December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent Readings on p. 1002

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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: December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent 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 Spencer Schuyler, Director Merle Vahlkamp 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 More information about our parish can be found at: A Homily on the Jubilee Year of Mercy by Pope Francis Pope Francis Opens Holy Door in John Lateran Basilica Pope Francis on Sunday, December 13, 2016, opened the Holy Door for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which officially began last week. The Pope opened the Holy Door in the Basilica before celebrating Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. The Year of Mercy started on December 8 th on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and will conclude November 20, 2016 on the Feast of Christ the King. Below find Vatican Radio s translation of Pope Francis homily: The invitation extended by the Prophet to the ancient city of Jerusalem is also addressed today to the whole Church and each one of us: Rejoice exalt! (Zephaniah 3:14). The reason for joy is expressed with words that inspire hope, and which can look to the future with serenity. The Lord has annulled every condemnation and chose to live among us. This third Sunday of Advent draws our gaze towards Christmas, which is now close. We cannot let ourselves be taken in by fatigue; sadness in any form is not allowed, even though we have reason to be, with many concerns and to the many forms of violence which hurt our humanity. The coming of the Lord, however, must fill our hearts with joy. The prophet Zephaniah, in whose very name is inscribed the content of this announcement, opens our hearts to trust: "God protects" His people. In a historical context of great abuse and violence, especially by men of power, God knows that He will reign over his people, who would never leave them at the mercy of the arrogance of their leaders, and will free them from all anxiety. Today, we are asked not to let our hands grow weak because of doubt, impatience or suffering. The Apostle Paul takes with force the teaching of the prophet Zephaniah and reiterates: The Lord is near (Phil 4,5). Because of this we should rejoice always, and with our affability give all witness of closeness and care that God has for each person. We have opened the Holy Door, here and in all the cathedrals of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. It begins a time of the great forgiveness. It is the Jubilee of Mercy. It is time to rediscover the presence of God and his fatherly tenderness. God does not love rigidity. He is Father; He is tender; everything done with the tenderness of the Father. We too, like the crowds asked John, What do we do? (Lk 3:10). The response of the Baptist was immediate. He invites us to act justly and to look after the needs of those in need. What John demands of his representatives, however, it is what is reflected in the law. We, however, are prompted toward a more radical commitment. Before the Holy Door we are called to cross, we are asked to be instruments of mercy, knowing that we will be judged on this. He who is baptized knows he has a greater commitment. Faith in Christ leads to a journey that lasts for a lifetime: to be merciful, like the Father. The joy of crossing through the Door of Mercy is accompanied by a commitment to welcome and witness to a love that goes beyond justice, a love that knows no boundaries. It is from this infinite love that we are responsible, in spite of our contradictions. We pray for us and for all who pass through the Door of Mercy, that we may understand and welcome the infinite love of our Heavenly Father, recreates, transforms and reforms life. 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 KC Tamale Sale after all Masses 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years Room 214 1:00 PM, Baptisms: Narthex MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 9:00 AM, ESL 4 Conversation: Room :30 PM, Rummikub: Room 507 7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 9:00 AM, ESL 1: Room 303 9:00 AM, ESL 4: Room 304 9:30 AM, Quilters: Room 411 9:30 AM 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel 10:00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary: 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, DECEMBER 23 7:00 PM, Adult Choir Practice: Music Room THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00 PM, Mass: Church 4:00 PM, Mass: Family Center 6:00 PM, Mass: Church 6:00 PM, Mass: Family Center 9:00 PM, Mass: Church Midnight Mass: Church FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 9:00 AM, Mass: Church 11:00 AM, Mass: Church SATURDAY. DECEMBER 26 Nursery Closed SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 Nursery Closed The Parish Offices will be closed December 24, 25 and 28 to allow for staff members to spend time with their families. They will reopen Tuesday, December 29 at 8:30 a.m. The staff wishes each of you a joyful and blessed Christmas season. 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. Finance Council Chair Denny Dellinger Pastoral Council Chair Tom McGeehan Knights of Columbus Steve Zoeller, Grand Knight kccouncil9759/default.asp 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 PRAYER LIST FOR THE SICK LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES Saturday, December 19 Vigil-Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:30 PM Enrique Ekoki Sunday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 AM Jonathan Golden 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Miguel A. Quirch, Sr. 5:30 PM Addison Bevis Monday, December 21 Late Advent Weekday 9:00 AM Gloria Hanskala Tuesday, December 22 Late Advent Weekday 9:00 AM Milburn Frerich Wednesday, December 23 Late Advent Weekday 9:00 AM Leo & Kathleen Farnan Thursday, December 24 Vigil-Nativity of the Lord 4:00 PM Bill Webking-Church 4:00 PM Ed Jagielski-Family Center 6:00 PM Gilbert Ruttle-Church 6:00 PM Charles Dinh-Family Center 9:00 PM For the People-Church Midnight Barbara Parker-Church Friday, December 25 Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM Leo & Kathleen Farnan 11:00 AM For the People Saturday, December 26 Vigil-Feast of the Holy Family 5:30 PM Rosaland Tan Sunday, December 27 Feast of the Holy Family 8:00 AM Luciano Danjoy 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Barbara Parker 5:30 PM Ed St. James READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Wednesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Friday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Saturday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52 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, Mary Jagielski, Joan Rushing, Anthony Wiley, Theresa McCluskey, Marie McDougle, Shawn Sell, Eugene Patsko, Roseanne Ramos, Eduardo Solano, Catherine Pixton, Hailey Williams, John Cahoon, Janet Cuccia. 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. Important Reminder: All Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, upon entering the church at any given Mass, please go immediately to the Ministers Room to see if you are needed to serve at Mass. Rosary You are invited to come and pray the rosary every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Please pray for our military men and women. 4

