Bulletin
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18th Sunday in Ordinary Time“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
Jn 6:29 -
Online Bulletin
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VBS Family Camp 2021
Register Today!
Calling all families with children, PreK-Grade 5 to join us for some fun!! The last opportunity to "climb aboard" the Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School Adventure is coming up on Sunday, August 22, in the Gathering Hall and in our fabulous Immaculate Conception backyard, from 4 pm to 7 pm. This is a free event and will include Rocky Railroad music, dancing, Bible adventure, imagination station, and games.
DATES: Sunday, August 1 - Jesus' power gives us hope
Sunday, August 22 - Jesus' power helps us be good friends
TIME: 4pm - 7pm
PLACE: Grassy area behind the Gathering Hall
(part of the program will be inside the Gathering Hall)
COST: Free
Please Register or Direct Questions to:
Valerie Somers - valerie_lynn_somers@comcast.net, 978-660-9777 (text or call)
Cinzia Bibb - cnzbug@gmail.com, 603-864-9407 (text or call)
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2021 Heritage Missals
There are some extra 2021 Heritage Missals available for purchase at the parish office for $6 each. Please stop by the office Monday through Thursday from 9 am through 3pm.
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Thrive Young adults Paint Night
Thrive, Immaculate Conception Parish Young Adult Ministry invites all young adults to a Paint Night on Saturday, August 14, after the 5 pm Mass. Bring your favorite Bible verse or saintly quote to paint! All supplies provided.
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Back-to-School Backpack Drive 2021
The Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter need your help as they provide quality backpacks and school supplies to over 1,400 students entering grades K – 12 this fall. In support of NSKS, the Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus will be collecting new backpacks and packaged school supplies before Mass on the weekends of August 7th and 14th at the church. Monetary donations will also be accepted via checks payable to “Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter” or via credit card at icc-nashua-kc13904.square.site. Please contact Mark Hutchins with any questions. Thank you for your continued generosity and for helping our local students!
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Knights of Columbus Red Cross Blood Drive
Saturday, August 7, 10am-3pm
The Knights of Columbus are hosting the next blood drive of 2021 on Saturday, August 7, 10 am to 3 pm in the Parish Center Gathering Hall. If you are interested in donating, please call 1-800-Red-Cros (1-800-733-2767), or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter IMMACON to schedule an appointment.
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Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance, Please Help
Corpus Christi Food Drive - There will be a Corpus Christi drive-through collection before each Mass on August 14 and 15. Please place bagged donations in the trunk of your car. A Corpus Christi volunteer will be stationed by the Corpus Christi van in front of the Church to collect your donations. Please do not place your donations inside the Church. Monetary donations can be mailed to Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance, 3 Crown Street Nashua, NH 03060-6366, or you can donate at corpuschristifoodpantry.org. Please make note that your donation is from Immaculate Conception Parish.
List of Items Needed: Paper Towels, Microfiber Cloths, Disinfecting Wipes, Latex Gloves, Sponges, Scrubbing Pads, Soft Scrub, Bathroom Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Furniture Polish, Brillo Pads, Spray Cleaner, Magic Eraser, and Buckets. -
Lil' Free Farmstand
Grow Nashua provides Lil' Free Farmstands to provide free fresh produce to families in need, throughout Nashua. We invite you to join a growing list of "Gardeners that Give" that are sharing their extra veggies with these local families. Throughout August, a drop-off station for your home-grown or purchased produce will be located at the lower entrance of Immaculate Conception Church. Grow Nashua will do a pick-up on Sunday at 11:30 am and get the produce to families. Even a single tomato helps. Thank you for helping our neighbors. For more information go to grownashua.org/share
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Altar Server Training
If you have a student in Grades 4-12 that has been Confirmed and has received First Eucharist, he/she is eligible to train to become an Altar Server. Please call the Parish Office at 888-0608 to register. If you would like to be trained this summer, kindly contact us by Monday, July 12.
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Coffee and Donuts
Join us for fellowship, coffee, and donuts beginning this Sunday, July 11 after the 7:30 am and the 9 am Masses in the Gathering Hall.
