St. Cecilia Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Joan of Arc Drive Houston, Texas

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1 St. Cecilia Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Joan of Arc Drive Houston, Texas CLERGY Reverend Francis M. Macatangay, Pastor Reverend Michael McFall, Parochial Vicar Reverend Giovanni Nguyen, Parochial Vicar Deacon Frank Davis, III Deacon Greg Evans Deacon Sam Mancuso Deacon Don Bradley PARISH STAFF Director of Liturgy and Music Mr. Andrew Meinen, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation Ms. Karen Ann Martin, Director of Community Life and Stewardship Ms. Stasie Smith, Director of Parish Administration Ms. Daisy O Halloran, dohalloran@saintcecilia.org Day School Principal Mr. Jeff Matthews, jmatthews@saintcecilia.org PASTORAL COUNCIL Meets 2 nd Tuesday of each month. Tom McQuilling, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Ricardo Fernandez, Michelle Forrester, Graciela Garcia, Allan Klenke, Jeff Laird, Elsie Laynez, Jane Mancuso, Jennifer Petree, Gil Ramon, Jeanmarie Stevenson, and Missy Wibbelsman. Questions or comments? Please us at: pastoralcouncil@saintcecilia.org FINANCE COUNCIL Meets 4 th Monday of each month. Members: Steve Landry, Chairperson. Members: Fr. Francis Macatangay, Billy Ambrose, Maria Bahena, Christina Carroll, Tammy Coker, Kristi Hyzak, Daisy O Halloran, Stasie Smith, and Lloyd Waguespack SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. (English) 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. (Spanish) 5:30 p.m. Life Teen (English) WEEKDAY MASSES Monday: 8:15 a.m. Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 8:15 a.m. Thursday: 8:15 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Spanish) Friday: 8:15 a.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. RECONCILIATION Saturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. or appointment PASTORAL OFFICE: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday 12:30-1:30 p.m. Closed for Lunch Please call the Pastoral Office for Anointing of the Sick, for Marriage Preparation, and for Baptism. *In the event of life & death emergencies after office hours (if a priest is needed), please call THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OFFICE (for assistance to those in need) BIRTHRIGHT OFFICE: GABRIEL PROJECT OFFICE: The Sunday Bulletin deadline is each Friday at 12 p.m. (2 weeks in advance of publication date) requests to: bulletin@saintcecilia.org

2 Page 2 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Weekly Highlight: Parish Administration: Daisy O Halloran Director dohalloran@saintcecilia.org Jorge Cardenas Associate Director jcardenas@saintcecilia.org Lloyd Waguespack Accountant lwaguespack@saintcecilia.org Elaine Rossi Parish Secretary erossi@saintcecilia.org Mirta Garcia Parish Receptionist mgarcia@saintcecilia.org Life-Long Faith Formation: Karen Ann Martin Director karenann@saintcecilia.org Mayra Morales Administrative Assistant mmorales@saintcecilia.org Adult/RCIA: Kimberly Newcomb knewcomb@saintcecilia.org Pastoral Care: Frank Davis fdavis@saintcecilia.org Colleen Bryse cbryse@saintcecilia.org Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, A Message From Fr. Francis The Season of Advent and the beginning of a new Liturgical Year begins on December 3rd this year. The Advent Season is an intense time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of his first coming as a newborn child at Bethlehem on that first Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). The liturgical color for Advent is purple, just like Lent. Both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Like Lent, Advent includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. In this regard, the decorations in our church and around our parish campus should reflect this anticipation and asceticism, not the fullness of Christmas splendor. Despite the lighted displays and Christmas trees that adorn the malls from as early mid-november these days, we must hold back from Christmas decorations until the latter days of Advent, so our community can savor Advent longing before we leap into the glorious praise of the Incarnation at Christmas Time. It is spiritually worthwhile to observe some quiet time during Advent to reflect on our preparations for the coming of the Lord. Finally, be reminded that our parish will have our Advent Penance Service on Dec 14th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. There will be some 25 kind priests to help us celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation individually. May you have a grace-filled Advent! Peace, Fr. Francis The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Retirement Fund for Religious The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is on Friday, December 8th. This is a holy day of obligation. Thursday, December 7th Vigilia de La Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen Maria 7:00 p.m. misa en español Friday, December 8th Mass in English at 8:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Help care for elders. Thanks to support from the Retirement Fund for Religious, we are now in a much better position to care for our elders, - writes a religious sister. Your donation helps her religious community and hundreds of others provide for aging members and plan for long-term needs. Please give to next week s Retirement Fund for Religious collection.

