August 12, 2007
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend Mass Intentions
Sunday,  August 12
    9:30 AM  For Aliette Beliveau by Arthur Perry
Sunday,  August 19
    9:30 AM  For Barry Edelman by Maria Marinello

The use of envelops by parishioners attending Mass at St. Peter’s in Auburn this summer would be very much appreciated.  If you do not have envelops, simply use a regular envelop and label it for St. Paul’s or call the office and our secretary would be happy to send you some envelops.

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       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  The children in grades K – 3 attend classes during the weekend liturgies.  We use a Lectionary Catechesis which is based on the Gospel of the week.  Kindergarten students are not obliged to attend regularly.  However, beginning with grade l, students must attend classes on a weekly basis as the program for 1st Communion is a two year program.  It is vital that students continue with their Christian Formation even after their 1st Communion. Grades 4 – 10 +   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 last class for this school year was on Sunday, April 15th in Auburn.  We will resume classes in September.

Question of the Week
19th  Sunday of Ordinary Time  
Theme: (Do not live in fear.  Live, and be ready!)
Reading 1: Wisdom 18: 6-9 (You always protect us)
Reading 2: Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19 (In faith we believe
           what we do not see.)
Gospel: Luke 12: 32- 48 We must be ready for God to
           act in our lives at any time!?

Question for Adults: On a daily basis, what are some ways to keep yourself “ready for God to act?”  How do you pay attention to God’s often-less-than-obvious actions?  Because this reading refers to the issue of death and dying, we often tend to push it away and place it on the back burner telling ourselves that we have plenty of time to worry about these things.  The truth of the matter is that we never know when our time will come.  Without becoming obsessed with the issue, it would serve us all very well to spend some time reflecting on how we actually live our lives.  Are we pushing the envelop hoping that we are “different” from all others?  Or are we realistic in admitting that we need to pay closer attention to God in our lives? 

Question for the Teens:  If Jesus were to knock on your door today and give you a report card on your life as His disciple, what grade would you get?  Where would be your areas for improvement?
    This question assumes that getting a good grade as one of Jesus’ disciples is important to you.  If the matter is of no concern, then you must begin by asking yourself why?  What is going on in your life that leaves you indifferent to you Christian life?
    If you do care, then you can proceed to think about the ideas that were mentioned in the above question.  Some areas you may concentrate on are:  Your Prayer life including the worship of God at weekend liturgies,  your acceptance of all people regardless of their race, social standing , popularity, etc.  your attitude about service both in and out of your home,  your willingness to do the right thing even when no one is around.  

Question for Children?  Jesus tells us to always be ready to hear him.  What are some ways that he speaks to us? 
      Parents, help you children to understand how God speaks to them at home, at school, at play.

Community News

Respect Life Challenge-Blood Drive
2nd Annual Bloody Battle
A Respect Life Bloody Battle Challenge in October of 2006 between St. Pius and St. Catherine at the Red Cross Center in Manchester net 93 pints of blood.  This competition between the two parishes was a FUN and very SUCCESSFUL Respect Life Event.  This October, St. Pius and St. Catherine Parishes would like to invite all Parishes of the Amoskeag Deanery to compete in the Respect Life Bloody Battle Challenge.  We think this is an excellent Respect Life Event to celebrate October as Respect Life Month.
    We hope that every parish in the Deanery will accept the challenge to pump iron and bring their arms on October 20 and 22nd to the Respect Life Bloody Battle Challenge.
    Save the Dates to Support Life!

  Homeschoolers and friends
    There will be a Mass with Bishop McCormack on September 5th, 2007 at 10:00 at St. Pius X Church, Candia Rd. In Manchester.  There will be a small reception and outing in the park following the Mass.  Please set aside this date to come and pray for and with our Bishop and our families and our upcoming school year.  Call Lisa Dennehy with questions at 648-6299.

The RCIA Process (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. . . is a process through which adults or older children become more familiar with the truths and theological teachings of the Catholic Church.  The program was developed for persons seeking full initiation in the church whether or not they may have been baptized in another Christian denomination.  If you of someone you know thinks or feels that it is the time to take this step, or is you would simply want more information before committing yourself, please contact Lorette at 483-8481 or see her after Sunday Mass.