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News & Updates
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Parish Updates (flocknote)
Click link below for desired parish update
- Oct 12th Update
- Oct 5th Update
- Sep 28th Update
- Sep 21st Update
- Sep 13th Update
- Sep 7th Update
- Aug 31st Update
- Aug 17th Update
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Pope Leo XIV
- First Encyclical Letter: Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)
- First Apostolic Exhortation: Dilexi Te (4 Oct 2025)
- Information sheet
- more articles from Ascension Press
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Feast of St. Francis -Partial Indulgence
In honor of the 800th anniversary of the passing into eternal life of Saint Francis of Assisi, Bishop Libasci imparts a Partial Indulgence for partial remission of temporal punishment due to sin, (different from a Plenary Indulgence’s complete remission of all temporal punishment) for those who visit either the Blessed Sacrament Church (Franciscan church) in Manchester,
or St. Thomas Aquinas Church (Franciscan church) in Derry or St. Francis of Assisi Church in Litchfield on Saturday afternoon/evening October 3 or Sunday morning/afternoon October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis.
Please contact those specially recognized parishes for exact times of their special services which may include Mass, Eucharistic Procession, Blessing of animals and receiving donations of food for the poor.
The usual conditions for receiving the partial Indulgence apply: Confession and reception of Holy Communion, prayers for the Holy Father and an act of charity. -
upcoming events
Next Book Group
In honor of St John Paul II's feast day on Oct 22, we'll be reading St John Paul ll the Great: His Five Lovesby Jason Evert. Two options are Monday mornings at 10:30 discuss per reading schedule below or Monday night, November 23rd, to discuss entire book.- Oct 19: Foreword and; Chapter 1 pages (pgs)
- Oct 26: Chapters 2-3,pages (pgs)
- Nov 2: Chapters 4-5 : pages (pgs)
- Nov 9: Chapters 6-7: pages (pgs)
- Nov 16: Chapters 8-9: pages (pgs)
- Nov 23: Chapters 10-11: pages (pgs)
Basket Raffle
We are excited to announce that in place of the Craft Fair, we will be hosting a Christmas Gift Basket Raffle to raise money for parish needs.
How you can help:
Donate a basket or an item for a basket that we can build. Ideas for baskets include:- Cozy Winter Nights
- Italian Dinner Night
- Family Game Night
- Baking Fun
- Self-Care/Relaxation Holiday Cheer
Buy Raffle tickets for a basket. We will have the baskets available to view at the Harvest Dinner, throughout November, and will pull the winners in December at the Breakfast with St. Nick on December 6. Thank you for your support!Diaper Drive
Birthright of Manchester is holding a diaper drive the weekends of October 17/18 and October 24/25.
They are most in need of diapers sized: 5,6,7.
Birthright is an organization that serves women in crisis pregnancies and their babies. They are grateful for your generosity. -
Ongoing Parish Activities
OCIA
Have you considered becoming Catholic? Would you like to learn more about the Catholic Faith? You are invited to explore OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process used by the Catholic Church to welcome new adult and older child members.
Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm in Room 1, beginning September 30. For more information, please contact Deacon Brian.40 Days for Life
Pray with 40 Days for Life Sept 23-Nov 1 in Manchester: Join a global, peaceful prayer initiative that reaches 71 countries and one million volunteers. Over 26,545 babies have been saved from abortion since 2007 through the peaceful prayer vigils of 40 Days for Life.
Would you like to join the local vigil from September 23-November 1? Volunteers pray outside the abortion clinic on the sidewalk of Pennacook St., Manchester from 7am-7pm, seven days a week. For more information and to sign up for a prayer hour please visit 40DaysForLife.com/manchester or email campaign director Michael at [email protected] Bring a rosary and a heart full of love.Divine Mercy Chaplet
We are starting a new group who will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for individuals that Father Rob has been called to anoint when death is imminent. If you would like to become a part of this group, please click here to join or call Teri at 603-880-4689. Please include your name and cell number (preferred) or email.Grief Share
Grieving the death of a loved one? Join us for 14 sessions, including "Surviving the Holidays."
Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:30pm
Starting September 9
Room 3
For more information, contact Deacon Brian Lester.Adult Faith Studies
Wednesdays at 10:30 am or 6:30 pm
Sep 16th to Nov 11th
This series unveils the beauty and mystery of one of the most beloved of all books in Sacred Scripture. And in the hands of a master teacher like Dr. John Bergsma - two-time winner of the "Best Teacher" award at Franciscan University of Steubenville - this amazing book of the Bible comes alive like never before.
You'll learn all the different kinds of Psalms, the authors, the incredible stories behind many psalms, and see how the Psalms play a major role in salvation history...your salvation history!Thursdays at 6:30 pm orFridays at 10:30 am
September 17th to March 12thNO classes from Thanksgiving to New Year's
Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church is an immersive exploration of the Church’s teachings. Filmed across forty locations in eleven countries, this study brings you to the places where the Faith was explained and clarified by Church councils, the Church doctors, and the saints.Book Group
This September read & discuss Dr. Scott Hahn's book The Lamb's Supper. Two options:- Monday mornings at 10:30am to review parts of book according to schedule below.
- First Monday night in October (Oct 5) at 6:30pm discuss entire book. If you cannot attend in the morning, you can still utilize the schedule below to ensure you are done and ready to discuss entire book on October 5th.
Merrimack Valley Farmers' Market
SJN is now hosting the Merrimack Valley Farmers' Market in the parish parking lot every Thursday afternoon from 3-6pm until the fall. Parish Needs
We have a number of areas in the parish in which we could use some help. If you are able to help us out, please contact Teri in the office.Volunteers are needed for:- Liturgical Ministers
- Coffee & Donuts
- Substitute RN’s for Day Away
- Coordinating Social Activities
- First Thursday Adorers
Creation Care
The creation care team is a parish ministry designed to bring light and life to Pope Francis’ encyclical: Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home.Meetings will be the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm.
Next meeting, October 15th (Room 2)
If you are interested in being a member of the creation care team, please contact Mary Beth Raven at [email protected]Young Adults
Meet Thursdays 7-8pm for Bible study
Various other social events each month (e.g. 7pm Aug 6th Pizza Party)
Click here to check out YA webpageMusic Ministry
The Music Ministry program is seeking vocalists and instrumentalists to join our new Youth and Young Adult Music Worship Team. This ministry is designed to use your musical gifts to serve our parish community in a deep and meaningful way. Our primary goal is to connect others with God through worship music. Youth and Young Adults who sing or play an instrument, or both, are strongly encouraged to join us!
We will blend Contemporary Praise and Christian music, as well as select traditional hymns with a fresh new twist. We will sing at our Sunday 6pm Mass. Special events throughout the year will include a Worship Night as well as other opportunities to extend our message to the community. Rehearsal times are Wednesdays at 6pm. For more information, please contact the Director of Music, Artie Carew via emailCursillo
If you have ever lived a Cursillo weekend, we invite you to once a month reunion. Please contact Deacon Brian.
Cursillo a Spanish word meaning "short course". Cursillo in Christianity means short course in Christanity. It is a lay Catholic movement of the Church with its own method to live Christian ideals. To be a Christian in the fullest sense, in the everyday activities of life- with family, in your workplace and community. If you are interested in learning more about the Cursillo movement, please also contact Deacon Brian.Outreach Ministry for the Homebound
SJN is forming a Outreach Program to the Elderly/Homebound of our Parish. Fliers are available in the Narthex containing a Form for those who may be interested in volunteering and another Form for those who may benefit from the Homebound Outreach Program.
Visits will be every other week and will occur in a private home, nursing home, or assisted living facility. Volunteers will/may provide Eucharist, friendly visits and telephone assurance to our clients.
