A quick reminder to mark your calendars and save the date for the Annual Back to Church, Back to School Activity Fair, September 10 & 11, after the Masses. There will also be refreshments after the Sunday Masses, and many many other ministries for you and your family to join. We look forward to seeing you!
Note from Father Kelley - I am happy to announce that Christine Mercurio is the new Religious Education Director here at Saint Christopher Parish. She has been actively involved in both in the parish & the school for many years. Her husband Joe serves on the parish finance committee, he is a Eucharistic Minister, and he is also the new head of the RCIA program. Their three children -- Jonathan, Kelsey, and Kersten, are all actively involved as well. We warmly welcome Christine Mercurio as our new Director of Religious Education. Fr. Kelley
For information on the program, please contact Christine Mercurio
The 2016-2017 Handbook is coming soon - you can read about last year's actities in the 2015-2016 Handbook.
Registraton forms: 2016-2017
Saint Christopher Parish has many opportunities for service, activites, ministries and volunteering. Last fall we gathered input from those participating in these ministries and activities and compiled many testimonials. You can read them by clicking on this link Volunteer Testimonial Hanbook, and if you would like to participate in any of the activities or ministries, please contact the rectory.
Click this link to find more information from the Diocese of Manchester on the Year of Mercy
| Rectory Hours | Monday - Friday 9:00-3:00 |
| Rectory Office | (603) 882-0632 |
| Parish Email | General Information |
| Pastor | Fr. Richard J. Kelley |
| Vietnamese Ministry | Fr. Thien Nguyen |
| Deacon | Deacon Jim Daly |
| Bookkeeper | Jean Dickson |
| Parish Life | Linda Sanborn |
| Music Ministry | Carol Ann Skabo |
| Faith Formation (CCD) | Christine Mercurio |
| RCIA | Joe Mercurio |
| Confirmation | Deacon Jim Daly |
| Youth Ministry | Emily Murphy |
| Bulletin | Marta Nissen |
| Finance Committee | Tom Nardone |
| Pastoral Council | Elizabeth Cote |
| Webmaster | Michael Richards |
Saint Christopher Parish has an exciting program called Faith Direct. With Faith Direct, parishioners will be able to contribute their weekly offering through a monthly draw on their bank account or credit card.
Faith Direct is principled in the stewardship model that with sacrificial giving, we place God first and ourselves next. Faith Direct is the ideal vehicle for our parishioners to carefully consider and decide how one can consistently serve Christ through their treasures.
With Faith Direct, our parish families can enjoy the convenience of not having to write a check every week, the security of knowing their contributions go directly from their bank account to the parish's account, and the fulfillment of seeing an annual statement that details their generosity.
This secure program works directly with the your bank, in the same way as other electronic funds transfer systems such as utility bills or your mortgage payment. All transactions are done electronically, debiting your account automatically for the amount to which you have agreed in writing. It is a hassle-free, simple solution for today’s busy families.
The Rehesal time is every Wednesday Evening from 7:00 - 8:30
The choir will sing at the 10:00 mass three Sunday's a month and for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Holy Day masses.
The Rehearsal time is every Sunday Morning from 11:15 - 12:00
The children's Choir will sing at the 10:00 mass once a month.
If you are interested in joining the music programs at the parish or have any questions, feel free to contact the music director, Carol Ann by clicking on this link.
For information on the program, please contact Christine Mercurio
The 2016-2017 Handbook is coming soon - you can read about last year's actities in the 2015-2016 Handbook.
Registraton forms: 2016-2017
Please review this year's handbook
CONFIRMATION
Please contact Deacon Jim Daly at 882-0632 with any questions regarding the Confirmation program. We are actively using the Bible in each class. Students are asked to please bring their Bible to every class.
Sacrament Preparation:
A two year program to prepare high school confirmation candidates for
full communion into the Roman Catholic Church by calling them to full,
active participation in their spiritual community of St. Christopher
and the universal Church through a period of deep reflection, prayer,
and service.
Students are expected to build community in the class through knowledge
about, appreciation of, and cooperation with one another.
Put Yourself in God's Hands! / Celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established by the Church for individuals over the age of 18 to become Catholic or to renew their faith. We can help you on your spiritual journey if you are:
For more information about the RCIA process at St Christopher Parish, contact Fr. Kelley 882-0632 or Mike Bozek 883-4439.
If you want to learn more about Baptism, you can Click here for some notes from previous Baptism classes.
The New Hampshire Union Leader ran an article about our Yoga for Senior's program. Read about, "Post-Mass yoga provides time for reflection" - Union Leader August 9, 2012.
Yoga for Seniors instructor Elizabeth Cote, far
right, leads her students in the recitation of
“namaste” in the basement of St.
Christopher Parish in
Nashua. (SIMÓN RÍOS/Union Leader Correspondent)
The group meets regularly in the parish hall - contact the rectory for details.
Click here for a printable copy of the article.
