Bulletin

This week, the Sanctuary Candle burns for Frederick Goodspeed.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
5:00pm   Patricia Grenier
  
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
2nd Sunday of Lent
9:00am 
William Fagan
Sarah Shand Duzan (Birthday Memorial)
Deceased members of Mieczkowski Family
11:00am 
Claire M. Grillo (5 Year Anniversary)
Pauline Manley (5 Year Anniversary)
 
MONDAY, MARCH 1
8:30am 
Jonathan Cheney
Fr. Jon Bavaro
  
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
8:30am Evelyn Michaud
Marie-Therese Menard
 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
St. Katharine Drexel
8:30am
Eleanor Ricard
Thomas Descoteaux
 
THURSDAY, MARCH 4
St. Casimir
8:30am
Mary Grigas
Fr. Roger P. Bilodeau
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 5
No Daily Mass
 
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
This week, the Sanctuary Candle burns for Gerald & Gabrielle Kendall
 
5:00pm
Mary & Lucien Duval
Jane Taft (3 Year Anniversary)
Rose Mary Pietravalle (10 Year Anniversary)
Sheri Scott (Birthday Memorial)
  
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
3rd Sunday of Lent
9:00am
Al Ouellette
Louis Mitrano (17 Year Anniversary)
Deceased members of Mieczkowski Family
11:00am
Helene Coutu
Marguerite Morrison (Birthday Memorial)
Bruce Chapman (Birthday Memorial)
 
We remember those who have passed recently, especially: Robert McIntosh, Bill Scoville, and Tom Kaminski. May they be rewarded with eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
10:30am-12pm - First Penance Retreat
4:00pm-4:30pm - Confessions
5:00pm - Sunday Vigil Mass
 
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
9am & 11am - Masses
 
MONDAY, MARCH 1
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Daily Mass
3:00pm - Divine Mercy and Rosary
 
TUESDAY,  MARCH 2
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Daily Mass 8:30am
3:00pm - Divine Mercy and Rosary

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Mass
9:00am - Exposition
9:00am-10:00am - Confessions
3:00pm - Divine Mercy and Rosary
6pm-7pm - First Penance (Gr. 2)
7:00pm - Reposition

THURSDAY, MARCH 4
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Daily Mass 8:30am
3:00pm - Divine Mercy and Rosary

FRIDAY, MARCH 5
3:00pm - Divine Mercy and Rosary
6:00pm - Stations of the Cross
 
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
4:00pm-4:30pm - Confessions
5:00pm - Sunday Vigil Mass
 
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
9am & 11am - Masses
 

Parish Lenten Calendar

- JASON EVERT

“What's so Great About Being Catholic?"
Friday, March 26, 6:30-8:00p, in the Church and livestreamed.
(General Audience)
Registration required for in-person attendance only.

“Love or Lust?”
Friday, March 19, 6:30-8:00pm, in the Church.
(Students grades 7-12 only)
Registration required. 

Learn More and Register

-TENEBRAE
Monday, March 29, 7pm
Tenebrae in Latin means darkness. The Tenebrae Service consists of psalms and music, each growing darker as the light itself grows dimmer and dimmer. All three, the light, psalms, and music, are intended to lead us in contemplating the mystery of the temporary triumph of darkness over light in the death of Christ that the first Good Friday.


- EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Every Wednesday - 9:00am-3pm.
The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on March 3rd will continue through the First Penance Celebration, until 7pm.
 
- STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Fridays during Lent, 6 pm, in the Church. No livestream. Face covering required inside the Church.
 
- OPERATION RICE BOWL
Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl available in the church foyer. Please return all donations by Holy Thursday, April 1st. Visit crsricebowl.org for more information.
 
- RECONCILIATION

• Saturdays 4:00pm-4:30pm.
• Wednesdays during Lent (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31), 9am-10am.
• Monday, March 29, 11am-1pm and 5pm-6:30pm.
• Visit masstimes.org to find the Sacrament of Penance near your home or work.
• You may also schedule a private appointment with our pastor.

- EASTER FLOWER OFFERING
Your contributions to the Easter Flower Fund enable us to decorate our altar so beautifully for the Easter Season. Envelopes are available at the back of the Church. You can make your flower donation in memory/honor of a loved one. Please print names clearly. You may also donate online. Choose ‘Flower Fund’ (please use the Memo section for memorial names.) These names will be printed in the Easter bulletin and remembered at the Masses. In order to be included in the Easter Bulletin, donations need to be received by Monday, March 22nd. Any intentions received after the deadline will appear in the bulletin after Easter.

