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Bulletins
Please feel free to post the information on this page in your parish bulletins and websites. Copy and paste the information off of this page. To receive updates on bulletin announcements by e-mail, subscribe to eNews.
Priesthood Sunday
Priesthood Sunday is celebrated on the last Sunday of September and is a special day set aside to honor priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one. This nationwide event is coordinated and sponsored by the US Council of Serra International.
CLICK HERE for ideas on how to celebrate
World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees
The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.
Every year the WDMR is the last Sunday of September; in 2020 it will be celebrated on September 27. As the title for his annual message, the Holy Father has chosen “Forced like Jesus Christ to flee” to focus on the pastoral care of internally displaced people (IDPs).
CLICK HERE for resources
Pilgrimage to the National March for Life
While our annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C. will not occur due to the pandemic, our prayer and advocacy for the unborn and the most vulnerable will certainly continue. In the coming weeks, we will release a digital resource encouraging and equipping the faithful for prayer and advocacy for the cause of life. Also, deans will be scheduling related opportunities for prayer in their respective regions. Please direct inquiries to Derek McDonald at dmcdonald@rcbm.org or 663-0171.
Engaged Couple Courses
The Diocese of Manchester is seeking part time Facilitator Couples for our Diocesan Engaged Couple Courses, which may occur remotely or in-person. Couples married at least five years are encouraged to apply for these positions; training will be provided. Couples will collaborate to lead positive, formative weekend experiences for engaged couples based on Ascension Press’ Joy-Filled Marriage program. Interested parties may visit the following link for more information and the full job description: www.catholicnh.org/employment. Applications should be sent to Giselle North at gnorth@rcbm.org by October 31st, 2020.
DOWNLOAD the full job description.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do so as well.
Please post these in your bulletin during the first 3 Sundays in October:
The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - Part 1
The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - Part 2
Priests Retirement Trust Fund
On the weekend of September 26-27, the Diocese of Manchester takes up its annual collection in support of the Priests Retirement Trust Fund. The Diocese of Manchester currently has 30 retired priests, many of whom continue to serve us by assisting in parishes and institutions, as their age and health allows. Please consider a gift to this special collection again this year. Please pray for them, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. Visit www.catholicnh.org/theyserved for more information.
Laudato Si: On Care For Our Common Home
On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') is the new appeal from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet" for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This one page document from the USCCB is a brief introduction to the encyclical and details ways you can respond to Pope Francis' call.
Voting
Bob Dunn, Director of Public Policy, has prepared the bulletin announcements below to assist you as you may wish to highlight Church teaching on issues and voting.
Carry the Cross Fundraiser
The Carry the Cross Fundraiser helps pay for the education of our holy seminarians. On Saturday, October 10th, the Knights of Columbus member Blaise O’Mara will be carrying a cross along the 8.4-mile Franconia Notch Ridge Trail to raise money for the seminarians. To donate to the cause, please pledge any donation amount and sponsor Blaise. If you’d like to pledge and be a sponsor, please submit your name, parish name, pledge amount, and e-mail to blaisexomara@gmail.com. This can also be done at carrythecrossfundraiser.org.
Engaged Couple Courses
Engaged couple formation courses in the Diocese of Manchester are available online. The courses are based on Ascension Press’ Joy-Filled Marriage program and run online for five consecutive Tuesday or Thursday evenings, from 7 to 8:30 PM. They are facilitated by a pair of Catholic couples experienced in leading marriage formation. Registration in a course also includes a save-worthy marriage formation box (think, subscription box for your relationship!) containing a number of helpful and enriching resources. All interested couples should speak to their pastor or parish marriage formation coordinator to register for the following course dates:
- Thursdays: September 24 – October 22, 2020
- Tuesdays: October 20 – November 17, 2020
Catholic Charities NH: Supporting Our Neighbors in Crisis
Whether isolated seniors, homeless and struggling veterans, families facing chronic hardship or individuals searching for ways to cope in the “new norm” of life, Catholic Charities NH remains steadfast in our commitment to be there for those who need us most – especially in times of crisis like these. Our programs remain fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you haven’t had a chance to help your neighbors facing difficulties, we encourage you to make a gift today: cc-nh.org/everything. You may also mail it to CCNH, PO Box 9510, Manchester, NH 03108-9510
Take the 2020 U.S. Census
The United States conducts a Census every ten years to count the number of people in our country. Census data helps direct more than $800 billion annually to key programs to advance the common good, strengthen families, and reduce poverty. The Catholic Church and other service providers rely on the Census to provide an accurate count to effectively serve those in need. Everyone is encouraged to complete the Census. Our society, rooted in the strength of the family, cannot risk missing this opportunity to give children and parents the tools they need to succeed.
