A Homily by Pope Francis

Transcription

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2 PARISH CLERGY Rev. Tom Lam Administrator Rev. Martins Emeh, J.C.L. Parochial Vicar Deacon John Evanoff Pastoral Associate Deacon Don Kish PARISH STAFF Business Manager Lars Gustafson Administration Gerry Broussard, Misha Gabriel, Dan Stamps, Mary Tran Religious Education LouAnn Svoboda, Director Dave Clark, Charlotte Fulton, Becca Hammock, Maria Laiseca Youth Ministry Joey Harvey, Director Matt Kiernan Parish Life Ministry Dave Clark, Director Music Ministry Christian Mondragon, Director Adrienne Copeland Liturgy Ministry Dominick Aquila, Director Outreach Ministry Schottsie Hill, Director Lisa Gilkeson Facilities Manager Vince DeBonis Christian Cholico, Young Kim, Alex Trejo COMMUNITY LIFE Nursery Coordinator: Anne Salazar Bingo: Friday at 7:30 p.m Welcome Newcomers For more information about our parish please go to our website A Homily by Pope Francis P ope Francis told believers that there is no true humility without humiliation. The Pope was speaking during Mass on Monday (January 29 th ) as he reflected on the first liturgical reading of the day which speaks of the humiliation of King David. Pope Francis said David was indeed a great man: he had overcome Goliath, he had a noble soul because twice he could have killed Saul but he had not done so. But David, he continued, was also a sinner: he had committed the serious sins of adultery and had arranged the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba s husband. And yet, Francis noted, the Church venerates him as a saint" because he let himself be transformed by the Lord, he accepted forgiveness, he repented and recognized himself as a sinner. The First Reading, the Pope said, focuses on the humiliation of David: his son Absalom revolts against him but at that moment David does not think of saving his own skin but of saving his people, the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant. He flees, he explained, and his gesture that appears cowardly is really a courageous one: he wept without ceasing, his head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. Pope Francis noted that the great David is humiliated not only by defeat and by flight, but also by insult. In fact, during his escape, a man named Shimei cursed and threw stones at David telling him that the Lord had requited him and put the kingdom in the hands of his son Absalom. Shimei, the Pope continued, tells David that he is now suffering ruin because he is a murderer" and David lets him continue to curse and insult him saying: Perhaps the Lord will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day. Pope Francis noted that David s ascent up the Mount of Olives is prophetic of Jesus climb up the hill of Calvary to give life: he too was insulted and discarded. This he explained refers precisely to the humility of Jesus: Sometimes we think that humility is to go quietly, perhaps head-down looking at the floor but even pigs walk with their heads down: this is not humility. This is that fake, readyto-wear humility, which neither saves nor guards the heart. We have to be aware that there is no true humility without humiliation, and if you are not able to tolerate, to carry humiliation on your shoulders, you are not truly humble: you pretend you are, but you are not. The Pope pointed out that both David and Jesus burden themselves with sins and said: David is a saint, and Jesus, with the sanctity of God, is really a saint and they are both humiliated. There is always the temptation to counter slander and oppose anything that humiliates us or makes us feel ashamed - like Shimei. But David says No ; the Lord says No, that is not the right path. The path is the one taken by Jesus and prophesied by David: bearing humiliation. Perhaps the Lord will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day : turning humiliation into hope. Pope Francis concluded warning that humility is not justifying oneself immediately in the face of an offense and trying to look good: if you are unable to bear humiliation, you are not humble he warned: this is the golden rule. Let us ask the Lord for the grace of humility, with humiliations. There was a nun who used to say: yes, I am humble, but never humiliated! No, no! There is no humility without humiliation. We are asking for this grace. And if someone is brave just as St. Ignatius teaches us he can even ask the Lord to send humiliations so he can be more like the Lord. 