3 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Page 3 Mass Intentions and Readings for the Week Monday, December 4th Tuesday, December 5th Wednesday, December 6th Thursday, December 7th Is 2:1-5 Mt 8:5-11 Is 11:1-10 Lk 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10A Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6 Mt 7:21, :15 a.m. Covey Nash 8:15 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Kevin Gardner, Jr. George Conner 8:15 a.m. Delia M Brooks 8:15 a.m. 7:00 p.m. In Rememberance of John Wilhelm Jose Marin Liturgy and Music: Andrew Meinen Director ameinen@saintcecilia.org Tracy Oliver toliver@saintcecilia.org Friday, December 8th Gn 3:9-15, 20 Eph 1:3-6, Lk 1: :15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Julia M Happe Deceased Members of the Vacker Family Robert Kerwin Saturday, December 9th Sunday, December 10th Is 30:19-21, Mt 9:35 10:1, 5A, 6-8 Is 40:1-5, Pt 3:8-14 Mk 1:1-8 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Florian Piwetz Dale Family William Bauer Mike Licea All Parish Families Consuelo Yolanda Llanas Jose Marin Robert Kerwin Our annual Reconciliation (Penance) Service for Advent will be held on Thursday, December 14. There will be a number of priests on hand to hear individual confessions beginning at 7:00 p.m. This year, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. Because the Masses for Christmas begin in the afternoon on that day, and to ensure you are able to fulfill your obligation to attend Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent, a Mass in Spanish will be celebrated on Saturday, December 23, at 7:00 pm. There will not be a 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm Spanish Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent on December 24. Mass in Spanish for Christmas will be at 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. Calendar of Events Event Date Time Place Christmas Angel Tree Program 12/2, 3 After Masses Church 8 Life Teen 12/3 7:00 p.m. Youth Room 6 KIDs Club Classes 12/03, 10 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School 5 Centering Prayer 12/06 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Community Center Room # EDGE Night with Adore Missionary 12/06 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School's Auditorium 6 Bereavement Meeting 12/09 10:00 a.m. Community Center - Room Prime Timers' Luncheon 12/14 12:00 p.m. Community Center 7 EDGE Social: Christmas Celebration 12/15 7:00 p.m. St. Cecilia Catholic School's Auditorium 6 Welcoming Sunday 12/17 After 9 & 11 am Mass Community Center - Room 204 -

4 Page 4 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Stewardship Community Life and Stewardship: Stasie Smith Director ssmith@saintcecilia.org Tonia Candelario tcandelario@saintcecilia.org Yesenia Andablo yandablo@saintcecilia.org Maribel Mendoza mmendoza@saintcecilia.org Second Collections: December 10: Retirement Fund for Religious Collection Diocesan Services Fund: Collections for November 26, 2017 Collections for November 19, :00 p.m. Saturday $3, :00 p.m. Saturday $5, :30 a.m. Sunday $2, :30 a.m. Sunday $2, :00 a.m. Sunday $2, :00 a.m. Sunday $2, :00 a.m. Sunday $3, :00 a.m. Sunday $5, :00 p.m. Sunday $3, :00 p.m. Sunday $2, :00 p.m. Sunday $ :00 p.m. Sunday $ :30 p.m. Sunday $3, :30 p.m. Sunday $2, Mail and Drop-offs $10, Mail and Drop-offs $9, Faith Direct $27, Faith Direct - Large Donations/Stock $5, Large Donations/Stock - Candle Monies $ Candle Monies $ Thanksgiving Mass $ Week Total $64, Week Total $31, Children s Collection DSF $ $ To donate online, visit Parish code: TX616 Children s Collection Campaign for Human Development $ $6, Donate Online We love having you as part of our flock! Let s keep in touch! Get updates via & text Flocknote This new tool we're using lets you choose what info you'd like to receive - via or text message - from the various ministries and groups in our church. You can unsubscribe any time. Visit our church at: flocknote.com/stceciliahouston Text stcecilia to from your phone to subscribe!

