Parish History

Shortly after World War II, the people of St. Patrick's Parish foresaw the need for a new parish in the north of Nashua. On July 21, 1950, Most Rev. Matthew F. Brady, Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester, established St. Christopher Parish. In 2000, St. Christopher's celebrated its 50th anniversary with an Anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop John McCormack and the living former pastors of the parish.

St. Christopher Parish School was established in 1963 and provides solid Catholic education for children in grades Pre-kindergarten through 6.

Other Facilities

The church hall is located under the church and can be accessed by the interior stairs on either side of the front of the church or by stairs at the main entrance. Restrooms are located in the church hall. The hall is available for parish functions and may be reserved by contacting the parish office.

The Religious Education Center is on the far side of the parking lot, behind the statue of Our Blessed Mother.

The parish has three parking lots -- one next to the church on Manchester St., one behind the school off Cushing Ave. and one behind the Religious Education Center.

Sacramental Celebrations & Preparations


Reconciliation / Confession

Available in the church on Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.. or anytime by appointment. Communal services are celebrated during Advent and Lent and are listed in the church bulletin.

Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated the last Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m.. Parents should call the parish office to schedule a preparation seminar. Preparation seminars are usually held the second or third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm. Click here for the preparation class slides. If you have any questions, you may contact the Baptismal Preparation Team via email.

Marriage

Please call the parish office at least six months in advance to schedule marriage preparation classes.

First Reconciliation

Preparation is held in the fall for children in the second grade. The sacrament of First Reconciliation is given in early December.

First Holy Eucharist

Second grade students receive the sacrament in May after attending classes.

Confirmation

High School youth participate in a total youth ministry formation which emphasizes the lifelong formation of becoming a committed Catholic Christian. Direct attention is given to develop one's personal relationship with God, enhance a sense of community and to empower youth to be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, voice and heart of Christ through service. As expected by the Diocese of Manchester, preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation consists of a two year process. Youth in both public and Catholic schools need to register.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

RCIA is open to any non-Catholic interested in learning about the Catholic Church or to any Catholic who has not received Eucharist or Confirmation. Beginning in September, the program culminates in reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Visitation of the Sick

We are eager to help those who cannot celebrate Eucharist with us in church because of illness, handicap, or age. Contact the parish office.


Parish Activities and Services



Religious Education

Classes for students grades K-5 are held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the school. Junior high students meet on Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the church hall. Both programs begin in September and end in May. Students may be enrolled during the fall registration sessions or by calling the parish office. Please note that children enrolled in Catholic school do not have to attend parish religious education classes, although they must take part in parish sacrament preparation classes.

Continuing Adult Religious Education

The goal of the Adult Religious Education program is to provide educational resources for adults who want to learn more about their faith. Various means will be provided, such as speakers, classes, reading lists, website links and handouts addressing Church positions and faith-related topics of interest to parishioners. Notices will also be posted for speakers of interest in the area.

Parish Nurse

The Parish Nurse is available at the Religious Education Center on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for blood pressure checks, recommendations concerning health care resources or other health-related questions or concerns.

Church Bulletin

A bulletin covering important parish information and events is published on a weekly basis and available just inside the doors to the church. Information of pertinent events outside the parish is accepted on a space available basis. Announcements for publication must be typewritten and submitted to the parish office by 12:00 p.m. Monday. You may email requests to bulletin@stchrisparishnh.org

Blood Drive

A blood drive by the American Red Cross is held the second Wednesday of each month in the church hall from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Donors and workers are always needed.

Food Basket Collections

Shortly before Thanksgiving and Christmas, parishioners donate food baskets to feed the needy of the parish and the area. Donors receive instructions during Mass several weeks before each holiday.

Parish Activities and Services

Corpus Christi Food Pantry/Label Collection for School

Baskets for donations of food items to the Corpus Christi Food Pantry are located at the entrances to the church. In addition, Campbells Soup Labels for Education may be placed in a box at the main entrance to benefit St. Christopher School.

Bereavement Ministry

Following the Funeral Mass of a parishioner, a meal for family and friends is provided in the church hall by a committee of volunteers. Food donations and volunteers are needed approximately once each month.

Special Friends of St. Christopher

An outreach program established in 1966, Special Friends gathers young, developmentally disabled adults of many religions for social and spiritual activities.
Pastoral Council

Parishioners are invited to attend Pastoral Council meetings as announced in the parish bulletin. Meetings are held in the rectory.

Finance Committee

Parishioners are invited to attend Finance Committee meetings. Check the parish bulletin for the schedule..

CYO (Catholic Youth Organization)

Open to all youth of the parish, the CYO consists of social and athletic programs. Information on CYO activities can be found on the Youth bulletin board in the church hall.

Knights of Columbus

As part of the worldwide Knights of Columbus organization, the David E. Catania Council at St. Christopher meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Religious Education Center from 7-9 p.m. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Family Fraternal Service Organization which provides extensive benefits to its members and their families, as well as providing service and steadfast support to the church, priests and religious, the council, families and youth through their charitable work and programming.

Worship Ministries

Altar Servers

Open to children who have received First Holy Eucharist, as well as adults, altar servers assist the priest during the celebration of all masses. Following a series of four training sessions, the altar server is scheduled to serve Mass approximately twice each month. Altar servers may also volunteer for special liturgies and holy days. Schedules are distributed quarterly.

Ministers of the Word (Lectors)

Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the celebration of the Mass and other religious events. After a short training session, lectors prepare their readings at home with guidance from books provided by the parish. Lectors are scheduled to read approximately once each month. Lectors may also volunteer for speical liturgies and holy days. Schedules are distributed on a seasonal basis.

Special Ministers of Communion (Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist)

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic assist the priest in distribution of the Eucharist during the celebration of Mass, approximately once or twice each month. In addition, Eucharistic ministers travel throughout the community to bring the Lord to the homebound and those in hospitals and extended care facilities. Eucharistic ministers also volunteer for special liturgies and holy days. Schedules are distributed on a seasonal basis.

Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters and Ushers)

Ministers of Hospitality greet parishioners at the church entrance and welcome them to Mass. In addition, they assist with collection, offertory, and ushering at communion.
Eucharistic Adoration

All individuals are encouraged to come pray before the Lord on the second Friday of each month from 8 -- 11 a.m. Other Expositions of the Blessed Sacrament take place during the year and are listed in the bulletin.

Mass Intentions

Individuals and families may be remembered in a particular Mass by contacting the parish office at least a month in advance. A list of Mass intentions is listed weekly in the church bulletin.



Worship Ministries



Music Ministry

Music is an integral part of all of our liturgies. Individuals are invited to participate in any of our music ministries:

Cantors

These individuals lead the congregation in song during the weekend Masses and for special liturgies. Cantors meet once a month to review music. Cantors have the opportunity to sign up for at least one Mass of their choosing each month.

Childrens Choir

All elementary school age children are welcome to sing with the Childrens Choir. Rehearsal is weekly in the church. The Childrens Choir prepares music for a Mass each month.

Adult Choir

Individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join Adult Choir. Rehearsal is held on weekly in the church. Adult Choir participates in odd-dated 10:00 a.m. Masses each month, as well as in several holy day celebrations.

Your Parish Needs You

Please consider donating your talents to one of St. Christopher Parish's many ministries or help launch a new activity! See Father Kelley or contact the Pastoral Council.


Welcome to new parishioners

We would love to meet you! Please call the parish office to register in the parish and set up a welcome appointment with Father Kelley. You may register using our online form, just click here.

March 2007