Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Parish and School
March 26, 2017
Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Annunciation of Mary
March 25th
9 St. Francis Way - Litchfield, NH 03052 - 603.424.3456 - www.stfrancisofassisi.net
PASTORAL STAFF
Rev. Jeffrey P. Statz, Pastor…….…………….....ext 207
Melissa Robinson, Office Mgr./Bookkeeper........ext 217
Kathie Floyd, Office Assistant……...…..………...ext 208
Vicki Isabelle, Faith Formation/Safe Environment
Coordinator……………….................................ext 209
Maria Landry, Youth Minister/Communications
Director…….……………………………………ext 215
[email protected]
Madeleine Pimley …..….………............Parish Sacristan
Michael Gallagan …….…...…….....……..Music Director
Knights of Columbus………………………….Jason Blais
Ladies Guild ……………...…...….…………...Anne Anctil
Outreach Ministry………………………Melissa Robinson
RCIA……………………………………………..Avis Flagg
[email protected]
Social Activities…………………………………Debbie Bois
[email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry……………………..Cecile Nichols
882.4490
MASS SCHEDULE
(MORNING MASS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Morning Mass (school)…....Mon, Wed thru Fri - 8:00 am
Morning Mass (no school).. Mon, Wed thru Fri - 9:00am
…………….…….……..Sat - 9:00 am
Weekend Masses…………………………...Sat - 4:00 pm
…………Sun - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
CONFESSION TIMES
Friday after 8:00 Mass and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
Saturday……………………………………3:00 - 3:30 pm
HOURS OF ADORATION
Monday:
Adoration ………………………….8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy…………….…...3:00 pm
Friday:
Adoration, Chaplet of the Divine Mercy .......8:30 am
TELEPHONE LISTINGS
Parish Office …………….….............................424.3456
Parish School …………....................................424.3312
OUR PARISH MISSION AND VISION
Our Mission
To allow Christ to bring about a total transformation in our lives, in the way we think, speak
and act, in our very being. By receiving and
becoming more aware of his abundant love
and mercy we are more able to be effective
instruments of his love and mercy to others.
PARISH CONTACT PERSON
Susan Koester …….…….….……….Finance Committee
Laurence Sevigny ……………...Parish Pastoral Council
Andy Santom …..…Respect Life Parish Representative
SCHOOL STAFF
Mark Schwerdt, Principal………….…….……..424-3312
[email protected]
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Fri. after 8:00am Mass, Sat. 3:00pm, & by appointment.
Our Vision
To be informed or transformed by Christ
through parish life and ministry…
Beginning in our own families, in our parish
family and to all we know and meet we seek
to reflect Christ and see Christ in others, especially those most in need of his love and
mercy. By practicing corporal and spiritual
works of mercy each day, we are able to see
others as Christ sees them and we see Christ
in each person whom we serve.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Please call the Parish Office for information on dates for
Baptism and Baptismal Program.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
Please call the Parish Office at least six months in
advance.
COMMUNION CALLS
FOR THE HOMEBOUND & HOSPITALS
Please contact the Outreach Ministry by calling
the Parish Office.
NEW PARISHIONERS
Please call the Parish Office for information on Parish
life and registration.
Next available bulletin is Apr 9th, announcements must be received by Mar 30th.
Email: [email protected]
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Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Parish and School…
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are here celebrating with us this weekend. As you
worshipped at this Mass, we sincerely hope that you found nourishment for your life and faith journey. If
you are visiting with us this weekend or if you are new to the Parish or area, please introduce yourselves.
March 26, 2017
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
First Reading: I Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Samuel “does not see as God does,” for the Lord
chooses David to succeed Saul. Young David is secretly anointed and the spirit of Yahweh dwelt in him
enabling to rule well.
The blind man’s healing in today’s intriguing gospel
story offers John the evangelist a chance to underscore the contrast between light and darkness, a central theme of his gospel. We find the dark in the blind
man’s parents, who are intimidated by the authorities. We find it most of all in the Pharisees’ reaction to
the miracle, who completely miss the point. Ironically
they become the really blind men because of their
pride and stubbornness.
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Paul contrasts the disobedient “children of darkness”
with the “children of light.” Baptism is the very light in
question offered to us by Christ.
With all of the blind alleys we poor humans somehow
manage to follow, as opposed to the broad highways of
opportunity given to us to fulfill our vocation to holiness, it is a wonder how God keeps on loving us.
