Web Archive

HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE AT SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

2011-09-03T21:49:00.002-04:00

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30^TH AT 6:30 PM

“A special evening dedicated to Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Evening Prayer, and the Rosary.”

Coffee and light refreshments will be served in the Church Hall afterwards

Sponsored by Mass Citizens for Life Haverhill,

Knights of Columbus Council 202

And the Marian Society of Saint John the Baptist Church.

Celebrate the Beatification of Pope John Paul II

2011-09-03T21:42:00.002-04:00

Bishop Minihan Council 202 is hosting a Roast Pork dinner to honor Pope John Paul II beatification. The dinner will be held Saturday, April 30, after the 4:00 PM Mass here at All Saints Parish. Advance tickets can be obtained from Robert Conrad 978-521-9984 or Deacon Thomas Anthony 978-973-0437. Tickets are also available in the Rectory and at the dinner. Cost $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. All are welcome to attend.

Volunteers are needed to help. Please call Bob Conrad at: (978) 521-9984 or Deacon Tom at: (978) 973-0437

From The Deacon

2011-06-13T22:05:00.001-04:00

by Deacon Tom

My Brothers in Christ,

The Easter Season has ended with Pentacost and we have now reentered Ordinary Time. Summer is fast approaching and the Fraternal Year is coming to a close. This past year has been very busy and it is hard to reflect on each and every accomplishment of this council but I can safely say that we have done our fair share of good works and acts of charity. We saw this council participating in a record amount of Blood Drives (four in all) and a record amount of Pro-life events. We marched on the Haverhill Abortion Clinic twice and supported the Haverhill Pregnancy Care Center. Even though we find ourselves in the middle of a deep recession, our gifts of charity and support have not wained. Our commitment to Saint Joseph’s School remains strong. Each month found ourselves doing something new and unique in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to thank you all as we plan on our new Fraternal Year. There are some things I hope we as a council can improve on as we reorganize some key positions. I am reaching out to all council members for your help and guidance in this area. I ask that you attend June’s meeting and cast your vote for the new role of officers. I am also looking for your input in areas of improvement for the council. We are now 137 members strong. We need to always keep our vision and direction fresh and invigorating.

Yours in Christ,
Deacon Tom

Lenten Supper

2011-04-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

Council 202 will be sponsoring Lenten Soup Suppers.

April 8th at All Saints Church

and

April 15th at Saint John the Baptist Church.

All council members are encouraged to participate.

If you wish to help at All Saints Church call Robert Conrad at (978) 521-9984 and if you wish to help at Saint John the Baptist Church call Deacon Tom Anthony at (978) 973-0437

In Memoriam - Wilfred Corr, 79

2011-03-22T17:32:00.001-04:00

Haverhill Eagle Tribune, March 20, 2011
HAVERHILL — Mr. Wilfred "Earl" Corr, 79, of Bradford, died Saturday morning, March 19, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born in Prince Edward Island, Canada, May 27, 1931 son of the late Bennett and Bertha (Smith) Corr.

Earl was educated in Prince Edward Island and was a graduate of Kinkora High School.

After his marriage in 1956, he came to Massachusetts.

He was formerly employed by A.H. Dugrenier, and prior to his retirement worked as a truck driver for over 30 years for Haverhill-Lawrence Trucking, Coles Express, and Yellow Freight. After his retirement, he was employed for 15 years by the Linwood Cemetery.

Earl was a member of Sacred Heart's Church, The Crescent Yacht Club, The Knights of Columbus, The Haverhill Elks Club BPOE 87, The Bradford Athletic Club, and The Lawrence British Club.

His survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lorraine F. (Shea) Corr of Bradford; five children, Earl D. and his wife Connie Corr of Bradford, Ann B. Wholley of Bradford, Linda L. and her husband Dana Fields of Haverhill, Lisa M. Corr of Haverhill and Russell J. Corr of Haverhill; one brother, Maurice and his wife Hazel Corr of Prince Edward Island; sister, Mary and her husband Edward Illott of Prince Edward Island, and sister, Elaine Hughes of Ontario and his seven grandchildren, Sean, Patrick, and Christopher Corr, Christina and Kevin Thibault, Leanne Wholley, Dana Fields and many nieces and nephews.

Annual Basketball Freethrow

2011-02-14T18:57:00.002-05:00

The Basketball Free-Throw was a tremendous success and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved.

February 25^th is the District Free-Throw at Saint Joseph’s School in Haverhill. The champions from Council 202 will be going up against the Ipswich Council. Anyone who would like to volunteer is welcome to come. It should be a wonderful evening.

COUNCIL 202 CHAMPIONS

10 year old boys: Ryan Mitchell

11 year old boys: Stephen Quintal

12 year old boys: Steven Noyes

13 year old boys: Matt Kimball

14 year old boys: Julian Palermo

10 year old girls: Gabrielle Scibilia

12 year old girls: Samantha Lien

13 year old girls: Hannah Crevatis

14 year old girls: Melissa Olsen

$7,000 Donated To Elevator Project For Needy Family

2011-02-08T04:22:00.006-05:00

Robert Conrad, Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Minihan Council 202 of Haverhill, MA assisted a Haverhill family in purchasing and installing a wheel chair elevator lift for their 8 year old child that was born with Dandy Walker Syndrome and Cerebal Palsy. The outside wheel chair lift was necessary since the front and back doors of the house are ten steps to their deck. The land around the house is flat and was not suitable to install a ramp to the five-foot height of the deck. The two photo’s show the outside wheel chair elevator lift raising five feet from the ground to the deck of the house. This elevator has been a God sent during this winter for the family and small childcare helpers in getting the child up to the house doors.

The Knights of Columbus Council 202 of Haverhill, MA voted at their council meeting to pay $7000.00 with grant money from the Massachusetts State Council charity fund. The council sent the $7000.00 check to Elevator Technologies Limited of Burlington, MA for the balance owed on the installation and purchase of a wheel chair elevator lift.

This is the first outside wheel chair lift that the Knights of Columbus have assisted a family in purchasing and installing in the State of MA.

Each year the Bishop Minihan Council 202, participated in the K of C “Tootsie Roll Drive” designed to help God’s Special children – those who are intellectually disability, regardless of age, and children with physical handicap who have not reached their 20th birthday. The tootsie roll funds collected from all state councils go to the K of C Massachusetts State Council charity fund. The State Council collects and distributes approximately $360,000.00 each year from the Tootsie Roll drive. The Bishop Minihan Council 202 is very pleased that the State approved a grant for $7000.00.

The Bishop Minihan Council 202 appreciates the council members who assisted in the Tootsie Roll Drive and the residents of the greater Haverhill community for their generous contributions each year to the Tootsie Roll drive.

Pope John Paul II - Did You Forget Me?

2011-02-07T03:03:00.001-05:00

Council 202 Receives Top Award

2011-02-01T15:57:00.002-05:00

James Farrell, Massachusetts State Council Regional Coordinator, on right presenting the award to Robert J. Conrad, Past Grand Knight on left

Haverhill, MA. – January 20, 2011, Knights of Columbus Bishop Minihan Council 202 in Haverhill received the Knights of Columbus international organization’s distinguished Star Council Award for the fraternal year 2009 -2010.

The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership, promotion of the fraternal insurance program, and accomplishing a minimum of four service-oriented program activities involving Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth Activities. There are over 14000 councils in the Knights of Columbus worldwide and less than 3% of them achieve this distinguished Star Council award.

James Farrell, Massachusetts State Council Regional Coordinator presented the award to Robert J. Conrad, Past Grand Knight and council members on January 20, 2011 in the St. George’s room of All Saints Parish, in Haverhill, MA.

Pictures of Molecular ‘Changes’ in Holy Water?

