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4 Dracut Road, Hudson, NH 03051 • Tel (603) 882-7793 • Fax (603)

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FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Ah! The “official” end of summer! For many of us, it’s a little sad given that this was such a beautiful, some-what relaxed summer. The children are heading back (or already have headed back) to school; our college stu-dents have moved out again; and the peace and calm of summer has given way to leaving for work a little earli-er to beat the school buses. You can even feel the change in season when the church air conditioners are off more than they are on (a curse for some; a blessing for others—we just can’t please everyone!). And of course, all of the programs are starting up again—with a good deal of excitement attached to it all.

Over the last few years, our Lectio series has really taken off. It’s been such a good experience for all of us, and the discussions have been very enriching. This year is no different. We’ll participate in another part of the Lectio series in the fall with a Bible Study on the Acts of the Apostles and Evangelization. I’ve spent the summer re-viewing the lectures and they’re solid and informative, but I’m looking forward even more to the discussions in the sessions. I think these are going to be a wonderful foundation for us as we enter into our Jubilee Year be-cause we’ll get a real sense of what the early Church experienced and how they grew in their own understand-ing of themselves and identity as “Church.” As we continue to grow in our identity as a part of the universal Church and our personal identity as Saint Kathryn Parish, we will learn a lot about what it means to be a part of a faith community. I know I’m setting a difficult bar for the parish, but with just over a hundred people partici-pating in the other Lectio programs, I’m hoping that we’ll increase our numbers to between 150-200 people. Of course, I’m happy if we only have a few folks, but ecstatic would be the word I would use if we increase our numbers. And yes, the morning sessions with the discussions will be videotaped and posted on the parish web-site for those who may not be able to attend the sessions but would still like something to chew on.

Likewise, our religious education programs are thriving. As we go into this final year of celebrating Confirma-tion in high school, we’re also delving into other opportunities and ideas for building a youth ministry program that will keep our older students engaged while ensuring that our younger children who will receive Confirma-tion earlier will have solid religious instruction moving forward. (By the way, parents and grandparents—if you participate in our adult faith formation sessions, you’re setting the example for ongoing catechesis for your chil-dren and grandchildren!)

We’re also happy to announce that we are beginning a new ministry for women, the Daughters of Eve, as an opportunity for women to reflect on their lives and witness in the Church. Using Our Lady as an example for the Christian life, the Daughters of Eve is intended to be a source of encouragement for women to create the bonds of fellowship, to be free to share how the Lord has accompanied you in times of joy and hardship, to be of mutu-al support and a non-judgmental presence for one another in the spiritual journey, and to grow and mature in your faith and love for the Lord. This is a huge commitment to women growing together spiritually, and I am so grateful to Karen Wilder for taking the initiative for this program to begin. I can’t wait to hear about the first meeting which will take place on Monday, October 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in Room 1.

In the next few weeks, we’ll set up some meetings for new extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, new lectors, new servers, and new greeters. If you’ve ever thought of any of these liturgical ministries, you’ll want to start praying about it now so you can set aside the time for the meeting. These ministries are vital for the life of our parish, as are each of the other social, catechetical, and outreach ministries that we have. Again, we may not be able to participate in all things, but we can all participate in some things.

In re-reading this letter, I’m tired! We have a lot going on, a lot to do, and a lot to become. But here’s the good news about it all—everything that we do, everything that we are, everything that we teach can be for the greater honor and glory of God!

Until next week...God bless! Father Joe

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Saturday, September 2 Vigil (Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time) 4:00PM—+In Loving Memory of Pauline Lemoine (59th Wedding Anniversary), by her husband, Bernie

Sunday, September 3 (Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) 8:30AM—+Sheri Scott, by Roger and Paula Hubert 10:30AM—For the People of the Parish 6:30PM—+Russell Saucier, by Denny and Bob Maffia

Monday, September 4 (Labor Day) 8:30AM—Memorial Enrollments

Tuesday, September 5 (Weekday) 7:00PM—+All Souls

Wednesday, September 6 (Weekday) 8:30AM—+Donata and Selvino DiNicola, by their granddaughter

Thursday, September 7 (Weekday) 7:00PM—+John Sojka, by the Sojka Family

Friday, September 8 (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) 8:30AM—+John and Patty Murphy, by the people of the parish

