GOD’S PLAN, FULLFILLED

In her wonderful book, Beyond Sunday,becoming a 24/7 Catholic Teresa Tomeo describes the journey to God of Saint Augustine. He was given a Christian educa-tion by his mother and was an extremely intelligent person. However, he strove to find philosophies that matched his intellect that did not involve faith. He lived with a woman, fathered a child out of wedlock. Although he was successful, he was often frustrated by his life choices. His mother prayed for his conversion for 29 years, and eventually he came to know St. Ambrose, whose preaching brought him back to the Church. The rest

is history, as he became a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Most of us have either spent some time questioning our faith, seeking easier

philosophies to live by, or we know of someone on that path. Augustine’s life suggests that we be aware of the following things. First, we need to acknowledge, or help others to see, the times that we feel unsatisfied, ashamed of our behavior, not content with material success. Secondly, we need to pray for others and to have people intentionally praying for us. Let people know when they are in our prayers and ask others to help you in times of need. Finally, we need guides and mentors in life. Sometimes that can be more remote, watching a Bishop Barron YouTube video or listening to a podcast. Usually, it takes interaction, finding someone that we respect to talk with, going on an ACTS retreat or other spiritual event, coming to Awakening Faith or a small group offering, etc. I am sure that Saint Monica must have been frustrated at times that very little seemed to be happening, as were Augustine’s friends. However, God’s plan ultimately was fulfilled. May we see in his life hope for ourselves and the ones that we love.

I have recently provided my personal email to the parish, understanding that some people may wish to contact me, but might not be comfortable wondering who was reading the email before it came to me. I understand that the shift to the POTHE email address was because of scammers. Please be assured that I do not use email to solicit anyone, more to answer questions. Please use common sense and err on the side of caution if you receive an email purportedly from me that is questionable in your mind. We may be surprised at how little we have to say until we can get our - Fr. Phil

WHAT IS IT? GOOD QUESTION!

Catechetical Sunday is on September 15th this year and the theme is ‘STAY WITH US’

For the past 82 years, the Church sets aside the 3rd Sunday of Sep-tember to celebrate the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve as “catechists” - teachers, parents, aides, RCIA mentors, and small group facilitators. Known as Catechetical Sunday, this term is rooted in the Greek word ‘catechesis’ which means “to echo” or “to resound.” Thus, catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world. The ministry of teaching in the name of Christ and the Church has a profound dignity, which is why catechists are formally commissioned at the parish Masses on this weekend. We extend our most heart-felt gratitude for the ministry that all catechists so generously share with our youth and adults. Wow! That’s some community tradition!

2019-20 FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION

Quick Form or Website Registration for Fall Faith Formation

• Find the Parish Leader at a table after mass all weekends in September• Access the 2019-20 Registration Faith Formation Page on our Website • Before or after your Registration scroll down to see all calendar dates

for the year at each church • Call the Faith Formation Team with any questions

P Catechetical Sunday Pastor’s Pondering 2

Knights of ColumbusCouncil #15791

Sunday September 8 Coffee & Pastry Socials following the Sunday Masses.Serving & set-up help appreciated

Many thanks from the Knights of Columbus to the hundreds of parishioners who added their signatures to the People’s Veto initiatives. Thanks also to our Brother Knights and their families for their efforts and commitment to collect signatures over a period of several weeks. Your participation is an important step in renewing the culture of life throughout our state.”

To learn more about the Knights of Columbus Council, please pick up literature at one of the Knights bulletin boards/tables. If you are interested in learning more about our Council here at the POTHE, please contact one of the KOC at your Mass today, or contact Grand Knight Mike Crowley at mfcrowley0129@gmail.

Are you or someone you know being drawn to the Catholic faith?

Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as RCIA — the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process which includes several stages, each one unique, meaningful, and richly grounded in Catholic tradition. RCIA It is a beautiful way to bring inquirers and a community together! Please read below the testimony of Sandra:

My experience of the Catholic Church was mixed before RCIA. Historically, the music and the art the Church speaks to me of the enormous beauty we can create when we reach for God. On the other hand, wars have been fought and power abused in the Church’s name. Closer to home, my paternal grandparents were Catholic, and several great aunts were nuns. The Rosary sustained my grandmother. My father, on the other hand, be-lieves Catholicism is the great “satan”, and he and his two sisters left the Church. My own spiritual journey had taken me on many paths, as a Protestant, a Buddhist, a Sikh, a Native American.