5 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Page 5 Children s Faith Formation programs and events are for children in pre-k 4 through grade 5. For more information please contact Rosemary Munoz at (direct line), rmunoz@saintcecilia.org or Cecilia Morillo at cmorillo@saintcecilia.org. Faith Formation (CCE) for children with special needs: This is the third year we are offering this class. Contact us if you or someone you know can benefit from this program. Religious Education for Children KIDs Club Schedule: December 3rd and 10th - Sunday 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. classes December 6th and 13th - Wednesday 6:15 p.m. classes January 7th, 14th, and 21st - Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. classes January 10th, 17th and 24th - Wednesday 6:15 p.m. classes KIDs Club Registration: Registration forms for KIDs Club are available in the parish office or on the parish website. Simply vist KIDs Club Volunteers needed: Volunteers are needed for the special needs class. No Experience is necessary just a desire to share your faith with the children of our parish. All volunteers for children s programs are required to attend a VIRTUS workshop and background check. Please visit to register. Children s Liturgy of the Word: The next Children s Liturgy of the Word will be December 3rd and 17th during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We invite and welcome children ages kindergarten through grade 4 to hear the Word of God from the Children s Lectionary. For this to be offered every Sunday, more leaders are needed. RCIA (adapted for children and youth) The RCIA process for children is in need for an added team member to assist with the parent/child sessions and other planned celebrations. Family Life: Alicia Quintanilla aquintanilla@saintcecilia.org Children: Rosemary Munoz rmunoz@saintcecilia.org Cecilia Morillo cmorillo@saintcecilia.org Parish Nursery: Martina Razo mrazo@saintcecilia.org St. Cecilia Valentine s Wine Dinner

6 Page 6 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Youth Ministry (Middle School) Schedule for Fall 2017: 7:00 p.m. 8:15 p.m. Meet in the Auditorium Wednesday, December 6 - EDGE Night with Adore Missionary ADORE missionaries will join us to do presentations and activities for EDGE. Friday, December 15- Social: Christmas Celebration EDGE A Night to Celebrate the coming of our Lord. A night of fun with a message. Youth Ministry: Karen Ann Martin (Middle School) karenann@saintcecilia.org EDGE Parent Volunteers NEEDED - We are asking ALL EDGE PARENTS to volunteer to assist with at least one EDGE Night this year. Parents should have received an with a link to the Signup Genius. Signup for the night you can come and plan to arrive by 6:35 p.m. on those nights for the short pre-edge Angel Crew Meeting to receive information about your role for the night. Look forward to you joining us as we build faith for your middle schoolers with EDGE! Youth Ministry (High School) There is Life Teen tonight Sunday, December 3rd! This is the final Life Teen of the year. Life Teen will return Sunday, January 7th for our Life Teen Family night. This night will be in the church and parents are welcome to attend. Fr. Michael will be talking about the REAL meaning of Christmas. Service Project: Saturday, December 9th we will have a service project of making winter homeless survival kits. These survival kits will be packed with snacks and items to help the homeless keep warm. All youth are welcome to come! We will start with mass at 9 a.m. in the church and then head over to the youth room to make the kits. Donuts and kolaches will be provided. If you are a second year youth and you did not attend the November retreat you MUST attend the February 2-4 retreat. Registration forms can be found online or in the youth room. Youth Ministry: David Thies (High School) dthies@saintcecilia.org All confirmed juniors and seniors are invited to this awesome weekend in Surfside Beach, TX. This leadership retreat will be going deep! Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, confession, worship, and lots of fun all while experiencing the beauty of God's creation! We will be staying at the Big Kahuna, which is right on the water. The cost of the retreat is $100 and includes meals and transportation. Registration forms can be found in the youth room!

