May 11, 2008
Pentecost Sunday
Happy Mother’s Day

Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday, May 10
    6:00 PM  For the Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  May 11
    9:30 AM  For Leon Langille by Pauline Arnhold
Saturday, May 17
   4:00 PM  For the Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  May 18
    9:30 AM  For  Alcide & Annette Fraser by Normand & Jeannine Fraser

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
Pentecost Sunday   
Theme: (Filled with the Holy Spirit)
Reading I: Acts 2: 1-11 (Speaking in Different Tongues
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (Parts of One Body)
Gospel: John 20:19- 23 (Receive the Holy Spirit)

Question for Adults:  In What areas do I find it particularly difficult to forgive?  What might Jesus say to me about this?  The act of forgiving is very often very difficult if not the most difficult thing we are asked to do as Christians.  Perhaps that is why it is most appropriate that we are faced with this question on the feast of Pentecost.  With the help of the Holy Spirit we are given the strength and courage to face our most difficult situations.  As we reflect on those areas in our lives where forgiveness is most difficult let us pray to the Holy Spirit that we will receive the wisdom and understanding to see and feel as God does.
  
Question for Children? How good am I at asking for forgiveness when it is necessary? Asking for forgiveness is difficult for everyone, young and old alike.  It is a good practice to cultivate in our children when they are young.  This makes it easier for them to practice as they get older.  Take some time this week to talk to your child about the idea of asking for forgiveness.   

Community News

Catholic Charities Appeal:     Once again we are turning to you in your generosity for those less fortunate.  The annual Catholic Charities appeal is now underway.  If you were not able to attend liturgy over the last two weeks and thus did not pick up an envelope and flyer, please do so this week.  The above can be found in the entrance of the church.  Please consider being a little more generous if at all possible this year.  Many people have lost their jobs and the need will be great.   Thank you so much in advance

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