I was attracted to RCIA after Pope John Paul II died. I had been fortunate to be in his presence at close range when he visited Chicago shortly after becoming Pope. Nobody knew then who he was. He stayed at the Cardinal’s residence, a block from my house, and, out of curiosity, I walked my dog across the little park to see him. I was stunned to find myself in the presence of a Holy Man. The light poured off him. We went back for his blessing seven times. At the time of his death, I was glued to CNN for a week. It brought me to my knees for reasons I couldn’t explain. A friend said I belonged in RCIA. The RCIA process was a huge struggle of faith for me because I’d been raised since infancy to believe that the Catholic Church was terrible (and Dad was very vocal on the subject). I also had deep knowledge of the teachings of many other traditions. So the process forced me to re-evaluate almost every aspect of my belief system and identity. In one class, we learned that the Catholic Church defines Original Sin as “separation from God.” It was the best explanation of human experience I’d heard. During Lent, I came to realize that Jesus closed that gap -- that separation. And He did it under amazing circumstances. In today’s terms, He was fired from his job (as Rabbi), publicly humiliated (imagine Jay Leno, David Letterman, the tabloids, and Fox News taking pot shots), stripped naked, and nailed to planks without anesthesia. All the time, He never lost His connection with God -- He closed the gap. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Wow! That role model works for me. Now I realize that I’m part of an unbroken con-nection directly back to Christ. I’m part of a wonderful local community. Best of all, Communion blows my socks off!

You are invited to join us for a parish inquiry eveningheld every 3rd Thursday of the month

beginning on September 19, 2019at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street, Yarmouth

Please contact: Kim Lovett at 553-7042 or kim.lovett@portlanddiocese.org; or

Family Faith Formation; Parish & Diocesan Happenings 3

23rd Sunday in Ordinary TimeOur Liturgical color is: GREEN

THIS WEEK’S THEME: ‘TIME TO WAKE UP!’

SCRIPTURE BACKGROUND: Wisdom 9: 16-18 [Gospel of Luke 14:25-33]

The Old Testament Book of Wisdom was written just 50 years before the birth of Jesus. The author’s name is not known, and he writes in Greek, for Greek-speaking Jews living outside of the Jewish homeland. At times the au-thor speaks in the person of Solomon, the wise Hebrew king. This Wisdom book hopes to arouse the people’s sleepy faith by showing how relevant it is in their daily lives.

Luke’s Gospel describes the complete devotion that Jesus expects from his dis-ciples, his followers. How do we respond to his invitation to his “banquet”, to a bountiful life with him? A life with God is a covenant, a promise, an agreement where both sides strive to be faithful. We know God to be faithful. Could we increase our part to be faithful to God?

WE PRAY: ‘God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, wake me up from my sleepy faith, help me to increase ways to be faithful to you. Our Father, who art in heaven...’

WE TALK: ‘In what says am I sometimes “asleep” in my faith? Who is it that helps me wake me up? What can I do stay awake with faith that is alive on a daily and weekly basis?’

WE ACT: Our family will choose one time during this week to read this reflec-tion and follow these 3 steps.

TIP: Remember to access your FREE “Catholic Netflix” through our parish account. Go to pothe.formed.org and you will land on our parish page. Create your family log-in. Enjoy the many amazing resources for all ages. Trust us!!

