May 4, 2008
7th Sunday of Easter  Alleluia
Jesus is Risen – He is Truly Risen

Weekend Mass Intentions
  Saturday, May 3
   6:00 PM  For the Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  May 4
    9:30 AM  PM  For Deceased members of the Gibeau family by the Lebel family
Saturday, May 10
    6:00 PM  For the Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  May 11
    9:30 AM  For the Parishioners of St. Paul

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 – 10 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. This year’s program will begin on September 15, 2007 Grades 4 – 10 +    This program is designed for both parents and children.  Parents are asked to attend the sessions as they have the opportunity to refresh their memory on important matters of the faith . This year’s program for the Generations of Faith has come to an end as of April 13th.                      Schedule of Classes

Question of the Week
7th Sunday of Easter   
Theme: (Glorifying God)
Reading I: Acts 1: 12-13 (The Apostles Return to Jerusalem
Reading II: 1 Peter: 4:13-16 (Sharing the Sufferings of Christ)
Gospel: John 17:1- 11 (The Glory of the Father and Son)

Question for Adults:  How have I come to know Christ over the course of my faith journey?  This question lies at the heart of our Christian faith.  Although knowledge is very important, even more important is the privilege of being able to develop an intimate relationship with Christ who is the face of God.  Where do we stand with respect to this relationship and how did we get where we are?  This is very important because it enables us to guide our children along the same paths.  If we feel that we have a long road ahead of us in this respect, it would be a good time to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in our effort. 
  
Question for Children? What people and things remind me that I am a friend of Jesus?  This question could be very challenging for children, (as it could be for adults.)  Begin by discussing some things that remind them of Jesus.  The children may be able to make the connection between recognizing things and people that remind them of Jesus and those that identify them as his friend.    

Community News

Women of Faith Event
    Women of Faith is a Manchester area group of Christian, Jewish and Muslim women who gather to share religious beliefs, culture and traditions and to develop understanding and friendship among us.  We are pleased to invite all women to our next event entitled, Wedding Traditions.  We will meet in the downstairs dining room at First Congregational Church, 508 Union St. Manchester on Monday, May 5, 7-9 p.m.  Join us to learn about wedding traditions from a variety of faiths and cultures.  Bring a wedding remembrance to share.  Parking is available in the lot behind the church on the corner of Amherst and Union.  Please call Barbara Lantiegne at 668-5366 to RSVP by May 3 or if you have any questions.

Jesus Quest:  A Scripture Retreat for women ages 18 and up.  “Come apart and rest a while”; allow the Lord to refresh you.  The retreat will be Friday May 16th at 7 pm until Sunday May 18th at 1 pm at Our Lady of Hope House of Prayer in New Ipswich, NH.  The suggested donation is $60 – 110 as able.  The registration deadline is May 9th.  Please contact Sr. Lorraine Aucoin, pm at 668-1791 or srlorrainea@yahoo.com.

We’re Looking for Pictures. . .
    Msgr. Donald Gilbert, who was pastor of this parish from 1995-1999, will be retiring from parish ministry this summer.  His present parish of St. Matthew’s in Windham is preparing a book of memories commemorating his ministry.  They are looking for pictures of him as he served in various parishes.  Since he was pastor in this parish there are probably many of you who have pictures of Mgrs. Gilbert.  If you would be willing to share these pictures and possibly a story that accompanies it, St. Matthew’s parish would be very appreciative.  If you want to bring them here we can forward them to Windham.  If you wish to contact the parish directly or if you have any questions, please contact Jack Kennedy at 603-890-1013 or e-mail him at jackkennedy3@verizon.net.  The address for St. Matthew Parish is 2 Searles Rd.,  Windham, NH 03087

The Children Need Your Help!
CASA of NH trains concerned citizens to advocate for abused and neglected children in the courts.  There are children waiting for someone to speak on their behalf.  Your common sense, commitment to children, and a contribution of 15 hours a month will help ensure a child grows up in a safe, permanent home.  To become a CASA/GAL volunteer and help the children in your community, please call 800/626-0622, or log onto www.casanh.org for more information.

Food Pantry for May  This month our pantry shelves are in  need of  Spaghetti Sauce, Baked Beans and Juice and instant dry milk.  Thank you very much for all you do for those less fortunate