Category: From the Pastor’s Desk (Page 42 of 68)

Dear Parishioners,

There has been some significant legislation enacted recently that affects the pro-life posture of Catholic social teaching. Next Sunday, October 3, is Respect Life Sunday. The USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life has developed in this Year of Joseph the following “A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life” to call our

prayerful attention to the gift of life in general, but “especially where it is vulnerable or threatened.”

A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life

Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home. As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child. We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life. Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life —especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. Amen.

God bless,
Fr. John Mahoney

Next Sunday, October 3rd, is Respect Life Sunday. There will be prayer cards inserted next week in our bulletin with a prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life.

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.  Traditions abound as to how exactly Scotland’s special connection with Saint Andrew came about.  One claims the saint’s relics were brought from Constantinople to Scotland under divine guidance.  Another says that during a battle with the English the Scottish king saw a cloud shaped like a Saltire and declared that Saint Andrew was watching over his troops. Whatever the case, rest assured that the gathering of the clan for Highland Games is a special celebration for the Scottish, near and far, and for all of us who wish to imitate Saint Andrew by following Jesus in our own lives.

Go mbeannai Dia Duit!
Fr. John Mahoney

A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart … a good person produces good from the treasury of the inner self. (Luke 6:43) 

Taking up one’s cross and following Jesus can be a challenging command sometimes – especially when it comes to forgiving from the heart the one who has aggrieved you or in extraordinary circumstances.  The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened 20 years ago today.  We still carry the memory of that awful day, and we continue to remember in our prayers the victims of the attack and their families and loved ones who continue to mourn their great loss.  We remember the passengers and crews of the aircrafts destroyed in the attack as well as the victims on the ground.  We remember especially the brave first responders who ran toward danger rather than away, many of whom gave away their health and lives to save others.  And we pray for the terrorists as well, because we believe in the redemptive power of prayer and because hatred and vengeance have no place in Christian hearts.  May all of humanity be redeemed by the cross of Christ.

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

We honor all laborers on this weekend. As you can see, the reconstruction of the rectory front porch has begun.  The unstable footings, insect-damaged support beams, and buckling decking and railings are being either repaired or replaced to ensure safety and integrity to the infrastructure.  Visitors to the parish offices are asked to call (745-2266) prior to visiting in order to be admitted through the rectory’s rear entrance.  We are deeply grateful to Mike Iarocci and Gene Duquette for their expertise and their construction skills, and for bringing the project to completion far, far below estimated cost.  Thanks Mike and Gene!

With prayerful best wishes,

Fr. John Mahoney

God our Father, you have given each of us gifts to use in the Body of Christ, to bring a New Hope and the Good News of Jesus Christ through our Catholic faith to all in New Hampshire. Inspire young and old in the Diocese of Manchester to courageously follow your will as we live the unique vocation for which you have created us. Please give us vocations to Christian marriage, to the religious life, and to the priesthood. Give us the grace of responding quickly to your voice. Support our bishops, priests, and consecrated people in their mission. Confirm married couples and all families in your love. Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all who follow your way. Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say “Yes” to the Lord who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation. Amen.