The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
 Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
 August 5, 2020 Weekly Email Update
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•  Bishop Peter Libasci has agreed to our request to celebrate Confirmation and First Communion at St. Theresa on Saturday,                    September 26 at 1:30 p.m. for those who had been scheduled for a celebration back in May.  A rehearsal will be held the week before, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19.                                                                                                                                             
• Family Formation will be taking on a new form this year, not only in the Contoocook River Valley, but  all over the diocese, all over the country, indeed all over the world.  Efforts are being made to form small faith communities to include three or four families.  A gathering is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, starting with Mass at 4:00 p.m.  A more detailed schedule will be sent next week to all families with school-aged children.                                                                                                                                                             
•  Efforts will also be made to help form small faith communities among parishioners whose children are grown and are out on their own.                                                                                                                                                                                                              
•  Father Maurice and Father Marcel are available after Sunday morning Masses to distribute Holy Communion to those who feel they are at risk of contracting the coronavirus and choose not to come to Mass. At this time, we have no one to live-stream any Sunday Mass.                                                                                                                                                                                             
•  There are several parish families that homeschool their children.  Parents might consider home-schooling as an option for at least the coming year.  There are both secular and religious curricula worth exploring.  

                                                   
 
                           The Holy Day Feast of the Assumption                                                                  
                          will be observed with a 9:00 a.m. Mass     
                         on Saturday, August 15th at St. Theresa       
 

 
 Directives from Bishop Peter Libasci
All are asked to continue wearing facemasks when attending Mass.
All are asked to maintain at least six feet of distance with people at Church to whom you are not related.
Children two and under are not expected to wear facemasks.
Anyone who has trouble breathing while wearing a mask may remove it.
 

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
July 29, 2020 Weekly Email Update
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Directives from Bishop Peter Libasci

                                         All are asked to continue wearing facemasks when attending Mass.
                                         All are asked to maintain at least six feet of distance with people at Church to           
                                         whom you are not related.
                                        Children two and under are not expected to wear facemasks.
                                        Anyone who has trouble breathing while wearing a mask may remove it.

• Protocols in the Church, as is the case with all other institutions, are being guided by the latest scientific findings.  They are likely to continue to change as more is learned about how the coronavirus is spread. We do know that exposure to someone who has the virus is likely to pass the viral infection to people. This is true whether or not they show symptoms like a fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, apart from seasonal allergy symptoms, muscle aches, chills, severe fatigue,    or changes in the sense of taste or smell.                                                                     
• Scientific findings are beginning to suggest that there is little risk of contracting the virus through hard surfaces.  Nonetheless, we are asked to continue disinfecting hard surfaces.                                                                                            
• Kissing, hugging, handshakes, even elbow knocks, outside of close family members with whom we live seem to put people at risk.                                                                                                                                                                                          
• Thanks for leaving political beliefs, opinions, and divisions at the door of your home when you come to Church.                     
• New Hampshire residents who are restricted from travelling very far out of state appear to be discovering our own backyard.  There are trails to hike, roads to bike, state beaches which do require reservations, lakes and rivers to kayak, picnics and cook-outs to enjoy. But we probably don't want to invite hundreds of our relatives, neighbors and friends to join us just yet.                                                                                                                                                                                   
• 80 to 100 people have been attending the weekend Masses at St. Theresa.  30 to 40 people are coming to the weekend  Masses at St. Mary.  25 to 30 people are attending weekday Masses.  There is room for more people at St. Theresa Church on both weekends and weekdays.                                                                                                                                  
• Work is evolving with passing on our faith to and through our families.  Stay tuned.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
July 22, 2020 Weekly Email Update
_________________________________________________________________________________

Bishop Peter Libasci issued guidelines for all parishes that "...best protect the health and well-being
of all of our brothers and sisters." These include the wearing of masks as we arrive at the Church,
during our time in Church, and on our way out of Church.

What happens when some people contract Covid-19
"Nobody likes to wear a mask, but it's the responsible thing to do" says Michelle Negri, who lives with her
husband Dan Negri in Brentwood, NH. "It's the right thing to do." Dan contracted the virus at work
recently and came down with a fever after first testing negative for the virus. Michelle picked up the virus
from her husband. "It wasn't supposed to happen this way. We were the most careful people you will ever
know. We were staying away from everybody. We do drive-thru only for coffee once a day. We go
through so much hand sanitizer every day."

