February 1, 2009
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday, January 31
   6:00 PM  For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  February 1
    9:30 AM  Intention of the Celebrant
Saturday, February 7
   6:00 PM  For Parishioners of St. Paul
Sunday,  February 8
    9:30 AM Intention of the Celebrant

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 February 15, 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
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time 
Theme:  (The Holy One of God)
Reading I: Deuteronomy: 18, 15-20 (I will raise Up a Prophet)
Reading II: 1 Cor. 7: 32-35 (Free of Anxieties
Gospel: Mark 1: 21-28 (Teaching with authority)

Question for Adults:  In what ways have I experienced the presence of Jesus in my life?    As we go through life we all have the experience of having “unclean” spirits within us.  In short we all experience the need to be cleansed of something whether it be bad habits, poor relationships, pride or greed.  We all need to experience the presence of God within us in order to come to a New Life.  You may want to begin reflecting on the areas of your life where you need cleansing or you may simply want to reflect on a recent memory of a time when Jesus did touch your life.         

Question for Children? Do I remember to pray to Jesus for help when I am tempted?  A young child may need to be taught what the word tempted means.  It is not difficult or out of their league but the actual word is not often brought up in daily conversation so an explanation would be important.  Once they understand the term you can proceed with asking them to pray to Jesus for help when they feel tempted.  This is a very important lesson for Christians to learn.  It is especially appropriate for those children preparing for Reconciliation or for those who have already received this sacrament.       

Community News

The Secret of the Pearl by Alison Berger
    Here’s something you don’t see every day – Catholic novel for teenagers!  It’s about a sixteen-year old who learns that she has special gift that will enable her to achieve something rather extraordinary – an unfulfilled mission begun by her mother.  In her quest, she encounters mystery, adventure, religious experience, romance, and on top of all that, saints as well as sinners.   This a delightful book paced just right, and very believable.  Teenage girls in particular will love it. Visit www.lambtalesnook.com       To find out more.  The book has only 150 pg. and is priced at $14.95.

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.  

Food Pantry for February: 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.

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

Holy Family Academy,  a private school located in Manchester, NH, provides a classical education in the roman catholic tradition for students in grades 7 – 12.  The Academy’s Open House for prospective students which was preciously scheduled on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm has been RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2009 at 2:00 PM.   Come and hear about the Academy’s program of excellence in classical education and solid formation in the Catholic Faith.  Holy Family Academy is currently accepting qualified students in grades 7 – 12 for the 2009-2010 academic year.  Limited openings are available.  For further information please call 644-7247.

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.