5 Advent & Christmas 2015 Thursday, December 24 Church 4:00 p.m. (Children s Choir) 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m. (Midnight Mass) Family Center 4:00 p.m.* 6:00 p.m.* Friday, December 25 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. December Feast of the Holy Family Regular Sunday masses Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) Thursday, December 31 5:30 p.m.* (Vigil) Friday, January 1, :00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. * No incense will be used at this designated Mass. Hypoallergenic incense will be used at all other Masses. In addition, during the weekends that incense will be used, all of the Masses will have incense except the 8:00 Sunday Mass 5

6 News in the Parish Epiphany is looking for a fulltime maintenance employee to add to our staff. Position includes benefits. Experience is a must! Please resume and references to Craig Shemon at: craig@epiphanycatholic.org Stations of the Cross Beautification Fund This beautiful set of Stations of the Cross is a way to continue to add to the spiritual environment of our worship space. Please pick up a flyer to learn how you can contribute to this fund. Wishing all at Epiphany a Blessed Christmas season filled with new hope. Fr. Jack Community Life The Epiphany Ladies Club invites you to attend our next meeting on January 8 at 9:30 AM in the Family Center. Financial planner, Mike Fitzgerald, will be presenting wealth management tips. Any questions, please contact epiphanyladiesclub@gmail.com. Like Us on Facebook to keep up with all the events. Come join us! Vocations Corner Saturday, January 9, 2016 Carmelite Monastery visit, New Caney, Texas - This event is for young women ages years, who want to know more about the contemplative religious life. Participants will visit the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in New Caney, Texas -10:00 am-1:00 pm, including visiting, mid-day prayer, and lunch. Early registration deadline is January 4, monastery-visit Sponsored by the Vocations Committee Come and See! Our monthly Vocations meeting is Thursday, January 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the large conference room. Join us! Sub-committees are forming! Public Announcement Rite of Candidacy for Lution Hill The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston formally announces that Lution Hill will be admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate on February 20, 2016 at a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why this Aspirant should not be admitted to Candidacy or continue to ordination to the permanent diaconate, please notify Deacon Rob Ward, Director of Formation, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at or via at rob.ward@smseminary.com. Please keep Lution in your prayers as he is called to the Rite of Candidacy. May he always remain faithful to the vocation to which he is called. This announcement is in compliance with Canon 1051:2 of the Code of Canon Law. 6