- Free Lenten Resources

- GOSPEL COMMENTARY

February 28, 2021, 2nd Sunday of Lent
An expectant mother was walking in the store and met an old friend. Her friend exclaimed, “You are absolutely beaming!” The new life God placed in her womb radiated throughout her body. It was brightly visible on her face and in her eyes. Transformation and change usually happen from the inside out. It is very rare that simply imposing structure from the outside does any good. Yes, it is true that routines and habits can change when things are done differently. But, for this change to last, there has to be an interior renewal and metamorphosis as well. Simply regulating behavior and bringing someone into conformity with accepted protocols does not mean their heart and soul come with them.

Peter was a homeless man who lived in a very remote and rudimentary tent community. He was happy to make his daily trip to McDonald’s and always welcomed a gift card or two so that he could buy some coffee and something to eat. A generous advocate worked to secure him an apartment in hopes of moving Peter out of his makeshift housing and into something safer. Peter finally got the grand tour of his new “digs,” received his own key, remarked how wonderful the place was, closed the door behind him when they left, and never returned. He preferred his tent. No matter how much things changed on the outside, Peter was happy where he was. A poignant lesson was learned that day. 

How is your Lent going? By now you ought to have a sense of whether you are really “into it” this year and something transformational is happening. For many, it is only the stuff on the outside that changes for a few weeks and then they return to business as usual. For others, there are some real inner changes happening that are deepening their relationships with God, others, self, and creation. If we are serious about moving to a new place and radiating with the presence of new life and joy, then we have to clear the way to listen for God’s call. Then, there is God’s request to change things up a bit and order our lives differently. After realizing we have been called and given a mission, we have to trust that this is where we need to be. And then, after all of this hard work we are asked to act. The fruit that is revealed will indicate whether our journey is authentic. The brilliance of conversion will begin to shine on our faces as we contemplate the One to whom we are asked to listen.

©LPi

- Q&A

Question: Can you recommend some good books for Lenten spiritual reading?

Answer:

On more than one occasion, a coach being interviewed about his team--successful or not--will be asked about the next step. The inevitable response includes something about getting back to basics. Reviewing the fundamentals of the sport strengthens performance and builds confidence. 
The best Lenten reading takes us back to the fundamentals. If Lent is the time for the Church to be on retreat, then we should focus on the texts that help us deepen our understanding of our faith. Spend time reading one of the Gospels, and use a Scripture commentary to learn all you can about the passion of Jesus. You can also use the Catechism of the Catholic Church to learn more about the church's teachings and beliefs. The sections on prayer and the Mass are really great reflections. Focusing on the basics really helps us take another step forward in our faith. We have not only a better understanding of what we believe and practice, but also why we believe. With that belief comes the confidence we need to be better, more faithful witnesses to Christ. ~ Source: ©LPi

CLICK HERE for free Lenten resources, including "The Bible in a Year" with Fr. Mike Schmitz, "The Search" with Chris Stefanick, and "The Augustine Institute Show" with Dr. Tim Gray. 

- YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH
December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021 - Resources

- First Penance Dates
If you have registered your Grade 2 student (both public and catholic school students) for the sacrament of First Penance, you should have received an email with the following dates:

The First Penance Retreat will be in the Church on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 10:30am to Noon, and
The First Penance Celebration will be in the Church on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, from 6pm to 7pm. 
Please contact Lisa Brideau, Children and Youth Ministry Support, or call 603-888-0608 with any questions or concerns in this regard.

-  In-person Middle School SEEK and High School ALPHA
The  new start dates are:
SEEK – Thursday, March 4th 6:30-7:45pm.
HS ALPHA – Sunday, March 7th 6:00-8:00pm.
For more information, please visit the Faith Formation Page.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

- Slice of the Pie Winners for the Month of February.

- Make a Difference
If you wish to join or learn more about the Knights of Columbus, please visit the Knights of Columbus page.

THE MEN OF SAINT JOSEPH
The Men of St. Joseph will meet Saturday, March 13, in the church foyer, from 7am to 9am for prayer and fellowship. All men of the parish are invited to attend.

- Slice of the Pie Winners for the Month of February.

- STEWARDSHIP
From  2.9.21 to 2.17.21

- MORTGAGE DEBT ON CHURCH BUILDING
February Mortgage Payment: $5,519.00
Remaining Balance: $899,519.60
As always, we thank you for your generosity.

- GIFT SHOP
Looking for ways to enrich your Lenten Journey? Stop by the gift shop for some ideas! The Gift Shop also has a nice collection of items for 1st Penance, 1st Communion, and Confirmation. 