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Food Drive Blood Drive Signup 5th Grade bake sale after morning masses 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 2 5 years; PAC MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 1:00 PM, Rummikub: Outreach Center 6:30 PM, Bereavement Support Group: Den 6:30 PM, KC s Meeting: PAC 7:00 PM, Mary, a Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother: Epiphany Room 7:00 PM, Scout Troop 1146: PAC 7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room 7:00 PM, Handbell Choir: Church TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 9:00 AM, ESL Class: Outreach Center 9:30 AM, Quilters: Room 411 9:40 AM 7:30 PM, Adoration: Chapel 10:00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary for Respect Life: Chapel 10:00 AM, Scripture Study: Den 3:00 PM, Divine Mercy Chaplet: Chapel 4:00 PM, Holy Hour for Vocations: Chapel 4:45 PM, Elementary Faith Formation 4:45 PM, Junior High Faith Formation 7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel 7:00 PM, Scout Troup 1288: PAC 7:00 PM, RCIA: Epiphany Room 7:30 PM, Vespers & Benediction: Chapel WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 10:00 AM, James: Pearls for Wise Living: Den 4:45 PM, Elementary Faith Formation 5:30 PM, Contemporary Music Rehearsal: Church 6:30 PM, Elementary Faith Formation 6:30 PM, Junior High Faith Formation 6:30 PM, High School FF/Confirmation 7:00 PM, Adult Choir Practice: Church 8:05 PM, Young Adult Bible Study: Den THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 9:00 AM, ESL Class: Outreach Center 9:45 AM, Ten Principles of Catholic Social Thought: Den 10:00 AM, Caregiver s Support Group: Outreach Center 10:00 AM, Gathering Place: Family Center 6:30 PM, Spanish Bible Study: PAC 7:00 PM, Home Based Parent/Student Assessment Meeting: Family Center 7:00 PM, Walking through Grief: Outreach 7:00 PM, Line Dancing: Great Room FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 9:30 AM, Ladies Club: Family Center 7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 10:00 AM, Baptism Preparation Class: Family Center 6:30 PM, Blood Drive Signup: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Blood Drive Signup Strake Jesuit Raffle Sale 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 2 5 years; PAC 1:30 PM, Baptism Service: Narthex 3:30 PM, Elementary Faith Formation 3:30 PM, Junior High Faith Formation 7:00 PM, Mission Trip Information Meeting: Great Room 7:00 PM, High School FF/Confirmation Music Ministry Children s Choir The Epiphany Children s Choir is changing its name! We will be renamed St. Cecilia Singers in honor of our musical patroness. The St. Cecilia Singers are recruiting once again students with a passion for singing. The choir is made up of choristers from 4th to 8th grade. Rehearsals are on Wednesday 5:30 p.m. in the Church. If you would like more information about joining the choir see us after the 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. masses or our director, Kathleen Harvey at Kathleen@epiphanycatholic.org 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 C.J. Hattier, Grand Knight St. Vincent de Paul Society Rebel LeBoeuf Ladies Club Sharon Yohe Forever Young Norma Lopez, Mary Davis 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, February 3 Vigil-Fifth Ordinary Sunday 5:30 PM Anna Nguyen Thi Ngoan Sunday, February 4 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 AM Toby Binder 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Chin Lye Lo 5:30 PM Harold Hagen Monday, February 5 St. Agatha 9:00 AM Lorraine Dailey Tuesday, February 6 St. Paul Miki & Companions 9:00 AM Rafael Vides Wednesday, February 7 Weekday 9:00 AM Ava Grace Stone Thursday, February 8 Weekday 9:00 AM Emilia Veloso Friday, February 9 Weekday 9:00 AM Rose Ann Callegari Saturday, February 10 Vigil-Sixth Ordinary Sunday 5:30 PM John Mann Sunday, February 11 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 AM Harold Hagen 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Mariana Simeroth 5:30 PM Marina Jalipa READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Ps 132:6-7, 8-10; Mk 6:53-56 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Ps 84:3-5, 10-11; Mk 7:1-13 Wednesday: 1 Kgs 10:1-10; Ps 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40; Mk 7:14-23 Thursday: 1 Kgs 11:4-13; Ps 106:3-4, 35-37, 40; Mk 7:24-30 Friday: 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; Ps 81:10-11ab, 12-15; Mk 7:31-37 Saturday: 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Ps 106:6-7ab, 19-22; Mk 8:1-10 Sunday: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10:31 11:1; Mk 1:40-45 Please Remember In Prayer Our Deceased Graciela Sanchez, mother of Venola DeBonis ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND ELDERLY: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated on Thursday, February 8 during the 9:00 AM Mass. The Sacrament of Anointing is for the strengthening of those who are ill, or who are aging. We celebrate the sacrament best in the community setting so that we can support you with prayer. 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, Theresa McCluskey, Steve Chambers, Jackie Alfonso, Colette Johnecheck, Marie Chaplinsky, Lauro Garza, Amapola Garza, Mary Laverock, Linda Hudak, Claire Spedale, Michael Onubogu, Patricia Onubogu, Obinna Onubogu, Lola Odedina, Diane Estay, Neil Seidel, Linda Holder, Leonel Rivas, Mike Doa. 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. Attention Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion: If you are currently an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), Deacon John needs your help in bringing Holy Communion to our parishioners who are homebound or in nursing care facilities. Training will be provided. Please contact Deacon John Evanoff at john@epiphanycatholic.org or call the parish office in response to this urgent need. 4

