Greetings!

Enjoying these beautiful days, moving into the final days of our Pentecost novena, preparing for Joe’s Ordination as Deacon, and having the great joy of distributing Holy Communion now every day – these are joyful and hopeful days!  I hope you are experiencing the same in many ways!

The work continues on the repurposing of our grounds, with demo giving way to Phase 2, the site work.  Within the church, electrical work is underway in the initial phase and will be going full swing in coming days.  As we’ve announced, the church is now closed on weekdays while construction is underway.  It is open on weekends (9AM to 7PM Saturday and 10AM to 7PM Sunday).  During the week, our temporary chapel in the Parish Center at 845 Woodbury Avenue is open 7AM to7PM Monday – Friday.  Once public Mass resumes, the 8AM Mass will be there, and weekend Masses in the church.  For now, Holy Communion is being distributed and these locations are noted below.

The Easter Season comes to a climax with the Solemnity of Pentecost this Sunday.  In our community, this takes on added joy as our native son and resident Seminarian, Joe Moynahan, is ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday and assists at Mass and preaches for the first time here on Sunday.  Note details below and how you can share in these special celebrations virtually.

Note the bulletin attached for schedules, updates, and other news, and further specifics are noted below. 

Distanced in some way, but let’s be united in prayer, many parts of the one Body of Christ, united in His Sacred Heart as we enter the month of June, dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!

In His Love,

Fr. Gary

DIACONATE ORDINATION

The Ordination Mass will be live streamed this Saturday starting at 10AM so you can join in prayer and be virtually present since attendance is restricted to a minimum.  It can be seen on the website of St. Joseph Cathedral, Manchester NH.  We urge you to join us!

The Solemn Mass of Pentecost, at which Deacon Joe will assist and preach for the first time, will be recorded here in our parish church on Sunday.  It should be posted by 1PM.  You can view it on our parish YouTube channel by going to our website  and clicking on “Media” then on “Recorded Parish Masses” then on the “Via Our YouTube Channel.”

Thank you to all who have already so thoughtfully sent cards, notes, and gifts to Joe. If you would like to offer him your prayers, support, and congrats in this way, simply mail in or leave on rectory back porch (white storm door out back, near statue of St. John Vianney, is always unlocked).  Mailing address is:

Deacon Joe Moynahan

Vianney House

98 Summer St

Portsmouth, NH 03801

DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION OUTSIDE OF MASS

Until public Masses resume, we will continue to provide opportunities to receive Holy Communion as follows:

• Saturday from 4 to 5 PM

• Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, and again from 4:30 to 5:30 PM

      (all in church)

• Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 8:30 AM

      (at the Parish Center temporary chapel)

Please wear a mask, respect social distancing, and do not congregate at the doors. This was done beautifully, safely, and with great reverence for the Blessed Sacrament in these past days!  Please be sure to lower your mask as you approach the minister of Holy Communion so you are not trying to adjust it with the Eucharistic Lord in your hand.  After receiving, simply consume with reverence, replace the mask, and proceed by way of side aisle to avoid closeness to those in center aisle approaching for communion.