Dan described his experience as an "emotional roller coaster". One day he feels better, but the next he is
in pain from walking outside to their garden. He feels weak, has dizzy spells, and some days can barely
lift his arms. As his body tries to fight off the virus, anxiety has made it even worse and has sent him to
the hospital. "It's absolutely crazy how this has beat me down. If I exert myself at all, I get so fatigued so
fast and you start feeling your heart rate go up," he said.

Michelle's eyes started to burn. She began feeling like she had cobwebs in her chest, and then the head
aches started. Michelle described them as "paralyzing" headaches that would happen several times a day
and last for hours. By the third day, she had lost her sense of taste and smell and her entire body ached.
"I didn't get out of bed for four days. I was so weak" she said, adding that she couldn't even get up to hit
the bathroom.

From The New Hampshire Sunday News, July 19, 2020
Walmart, Home Depot, and countless retail outlets now require customers to wear a mask indoors.
Bishop Libasci requires masks to be worn inside all of our Churches. The presider, deacon and reader
are not to wear masks except in the distribution of Holy Communion.

Parish Ministries unfolding

• We shall resume live-streaming a Sunday Mass if we can find a volunteer to set up their phone or camera to live-stream the 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Mass at either parish.
• St. Mary Parish is looking for someone to do maintenance work at the Church every week. Please call the parish office if interested.
• Many thanks to the corps of parish volunteers who have been reaching out and making phone calls to fellow parishioners.
• Bridget Tierney has come on board to coordinate Family Formation.  Details will be announced in the next few weeks.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
July 15, 2020 Weekly Email Update
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Calls are being made to all parishioners to get some feedback regarding the reopening of our parish Churches for       public celebrations of the Mass.  Your point of view is most appreciated.  We want also to explore ways to accommodate parishioners who might want to receive Holy Communion at home.                                                                   
• Bishop Libasci is responsible for setting the rules regarding how best to celebrate the sacraments in this time of the coronavirus pandemic.  Some people might get the impression that the chances of infection are over.  But in fact, we can expect another twelve months of having to be careful about contracting the virus ourselves and of infecting especially our ageing relatives, neighbors and friends.                                                                                                                                      
• The political divide in our country and the name-calling, demonizing, and contradictory messages can prompt any of us to take sides and to miss the fact that the pandemic is real.  We are fortunate in New Hampshire that to date less than 400 people have died in the last four months from the epidemic.  Many people recovered at home.  Many were cared for in  New Hampshire hospitals that came through with   flying colors.  But all indications are that more will become infected, more will have to recover at home, more will be hospitalized, and more will die.                                                                       
• The two hardest things I find we must do is to wear a mask when we are indoors with people we do not live with, and to maintain social distancing.  I have a mask or bandana for grocery shopping, for picking up the mail at the post office, for purchasing a newspaper at our local pharmacy, and for entering people's homes.                                                                    
• The Bishop has instructed priests and deacons not to wear a mask during the celebrations of Mass, except during the distribution of Holy Communion.  Before and after Mass, there are to be no handshakes, hugs or kisses.  I do not even hug and kiss my mom, whom I visit in Manchester every week.  I find it very hard not to shake hands or to embrace all who come and worship with us each week.  We pray for an end to the pandemic.  In the meantime, let us not put ourselves or others at risk.
   

Bishop Peter Libasci issued guidelines for all parishes that "...best protect the health and well-being
of all of our brothers and sisters." These include the wearing of masks as we arrive at the Church,
during our time in Church, and on our way out of Church.

What happens when some people contract Covid-19
"Nobody likes to wear a mask, but it's the responsible thing to do" says Michelle Negri, who lives with her
husband Dan Negri in Brentwood, NH. "It's the right thing to do." Dan contracted the virus at work
recently and came down with a fever after first testing negative for the virus. Michelle picked up the virus
from her husband. "It wasn't supposed to happen this way. We were the most careful people you will ever
know. We were staying away from everybody. We do drive-thru only for coffee once a day. We go
through so much hand sanitizer every day."

Dan described his experience as an "emotional roller coaster". One day he feels better, but the next he is
in pain from walking outside to their garden. He feels weak, has dizzy spells, and some days can barely
lift his arms. As his body tries to fight off the virus, anxiety has made it even worse and has sent him to
the hospital. "It's absolutely crazy how this has beat me down. If I exert myself at all, I get so fatigued so
fast and you start feeling your heart rate go up," he said.

Michelle's eyes started to burn. She began feeling like she had cobwebs in her chest, and then the head
aches started. Michelle described them as "paralyzing" headaches that would happen several times a day
and last for hours. By the third day, she had lost her sense of taste and smell and her entire body ached.
"I didn't get out of bed for four days. I was so weak" she said, adding that she couldn't even get up to hit
the bathroom.

From The New Hampshire Sunday News, July 19, 2020
Walmart, Home Depot, and countless retail outlets now require customers to wear a mask indoors.
Bishop Libasci requires masks to be worn inside all of our Churches. The presider, deacon and reader
are not to wear masks except in the distribution of Holy Communion.

Parish Ministries unfolding

• We shall resume live-streaming a Sunday Mass if we can find a volunteer to set up their phone or camera to live-stream the 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Mass at either parish.                                                                                                                                
• St. Mary Parish is looking for someone to do maintenance work at the Church every week. Please call the parish office if interested.                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Many thanks to the corps of parish volunteers who have been reaching out and making phone calls to fellow parishioners.   
• Bridget Tierney has come on board to coordinate Family Formation.  Details will be announced in the next few weeks.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
July 8, 2020 Weekly Email Update
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                 SAINT MARY CHURCH

      The stairs connecting to the south side of the Church into and from the parking lot    
      have been redone and can be used.   As a social distancing measure, those who      
      attend a Sunday morning Mass are welcome to exit through these stairs
 
      Work has begun to clean out the bell tower of the effects of its being open to birds
      and their droppings for many years. This is a highly contagious scene requiring      
      hazardous waste certified workers to clean.  By all appearances, the Church structure 
      is solid, and for now, the tower will be enclosed and properly vented to prevent birds 
      from entering the tower.
 
      Decisions must be made regarding the future use of the rectory, the adjoining garage, and the     
      barn.  A new oil tank was installed this spring at the rectory, with two 60-year-old tanks
      removed. The foundation of the garage is crumbling and needs to be secured.  Rotted eaves
      on the barn have created large openings for birds and rodents.  
 
     The Church Hall continues to be cleaned up and modernized for more frequent use by parish   
     groups, including the Social Committee, Liturgy committee, and Finance Council. Two   
     groups of senior citizens consider the Hall their home and use it almost every week throughout   
     the year.
 
     The parish cemetery this summer is being maintained by a parish high school youth, Kyle   
     Gamache. Church premises are being cleaned by volunteers and by Joseph Reopel.

                             SAINT THERESA CHURCH

      Boy Scout members of the parish and their family took on a community service project
      recently by sweeping up the sand in the parking lots around the Church, left over from   
      sanding the lot after snow storms this past winter. 
 
       Volunteers have been taking turns to disinfect the backs of pews after all week-end 
       Masses, using supplies conveniently left in the back of the Church.
 
      Pat Sangello, Sylvia Brofus and Marlene Freyler all contributed to the center decor, with a   
      statue of our patron saint, Saint Theresa, in the Narthex.  Changes will continue throughout the  
      year to create artistic religious displays.
 

     BOTH PARISHES

      Phone calls are being made in the next 10 days to get parishioner feedback on "How we're
      doing", and to ask for information relating to a sense of being safe from viral infections at  
      Church, receiving Holy Communion at home, and whether emails, Facebook and our Website    
      are doing an adequate job keeping everyone connected.

      Discussions are being held and new ways of passing on our faith to younger members of our families are being explored as        we forge ahead into the "new normal".

