January 11, 2009
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday, January 10
   6:00 PM  For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  January 11
    9:30 AM For the Intention of the Celebrant
Saturday, January 18
   6:00 PM  For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  January 19
    9:30 AM  For the Protection of the Unborn By Julie Laughner

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

All children from k – 10 must register for Religious Education each year.  The registration does not roll over from one year to the next.  We will be mailing a registration form through e-mail in the near future.  If you have not received a form by mid-August it is because we do not have your e-mail address or perhaps you are not yet registered in the parish so we do not have any pertinent information related to you family.  You can call the office between Monday –Thursday at 483-8481 to update your e-mail info or you can pick up a registration in the entrance of the church. 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 1, students must attend classes on a weekly basis during the Mass, as the program for 1st Communion is a two year program.  The program for the school year 2008-2009 will begin on the weekend of September 20th and 21st.  Classes are held during both weekend Masses. Grades 4 – 10 +, Generation of Faith     This program is designed for both parents and children.  Parents who have children in grades  4 - 10 are asked to attend these monthly sessions. The adult session gives them an opportunity to refresh their memory on important matters of the faith as well as giving them the chance to share with other adults on pertinent issues of faith. The next class for parents and children in this program will be January 18, 2009 at St. Peter Parish in Auburn.  All GoF classes are held on Sundays from 4 – 6 pm. Confirmation Program:      The Confirmation students will begin their two year program on Sunday, October 5, 2008.  Classes are held from 11:00 am to 12 noon. Students must be registered in the program and must be registered members of the parish.  If you have not yet registered your child for classes please call the office to speak to Lorette.                      Schedule of Classes

Question of the Week
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord 
Theme:  (Beloved by God)
Reading I: Isaiah: 42: 1-7 (Come to the Waters)
Reading II: Acts 10: 34-38 (The Victory of Faith)
Gospel: Mark 1: 7-11 (Jesus’ Baptism)

Question for Adults:  What does it mean to me to be beloved by God?  When we think of being loved by God, many things run through our minds.  The work love means different things to different people and, as human beings, we have many different ideas concerning God’s love for us.  One thing we must consider is that God is not a human being so He does not have all our failings.  He is not jealous or envious or selfish or greedy.  His love for us is different from what we experience with other human beings.  Perhaps it would be good to reflect on our perception of God’s love for us.  How do you see this played out in your life?  Do you believe that God actually loves you, that you are beloved by God? 

Question for Children?  What can I recall about the story of Jesus’ Baptism?  Many children may not remember too many details about the Baptism of Jesus.  If you have a Children’s bible you may want to take the time to read it together.  Discuss the points of who was at the Baptism and what happened that was of any significance?  Is there any relation between Jesus’ baptism and your child’s Baptism?     

Community News

It’s Tax Time Again
    If you have been contributing to the parish by check or through the envelop system and you have given at least $250.00 over the year, and are in need of a statement of contributions, please call the office at 483-8481 or e-mail your request at stpaulcandia@comcast.net  and we would be happy to send you a receipt.  

Welcome to our New Parishioners
    St. Paul Parish has been fortunate to receive many new parishioners during the calendar year 2008.  New parishioners are a sign of life and the continued work of the Spirit among us.  We are very happy to welcome the following individuals and families to our Faith community. 
M. Barnard, (Chester) M. & L. Cafasso and children, (Deerfield) J. & L. Conchiglia and children, (Raymond)  F. & L. Cartier and children, (Candia)  S. & I. Desrosiers and children, (Deerfield) A. Palermo, (Candia) K. Ramsey,  (Hooksett) S. Seitz and children, (Deerfield) J. & D. Sanborn,  (Candia) T. & K. Shanahan, (Raymond)  M. & J. Siemonsma, (Candia).

A Warm Welcome to All

Food Pantry for January    This month our pantry shelves continue to be in need of  Cereal, Spaghetti Sauce, Evaporated Milk and Instant or powdered milk . We are also always in need of juices.   Thank you very much for all you do for those less fortunate.

How to Make A Report of Sexual Abuse
    Child sexual abuse is a crime in the State of NH and the Church.  N law requires that anyone who has reason to suspect that a child is being or has been abused or neglected must make a report to the Division for Children, Youth & Families (“DCYF”) of the State of NH.  1-800-894-5533.  Any person who suspects or alleges child abuse on the part of the priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of a parish, school, or institution of the diocese of Manchester is also encouraged to make a report to the Office for Ministerial Conduct. 603-669-3100.

Looking for Used Baby Clothes:  If you have young children that have outgrown their clothes and the clothes are still in good condition, Birthright of NH would greatly benefit from their use.  There are many young mothers who need a great deal of help in this line.  If you have clothes anywhere within the size range of Newborn to 4T, please bring them to the church and we will deliver them.  Thank you so much.

A Look at Upcoming Events

Daily Video Reflections
    Each day the USCCB offers a video reflection on the day’s scripture, Several priests from the diocese of Manchester will be featured on the USCCB Web site, offering their reflections on the day’s reading.  If you would like to listen to these reflections you can go the diocesan website at www.catholicchurchnh.org and scroll down to Quick Links at Video Reflections.  During the month of January Fr. Jerome Day from St. Raphael Parish and Fr. Michael Kerper from Corpus Christi Parish will be scheduled.  Fr. Jerome will present on January 4, 11, and 18, 2009.  Fr. Mike will present on Jan. 17, 24, and 3l, 2009.  During the month of Feb. Fr. Dick Thompson will present on Feb. 7, 14, and 21, 2009.

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    The Thomas More college wishes seniors a Merry Christmas and good luck with upcoming college applications.  Thomas More is accepting applications for Fall 2009.  Apply before Feb. 1 to waive the $25.00 application fee at www.thomasmorecollege.edu. Remember to take time and enjoy this blessed season.
The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
6 Manchester Street
Merrimack, NH 03054
603-880-8308

CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS Please remember the following people and intentions in your daily prayers: Our sick parishioners and friends…    Please pray for the following people: Josephine Stout,  Frank Huard, Betty Lintz, Cecile Gendron,  Kimberly Mirolo, Rita Sullivan, Kathy Gauthier,  Jean Swindler, Roger Plante, Joseph Gesel, Jacob Desrocher, Cindy Huard, Deborah McGovern, Ethel Thomas, Gordon Gladden and Carol Sheperd.  For peace in the world, especially in the Middle East… For those serving in the armed forces... For families experiencing stress due to financial, emotional or relational problems For our sister parish in Haiti... For vocations to full-time ministry, especially the priesthood, the deaconate, religious life lay ministry...     If you would like to add a person or intention, please let us know. If people on the sick list are no longer in need of prayers, please let us know.