or send an e-mail: FrRay3@gmail.com or call:  669-3100 x173.  Sonsored by Fr. Ray Ball & the Diocesan Catholic Scouting Committee.