Faces and Places of Our History

Welcome to a special edition of Parable Magazine, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of our diocese. We invite you to join us and listen to some of the stories that have shaped our history. All of us have had the experience of sitting at a kitchen table listening to our grandparents or other relatives reminisce. We know how history comes alive in the telling of family stories. We also know how stories live and change with each re-telling. Memories may fade, but the desire to hold onto our past (and maybe even embellish it a little) never fades. In the end, our family histories are not a list of names and dates, but a rich and varied collage, populated with stories and characters great and small.

Take a closer look at our cover and read about some of the stories that have shaped our history.

eNews

Look for the latest news and events in this week's issue of eNews, the biweekly e-mail newsletter for the Diocese of Manchester. Find official announcements, articles, and notices as well as links to special features, educational opportunities and more.

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Bishop McCormack's 4th of July Message

The national motto of the United States of America, as we all know, is “In God We Trust.” Emblazoned on every coin and note of currency, carved into the marble of government offices, it is so much a part of our everyday lives that the words seem to have lost their original meaning. When was the last time you or I took a penny from your pocket and gave any thought to those words rounding the coin’s edge? Probably, it’s been a long time. What does it mean to trust in God as Americans? This thought lingers with me on this, our country’s Independence Day.

Read the rest of Bishop McCormack's 4th of July Message

Live Your Faith: Forgiving

To want a different or new or better future we need the power of forgiveness in our lives. Jesus knew the importance and necessity of forgiveness which is why he taught his disciples to forgive 70x7, a lesson he lived as he hung upon the cross and forgave his executioners.

What Jesus is teaching is that forgiveness is an integral part of Christian living. It’s not an option for us. It is vital to our lives as his followers. Forgiveness needs to happen so that we can be healed whether we are in the right or in the wrong. The forgiver needs healing as well as the one being forgiven.

Read more about Forgiving as part of our 12-part series called "Live Your Faith".

Ordination Photos

Christopher Martel and Matthew Mason were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John McCormack on Saturday, June 6. Bishop McCormack said, "This day is a blessing for the people of the Diocese of Manchester and for me, their bishop. Seeing these men ordained to the priesthood lifts up all of us. It means our local church is alive and well in its ministry and mission. God is still calling men, and I'm grateful to God for animating their response.”

Click here to see ordination photos

World Youth Day - Madrid 2011

Pope Benedict has called the youth of the world to come together in Madrid Spain, August 2011. The theme of World Youth Day 2011 is based on St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians 2:7, “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in faith.”

While WYD 2011 (August 10 – 23, 2011) is over two years away, now is the time to begin planning and praying about participating in this pilgrimage.

The deadline to reserve your spot is August 3, 2009.

Click here to learn more about World Youth Day 2001 and to download the flyer, trip details, and application

Marriage Resources

Marriage and family life is certainly a blessing, but at times quite challenging. We want to extend our hand to you, and offer any support you may need pertaining to marriage and raising a family. We have compiled a list of resources for you concerning the Sacrament of Marriage, Natural Famly Planning, and Marriage and Public/Legal Issues.

Click here to find a listing of these marriage enrichment resources

125th Anniversary Celebration - Bishop Delany

Bishop Delany, the second Bishop of Manchester, was young and energetic when he became the head of the Catholic Church in New Hampshire, but his episcopacy was short-lived.Learn more about Bishop Delany as part of the Diocese of Manchester's 125th Anniversary Celebration.

Click here to listen to Msgr. Wilfrid Paradis, historian for the Diocese of Manchester, speak about the diocese’s second bishop and to see a photo of Bishop Delany.