 

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
July 1, 2020 Weekly Email Update
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

• Reminder:  We need families willing to be included in a video being produced for St. Theresa parish either before, during or after this coming Sunday's 8 a.m. Mass.  There will not be interviews or names being used.  We need people walking into the Church, praying during Mass, and leaving for home.  Those willing to appear in the video that Mr. Raul Botha will be doing are asked to remove their face masks during the minute or so of actual filming.                                                                           
• Family Formation will be taking a totally new turn this coming fall, not just here but everywhere!  We are still not sure what that will look like.  Bridget Tierney has begun contacting families that were involved this past year for feedback.  As something new takes shape, we will keep everyone in both     

• A community service project is being organized for a resident of Hillsborough who needs help with a  deck and with a yard needing to have dead trees and brush carted away.  Please let the parish office know of your interest in helping out.

• Common sense efforts are being made every week to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at both Churches.  Please help us by taking turns to disinfect pews, by using face masks, by maintaining social distance, and by not embracing or shaking hands.  Government authorities continue to stress the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distances of six feet everywhere when away from home.

• A rainbow appeared in the sky following the biblical flood in the time of Noah, according to the Book of Genesis.  A rainbow appeared over the parish property last week.  We might interpret this event as a promise from God that the epidemic is coming to an end.  If we do our part and are faithful, God does His part, searching for ways to bring blessings out of the many ordeals we have all been through in the first half of this year.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
 June 24, 2020 Weekly Email Update
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The summer Mass schedule is so far working well.  There is plenty of room at St. Theresa for
participants to practice social distancing. Things are a bit tighter at St. Mary's. Some people are
choosing to attend a week-day Mass instead, especially at St. Theresa, which again has plenty of
room for everyone.

       Deacon Jim Rock celebrated the 40th anniversary of his Ordination as a Deacon for the Diocese of Burlington, VT.  He       
       and his wife Grace have lived in New Hampshire for over ten years.  Deacon Jim has continued to engaged in many 
       ministries, including assisting at week-day and week-end Masses, celebrating baptisms, weddings and an occasional   
       cemetery  committal.  He is serving on the Parish Leadership Council, has launched the St. Paul Street evangelization   
       ministry, and helps out with St. Mary Cemetery in Hillsborough.  We continue to thank Deacon Jim for all that he does,   
       and pray that he will continue to remain available to assist the Church as needs arise.
 

       We honor Mary Corsetti who has been involved with parish Religious Education for many years.  Mary has just retired, 
       although we will continue to see her around St. Theresa as she is not moving away.  We take this opportunity to thank  
       Mary for her hard work and dedication to this ministry for a long time.  
 

       We also honor Belinda Bolduc for her work with Middle School and High School youth in recent years.  Health issues are
       requiring Belinda to shift gears.  Her husband, Deacon Wayne Bolduc, plans to move from Youth Ministry to other parish 
       ministries as his family obligations, work and time allow.
 

A video is being produced of St. Theresa Parish towards continuing efforts to pay for its new complex.
We would like to invite families to attend the 8:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, July 5th and allow some
video footage to be taken, of a couple of families arriving, a couple of families in Church,
and a couple of families departing from the Church.  If possible, let us know by email
that your family is willing to be included in this video.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
June 17, 2020 Weekly Email Update
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

• This coming Sunday's Gospel has Jesus commanding his followers: "...do not be afraid..." three times. The coronavirus pandemic has instilled fear in lots of people. We are afraid of getting sick. We are afraid of passing the virus onto someone else. We are afraid of dying. We do have reason to be afraid, but we don't have to stay afraid.                                                
• We are all moving ahead doing what health, government and Church officials tell us about dealing with this infectious disease. We are caring for our physical health with exercise and good nutrition. We are wearing masks. We are maintaining social distance. For the last three months, I have been meeting up with my older sister and my mom for Sunday evening dinner. I neither hug nor kiss either one. We are careful during the week because we don't want to get each other sick. But we do have dinner together, and do the dishes, and play a couple of games of cards. From almost six feet away, in the kitchen where we grew up in Manchester, I wave good-bye to my mom, and we exchange an "I love you". We cannot forever be afraid of taking some risks, preferably minor risks, as we establish new patterns by which our lives are lived.        
• Three people in our two parishes have died in the last couple of months, none from COVID-19: Mary Petrick, Doris Borges, and Claude Bellemore. Their Masses of Christian burial will take place this summer.                                                                
• In the weeks to come, some parishioners are moving away. Here are opportunities to reassure fellow parishioners, and also relatives and friends, of our prayers for them, that they may not be afraid of what the future brings. Please, then, join me in writing to them, and/or a family member and/or a friend, offering our prayers, and wishing the dads a Happy Father's Day.                                                                                                                                                                                
• Here is a sample note you are asked to adapt for a note you could send out this week, with a 55 cent postage stamp:                                                     I thank God that you have been a part of my life.                                                                                                     I pray that all will work out for you in the new place where you will live.                                                                          I am offering to pray a rosary, and a chaplet, and a Mass that I will attend this Sunday                                                                                                        either live or online or on TV.                                                                                               I will remember your presence here over the years, the contributions you have made to the community,                                                                             the many ways that your love has been shone.                                                                                                        Be assured that you are well remembered, and that you are loved.

                                                                         Happy Father's Day!

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
June 3, 2020 Weekly Email Update
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

• This coming week-end, parishioners are invited to return to week-end and then week-day Masses, while following the protocols meant to keep us all safe from being infected with or infecting others with the corona virus.  Live-streaming a week-end parish Mass has ended, at least for now.                                                                                                                    
• The summer schedule begins:                                                                                                                                                        St. Theresa        4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil, 8:00 a.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Sunday                                                                                                Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Mondays & Wednesdays   

                   St. Mary              8:00 a.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Sunday          
                                              Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays
                                

• Parishes are limited to 40% of capacity.  Many Masses are usually less than half full, so the parish should be able to accommodate all who attend.                                                                                                                                                      
• All are expected to wear a face mask.  You may bring your own.  Disposable masks, courtesy of state government, are available at Church.                                                                                                                                                                     
• Hand sanitizer is available at the Church entrance.                                                                                                                    
• Missallettes are available for everyone to take home.  This will be yours.  If you take a Missallete, please do not return it for someone else's use.  Returned Missalettes will be discarded.                                                                                                    
• Individuals, couples and families are asked to maintain a distance of six feet from the next individual, couple or family in or near their seats.                                                                                                                                                                           
• On entering, processing to and from communion, and on leaving, please maintain a distance of six feet.                                   
• There will be no Sign of Peace.  There will be no communion from the cup.                                                                              
• Please consider attending a week-day Mass instead of a week-end Mass if you find the need for further distancing from fellow worshippers.                                                                                                                                                                         
• Please stay home if you have any symptoms of infection.  Many have allergies, so please make a point of sneezing into your sleeve, not into your hands.                                                                                                                                                            
• Helpers are needed to thorourghly clean the parish property after each Mass.                                                                                                                                                

• Helpers are needed to greet those who come to Mass, to assist some people to finding a pew, and to help everyone to maintain a distance of six feet at all times.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
May 27, 2020 Weekly Email Update
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             A hard copy of this weekly email update is being sent to parishioners for whom we do not have an email address.                        For those who receive this mailing, please let us know if you have a computer and an email address, by sending            us an email.  In the future, this will save us a 55 cent stamp.  

• Due to technical difficulties, we will no longer attempt to embed the live-streaming of the 9:30 a.m. Mass on the homepage of the parish website  We will continue to transmit the Mass to the parish     Facebook page.  One way to reach that page without having to open a Facebook account:  go the parish website, click on the Facebook icon at the top of the page, and then scroll down to the Mass that is about to begin.                                                                                                                    
• This coming Sunday, at the request of Bishop Peter Libasci, Holy Communion will be distributed at St. Theresa parish, between 11 a.m. and noon.  After watching Mass on a computer or on TV, all are    welcome to come receive Holy Communion.  Those who do come are asked to wear a mask.  The state   of New Hampshire has provided disposable masks, which will be at the entrance to the Church, for     those who need one.  Hand sanitizer will be provided as well.  When communion is given to you, please step to the side, remove the mask enough to receive communion, and then leave by one of the two side entrances to the left.  Feel free to drop off a donation to the parish, unless you are already giving online, and pick up a parish bulletin.                                                                                                                                           
• I would like to provide a one-hour outdoor Catholic revival meeting in the towns our two parishes serve.  We need some help.  Please let me know of the availability of a town park or gazebo or other    central location where participants can sit on their lawn chairs and stand to sing, sit for readings and a  biblical message, and listen to a lay witness tell their story of faith. Our prayers would be offered for an end to the pandemic. Anyone available to help can contact me at marcelnh25@gmail.com and via my   cell phone: 657-5283.                                                                                                  
• BLOOD DRIVE JUNE 30TH     The American Red Cross contacted our Knights of Columbus Council,  requesting help to host another Blood Drive.  As elective surgeries resume in our hospitals, the need for blood is pressing.                                
• Helpers are needed to help with cleaning tasks on week-ends.  Please let me know if you can offer us this form of community service.

