Our Parish Mission Statement:
To Live and Preach the Gospel through the Example of our Lives


St. Catherine (Interior) 285 Main St. Charlestown, NH 03603 Patron Saint Biography	St. Peter (Interior) 39 Church St. North Walpole, NH 03609 Patron Saint Biography

Announcements:

Message from Bishop Libasci about United States Supreme Court in Dobbs

June 24, 2022

(Also available in .pdf)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

These are times of great consequence.

Today, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in the Dobbs case and returned to the states the question of how to address the problem of abortion. This historic decision comes down against the backdrop of extraordinary conflict and division in our nation and in our world. The Dobbs decision is the latest occasion that demands of us how we as Catholics, as Americans, and as human beings, will respond to the challenges of the present day.

In times of great consequence, when decisions that are made carry with them the opportunity for some to assume victory and some to assume defeat, the mark of an evolved society will be the extent to which Prudence is invited, no, invoked and embraced to lead its citizens to the higher ground on which all are called to stand. As the scriptures remind us, “pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prv 16:18)

I remember Prudence, “the charioteer of the virtues.”[1] So thoughtful and so helpful, Prudence was willing to join any meeting or discussion. When invited, Prudence was sure to be there. Listening, Prudence would hear not only what was being said, but Prudence heard what was unspoken, maybe even more important to the matter at hand than the actual words. Prudence was somehow able to pick up on an unspoken need, or fear. Prudence brought a keen insight that avoided going down a path of misunderstanding and misguided notions.

Do you remember how Prudence would always repeat the old adages, “Think before you speak,” “Count to ten before you get angry,” and some others that we’d heard from our folks since we were young? Prudence always seemed to remember them out loud and we would roll our eyes. Do you remember Prudence?

Another good one Prudence always seemed to bring to the table: “Look before you leap!” when there were unforeseen consequences that Prudence saw when we were moving too quickly or were letting our emotions run fast and unchecked. How many times Prudence put on the brakes! Oh, and when we laughed at Prudence, ridiculed Prudence or for the sake of expediency we rejected the counsels of Prudence, what a mess!

In times such as the ones that challenge us now, I remember Prudence. As a matter of fact, I recently found this written about our colleague and friend:

“Prudence makes it possible to make decisions that are consistent, and to make them with realism and a sense of responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions.”[2]

Prudence may sometimes seem a roadblock but always seems to live up to this interesting description of the virtue bearing the name:

The exercise of prudence calls for a progressive formation in order to acquire the necessary qualities:

Memory as the capacity to remember one’s own past experience with objectivity, without falsification;

Docility that allows one to learn from others and to profit from their experience on the basis of an authentic love for truth;

Diligence, that is, the ability to face the unexpected with objectivity in order to turn every situation to the service of good, overcoming the temptation of intemperance, injustice, and cowardice;

Foresight which is the capacity of weighing the efficacy of a given conduct for the attainment of a moral end;

Circumspection or the capacity of weighing the circumstances that contribute to the creation of the situation in which a given action will be carried out. [3]

May Prudence, found fully in the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord), yield the Fruits of those Gifts in our time (Peace, Charity, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Modesty, Joy, Gentleness, Chastity and Self-Control).

Every kingdom on earth, every rule of law, every governing body and form of government in this world is of its very nature a human attempt at preserving a way of life. If those attempts are to conform in mind and heart and expression to the design and will of Almighty God, it is clear that Prudence is all the more essential in our vision for growth into peaceful stability.

And so, from this day forward and always, let us remember Prudence.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Bishop Libasci

Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci

Bishop of Manchester

1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1806

2 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, § 548

3 Id., § 548 (n. 1147) (emphasis added)

Catholic Charities NH: Online Bereavement Support Group

Catholic Charities NH will be hosting another online support group for those who are struggling with the recent loss of a spouse, family member or loved one. “Bereavement – Experiencing Loss, Being Lost and Finding Your Way Again” is a weekly program (six sessions) held online (Zoom), beginning Wednesday, July 13. Participants will learn about the dynamics of grief, explore different coping strategies and have an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. To register, visit Bereavement Support Group or call Elaine Frenette at 603-752-1325. There is no cost to attend.

FIAT AND QUO VADIS DAYS VOCATION CAMPS

Do you know where your life is going? The Lord Jesus has a great plan for your life! High school age young men and women (ages 14-18) are invited to attend our upcoming vocation camps to look at the Lord’s call in your life while having lots of fun. Fiat Days for young women is held July 25-28 and Quo Vadis Days for young men is held August 8-12. These are overnight camps held at Magdalen College in Warner, NH and are led by priests, sisters, and seminarians from the diocese. The camps include a full schedule of hiking, swimming, canoeing, sports and games, daily Mass and prayer, and opportunities to grow in friendship with the Lord and with each other. The cost is only $50 and financial aid is available. For more information and to register please visit Vocations Events or contact Becky Vinson in the Vocations Office at 603-663-0153 or rvinson@rcbm.org

Easter Message from Bishop Libasci

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Basilica of Saint Peter 25 March 2022

Message from Bishop Libasci on Ukraine March 18, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I am writing to you in all haste. Yesterday at 4:30 PM we received an email from the USCCB which conveyed, by attachment, a letter from the Apostolic Nuncio. This email which I am now sending to you provides, by attachment, both the USCCB’s and the Nuncio’s communications.[For technical reasons, these communications are currently unavailable. Check back later.]

The Holy Father will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and he asks all bishops throughout the world to join in that consecration. The Nuncio’s message invites and encourages all priests, deacons, religious and laity to join in this solemn response to the request of Our Lady of Fatima.

In light of the tragic and inescapable magnitude of what is happening in Eastern Europe and the implications this war has for the whole world, the Holy Father is making this request in all seriousness and in an all-encompassing manner.

I ask all to make every effort to engage in this Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday March 25, 2022 at 12:00 noon which is 5:00 Rome time when the Holy Father will lead this Act of consecration.

I ask that churches be open and leaders be on hand to encourage prayers and the prayer of consecration itself. I will lead the prayer at the Cathedral and it will be live streamed for all who wish to partake from their homes.

Human frailty, the effects of Original Sin and those appetites which can drive human beings to acts of grave evil against one another and against God require the power of prayer and the extreme humility of begging God’s intervention even as is so often seen in the Books of the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible.

PLEASE RESERVE FRIDAY MARCH 25, at 12:00 NOON, the FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION to PARTICIPATE IN THE ACT OF CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.

May God reward the world with peace and the wherewithal to rebuild what is broken by the sins of humanity.

Message from Bishop Libasci on Ukraine February 15, 2022

Totus Tuus

Prevent Cyberbullying

Road Trip Pilgrimage

2022 Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette Scholarships

We are pleased to announce Bishop Libasci is making scholarships available to youth aged 6 to 15 to attend Camps Fatima and Bernadette in 2022! This is possible in accordance with the terms of a bequest received by the diocese. The youth must be Catholic and residing in New Hampshire. Please note that due to increased camping costs, the number of scholarships awarded this year will be limited to twenty-one (21).

The two-week periods available in 2022 are as follows:

Starter Week – June 26 – July 2 (Sunday – Saturday) ages 5-10 only

1st Session – June 26 – July 9

2nd Session – July 10 – July 23

3rd Session – July 24 – August 6

4th Session (Camp Bernadette) – August 7 – August 20

4th Session (Camp Fatima) – August 7 – August 13 (Sunday – Saturday)

The full scholarships granted to those in financial need are based on the recommendation of the Pastor of their parish. Therefore, Bishop Libasci asks that each pastor recommend youth from his parish to attend one of the two-week sessions. The deadline for submission of recommendations is March 11, 2022.

Attached is the 2022 Camp Application form that should be filled out by each child’s parent or guardian and returned to your pastor or his delegate. The parent/guardian should know that the application and scholarships, once received and approved, are based upon availability of spaces and level of need. Pastors will be notified in March of youth in their parish who have been awarded a camp scholarship and the youth will also receive a letter. Once notified they have received the scholarship, recipients will be asked to choose any available session and complete an online registration form.

Diocese of Manchester And WorkcampNE
Coming to a project near you!

Need a hand? WorkcampNE is a non-profit organization that has been repairing homes in the Northeast for over 30 years. They organize groups of students to perform home repairs at no cost to the homeowner. Over 800 families have had their homes changed and lives touched by the amazing youth who take the time to serve others. The Diocese of Manchester is proud to partner with WorkcampNE to bring service opportunities to the state for youth and young adults. For further information click here.

Word on Fire Releashes New Video Series:

Catholicism 101 is a fresh and energetic new program that presents the basic truths of the Catholic faith over the course of 20 short, digestible, and interesting videos.

Covid-19 Regulations for Attending Mass Update 6/13/2021

Bishop Libasci has now lifted the restrictions imposed due to the virus. However, we are not allowed to bring up the gifts, or share the Precious Blood. Wearing masks and keeping a distance are now optional. We are welcome to have altar servers once again.

June 8, 2021 Bishop Libasci announces:

"Joining today with my brother bishops of the Boston Province in announcing that the dispensation has run its course, we embrace again what we call the first of the six “Precepts of the Church”, namely: “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days of Obligation.” For Bishop Libasci's letter about this change click here.

Covid-19 Regulations for Attending Mass Update 5/23/2021

Bishop Libasci has announced new guidelines for our public Masses: We may now use holy water at Mass, we may accommodate more people in church, but social distancing is still required. We may have ushers and collections at Mass. Holy Communion will be distributed at the normal time of the Mass. We must still wear masks in church and keep a six foot distance between us. Our churches must be thoroughly cleansed after each Mass, and we may bring Holy Communion to the sick and to people at home with precautions.

Pre-recorded talk by CCNH President & CEO, Tom Blonski

Covid-19 Regulations for Attending Mass

Please be sure to wear a mask, and practice social distancing, and avoid the sign of peace. If you choose to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, Father would appreciate it if you would come up to Communion at the end of the line. May the Lord heal all who are suffering from this terrible virus.

Archived Announcements: 7/3/2020 - 9/5/2020