2011-01-31T16:00:00.000-05:00

American Catholic, Sunday, January 30, 2011 A.D. | Author Tito Edwards

The following shows ‘molecular’ changes in water before and after a blessing of changing it into Holy Water. I found this on the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary Holy Assumption in Stamford, CT website. I posted their original story with edits to make it more legible for our readers. I am not a scientist and am unable to confirm to what degree the accuracy of their post.

[Fellow TAC writer and friend Donald has information that debunks the idea of a 'physical change' in water after being blessed here.]

Here’s water from different sources usually used. Take a close look at the water structure.

During the blessing of Holy Water a great miracle is performed. The Holy Spirit, coming down upon the water, changes its natural properties. It again becomes incorrupt, not spoiling, remaining transparent and fresh for a long time. This Holy Water receives the grace to heal illnesses, to drive away demons and every evil power, to preserve people and their dwellings from danger, to sanctify various objects whether for church or home use.

Here’s crystals of water from the same sources (as shown above) after it was blessed.

Annual Basketball Freethrow

2011-01-25T04:45:00.003-05:00

WHEN: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

TIME : 7:00 PM

PLACE: SAINT JOSEPH’S SCHOOL GYM

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 welcome

Pizza and beverages will be served

This is a qualifier for District, regional and State competitions

For more information, please contact

Deacon Tom Anthony: (978) 973 0437

Mass Citizens for Life

2011-01-04T16:33:00.001-05:00

Mass Citizens for Life

My Brother Knights,

There is an upcoming event that we must support and become involved in.

Through the efforts of one of our parishoners, Leslie Crow, the Massachusetts Citizens for life is organizing a chapter in Haverhill ! ! ! ! ! !

The first organizational meeting is being held at the Haverhill Library Auditorium tuesday, January 4th at 7:00pm.

WE MUST ATTEND THIS EVENT ! ! ! !

This is something that we hold dearly and is central to our beliefs as Catholics.

WE NEED TO GIVE THIS MEETING OUR FULL SUPPORT

Please, I ask that you attend this meeting.

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Tom

Deacons for Life

2011-01-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

Deacons for Life

Holy Hour For Life

On Sunday, January 23rd at 7:00 pm Saint John the Baptist Church will be once again participating in the DEACONS FOR LIFE HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE.

A Special Evening Prayer and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be held simultaneously throughout the Archdiocese in all participating churches, chapels, schools, convents, and affiliated organizations. This will be done to mark the 38th year since the inception of Roe vs. Wade and the travesty against the unborn of this nation.

All are invited to attend.

For more information, please contact Deacon Tom at: (978) 973-0437

Entrance into Ordinary Time

2011-01-01T18:43:00.001-05:00

My Brothers in Christ,

Happy New Year to everyone! With the new year and our entrance into Ordinary Time, we need to reaffirm our commitment to doing the work of God here on this Earth and going forward united in Fraternity to better our own lives through the betterment of those in need around us. The month of January brings us a full agenda with our Semi-Annual Audit, The Basketball Free-throw, The Holy Hour for Life, a commitment to Massachusetts Citizens for Life, and many more events that will further define our council for what it is: an invigorated group of Catholic Men in Communion with the Holy See.

Our council has seen unprecedented growth this past year and I expect it to continue into the future. It is a great feeling when we all gather together to enjoy each others’ company and celebrate our faith while living our lives in the name of Jesus Christ. This is exactly what happened during our Christmas Gathering at the Roma. There were about 40 Brother Knights, spouses, family, and friends who came. It was a wonderful time and the perfect opportunity to relax during a Holiday Season that sometimes brings frustration and stress as we feel ourselves pulled in so many different directions.

As we go forward, I encourage all of you to contact me or any one of our Brother Knights if you wish to get involved in our many planned activities over the course of the next few months.

In closing, I hope you all had a very spiritual and fulfilling Christmas Season. God Bless You All.

