2018 Lenten Message by Pope Francis

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2 PARISH CLERGY Rev. Tom Lam Pastor 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 Lenten Message by Pope Francis Come back to the Lord wholeheartedly during Lent. P ope Francis 2018 Lenten Message is inspired by words Jesus spoke near the end of His life on the Mount of Olives regarding the end of time: Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). False prophets whom Pope Francis calls snake charmers and charlatans leads us astray. They mesmerize God s children who then mistake true happiness for momentary pleasure ending in slavery to profit or become trapped in loneliness. Many young people enticed by other swindlers buy into the panacea of drugs, disposable relationships, dishonest gain, or a virtual existence. Thus, people are robbed of what is most precious: dignity, freedom and the ability to love, he says. A cold heart. After recognizing the false prophets to which each of us has fallen prey the question Pope Francis would like us to reflect on this Lent is What are the signs that indicate that our love is beginning to cool? Above all else, he says, what destroys charity is greed for money. Rejection of God follows, and we prefer our own desolation rather than the comfort found in his word and the sacrament. As a result, even creation bears silent witness to hearts gone cold. Refuse litters the earth, the seas are polluted with the bodies of countless shipwrecked victims of forced immigration, and the heavens meant to sing God s praises are rent by engines raining down instruments of death. What are we to do? The Church offers us the Lenten practices of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting which Pope Francis calls a soothing remedy. Prayer allows us to eradicate secret lies and self-deception, and we find the consolation God offers, he says. Almsgiving frees us from greed; it helps us regard others as brothers and sisters. How I would like almsgiving to become a genuine style of life for each of us! he says. Fasting weakens our tendency to violence reviving our desire to obey God, who alone can satisfy our hunger. 24 Hours for the Lord. The Pope reminds us that although the flame of charity may die in our hearts, it never dies in God s. He invites us to participate in the 24 Hours for the Lord on Friday and Saturday, the 9th-10th of March. After Eucharistic adoration and sacramental confession, he says that the new fire of the Easter Vigil, the light of Christ will enable us to listen to God s word and nourish ourselves on the Eucharist, making our hearts more ardent in faith, hope and love. 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week 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, Parent Meeting: High School Mission Trip: Great Room 7:00 PM, High School FF/Confirmation MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 1:00 PM, Rummikub: Outreach Center 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 13 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 9:00 AM, ESL Class: Room 403 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 6:00 PM, Lenten Family Session: PAC 7:00 PM, Rosary: Chapel 7:00 PM, RCIA: Epiphany Room 7:30 PM, Vespers & Benediction: Chapel WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 9:00 AM, Mass: Church 10:00 AM, James: Pearls for Wise Living: Den 5:00 PM, Mass: Church 12:00 PM, Mass: Church 7:00 PM, Mass: Church 8:05 PM, Young Adult Bible Study: Rm.404 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 9:00 AM, ESL Class: Room 403 9:45 AM, Ten Principles of Catholic Social Thought: Den 12:30 PM, ELC Knitting Group: Room 404 6:30 PM, Spanish Bible Study: PAC 7:00 PM, Walking through Grief: Outreach FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 9:00 AM, Daily Mass: Chapel 11:30 AM, Forever Young: Family Center 5:30 PM, KC s Fish Fry: PAC 7:00 PM, Lenten Way of the Cross: Church 7:30 PM, Bingo: Family Center SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 No Events Scheduled SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Blood Drive Coffee & Donuts 9:45 & 11:30 AM, Nursery: 2 5 years; PAC 11:00 AM, Confirmation Sponsor/Mentor Session: Epiphany Room 3:30 PM, Epiphany Catholic School Information Meeting: Family Center The Knights of Columbus have fired up the fryers for their famous fish dinners. This year s menu includes fried and grilled fish, fried, boiled, and spicy shrimp, mac and cheese, pizza, onion rings, and hush puppies. This year s proceeds will be benefi ng Katy area chari es, Seminarian scholarships, and youth ministries. Our previous menu included baked fish. This year it will be grilled fish. In addi on this year we have added Lobster Bisque to the menu. Star ng March 2 nd we will be serving crawfish, in addi on to the other menu items. Dinner starts at 5:30 p. m. 7:30 p. m. and once again you can dine in at the PAC center or drive-thru at the west end of the PAC center. If you would like to work the event please go to the Knights website and sign up. Thank you for your con nued support and we look forward to cooking for you and your family. 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 PRAYER LIST FOR THE SICK LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES 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 Monday, February 12 Weekday 9:00 AM Lorraine Dailey Tuesday, February 13 Weekday 9:00 AM Freida Newcomb Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Isabel Vides 12:00 PM Phil Garrod 5:00 PM For the People 7:00 PM Minnie Straniero Thursday, February 15 Thursday after Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Carolyn Meyers Friday, February 16 Friday after Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Rose Ann Callegari Saturday, February 17 Vigil-First Sunday of Lent 5:30 PM Deborah Campbell Ferrer Sunday, February 18 First Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Harold Hagen 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Linda Lanza 5:30 PM Francisco Navarro READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76; Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Jas 1:12-18; Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19; Mk 8:14-21 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 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15 Please pray for our military men and women. 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, Linda Hudak, Claire Spedale, Diane Estay, Linda Holder, Leonel Rivas, Mike Doa, Tina Filoromo. 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, john@epiphanycatholic.org or call the parish office in response to this urgent need. Please Remember In Prayer Our Deceased Bob Lon Farr, husband of Kim Farr Respect Life Committee Take My Hand, Not My Life Thank you to all who donated to the Gabriel Project in January! The Respect for Life Committee will have a meeting Thursday February 22, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Outreach Conference Room. If you feel a calling to help promote a culture of life please come join us! 4