If you are interested in being involved with this Ministry as a Volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Form and return it to the office. If you have a family member or are aware of a fellow parishioner who would benefit from this Outreach Ministry, please complete the Client Intake Form and one of our coordinators will contact the individual. Orientation will be scheduled in the near future.Parish Council
Have you ever felt the Lord gently nudging you to do more? To serve your parish in a more meaningful way?Right now, we’re looking for new members to join the Parish Council. It’s a small-time commitment, just a few hours a month, but it can have a big impact on our parish family.As a council member, you’ll help plan events like the Harvest Dinner, shape initiatives like the parish survey, and be a voice for our community as we work together to build a vibrant and welcoming parish.If you’re feeling even the slightest tug on your heart, we encourage you to take the next step. Come to a meeting, ask questions, or send an email to the parish council. We would love for you to join us!Check out & like our Saint John Neumann Merrimack Facebook page. Please like this page to stay updated on events and faith-enriching content.
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Local events
- Adore Him:He is Here movie - 7pm at Apple Cinemas Oct 4-8
- Join in on a Call to Prayer in the Public Square. A group will be praying the rosary at the Keyes Granite Stage on Elm Street in Milford on October 10, 2026 at noon. All are welcome!
- Bishop Guertin is looking for additional host families for international students attending BG. They are looking for households who have a spare bedroom and would enjoy welcoming a student into their home. Host families receive a $1,250 monthly stipend and can host for either a semester or a full academic year. For more information, please click here.
- The Parish of the Resurrection is hosting Sips and Stems, part of their "Ladies in Faith" series, on October 8 at 5:30pm. To register, click here.
- St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack is holding a Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 17 from 9am-2pm. All are welcome. For more information, click here.
- Greater Nashua Crop Hunger Walk will take place Sunday, October 18, beginning and ending at Temple Beth Abraham. For more information on how to walk or to support a walker, click here.
- Bishop Guertin Open Houses. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 @ 5:30pm and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 @ 12pm. For more information and to register, click here.
- Immaculate Conception Parish in Nashua is offering “Spectacular Scandinavia with an optional 3-Night Iceland Post Tour Extension” from May 7-21, 2027. For more information, check out the brochure posted in our entryway.
- Join in on a Call to Prayer in the Public Square. A group will be praying the rosary at the Keyes Granite Stage on Elm Street in Milford on October 10, 2026 at noon. All are welcome!
- Bishop Guertin is looking for additional host families for international students attending BG. They are looking for households who have a spare bedroom and would enjoy welcoming a student into their home. Host families receive a $1,250 monthly stipend and can host for either a semester or a full academic year. For more information, please click here.
- The Parish of the Resurrection is hosting Sips and Stems, part of their "Ladies in Faith" series, on October 8 at 5:30pm. To register, click here.
- St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack is holding a Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 17 from 9am-2pm. All are welcome. For more information, click here.
- Greater Nashua Crop Hunger Walk will take place Sunday, October 18, beginning and ending at Temple Beth Abraham. For more information on how to walk or to support a walker, click here.
- Bishop Guertin Open Houses. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 @ 5:30pm and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 @ 12pm. For more information and to register, click here.
- Immaculate Conception Parish in Nashua is offering “Spectacular Scandinavia with an optional 3-Night Iceland Post Tour Extension” from May 7-21, 2027. For more information, check out the brochure posted in our entryway.
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Vatican News
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National Catholic Register
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11 hours agoundefined Pope Leo XIV received the green light from his surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora to make next month's planned apostolic trip to Latin America. ... -
13 hours agoundefined Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after Tuesday's surgery to remove lung cancer. The... -
13 hours agoundefined Pope Leo XIV ordains 32 new priests during a Mass for the ordination of new priests in St. Peter's Basilica on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27,
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ChurchPOP
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yesterday“Some kids were praying, some kids were consoling other kids." -
2 days agoShe proves that true holiness means stepping up to fix what’s broken rather than running away. -
3 days agoFather noted that the Holy Father's love for baseball means a ton to the younger generations, coming to them in a voice they can hear and understand.
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