February 26, 2017 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings on p. 1113

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1 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 1530 Norwalk Drive Katy, Texas Telephone: Weekend Masses: Saturday (Vigil): 5:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 am., 9:45 am*, 11:30 am*, 5:30 pm Weekday Masses: Monday Friday: 9:00 am *Nursery available Office Hours: Monday Thursday 8:30 am 4:30 pm Friday 8:30 am 4:00 pm Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 5:00 pm; or appointment with a priest Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday after 9:00 am Mass until 7:30 pm St. Vincent de Paul Society: February 26, 2017 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings on p

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 Craig Shemon Gerry Broussard, Misha Gabriel, Dan Stamps, Mary Tran Religious Education LouAnn Svoboda, Director Dave Clark, Charlotte Fulton, Sarah Karchunas, Maria Laiseca Youth Ministry Joey Harvey, Director 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 Kirk Harris Young Kim, Alex Trejo A Reflection on Lent by Pope Francis L ent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God with all their hearts (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive. Lent is a favorable season for deepening our spiritual life through the means of sanctification offered us by the Church: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. At the basis of everything is the word of God, which during this season we are invited to hear and ponder more deeply. I would now like to consider the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (cf. Lk 16:19-31). Let us find inspiration in this meaningful story, for it provides a key to understanding what we need to do in order to attain true happiness and eternal life. It exhorts us to sincere conversion. 1. The other person is a gift. The parable begins by presenting its two main characters. The poor man is described in greater detail: he is wretched and lacks the strength even to stand. Lying before the door of the rich man, he fed on the crumbs falling from his table. His body is full of sores and dogs come to lick his wounds. The picture is one of great misery; it portrays a man disgraced and pitiful. The scene is even more dramatic if we consider that the poor man is called Lazarus: a name full of promise, which literally means God helps. This character is not anonymous. His features are clearly delineated and he appears as an individual with his own story. While practically invisible to the rich man, we see and know him as someone familiar. He becomes a face, and as such, a gift, a priceless treasure, a human being whom God loves and cares for, despite his concrete condition as an outcast. Lazarus teaches us that other persons are a gift. A right relationship with people consists in gratefully recognizing their value. Even the poor person at the door of the rich is not a nuisance, but a summons to conversion and to change To read Pope Francis entire 2017 Lenten Message as well as Pope Francis s other Press Releases, visit our parish website: 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 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years 1:00 PM, Theology of the Body: Rec Room 1:30 PM, Baptism Service: Narthex 3:30 PM, Gift of Marriage: Outreach 3:30 PM, Children s Faith Formation 3:30 PM, Jr. High Faith Formation 7:00 PM, HSFF & Confirmation: PAC 7:00 PM, Confirmation Sponsor/Mentor Session: Family Center MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 9:00 AM, ESL 4: Outreach Center 1:00 PM, Rummikub: Outreach Center 6:30 PM, Handbell Choir Rehearsal: Church 7:00 PM, High School Bible Study: Upper Room 7:00 PM, Pivotal Players: Epiphany Room 7:00 PM, Job Networking: Rec Room 7:00 PM, Scout Troop 1146 Court of Honor: Family Center TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 9:00 AM, ESL 4, Outreach Center 9:30 AM 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel 9:30 AM, Quilters: Room 411 9:45 AM, Second Family Meeting: Outreach Center 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 Rosary for Vocations: Chapel 6:00 PM, Lenten