First Sunday of Advent November 29, Vision Statement

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1 Archdiocese of Galveston Houston St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas Fax: Website: Parish Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm-4:00 pm CCE Office Hours: Sunday 8:30 am-12:00 pm First Sunday of Advent November 29, 2015 Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated on the 1 st Sunday of the month. Classes are held on the 2 nd & 3 rd Tuesday of each month. Please come by the Parish Office to register or call for more information. Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturdays, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. or by appointment. Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the Parish Office at least (6) six months prior to your desired wedding date to arrange a meeting with Father Tony or one of the Deacons. If you want a Mass, you must call Father Tony. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you a non-catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1 st Communion and Confirmation? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, call the Parish Office. Sacrament of First Communion First Communion candidates must be baptized, at least in the second grade, and have been attending CCE classes for two full years previous to their receiving the Sacrament. Adults needing First Communion should refer to the rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation candidates must have previously received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. They must have faithfully attended Life Teen for at least one full year prior to beginning preparation for the Sacrament (more than three absences without a valid excuse can alter the process). A signed form stating that the parent/guardian and the candidate understand all requirements is also necessary before the preparation begins. Adults needing confirmation should refer to the Rite of Christian initiation of adults. Eucharistic Celebrations Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) 4:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass Weekday Masses in St. Joseph s Chapel Monday (No Mass) Tuesday 12:00 noon Wednesday 8:30 a.m. & (1st Wednesday Only 6:30 p.m.) Thursday, & Friday 8:30 a.m. Parish Staff Rev. Tony A. Castro, Pastor Deacon Hector Cantu Deacon Julio Matallana Deacon Stan Avallone Parish Secretary-Debbie Heasty C.C.E. Director-Jessica Jaramilllo EDGE Director-Renee Cortez Life Teen Director-Shari Davis Vision Statement St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic Community of Believers called to serve Christ by gathering together at the Lord s Table in worship and praise, by serving our brothers and sisters in Christ, and by being a welcoming beacon of light to all. We are many parts, yet one body in Christ.

2 Saturday, November 28: 6:00pm Robert Florance By:Rosita Molina Sunday, November 29: 7:30am Gervis Johnson By:Daigle Family 10:00am Special Intention Elizabeth Edwards By:Mary Edwards 12:30pm 4:00pm People of the Parish Jesse Lozano By:Family Tuesday, December 1: 12:00pm Caroline Perez By:Becky Melchor Wednesday, December 2: 8:30am Miss Ana By: John Carter Thursday, December 3: 8:30am Robert & Kappy Florance By:Jane Shipp Friday, December 4: 8:30am Francis & Irene Miller By: Mr. & Mrs. David Kagey Saturday, December 5: 6:00pm Birthday Celebration of Lilia Novak Sunday, December 6: 7:30am Rose Moreno 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm By:Robert & Diana Ortiz Rose Moreno By:St. Vincent de Paul People of the Parish Chris Salazar By:Mrs. Nolan Due to scheduling conflicts, St. Mary s will not be having a special Advent Penance Service this year. Please attend one of the services listed below, come to our regular Saturday confessions (4:30-5:30pm) or contact the office to set up an appt. with Fr. Tony. AREA ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES Mary Queen (Friendswood) Tues., Dec. 1st 7pm St. Helen (Pearland) Wed., Dec. 2nd 7pm St. Clare of Assisi (Houston) Wed., Dec. 3rd 7pm St. Mary s (League City) Wed. Dec. 9th 7pm St. Bernadette (Houston) Thurs. Dec. 10th 7pm St. Paul the Apostle (Nassau Bay) Tues., Dec. 15th 7pm St. Hyacinth (Deer Park) Thurs., Dec. 17th 7pm Come Out and Support Our Knights Chili Cook-Off Life Teen Christmas Market Craft & Vendor Show Sat. Dec. 5th, 9am-2pm Cook-Off Registration $25. Per Team Contact randytercero@hotmail.com Vendor/Booth Reservation $30. (10 X 10 ) Contact Justice & Peace Giving Trees are in the Church this weekend. Please take tags off the trees of items you wish to purchase. Gifts will be due back in the church the weekend of