Yours in Christ,
Deacon Tom

Holy Hour For Life

2011-01-01T01:34:00.000-05:00

Deacons for Life

"I would like to personally thank all of those who attended the Holy Hour for Life at Saint John the Baptist Church. Over 25 people attended the event as we gathered in Christian Fellowship to pray for an end to abortion and for the preservation of the Sanctity of Life. It is times like these that bring us closer together as we set out to do God's work here on this earth and protect those who are the most vulnerable and helpless in society. You all truely do make a difference."

Yours in Christ

Deacon Tom

Friendship Dinner for Bob Conrad

2010-12-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

Friendship Dinner for

District Deputy Bob Conrad

On Friday, March 27th, Brother Knights from all over the state gathered at the "Roma Restaraunt" in Haverhill Massachusetts for a Friendship Dinner in honor of District Deputy Robert Conrad. ALL STATE OFFICERS were in attendance along with a crowd of over forty people representing various councils, including COUNCIL 202. The evening was splendid as Brother Knight Bob raised money for his Hospitality Suite at the State Convention in May. Bob is campaigning for a State Deligate position to the National Covention. Council 202 made a donation of $200.00 to Bob's effort along with sending five of its members to the dinner.

Donations to Needy Families

2010-12-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

Council 202 donated over $750.00 to needy families in Haverhill for the Christmas season.

Annual Education Award

2010-12-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

Council 202 is proud to announce a $200.00 donation to Saint Joseph's School in 2010 to fund our annual education award for outstanding Catholic youth at the school

Funds Raised For Pro-Life memorial

2010-12-01T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Knights of Columbus Council 202 has raised over $1,200 for it's Pro-Life Memorial Fund. Council 202 will be installing two Pro-Life memorial stones at Saint James Church and the other at Saint John the Baptist Church in Haverhill, Ma

Pro-Life Memorial Fund

2010-12-01T15:39:00.001-05:00

PRO-LIFE Memorial Fund

Knights of Columbus Council 202 is sponsoring a memorial fund in remembrance of those souls whose dignity has been violated through acts of abortion. The first memorial will be placed at St John the Baptist's Parish next to the statue of Mary in the rear of the parking lot. The next one is to be placed at St. James Parish.

Checks are Welcome! Please make payable to K of C c202and please memo check Memorial Fund. You can drop it in the basket at the rear of church or mail to:

K of C c/o Joe Sarcone, 540 East Broadway
Haverhill, MA 01830

Thank You For Your Support

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Has Begun

2010-12-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has begun

WHEN: Every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM

WHERE: Saint John the Baptist Church

Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be held followed by evening Prayer. this is a unique opprotunity for all of us to gather in Christian Brother and Sisterhood to spend time with our Lord Jesus Christ

This ministry was initiated by your Grand Knight (Deacon Tom Anthony) and he now asks for your prayers and support for it's success.

Come gather with us. Come to the Water . . . . .

From your Grand Knight Thomas Alexander Anthony

We Vote Pro-Life

2010-12-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Knights of Columbus Council 202 and the parishoners of Saint John the Baptist Church participated in the Walk for Life to support the Pregnancy Care Center of Merrimack Valley. The Pregnancy Care Center offers valuable services to pregnant women in crisis or in need of support

Pro-Life Memorial Information

2010-12-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

PRO-LIFE NIGHT AT

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!!!!!

This was the second in a series of Pro-Life Nights at All Saints Church and Saint John the Baptist. At Saint John the Baptist, 12 members of the 2009 Confirmation Class were in attendance along with about 16 other people for a total of 28. The movie "Bella" was shown and a good time in Christian Community for a good cause was had. To date, almost $400.00 was raised for the Pregnancy Care Center of Haverhill before expenses.