Family Session: Family Center 7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel 7:00 PM, Scout Troop 1288: Rec Room 7:00 PM, RCIA: Epiphany Room 7:30 PM, Evening Prayer: Chapel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 9:00 AM, Mass: Church 9:30 AM, Called to be Mom: Family Ctr. 10:00 AM, Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom: Den 12:00 PM, Liturgy of the Word with Ashes: Church 5:00 PM, Mass: Church 7:30 PM, Mass: Church THURSDAY, MARCH 2 9:00 AM, Anointing of the Sick within Mass: Chapel 9:00 AM, ESL 4: Outreach Center 9:45 AM, Just Faith: Outreach Center 12:30 PM, ELC Knitting Group: Room 404 6:30 PM, Financial Peace University: Den 6:30 PM, Spanish Bible Study: PAC 7:00 PM, Line Dancing: Great Room 7:00 PM, Walking Through Grief: Outreach Conference Room FRIDAY, MARCH 3 9:30 AM, Ladies Club: Family Center 5:30 PM, Lenten Fish Fry: Rec Room 7:00 PM, Stations of the Cross: Church 7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center SATURDAY, MARCH 4 No Events Scheduled Respect Life Bulletin Board Take My Hand, Not My Life SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Food Drive Coffee & Donuts: Family Center 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 0-5 years 1:00 PM, Theology of the Body: Rec Room 1:30 PM, Baptism Service: Narthex 3:30 PM, Gift of Marriage: Outreach 3:30 PM, Children s Faith Formation 3:30 PM, Jr. High Faith Formation 7:00 PM, HSFF & Confirmation: PAC Whether it lasts for a brief moment or for a hundred years, each of our lives is a good and perfect gift. At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God s love.every life is worth living. USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Respect for Life Program Flyer Intercessions for Life For those who suffer: May they be surrounded by loving family and friends who walk with them in their suffering: We pray to the Lord: 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 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, February 25 Vigil-Eighth Sunday in O. T. 5:30 PM Debby Campbell-Ferrer Sunday, February 26 Eighth Ordinary Sunday 8:00 AM Monique Kirkpatrick 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Rita Whalen 5:30 PM Benjamin Bourgeois Monday, February 27 Weekday 9:00 AM Nigel Gomes Tuesday, February 28 Weekday 9:00 AM Baruch Sheppard Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Annette Pierre 12:00 PM Liturgy of the Word/Ashes 5:00 PM For the People 7:30 PM Leslie Pierre Thursday, March 2 Thursday after Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Edgar Mendoza Friday, March 3 Friday after Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM John Hrinevich, Sr. Saturday, March 4 Vigil-First Sunday of Lent 5:30 PM Irma Vargas Sunday, March 5 First Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Chuk Sublett 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Christina Leong 5:30 PM Michael Wayne READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sir 17:20-24; Ps 32:1-2, 5-7; Mk 10:17-27 Tuesday: Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-8, 14, 23; Mk 10:28-31 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab, 12-14, 17; 2 Cor 5:20 6:2; Mt 6:1-6, Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6, 12-13, 17; Rom 5:12-19 [12, 17-19]; Mt 4:1-11 NEEDED: Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers to serve at the Ash Wednesday Masses and the service at noon. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex. ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND ELDERLY: The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2 and every First Thursday of the month 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. Lent Reconciliation Service Thursday, March 9, :15 p.m. Children s First Reconciliation Service begins in Church 7:30 p.m. Adult confessions begin 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, Hailey Williams, Betty Long, Brianna McRee, Maria Mercedes Enriquez, Janet Cuccia, Chester Bourgeois, Ginny Radike, Everly Joy Gonzalez, Theresa McCluskey, Steve Chambers, Gabriela Laiseca, Jackie Alfonso, Mary Laverock, Colette Johnecheck, Celia Tovar, Carson Hill. Please pray for our military men and women. 4