Gift Shop Hours
The Gift Shop is located in the Parish Center and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00am until 11:30am.
The store will continue to be closed on weekends until further notice. For more information, visit the Gift Shop page, or call 603-888-0321, Ex. 231.

- HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ONLINE GIVING?
Online giving can be a convenient option to support your parish.

ONLINE GIVING 

- Finance Letter 2020
- Financial Report 2020

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
To support married couples during this time of social distancing, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is sponsoring virtual marriage experiences. Some are on weekends and some span multiple weeks on a given weekday.  Couples will explore their individual personality styles, improve listening and communication skills, understand God’s plan for their marriage, and learn how to keep their relationship a priority.  Registration is limited and a $100 application fee is required. For more information or to apply, please visit wwmema.org.
 

- Reminder: If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms we politely ask you to not attend Mass in person. Thank you for your understanding.

- Face covering required inside the church.

- Weekend Masses:  Saturday 5pm and Sunday 9am and 11am. Open to the public. Distribution of Holy Communion will take place on Saturday, after the 5PM Mass until 6:30pm, and on Sunday after the 9am Mass until 10:30 AM, and after the 11am Mass until 12:30pm. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion in this manner are asked to remain in their cars until those attending Mass have exited the church. 

- Adoration:  9am to 3pm on Wednesdays.

- Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturdays, from 4pm to 4:30pm. Confessions will be heard in the altar server changing room, at the top of the inside stairs.

- Private Prayer: The church is open for private prayer daily from 7am until 9pm (excluding Masses and Funerals).  

- Daily Mass and Rosary: Holy Rosary begins at 7:45am, followed by Mass at 8:30am, Monday through Thursday.

- The obligation to participate in Sunday Mass is still lifted by Bishop Libasci: While the Church may be reopening for public worship, it is important to remember that just because public worship is permitted does not mean that participation is now risk-free. Rather, the obligation to participate in Sunday Mass is still lifted by Bishop Libasci, whose utmost concern along with that of all the priests of the Diocese, is the health and wellbeing of our parishioners. Therefore, Sunday Mass will continue to be live-streamed, and those who are at greater risk of serious illness are encouraged to continue participating from home.

- Parish Office
The Parish Office is open for walk-ins (for transactions such as Mass requests etc.). Meetings with staff can be set by appointment only. For any questions or to set an appointment, please call the parish office at 603-888-0321, or use the Contact Form. The office hours are 9am to 3pm Monday through Thursday. 
Please read the reopening guidelines below. 
Although the office is open for walk-ins, you can still mail in documents, payments, and donations. You may also have a mass offered or the Sanctuary Candle burning in memory of a deceased loved one by visiting the Mass Intentions Page.

- Gift Shop  
The Gift Shop is open. Please read the reopening guidelines below. 

GUIDELINES FOR MASS, EUCHARISTIC ADORATION, AND PRIVATE PRAYER
PARISH OFFICE REOPENING GUIDELINES
GIFT SHOP REOPENING GUIDELINES

- Join Our Email List

- Contact Us

- Online Giving

- Severe Weather Cancellation Procedures
In the event of inclement weather, if the city of Nashua declares a weather emergency, there will be no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Gift Shop will be closed. Daily Mass will not typically be canceled, however, please use personal discretion when deciding whether or not to attend Mass when road conditions are dangerous. Masses will continue to be livestreamed on our website. Always check our website for special announcements. You may also sign up for our email list HERE.

- Please be aware of Phishing Scams
Please remember that Father Ray will never ask for money, donations, gift cards, etc. via email or texting. Contact the Parish Office if you ever receive a suspicious email or text message claiming to be from the parish or one of our priests asking for financial help. Emails may include images of the church and/or staff, address you by name, and come from what seems to be a valid gmail address. Always contact the parish office if there is money involved.

PRAYERS
- Special Prayers for this Time
- Prayer Line - How can we pray for you?

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at Immaculate Conception on Saturdays from 4pm to 4:30pm. Confessions will be heard in the altar server changing room, at the top of the inside stairs.
- Pope's homily on confessions during this time
- USCCB Examination of Conscience 
- An Act of Contrition

FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES 
Please visit our Resources page. 

- Catholic Charities NH

- Corpus Christi Food Pantry

 - Nashua Area Assistance

For the bulletin archives or for a printable copy of the bulletin with Ads, please visit ParishesOnline.com.
You will also be able to subscribe to a weekly electronic copy of the bulletin, sent to you via email.