Gospel: John 9:1-41, or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
The blind man takes on the task of witnessing to Jesus,
who proves to be “from God.” Meanwhile, Christian
readers can learn not only to fight their chosen blindness but also how to react when hostile authorities confront them.
We often act as God’s judge when things don’t go our
way. We become blind. As the reading from Samuel
clearly points out: “Not as man sees does God see,
because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks
into the heart.” His vision of us meanwhile remains so
clear that His loving us does not end no matter the extent of our pride and stubbornness.
Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Being retired, I have been sometimes called upon to
cover a parish for a time when some pastor friends are
in need. The current priest shortage makes me and
others like me “valuable commodities”, if you don’t mind
my using an economic comparison.
Perhaps it would be a good thing when temptation
comes our way to imagine an alarm going off that
simply signals a strong “Don’t!” But in actuality we
have a help much stronger than an imagined one
called “God’s grace.” It keeps us on the straight and
narrow path if we cooperate. It lights our path. And we
avoid paying attention to all those blind guides out
there in the world. But we must be on guard 24/7 because the sad fact remains that “There are none so
blind as those that will not see.”
At those times, it can be fun meeting new people and
working as a temporary pastor without the burden of
administration that goes with that title. Being a help for
a brother priest is also personally satisfying.
However (and in this life there always seems to be a
“however”) there are negatives that sometimes come
along with those times, as when parishioners voice
their complaints about their pastor. Or when an alarm
system acts up in the middle of the night and the
passcode doesn’t stop it.
I include those items because they offer simple but
down to earth examples of what it means to be subject
in this life to “darkness.” Not the physical kind of
course, but the spiritual variety that hovers over our
resolve to follow Christ. We can call them the spoiling
effects of sin.
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THIS WEEK’S LENTEN SCHEDULE
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Offertory Mar 18-19, 2017
Offertory
Online
Total Offertory
$ 3,987.25
$ 1,541.00
$ 5,528.25
Bldg. Maint. /Rep
Online
Total Bldg. Maint/Rep
$
$
$
30.00
245.00
275.00
Fuel Fund Online
$
160.00
Catholic Relief Services
$
25.00
Easter Flower Offering
$
433.00
Confessions Thursday at 6:00pm
Lenten Mass Thursday 7:00pm
An Evening Reflection Friday at 5:00pm
Stations and Chowder Supper Friday 6:00pm
2nd Collection Next Week
THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION
“Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a
better life, far away from poverty, hunger, exploitation...Don’t we all want a better, more decent and
prosperous life to share with our loved ones?”
-Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees,2016
Thank you for your generosity!
Easter Flower Donations
Donations may be made for Easter Flowers
in honor of your loved ones. Envelopes are
available in your contribution boxes and on the desk
Donations may also be made through online giving.
To sign up for online giving go to:
https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/430
tel. 1-800-348-2886
““The Lord looks on the heart.” Are you being called to do
Additional Information
Budgeted Weekly Offertory
$ 6,150.00
Actual Week of 3/12/17
$ 5,528.25
Actual over/(under) Budget
( $ 631.75)
the deeds of Christ as a priest or in the consecrated life,
proclaiming the reign of the loving mercy of God our Father? Call Father Jason Jalbert 663-0132, or write: [email protected].
Thank you for your generous support!
VISIT US ON-LINE!
ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL
www.stfrancisofassisi.net
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/stfrancisnh
Twitter: @SaintFrancisNH
Twitter Prayer Feed: @SanFranPrayer17
The Best Catholic Content, All In One Place.
FORMED.org
Parishioners, enter code: EERQ67
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PARISH MINISTRIES and COMMUNITY NEWS
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Penny Sale—April 28th, 29th & 30th at
Sacred Heart Church in Manchester
Contemplation and Action
Before Stations this week, join Father Jeff for
An Evening Reflection, based on
Raphael’s Transfiguration and the Gospel.
Friday, March 31st at 5:00pm.
PENNY SALE NEWS
Lenten Journey—The Stations of the Cross
Join us on Fridays at 6:00pm
PENNY SALE MEMBERS will be speaking and selling DINNER TICKETS at all Masses the weekend of
April 1st-2nd.
The Stations are meant to help people to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of
Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become one
of the most popular of Catholic devotions in the season
of Lent. It is carried out by passing from Station to Station, with certain prayers at each and a meditation on
Jesus’ deep love for humanity.
The origin of the devotion may be traced to the Holy
Land where Jesus experienced His passion, death and
resurrection. In Jerusalem these important sites were
reverently marked out from the earliest times and became an important destination for pilgrims ever since
the days of Constantine. A desire to reproduce the holy
places in other lands, for those who were unable to
make the actual pilgrimage, seems to have manifested
itself at quite an early date.