Acceptance, Dignity and Hope -- "no act of charity is foreign to the Society"
St. Vincent de Paul'a mission is to help the poor and needy. We serve all residents of Nashua. Our meetings are held on the third Sunday of the month at 7:00pm. St. Vincent helps those in need, on a one-time basis, with food, electric bills, rent payments, car repairs, medical bills, etc. We also distribute about 55-60 food baskets at Thanksgiving and Easter. The foods for these baskets are donated by the parishioners. Help the needy boxes are located at the doors of the church whereby people can place monetary donations to help our cause. We rely on donations to support our work.
If you are in need of assistance from the St. Vincent de Paul Society or would like to join, please contact the Rectory 882-0632.
If you are homebound or seriously ill and cannot attend Mass but would like to receive communion, please call the Rectory 882-0632.
Are you homebound? Would you enjoy a visit? Your parish wants to stay connected with you! If St. Christopher is your spiritual home, how about a visit from one of your fellow parishioners? To arrange a visit, please call the Rectory at 882-0632.
This ministry has created and given hundreds of shawls to those in need. Each shawl is packaged with a card, a small cross, and a prayer, clearly marking it is a gift from Saint Christopher Parish. The members of Creating for Our Community and Father Kelley take time to pray over the shawls, whether individually, or as a group.
We see this Ministry as an extension of our Parish Community, a visible sign to others of the compassion present among the parishioners here at St. Christopher's.
The Shawls are made of many different patterns of knit and crochet. Initially following a pattern designed by the founders of the Ministry, each stitch represents an aspect of our faith. Most common are patterns using groups of three, symbolizing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Our group welcomes anyone who knits or crochets, or who would like to start to learn these skills. Making a Prayer Shawl is a great means to begin this craft, and another way to share your faith with others!!!!!
P.S.- If you don't knit or crochet, but would like to help, we can always use always use your prayers; and cash donations and gift cards to AC Moore or Michael's are appreciated to help us purchase our supplies for this ministry. We do not accept donations of yarn. If you have any questions contact the rectory office.
The Nashua Telegraph on May 27, 2012, had a very nice article abour our Prayer Shawl Ministry. To read the article please, click here.
We are a group of parishioners who love to garden. Our goal is to beautify the grounds around our church. Our annual plant sale pays for all the projects we have done. If you would like to join us you would be most welcome! Happy Gardening!
If you would like to join the Garden Club please contact St. Christopher Rectory at 603.882.0632
Saint Christopher Parish welcomes your requests
for prayer. If you, a loved one, or friend, is
undergoing a difficult time because of a
relationship, work, illness, or any other needs or
special intentions, we are happy to remember
intentions in our prayers.
Please feel free to indicate your request which we
will remember in our daily prayer. May God bless
you as we ask God's help in prayer.
Click here to enter your request on the St
Christopher Church Prayer-Line.
If you would like to join the St Christopher Parish Prayer-Line-- Click
here
If you would like to have a mass intention, the sanctuary lamp burn for a special intention or donate the Altar bread & Wine for the month, please contact the rectory office.
We are pleased to offer the opportunity to dedicate one or more our hymnals in honor of, or in memory of a loved one.
A $20.00 donation per hymnal will provide one personalized book plate which will be affixed to the inside front cover of the hymnal. The hymnal is placed in the Church for permanent use by our Parish. In addition to remembering a loved one's memory, a hymnal dedication is also a great way to honor:
Weddings & Wedding Anniversaries, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations or special life events
To donate one or more hymnals, please fill out this donation form and place it with your payment in a sealed envelope and either drop it in the Offertory or mail it to the rectory. Forms and envelopes will also be avaliable in the Church or by calling the rectory.
Your generous donation will help defray the cost of the hymnals. If you have any questions, please contact the rectory at (603) 882-0632
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF FNM NECESSARY / NO OBLIGATION TO RETURN.
Check the parish Bulletin for upcoming meetings or contact Peter Gallaher, 603-883-3234
POPE FRANCIS - The pilgrimage of Pope Francis to
Cuba and the United States is now history. However,
let us hope and pray that the effects of his visit
will be around for years to come.
During his visits to Washington, New York and
Philadelphia, millions of people came out to see
him. Millions more watched him on TV. I had the
unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of being
there in person. I was able to see and listen to
him at both the White House and the Capitol. It was
an experience that I will always remember. I
thought that you would be interested in a few of
the high-lights of my trip.
September 23rd, Early Wednesday
morning, I met up with Senator Kelly Ayotte. There
was a shuttle which took us to the White House.
Naturally, the security was very tight but it was
quite necessary considering the times in which we
are now living. According to the various accounts,
there were 15,000 people at the White House for the
welcoming ceremony. Before the Pope and the
President appeared, there were men dressed up as
Colonial Soldiers, plus the drum and bugle corps.
It all added up to a festive atmosphere which made
everything all the more
exciting.
When Pope Francis and President Obama appeared, I
felt many emotions. It made me all the more: proud
to be a Catholic and especially proud to be a
Catholic Priest. Years ago, I met Pope St. John
Paul II in Rome. I saw Pope Benedict XVI at a large
Papal Mass in Washington back in 2008 when he was
here. However, this was the first time that I ever
saw the Pope and the President of the United States
together. The head of the Catholic Church on earth
and the head of our nation: both
together! Proud to be a
Catholic! Proud to be an
American! What a privilege to be
there at this time!