Dec. 12/13. Parishioners are asked to place unwrapped gifts on the altar at that time. The gifts will be wrapped on Dec. 13th after the 4pm Mass. DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Parish Goal $50, Total Amount Pledged $48, Total Amount Paid $ 45,945.22( 91.89%) Total # of Participants 151 Be Rich in Good Works...Ready to Share Already contributed to this year s Diocesan Service Fund? We thank you for your generosity and support of more than 60 ministries within our Archdiocese. Your gift is faith in action. If you have made a pledge, but have not fulfilled it yet, please do so as soon as possible. All pledges need to be paid by Dec. 31, in order to be credited to this year s parish goal. Envelopes are located at the back of the church, or you can go online to make your archgh.org/ dsf. CFL express Blood Drive Today 8:30am-2:30pm ~ Free T-Shirts Please help us reach our goal enables you to complete The Blood Center s health history interview in the comfort of your own home. You must complete the health history interview and print your ticket on the same day as you donate. Go to giveblood.org. 2

3 Dear parish family, 1st Sunday of Advent C Happy New Year! Yes, the church begins the new liturgical year cycle on this first Sunday of Advent. We soon will hear the call, "PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD!" Advent Liturgy put us into proper perfective of what we ought to prepare. In the midst of the secular excesses leading up to Christmas, Advent provides a welcome solace and an opportunity to continually re-orient ourselves to God's will as we expectantly wait to celebrate the birth of our Savior, God who dwelt and is dwelling with us in our midst. Next week we have the opportunity to slow down and refocus ourselves to make this Advent a time of spiritual renewal. We will have an ADVENT PARISH MISSION to be led by a proven and fire-tested heart for God, Deacon Ralph Poyo, a Catholic evangelist from North Carolina. Truly this will be the best way to prepare the way of the Lord into our hearts and lives this Christmas. Deacon Ralph Poyo is one of the most sought-after speakers for Franciscan University of Steubenville's Youth Conferences. His life story and his experiences fuel the burning fire and white-hot passion of his ministry. He consider himself a man on a mission to lead everyone to Jesus and show them the infinite joy and exhilarating adventure of experiencing Jesus in every facet of their life. Presently he is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He started New Evangelization Ministries (NEM) dedicated to equip parish pastoral teams with the vision and tools they need to help fellow parishioners achieve an active experiential relationship with Jesus Christ. Everybody is expected at this time of the year to be very busy. But there is something of course we need not forget and should do. That is, not to lose the focus of what a true preparation of Christmas is all about. In fact, it is very much liberating if our focus and priorities are more in accordance to what Christ wants of us rather than what the consumer world wants out of us. Jesus reminds us in the gospel not to be weighed down on worldly cares. But let our spirit be free to welcome the Christ into our hearts. Please take time to be at our Parish Advent Mission and bring your family and friends. And be refreshed and re-energized in your faith-life. Blessings to you all and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, Primer domingo de Adviento C Feliz Año Nuevo! Sí, este primer domingo de Adviento la Iglesia comienza el nuevo ciclo del año litúrgico. Pronto escucharemos el llamado, "Preparen el camino del Señor!" La liturgia de Adviento nos pone en la adecuada prospectiva de lo que nosotros debemos preparar. En medio de los excesos seculares previos a la Navidad, el Adviento ofrece una apaciguada bienvenida y una oportunidad para que continuamente nos re-orientemos a la voluntad de Dios, con la expectante espera para celebrar el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, Dios que habitó y habita en medio de nosotros. La próxima semana tendremos la oportunidad de analizarnos y reorientarnos para hacer de este Adviento un tiempo de renovación espiritual. Tendremos una MISION PARROQUIAL DE ADVIENTO a ser dirigido por alguien que ha pasado la prueba de fuego de un corazón por Dios, Diácono Ralph Poyo, un evangelista católico de Carolina del Norte. Verdaderamente esta será la mejor manera de preparar el camino del Señor en nuestros corazones y vidas en esta Navidad. Diácono Ralph Poyo es uno de los más reconocidos oradores de la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville de las Conferencias Juveniles. Su historia de vida y sus experiencias alimentan el fuego candente y la pasión intensa de su ministerio. Se considera a sí mismo un hombre en una misión para llevar a todos a Jesús y mostrarles la alegría infinita y la aventura emocionante de experimentar a Jesús en todas las facetas de su vida. Actualmente es el Director de Formación de Fe en San Lucas el Evangelista Iglesia Católica en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Comenzó Ministerios de Nueva Evangelización (NEM) dedicada a equipar a los grupos pastorales de la parroquia con la visión y las herramientas que necesitan para ayudar a los feligreses a lograr una relación experimental activa con Jesucristo. Todo el mundo anticipa que en esta época del año está muy ocupado. Pero hay algo que por supuesto no tenemos que olvidar y debemos hacer. Es decir, no perder el enfoque de lo que es una verdadera preparación de la Navidad. De hecho, es muy liberador si nuestro enfoque y prioridades están más de acuerdo a lo que Cristo quiere de nosotros en vez de lo que el mundo consumista requiere de nosotros. Jesús nos recuerda en el Evangelio que no se carguen en las preocupaciones mundanas. Permitamos que nuestro espíritu sea libre para recibir a Cristo en nuestros corazones. Por favor, tómese el tiempo de participar en nuestra Misión Parroquial de Adviento y traigan a su familia y amigos. Seremos renovados y revitalizados en la vida de fe. Bendiciones a todos ustedes y tengan una buena semana! Padre Tony

4 ALTAR Society Altar Flowers Available If you would like to have flowers on the Altar, please contact Jan or to reserve your date. Chapel Candle Special Intention of T.S.E. By:Rosita Molina CATHOLIC CLERICAL STUDENT FUND is a fund set up to help maintain the Seminary where our young men live while they are studying to become priests. Enrollment cards are available for any special $3.00 per person, $10.00 per family or $25.00 for a perpetual enrollment. For info. or to do an enrollment please come by or call the office. Children s Pageant 6pm Mass Christmas Eve Practice Dec. 6, 13 & 2p.m. Our first practice will be in the Rosary Hall. CCE students K-5th are invited to participate. Younger children may also participate if accompanied by a PARENT. For information contact Angie Need to Christmas Shop and Looking for a Babysitter???? Life Teen Service Project Free Babysitting Saturday, Dec. 19th 10am~2pm Call the office and leave your info. Join Us St. Mary s Music Ministry Sat. 6pm Mass Rehearsals before Mass at 5:15 Contact Kathy McBride Sun. 7:30am Mass - Rehearsals before Mass at 7am Contact Yvonne Fisher Sun. 10:00am Mass - Contact Annelise Lagasse Sun. 12:30pm Spanish Mass- Contact Jose Vazquez Sun. 4pm Life Teen Mass- Rehearsals-Sunday 2pm Contact sttheresa.prolife@gmail.com or Activities of the Week Sun. Nov. 29: No CCE There will be EDGE & Life Teen No Bible Study 8:45 &11:15am No Timeline Bible Study 4pm LifeTeen Mass Mon. Nov.30: Missing Piece Parish Hall 6:30pm Clases de Crecimiento 7pm Rosary Hall Tues. Dec. 1: ESL Class 9:30am Rosary Hall Citizenship Classes 7pm Rosary Hall Wed. Dec. 2: Bible Timeline 9:15am Conf. Rm Spanish Workshop/Prayer & Life, Rosary 7pm Thurs. Dec. 3: Spanish Choir Practice 7pm ESL Class 9:30am Rosary Hall ESL Class 7pm Rosary Hall Citizenship Classes 9am RCIA Conf. Rm 6:45PM Fri. Dec. 4: Sat. Dec. 5: Sun. Dec. 6: Spanish Prayer Group Chapel 7:30pm Chili Cook-off, Christmas Market 9am Bereavement Care Session 9:00 am Conf. Rm Inspirational Tours Trip Mtg. Rosary Hall 2pm Upcoming Baptismal Dates Dec. 6th, Jan. 3rd, Feb. 7th Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tues. of each the month in English and 3rd Tues. of each month in 7pm.Baptisms are the first Sunday of the month after the 10am & 12:30pm Masses. To register please call the office. MINISTRY SCHEDULE December 5 & 6, 2015 SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Reece Schoppe, Ryan Schoppe Tracy Avallone Commentator Nicky Avallone Extraordinary Ministers Walter Hayes, Peggy Holland, Of the Eucharist Kathy Strader SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Server Elizabeth Kappil, Ryan Kappil Ben Gerdes Commentator Lisa Raymundo Extraordinary Ministers Mose Davis, Leslie Davis, of the Eucharist Dianne Gerdes SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Benjamin Tercero, Oliver Tercero Kerry Regan Commentator Linda Patten Extraordinary Minister Wayne Christensen, Geraldine Leslie, of the Eucharist Carolyn O Neal SUNDAY-12:30pm(Spanish) Altar Servers Adriana Calvillo, Jasmie Rodriguez, Sarahi Arron s Ernestina Leyva, Juanita Velazquez Extraordinary Ministers Jose Rios, Yoli Rios of the Eucharist SUNDAY 4:00pm LIFE TEEN MASS Altar Servers Dylan Rowan, Sergio Reyes Jason Woods Extraordinary Ministers Jose Lopez, Maria Reyes, of the Eucharist Jaime Vasquez 4