5 Parish Life The Knights of Columbus are having their brisket / sausage sale on Sunday, Feb. 4 th, 8:30am to 1:00pm. Proceeds to benefit: Seminarian Scholarships Youth Scholarships Local Charities serving Katy Our parish pictorial directories are available in the parish office. If your family participated in a photography session, please come by and pick it up during office hours. The Epiphany Ladies Club (ELC) invites you to attend our meeting on Friday, February 9 at 9:30 AM in the Family Center. Deacon John Evanoff will lead our ladies in discussion and reflection for the Lenten season. Come join us. New members are always welcome. Any questions, please contact us at epiphanyladiesclub@gmail.com Did You Know? Created in the image and likeness of God, the origin of all life, men and women are called to be partners with the Creator in transmitting the sacred gift of human life. (Pontifical Council on the Family, The Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions of Population Trends, March 25, 1994, no. 73) The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is a true method of family planning and can be used successfully to achieve or avoid a pregnancy. It also serves as a valuable tool for trained medical professionals who use the woman s charting to evaluate fertility, infertility, and a variety of other gynecologic medical conditions. Please save the date of February 9 th at 6:30pm for an Introductory Session to the Creighton Model FertilityCare System that explains the scientific foundations and provides and overview of the method. Contact cooperfertilitycare@gmail.com to register. 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: J.S. Paluch Company at

6 Our Stewardship INSTRUMENTS OF GOD S MERCY 2018 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Stewardship January 27/28 Sunday Offering $33, Bishops Fund for Latin America $5, St. Vincent de Paul Society $ Registered Households 6,702 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed He told them, Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come. - MARK 1:35, 38 In today s Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to do all that God wishes - healing the sick and preaching. But before He begins, Jesus makes time to be alone with God in prayer. It is through prayer, spending time with God, that we find the strength to do what He wishes us to do. Be sure to find time every day to be with God. Our 2018 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) begins next weekend in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Christ calls us to reach those who are sick or in need, to bless them, serve them, and show them mercy. The thousands of people served by the ministries of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston need your compassion and generosity. Your kind gi to DSF enables us to reach out to people in this parish and throughout the en- re archdiocese through more than 60 important programs. This week, all registered parishioners will receive a le er from Cardinal DiNardo, along with a personalized pledge card, invi ng you to be Instruments of God s Mercy. Pray about your DSF 2018 commitment, then complete the enclosed pledge card and return it via mail in the special envelope provided or bring it to Mass next weekend. If you prefer, you may go online at to make your dona on. Your generosity will allow our Catholic community to con nue many vital programs and services. Our parish goal for this year is $398,000. Faith Direct is our parish s on-line e-giving program. It s easy and convenient. Just enroll and your regular offerings to Epiphany are automatically deducted from your checking account or billed to your credit card. It s secure and easy to use! You can also use Faith Direct for second collections and donations to our new Catholic school. Visit or find their link on Epiphanycatholic.org. Remember Epiphany s parish code is: TX 613 Faith Direct also has a free App for your phone! It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android users. The App allows parishioners to access their account anytime, anywhere! Thank you for your continued support of our parish family! 6

7 Ash Wednesday Schedule Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Masses: 9:00am 5:00pm Noon 7:00pm Lenten Guidelines Ash Wednesday & Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence Lent is a penitential season so religious practices and devotion such as daily Mass, Confession, the Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged. Fasting: On days of fast, those 18 years or older are allowed one full meal. Two other meals sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one s own needs. Those individuals in poor health or over the age of 60 years are dispensed from this obligation. Abstinence: On days of fast and abstinence, those over the age of 14 should abstain from consuming meat. Individuals who are in poor health are dispensed from this obligation. NEEDED: Eucharistic Ministers to serve at the Ash Wednesday Masses. A sign up sheet is on the Epiphany Counter. 7