There were many Senators and members of Congress
in our section, plus invited guests. There were
several priests as well, a few of them whom I
recognized since I knew them from the past. It was
good being with all of these people.
President Obama was gracious in his remarks about
all the good work that is done by the Catholic
Church here in the United States and throughout the
world. Pope Francis urged the President to help
build a society that is tolerant and
inclusive. He also defended the
institution of the family and religious freedom as
well. History was in the making that day and it was
a humbling experience just to be there at that
time.
Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis was at Catholic
University when he canonized Fr. Junipero Serra.
Twenty five thousand people were at that Mass and
you had to have a ticket in order to attend. I did
not have one which was just as well since I had
been up since 4:00 AM and I was very tired. I
watched the Mass on TV at the rectory where I was
staying.
Thursday, September 24th was the
day when Pope Francis spoke to Congress. I was up
in the Gallery with the other invited guests.
Again, the atmosphere was festive in anticipation
of the Holy Father's speech.
This was the fourth time that a Pope has come to
the United States, but it was the first time that a
reigning Pope has spoken to a joint session of
Congress. Naturally, there was much anticipation
and discussion as to what he was going to say. He
did not disappoint. Pope Francis touched upon many
topics including the environment, care for the
poor, immigration, and an end to the death penalty.
He also emphasized teachings on the family, and
life issues as well. He was interrupted by applause
many times during the speech
In a very artful way, he referred to four
different Americans: Abraham
Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, and
Thomas Merton. Each in their own & unique way
brought about the ideals of which the Holy Father
was speaking. He also referred to
the Golden Rule
‚ÇÿDo unto others as you would
have them do unto you'. It was
extraordinary! It was emotional! It
was a privilege to be there.
After the speech I was back at Senator
Ayotte's office. There were
some other New Hampshire people who were there as
well. It was good being able to talk with them and
to get their impressions.
Since I was
‚Çÿflying-high'
after being there for this historic occasion, I
decided to simply walk back to the rectory where I
was staying, rather than take the Metro. I am glad
that I did. I made a few phone calls on my cell
phone from the front of the Capitol and then
started my walk which was about two miles. I took
my time, walking by the various government offices
and the White House. Even though my walk was in a
city and in our nation's
capitol, it was a very peaceful walk. I simply
wanted to ‚Çÿtake it all
in'. While walking I also
prayed, reflected and hoped that we as a nation can
take to heart and live out the message which Pope
Francis gave in his speech earlier that day.
Friday, September 25th, the Pope
was in New York speaking before the United Nations.
I could have stayed at the rectory and watched him,
but I knew that I could read about him later. So,
since I was in Washington, I went to the National
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception where Pope
Francis canonized Junipero Serra two days previous.
I have been to the National Shrine many times in my
life (especially from my seminary years) but it is
always good to return. I used these few hours as a
bit of a mini-retreat, just walking around the
Shrine and visiting the various chapels. Again, it
was peaceful and prayerful. Our nation is under the
Patronage of Mary, under the title of the
Immaculate Conception. This is
America's church. I pray
through Mary's Intercession
that we turn to God as a nation and carry out the
ideals of which Pope Francis spoke about through
his words and through his actions.
It was a most enjoyable, exciting, and prayerful
few days. I thank Senator Kelly Ayotte for making
it possible and I also thank the Lord for this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Carlos Camacho of the Nashua Police Department
Carlos Camacho is a Lieutenant with the Nashua Police Department, currently assigned to the Professional Standards Bureau (Hiring and Recruiting). He is a native of South Texas and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. After his military service, he became a police officer in Houston, Texas, and shortly after was hired at the Nashua Police Department, where he has worked since 1999.
Lieutenant Camacho is an active volunteer at St. Monica's School in Methuen, MA, where he teaches Junior Achievement each spring and coaches the girls' basketball team. He also coaches the Hudson United Soccer Club U-14 girls' soccer team. He is a member of the Saint Monica Knights of Columbus Council 14725, serving as Lecturer. He is Chair of the RED (Racial and Ethnic Disparities) committee in Nashua, and serves as police representative on the Nashua Cultural Connections committee and Nashua Community Conversation on Race and Justice.
A vocation is a calling from God. So, in general terms, a personal vocation is what God calls you to do with your life. All vocations bring us to a fuller realization of the great commandments, to love the Lord our God, and to love our neighbor. Some are called to serve as priests or religious, some to marriage and family life. Discovering and ultimately following your vocation gives the greatest glory and praise to our Creator. Whatever your vocation, you can find some guidance toward it here.
Join in with the other Catholic Churches of the Diocese of Manchester and continue to pray for vocations. Take a moment to visit our Diocesan Vocations Website
Fr. Thien Nguyen speaks at the Stand up for Religious Freedom Rally at Carter Park in Leominster 6/8/12
The Drivers' Ten Commandments as listed by the Vatican's Office for Migrants and Itinerant People:
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families,
For the selfless acts they perform,
For us in our time of need.
And give us peace.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and
Savior. Amen.
If you have a loved one serving in the military, please contact the Parish Office so we can add them to our prayer list.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus -1 Thes 5:16-18