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

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1 St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston 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 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 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 Bookkeeper-Patty Detweiler Bulletin/Sacramental Records Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance-Humberto Villalobos Parish Secretary-Debbie Heasty Receptionist-Peggy Holland C.C.E. Director-Jessica Jaramilllo EDGE Director-Randy Tercero Life Teen Director-Shari Davis 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. 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, March 10: 6:00pm Sunday, March 11: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, March 13: 12:00pm Wednesday, March 14: 8:30am Thursday, March 15: 8:30am Friday, March 16: 8:30am Saturday, March 17: 6:00pm Sunday, March 18: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Emil Schaider By:Family Sinforosa Dapitan By:Marden Distefano Alvin Massey By:Gloria Massey People of the Parish Special Intention for the Salazar Family By:Romela Nolan Alvin Massey By:Gloria Massey Robert Escobar By:Escobar Family Marita Hooper By:Lauren Wichlep Sherry Paschal Birthday Celebration By:Paschal Family Charlotte Boudreaux By:Rosie Molina Patty Sue Wheeler By:John Magliolo Delia Lopez By:Joe Lopez & Family People of the Parish Alex Jaramillo By:Family Lenten Penance Service St. Mary s (League City) Tues. March 13, 7pm We will also be having our normal schedule for confessions the next couple of Saturday s from 4:30-5:30pm. You may also call the office if you wish to schedule an appointment at any other time. Living Covenant in a Contract World Cameron Retreat Center March Our marriage vows call us to a covenant relationship, a bond of mutual, life-giving, lifelong, unconditional love. Our society reminds us over and over that life is a contract, an assignment of risks and benefits, tasks and roles, giving and getting, with always an escape clause. How does a couple deal with these conflicting views? Living covenant is geared to taking a step back from everyday life and to examine the basic relationships of marriage-with each other, with our family, with God, with society. It is a wonderful opportunity for the couples to consider privately these important relationships, and to grow in faith and love. The weekend is slow-paced, allowing time for reflection, prayer and conversation. Questions, call Joe & Cinda Date March 16th March 23rd February 17& 18, 2018 Weekly Goal $12, Regular Collection $ 9, DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Instruments of God s Mercy Parish Goal 2018 $52, Total Amount Pledged $28, Total Amount Paid $13, (26.46%) Total # of Participants 79 If you have not already offered your pledge in this year s Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), Please do so today. DSF 2018 is focused on us, the Church, as we use our gifts to be Instruments of God s Mercy, which will benefit ministries that serve thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Through your generous support of DSF, we bring Christ s comfort and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. Our parish goal for 2018 is $52,000. With every parish family s full participation, we will surely exceed this amount and do our share to help many in need, advancing the work of the Church in our community. To Give Online Go To For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude. Friday s in Lent Stations of the Cross 6:30PM(English) 7:15PM (Spanish) Celebrant Deacon Hector Cantu Fr. Tony Castro 7:15PM (Spanish) Deacon Julio Every Friday KC Fish Fry 5:30-7:30pm Parish Hall Samaritan Corner Funeral Reception Support Needed... We have 3 incredible funeral teams that provide receptions for the families who have lost a loved one after the funeral. Perhaps you would be willing to volunteer to make something beforehand or come to setup/serve on the day of the funeral reception. Please call the office if you are interested, and we will get you in contact with one of our funeral team leaders.