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Lighthouse Catholic Media
Check out the new CDs and books available in the Lighthouse Catholic Media Display located in the church foyer. The materials are affordably priced at $5/book and $4/CD. If you do not see what you are looking for, please visit Lighthouse Catholic Media at www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store
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Reception of Holy Communion (gluten-free)
To accommodate parishioners who are gluten-intolerant, we have developed a protocol for receiving the Precious Blood on an 'as needed' basis. Each communicant will receive the Precious Blood in an individual cup. Reception will take place at the credence table at the top of the ramp during the distribution of Holy Communion and will be offered by a Eucharistic Minister in the normal manner. If you need to receive the Precious Blood, please see the Mass Leader at least 10 minutes before Mass so that we have time to prepare the credence table and cup. The Precious Blood will only be available when requested and only to parishioners who require gluten-free Eucharist. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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In Our Community
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Fiat and Quo Vadis Days
Do you know where your life is going? The Lord Jesus has a great plan for you! High school-age young men and women (ages 14-18) are invited to attend our upcoming single-day vocation camps to look at the Lord’s call in your life while having lots of fun. These days are led by priests, sisters, and seminarians of the diocese and will include games, prayer, and opportunities to grow in friendship with the Lord and with each other. The cost is only $20 and financial aid is available. For more information or to register please visit liveinblackandwhite.com or contact Becky Vinson in the Vocations Office at 603-663-0153 or rvinson@rcbm.org.
Fiat Day (young women): Friday, July 30, Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester, NH
Quo Vadis Game Day (young men): Friday, August 6, St. Patrick Parish, Pelham, NH -
Rest and Renew Young Adult Retreat
All young adults aged 21-35 are invited by the Dioceses of Manchester and Portland to a retreat at Camp Marist in Effingham, NH, September 10-12. The weekend will offer time for rest, reflection, prayer, and socializing. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 3. eventbrite.com/e/rest-and-renew-young-adult-retreat-tickets-161220118715
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Guidelines Currently in Place
Updated July 23, 2021
- Bishop Libasci's Letter to the Faithful Regarding the Lifting of the Dispensation of Sunday and Holy Day Mass Obligation, effective June 19/20.
- Boston Province Sunday Obligation Joint Announcement - June 8, 2021
Adoration – Wednesdays, 9 am to 4 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation – Saturday from 4 pm to 4:30 pm. Confessions will be heard in the Confessional Room.
Guidelines for Mass- Masks are no longer required when inside the church. You may wear a mask at your discretion.
- Bottles of hand sanitizer will be available at entrances to the church and near Communion stations. You may use hand sanitizer at your discretion.
- All pews are now available for seating with the exception of the front right section. This section will continue with seating in every other pew for parishioners who want to maintain greater spacing.
- We will continue to offer Holy Communion under the form of the Precious Body.
- To accommodate parishioners who are gluten-intolerant, we have developed a protocol for receiving the Precious Blood on an 'as needed' basis. Each communicant will receive the Precious Blood in an individual cup. Reception will take place at the credence table at the top of the ramp during the distribution of Holy Communion and will be offered by a Eucharistic Minister in the normal manner. If you need to receive the Precious Blood, please see the Mass Leader at least 10 minutes before Mass so that we have time to prepare the credence table and cup. The Precious Blood will only be available when requested and only to parishioners who require gluten-free Eucharist. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Guidelines for Private Prayer and Adoration
- Masks are no longer required when inside the church. You may wear a mask at your discretion.
- Bottles of hand sanitizer will be available at entrances to the church and near Communion stations. You may use hand sanitizer at your discretion.
- All pews are now available for seating with the exception of the front right section. This section will continue with seating in every other pew for parishioners who want to maintain greater spacing.
- Spray bottles of sanitizing solution and rags will be available if you want to wipe down your seat prior to use.
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This week, the Sanctuary Candle burns for Joel A. Dinsmoor.