2010-12-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

St John Welcomes Fr Murray

2010-12-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Reflections on St John The Baptist Church

by Deacon Tom

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Father Robert Murray as our new pastor here at Saint John the Baptist Church. I have known Father Murray for several years now and have witnessed his dedication shepherding Saint James Church. Now, we have the opportunity to have him guide us in the same direction. Being a pastor of two churches is no easy task and Father Murray must be commended for accepting this assignment.

The Holy Spirit does indeed continue to move through this parish. I have been blessed to witness so many acts of selflessness and faith. As we move forward with our 55^th Anniversary Celebrations, we now have more causation for celebration. We have gone full circle in a particular way. We are indeed the Mission Church of Saint James and share a common brotherhood and sisterhood with the parishioners there. Now, we share the same pastor; a proven leader and holy priest who lives his life in the service of the Church. We are further blessed with the presence of Father Paul until September when we will be assigned a Parochial Vicar.

Saint John the Baptist continues to strengthen and grow. This week, we begin our second year of Vacation Bible School. As of this date, we have over forty children who signed up. This is a wonderful ministry led by our Religious Education Director Renee Barrick and our very own Secretary Diane Forte. One year ago they had a vision that they brought to life through Vacation Bible School and the results speak for themselves. With an energetic staff who will be recognized next week, this ministry has taken on a life of its own.

These events that I mention bring the Scripture Readings this Sunday to life. When our thoughts and actions are oriented towards Christ, what we do and say come to life, life within the Christian Family is celebrated, and the Love of God is spread throughout the community. This proves there is more to this world than what is in front of us: the Love of God always prevails. When we are able to take a step back and see the true gifts that God has given us: family, friends, this parish, and an overpowering love for each other, that which is of the greatest value shines forth ever so brightly.

When we focus on the riches and allures of the physical world, we are always left empty and disappointed. When we focus on Christ, everything becomes perfect. This perfection is sometimes hidden for a great deal of time but it slowly reveals itself. The Holy Spirit guides us on this journey and our thoughts are put into action. What happens then is eternally beautiful.

So much has been said, seen, and experienced. And there is so much more to do. And we do it together, in this community, in this church.

St Andrews Dinner at St John's

2010-10-20T01:36:00.000-04:00

Saint John the Baptist Church held a Saint Andrew's Dinner October 20th, 2010 for men from middle-school to adulthood. Parents and friends were also invited to attend. His Eminence Cardinal Sean O’Malley attended. The evening began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer followed by a full-course dinner in the parish hall. Cardinal Sean spoke along with seminarians from Saint John’s Seminary and Blessed Pope John the 23rd Seminary.

Blood Drive

2010-07-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Brother Knights who helped make the First Annual Saint James Cookout a resounding success at Saint james Church july 17th. Over 75 people attended. We also sponsored a Blod Drive at Saint james school which collected over 26 pints of nuch needed blood. Thank one and all ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Trivia Night

2010-05-01T16:39:00.000-04:00

Trivia Night at St John the Baptist Church

A Resounding Success

The competition was fierce. The mood was fun. The christian Fellowship was second to none!!!!!

The First Annual Trivia Night at Saint John the Baptist Church brought together about forty people divided into seven teams. Each team was named after a particular saint. All participants were asked to bring a snack. In all, there were about 150 questions asked. The team that won with a suprprising "COME FROM BEHIND VICTORY" was TEAM SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS. A plaque will be awarded with the names of all team members on it and it will be hung in the back of the church.

All funds raised were to be used for the repair of the rectory garage which the Knight of Columbus Council 202 has pledged to fix. The event rasied about $220.00, enough for the repairs needed.

Council 202 Saves St John's Parish over $2,700 in Garage Repairs

2009-09-01T18:02:00.003-04:00

The Bishop Minihan Council 202 repaired the garage at St. John the Baptist Parish in Haverhill, MA last September 2009. Seven council members participated in the project for a total of 113 hours. The garage required replacing 24 feet of building sill, 50 feet of T- 111 on the bottom, scrape the building, repair the garage door and paint the building. The council spent a little over $300.00 and received over $400.00 in donations. The total cost if done by a contractor would have cost at least $3036.00 and the council saved the parish approximately $2723.00. The council raised $200.00 of the council’s cost by conducting a Religious Trivial night at St. John the Baptist Parish.