5 Our Stewardship Ash Wednesday Schedule Wednesday, March 1 Masses: 9:00am 5:00pm 7:30pm Liturgy of the Word with Ashes: 12:00 Noon 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. Stewardship February 18/19 Sunday Offering $31, St. Vincent de Paul Society $1, Registered Households 6,654 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (material wealth). MATTHEW 6:24 For many people, God and money run neck and neck as their first priority. Making money and spending money becomes the center of their life and they actually become a slave to money. The solution become more generous. Giving money to Church and charity frees us from slavery to money and from making money a god before God. Parishioners The Knights of Columbus at Epiphany would like to thank you for your generous donations for the past year. Here are some of the groups we were able to donate to. Epiphany s Catholic School $12,000. Local Charities $7,500. Students/Seminarians/Scholarships $7,783. Youth Mission Trip to Mexico $1,800. Priest Retirement Home $3,333. Texas State Charities $1,726. The Knights thank you for your continuous support. JUST A REMINDER! In the Footsteps of Francis: Saint and Pope led by Rev. Keith Hosey, the women s retreat in contemplative silence at the Cenacle Retreat House will take place March 17-19, Have you made your reservations yet? For reservations or information call: Faith Formation Office at or the Cenacle at

6 Parish Life Lenten Family Session: Tuesday, 6pm Called to be Mom: Wednesday, 9:30 am Young Adult Bible Study: Wed. 8pm Line Dancing: Thursday, 7pm Ladies Club: Friday, 9:30 am Lenten Fish Fry: Friday, 5:30 pm Bingo: Friday, 7:30 pm CALLED TO BE MOM On Wednesday, March 1, Julia Batdorf will offer ideas for Lenten activities. CTBM meets from 9:30 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Family Center. For more information contact: David & Melissa Aguilar John & Pamela Anzalotti Nelson & Paola Aragon Joel & Angie Barreto Derek & Sarah Blauser Robert & Stacey Franks Steven & Whitney Kowalski Christopher & Tathiana Masters Tian & Aishia Mattheessen Kevin & Charnel Tuldanes Brothers, wondering what we are doing next week, month, year? We would like to tell you, but we cannot find you. We are looking for you. Please update your contact information with the council. Please contact Charles Reyes: Thank you and God Bless. Father Martins will be the guest speaker at the next Epiphany Ladies Club meeting, which will be held March 3 at 9:30 AM in the Family Center. Please join us to hear Fr. Martins share his insights and reflections. New members are always welcome. Our annual Charity Luncheon will be held Friday, April 21, at Falcon Point Country Club. Tickets will go on sale at our March meeting. Cost is $ Any questions about any of our upcoming events, please contact us at epiphanyladiesclub@gmail.com. Are you over 55 and looking for a great volunteer opportunity? Forever Young needs some new leaders. For more information, send an to dave@epiphanycatholic.org. 6

7 Every Friday during Lent from March 3 rd April 7 th 5:30 pm 7:30 pm serving in the PAC center or Drive-Thru at west end of the PAC center Appetizers: Shrimp Salad.. $ 9.00 Shrimp Cocktail (8 Pieces XXL Boiled Shrimp / cocktail sauce).. $ 8.00 KC Spicy Shrimp (10 Pieces with spicy sauce).. $ 9.00 Hush Puppies (8 Pieces) $ 3.00 Onion Rings (8 Pieces).... $ 6.00 KC Spicy Nuggets (10 Pieces).. $ 5.00 Entree: Child s Plate (Fish nuggets plus fries). $ 6.00 Small Plate (1 Fish Fillet). $ 8.00 Medium Plate (2 Fish Fillets) $ Large Plate (3 Fish Fillets).... $ Baked Fish (2 Pieces)... $ Fried Shrimp (10 Pieces)..... $ Combo (5 Shrimp, 5 Nuggets, 1 Piece Fish). $ Fish Tacos (2 Tacos, Coleslaw, Black Beans).. $ 9.00 Mac and Cheese Bowl $ 2.00 Pizza Slice (Cheese only).. $ 2.00 All entrees include coleslaw & fries Dine in includes tea, corn and green beans. Desserts: Desserts this year will be furnished by The Ladies Club Proceeds benefit The Epiphany s school project, Epiphany s youth ministries, and Seminarian Scholarships. IN TO IN SERVICE TO 7