SATURDAY, JULY 31 ~ St. Ignatius of Loyola
5:00pm Members of the Oguda & Wanjihia Family
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 ~ 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:30am Parish Community
9:00am John A. Armour
11:00am Joel Dinsmoor
MONDAY, AUGUST 2 ~ St. Eusebius of Vercelli; St. Peter Julian Eymard
8:30am
Marie-Therese Menard
Gerald Paquette
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
8:30am
Ronnie Gamache (Birthday Memorial)
Claudette Brown (1 Year Anniversary Mass)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 ~ St. John Vianney
8:30am Maurice Morin (15 Year Anniversary)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 ~ The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
8:30am Sandra Gagnon (4 Year Anniversary)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 ~ The Transfiguration of the Lord
No Daily Mass
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 ~ St. Sixtus II and Companions, Martyrs; St. Cajetan
Sanctuary Candle burns for James Connolly
5:00pm
Lisa Lee
Dennis Drake
Philip Crowley
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 ~ 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:30am
Parish Community
9:00am
Al Ouellette
Yolande & Guy Girard
11:00am
Marc Marshall
Glen Marshall
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SATURDAY, JULY 31
4:00pm-4:30pm - Confessions
5:00pm - Sunday Vigil Mass
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
7:30am, 9am & 11am - Masses
11am - College Mass
Coffee and Donut after the 7:30am and 9am Masses
4pm-7pm Vacation Bible School Family Camp
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Mass
3:00pm - Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Mass
3:00pm - Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Mass
9:00am - Exposition
3:00pm - Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary
4:00pm - Reposition
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5
7:45am - Rosary
8:30am - Mass
3:00pm - Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
3:00pm - Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
10am-3pm - KofC Blood Drive
4:00pm-4:30pm - Confessions
5:00pm - Sunday Vigil Mass
KofC Backpack Drive before Mass
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
7:30am, 9am & 11am - Masses
Coffee and Donut after the 7:30am and 9am Masses
KofC Backpack Drive before Masses
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August 1, 2021 ~ 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You cannot see the forest for the trees” is a widely known saying that can bring wisdom to our understanding of our journey. Often, our sight becomes limited to what is immediately before us. We lose touch with lessons and experiences from the past and promises and hope for the future. As human beings, we have the privilege of being able to choose things. What I like and do not like, want, and do not want can be major preoccupations of our minds and hearts. Our preferences and desires begin to define us more than the simple fact of our being. Who we are matters more than what we are or what we have. If we do not move beyond the external and superficial to what really is of the essence, we risk becoming very unsettled, disorientated, angry, and unhappy. We fail to see the bigger picture of hope and promise that lies ahead and the Divine Presence that has sustained and carried us before.
We like it when the “now” time of our lives satisfies us. Even the people who witnessed Jesus feed the five thousand got confused and distracted. It felt good when thousands of people were able to eat. They wanted to know what they could do to get this to happen again! But Jesus quickly reminds them that this is not the point of this sign. As much as the now time of our lives is of concern, it is not what is ultimately important. We need to learn the difference between being and doing, drawing more strength from who we are and who God is rather than what is happening around us and the choices we can make. Jesus is the true bread that came down from heaven. Jesus is the very incarnate presence of God who sustains life and assures us that we will not perish. This is not easy to understand and feel. We have to practice being in the presence of ourselves, others, creation, and God. We are brought to a holy place when we encounter the sacredness of being. This is real prayer.
Then, we learn to trust. It is when we cease trusting that we start to become afraid, uncertain, apprehensive, and doubtful, and overly self-concerned. We even start to grumble. God has our back. That is the essential powerful message of the living bread come down from heaven. God, who is alpha is also omega, the beginning and the end, and has everything in between in his care as well. When we rest in the Living Source of life, we will find that our souls are no longer hungry or thirsty.
©LPi
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Why does Jesus give Himself to us as food and drink?
Jesus gives Himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because He loves us. God's whole plan for our salvation is directed to our participation in the life of the Trinity, the communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our sharing in this life begins with our Baptism when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are joined to Christ, thus becoming adopted sons and daughters of the Father. It is strengthened and increased in Confirmation. It is nourished and deepened through our participation in the Eucharist. By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (Jn 6:56). In being united to the humanity of Christ we are at the same time united to His divinity. Our mortal and corruptible natures are transformed by being joined to the source of life. "Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me" (Jn 6:57). ~ USCCB
What are appropriate signs of reverence with respect to the Body and Blood of Christ?The Body and Blood of Christ present under the appearances of bread and wine are treated with the greatest reverence both during and after the celebration of the Eucharist (cf. Mysterium Fidei, nos. 56-61). The tabernacle in which the consecrated bread is reserved is placed "in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer" ( Code of Canon Law, Can. 938, §2). According to the tradition of the Latin Church, one should genuflect in the presence of the tabernacle containing the reserved sacrament. In Eastern Catholic Churches, the traditional practice is to make the sign of the cross and to bow profoundly. The liturgical gestures from both traditions reflect reverence, respect, and adoration. It is appropriate for the members of the assembly to greet each other in the gathering space of the church (that is, the vestibule or narthex), but it is not appropriate to speak in loud or boisterous tones in the body of the church (that is, the nave) because of the presence of Christ in the tabernacle. Also, the Church requires everyone to fast before receiving the Body and Blood of Christ as a sign of reverence and recollection (unless illness prevents one from doing so). In the Latin Church, one must generally fast for at least one hour; members of Eastern Catholic Churches must follow the practice established by their own Church. ~ USCCB
Note: The use of the double genuflection during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a common practice. In this case, those entering or leaving the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament make the double genuflection, kneeling briefly on both knees and reverently inclining the head with hands joined.
