From

Welcome to the Catholic Community of

SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST

A Catholic Community of Caring Since 1981 Serving Londonderry, Hudson & Windham - New Hampshire

Church and Parish Center (603) 432-8711 One South Road, Londonderry, NH 03053

Fr. Mike Zgonc Pastor Deacon Tom Lavallee Permanent Deacon Brandon Sargent Director of Evangelization Vicky Wood Mission Coordinator Hollis Cornelissen Youth Minister Lisa Olsen Office Manager / Notary Artie Carew Music Director Amanda Morgan Music Ministry

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday @ 5:00 PM

Sunday @ 8:00 AM 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM Monday through Thursday @ 9:00 AM

Welcome Home! We, as a Parish Family, are so glad you are here!

Website: www.stmarksnh.orgFacebook: stmarkslondonderryFlocknote: flocknote.com/SMECNH

As sharers of the one baptism & the one Spirit of the Risen Christ, we come together as the Parish Community of St. Mark the Evangelist to proclaim our identity as the People of God.

The Eucharist is the center of our life and work together. Through the one bread, we become the one body of Christ, a living sacrifice of praise. In our worship of God, the Author of

life and holiness, we proclaim our hope in the life of Christ’s Resurrection; we open our

hearts and minds to the Spirit of God dwelling in our midst.

In our work, together, we seek…

to enable our children to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God; to accompany our

young sons and daughters on their journeys of discovery toward adulthood; to deepen our

faith commitment through prayer & study; to be present to one another in the joys and

sufferings, the victories and struggles of life; to give witness to the Gospel of justice and

compassion to our hurting world.

We welcome to our parish family all who share our Catholic faith & traditions & our search

for God in all things.

-Parish Mission Statement

Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2019

From Our Youth Minister…

Dear beautiful Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Standing in the driveway after shoveling out from our first winter storm, snow quietly swirling down around me, watching the colors of the sky turn bright hues of purple and pink as the sun set, I had a moment of profound awe. In that moment there was peace, the ground blanketed with white, not a snowblower or plow could be heard. Just me, and my breath and the brilliant winter sky. The world seemed to slow. God was fully present.

Whoever planned this whole “Advent landing during winter thing” was pretty wise. Winter is a season where we are basically FORCED to slow down (I know it’s still technically fall, but bear with me). It gets dark around 3:00PM. Roads get covered with snow and ice. We have to live differently than we did during spring, summer and fall- we have to be more deliberate with our plans. Our culture tells us otherwise. We need to rush into stores on Black Friday and not miss the best deals on Cyber Monday. We need to have all of the hottest new items for our family and friends, they need to be wrapped and added to a mountain of gifts under the Christmas tree, the house needs to look Pinterest perfect, we need to get our family Christmas card photos, we need to write and send 300 cards to all of our Facebook friends, and get super stressed out in the process because that is what Christmas is all about. Now, I’m not smack talking Christmas or you if you find those activities fun. In fact, our God becoming man in the form of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is the most beautiful act I could imagine and well worth some celebrating! What I’m smack talking is what our consumer-centered, self-obsessed culture takes away and places on Christmas. With this type of Christmas, Advent becomes extra busy, extra selfish and extra focused on things other than Christ’s coming. What we all really need is to slow down and see Jesus even when there is chaos all around us.

In that moment I had standing in the driveway, God was present because there was a place created for God in the stillness of my heart. It’s much more difficult for God to be present to us when we are running around trying to be superhuman and “do” Christmas in the best way we possibly can. Crazy thing, Christmas is not about us doing or being the best! It’s about Christ and what his becoming a human being who lived a life full of complete love and who died for our sins means. It’s about us entering into that total and selfless love. As we await His Second Coming this Advent, I hope that we learn a lesson from winter and give into the slowing down that being a Christian entails. If we move too quickly, we will only be caught up in our own little world, we won’t be able to see a brother or sister suffering or in need, we won’t be able to see the beauty of a peaceful winter day, we won’t be able to listen to someone who yearns to be heard. Amidst the shopping, decorating and wrapping can we slow down and prepare the Way of the Lord?

In peace and gratitude,

Hollis Cornelissen

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Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2019

Christmas Basket Program - Return TODAY Thank YOU to everyone who helped our families through the Christmas Basket Program. You generosity is overwhelming! Please return ALL items TODAY - December 8, 2019 in the wooden bin located in the Welcome Center. Again, thank you for your continued support!!