8 Outreach Ministry Outreach Events in February Regular Meetings: Mon. Epiphany Job Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues. Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. Feb 4: Food Drive Feb 4: Blood drive sign up Feb 5: Bereavement Meeting Feb 8: Catholic Social Thought Class Feb 8: Gathering Place Feb 8: Caregiver Support Group Feb 10: Blood drive sign up Feb 11: Blood drive sign up See for details. BEREAVEMENT MEETING February 5th All those who are grieving the loss of a loved one through death are invited to join us at our next gathering on Monday, February 5th at 6:30 pm in the Den of the PAC. If you cannot attend but want information contact Deacon John at The Gathering Place Thursday, February 8 th Lunch, light exercise, singing, crafts & games, wonderful care for the beloved elderly person you take care of daily...oh, and respite for you - this is what s offered monthly by the Gathering Place! Feel free to bring your loved one that you re caring for to our next event on Thursday, February 8th 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To sign up or for questions, please call Carmen at FOOD DRIVE Today Boy Scouts will be collecting non-perishable food for our Epiphany Food closet. Items can be brought to either parking lot after morning Masses, today. Please place your monetary contributions in the Sunday collection, but please write in food donation on the memo line. If you forgot to bring something, food donations may be dropped off in the loggia food bin anytime. Thank you for your assistance! Caregiver s Support Group February 8 from 10 to 11 In the Outreach Center Are you caring for someone with an illness or disability? Join us as we share the care giving experience, support one another and develop resources to assist you, the caregiver. For more information please call Outreach at BLOOD DRIVE February 18th Sign-up Today at tables outside church or online at If you can, please donate at this Blood Drive. If you will not be here, please donate at another location and remember Epiphany s Donor Group # is We are still in need of a Blood Drive Coordinator! This volunteer will help host a Blood Drive once a quarter here at Epiphany. This is a great way to serve, especially if you work outside of the home. If you are interested please call Schottsie at for information about the ministry. 8

9 Adult Faith Formation INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION A Baptism Preparation Session for parents and godparents will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon in the Family Center. Parents must attend a baptism preparation session before scheduling their child s baptism. Call to register for this preparation session. The next opportunity to attend a baptism class at Epiphany will be on Saturday, May 12, HINDSIGHT God s presence is not discerned at the time when it is upon us, but afterwards, when we look back. John Henry Newman Check It Out! DISCIPLESHIP: TAKING THE WORD TO HEART The National Catholic Bible Conference was held at St. John Vianney in Houston in May, CD s from the speakers presentations are available for check-out at our Reception Desk. Listen to nationally recognized speakers such as Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Dr. Edward Sri as they inspire you to live out your calling as a witness to God s unfailing love for every person in your life. Audio CD s are available for one-week checkout at no cost - only one CD at a time please! Great to listen to while driving! Adult Confirmation Preparation Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults will begin with an on-site day retreat on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by six consecutive Thursday evening classes from 7 9 p.m. beginning April 12 through May 17. Participants must be at least 18 years old, not presently in high school, baptized Catholic and receive first holy Communion, also, if married, marriage must be sacramental in the Catholic Church. Registration closes March 28. An initial interview together with an updated (within 6 months) baptismal record is required. Contact louann@epiphanycatholic.org or call LouAnn at to schedule your interview. TIRELESS DISCIPLESHIP The stories we ve been hearing these weeks come from the very first chapter of Mark, and they show us the public ministry of Jesus in its infancy. Today s account shows some of the strain or adjustment of his new life of preaching the reign of God, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Notice that after sunset, when darkness ended the workday, people brought the sick and possessed to Jesus. The following day he rose before dawn to get away by himself to pray, but to no avail. Simon Peter and the others don t just look for him, they pursue him, filled with the fervor that his ministry has incited. With the selfsacrificing example he gave until the end of his earthly life, he tells his followers that this is his whole purpose. Through Mark, he is also telling the early church, and he is telling us, that this is our purpose, our vocation: to be tireless in our pursuit of proclaiming the Good News, and in bringing the healing, reconciling touch of Christ to the world. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 9

10 Children s Faith Formation Epiphany Youth Ministry Unit 3 packets must be completed and turned in at the Feb. 8th Home Based Assessment Session. It will be in the Family Center from 7-8:30pm. Contact the Elementary faith formation office if you missed the session on Jan. 11th for make up options. NO CLASSES Sunday Feb. 4th Tuesday Feb. 6, Wednesday Feb. 7, 3-5 will begin our annual Safe Environment lesson entitled: Circle of Grace. K-2, will begin Unit 3 titled: How does Jesus Christ teach us to live a moral life? This week s EQ is: How do God s commands guide my life? 10