March 13, 2016 Fifth Sunday of Lent Readings on p. 1030

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1 Epiphany of t he L ord Catholic Community Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 1530 Norwalk Drive Katy, Texas Telephone: Fax: Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Masses: Monday Friday: 9:00 a.m. Saturday (Vigil): 5:30 p.m.* Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m.*, 11:30 a.m.*, 5:30 p.m. *Nursery available Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 5:00 p.m.; or appointment with a priest Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday after 9:00 a.m. Mass until 7:30 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul Society: March 13, 2016 Fifth Sunday of Lent Readings on p

2 PARISH CLERGY Rev. Tom Lam Administrator Rev. Thomas Joseph Parochial Vicar Deacon John Evanoff Pastoral Associate Deacon Don Kish PARISH STAFF Business Manager Craig Shemon Gerry Broussard, Verna Goertz, Dan Stamps, Mary Tran Religious Education LouAnn Svoboda, Director Beth Harvey, Charlotte Fulton, Maria Laiseca Youth Ministry Dave Clark, Director Joey Harvey Music Ministry Christian Mondragon, Director Liturgy Ministry Dominick Aquila, Director Outreach Ministry Schottsie Hill, Director Lisa Gilkeson Facilities Manager Kirk Harris Young Kim, Karim Valdez COMMUNITY LIFE Nursery Coordinator: Anne Salazar Bingo: Friday at 7:30 p.m Welcome Newcomers If you would like more information on our Parish Community, please visit A Reflection by Pope Francis I n Chapter 15 of Luke s Gospel, we find three parables of mercy: that of the sheep, that of the coin found, and the great parable of the prodigal son, or rather, the merciful father. It would do us well for each of us to open the Gospel, this Chapter 15 of Luke, and read the three parables. Inside the Lenten itinerary, the Gospel presents to us this last parable of the merciful Father, featuring a father with his two sons. The story makes us understand some features of this father as a man always ready to forgive and to hope against hope. It affects primarily his tolerance before the younger son s decision to leave home: he could resist, knowing that he is still immature, a young boy, or seek some lawyer to not give him his inheritance, still being alive. Instead, he allows him to leave, having predicted some possible risks. God works with us like this: He lets us be free, even to make mistakes, because in creating us, He has given us the great gift of freedom. It is for us to put it to good use. This gift of freedom that God gives us always amazes me! But the separation from his son is only physical; for his father always carries him in his heart; confidently, he awaits his return; he scans the road in the hope of seeing him. And one day he sees him appear in the distance. But this means that this father, every day, climbed on the roof to see if his son came back! Then he is moved to see him, he runs toward him, embraces him, kisses him. How much tenderness! And this son had made big errors! But the father welcomes him so. The same attitude the father also reserves for the eldest son, who has remained at home, and is now indignant and protests because he does not understand and does not share in all that goodwill toward his brother that had wronged. The father comes out also to meet this child and reminds him that they were always together, they share everything, but you have to accept with joy your brother who has finally returned home. And this makes me think of something: When one feels they are a sinner, they feel like they are nothing, as I ve heard someone say: Father, I am a little piece of dirt, and therefore, this is the moment to go to the Father. Instead, when one feels righteous I always did the right thing, equally, the Father comes to seek us, because this attitude of feeling right, is evil: it is pride. It comes from the devil. The Father waits for those that recognize themselves sinners and goes to search those who feel themselves right. This is our Father! In this parable, you can also take a glimpse at a third child. A third child? Where? He s hidden! And it is, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave. This Son-Servant is Jesus! He is the extension of the arms and heart of the Father: He welcomed the prodigal Son and washed his dirty feet; He has prepared the feast for the feast of forgiveness. He, Jesus, teaches us to be merciful as the Father. The figure of the Father in the parable reveals the heart of God. He is the Merciful Father who, in Jesus, loves us beyond all measure, always awaits our conversion every time we wrong; He awaits our return when we turn away from him thinking, we can do without Him; He is always willing to open up His arms no matter what happened. As the Father of the Gospel, God also continues to consider them His children, even when they are lost, and comes to us with tenderness when we return to Him. He speaks to us so kindly when we believe we are right. The errors we commit, even if large, do not scratch away the fidelity of his love. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can always start out afresh: He welcomes us, gives us the dignity of being His children and tells us: Go ahead! Be at peace! Get up, go ahead! For more reflections by Pope Francis visit the new section of our parish webpage dedicated to Pope Francis Press Release: 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week SUNDAY, MARCH 13 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years: Room 214 MONDAY, MARCH 14 9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: Rm.301 1:00 PM, Rummikub: Outreach Center 7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room TUESDAY, MARCH 15 9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303 9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: 304 9:30 AM 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel 9:30 AM, Quilters: Room :00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary for Respect Life: Chapel 1:00 PM, ESL 2: Room 301 4:00 PM, Holy Hour Rosary for Vocations: Chapel 7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel 7:30 PM, Evening Prayer: Chapel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 301 9:00 AM, ESL 3: Room 308 THURSDAY, MARCH 17 9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303 9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: 304 9:30 AM, ESL 4: Room :30 PM, ELC Knitting Group: 304 7:00 PM, Pastoral Council: Main Conference Room 7:00 PM, Line Dancing: Family Center FRIDAY, MARCH 18 11:30 AM, Forever Young: Family Center 5:30 PM, Lenten Fish Fry: Rec Room 7:00 PM, Stations of the Cross: Chapel 7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center SATURDAY. MARCH 19 5:30 PM, Nursery: 0-5 years: Rm. 214 SUNDAY, MARCH 20 COFFEE & DONUTS 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years: Room 214 Baptisms Please contact parish office for preparation classes. Baptism Session for Parents 2 nd Saturday of February, May, August, November 10:00 AM Noon To register call LouAnn Svoboda ( ) Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) For information call LouAnn Svoboda ( ) Sacrament of Marriage Must be a registered, active member of the parish at least six months. Contact parish office eight months before wedding to begin preparation. Parish Devotions Tuesdays Eucharistic Adoration 9:30 am 7:00 pm Pro-Life Rosary 10:00 am Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:00 pm Vocation Rosary 4:00 pm Evening Prayer & Rosary 7:00 Fridays Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm Finance Council Chair Denny Dellinger Pastoral Council Chair Tom McGeehan Knights of Columbus Steve Zoeller, Grand Knight St. Vincent de Paul Society Cynthia Viator Ladies Club Joan McManamy Forever Young Barbara Hajjar, Clare Snow Bulletin Deadline The deadline for article submission is Thursday at noon (ten days before publication). Your article can be sent to gerry@epiphanycatholic.org. Check our website for Liturgical & Faith Formation Schedules. epiphany@epiphanycatholic.org Child s Play Learning Center, Alyce Gabrysch, Director, ; Fax; childsplaykaty.com 3

