You can bury them in your yard so they can be naturalized back in the ground or you can burn them in your yard or fireplace. Alternatively, at both locations there will be receptacles for your last year’s PALMS. Feel free to bring them to church and place them in the receptacles located at the main entrances. They will be used to light the new fire at the Easter Vigil. Any brought after Easter will be buried on the church grounds so they can be naturalized back into the earth.

The Catholic Church in New Hampshire is committed to the safety of children. Many survivors of abuse experience God’s profound love for them, and receive comfort and healing. Click here to learn more.

Saints Mary and Joseph Parish donates Easter treats to the children of Salem School District’s End 68 Hours of Hunger Program. Pictured is Deborah Paine, program director receiving the donation.

Through Baptism on March 3: Cameron Michael Bouchard, Anna Rosalie Cioffi, Charlotte Louise Desrosiers, Annika Marie Siok, Vivienne Elise Siok. May God richly bless you as each of you grow in faith. Through Registrations: Robert & Susan Ricci, Nicholas & Arianne Sangermano & Family, Craig & Julie Parsons & Family, Stephen & Teresa Lagace & Family, Kevin Esposito, Nicole Stuhlmiller.

On the weekend of March 23 & 24 we will begin giving out information after all Masses for families that need to be adopted for Easter meals. The information will include family size and suggestions of items to include in the basket. If you would like to adopt a family and you know you will be away that weekend, you can email Justine Dufour at [email protected] and the family info will be emailed to you. All baskets need to be dropped off at Mary Queen of Peace on Saturday, April 13 between 9 –11am.Thank you for your continued generosity and giving spirit.

Each Wednesday during Lent, we will have Stations of the Cross at noon at St. Joseph Church. A light lunch of soup and bread will follow downstairs in the Family Room.If you would like to lead the prayers one of the weeks, or offer your gift of preparing soup one week, please contact Justine at the office.

This Lent, as they have for four decades, millions of Catholics around the United States will place a colorful cardboard box and calendar in their homes to begin a spiritual journey that changes lives around the world. They will be participating in the 41st year of CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl, a program with an effect that goes far beyond the funds it raises for those who need support and services in communities throughout the United States and overseas. For Catholic families, the “CRS Rice Bowl Effect” begins conversations about Lent and their faith, about the role of charity, and about the many different people who make up our world family. Why not take advantage of that during Lent? When your children see there are no donuts, perhaps your family could make a “donut” contribution to your rice bowl. Have some conversations with your children about other children in the world that have NO food on Sunday, let alone donuts. In fact, 380 million children each day go without proper nourishment. This Lent, let’s look beyond our own needs, and begin to recognize the needs of others in our world.

ASH WEDNESDAY: Is a universal day of FAST observed by all who are 18 to 58 years of age inclusive. One full meal and two much lighter meals with nothing to eat in between meals. Liquids such as water, milk and juices are allowed. Abstinence is observed by all who are 14 years of age and older. No meat is allowed unless required for reasons of health. All FRIDAYS of Lent are days of full abstinence from meat for all who are 14 years of age and older unless prohibited for reasons of health. Fasting, almsgiving and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent that should be taken seriously in a spirit of penance and preparation for baptism and renewal of baptismal promises at Easter.