8 Outreach Ministry Outreach Events in February/March: Regular Meetings: Mon. Epiphany Job Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues. Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. February 26: Gift of Marriage February 28: Second Family Meeting March 1: Ash Wednesday March 2: Just Faith March 2: Walking Through Grief March 2: Financial Peace March 5: Food Drive March 5: Gift of Marriage March 6: Bereavement Support Group March 9: Just Faith March 9: Walking Through Grief March 9: Financial Peace March 9: Gathering Place March 9: Caregiver s support group March 11: Job Search Seminar See for details. URGENT NEEDS As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 SECOND FAMILY CARE TEAM Additional Team Members needed! We have an immediate need for women and men to visit the elderly, ill or disabled. Team members share an hour or two a week to visit, take to the doctor, assist with shopping or give respite care to primary caregivers. Please consider joining our Team because there are people out there who need a friend! Please contact Bev at or bevkracht@sbcglobal.net for more information. Operation Rice Bowls available in Outreach BEREAVEMENT MEETING on March 6th Grieving the loss of a loved one through death is a process that takes time. The support of others who have also experienced this kind of loss can help us feel that we are not alone on our grief journey. Please join us for our next gathering on Monday, March 6 at 6:30 pm.. If you cannot attend but want information, please call LISA IN Outreach The Gift of Marriage and Family Relationships A support and discussion group focusing on strengthening your marriage and the relationship with parents and children. Sundays 3:30 to 4:45 pm. Outreach Center Call Outreach for more information. MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE NEXT WEEKEND! Our monthly Food Drive is scheduled for next weekend, March 5th. We appreciate all of your help in keeping our food pantry well stocked. You may bring items such as Cereal, Pasta Sauce and Chili. 8

9 Adult Faith Formation Rite of Election PRAY FOR all adults and young people who are preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church, 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. Our catechumens and candidates will participate in the Rite of Sending at the 9:45 Mass on Sunday, March 5 followed by the Rite of Election with the bishop later that afternoon. Adult Confirmation Preparation Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults will begin with an on-site day retreat on Saturday, April 22 from 9 am to 3 p.m., followed by six consecutive Thursday evening classes from 7 9 pm beginning April 27 through June 1. 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 April 10. An initial interview is required. Contact louann@epiphanycatholic.org or call LouAnn at VIRTUS (Protecting God s Children) focuses on educating teachers, parents, and other adults who interact with children about sexual abuse and providing them with information to help prevent abuse. This takes place in awareness sessions led by trained facilitators. The awareness sessions consist of videos, worksheets, and discussions. All adults who interact with children must take the Protecting God s Children workshop before they begin working with children. The goal for Epiphany of the Lord parish is to train every adult volunteer in the parish no matter what their ministry, in order to provide the safest environment possible for our precious children. For location information and to register, go online to Upcoming VIRTUS session dates: Keeping the Promise Alive Refresher course: Thursday, March 23 from 7:00 8:30 p.m. VIRTUS: Protecting God s Children original course: Saturday, April 8 from 9:00 a.m. Noon AND Saturday June 3 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon EPIPHANY YOUNG ADULTS: Join our growing ministry by attending on of our upcoming events (including Bible Study, Service and Fellowship). Check us out on Facebook (@EpiphanyoftheLordYoungAdults) for more info and a schedule of upcoming events! Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. Isaiah 49:15 9

10 Children s Faith Formation We begin this event with a waffle and bacon dinner followed by a Mardi Gras celebration. We ll close the night with a special time of prayer and burning of palms to use for Ash Wednesday services. This event is for the whole family. Epiphany Youth Ministry 8th Grade Retreat! March 31st through April 2nd! Forest Glen Camps Prepare your heart, mind, and soul for high school! EpiphanyCatholic.org/8GradeRetreat $125 until March 20th. Join our faith community and nearly 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with CRS Rice Bowl. If your student did not bring one home from class, you can get one by stopping by the parish office during the week. We also want to encourage you to download the CRS Rice Bowl app! May these 40 days better prepare us to encounter ourselves, our neighbors and our God. 2nd grade faith formation will be working on a craft project toward the end of March that requires empty, solid color, plastic Easter eggs. They also need empty egg cartons that hold a dozen eggs. Please bring donations to the parish office or send with your student to their faith formation class. Thanks in advance! EpiphanyCatholic.org/AYC Mission Laguna: July 8-16 Mission Acoma: July Applications are available to be picked up at the Parish Office We are accepting completed applications between March 19th and April 7th. Parent and Student meetings are: March 19th at 7 p.m. in the Epiphany Room March 22nd at 7 p.m. in the Epiphany Room Come and learn more about our mission trips for current high school students! EpiphanyCatholic.org/HSmission SAVE THE DATE! 2nd annual Crawfish Fest benefitting Epiphany Youth Ministry is April 22nd after 5:30 p.m. It will be all you can eat along with a silent auction, live games, music and raffle! To purchase tickets and learn more! 10