St. Theresa and St. Mary are open for private prayer
Sundays 11 to 4 
Mondays-Thursdays 9 to 3
(Wednesday extended hours
  at St. Theresa 9-9)
Fridays closed
Saturdays 9 to 3

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
May 20, 2020 Weekly Email Update
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•  Bishop Peter Libasci has issued a “Decree Establishing Liturgical Norms during COVID-19 Pandemic”.  He reminds us     that “The public celebration of Mass remains suspended”.                                                                                                                    
• The Bishop continues by stating that “No later than Pentecost (Sunday, May 31, 2020), each pastor shall make arrangements for the distribution of Holy Communion outside of Mass in accordance with the current directives issued by me to preserve the sacredness and reverence of receipt of the Sacrament while promoting the health and safety of the Faithful.”                                                                                                                                                                                       
• The Bishop further states:  “Holy communion may be distributed by a priest, deacon, or an extraordinary minister so long as the person distributing Holy Communion has not been affected by nor is symptomatic of COVID-19.  Receipt of Holy Communion may be standing or kneeling, on the tongue or in the hand, at the choice of the individual person (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #160).  Because the distribution of Holy Communion takes place outside of Mass and it is forbidden to reserve the Precious Blood at any time, the Precious Blood is not to be distributed.”                                            
• The guidelines that have been provided, which basically has people park their vehicle, enter the Church, with the doors  ajar so that door handles are not touched, wear masks until those receiving communion in the hand step off to the side, and then remove their mask, receive communion, put their mask back on,   and exit the Church through a side door, while offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God.  Plastic or other gloves are not to be worn either by those distributing or those receiving Holy Communion.  No one is to remain in Church so as to allow others to receive Holy Communion and not cause delay for others.                                                                                                                                                                
• Offering this service safely at St. Mary in Hillsborough would be almost impossible at this time, given that the stairs off the second exit to the side are in disrepair.  A contractor will soon begin that project.  The plan would be to invite all who wish to receive communion to do so at St Theresa Church in Henniker on Sundays, between 11 a.m. and noon, starting        May 31.                                                                                                                                                                                        
• The Ascension Holy Day Mass will be live-streamed tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.                                                                                 
• We continue to live-stream the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays.                                                                                                              
• Please consider contributing 10% of your stimulus check to the parish.                                                                                     
• Offer a prayer to the Holy Spirit each day from this Friday until Pentecost.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Google our website: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
May 6, 2020 weekly email update
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• Happy Mother's Day!  To mark this event, individuals, couples and families are invited to                                                        come to our Church parking lots to receive a blessing and a gift this Sunday.  Orange cones                                                   will be set up, and someone will be directing traffic to the location where the blessing will                                                        take place.  It will include a prayer, sprinkling with Holy Water, and the gift of a container                                                      of Holy Water and a flower for every Mom who comes.                                                                                                              
•  St. Theresa Church: Saturday, May 9, 2 to 3 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m.                                                                                                                                     Sunday, May 10, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.                                                                                                 
•  St. Mary Church:      Sunday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.                                                                                                  
•  Confirmation/First communion with Bishop Peter Libasci has been rescheduled for next                                             spring.  Our 3rd and 4th graders will be sharing that celebration.                                                                                                           
• The Summer Mass schedule will begin on Memorial Day week-end.  Father Maurice will be                                             back to join us.  Attendance at all Masses will continue to be restricted to 10 people.  That                                          includes the celebrant, deacon, musician, and lector.  Online sign-ups will be begin on                                                      May 18th.  Please allow others to sign up in the weeks that follow.                                                                                                   
• The 8:30 a.m. Holy Day Mass, on the Feast of the Assumption, May 21, will be live-streamed, through Facebook and embedded on the homepage of the parish Website.