Estados Unidos realiza un censo cada diez años para contar la cantidad de personas en nuestro país. Los datos del censo ayudan a dirigir más de $ 800 mil millones al año a programas clave para promover el bien común, fortalecer a las familias y reducir la pobreza. La Iglesia Católica y otros proveedores de servicios confían en el Censo para proporcionar un recuento exacto para servir eficazmente a los necesitados. Se alienta a todos a completar el censo. Nuestra sociedad, arraigada en la fortaleza de la familia, no puede arriesgarse a perder esta oportunidad de darles a los niños y a los padres las herramientas que necesitan para tener éxito.
Diocesan Archives Seek Contributions
The Diocesan Archives wants your help! We have thousands of documents and photos pertaining to the history of the Diocese of Manchester - concerning our Bishops, Priests, Parishes, Schools, and people. We have documents going back to the nineteenth century; however, the concern today is that we are not always capturing current information that will be historical data in 10, 20, or 100 years from now.
If your parish, priest, or organization is doing something memorable, please provide the archives with documents or photos of the event. Examples of recent events that have been saved include the installation of new sanctuary furniture at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, as well as the installation of a statue of our Blessed Mother in the Holy Cross Cemetery in memory of members of local Knights of Columbus Councils.
For more information, please contact Dennis Pedley at dpedley@rcbm.org or 663-0190.
Register to Receive Catholic Citizenship News
Are you looking for an easy way to stay informed about public issues in New Hampshire? The Diocese of Manchester offers an e-mail newsletter with updates on important public policy matters facing our elected officials. Register at catholicnh.org/ccn
Child Safety
Assistance for Victims of Abuse
The Office for Healing and Pastoral Care provides services and support, promotes healing, and supports the emotional and spiritual well-being of survivors of sexual abuse and misconduct in the Church. The Office also seeks to be a source of comfort and support for anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse in any walk of life. If you are a victim of abuse or misconduct by someone representing the Catholic Church, we encourage you to contact the Director of the Office for Healing and Pastoral Care at jnaff@rcbm.org or (603) 663-0125. For more resources to assist victims of abuse, visit www.catholicnh.org/healing
Twenty-Four Bulletin Announcements to Promote Child Safety
Use these bulletin announcements throughout the year:
Download: Word | PDF (updated on 11/14/18)
Note to Bulletin Editors: Please include the following bulletin blurbs in your parish bulletins at least twice a year.
How to Report Suspected Abuse
If you know of or suspect abuse or neglect of a minor (a person under 18), you must report it to the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families at 1-800-894-5533 or 603-271-6556.
As an employee or volunteer in the Catholic Church in New Hampshire, in addition to reporting to DCYF, if you know of or suspect sexual abuse of a minor by Church personnel you must also report it to:
- Local law enforcement and the Delegate for Ministerial Conduct if the abuse involves a minor
- Delegate for Ministerial Conduct if the abuse involves a person who is no longer a minor
Delegate for Ministerial Conduct - 603-669-3100
Office for Healing and Pastoral Care
Joseph Naff, MSW is the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Manchester. As Director of the Office for Healing and Pastoral Care, Mr. Naff is available to provide compassionate, confidential and free assistance to individuals who were sexually abused by those representing the Church. If you or a loved one would like to speak with Mr. Naff, you may contact him at (603) 663-0125 or jnaff@rcbm.org.
DOWNLOAD photo
Human Trafficking
Download these bulletin inserts from the US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking
Public Issues
Educational Bulletins
Help your parishioners to understand the issues we're following in the legislature with our black and white educational bulletins. Topics include abortion, death penalty, immigration, and more.
Looking for a Way to Stay Informed of Public Issues in NH?
Catholic Citizenship News provides e-mail alerts on legislation from the Diocese of Manchester as well as information about Catholic social teaching on some of today’s pressing issues. Register today at catholicnh.org/ccn.
Vocations
Intercessions for Vocations - Cycle A (First Sunday of Advent 2019 to Feast of Christ the King 2020)
UPDATED ON 3/30/20 - Vocation Bulletin Blurbs - 2019/2020