Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Merrimack NH February 10, 2019

Saturday, February 9th

Vigil: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:30PM: Timothy Dwyer req by his parents & family

Sunday, February 10th Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:30AM: Paul Br isson req by the Bergin family and for all parishioners 10:30AM: Jean Lantiegne Stow (1st Anniv) req by her family

Monday, February 11th

Our Lady of Lourdes 8:10AM: Morning Prayer 8:30AM: Joyce & Dick Foulks req by their children

Tuesday, February 12th 8:10AM: Morning Prayer 8:30AM: William Mullaney req by his family

Wednesday, February 13th 8:10AM: Morning Prayer 8:30AM: For the intentions of Kr istina Tylock req by Bruce & Janet Angus

Thursday, February 14th NO MASS

Friday, February 15th 8:10AM: Morning Prayer 8:30 AM: Skip Watkins (6th Anniv) req by his loving family and friends

SATURDAY, February 16th Vigil: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

4:30PM: Boyd Hudson req by Claude & Sandy Mayo and for all parishioners

SUNDAY, February 17th Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:30AM: Joseph Arcifa req by the family 10:30AM: Chip Dancy req by his family

Sanctuary Lamp

The Sanctuary Lamp for the week of February 9th through February 15th is lit in memory of Skip Watkins.

If you would like to have the Sanctuary Lamp lit in memory of or for the intentions of a loved one, please call the parish office at 424-3757.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For a humble guy, St. Paul really tells it like it is. It seems some of the Corinthians did not believe that Christ rose from the dead, or that resurrection was a spiritual symbol of forgiveness of sins. So Paul lists those witnesses who actually saw the risen Jesus, last and least of these being Paul himself. Now we are used to thinking of Paul as one of the greatest apos-tles, even though we know he once persecuted Chris-tians. So you might think he is being overly humble, like someone fishing for a compliment. No, Paul is only interested in making sure the Corinthians under-stand just how much God has done.

Besides being “born abnormally” (1 Corinthi-ans 15:8), that is, coming to follow Christ in such an unusual way, he felt unworthy because of so many Christians he hurt before his conversion. Yet he turns that unworthiness into an example of how much God has done through him, so he can say that he worked harder than any other apostles because of God’s grace, not Paul’s strength. The same grace that turned a former enemy into a friend also gave him the strength to spread the gospel farther than anyone else at that time.

In today’s Gospel, Peter has a similar experi-ence. He was a fisherman who knew his business and knew that some days, the fish just aren’t there. So when Jesus tells him to go out one more time, try one more cast of the nets, Peter probably thought he’d show Jesus that it was no use. Then when they caught enough fish to fill both boats, he realized that his pride was sinful. He was unworthy to receive such bounty from the Lord. And yet Jesus tells him that “you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).

How many of us are like Peter and Paul, thinking we know just what our place in the world is, relying on our own strengths to do our jobs? Surely that’s all God expects of us, right? They found Jesus calling them to a much more challenging life. Do we have the courage to listen to God’s call to serve?

Tom Schmidt, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Weekend of February 3, 2019: Catholic School Collection:

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

∗ The parish is always looking for new ministers—Altar Servers, Ministers of Hospitality, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. If you are interested in any of these ministries, please contact the parish office at 424-3757.

∗ Do you love kids? Are you looking for ways to get more involved in the parish? Have you ever wanted to share your faith with others? We welcome anyone interested in helping—You could help out in Children’s Liturgy of the Word or in our Faith Formation Programs ( either Gr 1-5 or 7-10). If interested, please contact lpai-son@olmnh.org

∗ Comfort Ministry—They provide comfort meals to families and friends after a funeral. If you like to cook or would be willing to donate a food item (such as a jar of mayonnaise, a bag of ice, jar of pickles, etc) we would love to have you join or ministry. Contact Marie Dancy at mdancy@olmnh.org.

∗ Are you a singer or play an instrument ? Bring your gifts to the music ministry. Contact Nancy King, Music Di-rector at nking@olmnh.org

∗ The “Men of St Joseph” meet once a month on Saturday morning from 7-8:15 am in the Church Hall. Come down to see what its all about.

∗ We would love to bring more people together here at Our Lady of Mercy and would like a group who would help plan social events! Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Call the office and give us your contact information and we will be in touch.

These and more opportunities are available. Please contact the parish office

if you are interested in becoming more involved.

Remember them in your prayers...Keep in your prayers the approximately 80 students in grades 7 through 10 here at Our Lady of Mercy who will be receiving the sacrament of Con-firmation on March 15th at 7:00 pm. Pray for these students as they continue on their journey of Faith. This journey re-quires learning, growth, prayer and service. Edge Retreat : Please also remember our 7th and 8th graders who will be attending a Confirmation retreat on February 17th.

