Take Action on Religious Freedom
The Department of Health and Human Services has released mandatory guidelines that would force Catholic institutions to subsidize through their health care plans contraception, sterilization procedures and pharmaceuticals that even result in abortion. Catholic hospitals, schools and other charities have one year to adapt to the mandate.
This is a direct threat to the religious liberty of Catholics, freedom of conscience and the social service ministry of the Catholic Church. The so-called ‘religious exemption’ in the mandate is no exemption at all as it would require any Catholic institution that serves or employs non-Catholics to violate Catholic belief, discontinue to provide a health care benefit, or close its doors.
You are urged to contact your Senator and Representatives as well as HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and President Obama to rescind this mandate. Sample letters in MS Word format can be found at the links below.
Pres and HHS, Bass, Shaheen, Ayotte
Are you being called to this ministry?
The Baptism of infants is a unique opportunity to connect with young Catholic parents. Sadly, too many 20-and-30-somethings are missing out on the fullness of life that Jesus wants us all to have, because they neglect their faith life. Faithful members of our parish are needed to help our Baptism program grow to be an effective means of evangelizing these young adults. There are many ways you can help, including talking with young parents and godparents, helping set up for the celebration of the Sacrament, or welcoming participants to the church. Please consider whether God might be calling you to help with this ministry, and leave your name and phone number at the Parish Office. For more information, call Sandy Lemay at 603-893-3110 or speak with Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick.
Smiles Needed!
Could you visit an elderly or shut-in parishioner several times a month? We're looking for people who can call or stop in to visit parishioners who can't get out of their homes very often and would welcome some company. All it takes is a smile and a willingness to listen and maybe share a little of your life with them. Call Deacon David at 603-560-4484.
Potluck Dinner
On the first Wednesday of the month there is an informal potluck dinner in St. Julie Hall. You don't have to tell anyone you're coming; just show up with something to eat at 5:30 (okay, we don't actually say grace and dig in until 5:45). Bring an entree or a salad or soup or a vegetable or a dessert -- whatever you want -- it generally works out, and when it doesn't we have fun anyway.
If you want to be sure it's happening before you show up with your goodies, ask Deacon Dave.