Saturday, September 9 (Saint Peter Claver) 8:30AM—+Grace Connolly, by the people of the parish

Vigil (Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) 4:00PM—+Clement and Rita Brissette, by Paul and Claudette Roy

Sunday, September 10 (Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) 8:30AM—Intentions of Thomas Schubert, by his family 10:30AM—For the People of the Parish 6:30PM—+Nayeli McCaskey, by Ricardo

DIACONATE ORDINATIONS

We are pleased to announce the ordinations of Joseph Dion and Randy O’Neill to the permanent diaconate next Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Cathedral. Both of these men are long-time parishioners of Saint Kathryn’s. Please join us at the Cathedral for this wonderful celebration. No tickets are required.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2017

Sunday, September 3rd Baptism Catechesis/RM 1 (12:15 p.m.)

Monday, September 4th Labor Day—Parish Offices Closed

Tuesday, September 5th Crafters/Craft Room (1:00-8:30P)

Wednesday, September 6th Adoration/Chapel (5:30-8:15A and 1:00-7:00P) Evening Prayer and Benediction/Chapel (7:00P) Knights of Columbus Business Meeting/Hall B

(7:00-10:00P) Choir Rehearsal/Church (7:30-9:00P) Schola Rehearsal/Church (9:00-9:30P)

Friday, September 8th O’Donnell-Linnehan Wedding/Church Conant-Halloran Rehearsal/Church (6:00P)

Saturday, September 9th Men of Saint Joseph/RM 1 (7:00-8:30A) Secular Carmelites/RM 2 (9:00A-12:00N) Ordination to the Diaconate for Randy O’Neill

and Joe Dion/Saint Joseph Cathedral (10:00A) Conant-Halloran Wedding/Church (1:30P)

Sunday, September 10th

Parish Picnic/Church Yard (1:00-3:00P)

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Our men and women in formation for religious life:

Elena Ainley Sister Faustina Kolbe Burda, DMN

Sister Roxane Day Sister Diane Dube, p.m. Sister Athanasius Munroe, OP

Brother John Mark Solitario, OP Brother Marius Strom, TOR

Our Parishioners in the Armed Services: Frank Cunniff Clare Handy Zack Hurley David Jarry Joshua Keller Zach Keller Thomas Laste

Our Deacon-Candidates: Joseph Dion Randy O’Neill Jared Auclair

Our Beloved Dead: Alfred Tutela

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TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

VOCATION ROSARY

This week, the Dragas family will be praying the travel-ing rosary. Thank you to all who are part of this ongo-ing spiritual support for our men in formation for the priesthood and diaconate and for our religious in for-mation. To take part in this prayer campaign, please contact Deacon Ray at 603.882.7793, ext. 204.

PARISH PICNIC

Our annual parish picnic is scheduled for next Sun-day, September 10th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Plan to join us for some great food and fellowship, a bounce house (the safe kind!), games, and, of course, the dunk tank! (And, you can safely guess who will be in it—Father Joe!) Tickets are $7.00 per person and children under 7 are free! The parish picnic is co-sponsored by the parish and Council 5162 of the Knights of Columbus. Join us for this annual event and enjoy the company of your fellow parishioners, some delicious food, and some games for the children. Tickets will be available for sale this weekend in the church and through the parish office until September 3rd. Don’t delay! Get your tickets today!

FORMED

Have you learned anything new about your faith this summer? Why not challenge yourself to learn just one thing new? Register with FORMED for lectures, films, podcasts, and interesting reading. Sign up today at https://formed.org. Our code is 748649.

VIANNEY RETURNS!

L e o n a r -do Defil-ippis and S a i n t L u k e Produc-

tions will return to Saint Kathryn’s for a performance of Vianney at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017. This acclaimed production of the life of Saint John Vi-anney is one that you will not want to miss! Tickets will be available in September from the office and after Masses. Some tickets will also be available at the door. Mark your calendars now! This memorable perfor-mance is one that you will not want to miss.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Bishop Peter A. Libasci invites all couples who are celebrating their 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th or be-yond Wedding Anniversary (anytime during the year 2017), to attend a Special Anniversary Mass. This cel-

ebration will be held on October 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., at Saint Joseph Cathe-dral, Manchester. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th or beyond anniversary, please contact the

parish office by September 22, 2017. We will need your last names, first names and mailing address. Please also indicate your special anniversary year. By providing your name to your Parish Office you will be registered and receive an invitation. There is no need for the couple to RSVP to the diocese or the Cathedral.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION

Religious education classes will begin on September 17th. Is your child registered yet? The fee is $50.00/child or $100.00/family. Don’t forget that the sacraments will be celebrated this year as in the past. First Penance and First Com-munion will take place in the second grade and Con-firmation will be celebrated in the tenth grade. There will not be any changes to the order of the sacraments this year!