IGNATIAN PRAYER SERIES FOR WOMEN“Lord, Teach Me To Pray” (LTMTP) is a three-part prayer series, rooted in Ignatian spirituality and designed to help women and men learn how to pray. Fall sessions for women begin the first week of September. Contact Elizabeth at 207-577-4285

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITYTuesdays: September 3rd through October 29th, 6:30-8:30pm at Holy Martyrs IGNATIAN PRAYER SERIES“Spiritual Exercies in Everyday Life” offered by The Ignatian Spirituality Partnership of Maine. This ongoing, 9-month retreat will run from Oct. 2, 2019 through June 2020. This ancient/modern retreat provides a series of tools for exploring scripture, making decisions, growing closer in authentic friendship with Jesus, and finding a greater awareness of God working in our lives. We will meet from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on the first Wednesday of every month

To find out more and apply, please visit www.ig-natianme.org/

Parish & Diocesan Events 4

THANK YOU, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!

FRIENDSHIP HOUSE VOLUNTEERS

The men at Friendship House want to personally thank all of the POTHE volunteers who take time to make delicious meals, desserts and donate household goods for their. In August, parishon-ers made and/or donated the following: baked chicken, a spicy pork dish, zucchini/cheese dish, homemade cake and cookies, 2 gallons of milk, several boxes of cereal, fresh Farmers’ market eggs and veggies, and some toilet paper. The men were very pleased to receive these goods; one urged me to ‘thank the congregation’, so: thank you very much!

And a BIG thank you to Deborah Nicklas for all of her work for Friendship House. To donate to Friendship House please contact Debra Nickless at: 272-0951 or dpnicklas@gmail.com

RITA TANGUAY

A BIG thank you to Rita for supplying beautiful flowers for the altar at St Gregory’s throughout the summer!!

SACRED HEART CHRISTMAS FAIR MTG

First meeting will take place at Sacred Heart on Monday, September 16th, 6:30pm. We need two additional volunteers to be able to run this wonderful Christmas Fair. Please contact Jane Abbott at: 615-5839 to volunteer to help!!

CONNECTED CATHOLICS Sunday, Sept 8th, 1:00pm,Winslow Prk, Freeport General Meeting & Potluck Sunday, Sept 15th, 1:00pm, Buck’s Naked BBQ, Freeport, Dinner Out Friday, Sept 20th, 12:00pm, 20 Inverness Rd, Falmouth, Discussion of Summer Reading ListFor information contact Grace Madden: 878-6459

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Put God first in your marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Sep 14-15, 2019 in Med-way, MA and Oct 18-20, 2019 in LACONIA, NH. For more information, call Stephen & Michelle O’Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org.

THAT MAN IS YOU! Our parish Men’s Faith Formation Group

We are kicking off another year of TMIY on Saturday, September 14th. Come join us any Saturday morning at Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth from 7:00am - 8:00am for TMIY Year 5 Videos THE FIGHT OF FAITH. F.M.I. or to get registered, please contact Tim Winkeler at timwinkeler@gmail.com or (207) 740-0169 com

Saturday, September 77:45am SH Rosary11:00am SH Funeral - Don Hamalainen1:00pm HM Wedding - Liensdorf / DeSimone3:15pm HM,SH,SG Confessions3:25pm SG Rosary3:30pm HM Rosary4:45pm SH Boy Scouts Ice Cream Social After MassSunday, September 88:00am SJ Choir Practice10:30am SJ SJ Leadership Team Meeting12:00pm SH Baptisms - George Shub, Ethan Hjorth,

Nolan Koperniak5:30pm HM Installation Mass of a New Pastor: Fr. Philip

Tracy for POTHEMonday, September 95:00pm SH Protecting God’s Children6:30pm SG Lord Teach Me to PrayTuesday, September 109:30am HM Centering Prayer (All are welcome!)6:30pm HM Financial Peace UniversityWednesday, September 1111:30am SH Senior Luncheon12:30pm HM Wild Goose (Open Small Group)Thursday, September 12 6:30pm HM Lectio Divina Group6:30pm SH Sacrament Orientation for Parents Friday, September 138:30am SG Adoration (until 12:30pm)Saturday, September 147:45am SH Rosary10:00am SG Little Dresses for Africa

10:00am SH Funeral - Judith Soule1:00pm SH Wedding - Reinhold / Marchessault3:15pm HM,SH,SG Confessions3:25pm SG Rosary3:30pm HM RosarySunday, September 15All Masses - HM, SG, SH, SJ Catechetical Sunday8:00am SJ Choir Practice1:00pm SH Registration/Info for Children’s Choir