3 Dear parish family, 4 th Sunday Lent We read in this Sundays gospel, As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life (Jn.3:14). The Lord Jesus recalls the incident when many Israelites died while crossing the desert due to poisonous snakes. Moses under God s instruction made a bronze serpent and put it in a pole so that those bitten by snakes would look at it and be healed (Num. 21:9). In a way God reversed the curse by making image of the serpent that kills to become the image and the instrument to heal. This brings us to the cross. The cross that kills becomes the cross that saves and gives life. Jesus, the Son of Man was lifted up on the cross and died there. The gospel of John makes use of the literary style of double meaning in using the term lifted up. Jesus was not just lifted up on the cross. He was also lifted up to the Father by His resurrection from the dead. The cross that was the symbol of death became the symbol of life. Somehow giving us a cue for personal application that any suffering that diminishes us may be turn around to become a suffering that can magnify or lift us up. We are reminded to lift ourselves to Him for healing and look upon Him with faith, trust and confidence that we may not be weakened and defeated by the attacks of the devil. Our loving God reminds us today that He won t abandon us even though we falter in our relationship with Him. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that those who believe in Him my not perish but may have eternal life! Even as world is weighed down by the darkness of failure, turn upside down by selfishness and sin, we must know that Jesus came from the Father, not to condemn but to bring reconciliation and life. In the middle of a long journey of Lent or even the long journey of life, we need to find new purpose and energy. Whatever those things that weigh us down, they may be redirected in a more personal way and then rediscover the essential truth of our Christian faith. While embracing our crosses, we are reminded of the cross of salvation, which lead us to the glorious resurrection. Blessings to you and have a good week! Fr. Tony Querida familia parroquial, Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma Leemos en el evangelio de este domingo: "Así como Moisés levantó la serpiente en el desierto, así también el Hijo del hombre debe ser levantado, para que todo aquel que en El cree pueda tener vida eterna" (Jn.3: 14). El Señor Jesús recuerda el incidente cuando muchos israelitas murieron mientras cruzaban el desierto debido a las serpientes venenosas. Moisés, siguiendo las instrucciones de Dios, hizo una serpiente de bronce y la puso en un poste para que los mordidos por las serpientes la miraran y sanaran (Números 21: 9). En cierto modo, Dios revirtió la maldición haciendo una imagen de la serpiente que mata para convertirse en la imagen y el instrumento para sanar. Esto nos lleva a la cruz. La cruz que mata se convierte en la cruz que salva y da vida. Jesús, el Hijo del Hombre, fue levantado en la cruz y murió allí. El evangelio de Juan hace uso del estilo literario de doble significado al usar el término "levantado". Jesús no solo fue levantado en la cruz. También fue levantado al Padre por su resurrección de entre los muertos. La cruz que era el símbolo de la muerte se convirtió en el símbolo de la vida. De alguna manera, nos da una señal para la aplicación personal de que cualquier sufrimiento que nos disminuya puede convertirse en un sufrimiento que puede magnificar o elevarnos. Se nos recuerda dirigirnos a Él para sanidad y mirarlo con fe, confianza y confidencia para que no seamos debilitados y derrotados por los ataques del demonio. Nuestro Dios amoroso nos recuerda hoy que no nos abandonará a pesar de que vacilamos en nuestra relación con él. "Tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo único para que los que creen en él no se pierdan, sino que tengan vida eterna". Aun cuando el mundo está abrumado por la oscuridad del fracaso, se vuelven trastornados por el egoísmo y el pecado, debemos saber que Jesús vino del Padre, no para 'condenar' sino para traer reconciliación y vida. En medio de un largo viaje de Cuaresma o incluso del largo viaje de la vida, necesitamos encontrar un nuevo propósito y energía. Cualesquiera que sean esas cosas que nos agobian, pueden redirigirse de una manera más personal y luego redescubrir la verdad esencial de nuestra fe cristiana. Mientras abrazamos nuestras cruces, recordamos la cruz de la salvación, que nos conduce a la gloriosa resurrección. Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una buena semana! P. Tony