REFLECTING GOD’S GENEROSITY

TO US

Offertory: $ 7,919.43 Online Giving: $ 2,572.00 Total: $10,491.43 If you are making your weekly contributions elec-tronically, thank you! You are helping us to meet our weekly budget. If you use the envelope system or put in cash or a check, we would be very grateful if you could continue to get your offering to us. We tend to run a little “tight” during the summer because of va-cations and travel. Thank you for whatever you are able to do to help us keep up to date with our bills! Be safe in all your trav-els!

DIVINE MERCY SHRINE

Bernier and Duclos family by Martha and Rick Bernier

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2017

BAZAAR, 2017

It’s never too early to begin thinking about our annual parish bazaar and penny sale! There are some great “back-to-school” specials hap-pening right now that would make wonderful penny sale gifts. You might be able to pick something up now and have a beautiful gift at a reasonable price! The creativity of our parishioners helps to make our penny sale so great. Your generosity has been a huge help in the past—we know we can continue to count on you! Our Crafters have been hard at work for months. If you do arts and crafts, why not join them some Tues-day. Someone is in the Craft Room located on the low-er level of the parish offices from 1:00-8:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

PMA ANNUAL FALL FUN FEST

Don’t miss Presentation of Mary Academy’s 22nd An-nual Fall Fun Fest on Saturday, September 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.! All festivities and parking will be at PMA at 182 Lowell Road in Hudson, NH (Rain Date: Sunday, September 24th). Enjoy a large selection of inflatables, zip line, bungee jump station, touch-a-truck, mechanical bull rides, ob-stacle course, petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin painting, tie-dye station, Sisters Fish Pond, and so much more! Try your luck at our Super Raffle, theme baskets raffles, and penny sale. Treat yourself to tradi-tional barbecue favorites like pulled pork, a baked po-tato bar, and Nan King teriyaki chicken. Then, cool off with some Kona Ice or satisfy your sweet tooth with our homemade apple crisp or bake sale! Funds raised at the event are used for student enrich-ment activities throughout the year. For more infor-mation, please contact parentgroup@pmaschool.org or visit www.pmaschool.org. We’re also on Facebook at PMA Fall Fun Fest.

CATECHISTS NEEDED

We are still in need of a few catechists and assistants for our religious education program. Thank you to all who have already committed to teaching for the up-coming year. Prior experience in teaching is not necessary (but it is helpful!). We are able to give you the tools to teach—lesson plans, activities, classroom management, etc. But we need the people to share the tools with! If you are able to help us as a catechist or assistant, please contact Sister Janice at 603.882.7793, ext. 203.

CDS AND BOOKS FROM LIGHTHOUSE

Don’t forget our Lighthouse CDs and books found in the back of the church! While away the time in the car by listening to superb speakers on subjects important to the contemporary Catholic and find books, book-lets, and pamphlets to enhance your spiritual growth. Check out the CD rack and learn even more about our faith—all at a reasonable price!

CHOIR TO RESUME

Choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, Septem-ber 6th, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the church. The music program for this year is both challenging and beauti-ful. If you have wanted to experience choir, now is the time! It’s a commitment, but so worthwhile! What musical programs are in store this year? Of course, we’ll continue our tradition of Lessons and Carols after Christmas and Tenebrae during Holy Week. We also expect to add a concert for our Saint Kathryn’s parishioners, friends, and benefactors next June. It is anticipated that the Saint Kathryn Schola will perform a chamber concert during the year.

HOPE CONFERENCE

Hope Conferences, Inc. in association with the Archdi-ocese of Boston presents “The Reason for our Hope,” a Catholic conference focused on renewing the vital gift of Hope—an essential virtue which every heart de-sires and for which all of humanity hungers. Join with speakers Jim Wahlberg, Andy Lavallee, Sonja Corbitt, Father Francis Valerio, and Father Mark Nolte for a powerful day of grace, music, Holy Mass, confessions, and adoration on September 30, 2017 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $40.00. To register, go to www.hopeconferences.com.