Sisters of the Holy Cross Raffle Calendar-NEXT WEEKEND

The Sisters of the Holy Cross have es-

tablished the Claire Daneau Legacy Fund to benefit the chil-dren of Mary Gate of Heaven orphanage in Haiti. The orphan-age was founded by Sister Claire Daneau, an American Sister of the Holy Cross. It is home to over 55 children. You can help gift these children with a future by purchasing a raffle calendar at the cost of $10.00 each of 6 for $50.00. From April 1 through April 30th a total of $2500.00 will be drawn. Representatives of the Sisters will have raffle calen-dars available after each Mass on the weekend of February 16/17th. Thank you for helping Claire’s Kids.

Why Donate Blood—Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separat-ed into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for pa-tients with specific conditions.

Requirements: •Be in good general health and feeling well. •Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states). •Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight re-quirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors. Our Lady of Mercy is hosting a Blood Drive here at the parish on Thursday, February 21st from 2 to 7 pm in the Church Hall. Appointments are en-couraged. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appoint-ment. Walk in are always welcome.

CHECK OUT THESE TOPIC ON “FORMED” There is so much material on olmnh.FORMED.org. Where shall we begin? It is like taking a sip of water from the torrent of an open fire hydrant. Let’s do this… 1. Watch the video Knowing the Faith, Part 3—The Bi-

ble. (on formed click “on demand” and then click on search icon and type in Journey of Faith)

2. So many people say they want to know more about the Mass. If you are in this camp, listen to the Scriptural Walk through the Mass (on formed click on “listen” and “talks”)

3. Watch the video on the Bible and the Virgin Mary (go onto “formed”, click “Watch” and then click on “movies” and type in “The Bible and the Virgin Mary”)

Have you ever read a good book or seen a movie that you really enjoyed and you wish that you could talk to some-one about it? Watch and listen to these things and in the coming weeks we will schedule times for group discus-sions. Prepare for next Sunday’s Mass. Go to olmnh.Formed.org and watch “Opening the Word” year C-6th Sunday in Or-dinary time. This short video will serve to open your heart to Sunday’s liturgy. Fun for Children—On Formed, click on Study then Youth and type in “Lukas” to see a variety of topics to watch. On February 17th from 9:45-10:10am (between the Masses) we will meet in the church to discuss what you have seen and read.

WARM COATS NEEDED St. James Clothes Closet

Merrimack, NH Clothing donations to the Clothes Closet are always wel-comed. They are especially in need of warm winter coats of all sizes. Items must be in excellent condition, current styles, with no stains or worn spots, and free of pet hair and cigarette smoke. Clothing donations are graciously accepted Mon. – Thurs. from 8:15 – 2:00 pm.

The Clothes Closet is a used clothing boutique for people in our community who have a financial need, open Tues-days 9:00am to 12 noon.

LADIES GUILD MEETING

The Ladies Guild will be having their next monthly meet-ing on Tuesday, February 19th at 1:00 pm in the Church Hall. All ladies of the par ish are welcome. If you are new to the parish and want to learn more about our ministry, please join us or contact Irene Jenness at 424-2362.

We would like to welcome into our parish community: Dalton William Patton & Jack Turner Patton.

May your children bring you joy and happiness in the years ahead. Be assured of our prayers as you exercise the responsibility of training your children in the practice of our faith.

Your prayers are requested for the repose of the souls of Brian Carter & Jean Marie Murphy. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the families of Brian & Jean Marie . We pray that the God of Compas-sion be with your during this time of sorrow and that He welcomes Brian & Jean Marie into his eternal kingdom of peace.

PARISH BREAKFAST/BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC SPONSORED BY THE KNIGHTS OF

COLUMBUS AND PARISH NURSES On Sunday, February 17th after the 8:30 and 10:30 Masses, the K of C will again be sponsor-ing a parish breakfast. Come down to the

church hall after Mass and spend some time getting to know new and long time parishioners. A Blood Pressure Clinic sponsored by our Parish Nurses will take place at the same time. Hope to see you there.

SAVE THE DATE: St. Patrick’s Day Parish Party

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Join us after the 4:30 Mass for our St. Patrick’s Day Par-ish Party on March 16th. Irish dance performances and new Irish sing-along tunes. More information will follow.

In Need of Prayers….located in the main en-trance of the church there is a Book of Inten-tions for all parishioners to add their intentions to.

This Book of Intentions is brought up to the altar along with the gifts of bread and wine so your prayers will be presented during Mass.

Information Page

Acct #: 694750 Our Lady of Mercy Parish 16 Baboosic Lake Road Merrimack, NH 03054 Contact Person: Kathleen Rush Phone: (603) 424-4477 or (603) 424-3757 Fax: (603) 424-1780 Email Address: kjrush1@olmnh.org

Bulletin for February 10, 2019 Kathy