Marriage Bans

III Reinhold / Marchessault

ApostolAte of prAyer for priests of the portlAnd dioceseSaturday, 9/7 Rev. Joseph Cahill & Rev. David RaymondSunday, 9/8 All PriestsMonday, 9/9 Rev. Thomas Lee & Rev. Joseph DanielsTuesday, 9/10 Rev. David Affleck & Rev. Robert Levens SJ Wednesday, 9/11 Rev. Andrew OFM & Rev. Augustine Sebasthiyan HGN Thursday, 9/12 Rev. Joseph McKenna & Rev. AndrusFriday, 9/13 Rev. James Roy MM, Msgr. Marc CaronSaturday, 9/14 Our Holy FatherSunday, 9/15 Bishop Robert P. Deeley, JCD

Pray for those who are ill or recovering from surgery… Roena Zink, Ellie Peters, John Lambert, Tom O’Connor, Mary Collins, Cherie Klewicki, Charlie Pinette, David Maurice, Sharyl Webster, Liz Chandler, Dave Toulouse, Happy Copley, John V., Helen Roberge, Bonnie LaChance (wife of Paul LaChance), John Flood, David Smith, Mary Helen Rice, Gretchen Sayward Pray for our seminarians… Matt Valles, Joshua Maloney, Liam Gallagher, Joseph Moreshead, Alex Boucher, Joshua Guillemette, Than Pham, Hoa NguyenLet us continue to keep in our healing prayers… Cindy, wife of Brother Steve Carrier, Brother Gary & Diane Potvin, Cynthia, sister-in-law of Brother Chris Madden, Brother Paul Metevier, Father Ray Picard, Anne Theriault, sister-in-law of Brother George Spino, Laurene, wife of Brother Dennis Dempsey, Brother Manen Clements and wife Pat, Brother Mark Bastey, Michael A. Stone, brother-in-law of Brother Frank Lemanski, Brother Gerald Doucette, Nancy, wife of Brother John Walkenford, Yvonne, wife of Brother Chuck Devine

Mass Schedule & Prayer IntentionsSaturday, September 7 8:15am SH Fr. M Johnny Byrd by A Friend of his Mother 4:00pm HM Fr. T Barbara Mullin by Jack & Betty Mullin4:00pm SH Fr. C Susan Mary Conroy by Tom & Mary Mardas4:00pm SG Fr. M Phillip Allen by Paul & Paula YoungSunday, September 8 8:00am SH Fr. C Dick Barrett by John & Jean Collins8:30am HM Fr. T All POTHE Parishoners8:30am SG Fr. M Anna Carney by The Bagdon Family 9:30am SJ Fr. C Victor Michaud by Bruce & Johnna White10:30am HM Fr. T Special Inention for All Newly Married Couples by Mary Lee DeSimone 11:00am SH Fr. M David Anthony Moran by Wilfred & Wendy Joy 5:30pm HM Fr. T Special Intention for Fr. Phil Tracy for his Installation as Pastor of POTHE by POTHE Parishoners Monday, September 97:30am HM Fr. T Patrick Mullin by Jack & Betty Mullin8:00am SG Fr. M Mr & Mrs Bernard Carroll by Mr & Mrs Valerien LagueuxTuesday, September 108:15am SH Fr. T Gus Galaz by Pat StoreyWednesday, September 117:30am HM Fr. T Martin McGough by a friend of his Mother8:15am SH Fr. M Special Intention for Luke Chapman by his Parents Thursday, September 128:15am SH Fr. M Francis Moriarty by his Parents Friday, September 137:30am HM Fr. T Lucille Morin by Raymond Morin 8:00am SG Fr. K Jason Lyons by Michael & Felicia Lyons Saturday, September 148:15am SH Fr. M Cynthia Wass by Tucker & Michelle Cianchette4:00pm HM Fr. M Jane Noyes by Edward Dilworth, Jr. 4:00pm SH Fr. K Imre Nagy by Philip & Cynthia Gerrard4:00pm SG Fr. T Carol Ballard by Bret & Marie SullivanSunday, September 158:00am SH Fr. K The loney & broken hearted by The Pall Family8:30am HM Fr. M Special Intention for Hazel, Daniel, Douglas, Peter & Ormand Derry by Ronald Hart8:30am SG Fr. T Ruth Hefflefinger by Pat Dunn 9:30am SJ Fr. K John Sargent by Louise Gorman10:30am HM Fr. M John Bonnell by The Bonnell Family 11:00am SH Fr. T All POTHE Parishoners5:30pm HM Fr. M Roger R Roy by Mark & Rene Roy