5 Please Pray For Our Troops and Augustus Coryat, Bob Fredelake, Darlene Shepherd, Carlos Rodriguez, Alma Sepulveda, Richard Santana, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Sean & Gina Dempsey, Rose Scott, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Dalia Garcia, Esmeralda Clem, Marion Wachel, Julie Smith, Levi Dobmeier, Sergio Coronel, Vanessa Lara, Daniel Perez & Family, Susie Kuykendall Overmeyer, Diane Lemons, Paula Lambright, Luke Lewallen, Chriselda Salazar, Martha Dinbobl, Martha Love, Chriselda Salazar, Saul Lara, Eric Perez, Jose Oscar Silva, Virginia Saban, Riley Saban, Jordan Bright, Lorena Rodriguez, Debbie Brinkley, Phyllis Carter, Liana Rodriguez, Becca Rodriguez, Lilly Budd, Marcus Hernandez, Marty Montemayor, LeeAnn & Family, Candalaria Ortiz, Julie Gold-Anderson, Renee Caliva Gold, Jackie Dulin, Oscar Trejo, Eloy Martinez, Velma Araujo, Frances Jew, Lydia Martinez, Delores Garcia, Karen Vasquez & Family, Lina Padron, Bill Morgan, Marcey Salinas, Rolando Gutrierrez, LeAnn Strength, Angela Rubio, Chris Salazar, Brett Morris, Carlos Rodriguez, Sherri Elder, Thomas Pettus, Karen Korn, Anthony Melancon, Sharon Darden, Karen Bounds, Mary & Wayne Boatman, Helen Hoang, Madison Wilson Continue to Pray for Jane Middleton, Clarence Lewis, Sonny Shepherd, Randy Hanks, Clarence Clipper, Kay Gold, Red Cornejo, Nancy Isla Castro, Irlinda, Beatriz Gamboa, Kathryn Coleman, Marita Hooper, Linda Jaramillo, Janet Lodge, Lois Johnston, Joe Funda, Minnie Lopez, Baby Gavin Binkley, Deacon Merce Leal, Charlotte Boudreaux, Marcos Vasquez, Margarita Klock, John & Sue Crockett, Joanne Jarrell, Joanie O Neal, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Geraldine Christensen, Teresa Eidt, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Ophelia Pinard, Ann Blair, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, Carolyn Douglas, those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson s House. Repose of the Soul of Margaret Ann Tennyson Our Sympathy to Greg Tennyson and family on the loss of his mother, Margaret Please Note: Names on our Please Pray For list are left on for four weeks. If someone needs to be put back on the prayer list or added please call the Church Office. Los Testigos del Poder de Dios Nuestra Asamblea de Oración les invita a reunirse como hermanos en Cristo para ALABAR, BENDECIR, y GLORIFICAR a nuestro Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espiritu Santo. Vengan pequenos y grandes todos los viernes de 7:30-9:00p.m. en la capilla de San Jose. Anointing of the Sick. will be held Friday, December 4, during the 8:30am Mass in St. Joseph s Chapel. If you are seriously ill, suffering from a terminal illness or going to have a lifethreatening surgery, this sacrament is for you. If, however, you are going to have a routine surgery Father will be glad to give you a blessing. Just call the office and make an appointment to come by at your earliest convenience. Samaritan Corner Bereavement Support The Bereavement C.A.R.E. Team (Caring and Reaching Out to Each Other) is currently hosting a six week bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one through death or permanent separation. The sessions are meeting for six consecutive Saturday mornings from 9-10:30am in the Parish Hall Conference Room. This week our topic will be The Spiritual Elements of Healing. For information please contact Nelda FREE! ESL Classes The classes are held on Tues. & Thurs. mornings 9:30-11am and Thurs. evenings 7-8:30pm. If you know someone who might be interested, please give them the above information. There are no qualifications necessary. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the office. CLASES DE INGLES GRATIS Reanudamos las clases de Ingles. Seran los dias Martes y Jueves de 9:30 am - 11 am y los jueves de 7 pm - 8:30 pm. Si conoce a alguien que este interesado favor de dales la informacion. No hay ningun requisite necesario. Todos son bienvenidos. Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita una informacion adicional, por favor contacte la oficina. Citizenship Classes Tuesday 7:00-8:30pm Thursday 9:00-11:00am Clases de Ciudadania Martes 7:00-8:30pm Jueves 7:00-8:30pm READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 GREATNESS The measure of greatness is not the number of servants you have, but the number of people you serve. Anonymous The Gabriel Project is designed to help women and teenagers who are in a crisis pregnancy. If you are in need of assistance or know someone who is, please contact or call the Office. 5