7 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Page 7 Sharing Sunday is here! Stop by the Community Center after any mass to find out how you can make a family s Christmas special. The Vincentians have compiled a list of needy families that would benefit from your generosity. Get together a group of friends or a child s class and help one of the larger families. This can be a very rewarding experience for both you and the family you help. Contact us at vincentdepaulcecilia@yahoo.com or you can call Clare Thomeer at Would you like to thank our seminarians for studying to become priests for our Archdiocese? Consider giving them an early Christmas present by purchasing a gift card to any restaurant, office supplies store, convenient store, or VISA gift card. The gift cards you purchase will be given to our Houston Vocation s Office and they will distribute them to our seminarians. Thank you for our generous support! Please deliver your gift cards to the front office by Wednesday, December 6th. Sharing Sunday Gift Cards for our Seminarians Centering Prayer Wednesday, December 6th, 7-8 p.m. Community Center Room # 202 Questions should be directed to Richard Rose at rrose55@comcast.net or Mary Malicki at marykaymalicki@hotmail.com. Saturday, December 9th Community Center - Room 201 Have you lost a spouse, a child, or a loved one, and feel like you are walking through the wilderness of grief? Our purpose is to offer spiritual and emotional support to each other and to others in our community with the healing comfort of God to all who mourn a loss through death. You are invited to join the St. Cecilia Bereavement Group. We meet the 2nd Saturday of each month. Please join us at our next meeting. Questions? Contact: Frank Davis or Colleen Bryse in the Parish Office at Bereavement Thursday, December 14th - FREE Bingo & Door Prizes Community Center Prime Timers November luncheon will be on Thursday, December 14th. Come play bridge, dominoes, and card games. Lunch is $5.00 and will be served at noon. If you have a question concerning the luncheon call Colleen Bryse at and questions concerning bridge, dominoes and card games please Linda at ljkearney64@gmail.com. Prime Timers' Luncheon Mark your calendar for next year! January 18, 2018 February 15, Bingo March 15, Entertainment

8 Page 8 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Parish Hurricane Relief Efforts Christmas Angel Tree Program The generosity that the St. Cecilia community has shown to our friends dealing with the aftermath of Harvey has been heartwarming at every level. With Christmas coming the St. Cecilia Hurricane Relief Team have been busy little elves! Keep an eye out for a special "angel tree" in the church December 2nd and 3rd at all Masses. The tree will be covered with angels that have the age and gender of a child, in our community who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey. If you wish to sponsor a child please take the angel to a member of the Relief Team (set up at each Mass) and they will find the corresponding wish list for that child. We are asking that each child receive 1-3 gifts from their list with a maximum of $100 per child. Specific details will be provided when you pick up your child's wish list. The presents can then be returned to the special containers under the angel tree to be collected over the weekend of December If you are a Harvey-affected family and would like your children to be included in this program (and have not already been contacted about this program by your assigned mission family), or if you would like more details please contact Nadine Balombin at nadine.matta@comcast.net.thanks for your continued support of these families working hard to get their lives back on track. Esfuerzos de Ayuda de Huracán de la Parroquia La generosidad que la comunidad de St. Cecilia ha demostrado a nuestros amigos que están lidiando con las secuelas de Harvey ha sido conmovedora. Con la llegada de la Navidad, el equipo de Sta. Cecilia de Asistencia detrás del Huracán han sido duendecitos muy ocupados. Busque un "árbol de ángel" especial en la iglesia el Domingo 2 y 3 de diciembre del 2017 en todas las Misas. El árbol estará cubierto de ángeles que tienen la edad y el género de un niño de nuestra comunidad que se ha visto afectado por el huracán Harvey. Si desea patrocinar a un niño, lleve el ángel a un miembro del equipo de ayuda (establecido en cada Misa) y ellos encontrarán la lista de deseos correspondiente para ese niño. Pedimos que cada niño reciba 1-3 regalos de su lista con un monto máximo en dólares por niño. Se proporcionarán detalles específicos cuando recoja la lista de deseos de su niño. Los regalos pueden ser entregados a los contenedores especiales bajo el árbol del ángel para ser recogidos durante el fin de semana del de diciembre. Si usted es una familia afectada por Harvey y desea que sus hijos se incluyan en este programa (y su familia de misión asignada aún no lo ha contactado), o si desea obtener más información, comuníquese con Nadine Balombin (nadine.matta@comcast.net). Gracias por su continuo apoyo a estas familias que trabajan arduamente para recuperar sus vidas. Parish Hurricane Relief Ongoing Efforts Monday, January 8th at 7 p.m. Community Center Where are you and your family now, post-harvey; emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially and intellectually? Deborah Krummel, LPC & Dr. Richard Krummel, of Krummel & Associates, P.C. are presenting a talk on processing stress as families and couples. We will also discuss the possible need for more emotional support by our families. Those who were impacted by the flood are invited on Monday, January 8th at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. Babysitting will be provided, please RSVP to mrazo@saintcecilia.org