7 Our Stewardship Stewardship December 12/13 Sunday Offering $67, Immaculate Conception $9, Our Lady of Guadalupe $1, Retirement Fund for Religious $14, St. Vincent de Paul $4, Registered Households 6,787 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. (LUKE 1:44) When you hear the scripture readings and Gospel reading each Sunday, do you leap for joy? If not, don t blame the lecturer or priest, rather look inside yourself. Do you prepare for Mass each week or do you just show up and expect to be entertained? Gifts of Securities Donating stock to support the mission of our parish or the Archdiocese can offer even more tax bene its than writing a check. As stock prices increase, so do the taxes you owe on the long-term capital gain, which are generally charged at a rate of 15 percent. But when you donate publicly traded stock you've owned for more than one year to a quali ied charitable organization such as our parish or the Archdiocese, you enjoy two major tax bene its: You will be exempt from paying capital gains taxes on any increase in value taxes you would pay if you had otherwise sold the securities. You are entitled to a federal income tax deduction based on the current fair market value of the securities, regardless of their original cost. Learn More A tax or legal advisor can provide you with additional information. We would be happy to assist you as well. Simply contact Michael Schillaci from the Archdiocesan Development Department at or mschillaci@archgh.org. How will a new Catholic school benefit our en re parish community? By offering families a choice to provide their children a Catholic educa on, we will build upon our founda on of faith and ensure a strong and enduring Catholic iden ty in our community. That is the mission Jesus taught and commissioned to his church. A Catholic school will foster a spirit of community and enhance the vitality of our parish family. All this will con nue to a ract younger members to the parish and encourage life-long par cipa on in all parish ministries. Can I help? Yes! We are currently recrui ng volunteers to help us with the campaign. If you would like to volunteer please contact the parish office, or contact our campaign director Michael Henkenius at or him at mhenkenius@steiergroup.com. Please pray for Epiphany and for the success of our efforts to make Catholic educa on available to our community. Parish Mission Statement jx, the Catholic Community of Epiphany of the Lord, established in the love of the Father, with faith in Jesus Christ, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, commit ourselves to living the Word of God by sharing all our gifts both spiritual and temporal, for the well being of all people. 7

8 Outreach Ministry Outreach Events in December/January: Standing Meetings: Mon. Epiphany Job Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues. Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. Dec 25th: Christmas Day, Hope everyone has a blessed Christmas Jan 1st: Happy New Years Day See for details. Merry Christmas Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers! Without you, we wouldn t be able to fulfill as many of our community s needs through out the year. We re blessed that you re part of the Epiphany Outreach Family. We wish you all a safe, fun, and peace-filled holiday. Wanted: Job Fair Employers If you are a hiring manager or HR recruiter in an organization looking for top-notch candidates, Epiphany s Job Fair on Thursday, January 28 is where you need to be! Job Fairs held at Epiphany have been recognized throughout Houston as one of the best forums to hire qualified professionals, especially if there s an open position that hasn t been easy to fill. If you are an employer and have open positions in your organization, please send an to outreach@epiphanycatholic.org. In your , include your firm s physical address, phone number, and list of open positions. Hurry - FREE space fills quickly! Starting on January 5, 2016 a new 9 week Walking through Grief session. For more information call the Outreach Office at Resolutions It s that time of year...time to start thinking about what we may want to better in the upcoming year. As you begin this process, be prayerful and reflect on whether any of the volunteer opportunities listed are calling you. Thank you and God Bless! Blood Drives (quarterly assistance needed) Faith Formation for Adults Funeral Aid Ministry (help with receptions) The Gathering Place (second Thursday of the month) Homebound Ministry One Outreach Opportunity (Service Project Opportunities) Prayer Ministry ( or Adoration) Respect for Life St. Vincent de Paul Society (make home visits when available, Monday night volunteering) Second Family Care Team (visit a shut in) Transportation Ministry (drive when available) The Society of St. Vincent de Paul can use you to work, one on one, with individuals who request financial assistance. We visit with individuals, to discern how best to help them in their time of need. If you would like to be part of this personal ministry or to learn more about us contact Schottsie at LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT. BUT, IN MY BUSY LIFE, WHO REALLY IS MY NEIGHBOR AND WHAT DOES MY FAITH SAY I SHOULD DO FOR MY NEIGHBOR? JUSTNEIGHBOR IS A 9 WEEK PROGRAM THAT HELPS TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS THROUGH DVDS, READING, REFLECTION AND PRAYER ON THURSDAY MORNINGS STARTING JANUARY 14, 2016 AT 9:45 AM. More information on or call John at to sign up 8