Christmas Basket - Volunteers Needed! We are looking for Volunteer elves to help us in the Parish Hall from 12PM - 3 PM next weekend, Saturday, December 14. We need help organizing items, lift ing boxes and loading cars. This is perfect opportunity if you need community service hours. Please consider this opportunity to spread Christmas cheer! More hands make light work! Please call the Parish Office at 432-8711 or email info@stmarks.nh.

Christmas Basket Program - New Families Three new families have just registered for assistance. Are you able to help?? They are in need of winter coats, gloves, scarf, winter boots etc., If you are able to help out, please call the Parish Office at 432-8711.

Children's Christmas Choir Caroling This is a reminder for all parents of children in the Christmas Choir that in lieu of practice next Sunday, December 15 we will be singing Christmas Carols for the residents of All American Assisted Living, 1 Button Drive, Londonderry NH at 3PM.

Summit- Christmas Party - Dec 14!! Survey says... it's time for a Gaudete Sunday Christmas Party for our new High School Ministry, Summit!! We will joyfully celebrate this third Sunday of Advent and the Coming of Christ with Christmas Family Feud, a hot cocoa bar and more on Saturday, December 14th from 6-8PM!! High school students will meet in Rm 209 following the 5PM Mass. Bring a dessert to share and wear an ugly sweater to compete in our ugly sweater contest!!

Widow & Widower Ministry - NEW! St. Mark’s is excited to begin the Widow & Widower Ministry on January 2, 2020! The journey of the loss of a spouse is a painful process, and you do not need to walk it alone. This will be an ongoing seminar and support group held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 PM with materials specifically designed to address loss and grieving. This is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and how to cope with the normal emotions that come when grieving the loss of a spouse. You will learn valuable information on facing life situations, and you’ll gain renewed hope for the future. These sessions are open to any adult who has lost a spouse regardless of whether your experience is recent or not so recent. The one time $35 registration fee is only for the workbook that will be provided. Please contact Fr. Mike Zgonc if any of these fees pose a hardship to your family at frmike @stmarksnh.org or 432-8711. Registration is now open. Please call the parish office to register or online at www.stmarksnh.org.

Winter Advisory Please remember to check our website, and/or WMUR for updates, which include the celebration of Holy Mass and Faith Formation classes. If Londonderry schools are closed, all parish activities are cancelled.

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Care for Creation Corner Are you getting Christmas “Wish Lists”? An Advent challenge: Have you asked your spouse/ friends/ children/ grandchildren, “What do you want for Christmas”? Maybe you've already received wish lists. Help these dear ones draw closer to those less fortunate. Ask them: “I would like to give some of the money I saved up for your Christmas gifts to those who need it more than you do. Who would you like to share with?” There are plenty of worthy charities doing good work for the poor and disadvantaged; most of them allow you to give in the name of someone else. Let them choose; let them consciously decide to choose sharing over consumerism.

Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2019

K of C Christmas Tree Sale St. Mark's Knights of Columbus annual Christmas Tree sale is underway at Chuck's BP gas station at the corner of Rte 102 and Mammoth Rd. in Londonderry. The trees are top quality New England grown Balsam firs. The proceeds from the sale of these trees are used to fund the many charitable activities supported by St. Mark's council. Please support the Knights by buying one of our trees. Come early for the best selection!

A Note from the Shepherd’s Pantry to YOU! Dear Parishioners: On behalf of everyone at Shepherd’s Pantry. I want to thank you for your generous donations [from the Poor Box] on 11/12 of $738.00. Your donation will be used to help people in Southern New Hampshire who find themselves in difficult times. The Pantry currently services 100-120 families each week and your donation will enable us to continue this important work. Again, thank you for your generosity toward those in need in our community.

Sincerely, Joyce DeWitt

Christmas Flower Envelopes Christmas flower envelopes are available in the gathering space and the Welcome Center beginning this weekend. If you would like to contribute in memory of a loved one. Please pick up an envelope and return it by December 22. These flowers will adorn our worship space this Christmas Season. Thank you!

This Week @ St. Mark’s!! Sunday, December 8: 9:30 AM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St.

Mark’s KIDS, EDGE7:00 PM Pack 605 Committee MeetingTuesday, December 10: 6AM-10PM Eucharistic Adoration (Chapel) 7:00 PM Worship Team Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, December 11: 9:30 AM Wednesday Witness (Parish Hall) 7:00 PM St. Gianna’s Place (Lounge) Thursday, December 12: 7:00 PM K of C Officers Meeting (Room 209) Friday, December 13: 6:00 PM Pack 605 Pack Meeting Saturday, December 14: 9:30 AM Al Anon Sunday, December 15: 9:30 AM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St.

Mark’s KIDS, EDGE

The Parish Office will be closed December 23 - 26.

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Respect Life Essay Contest The Knights of Columbus is once again sponsoring a Student Respect Life Essay Contest for all Junior High (grades 6, 7, 8) and Senior High School (grades 9, 10, 11, 12) students in NH. The Knights will make up to six awards of $100. Entries are due next weekend, December 15, 2019, so plan now to enter. Maybe you could win. For entry instructions, please visit the Welcome Center or visit St. Mark’s website at www.stmarksnh.org -> Knights of Columbus -> Respect Life. Any questions, please contact John at matu19@comcast.net.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve 4:00PM (upstairs only), 5:15PM,

6:15PM & Midnight

Christmas Day 10:00AM

*All Masses will be in the Church. There will be no Masses downstairs this year.

Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2019

Sacrificial Giving Week of 12/02/19 - 12/03/19

Regular Offertory: Offertory Envelopes: $ 6,199.00 Loose Cash & Checks: $ 2,314.00 WeShare: $ 3,688.00 Electronic Giving: $ 754.86 ————— $12,955.86 (Amount required for weekly operation of Parish) 10,000.00

Surplus/(Deficit) $2,955.86

Designated Funds: Capital Development: $ 758.00

(restricted fund for building maintenance) Charitable: $10.00 Fuel Collection Total so far: $9,259.00 (Amount required $ 13,000.00) *Week of 11/23 & 11/24: $10,340.83

Mass Intentions for Dec 8 - Dec 15 12/8 Sunday, 8 AM:

Frank Griffin by the family 12/8 Sunday, 9:30 AM:

People of the Parish 12/8 Sunday, 11 AM:

Lea, Blanche & Bill Poitras by Larry & Pearl Goodrich and family

12/9 Monday, 9 AM: William Emerson by Anne & Dan Emerson

12/10 Tuesday, 9 AM: Matt Crosson by Maria Chouinard

12/11 Wednesday, 9 AM: Elaine M. Emerson by Anne & Dan Emerson

12/12 Thursday, 9 AM: David M. Daly by Eileen Criscione

12/14 Saturday, 5 PM: Grace Schaefer by Mike & MaryJane Williams

12/15 Sunday, 8 AM: People of the Parish

12/15 Sunday, 9:30 AM: Mini Kurr by Sam & Mary Ann Boldeia

12/15 Sunday, 11 AM: Lucille DiMartino & Louela Harper

by The Leone family

Parish Contact Information

Parish Office (603) 432-8711 Parish Email info@stmarksnh.org Web Page stmarksnh.org Office Hours Mon-Thurs 9:30AM- 4 PM

Fr. Mike frmike@stmarksnh.org Deacon Tom dctom@stmarksnh.org Vicky Wood vicky@stmarksnh.org Hollis Cornelissen hollis@stmarksnh.org Lisa Olsen info@stmarksnh.org Brandon Sargent brandon@stmarksnh.org Artie Carew artie@stmarksnh.org

Pastoral Council Justin Paré Finance Council Andy MacWilliam Music Artie Carew (603) 546-5503Outreach Dianne Zdankiewicz (603) 434-7991 Knights of Columbus Jean Desrosiers (603) 889-3284 Men of St Joseph Bill Donroe (603) 432-6066 Prayer Line Nancy Conner (603) 432-7425 Safe Environment Lisa Olsen (603) 432-8711 Al-Anon Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 AM Birthright (603) 434-3000 NH Catholic Charities, Windham (603) 893-1971

Sacrament of Baptism Parents are asked to participate in the baptismal catechesis program prior to their child’s baptism.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 3:30-4:30 PM or by appointment.

Sacrament of Marriage Couples should contact the parish office at least six

months in advance and before making any other wedding arrangements.

Sacrament of the Sick Please call us to request the Sacrament of the Sick or to

receive communion in the home.

Eucharistic Adoration Tuesdays, 6:00 AM-11PM / First Fridays 8 PM-12 AM.

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