Parish of the Holy Eucharist Offices (Summer Hours - Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm), 266 Foreside Rd., Falmouth, ME, 04105, 207.847.6890Holy Martyrs Church: 266 Foreside Rd., Falmouth

Sacred Heart Church: 326 Main St., YarmouthSt. Gregory Church: 24 North Raymond Rd., Gray

St. Jude Church: 134 Main St., Freeport

Holy Martyrs Masses & Adoration are streamed live to our website and Facebook Live. Watch Sunday Mass on TV Channel 1303 at 10am & 4pm.Find us online: pothe.org & on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

All staff may be reached by emailing: pothe@portlanddiocese.org or calling the parish office (207.847.6890).(Deacon Dennis’ Summer Office Hours at St. Gregory: Monday & Wednesday: 3pm - 6pm; 4th Tuesdays: 3pm - 6pm)

Bulletin item submissions are due 10 days prior to publication. Submit items to kim.palli@portlanddiocese.org.

Weekend Mass ScheduleSaturday, 4:00pm: Holy Martyrs, Sacred Heart, St. GregorySunday: Holy Martyrs: 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm Sacred Heart: 8:00am, 11:00am St. Gregory: 8:30am; St. Jude: 9:30am

Eucharistic AdorationMondays, 8:00am - 8:00pm at Holy MartyrsFridays, 8:00am - 12:30pm at St. Gregory

We are the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, a Catholic Community called to discipleship, seeking deeper communion with God, each other, and our neighbors by celebrating the Sacraments, sharing God’s word, and serving all in need.

Daily Mass ScheduleHoly Martyrs, 7:30am: Monday, Wednesday, FridaySt. Gregory, 8:00am: Monday, FridaySacred Heart, 8:15am: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Weekly Rosary (on Saturdays)7:45am-Sacred Heart; 3:25pm-St. Gregory; 3:30pm-Holy Martyrs

Confession (on Saturdays or by appointment)3:15pm: Holy Martyrs, Sacred Heart, St. Gregory

Fr. TracyPastor

Fr. Kaseta, OFM Cap Parochial Vicar

Fr. MarquisParochial Vicar

DeaconDennis Popadak

Melissa BagdonBusiness Manager

Georgette DionneFaith Formation Dir.

Kim LovettFaith Formation

Annie IaconoFaith Formation

Jen RungeMusic Ministry Dir.

Kim Palli Communication Director

JOIN A POTHE CHOIR ‘I will lift my voice to sing Your praise!”

Sacred Heart ChoirsSaturday 4pm Women’s Schola once mo. (Oct-May)Sunday, 8am Men’s Schola (Year round)Sunday, 11am SATB Choir (Sept-June)

Holy MartyrsSunday, 10:30am MassSunday, 5:30pm Mass

For more detailed info visit our parish website: pothe.org/music-ministry. To inquire, please contact POTHE Director of Music Ministries, Jen Runge

Saint Gregory ChoirSunday, 8:30am Mass

Saint Jude ChoirSunday, 9:30am Mass

Youth ChoirsGrades 1-teens, parish-wide

ADORATION MINISTRY“Will you come and spend an hour with Me?”

ADORATION DAYS AND SITES: Holy Martyrs, Mon 8:00am to 8:00pm, St Gregory, Fri 8:30am to 12:30 pm

Could you find time on Mondays to become one of our Eucharistic Guardians at Holy Martyrs? Adorers needed for the 10 am, 1 pm and 6 pm hours. Please contact Elizabeth Rosquete at 577-4285, email us at pothe@portlanddiocese.