9 Adult Faith Formation Jubilee Year of Mercy Fourth Sunday of Advent In proclaiming the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis proclaimed his desire that this Holy Year be steeped in mercy, as we disciples go out to every man and woman, bringing the balm of mercy to believers and those far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is already present in our midst! (Misericordiae Vultus, 5). In her visitation of Elizabeth, Mary beautifully presents just such an image. Despite the perils of her pregnancy, not to mention her preoccupations as a young unwed mother, Mary instantly, unselfishly, goes out of herself, hastening far and over dangerous terrain, to bring the balm of God s tender mercy in assistance rendered to her older relative. Since baptism and the Eucharist have made us, in a way, bearers of the living Christ within as Mary was, such selfless going out of ourselves to be of loving service to others in mercy should especially mark our Christmas season this Jubilee Year. Peter Scagnelli, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Papal quotes Copyright 2015, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. Treasures from our Tradition M any of our most treasured traditions link the liturgy of the church with the hearth of the home. The food on the table at certain feasts and fasts helps to extend the mystery into everyday life. Tonight, for example, many families of Italian heritage, especially those with links to the south of Italy, will settle down to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia. It is a command performance for the whole family, as the saying goes: Natale con I tuui, Pasqua conchi vuoi, or Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you wish. Seven different fish, some say one for each day of Mary and Joseph s journey to Bethlehem, others say one for each sacrament, or one for each day of creation, are served. Eel and shrimp, lobster and crab, calamari, pasta with clam sauce, flounder and hake all abound, but most especially baccala, dried salted cod. Why? Many say that it is a way to pay homage to the beasts of the stable who witnessed the holy birth and relinquished their manger to make way for God. Tonight, if someone asks you to pass the shrimp, you ll be able to shed a little light on a menu that is a delicious treasure in our tradition! Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. JUST NEIGHBORS As people of faith - and as U.S. citizens - we are called to help those in need. How can we do this? Just Neighbors provides the tools we need to put our compassion into action. Just Neighbors will: Educate you about poverty Spur you on to greater service to others Empower you as an advocate for neighbors in need Just Neighbors will meet weekly on Thursdays, beginning January 14 and ending on March 10 from 9:45 until 11:30 a.m. in the Outreach Center. For more information: johnkaldy@yahoo.com or call the Outreach Office at

10 Children s Faith Formation Epiphany Youth Ministry Family Advent Session: Again, Thanks to all who joined us for an evening of wrapping the gifts for our Out Reach Angel Tree Project! Your energy is without measure and your generosity is beyond words. THANKS!!! Students currently enrolled in Confirmation will be on retreat January 15-17, 2016 at Lake Tomahawk. Please keep these students in your prayers! Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2016! Faith Formation resumes the week of January 10, 2016! We re taking a break for Christmas! Rejoice Always! Children s Liturgy of the Word after the Advent and Christmas Seasons on January 10, Interested in joining the CLW team contact the Faith Formation Office by ing Beth Harvey at bharvey@epiphanycatholic.org. LIGHT Applications coming soon!!! All the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of one small candle. Anonymous 10