4 Liturgy & Prayer LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES Saturday, March 12 Vigil-Fifth Sunday of Lent 5:30 PM Patti Paetow Sunday, March 13 Fifth Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Anne Ausmus 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Gerard Fromm 5:30 PM Emil Schaider Monday, March 14 Lenten Weekday 9:00 AM Gilbert Rios Tuesday, March 15 Lenten Weekday 9:00 AM Jason Langberg Wednesday, March 16 Lenten Weekday 9:00 AM Anthony Mercaldi Thursday, March 17 Lenten Weekday 9:00 AM Bernard Worthington Friday, March 18 Lenten Weekday 9:00 AM Charles Watts Saturday, March 19 Vigil-Palm Sunday 5:30 PM Sam Mercaldi Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday 8:00 AM Jerry Dinkins 9:45 AM Suong Lam 11:30 AM For the People 5:30 PM Anita & Raymond Beard READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 (or Jn 8:1-11 if Year A readings were used on Sunday) Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Sunday: Lk 19:28-40 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14 23:56 [23:1-49] Through the waters of Baptism the following infants now have begun their journey of faith in the Christian Community: Maddox Christopher Box, Laila Faith Dean, Carter David Garcia, Lucas Andres Garcia, Juan Jose Gil, Levy Christopher Jerrels, Kgaugelo Thabiso Khaba Manthata, Reed Edward Marble, Amelia Elizabeth Mendez, Farrah Adaeze Obinwugo, Gracie Scott Viktorin. PRAYER LIST FOR THE SICK Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers this week as we wish them a return to good health: Jason Sides, Andrew Bencivengo, Jackie Alfonso, Madison Schenk, Michael Matt Patrick Ryan, Theresa McCluskey, John Cahoon, Daniel Kristek, Janet Cuccia, Robert Davidson, Brenda Schmitt, Haley Williams, Emedes Contreras, Caroline Montello, Rhonda Janak. To make a request for someone to be on our prayer list, please call the parish office at Your loved one s name will appear on our prayer list for six consecutive Sundays. If a longer period of time is needed, please call the parish office to renew your request. Beginning their life of love together Jacquelyn Sugianto & Tyler Zellers We offer our prayers and extend our joy and support to them. Please pray for our military men and women. Rosary You are invited to come and pray the rosary every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. 4