9 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Page 9 Pastoral Council You ve probably heard of the Pastoral Council, but you may not know our role or purpose. Our job is to offer council to Fr. Francis on Pastoral matters, particularly regarding the spiritual growth of the members of our parish. Pastoral Council is advisory only; we do not vote or have any power to make decisions. Our members are the eyes and ears of our fellow parishioners. Our guide is the Pastoral Plan, which was completed in June of It is a 5-year plan that is in various stages of being implemented by our dedicated and caring Pastoral Staff. Here at St. Cecilia, Pastoral Council is comprised of 12 members, each serving a 3-year term. Four members are discerned each year to serve, and four members roll off, or complete their term. New Pastoral Council members are determined through the process of discernment. Discernment consists of prayer and reflection and the opportunity to offer a response to a series of questions related to the church, St. Cecilia, etc. We will be discerning new members on Saturday, January 27th, 2018 beginning at 9 a.m. The names of our members and our address are always listed on the front of the bulletin. It is a privilege to serve St. Cecilia and represent you, our parishioners. If you have any questions about Pastoral Council, or discernment, please contact us at pastoralcouncil@saintcecilia.org. Communal Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel During the exposition, there should be prayers, songs, and readings to direct the attention of the faithful worship of Christ the Lord. Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, 95 1st Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Movimiento Familiar Cristiano 2nd Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Virgen de Guadalupe Peregrina 3rd Friday of each month 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Noche Bíblica 3rd Saturday of each month 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Maranathá Young Adult Group December 14 at 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gathering for women ages 18 and up who are interested in learning more about religious life. Sisters from different religious communities will be present. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Gatherings will be at different convents around the archdiocese. Video, photos, registration and details at for more information contact Sr. Anita Brenek, CDP at or abrenek@archgh. Public Announcement- Rite of Candidacy for Jose Romay The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston formally announces that Jose Romay will be admitted to candidacy for the permanent diaconate on February 17, 2018 at a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop George Sheltz. If any person knows of a serious reason why this Aspirant should not be admitted to Candidacy or continue to ordination to the permanent diaconate, please notify Deacon Rob Ward, Director of Formation, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at or via at rob.ward@smseminary.com. Please keep Jose and his wife Flavie in your prayers as he is called to the Rite of Candidacy. May he always remain faithful to the vocation to which he is called. This announcement is in compliance with Canon 1051 :2 of the Code of Canon Law. Houston Vocations: Woman Seeking

10 Page 10 December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Loving Embrace Infertility Support Group We meet on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 p.m. The format of our meetings changes monthly, rotating between: couples dinner, ladies dinner, and couples discussion. Shannon Lassen Loving Embrace is a Catholic educational support group for couples who have endured or are presently enduring the pain and suffering of infertility. The group provides support for coping with infertility and explores resources, methods, and options that are morally faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. For information contact Shannon Lassen at or infertilitysupporthouston@gmail.com. The Gathering Place Lorrie Dawlearn Tom Breaux ext. 210 The Gathering Place is a stimulating, loving and fun environment where volunteers offer interactive and affirming activities designed for members of the congregation and community who suffer with memory loss. The program is free. The Gathering Place is a partnership between St. Cecilia and Interfaith CarePartners and is one of 58 participating congregations that offer 3 1/2 hours of respite from the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia while they enjoy games, crafts, entertainment lunch and other fun activities. Caregivers may choose to use this opportunity for respite, or may opt to participate along with their care partner. To volunteer, call Lorrie Dawlearn at To register a loved one to attend this free program, please contact Tom Breaux at ext Please Pray for the Sick and the Departed Please pray for all of those who are ill, including: Elyas Fejarang Amelyn Agoncillo Mary Rose Estrada Rodney Benson Lawrence Krūg Ruben Sanchez Joe Atalig John Faust Jules Faye Henry Zito Tracy Bent Glen Butler Donna Sloan Jose Marin Erika Wimberly Chris Stafford Theresa Jamail Lilly Nguyen Sara Harvey Lillian Renaud Violet Yee Irene Evans Carlos Sera Richard Cruz Margaret Cruz Pat Flanagan James Baker Barbara Flake Please contact Deacon Frank Davis at fdavis@saintcecilia.org or Colleen Bryse at cbryse@saintcecilia. org if you or a family member are ill or in the hospital. Please pray for the souls of the faithful departed. Concepcion Castillo Bautista, mother of Zozimo Sosa Alex Martinez, is the brother of Helen Pappert May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Please note: Names of those who are sick will appear in the Sunday bulletin for two months. At the end of this two month period, names will be inscribed in our Prayer Book, located in the Chapel of Reservation, where we continue to pray for all of the sick. Obituaries of those who have died may be found at: