St. Matthew Church

A Letter from the Pastor:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you may already know, the celebration of Mass in our Diocese has temporarily changed to protect the most vulnerable and promote the common good. At this time, our Bishop has suspended Mass for the general public, and your obligation to attend is dispensed. Rest assured that I will be celebrating Mass privately for your intentions and for the people of the parish.

What does this mean for the Parish of St. Matthew?

*Until further notice, there will be no weekday or weekend Masses.

*The church will be open for individual prayer and Adoration from 8am - 8pm seven days a week.

*Reconciliation (Confession) and Anointing of the Sick are available by appointment. Please call the Rectory at 603-458-7916 and leave a message.

*The office will be closed for walk-ins, but we'll be answering the phones during normal business hours.

*Weekly bulletins can be found on our parish website, as well as in the Gathering Space.

*As our parish is still in need of your financial support, please continue - if you are able - your weekly offering. You may do so by mail: St Matthew Parish, 2 Searles Rd. Windham NH 03087, or on-ling giving. To sign up for on-line giving, visit the parish website at stmatthew-nh.org and click on "Online Giving" at the top of the page.

The suspension of Mass is unprecedented in our time, and in my experience as a priest. However, I invite you during this season of Lent to consider the suspension of Mass as a Lenten sacrifice, as well as a call to find new ways for you and your family to be with Jesus and each other.

What can you do? Here are a few ideas:

*Watch Mass on TV on EWTN or Boston Catholic Television. Links to online Masses are available below here on our website. Consider watching Mass together and sharing breakfast afterward.

*Read and reflect on the Sunday Gospel: http:/usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm.  My weekly homily can be found on this page as well.

*Create a prayer space in your home. Perhaps with a Bible, a candle and a crucifix or religious statue-use your creativity.

*Consider this an opportunity to slow down, rest, spend time with family and a renewed perspective. How often have we wished for daily life to be less hectic?

*Love your neighbor. Do a small act of kindness in Jesus's name for a family member, friend or even a "friend you have not yet met."

*For suggestions on all the above, additional online resources and the most current information, or website will be updated daily.

*Pray

I hold each of you in prayer during this time and ask you to daw upon the sure peace and presence of Jesus Christ. The world needs you to witness trust ad hope in God. OUr greatest strength is the love we have for God and each other. In times of adversity, the Church does not shrink, it grows stronger.

Father Brian

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent

Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent