Statement from Bishop McCormack
During the past few weeks, a priest friend, Father John, and I have been talking about the coincidence of Barack Obama taking the oath of office as our first African-American president and two days later the 35 th
March for Life taking place on the Mall in Washington, DC.
Father John intended to share his thoughts with his parishioners. I would like to draw on his observations and add some thoughts of my own about these events and others that affect us as
Catholics.
We agreed the impending change is momentous. President-elect Obama’s election reflects the encouraging fact that racism is diminishing in our country. Many Americans who supported Mr. Obama demonstrated a desire that the federal government be more responsive to the needs of working and middle class people. The beginning of a new administration also gives rise to an expectation among Americans that there be an end to the war in Iraq and, we pray, that our troops will soon be home and out of harm’s way. Whether we voted for President-elect
Obama or not, he is to be the President of the United States, a president for all of us.
Our new president faces the dual dilemma of a severe economic challenge and the expansion of global terrorism. In light of the weighty responsibility they will bear, Mr.
Obama and members of his administration deserve our prayers and respect. Saint Paul wrote to his colleague Timothy, the leader of a local faith community: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” (I Timothy 2:1-2). Given the fact that there remain pockets of racial hatred in our country and deep divisions around important issues, Saint Paul’s words apply to us as well. Our prayers and commitment to respectful discourse are more necessary than ever.
As we discussed the inauguration and the new president’s challenges, Father John and I noted the irony evoked by the practically simultaneous occurrence of the March for Life. The irony lies in the recognition that as the struggle to overcome racism moves forward toward victory, another struggle for the right to one’s life faces the threat of further political defeat. In light of this, people of every race, faith, and age will gather in prayer as well as in protest to lift up a cry for the right to life for all human life.

Page 2
Knowing that the access to abortion was a decision of a handful of Supreme Court
Justices 35 years ago, it is true that the division we experience around the abortion debate remains sharply drawn. As the inauguration symbolizes another step away from the reprehensible concept that one person can own another as a slave, we witness the tragedy and grave injustice that abortion implies that the child in the womb is the personal property of another human being. With such a mindset, a person can choose to extinguish this life for about any reason. The concept of personal autonomy has become so distorted that even though there are many women who rightly think such a choice is outrageous and the very denial of womanhood, there are other women who consider it a choice that defines their freedom and individuality. Some advocates are again pressing Congress to take away all protections for the unborn. Removing protection for the innocent is not progress.
Racism and abortion are grave moral evils. As progress is made on one front, we cannot stand idly by while protections for the unborn slip away. Catholics, along with all people of goodwill, need to remain steadfast in opposing abortion and in building respect for life. It is not a question of the church attempting to impose its will on others, as it is our determination to proclaim the value of innocent, human life. With God’s grace, our determination will enable others to see the fullness of life that exists at conception in the womb.
Regrettably, among political leaders, there are a precious few who speak up for life and against abortion. Change is truly needed in our politics, not in our morality. Change is wonderfully manifest in Barak Obama as the first African American president in our country.
May change now come to our nation’s attitude toward human life so we all will increase the respect for all human life, from conception to natural death.
You may note that the above-mentioned events are sandwiched between two other events occurring in our local church here in New Hampshire. They emphasize the value we give to being supported in life through effective Catholic formation. During the weekend of January 17 and 18, we promote support for vocations to the priesthood. Our church needs priests who are ready to live as fully as possible the threefold office given to them by God at their ordination – namely – the teaching of the ‘good news’, the sanctification of the faithful and the servant form of pastoral leadership. The following weekend of January 24 and 25 is the start of Catholic
Schools’ Week. Again, while parents are the first and best of all teachers of the faith, Catholic schools are the institutions that reinforce and integrate these teachings into the daily life of students. The future of our faith is dependent not only on priests, deacons and consecrated religious to teach and guide people in living the beauty of the Good News, but also on lay members of the church who are well formed in understanding the faith, and convinced of the value of their faith and in passing it on to their families and their neighbors. We want to move forward as confident people and as hope filled children of God. To do so, we will need to be encouraging and supportive of young men to enter the priesthood and of families to send their children to Catholic schools for in-depth Catholic education and formation, the foundation of a future full of hope!

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JANUARY 20, 2009
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
January 25-31, 2009
(MANCHESTER, NH) Throughout the month of January, the Diocese of Manchester is celebrating its Catholic schools in a campaign called Discover Catholic Schools Again… or for the First Time . This month-long campaign will become part of the national celebration of
Catholic Schools Week, January 25-31, 2009.
Each week this month, the diocesan Web site, www.catholicnh.org
, is highlighting the mission and culture of Catholic schools that set them apart as communities of faith, learning, belonging, and service. Photos and parent testimonials capture the spirit of Catholic school education (an attachment to this release showcases several of these features). Catholic schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses, and activities for students, faculty, staff, families, and the greater community. The diocesan Web site contains schedules and events at local schools.
Bishop John B. McCormack said the initiative emphasizes the importance of Catholic education in New Hampshire. “What a gift Catholic schools are for thousands of young people. Rooted in the Church’s teachings they cultivate an environment that encourages each child to live a faithfilled and moral life.”
Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the national Catholic Educational Association and the
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about NH Catholic schools, visit our Web site at www.catholicnh.org/education .
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

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JANUARY 26, 2009
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BISHOP MCCORMACK REAFFIRMS CATHOLIC CHURCH’S
CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
(MANCHESTER, NH) Bishop John B. McCormack said he is grateful that the assessment released by the Attorney General’s office today confirms that the Catholic Church in New
Hampshire is committed to child safety and that its safe environment programs are effective. He also said that Diocesan personnel will continue to follow the now well-established safe environment policies, procedures, and programs in dealing with matters pertaining to the safety of minors.
The announcement came following the release of the fourth and final assessment of the Diocesan
Safe Environment Program by the national accounting firm of KPMG on behalf of the New
Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The review by KPMG calls the Diocese’s child safety efforts a “significant accomplishment,” and says the Diocese’s Safe Environment Program “has become a deliberate and strategic mechanism for the screening and training of Diocesan personnel, reporting of allegations and ultimately, for the protection of minors.”
Attorney General Kelly Ayotte commented on the report in a letter released from her office today, saying, “The progress and positive changes made over these last four years by the
Diocese, and in particular in the last two years, is remarkable and commendable. It gives me confidence that the Diocese will proceed into the future with a strong commitment to sustain the program that has now been developed and implemented to protect children from sexual abuse.”
In response to the assessment and Attorney General Ayotte’s letter, Bishop McCormack said, “I am grateful to Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, her staff, and the KPMG auditors for their supportive expressions of our work and their recommendations regarding enhancements to our safe environment policies and programs. I also thank the clergy, religious, school administrators, teachers, and the thousands of paid and volunteer lay ministers in our Diocese who work to keep safe the children and young people in our care. I am particularly indebted to the lay members of the Diocesan Review Board who advise and assist me in these efforts.
“We know full well that sexual abuse of children inflicts great harm upon them. They are fragile innocent victims. We also know how it affects their families, the Church, and our wider society.
We are sorry, sad, and ashamed that these crimes occurred in our Church. We pray for everyone whose lives have been affected by abuse. We offer them our support and compassion and promise to do all we can to prevent abuse in the future. Our earnest desire to protect children and youth is shared by many others in our Church and our state. Maintaining a safe environment for everyone is part of who we are as a Church. The hard work, though, does not end with the final assessment by the state. We remain committed to monitor and improve our safe environment policies, programs, and practices when needed.”

The fourth and final KPMG assessment included visits and interviews with numerous Diocesan personnel, two parishes, two schools, and a Diocesan summer camp.
The Diocesan Delegate for Ministerial Conduct, Rev. Edward J. Arsenault, said that “our Safe
Environment Program has and will continue to undergo reviews by both the Diocesan Review
Board and an auditing firm that conducts reviews of child safety programs and practices in dioceses throughout the United States on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the laity on the National Review Board. Such reports have and will continue to be published by
Bishop McCormack. The staff positions, policies, and protocols that we have updated or established since 2002 ensure the sustainability of our safe environment efforts.”
Fr. Arsenault said the Diocese is in the process of carefully reviewing the full report. Bishop
McCormack has responded to Attorney General Ayotte’s letter and will provide a 4 th
responsive action plan to her office within 18 days in accordance with her request.
For more information on Diocesan efforts to promote child safety, please visit www.catholicnh.org/child-safety .
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

Statement of Bishop John B. McCormack Regarding
Catholic Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic
February 19, 2009
Healthcare is a vital aspect of our local community life and of our mission as the Catholic
Church. As Bishop of Manchester, and a steward of Catholic healthcare, I am committed to sponsoring the vision and ministry of Catholic Medical Center now and in the future.
As such, I have given permission to Alyson Pitman Giles, President and CEO of Catholic
Medical Center, to continue to explore further collaboration with Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic.
All parties involved understand that we do so in a way that helps Catholic Medical Center strengthen and secure the future and quality of Catholic healthcare for the members of our communities by respecting and preserving our Catholic healthcare principles.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 30, 2009
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Diocese of Manchester launches new initiatives for Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in its ongoing effort to keep the children of our state and diocese safe, the Diocese of Manchester is promoting new resources to help parents, educators and caregivers.
Each week in April, the diocese will showcase a new feature regarding child safety on its Web site, catholicnh.org. These include an online quiz to test visitors’ knowledge of safe environment practices outlined in the diocesan Code of Conduct. Visitors to the Web site will also find a prayer for victims of abuse in English and Spanish as well as an audio podcast from Teresa
Kettelkamp, Executive Director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection of the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The diocese is also reaching out directly to parishes and schools with a new information guide on preventing victimization from an unlikely place: a child’s cell phone. The booklet Cell Phones and Parental Controls: Protect Your Children offers practical advice for parents grappling with the risks of modern cell phones and other internet-enabled devices that can access online content, from Facebook to explicit Web sites. Cell Phones and Parental Controls is being distributed to parishes and schools, and is also available online at catholicnh.org/child-safety.
Responding to the new initiatives, Bishop McCormack said, “The safety and formation of children remains an utmost priority for our entire community. I hope that everyone concerned with the safety of children, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, will take some time to increase their awareness on how to protect children through these valuable new features.”
Parents and other child caretakers are also encouraged to look for other tools the diocese provides in the Child Safety section of catholicnh.org. These include an Internet Resource Safety
Guide for parents and a children’s coloring book on ways to stay safe.

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APRIL 14, 2009
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BISHOP MCCORMACK TESTIFIES IN OPPOSITION
TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, DEATH PENALTY
(CONCORD, NH) Bishop John B. McCormack and other representatives of the Diocese of
Manchester will testify before the New Hampshire Legislature this week on measures that would repeal the state’s death penalty and allow marriages for same-sex couples.
On Wednesday, April 15, at a rally in Concord, the Rev. Steven Montesanti, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, will also present a statement by Bishop McCormack supporting traditional marriage.
In written testimony submitted on Tuesday, April 14, to the Chair of the Senate Judiciary
Committee, Senator Deborah R. Reynolds, Bishop McCormack argued in support of House Bill
556, which would repeal New Hampshire’s death penalty.
“The teachings of the Catholic Church, rooted in reason and in faith, note that human life is sacred, and that every human person has inestimable value,” said Bishop McCormack in his written testimony. “The Catholic tradition does support the understanding that every person possesses the right to defend oneself, and that taking another person’s life in defense of one’s own—or in the protection of public safety by legitimate public authority—is justified… The taking of a human life through the death penalty is unnecessary to ensure public safety today…
The use of capital punishment today has the potential of contributing to the culture of violence that we seek to eliminate from our society.”
Bishop McCormack is submitting testimony at a Wednesday, April 15 hearing on House Bill
436, which would allow for same-sex marriages in New Hampshire. In a statement, Bishop
McCormack said, “The marital union between a man and a woman plays a unique and important role in our society. Marriage is not simply a matter of emotional intimacy between two people, a lifestyle choice, or a purely private relationship protected by the state. Civil society benefits from a stable marital order. Marriage models the way in which women and men live interdependently and commit to seek the good of each other and of society.
“This is not a matter of discrimination or even fairness. Denying same-sex marriage does not deny equality under the law because same-sex couples are not similarly situated to married heterosexual couples. It is only through the union of a man and woman that life can begin and a child can have both a mother and father. It is because of this unique social unit and the unique importance it has for society that the civil benefits of marriage are based.”
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org.

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APRIL 15, 2009
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DIOCESE CELEBRATES 125 th
ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING
(MANCHESTER, NH) With a “hope that you will find time to celebrate our past and plant seeds of faith for the future here in New Hampshire,” Bishop John B. McCormack today celebrated the inauguration of the 125 th
Jubilee of the Diocese of Manchester at a special liturgy at Saint Joseph Cathedral Church.
Formally founded on April 15, 1884, the diocese is including in the yearlong celebration two new initiatives that highlight the personal stories of New Hampshire Catholics throughout history.
Beginning today and continuing every other Wednesday for an entire year, the diocesan website
(catholicnh.org/125) will feature podcast reflections, historic photography, poetry, and other pieces from the history of Catholicism in the Granite State.
The series kicks off with a reflection on an artifact from the diocese’s past, the cassock worn by
New Hampshire’s first Catholic bishop, Bishop Denis M. Bradley. Rev. Richard Dion, archivist for the Diocese of Manchester gives his insights on the meaning behind the symbols of a priestly cassock.
New entries will touch on the stories of diocesan bishops, the founding of Catholic institutions such as Saint Anselm College in Manchester, and stories of Catholic laity who helped build and energize parishes across the state.
The diocesan magazine Parable is committing its July/August issue to also telling the stories of
New Hampshire Catholics throughout our history, along with a glimpse at some Catholics who make up the future of the Church in our state.
Bishop John B. McCormack said, “This Jubilee Year is an occasion for us to look back in gratitude to our ancestors who built churches and brought life to parishes, founded schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations – living the faith for themselves, their children and their grandchildren. How blessed we are! After all, what is a ‘diocese’ but people bonded in a common love of our Lord Jesus Christ and one another.”
At the Chrism Mass last Tuesday, Bishop McCormack distributed a special prayer card to the priests of the diocese. He asked that they distribute the cards in all parishes and that the jubilee prayer be recited at all Sunday Masses during the year. Bishop McCormack said the prayer will be “a means of encouraging and involving parishioners in thanking God for his goodness to us and asking him to bless our church with strong family life, positive responses to the vocation of priesthood and religious life and effective support of parish life.” The card can be downloaded from catholicnh.org/125.

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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

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MAY 7, 2009
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STATEMENT FROM BISHOP JOHN B. McCORMACK
(MANCHESTER, NH) We believe that we should be doing all we can as a society to support and protect marriage, which is a union of a man and woman and has been throughout history.
We further believe that trying to redefine marriage on the run, with the slimmest of legislative margins and without a robust investigation into all possible conflicts between same sex marriage legislation and religious liberties is contrary to the spirit of New Hampshire. Quite simply, if this legislation is allowed to become law there will be many unintended consequences that will undoubtedly lead to unnecessary confusion, litigation and denial of rights to many people in our state.
When a change of this momentous scope is proposed and there is not adequate time to not only look at all the implications of it, but also not to hear in depth from the people whom it will affect, then there are going to be serious problems. Short of preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman, there must be adequate protections for churches, but also for individuals who have a genuine conscientious objection to participating in or assisting ceremonies of same sex couples.
We urge Governor Lynch to veto this legislation, if for no other reason than it leaves too many unanswered questions regarding protections for religious organizations and persons of conscience.

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May 29, 2009
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NH Priest 100 Years Old This Sunday - First to hit milestone.
At 100 years old, Monsignor Francis Curran has a long view of life. He has served under seven of the nine bishops in the Diocese of Manchester. He has seen the country change through two world wars, boom times, and depression. Born in a day when most people in New Hampshire still traveled on horseback, Msgr. Curran can say that just about everything in the world has changed — except his faith.
Monsignor Francis Curran will hit the century mark this Sunday. He is the first New Hampshire priest to reach such a milestone. When asked what it feels like to celebrate this birthday, Msgr.
Curran said he's surprised but grateful to God that he's lived this long, but that he's honored to be the first priest in the diocese to see 100 years. Friends and old colleagues all agree that he's been looking forward to celebrating this special birthday for some time.
Msgr. Curran will be marking the occasion with a private Mass and noon luncheon on Sunday.
Friends and well-wishers are encouraged to show their appreciation to his more than seventy years of service in the priesthood by visiting Bishop Peterson House on Sunday from 1-3 P.M. at
221 Orange Street, Manchester. More information is available by contacting the Office of
Communication at 603-669-3100. Bishop McCormack is also expected to make a presentation to
Msgr. Curran, which will include a papal blessing and written congratulations from New
Hampshire elected officials, including Governor John Lynch.
Msgr. Curran was born in Norwood, Mass. on May 31, 1909, the youngest of nine children to
Patrick and Ellen Curran. The Currans were Irish immigrants who came to Boston and married in
1889. A young Frank Curran endured many family hardships. Only three of his siblings reached adulthood alive, and his father was killed in 1919 in a horse and buggy accident.
Msgr Curran's road to the priesthood began as an undergraduate at Boston College where he became friends with his Jesuit priest teachers, who encouraged him to follow, as he describes his vocation, a “divine, mystifying call from God.” He attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, and was ordained a priest on April 2, 1938 by Manchester Bishop John B. Peterson, a close friend who had encouraged him to serve in New Hampshire. Msgr. Curran went on to serve in parishes across the state, including Berlin, Exeter, Manchester, Lakeport and Keene. He retired from active ministry on June 15, 1988 and was given the honorary title of "Monsignor" by
Bishop Odore Gendron a year later in 1989.
More of Msgr. Curran's story will be told in the July issue of Parable Magazine . Information can be found by going to www.catholicnh.org and clicking on "Live Your Faith."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 1, 2009
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EDITOR’S NOTES:
1.
The ordination occurs during the Mass and will likely take place between 10:30 –
11:00.
2.
Formal pictures of the ordinands are available at: http://www.catholicnh.org/media/files/vocations/Christopher_Martel.pdf
http://www.catholicnh.org/media/files/vocations/Matthew_Mason.pdf
3.
Media interested in interviewing the ordinands should contact the diocesan Office of
Communication.
BISHOP MCCORMACK TO ORDAIN TWO MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Concord, Nashua natives
(MANCHESTER, NH) Bishop John B. McCormack will ordain Deacon Christopher Martel and
Deacon Matthew Mason to the priesthood on Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester.
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.
“This year's ordination is truly significant since we are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the founding of our diocese. There is a goodness and vitality in these young men. They are willing to dedicate their lives to service to God. They will be an asset to our local Church. We are blessed by these new priests and by their parents, who are proud to see their sons choose to serve
God’s people through priestly ministry and life. God bless them!"
Deacon Christopher Martel , 26, is a native of Nashua, NH where he grew up as a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish. He recently completed his seminary formation at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL where he earned a Master of
Divinity degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Theology. Deacon Martel graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in philosophy and theology. Deacon Martel is the son of Thomas and Andrea Martel. He is the oldest of his four siblings, including his brother Brian and sisters Stacey and Amy. His summer pastoral assignments since entering the seminary include St Theresa Parish in Henniker, St.
Joseph Parish in Epping, and St. John Neumann Parish in Merrimack.
He will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving, sometimes known as a priest’s “first Mass,” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at Immaculate Conception Parish.

Deacon Martel said, “As I am ordained to the priesthood, I am grateful and blessed for my family, my friends, and the Catholic community, who have been praying for me, and have been with me as I journey to the priesthood. Please be assured of my prayers as I begin this new journey in my life.”
Deacon Matthew Mason , 27, is a native of Boscawen, NH and is a parishioner of Sacred Heart
Parish in Concord. He recently completed his seminary formation at St. John’s Seminary in
Brighton, MA where he earned a Master of Arts degree in theology. He graduated from The
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in philosophy. Deacon Mason is the son of Brian and Susan Mason. He is the oldest of seven children. His summer pastoral assignments since entering the seminary include Our Lady of the
Holy Rosary Parish in Rochester, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Plaistow, Saint Pius X Parish in Manchester, and Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin, and Holy Family Parish in Gorham.
Deacon Mason said, “I feel truly blessed to have been called to serve God's people in New
Hampshire and thank God for the many family members and friends who have helped me reach this special day."
He will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving, sometimes known as a priest’s “first Mass,” at his hometown parish of Sacred Heart Parish in Concord on Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m.
The Diocese of Manchester currently has eight men preparing for the priesthood at seminaries in
Baltimore, Maryland; Brighton, Massachusetts; and Steubenville, Ohio.
Any man who believes that God may be calling him to serve the Church as a priest is welcome to contact the diocesan director of vocations, Fr. Jason Jalbert, who works with men who are discerning their vocations. Fr. Jalbert can be reached at jjalbert@rcbm.org
or 603-669-3100.
Information on vocations and formation is available on the diocesan vocations Web site, www.liveinblackandwhite.com
.
# # #
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
WHAT IS ORDINATION?
Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the
Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate; priesthood; and Episcopal. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, e.g., the prostration of the ordinands (men to be ordained), laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace.
WHEN DOES THE ORDINATION ACTUALLY TAKE PLACE?
The essential rite of the sacrament, i.e., when it takes place, is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration. This is an ancient tradition in the Church, mentioned in the Bible.

WHO CAN ORDAIN PRIESTS?
Only a bishop can ordain a priest because the bishop shares in the ministry of Jesus passed down through the apostles.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE LAYING ON OF HANDS?
By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.
WHY DOES THE ORDINAND LIE PROSTRATE DURING THE ORDINATION?
It symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST RECEIVING THE STOLE
AND CHASUBLE?
These are vestments which pertain to his office and have symbolic meaning. The stole symbolizes the authority and responsibility to serve in imitation of Christ. The chasuble is the principal garment of the priest celebrating the Eucharist and is the outermost vestment.
WHAT DOES THE ANOINTING OF THE HANDS SIGNIFY?
Anointing with oil stems from the Old Testament and indicates that someone or something is being set apart for a sacred task or duty. The anointing of the hands signifies that the hands of the newly ordained priest are being prepared for the sacred duties and vessels which will be part of the priestly ministry.
WHY DOES THE ORDAINING BISHOP HAND THE ORDINAND A CHALICE AND PATEN?
The Eucharist is at the heart of the priesthood and this ritual highlights the importance of celebrating the Eucharist in the life of the priest and its meaning.
DO PRIESTS TAKE VOWS?
Priests who belong to a religious order (e.g., Benedictine, Franciscans, etc.) take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Diocesan priests, such as the men being ordained on Saturday, make two promises, celibacy and obedience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 10, 2009
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DIOCESE WEB SITE LAUNCHES NEW SUMMER INITIATIVE: LIVE YOUR FAITH
In twelve weeks, twelve ways to exercise your spirit
The Diocese of Manchester Web site, www.catholicnh.org
, is kicking off the season with a twelve-part series aimed at complimenting all that physical exercise we get in the summer with some exercises for the soul.
Starting this week and continuing every Monday through August 24, the Live Your Faith series will highlight ways Catholics and peoples of all faiths can strengthen their spirit. The series, inspired by a program by John Roberto, will involve many diocesan programs, from New
Hampshire Catholic Charities to the Office of Public Policy. It will also point visitors to helpful resources on each subject on the diocesan Web site.
Bishop McCormack said, “The summer has always been a time to visit new places, to relax and read, and to enjoy new experiences. Though I’m as much a fan of the beach and the mountains as anyone, I think Live Your Faith is an opportunity to relax, read and revisit – or explore for the first time – the many sides of life that define us as Catholics.”
Though starting this summer, expect to see Live Your Faith continue to be featured on catholicnh.org throughout the year. Be sure to visit www.catholicnh.org/faith every week this summer to find out how you can live your faith.
1.
Celebrating Life
2.
Discernment
3.
Caring for the Body
4.
Forgiving
5.
Eating Well
6.
Managing Household Life
7.
Keeping Sabbath
8.
Participating in Community
9.
Praying
10.
Dying Well
11.
Reading the Bible
12.
Transforming the World
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2009
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DIOCESAN PRIEST NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF
SAINT LUKE INSTITUTE
(MANCHESTER, NH) The Rev. Edward J. Arsenault, a priest of the Diocese of Manchester, has been named the new president and CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Silver Springs, Maryland. Fr.
Arsenault will succeed Monsignor Steven J. Rossetti, who is planning to step down October 20,
2009.
Saint Luke Institute is an internationally recognized residential and outpatient treatment and education center serving the health needs of hundreds of Catholic priests and religious women and men throughout the United States each year. Saint Luke Institute also sponsors with the
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales the Saint Luke's Centre in Manchester,
England, the first treatment center of its type in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Both the
Institute and the Centre will be under the direction of Fr. Arsenault.
Fr. Arsenault said, “I see ministry at St. Luke Institute as an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing health and wellbeing of clergy and religious from the United States and beyond. Msgr.
Rossetti has developed a gifted and generous board of directors and a fine clinical, pastoral and administrative staff who bring the gift of the Lord’s healing to the lives of many people each day.
I look forward to joining them in this important work of the Church.”
Bishop John B. McCormack said of the appointment, “Father Ed will be an excellent director for both the Saint Luke Institute and the Centre. He is a fine priest, a gifted administrator and a natural leader. These qualities will enable him to continue the quality of service long equated with the fine work of Saint Luke. I know that I and many others will miss his presence in our diocese. Yet his presence at the Institute will benefit our Church greatly through the service provided to our brothers and sisters who have dedicated their lives to the Lord.”
Ordained in 1991, Fr. Arsenault has spent the last 14 years in both pastoral work and diocesan administration, most recently as Moderator of the Curia and Secretary for Administration in the
Diocese of Manchester. In this capacity, Fr. Arsenault worked often with Msgr. Rossetti and the staff of St. Luke.
He has also served in parish ministry in Nashua, Bedford, and Manchester, including as pastor of
Saint Pius X Parish, Manchester. During the period of his diocesan ministry, Fr. Arsenault provided weekend assistance to pastors around the diocese.
Fr. Arsenault has also been deeply involved in Catholic healthcare ministry in the Diocese of
Manchester. He was Bishop John B. McCormack’s delegate to the Catholic Healthcare System
Board of Governors and as well as the bishop’s delegate on the Catholic Medical Center Board of Directors.

Alyson Pitman Giles, FACHE, President and CEO of CMC Healthcare and 2007 Chairman of the
American College of Healthcare Executives, said, “I had the great fortune to work with Father Arsenault as a trustee of Catholic Medical Center and as the Chairman of CMC Healthcare System for over a decade. He is a mentor, and has both the intellectual and emotional brilliance to understand and advise about governance, physician, staff and community relationships, and the church's role in Catholic
Healthcare."
During his tenure as the Delegate for Ministerial Conduct in the Diocese of Manchester, Fr.
Arsenault assisted Bishop McCormack in establishing a diocesan review board and in developing a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy, code of ministerial conduct and a safe environment training program for church personnel.
Fr. Arsenault served as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Catholic Risk
Retention Group, a captive insurance company in Lisle, IL, between 1998 and 2007. During his tenure as chair, Fr. Arsenault oversaw the development and implementation of the VIRTUS program, including the nationally recognized “Protecting God’s Children” safe environment program used in dioceses and religious institutes across the United States.
Fr. Arsenault received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Merrimack College,
Andover, MA. He holds a Master of Science in Finance from Bentley University, Waltham,
MA, a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD. He also has a Pontifical License in Sacred Theology (STL) from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, MA.
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION
603-669-3100, EXT. 185
PARABLE MAGAZINE LAUNCHES NEW COLUMNS,
TWITTER AND FACEBOOK PAGES
(MANCHESTER, NH) Parable Magazine, the award-winning magazine of the Diocese of
Manchester, is launching four new columns in its September/October issue, and is reaching out to readers online on Twitter and Facebook.

The Turning Point , launched in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a Year for
Priests, speaks to the very moment a priest or religious heard the call from God. In the first of this series, Father Paul Gousse, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in
Rochester and St. Leo Parish in Gonic, describes a battle with alcoholism that nearly broke him, and how he escaped his demons after hearing the call to enter a new life.

Parish Profiles is a new column created in response to reader feedback for more stories about their parishes – and more pictures of our beautiful churches! Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin and Holy Family Parish in Gorham kick off the series with a picture postcard from the North Country.

By popular demand, Parable will now feature an expanded column on the history of the
Church in New Hampshire celebrating the last 125 of its history. The column will touch on important places, events, and artifacts from diocesan history.

A fourth new column will provide reflections by Pope Benedict XVI, including the Holy
Father’s intentions for the Church around the world.

Parable is now also on Twitter and Facebook. Follow the production of Parable on
Twitter at www.twitter.com/parablemag and on Facebook by searching for Parable
Magazine . Get a sneak peak of the September/October issue by becoming a fan on
Facebook.
Parable Magazine tells the stories of the Catholic faithful in New Hampshire, and provides news on events and issues of the day, as well as answers to common questions about the Catholic faith.
Parable Magazine reaches over 56,000 households in New Hampshire, and is available via parish subscription. Sections of the magazine can be found at www.parablemag.com
.
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

DIOCESE OF MANCHESTER
CATHOLIC LAWYERS GUILD OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Kevin Donovan, Diocese of Manchester, 603-669-3100, EXT. 185
Courtney Heather Eschbach, Esq., Catholic Lawyers Guild, 603-724-1863
Archbishop of Washington Donald W. Wuerl will be the guest homilist at the annual RED
MASS for members of the legal profession on October 8, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. at St. Joseph
Cathedral in Manchester. Following the Mass, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of New Hampshire will present its fourth annual ST. THOMAS MORE AWARD at the Red Mass Dinner to
Margaret Ann Moran, an attorney from Hillsborough.
Each year, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester, Bishop John B. McCormack, invites women and men associated with the study and administration of justice in New Hampshire to a special celebration. This annual event, called the Red Mass, is an opportunity for lawyers, judges, legislators, law enforcement personnel of all religious traditions to join each year to celebrate their common concern for justice. It is called “red” because of the color of the clergy’s vestments at the Mass.
Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington since 2006, serves on numerous committees nationally and internationally and is known for his catechetical and teaching ministry and efforts on behalf of Catholic education. He is chancellor of The Catholic University of
America, chairman of the board of directors of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception and the National Catholic Educational Association and former chairman of the board of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Currently, he is chairman of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis and chairman-elect of the Committee on Doctrine. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including the best-selling catechisms, The Teaching of Christ and The Catholic Way.
Archbishop Wuerl was host in Washington to Pope Benedict XVI on the Holy Father’s historic journey to the United States in April 2008.
The Catholic Lawyers Guild of New Hampshire will honor Attorney Margaret Ann Moran with the fourth annual St. Thomas More Award. Attorney Moran, who has been a member of the
Upton and Hatfield firm for 28 years, represents school districts and school boards in matters involving special education and discipline hearings, residency questions and school district issues. She is also a well-known speaker and author on special education and student discipline topics.

Attorney Moran is active as a leader in the community and has served many civic and community groups including health, education, alumni and charity and political groups and boards. She is an active parishioner at St. Raphael Parish in Manchester, and has served on a number of boards for New Hampshire Catholic Charities. She currently serves on the Board of
Directors of Catholic Medical Center.
The St. Thomas More Award recognizes a lawyer or judge who is a practicing Catholic and who embodies the spirit of St. Thomas More in his or her courage, dedication, integrity, civility, and compassion toward others. It is named after the patron saint of lawyers, known for his uncompromising integrity and dedication to family, community and the rule of law, while recognizing the supreme law and having the courage to resist political pressure and exigencies.
The past recipients of the award were the late Honorable Martin F. Loughlin, Attorney Peter J.
Loughlin, and Attorney Peter McDonough.
Details:
Red Mass
October 8, 2009
5:15 pm
St. Joseph Cathedral
Corner of Pine and Lowell Streets
Manchester, New Hampshire
No charge
Red Mass Dinner
October 8, 2009
6:30 pm
CR Sparks
18 Kilton Road
Bedford, New Hampshire
$25 per ticket

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION
603-669-3100, EXT. 185
DIOCESE OF MANCHESTER ANNOUNCES FORMATION PROGRAM FOR
PERMANENT DEACONS
This weekend, October 17 – 18, 2009, parishioners at Roman Catholic churches throughout the state will be informed of the upcoming formation program for the Permanent Diaconate, the
Church’s education and training program for new permanent deacons. Applications will be available in November 2009, and the program will begin in September 2010.
A permanent deacon can be either married or single. He is an ordained minister of the Catholic
Church who works collaboratively with the bishop and the priests of the diocese to serve in numerous liturgical and charitable roles. Deacons proclaim the Gospel and preach, and perform certain sacraments including baptism and marriage ceremonies. Permanent deacons also assist within parishes, serve as chaplains in hospitals and prisons, preside at funerals and wakes, and minister to those in need including the sick, the homebound, and refugees. More information on the ministry of the diaconate can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of www.catholicnh.org/newdeacons .
Currently, there are 44 active and seven retired deacons serving in the diocese. The program to prepare new permanent deacons is the culmination of a long effort to develop a model that can meet the continuing needs of the diocese over time by producing another ordination class every three years.
The Permanent Diaconate Formation Program lasts four years and is divided into two parts: one year of Aspirancy and followed by three years of Candidacy where the candidate undergoes further academic, spiritual and pastoral formation. The program culminates in ordination as a permanent deacon by the Bishop of Manchester.
Men interested in becoming permanent deacons are encouraged to speak with their pastors and families about the program. Four information sessions are scheduled in November at locations throughout the state and further information about the program can be found at: www.catholicnh.org/newdeacons .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION
603-669-3100, EXT. 185
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS AND THE DIOCESE OF
MANCHESTER PRESENT “THE MISSION OF NH CATHOLICS IN THE PUBLIC
SQUARE”
Why does the Catholic Church speak out about public policy issues? What role should religion and faith play in decisions about legislation and other public policy matters? What about the separation of church and state?
On November 7, 2009, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College and the
Diocese of Manchester will sponsor a program, “The Mission of NH Catholics in the Public
Square” to address questions about the Church’s role in the political world. This program will feature two presentations.
Dr. Larry Chapp, Professor of Theology at DeSales University and a national media expert for
Catholic theology will give a talk called “The Catholic Faith: Not an Alien Voice in American
Politics.”
Robert E. Dunn, Jr., Esq., an attorney, adjunct professor of law at the Franklin Pierce Law
Center, and former Assistant Attorney General in the New Hampshire Department of Justice, will present “This Hallowed Ground: The Catholic Engagement with Politics in New
Hampshire.”
Some of the questions to be addressed include:



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Should religion and politics interact?
Why should all Catholics be involved in political life?
What are the ways that Catholics can be involved in advocacy for important issues?
What are the types of issues on which the Catholic Church has taken a position?
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time: 8:30 registration, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. program
Location: The New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Corner of
St. Anselm Drive and Rockland Ave., Manchester, NH
This event is free of charge. Register online by November 1, 2009 at www.catholicnh.org/publicsquare or by phone at (603) 669-3100, Ext. 110.
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The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic Church of New Hampshire, serving the needs of more than 300,000 Catholics. For more information, please visit www.catholicnh.org
.

