August 6, 2006
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend Mass Intentions
Saturday,  August 5
    6:00 PM   For Leon & Alexina Therrien by Normand & Jeannine Fraser
Sunday,  August 6
    9:30 AM  For the parishioners of St.Paul
Saturday,  August 12
   6:00 PM  For the parishioners of St.Paul
Sunday,  August 13
   9:30 AM  For Ricky McGregor 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 ________

            The Catholic Community of St. Paul Parish wish to extend a special invitation to all who are interested in learning more about the process of becoming a Baptized member of our Church.  If you, or someone you know have been thinking about taking this step toward full Communion, do not hesitate to call the office at 483-8481 and ask to speak to Lorette about this process.  Whether you have already been baptized in another Christian Faith denomination or have never been baptized at all, the road is open to all.  If you are interested in knowing more about this spiritually enriching journey toward Catholicism, we would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.

A Time for Altar Serving Training
    If you have a son or daughter who has made their 1st Communion and is between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, and has expressed the desire to be an altar server, this is the time to come forward.  We will be trying a new method of training this year.  We are in the process of making a video for them to take home and watch.  This way they can watch the video as often as they need to in order to remember what their responsibilities are.  If your child is interested in this important ministry, please let Lorette know as soon as possible. 

Christian Formation News

Grades K – High School     If you have children of age for Religious Education, please remember to pick up a registration form for Religious Education for the coming year.  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  Classes for children in these grades will resume on the weekend of September 16/17..    Grades 4 – 10 +    Last year we initiated a new program for the children in these grade levels.  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 first class will be on Sunday, October 15, 2006.  This year, the classes will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 pm here at St. Paul’s.  A full year’s schedule will be given to you on the first class day.  Please mark your calendars.

Question of the Week
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Theme: (The Majesty of Christ)
Reading I: Daniel 7: 9-10 (One Like a Son of Man)
Reading II: 2 Peter  1: 16-19 (A Voice from Heaven)
Gospel: Mark. 9:2-10 (Multiplication of the Loaves)

Question for Adults: Which title of Jesus from today’s Gospel most speaks to me at this time?
    Reflecting on the various titles of Jesus is not something we often do.  As a matter of fact, there are some titles that probably turn off from prayer rather than help us.  There are, however, various titles that can help us if we take a few minutes to think of the implications of the words.
    This week Jesus is called Rabbi, which means teacher.  He is also called Son by a voice in the clouds which we believe is God the Father and Creator.  Jesus is also referred to as Son of Man.  The two latter titles emphasize the fact that we see Jesus as human and divine.  These titles are not mutually exclusive but there may be a time in our spiritual journey when one aspect of Jesus is more poignant than the other for us.
    Seeing Jesus as human or Son of Man helps us to relate to him on a more even keel.  It is easier to relate to someone is just like us.  This is true in all our relationships.  We often drift toward people whom we perceive as being more like ourselves.  This is not so much because we think we are better but simply because we feel that they will understand us better.  We will not have to use useless energy explaining ourselves.  This same concept  is true in all our relationships. 
    It may be true that we are more disposed toward relating to Jesus as Son of God however.  There is nothing better or worse about any of the titles we relate to.  What matters is that we it helps us to be more faithful as we grow in our spiritual life.
     
Question for Children?   How might I show my love for Jesus in my actions this week? 
    This question comes around every few weeks so you might want to use it as a reminder and refresher rather than as a new idea.  Encourage your child to think of something different this time around.  If they found their last idea difficult perhaps they would like to take it up again as a challenge.

Community News

26th Annual Scout Retreat!
    All Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts in grades 5 – 12, and adult leaders, are invited to the 26th Annual High Adventure Scout Retreat Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17, 2006 at Camp Fatima in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH.  The cost is $8.00 per scout and $4.00 per adult.  This Retreat is very active, like a camporee, involving the scouts in a number of fun, interesting, challenging, thought provoking and faith filled activities.  It includes a climbing wall, high ropes, capture the flag, and dance.  For more information or to register , go to: www.geocities.com/dmces/ or call 669-3100 X173 or e-mail FrRay3@comcast.net Sponsored by the Diocesan Catholic Scouting Committee.

Do You Need a Hand?. . .
    Susan Cady, wife and mother of two, has been maintaining the upkeep of the church (and formerly of the rectory for the past 7 years.  She no longer cleans the rectory since the priests no longer reside there.  Susie is presently available to take on one or two house cleaning sites.  If you or someone you know would need assistance with cleaning, Susie would like to hear from you.  She takes small jobs as well as bigger ones.  Susie is responsible, dependable, and honest.  If you are interested or need more information please call Susie at 463-7801.
 
Mark Your Calendars
    The office of Vocations to the Priesthood is midway toward their goal of celebrating a monthly Mass for Vocations through the year 2006.  The following dates include the next six Masses.  All Masses will be held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.  Please join us in praying for priestly vocations.