The Communities of Saint Theresa and Saint Mary
Henniker and Hillsborough NH
Website Google: St. Theresa Henniker NH or St. Mary Hillsborough NH
April 22, 2020 weekly email update
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                           The Bober Family Enjoying Family Time
 

• This past Sunday, we had the smoothest and clearest live streaming of the Sunday Mass to date.  The day will come when our community of faith will gather together at St. Theresa and St. Mary around the table of the Word of Life and the table of the Bread of Life.  

•  The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a great form of daily prayer.  I encourage everyone to memorize it and to pray it often.  I find it a great prayer to offer after reciting the rosary, or sometime later in the day.

• I plan to keep posting a short video message on the video section of the parish Facebook page.  No need to have a Facebook account.  From the parish website, click the Facebook icon at the top of the page and scroll down to videos.

• Many thanks to all who have found ways to financially support both our parishes, and those who have sent in some extra help.   

• Most parishioners should by this time have received a second phone call from or team of callers.  Other parishioners have delivered the remaining Photo Directories.  Extra copies are available.  Let me know if you would like one.

• Individuals, couples and families are encouraged to find community service opportunities in your towns.  Roadside cleanup, delivery of food and dry goods to each one's local Food Pantry, and checking in on elderly neighbors are some ways to express our faith in the God who calls us to serve one another.

• Please return your Baby Bottle donations to St. Theresa and St. Mary during scheduled open hours.  All proceeds will go to the Pregnancy Center of Greater Concord.

• Families with children 18 and under were sent a special religious activities "Bingo" card.  Once you completed five (5) X’s in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row…. email your completed card to parish.office@tds.net with the subject line “FFF BINGO” to win!

To: All Fellow Parishioners
From: Father Marcel

C.S. Lewis was a Christian writer and deep thinker, well known for his work The Chronicles of Narnia.  He once wrote:  “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give.  I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”
In light of all that we have all received of graces and blessings from God in these very trying times in which we live, there is a call to give, of ourselves, our time, our money, and our love.  Here are some ways we can resolve to give to others in light of what we all have, and of all that we continue to receive:

• Our local food pantries can use some help.  Very few food donations are being dropped off at our parish churches.  How about dropping off some non-perishables to the food pantry nearest to where you live.
• April 22 is Earth Day.  In light of Pope Francis’ call to all Christians to demonstrate good stewardship, why not do some spring cleanup on the street or roads near where we live.
• With everyone being so isolated, why not check in on a neighbor and ask:  Is there something I can do?
• Older folks, especially with underlying health issues, would welcome a note card with a personal message.  Postage stamps are only 55 cents each.
• While we are at it, why not pick up some thank you cards to send to people whose efforts on our behalf we truly appreciate
• Serving the spiritual needs of our households could include scheduling a time to pray together…..a rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Jesus Prayer, a biblical reading, spontaneous prayers of petition and thanksgiving
• Going to Mass is not currently an option.  How about following Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire daily Mass online?
• Your continued financial support through online or by mail is greatly appreciated.

• Holy Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.  Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Theresa
• Good Friday, April 10 at noon.  Seven Last Words of Christ at St. Mary
• 3 p.m.  Stations of the Cross at St. Theresa
• 7 p.m.  Good Friday Service, at St. Theresa
• Easter Sunday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary
• Throughout the Easter Season the 9:30 a.m. Mass at Saint Mary

For live stream events go to the parish website: www.showerofroses.org.
Scroll down on the Home Page
 

Date:  April 1, 2020

To:  All Fellow Parishioners

From:  Father Marcel

May the Peace of Christ which is beyond human understanding fill your hearts today.

Following a couple of stressful days when measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus began to seriously escalate, our parish staff began to forge full steam ahead to provide for the spiritual needs of our parishes.  We have also engaged ourselves in assuring the financial needs of both St. Theresa and St. Mary parishes.  Thanks to all who have persisted in prayer, who have joined us online, and who have provided weekly donations to help us pay our bills.