DEACON JOE AND DEACON RANDY

As noted earlier in the bulletin, our brothers Joe Dion and Randy O’Neill will be ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, September 9th, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Cathedral. Deacon Joe Dion will assist at Holy Mass as a deacon here at Saint Kathryn’s on Saturday, September 16th, at the 4:00 p.m. Mass with a reception sponsored by the Vocation Support Association to follow in the parish hall. As Deacon Randy’s schedule clears, we will invite him to serve as a deacon of the liturgy here at Saint Kathryn’s.

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TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS

There is a new troop forming for American Heritage Girls in the Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsboro area. Ameri-can Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for girls ages 5 to 18 that embraces Christian values and encourages family in-volvement. The cost is $25 per girl for the year and is currently accepting interest. AHG holds meetings, ser-vice projects, and other faith-based activities while growing in character, skill and faith. For more infor-mation, please contact Lynn Flaherty at 978.551.8301 or lynnflahertyym@yahoo.com.

MASSES IN SEPTEMBER

While Father Joe and some of our parishioners are away, several of the priests from our area have gra-ciously agreed to celebrate the daily Masses. Thank you to Father Richard Kelley, Father Michael Kerper, Father Gerard Dion, and Father Christopher Martel who will celebrate Mass in Father Joe’s absence. Please join with them for Holy Mass during these days and thank them for extending themselves so that Masses need not be cancelled. The only day Mass will not be celebrated is on Saturday, September 23 at 8:30 a.m.

FAITH FACTS

Have you ever noticed that when the priest and dea-con approach the altar at the beginning of Mass and when they leave at the end of Mass, they reverence the altar with a kiss? Why do they do this? Every time a priest kisses or reverences the altar, he honors the altar of sacrifice (which represents Christ) where the miracle of the Eucharist occurs, and also to reverence the relics of the saint or martyr placed with-in the altar itself. (Next week’s faith fact….) During the first centuries of the Church, Masses were often celebrated in the underground catacombs on stone slabs covering the tomb of a martyr. This was done in order to reverence the martyr and their heroic and ultimate sacrifice for the Lord. This also was done because Christianity was illegal throughout the Ro-man Empire and the Mass had to be celebrated in se-cret. When a priest kisses the altar, he is reverencing the person of Christ, which the altar represents, and is al-so, even if they are not present, continuing the ancient tradition of honoring the great and heroic sacrifice of the martyrs.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES

Our fall adult faith formation series will be based on the Acts of the Apostles, with Dr. Mary Healy as the instructor. Using the Lectio: Evangelization series from Augustine Institute, we will delve into the evan-gelization efforts found in the early Church. Mark your calendars today to participate in this series. September 28 Why Study Acts? October 5 Clothed with Power October 12 Proclaiming the Kerygma October 19 Signs and Wonders October 26 How Jesus Makes an Evangelist November 2* Sacraments and the Spirit November 16 Leadership in the Church November 30 Charisms in the Spirit December 7* Joy in Persecution December 14 The Belly of the Beast Sessions will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and again from 7:30-9:00 p.m. with identical presenta-tions. (Please note that on November 2 and December 7, sessions will run from 8:00-9:30 p.m.) Don’t miss this wonderful series and the opportunity to become more comfortable with your role as an evangelizer! Remember that faith formation is ongoing! We can never say that we have learned everything there is to know about our faith—even the greatest scholars and doctors of the Church would not presume to say that! Why not commit yourself to one or both of these se-ries as we continue to grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord, of the Catholic faith, and of our Church?

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ROSARY

The Knights of Columbus lead the Rosary every first Wednesday of the month beginning at 6:25 p.m. dur-ing adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please come a little bit earlier for Vespers and join with the Knights in the recitation of the Rosary.

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA DISCUSSION

Saint Kathryn’s Veterans Organization will sponsor an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Panel and Forum Discus-sion on Saturday, September 30th at 1:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Experts in the field of Alzheimer’s/Dementia Disease will be present to lead a conversation on the disease, resources available, research, and care of the person afflicted and care for the caregiver. Please join us for this informative presentation!

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2017

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ST. KATHRYN PARISH HUDSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03-0779 September 3, 2017 – Week 41