Beautification of Cardinal Newma

2009-05-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

More . . .

Pembrook Deacon's Healing Could Lead

to the Beautification of Cardinal Newma

Embrio Bank

2009-04-25T16:40:00.002-04:00

Brave New World?

Storm over embryo bank which could

be used as a body repair kit.

More . . .

Our Faith Under Assault!!!!!

Are We Too Compliant?

Georgetown says it covered the name of Jesus to comply

with a White House request

Washington D.C., Apr 16, 2009 / 05:15 pm (CNA).- Georgetown University’s decision to comply with a White House request to cover up the “IHS” monogram representing Jesus' name at President Obama’s speech on Wednesday is drawing fire from the Cardinal Newman Society and Georgetown students, who are charging the university with “sacrificing” its “Catholic and Jesuit identity.”

Reports surfaced today from attendees at President Obama's speech on the economy that the White House asked Georgetown University to cover up several emblems, including an IHS monogram above the president's head during his speech at the Jesuit university.
Although President Obama focused his speech on his administration’s plans to spur economic growth, some in attendance noticed that the IHS monogram—an early 3rd century abbreviation for the name of Jesus—was covered up for the speech.
CNA attempted to confirm the report with Georgetown officials, but no one available for comment before press time.
However, Julie Green Bataille, associate vice president for communications at the university, told CNSNews.com that the covering up of Jesus' name was prompted by “logistical arrangements for yesterday’s event.” According to Bataille, “Georgetown honored the White House staff’s request to cover all of the Georgetown University signage and symbols behind Gaston Hall stage.”
She said the “signage and symbols” were covered up because “the pipe and drape wasn’t high enough by itself to fully cover the IHS and cross” and that it seemed more “respectful to have them covered” so that viewers wouldn’t see them “out of context.”
Patrick Reilly, the President of the Cardinal Newman Society, reacted to the report by telling CNA that Georgetown’s decision is another “outrageous example of a Catholic university sacrificing principle for prestige.”
He wondered what the White House will request next month at Notre Dame’s commencement and said, “Christians simply cannot hide our faith in a drawer to satisfy an American president who shows no respect for Catholic identity or values.”

Georgetown students were also outraged by the University’s actions.
Paul Courtney, a Catholic Georgetown student and President of the Georgetown College Republicans, was an attendee at the Wednesday speech. He called the move “disheartening” and “sad” that the University would sacrifice its “Catholic and Jesuit identity” by covering the monogram.
Courtney didn’t notice that the symbol was covered, and explained that “one of my professors pointed it out to me afterwards when we were discussing the event.”
Courtney hypothesized that the White House made the request because, “President Obama didn't want any symbols to appear in the photo that might suggest that there's any higher authority than him.”
Last year, then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke at Georgetown and “none of the stage was shrouded,” added Courtney.
CNA attempted to reach Georgetown’s College Democrats for comment, but they were also not available in time for publication.
Another Catholic student, Dave Gregory, who heads the Knights of Columbus council at Georgetown, said the University has covered up religious imagery for “High Holy Days and non-Catholic religious services” on the “infrequent occasion” that the services are held in Gaston Hall, the site of Obama’s speech.
Gregory told CNA that President Obama's visit was “by no means contingent upon the covering of the IHS,” saying that he strongly doubted that “Obama's staff would have canceled the event.”
Georgetown’s decision to cover up the symbol did not surprise Gregory either, who said he thought it is “a bit shameful that they did so, as Georgetown has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”
Gregory said he believes that the White House and Georgetown’s administration are just trying to “produce excuses and rationalize their inappropriate decision,” and that he would not be surprised if there is more to the matter than is being shared with the media.