4 Activities of the Week Sun. March 11: No CCE, No EDGE & No Life Teen Adult Confirmation 2pm PH Conf. Rm OREMUS Bible Study Group 5:15pm Rosary Hall Mon. March 12: Rosary for Life 7pm Chapel Creciemento 6:30pm Rosary Hall Tues. March 13: Baptism Class (English) 7pm Conf. Rm Wed. March 14: OREMUS Bible Study Group 9:15am PH Conf. Rm Thurs. March 15: RCIA 6:45pm PH Conf. Rm. 7pm Fri. March 16: KC Fish Fry 5:30pm 7:30pm Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15(Spanish) Sat. March 18:No CCE, No EDGE & No Life Teen Adult Confirmation 2pm PH Conf. Rm OREMUS-LET US PRAY The Oremus study program teaches you the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life. Over the course of eight weeks you will discover how God speaks to you, even in the smallest encounters. Following the Tradition of the Catholic Church and the wisdom of the saints, you will learn how to express yourself to God in prayer, and how to her his voice. Classes 5:15pm & 9:15am READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13b; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:3-4, 12-15; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 Encuentro Martimonial Mundial Los invita a vivir un Fin de Semana Conoce como puedes vivir mas intima y profundamente tu relacion. AQuieres recuperar la relacion con tu esposo (a) cunado eran novios , , Marco & Mercedes Arrona, marco-51@sbcglobal.net 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. Te invitamos a una Hora Santa en comunidad Todos los mièrcoles De 7-8 p.m. En la Capilla de San Josè. Para más información Puedes comunicarte con Marta y Reino Fernández The Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosks... There are several books and DVD s of informational material designed to help us grow in our faith. Go by and check them out! They are located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall. 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 - Wed. 6:30-9pm Rosary Hall Contact Annelise Lagasse Sun. 12:30pm Spanish Mass- Contact Jose Vazquez Sun. 4pm Life Teen Mass- Rehearsals-Sunday 2pm Contact Alex sttheresa.prolife@gmail.com or Single/Single Again Social Ministry Monday, April 2nd Blue bonnets in bloom on the trip to Blue Bell Creamery and Heritage Museum in Brenham. Stop for sausage in Chappell on the way or coming back home. Restaurant: It Must Be Heaven (soup, sandwiches, dessert, and Blue Bell Ice Cream, of course. Leave on Harris County bus at 9:15 a.m. from Chapel parking lot. No long tour of Blue Bell, but they do have an ice cream shop with film and window to see how their ice cream is made. Possible stop in Bellville at the bakery & castle on the way. Call or vjswenson@a.net to join St. Mary s Single/Single Again Social Ministry. Pope s Prayer Intention for March Evangelization: Formation in Spiritual Discernment That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels. St. Mary s VBS 2018 July 9th thru 13th We are still in need of 6 Adult Volunteers to help lead the activity stations and groups. Without your help VBS will not be possible. Would you be willing to help??? Please contact Kristina , Emarita or Heather if you have any questions or can help in any way.

5 Please Pray For Our Troops and Bill & Rena Mathei, Jorge Cortez, Vanessa Carriaga, Kasey Brinkley, Micky and Betty Flynn, Hope Araujo, Delia Garcia, Rosie Rodriguez, Timoteya Sanchez, Steve Grigory, Rosa Reyes, Hannah Schmitz, Ryan Paulissen, Rena Espinoza Carroll, Candeleria Ortiz, Sherry Paschal, Felicia Kahn, Beatrice Gamboa, Mrs. Langston, Marie Alemon, George Lopez Jr., Michael, Johnny Hughes, Maria Miranda, Virginia Jaramilllo, Joel Rivera, Bryson Dunn, Lisa Steinberg, John Lopez,, Mark Staszek, Salazar Family, Brad & Barbara Riley, Isabelle Calvillo, Raymond Flores, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Noe Mares, Albert Davis, Anthony Melancon, Brittany Espinoza, Maximiliana Rios, Carlos Rios, Amy Zann, Joy Barksdale, Edward Salinas Jr., Sergio Reyes Family, Trevor Bonnau, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Seth Permenter, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Jennifer Minor, Jarred H., Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Faith A., Tami Sills, LeeAnn & Family, Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Ruth Christian, Marilyn James, Chuck Thompson, Katherie Reichley & Family, Don & Allie Fay Matthews, Joe & Sue Hand, Mary Pat Wells, Cheryl Grimes, Rick Lara, Tina Aviles, Katy Dalton, Sharon Holston, Janice, Steven Carr, Ruth Stephens, Cormac O Reilly, Georgia Fogo, Jim Haynes, Jessica Salazar, Ashley Paulissen, Priscilla Lopez, Eloy Guerra, Jackie Chappell, Zina Arlan, Terry Dunn, Michael Scott, Francisco Viogueria, Aurora Jones, Carlos Martinez, George Lopez Jr. Please continue to Pray for Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Mary Sagala, Julia Dautriel, Ernie Molina, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Christina Palacios, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Pedro Sanchez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Carlos Smith, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Tom Noonan, Deacon Tom Lewis, Gene Contreras, Becky Melchor, Aaron Rodriguez, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Clarence Clipper, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Lois Johnston, Minnie Lopez, Deacon Merce Leal, Margarita Klock, Sue Crockett, Joanne Jarrell, Ben Munoz, Diana Ortiz, Bob Davis, Janet Hoffpauir, Nick Martin, Barry Armstrong and those requesting prayer via our web site. Remember Our Shut-Ins Ben Gerdes, Josie Funda, 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 Gene Espey and Ben Gerdes Our Sympathy to James Espey and family on the loss of his father, Gene, and Dianne Gerdes and family on the loss of her husband, Ben 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. 