6 St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Mon.-Wed., Fri., Sat. 9:00-11:00am Store Closed Thurs. & Sun. As we begin Advent we are called to wait in joyful anticipation for the grace of Christmas to once again bless our lives. Wherever you live in our parish, there are poor families within walking distance of your home. When in need, they come for assistance through our St. Vincent program. They are, in effect, ringing your doorbell. Please donate any usable clothing and household items to our thrift store. Our drop-off room is open 24/7. Thank You!!! Bible Study Classes Classes this week... Sunday Morning Bible Study with Deacon Stan & Tracy Avallone will follow the CCE schedule. No class this week. The program they use is called Bringing Faith Home. 8:45am & 11:15am). Bible Study ~ The Bible Timeline classes will not be held on 5:15pm. There will be class on Wed., Dec. This study goes deep into each period of Salvation history and teaches about major people, places and events of the Bible and shows how together they form the foundation of our Catholic faith. RCIA CLASS THIS WEEK RCIA Are you a non-catholic who is interested in joining the Catholic faith? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the sacraments of 1st Communion and Confirmation and are over the age of eighteen? If your answer is yes to either of these questions you may be interested in joining our RCIA program. Students are welcome to begin classes at any time during the year. RCIA classes are held on Thursday 6:45pm. Our topic this week will be Sin and the Ten Commandments. For additional information about the Bible Study Classes or the RCIA program, call the office or stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. Women of the Parish: People of faith have gone into the desert and mountains on retreat to be sensitive to the presence of God for thousands of years. Today, you have the opportunity to say no to the busy-ness created in your life and simply say yes to the part of yourself that needs a time and space for deeper communion with God. Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, located on 10 beautiful acres in Houston, provides that time and space to be with God in a more intimate way. Our theme this year, Mercy: A Glimpse into the Heart of God, is based on Pope Francis proclaimed Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8th. The retreat starts at 6 pm with supper on Friday evening, Dec. 4 th to Sunday noon Mass, Dec. 6 th. Private rooms/ private baths. Cost: $210/Seniors: $195. Makes a great Christmas gift! For further information, contact Retreat Team Leaders Victoria Swenson ( ); Eva Pulido ( ); or Deborah Palumbo ( ). Additional information and registration available online at: phone Car-pooling and transportation arranged as needed. No CCE~Service Project information listed below. Questions contact Jessica Class 5:15pm Masterpiece of Life Christmas on Main Fundraiser Thurs., Dec. 3rd Come out and support our program!!! Renee Cortez Jr. High/High School Sacraments No Sacrament Class Today@2pm Deacon Stan~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Year of Mercy St. Mary s Service Project CCE, EDGE, and Life Teen are teaming up for a Service Project. Over the next several weeks CCE will be collecting the following items: Granola bars Fruit snacks Chewing gum Travel size hand lotion Individual tissue packs Beef Jerky Sticks Canned goods Everything collected with the exception of the canned goods will be made into care packages and distributed in local hospital waiting rooms. The canned goods will be distributed to the families the parish adopts for the Christmas Giving Tree. We will also be accepting donations in the office during regular business hours. If you have any questions please contact the CCE Office. 6

7 Evangelization, Ultimate Victory Parental Notice This week s Life Night concluded our sessions on spiritual warfare. We talked about evangelization, and how sharing our faith comes from the hope and joy we find in Christ. We began the Life Night with an interactive game, and then the teenagers heard a teaching about sharing the gospel with others. During the Break, they spent time in their small groups processing the importance of sharing our faith, and fears they confront when doing this. The Life Night ended with a time of prayer and a challenge for teenagers to continue to share their faith and be courageous in their spiritual battles. Mass 4PM Class 5:15pm Love Wins Confirmation pictures are in Confirmation Class 2016 Classes Start Dec. 9th 6-7pm If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shari 281