Announcement: Fr. Paul F. Ruzzo Called to His Rest
On November 23, 2009, the Reverend Paul F. Ruzzo was called to his rest and to the glory of the
Resurrection promised by the Lord. He was 53 years old.
Father Ruzzo was born on September 7, 1956 in Dorchester, Massachusetts and was ordained a priest on April 30, 1983 by the Most Reverend Odore J. Gendron, seventh Bishop of Manchester, at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester. Father Ruzzo studied at Saint John Seminary College,
Brighton, MA, Mount Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Oregon and then completed his ecclesiastical studies at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, New York.
Father Ruzzo was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Paul Parish in Franklin in June, 1983 and then as associate pastor of Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish in Manchester in October, 1986. In
January, 2002, He served as associate pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Dover.
In June, 1990, Bishop Odore J. Gendron appointed Father Ruzzo as pastor of Saint Francis of
Assisi Parish in Litchfield. In July, 2005, Bishop John B. McCormack appointed Father Ruzzo pastor of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Salem and in September, 2008, as pastor of Saint
Patrick Parish in Pelham.
Father Ruzzo had served as chaplain to many Police and Fire Departments. Among them, the
Manchester Fire Department, Hooksett Police Department, Dover Fire Department, Salem Police
Department and the Pelham Fire and Police Departments. He served as chaplain to Manchester
Council #92, Knights of Columbus, State Chaplain to the Catholic War Vets, chaplain at St.
Joseph Regional Junior High School, and served as Regional Director for New England Region of the Federation of Fire Chaplains and Chaplain to the Professional Fire Fighters Association of
New Hampshire.
Father Ruzzo served on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the
Priest Continuing Formation Commission and served as chairman of the Clergy Benefits
Committee. He also served on the Committee for the Liturgy of Welcome for Bishop Leo E. O’
Neil and the Committee for the Service for Papal Honorees in 1990.
On Friday, November 27, 2009, a wake will be held at Saint Patrick Church, Pelham, N.H. At
4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2009 the Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at
Saint Patrick Church in Pelham. Father Ruzzo will lie in state in the church until 8:00 p.m.
Solemn Vespers will be held at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday morning there will be a wake at Saint
Joseph Cathedral in Manchester from 9:00-9:45 a.m. The Most Reverend John B. McCormack,
Bishop of Manchester, will preside at a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Joseph Cathedral, 145
Lowell Street, Manchester on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Rite of
Committal will be celebrated after Mass at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, New Hampshire.
The Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home at 214 Main Street in Salem, New Hampshire has care of the arrangements.

Announcement: Msgr. Colin A. MacDonald Called to His Rest
On December 21, 2009, the Reverend Monsignor Colin A. MacDonald was called to his rest and to the glory of the Resurrection promised by the Lord. He was 89 years old.
Monsignor MacDonald was born on June 21, 1920 in Heatherton, Nova Scotia and was ordained a priest on December 7, 1945 by the Most Reverend Matthew F. Brady, D.D., fifth Bishop of
Manchester, at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester. Monsignor MacDonald studied at Saint
Anselm College, Manchester and then he completed his ecclesiastical studies at St. Mary’s
Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He held an A.B. from St. Anselm College and an S.T.D.
Monsignor MacDonald’s first assignment was as Chaplain at Saint Charles Orphanage,
Rochester in December, 1945. He was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Mary Parish in
Claremont in September, 1946 and then as associate pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in
Littleton in June, 1947. In June, 1950, Monsignor MacDonald was assigned as associate pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Laconia and then in August, 1951 as associate pastor of Saint Joseph
Cathedral Parish in Manchester. In 1951 he also served as Assistant CYO Director and in 1956 he became Diocesan Director of CYO activities. In November, 1960 he resigned as Assistant at the Cathedral to serve as Master of Ceremonies to Bishop Primeau with residence at Saint Joseph
Cathedral. There are three levels of monsignoral titles and on March 17, 1962, Father
MacDonald was given the first rank of Papal Chamberlain. He was later elevated to Domestic
Prelate on December 16, 1966 which translates to Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.
In November, 1966, Bishop Primeau appointed Monsignor MacDonald as pastor of Saint Patrick
Parish in Manchester. He served as Priest Auditor, World Synod of Bishops – one of five diocesan priests nominated – in August 1971. In December, 1971, he was appointed Executive
Director of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee on Priestly Life and
Ministry in Washington, DC. In December, 1972, he resigned his pastorate at Saint Patrick
Parish, Manchester. He became Executive Director, Committee on Priestly life & Ministry,
NCCB in Washington in April, 1974. He retired from active ministry in February, 1988.
Among the many Diocesan and National boards he served were: the Diocesan Board of
Education; the Diocesan Commission on Vocations; Coordinator, Campaign for Funds,
Immaculata High School; Chairman, Communications, Diocesan Synod; Diocesan Liturgical
Commission; Secretary, 6 Month Jubilee (Pope Paul VI); President, Senate of Priests; Diocesan
Consultor; Founding Delegate of N.E. Conference of Priests Senate; Member, Catholic Charities
Board of Trustees; Boston Provincial Delegate, Executive Board, National Federation of Priests
Councils; Founding Vice-President, National Federation of Priests Councils; Charter Member,
NCCB-USCC Advisory Council; Member, Steering Committee for Feasibility Study of National
Pastoral Council in the U.S.; Diocesan Christian Formation Commission; Representative of
NCCB to Meeting of Priests Councils of Europe in Rome; Council of Priests, Manchester East
Deanery for three years beginning in September, 1994. He also served on the Advisory Council,
N.H. State Board of Probation and Chaplain, Manchester Police Department.

On Sunday, December 27, 2009, a wake will be held at Saint Joseph Cathedral from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. The Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish in
Manchester at 2:30 p.m. Monsignor MacDonald will lie in state in the church until 4:30 p.m., concluding with Solemn Vespers. The Most Reverend John B. McCormack, Bishop of
Manchester, will preside at a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Joseph Cathedral on Monday,
December 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be immediately after the Mass at
Saint Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, New Hampshire. The Connor-Healey Funeral Home &
Cremation Center at 537 Union Street, Manchester, New Hampshire has care of the arrangements.