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 the Church Office. ALTAR FLOWERS 2018 Available Flower Date (No Flowers during Lent) April 21/22, 28/29 May 5/6, 26/27 June 2/3, 9/10, 23/24 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan or to reserve your date as soon as possible. Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Carlos Rodriguez By:Rosie Molina Chapel Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Marita Hooper Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women will hold their March meeting on Wed. March 21@ St. Paul s Church, Point Lookout Dr., Nassau Bay. The morning will begin with 8:30am. Social sill begin at 9:30am, followed by a brief business mtg. After the mtg., Fr. Reginald Samuels, Pastor of St. Hyacinth Church, Deer Park, will share his wisdom and insights on an inspirational Lenten reflection, Stand with Him. Lunch will follow at Luby s on Nasa 1. CCW is a network of Catholic women who come together for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service to Christ. Info. contact Judy Erne or judyerne@comcast.net. Childcare available by contacting Marilyn YodalnOz@comcast.com or MINISTRY SCHEDULE MARCH 17 & 18, 2018 SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Andrew Nguyen, Joseph Nguyen Lector Kathy Nastally Commentator Victoria Swenson Extraordinary Ministers Dennis Swenson, Pat Stanton, of the Eucharist Kathy Nastally SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Natalie Molina Lector Susie Burgess Commentator Sheridan Lewis Extraordinary Ministers Leslie Davis, Mose Davis, of the Eucharist Dianne Gerdes SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Sergio Reyes Lector Linda Patten Commentator Debbie Wade Extraordinary Ministers Geraldine Leslie, Felicia Reyes, of the Eucharist George Rodriguez SUNDAY-12:30pm(Spanish) Altar Servers Adrian Rodriguez, Alejandro Rodriguez Jasmine Rodriguez Lectors Blanca Rodriguez, Olivia Rodriguez Extraordinary Ministers Jose & Juany Garcia of the Eucharist SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Servers Lectors Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Eli Lopez, Eros Lopez Nick Barrera Brigitte Barrera, Jessica Jaramillo, Rosie Molina

6 St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store St. Mary s Church,816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX Low-Low Prices Clothing, Shoes, Houseware/Glassware, Hardware ~ New Merchandise Every Day ~ Hours: 9:00am to 11am Closed: Thursday & Sunday All proceeds are used to help the needy in our community with their rent and utility bills. Thank You for Your Support! Our Resale Shop here at St. Mary s is in need of volunteers (Especially able-bodied males). You can pick any day you are able to work. If you are available to help out, please contact Please join us in St. Joseph s Chapel on Monday, March 7pm to join the Knights in praying the Rosary for Life. Catholic Family Night at the Astros Friday, April 27th Astros vs. Athletics Individual Tickets on sale in March For groups of 20 or more or any questions, contact Hannah or hwalker@astros.com. Part of the proceeds will benefit Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese. Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Husbands and Wives, plants need fertilizer to grow healthy and strong and so to does your marriage. Without some nurturing and care it will remain weak and unfulfilling. Spread a little fertilizer on your relationship. Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend and watch your love for each other grow. Some upcoming dates are March 23-25, May or October Register early to reserve a spot. Contact Brian & Tina Little at for more information. Or go on-line to houstonme.org. SPECIAL EVENT!!! Wake-Up Call for All Catholics Cradle, Ex, Non, Lukewarm Why are you Catholic when there are thousands of other denominations to choose from? Do you really believe in Jesus Christ and His Church? How can you live and share the faith in an anti-catholic culture? Beyond Sunday, how else are you being called to be faithful? If these questions are some that you struggle to adequately answer, make plans now to attend this special event on Tue., Apr. 24, from 7-8:30 p.m.at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay. The presenter is by speaker and author Troy Guy, a former anti-catholic Protestant. Attendees will receive a copy of Troy s popular new book, Evangelical Catholic.

7 No Classes Today ~ Spring Break Classes resume March 25th Questions, contact Jessica in the office on Mon. & No Class Tonight Enjoy Spring Break!!! Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: randytercero@hotmail.com Or Angie Lif_ T n M[ss To^[y 4pm No Cl[ss Tonight ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lenten Bible Study Women s Bible Study Shari s Saturday 9am Men s Bible Study Jorge s Tuesday 7pm God s Blessings to our Youth & Core Team who are on Retreat this weekend! Info. contact