Most parishioners have by now been contacted by one of twenty callers to check on how you’re doing.  Almost all of those helping out live in the same towns as those who they are calling.  We have received inquiries, new email addresses, and notices of people who have moved away. 

We are communicating not only through phone calls but with emails.  A hard copy in the mail will not follow this email being sent out today.  We are also using our parish Website and Facebook page to “stream”, or broadcast “live”, Stations of the Cross and one of the Sunday Masses.  

We will live stream the Palm Sunday Mass, April 5th, 8 a.m. at St. Theresa

Blessed palms will be available for pick up at both churches after 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The following events for Holy Week will live stream:

• Holy Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.  Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Theresa
• Good Friday, April 10 at noon.  Seven Last Words of Christ at St. Mary
• 3 p.m.  Stations of the Cross at St. Theresa
• 7 p.m.  Good Friday Service, at St. Theresa
• Easter Sunday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary

St. Theresa and St. Mary are open for private prayer:

Sunday 1 to 5, Monday-Thursday 9 to 3, (Wednesday St. Theresa has extended hours until 9), Closed on Friday, Saturday 9-3

Please join us for any or all of these gatherings of prayer.  May the Holy Spirit keep us all together in a bond of love that lasts forever.

Date:  March 25, 2020

To:  All Fellow Parishioners

From:  Father Marcel

I thank God every day for our faith in God that sustains us during these difficult times. Be assured that my celebrations of week-day and week-end Masses has not stopped.  I pray for you and for all those whom you hold dear.

• Please take advantage of our parish website to keep up with new developments  

in each of our parishes.

• A team of parishioners from each local community will be making phone calls to check on how you are doing.
• We are using the Parish Facebook page, which is easily accessed through our parish website as well as your own Facebook account, for the live celebration of Stations and a week-end Mass, including:

Stations of the Cross, Fridays, 6:30 p.m., March 27 and April 3

        March 29, 9:30 a.m.  Sunday Mass from St. Mary in Hillsborough. 

April 5, Palm Sunday, 8 a.m. Mass

Holy Thursday Mass April 9 at 7 p.m.

Good Friday Service April 10 at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday April 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Other timely notes

• Our Knights of Columbus council will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, April 24 at St. Theresa, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.  To schedule an appointment call  

1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: STTHERESANH

• The next Family Formation session will be on May 2, 4-7:15 p.m.
• Please help support the parish through online giving, or by mailing in your weekly contributions.  For assistance please contact the parish bookkeeper

Dolly Megens, at megens-dolly@tds.net or 428-3325.

• If you are not receiving emails updates from the parish office, please forward

your email address to parish.office@tds.net.

Churches are open

St. Theresa Church is open for private prayer: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9 to 3, Wednesday 9 to 9. Closed on Friday

St. Mary Church is open: Sunday 1 to 5 pm, Monday-Thursday 9 to 3, Saturday 9-3 Closed on Friday

Photo directories & envelopes can be picked up during these times.

March 24, 2020

The public celebration of Masses throughout the Diocese of Manchester is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mass is suspended in the Diocese of Manchester.
In response to directives given by the President, the Center for Disease Control, and the Governor, to limit groupings to no more than 10 people, Bishop Peter Libasci has declared that, effective immediately and until further notice, there will be no Masses available for the general public in our diocese.  The obligation to attend Mass is dispensed.

*  Parishioners are asked to stay home and to pray at home.
*  Mass is available on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and
    on other channels, and on the Web, e.g. Bishop Robert Barron
*  Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet can be
    offered at home.
*  The Sacrament of Reconciliation continues to be available, as posted in
    our parish bulletin, on our parish website, and by appointment.
*  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick available upon request.
*  The Bishop is directing priests to continue to celebrate daily
    and Sunday Mass, but privately.
*  All are asked to please continue offering the parish your financial
    support through online giving, or by mailing in your weekly
    contribution.
*  Anyone needing help, like grocery shopping, allowing them to stay
home, can call the parish at 428-8576 or 517-404-8588 and leave a message.

St Theresa will remain open for private prayer on:
Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Adoration)