Lincoln, New Hampshire
He was in Scotland afore ye! For nearly 1,000 years, Saint Andrew, the “first called” of the apostles, has been Scotland’s patron saint, and the Saltire or “Saint Andrew’s Cross,” an X-shaped cross on which Saint Andrew is said to have been martyred, is represented on the nation’s flag.
A hearty welcome to all who are visiting Lincoln and St. Joseph Church for the annual gathering of the clans.
Go mbeannai Dia Duit!
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
To be a catechist is to be of service to the Lord and to one another through the ministry of handing on the faith through witness, word, and example. In many ways, it is a humbling ministry, for none of us is perfect nor knows all there is to know about our faith. Yet in our imperfection, God calls us to “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.”
Mt. 28:19-20. As a parish community, we should be eternally grateful to our Faith Formation teachers as they exercise their ministry here in St. Joseph’s faith community. They not only lead our catechetical program, but they do so effectively because they live their faith every day, bearing witness to the Gospel message in word and action. As such – and in conjunction with their classroom instruction – their students learn Christian values and spirituality, and incorporate them into their daily lives.
On this Catechetical Sunday and the first Faith Formation class, please join me in thanking our Faith Formation teachers for their faith-filled dedication to pass on the message of the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church to our fine young students who achieve so much under their tutelage and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney
SEPTEMBER
Month of The Seven Sorrows of Mary
Our Lady of Sorrows Feast Day: September 15
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Exercise, rest, work, socialization, and ongoing faith formation are all necessary for us to have the strength to love and serve God and others. Today’s gospel passage advises that we calculate priorities as we follow the way of the Lord Jesus, keeping him always central in our daily lives. How boring Catholicism would be if merely a set of rules. Our faith formation teachers will be speaking at the Masses this weekend. Notice how they help our young students to lay adequate and integrated foundations for lifelong discipleship through a multi-disciplinary approach to faith development. Our parish program integrates formal Church doctrine, Scripture study, and prayer, with socialization and group activities that build healthy Christian relationships. It’s not a quick fix or a trendy program – it’s a steady ministry of shaping lives to comprehend and conform to Catholic teaching with the ultimate, divine foundation of loving God and neighbor. Faith formation is the most transformative investment a parish can make. Thank you for your customary generosity and support of our faith formation program here at St. Joseph’s!
With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney
Prayer for Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our Priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
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