5 Our Stewardship Stewardship March 5/6 Sunday Offering $42, Catholic Relief Services $8, St. Vincent de Paul $5, Registered Households 6,789 For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8) The first commandment says that we shall not put other gods before the Lord. Detaching ourselves from material possessions and considering them rubbish does just that. It strengthens our relationship with Jesus and allows us to live more freely and joyfully. HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER 2016 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND If you have not already offered your pledge in this year s Diocesan Services Fund, please do so today. DSF 2016 is focused on His Mercy Endures Forever, in which your gifts will benefit the Archdiocesan ministries that serve thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Through your generous support of DSF, we bring Christ s comfort and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. Our parish goal for 2016 is $398,000. With every parish family s full participation, we will surely exceed this amount and do our share to help so many in need, advancing the work of the church in our community. To give online, please visit For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude. Campaign Update - $2,753,995 in pledges received (As of March 4) Thank you to the families who have generously pledged $2,753,995 to Epiphany s campaign for our new Catholic school. This amount has been pledged by less than 170 families. For more information about the campaign go to The web site can also be found on the parish web site s home page. Why We re Supporting the Faith in our Future Investing in Catholic Education Campaign We believe building a Catholic school here at Epiphany is important in two main ways. First, it is an investment in the future generations of children. A Catholic school will provide an educational environment that nurtures both academics and Christian faith. Secondly, it promotes and unites our parish community. The future of our faith is in our children. A Catholic school at Epiphany of the Lord will provide families an alternative choice to public school should they wish to provide a Christian faithbased education to their children. Please consider making your own investment in the future of our children and our Catholic faith. Sue & Noel Rando, Parishioners since 1993 Epiphany of the Lord would like to let you know that JS Paluch is currently working on our Church Bulletin. If you would like to advertise your business in the Church Bulletin please contact: Donnie Taylor, Advertising Sales Executive, for JS Paluch Company at or taylord@jspaluch.com 5

6 News in the Parish We welcome into our community: Brian & Monica Box, Daniel & Thaisla Courtney, Chris & Christina Garcia, Huyen Nguyen. Vocations Corner Discover the Road Less Traveled- 6:30-9:00 pm- Thursdays- Apr. 14 May 12- Come and join other young men ages 18 and older discerning the priesthood and religious life. Meets every second Thursday at St. Mary s Seminary. Join priests and seminarians for fellowship, prayer, music, dinner, and talks about discernment for the priesthood and religious life Memorial Dr., Houston, TX Women Seeking the Road Less Traveled- 6:30-9:00 pm Thursdays- Apr. 14, May 12- A monthly discernment gathering for women ages 18 and older who are discerning a vocation to religious life. Meet in different convents around the Archdiocese, every second Thursday of the month from September to May. Program includes supper, a brief presentation and time for sharing, followed by prayer. Sisters from several religious orders who live and minister in the Archdiocese will be present. Information on sites, registration and video program in available at Community Life FOREVER YOUNG invites you to join us in the Family Center on Friday, March 18th at 11:30 a.m. for a covered dish luncheon. At this time we will be collecting $10 per person for a catered lunch from Red River BBQ in April. Waley Pat Gavin " the Singing Cowboy " will be back to entertain us. All senior members of the parish are invited to join. For information please call the parish office at The Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus have fired up the fryers for their famous fish dinners. This year s menu includes fried and baked fish, fried, boiled, and spicy shrimp, mac and cheese, pizza, onion rings, and hush puppies. We are bringing back two of our new items from last year; fish tacos and the 10 piece spicy nugget appetizer. This year s proceeds will be benefiting Katy area charities, Seminarian and youth scholarships, Epiphany school project and the Epiphany youth New Mexico trip. We would like to thank all the folks that have shown up to the dinners and we would like to invite anybody who has not had a chance to come by to give us a try. This week we are offering all first timers 1 dollar off the meal. Just tell the cashiers you are a first timer and get your dollar off. This offer is good for March 18th. We start serving dinner at 5:30 p.m. and promise to get you out in time for Stations of the Cross which start at 7:00 pm. We will be serving until 7:30 and once again you can dine in at the PAC center or drive-thru at the west end of the PAC center. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to cooking for you and your family. This will be our last fish fry. Thank you for your support. FLOWERING The flower does not bear the root, but the root the flower... The rose is merely the evidence of the vitality of the root. Woodrow Wilson Epiphany Ladies Club invites you to attend our meeting on April 8 at 9:30 AM in the Family Center. Members of the Harris County s Constable Office will present a talk on women s safety. Please come join us! Any questions, please contact epiphanyladiesclub@gmail.com. Like Us on Facebook to keep up with all the fun. 6

7 HOLY WEEK Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Regular Mass Schedule March 24 Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord s Supper Night Watch until 11:30 p.m. March 25 Good Friday 3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service March 26 Easter Vigil No reconciliation at 4:00 p.m. NO 5:30 p.m. Mass 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Sunday, March 27 Easter Sunday Masses in the Church 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Masses in the Family Center 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. NO 5:30 p.m. Mass 7