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- KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
An Invitation to Learn More About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy Catholics and their families, and has since grown into the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, with more than 1.9 million members. The ICC Knights are actively looking for new members and new ways to serve in Christ’s name. Please join us as we strive to live our Faith in Action by supporting our priests, our parish families, our community, and by building a Culture of Life. 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 Saint Joseph meet once a month, typically on the second Saturday, from 7 am to 9 am, excluding the summer months. Please visit the Men of Saint Joseph page for more information.
Year of Saint Joseph
December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021 - Resources- DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET AND HOLY ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
The Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Group prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Rosary, Monday through Friday, 3 pm to 4 pm, in front of the Divine Mercy image, in the narthex of the church. On Wednesdays, the group prays inside the Church during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.“Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My Mercy.” Jesus to St. Faustina
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- SPECIAL COLLECTION
July 17/18, Parish to Parish Support Fund. Assessed ($1,429)
This collection provides grants to parishes in NH experiencing financial difficulties. Online Fund: Parish to Parish (Jul). Donate Online.
- Slice of the Pie Winners for the month of July.
- STEWARDSHIP
From 7.7.21 to 7.12.21 Offertory $11,599.20 Offertory Online $4,654.00 Building Fund $693.00 Building Fund Online $70.00 Works of the Holy Father $155.00 From 7.13.21 to 7.19.21 Offertory $13,934.34 Offertory Online $4,597.00 Building Fund $550.00 Building Fund Online $185.00 Parish to Parish Support Fund $1,884.00
- MORTGAGE DEBT ON CHURCH BUILDING
July Mortgage Payment: $5,519.00
Remaining Balance: $886,644.71
As always, we thank you for your generosity.
- GIFT SHOP
Summer Hours
The Gift Shop will be closed for the summer beginning Thursday, July 1st with plans to re-open on Tuesday, September 7th.
- HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ONLINE GIVING?
Online giving can be a convenient option to support your parish.
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- 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 are seven sessions on weekdays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Registration is limited and a $100 application fee is required. For more information, visit them at wwmema.org
- Annual Pine Haven Boys Center Reception
Save the date! The annual Pine Haven Boys Center Reception will be held on October 28, 2021, at the Courtyard Marriott in Nashua. Author and EWTN radio host Teresa Tomeo will be the featured guest speaker. More details will come as the date gets closer. The Pine Haven Boys Center is a residential facility that cares for boys with behavioral, educational, relational, and emotional problems. It is the primary ministry of our Weekend Assistant Priest Fr. Dixon Choolakkal and Fr. Remo Zanatta. For more information about Pine Haven, please visit pinehavenboyscenter.org
- Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance
Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance wants you to know that if you are ever in need, please call for an appointment. There are no financial requirements and your visit will be confidential. For food call: 603-883-6372. For assistance call: 603-598-1641.
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- Please be aware of Phishing Scams
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.
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SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
- USCCB Examination of Conscience
- An Act of Contrition
- YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH
December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021 - Resources
- MARIAN DEVOTIONS
- FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES
Please visit our Resources page.
- ENEWS
eNews is the electronic newsletter of the Diocese of Manchester. To subscribe, please visit www.catholicnh.org/about/stay-informed
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- Catholic Charities of New Hampshire
Catholic Charities honors the dignity of life with programs and services that create pathways out of poverty, heal and comfort the sick, strengthen families, feed the hungry, and welcomes the newcomers. For assistance, please contact 603-669-3030. You may also visit www.cc-nh.org- Corpus Christi Food Pantry
Corpus Christi Food Pantry is open for groceries on Monday and Wednesday, by appointment, from 10 am to 1 pm. Please call 603-882-6372. Corpus Christi Assistance is open for help, by appointment. Please call 603-598-1641. If you would like to donate to Corpus Christi, please visit corpuschristifoodpantry.org
- St. Gianna’s PlaceSt. Gianna’s Place provides shelter for homeless pregnant women and their babies. If you are pregnant and in need, we’re here to help. Please call or text (603) 521-8440. We can answer your questions, provide housing and education, and suggest resources to help you secure a bright future for you and your baby. stgiannasplace.org/
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For the bulletin archives or 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.
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Thank you all for staying connected with our parish family and for all your prayers. May God keep all of you safe as we journey through this time of uncertainty. ~ Fr. Ray
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