St Gabriel Parish Community

God always leads us to where we need to be, not where we want to be.

“Father, we are the work of Your hands.” Is God’s work in you to be of service to Him as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Father Matthew Mason (603) 663-0132, or write: mmason@rcbm.org.

Christmas is just five weeks away.  Our neighboring parishes are taking reservations and handing out tickets.  We’d rather not do this.  We really don’t want to refuse admission to anyone, especially at Christmas.  And yet, we can’t ignore the pandemic.  Since the real issue is the large attendance at the 4 PM Mass on Christmas Eve, we would like to suggest:
1. Consider attending one of the other three masses  (6 PM, 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM).  Because of the virus, there is no children’s liturgy this year.
2. Leave the pews with the red tags empty; Make sure you “social distance” unless you’re sitting with your family.
3. Share the pew: move in, so someone else can have a seat.
4. If you can, wear a mask.  It will make those around you feel safer and we’ll all have a healthy holiday.
5. Even if it’s Christmas, please encourage those who are ill to stay home and celebrate Christmas Mass on TV.
 
Hopefully, there will be “room at the inn” for everyone.
 
 

St. Mary (Tilton) is closed for repairs.   Until further notice all Religious Services, except Adoration on Tuesdays will be celebrated at St. Paul in Franklin.  The Mass schedule will remain the same: Saturday at 4PM and 6PM and Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

 Comments on the temporary closing of St. Mary

Both the Parish Finance Council and the Pastoral Coun-cil have met in the past two weeks to discuss this matter. As mentioned last week, the engineers have billed us $950 for the initial report and want another $9250 for a repair plan. Another company wants $500 to prepare a bidding document. We have also been given an estimate of $4000-$5000 to repair the hole in the ceiling. We’ve also received an estimate of $1000,000 to do the repairs. Both Councils agree with me that we need to discuss this with the Bishop before committing to any repairs. To cover the liability issue, we’d have to commit to the structure repairs in the near future. What if the bishop is planning more mergers and closings and does not ap-prove the repairs? We would have spent a lot of money needlessly. I’ve requested a meeting with the bishop. I’ll let you know what he says.  Fr. Ray

     Prayer for Life: We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and life of prayer.

My Jesus.
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament,
I love You above all things,
And I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from you.  AMEN

• Pray together as a family as often as you can, asking God to help us exit this crisis as soon as possible so we can resume our normal community prayer life.  Pray also for those affected by this virus and their caregivers.
• Don't forget that daily Mass is televised EWTN and on a Boston station . Please check your guide for the specific station number and time.
• Please drop off or mail in your Sunday Offerings.  We have no idea how we'll be able to make ends meet during this crisis.  Please help us!  Check out E-Giving below.

Saturday:        3:15 PM     Franklin
                         5:15 PM     Tilton

St Gabriel is a Roman Catholic Community, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  It is part of the Diocese of Manchester.   Our mission is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ  with our neighbors and visitors as we do our best to incorporate our Master’s teachings in our own daily life.