8 Outreach Ministry Outreach Events in March: Standing Meetings: Mon. Epiphany Job Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues. Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. 22nd: Second Family meeting 25th: Good Friday 27th: Easter Sunday 29th: Respect Life meeting See for details. Bo s Place Volunteer twice a month with spring training for Volunteers on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1. Registration required, please call Carla Bagalay at or carla@bosplace.org. Angel Gowns by Diane Donations of wedding dresses and other formals are lovingly disassembled by volunteers and are redesigned as beautiful gowns and wraps for precious newborn babies to help their grieving families. Web Site: KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Community Garden: Maintenance (yard work), Harvesting and Planting Administration: Receptionist, Data Input, Fundraising Assistant. Call: info@ktcm.org Year of Mercy The Church is or should go back to being a community of God's people, and priests, pastors and bishops, who have the care of souls, are at the service of the people of God...Pope Francis Know of an elderly person who could use a friend? You ve found one! Second Family is a team comprised of individuals who have a one-on-one relationship with an elderly, ill, or disabled person, and they have fantastic volunteers who are awaiting to befriend a CarePartner. If you know of someone who could benefit, please call Outreach at Showing Appreciation for our Troops, send a letter We invite individuals and families to write cards, letters, and prayer messages of appreciation for our military, past and present. It is our goal to see that our military active, reserve, and veterans receive these messages, whether they are serving at home, abroad, or are injured in hospitals. See the Church Web Site for the guidelines and drop them off at the Outreach Center for delivery. 8

9 Adult Faith Formation CALLED TO BE MOM will not meet on March 16. Enjoy Spring Break! Contact for more information. Tuesday Morning Scripture Study is taking a break. Scripture Study will resume on Tuesday, April 5 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the PAC. Discover the Riches of the Mass in this five-part DVD series featuring Dr. Edward Sri Mondays 7:00-8:30 p.m. April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2 Parish Activity Center, Upstairs Cost is $20/person and includes: workbook and textbook. The deadline for ordering materials is Monday, March 21. Contact or louann@epiphanycatholic.org. Register and pay online at: org.sites.ecatholic.com/biblical-walk-mass Join us to re-ignite your enthusiasm and obtain a deeper understanding for the Mass! PRAY FOR all adults and young people who are preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, in particular those who participate in Epiphany s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and RCIA adapted for children processes. Their photos and/or names are located outside the sacristy. Adult Confirmation Preparation Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults will begin with an on-site day retreat on Saturday, April 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by six Thursday evening classes from 7:00 9:00 p.m. beginning April 7 through May 12. Participants must be at least 18 years old, not presently in high school, baptized Catholic and received first holy Communion, and, if married, marriage must be sacramental in the Catholic Church. Registration closes March 21. An initial interview is required. Contact louann@epiphanycatholic.org or call LouAnn at , ext TV Mass for the Homebound Now on KUBE channel 57 at 10:30 a.m. Cable and Satellite Channels AT&T U-verse channel 57/1057 HD Comcast channel 53/653 HD DirecTV channel 57 Dish TV channel 57 9

10 Children s Faith Formation Operation Rice Bowl: This is a Lenten activity during the Season of Lent. All CFF children received their bowls in class. If your family would like to have one, you may find them in the Family Center or call the Faith Formation Office and we can get one for you. ( ). You may return bowls the week AFTER Easter to CFF to benefit Catholic Relief Services. Visit for more information. Epiphanic is coming! A family picnic to celebrate the close of our Faith Formation year will be held on Sunday, April 24th on the softball field after the 11:30 Mass till 3 P. M. Seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for this wonderful day! Call the Faith Formation Office to get involved. Let s get the whole parish joining in the fun! If you would like to participate by supplying a carnival game, call Beth Harvey to volunteer. ( ). V B S Vacation Bible School will be held June 20-24, Station Leaders Stephanie Brierty at Stephanie.Brierty@gmail.com to claim your station. We follow Jesus, the Light of the World! Registration for VBS will begin on Sunday, April 24 at the Epiphanic! Epiphany Youth Ministry Saturday April 16th from 10-4pm at Holy Family in Missouri City, TX. Teams of 6 students take on other teams from around the Archdiocese! Registration is $25 until March 28th. Registration is $40 after March 29th until April 4th! Sign up online!! 8th Grade Retreat: Soul Wars April 1st-3rd, Forest Glen Camps Registration now available online! Go on 8th Grade Retreat You Must! -Yoda Children s Liturgy of the Word (CLW). CLW will not be held during the Season of Lent. We will return after Easter, April 3. If you are interested in joining our team please call the CFF office ( ). All adult (18+) volunteers working with children must be VIRTUS trained. Steubenville Lone Star Dallas, Texas June 17-19! All High School Students Registration is available online. Please register early as spots are limited! Registration is now $350! 10