5 Parish Life 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. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR FASHION SHOW SPONSORS The Epiphany Ladies Club is seeking sponsors for their annual fundraising Luncheon and Fashion Show on April 13 at Falcon Point. Fashion Show proceeds this year are being donated to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Epiphany Catholic School and the Youth Ministry. All sponsors will be recognized in the event program and in the church bulle n. Sponsorships are available at the Pla num ($500), Gold ($25), Silver ($100) and Bronze ($50) levels. Established businesses could generate new customers by being recognized. New businesses will receive exposure to over 6,500 families at a minimal cost. Please make checks payable to the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church and write Fashion Show on the For line of your check. Ques- ons can be addressed to ELC President Sharon Yohe at smyohe78@gmail.com or Chairperson Terri Bray at tmbray@usa.net. Students from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory will be selling raffle tickets after all Masses this weekend. Tickets are $5 per ticket or $20 per book of 5 tickets. The grand prize is $20,00 in Visa Gift Cards. The drawing will be held on Sunday, March 4 at the Strake Jesuit Spring Fling. The winner does not have to be present to win. This month s Family Night will focus on CRS s Operation Rice Bowl. We ll begin with an international meal featuring food from several countries served by Catholic Relief Services. Next, we ll play a games from those same countries. The cost for this event is simply a donation to our special Family Rice Bowl. The night begins at 6:30pm and ends at 9pm. Forever Young February Luncheon Welcome all 55+ age friends of Epiphany to the Forever Young February Luncheon, to be held at the Family Center on Friday, February 16 at 11:30 a.m. It will be a POT LUCK luncheon. Come early to sign in, mingle with friends and newcomers, and sign up for future bus trips. Our guest speakers will inform us on Disaster Preparedness. Bible Study will be Wednesday, February 14 th, at 8pm, in Room 404 of the PAC Building We will be reading and reflecting about Living for a Just Society For those that plan to attend mass early, we will meet for Dinner beforehand, at 6:45pm, at Orleans Seafood Kitchen, off the Katy Freeway near Fry. 5

6 Our Stewardship Epiphany Catholic School Stewardship February 3/4 Sunday Offering $35, St. Vincent de Paul Society $4, Registered Households 6,702 Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. - 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 Do a quick check of your priorities. Where does God rank in that list? If He s not first, you have some work to do. Putting God first in everything helps us from putting other gods (like our pride and ego, money and possessions to name a few) before God. Before making a decision, ask yourself I m I going this for the glory of God or for the glory of me? Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School Informa on Mee ng Feb. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm in family Center Feb 9:30 am - 11:00 am in Epiphany Room Topics Will Include: The Admissions Process Tui on & Fees Uniform Curriculum & Programs And much more! INSTRUMENTS OF GOD S MERCY 2018 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND 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. 6

7 Ash Wednesday Schedule February 14, 2018 Masses 9:00 am 12:00 Noon 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Solemn E v ening P rayer Tuesdays in 7PM in the Chapel Tuesday Rosary cancelled throughout Lent Lenten Penance Service March 8 at 7:00 pm Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test 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. 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 11: Blood drive sign up Feb 15: Walking through Grief Feb 15: Catholic Social Thought Class Feb 15: Walking through Grief Feb 18: Blood Drive Feb 22: Catholic Social Thought Class Feb 22: Walking through Grief See for details. Job Fair Results We re in the hope business, and we definitely achieved our mission by injecting hope into 692 applicants lives at the Job Fair on Thursday, January 25. Let's remember everyone looking for jobs in our prayers and count our blessings. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the seamless operation of the event, especially the Job Seekers Network coordinated by Ed Conner. Quarterly BLOOD DRIVE February 18th Schedule your appointment at tables outside church or online at Appointment not required Walk-ins welcome! Conducted by the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Epiphany s Donor Group # is 2340 Those donating will get a free t-shirt. ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 Are you struggling to communicate with your loved one who has Alzheimer s? Come hear a speaker on Effective Communication Strategies When: Tuesday February 27, 2018 at 10:30 am Where: Epiphany Outreach Center Questions: Call the Outreach Center at

9 Adult Faith Formation 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. FORGIVE OTHERS There are many kinds of alms the giving of which helps us to obtain pardon for our sins; but none is greater than that by which we forgive from our heart a sin that someone has committed against us. St. Augustine As we enter into the Season of Lent, PRAY FOR all adults and young people who are preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. In particular, keep in prayer those who participate in Epiphany s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Their photos and/or names will be located outside the sacristy. LENT: Fast From; Feast On Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them. Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life. Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light. Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from anger; feast on patience. Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast from worry; feast on divine order. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragements; feast on hope. Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift. Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm. Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire. Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity. Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence. Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds. William Arthur Ward (American author, teacher and pastor, ) 9

10 Children s Faith Formation Epiphany Youth Ministry Parent Information Meeting: February 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room Applications are available now online and at the office. They are due March 1st. Sunday Feb. 11th NO CLASSES Tues. or Wed. this week. 3-5 will continue our annual Safe Environment lesson entitled: Circle of Grace. K-2, will continue learning How does Jesus Christ teach us to live a moral life? This week s EQ is: Why and how does Jesus Christ expect me to love and respect myself and others? 10