In conclusion it may be safely said that the Stations of
the Cross is one of the richest devotions which enables
us to more literally obey Christ's command to take up
our cross and follow Him.
Donations of new items, gift certificates or services may be placed in the blue bucket in the Gathering Space.
LAST DAY FOR DONATIONS IS APRIL 2nd!
Thanks to all for your support!
Grand Prize Raffle Tickets are available on the
desk. Place purchased tickets & money in the golden
box. Those who return them early will be eligible for a
$10 prize. Latest Winner—William McPherson!
2017 Triduum Schedule – April 13-16
Holy Thursday, April 13th
Mass 7:00pm
Good Friday, April 14th
Stations of the Cross and Divine Mercy Chaplet
3:00pm
Good Friday Services 7:00pm
Have you picked up your Rice Bowl yet?
Holy Saturday, April 15th
Easter Vigil 8:00pm
Easter Sunday, April 16th
Mass 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am
Holy Family Academy
Annual Spring Benefit Dinner
Holy Family Academy, an affordable Catholic school
educating grades 7-12 in the classical tradition, will
host guest speaker Dr. Ralph Martin—Author, TV/
Radio Host, and President of Renewal Ministries at
the Annual Spring Benefit Dinner. The dinner will be
held at the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester on
Thursday, March 30th from 6:00-9:30pm. Tickets are
$100 per person. Proceeds benefit Holy Family Academy. For more information, please visit the website at
www.holyfamilyacademy.org or call 603-644-7247.
Saint Luke Productions Presents
Faustina
Messenger of Divine Mercy
A LIVE MULTIMEDIA DRAMA WITH A MODERN MESSAGE OF MERCY
Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 7:00pm
St. Catherine of Siena Church
See posted flyers for complete information.
Contact Mary at 603-472-5975 or
purchase tickets online at
www.messengerofdivinemercy.eventbrite.com
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THIS WEEK’S LENTEN SCHEDULE
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for MARCH
Support for Persecuted Christians
That persecuted Christians may be supported by the
prayers and material help of the whole Church.
DAY
Confessions Thursday at 6:00pm
Lenten Mass Thursday 7:00pm
An Evening Reflection Friday 5:00pm
Stations and Chowder Supper Friday 6:00pm
MASS INTENTIONS
ACTIVITIES
9:00am Celebrant’s Intention
4:00pm +Norman Gabert by the family
First Communion Retreat 9:00am12:00pm
Irish Hooley at Our Lady of Mercy
Parish
8:00am +Armand & Yvette Groulx by Terry & Ron
Groulx
9:30am Members of the Parish
11:00am Spiritual Bouquet
Donuts 7:30-11:30am
Baptism for Jordyn Aline Brasley
11:00am Mass
Monday
Mar 27
8:00am Healing for Cecile Nichols by Terry and
Ron Groulx
Adoration 8:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday
Mar 28
No Mass
Contemporary Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Saturday
Mar 25
Sunday
Mar 26
Fourth Sunday of
Lent
Wednesday
Mar 29
Thursday
Mar 30
Friday
Mar 31
Saturday
Apr 1
Sunday
Apr 2
Fifth Sunday of Lent
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8:00am +Mildred Gumpper by the Templeton family MS Youth Group 6:00-7:30pm
Robotics End of Year Party 6:00pm
Traditional Choir Rehearsal 7:009:00pm
8:00am Celebrant’s Intention
7:00pm Celebrant’s Intention
Confessions 6:00pm
Women’s Scripture 6:30pm
HS Youth Group 7:00-9:00pm
8:00am Intentions of Carmen Muniz
Adoration and Chaplet of the Divine
Mercy following Mass
An Evening Reflection 5:00pm
Stations of the Cross 6:00pm
Chowder Supper 6:30pm
9:00am Albino Aragno (birthday) by Monica & Tim
Rahilly
4:00pm +Richard & Jeannette Lessard by Donna
Lessard & family
Confessions 3:00pm
Penny Sale speaking and selling
Dinner Tickets at 4:00pm Mass
8:00am +Robert & David Blais by the family
9:30am +Rachel Zyla by Brenda
11:00am Members of the Parish
Penny Sale speaking and selling
Dinner Tickets at all Masses
Donuts 7:30-11:30am
Baptism for Emily Anne Pukstas
11:00am Mass
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