A Message from the Pastor

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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 Lu Hill 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 A Message from the Pastor A t a time of the year when the darkness of night begrudgingly surrenders to the first light of day and the dusk of evening ushers in with more fervent momentum, we are made ever conscious of the pronounced contrast between light and darkness. The traditions of lighting our Christmas tree, of illuminating our streets and shopping centers, and of outdoing our neighbors in decorating the exteriors of our homes manifest the truth that deep down inside we are called to be children of the light. Indeed, the Feast of Christmas is a celebration of the light. For He, who is the Light of the world, comes to us once more in the form of an innocent Child, a light that shines in the darkness, one that the darkness shall never overcome (Jn. 1:5). It seems that each year we begin to deck the halls a little earlier than the year before. It may be because subconsciously we become aware that we have faded somewhat into the darkness and that our souls too desire to be illuminated. In many ways, we come to realize that without the enlightenment of Divine Truth, without the Church to guide us along the dark night of the senses, without the warmth of a divine love to give us serenity, we can all but lose our way in life indeed, we can lose the very meaning of life itself. We can become so disillusioned in the things of darkness the threats of war and violence, the reality of natural and man-made disasters, the disrespect for the sanctity of life, the neglect of the poor and downtrodden, and the lack of human forgiveness and mercy that, in the immortal words of the Psalmist, we find ourselves wandering in the valley of shadows (Ps 23:4). Christmastime is a time for all to step out of the darkness of the shadows, and to enter into the light of hope. It is a time to reflect upon our lives in the light of the One who first came to us in that little town of Bethlehem to dwell among us so that we would invite Him to dwell within our hearts. Each Christmas is a time of renewal of our spirit. Each Christmas is a gift to behold, just as the Blessed Virgin Mother gave herself over to the mystery of the Incarnation God s depthless love revealed in the beating heart of the Son of God, wrapped in the swaddling clothes of our frail humanity. And each Christmas is an invitation to walk in the Light of Christ and to recognize the beauty of that light which dwells within our neighbor. As we experience the awe and wonder that is Christmas, let us not forget that this miracle birth transformed the course of human history and therefore can transforms the course of our lives if we so desire. So it is my prayer that His Peace heal your wounds of the past year, that His Love renew the fire of love for which your hearts burn, and that together we keep vigil and listen intently for the hark of angels from on high, proclaiming: Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today, a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord (Lk. 1: 10-11). May your celebration of Christmas this year be filled with every joy, light, and blessing, and may the New Year be one of peace and goodwill to all. Be assured that you and yours will be remembered by me in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Christmas Day. Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Tom Lam 2

3 Events & Meetings This Week SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Nursery Closed Sunday Masses 8:00 AM, Mass 9:45 AM, Mass 11:30 AM, Mass NO 5:30 PM Mass Christmas Eve Masses 4:00 PM, Mass: Family Center 4:00 PM, Mass: Church 6:00 PM, Mass: Family Center 6:00 PM, Mass: Church 9:00 PM, Mass: Church 12:00 AM, Midnight Mass: Church MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 Parish Offices Closed 9:00 AM, Mass 11:00 AM, Mass MERRY C H R I S T M A S TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Parish Offices Closed 9:40 AM 7:00 PM, Adoration: Chapel 10:00 AM, Holy Hour Rosary for Respect Life: Chapel 3:00 PM, Divine Mercy Chaplet: Chapel 4:00 PM, Holy Hour for Vocations: Chapel 7:00 PM, Rosary 7:30 PM, Vespers & Benediction: Chapel WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 4:00 PM, ELC Majong: Outreach Center THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 No Events Scheduled FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 No Events Scheduled No Bingo SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 10:00 AM, Baptisms: Narthex SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Nursery Closed The whole parish is invited to celebrate the feast of Epiphany by coming to our annual Interna onal Fes val. It will be in our Family Center a er the 11:30am mass on January 7th. Ethnic foods from around the world will be served amid colorful booths and cultural performances. Food ckets can be purchased a er all the masses December 31st & January 7th. You can also buy them at the event or online by visi ng our website at We hope you celebrate our parish s feast day and it s diversity with us. 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 LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES Sunday, December 24 Vigil: The Nativity of the Lord 4:00 PM-Family Center Leo & Kathleen Farnan 4:00 PM-Church Oliver Gonzales 6:00 PM-Family Center Maria Pham Thi Lan 6:00 PM-Church For the Parish 9:00 PM-Church Rosita Alegre Midnight Mass Barbara Parker Monday, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM Alois Brosch 11:00 AM Brian Matuszak Tuesday, December 26 St. Stephen 9:00 AM Kathleen Nguyen Wednesday, December 27 St. John 9:00 AM John Gennusa Thursday, December 28 The Holy Innocents 9:00 AM Jeff Thaler Friday, December 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 9:00 AM Charles Watts Saturday, December 30 Vigil-The Holy Family 5:30 PM Denier & Carradus Families Sunday, December 31 The Holy Family 8:00 AM Nash Anniversary 9:45 AM For the People 11:30 AM Reynaldo Castaneda 5:30 PM Edna Puno READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27-29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18 Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128: 1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39-40] Through the waters of Baptism the following infants now have begun their journey of faith in the Christian Community: River Walker Cummins, Kethan Hans Gagos, Andrew Thanh Nguyen, Harper Alice White. 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, Theresa McCluskey, Steve Chambers, Jackie Alfonso, Colette Johnecheck, Marie Chaplinsky, Lauro Garza, Amapola Garza, Mary Laverock, Linda Hudak, Claire Spedale, Phil Garrod, Evelyne Courtemanche, John Lazarich, Michael Onubogu, Patricia Onubogu, Obinna Onubogu, Lola Odedina, Diane Estay, Neil Seidel. To make a request for someone to be on our prayer list, please call the parish office at Your loved one s name will appear on our prayer list for six consecutive Sundays. If a longer period of time is needed, please call the parish office to renew your request. You are invited to experience evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours each Tuesday evening in the chapel at 7:30 PM. Liturgy of the Hours is the formal prayer the worldwide Church prays daily in response to Christ's statement to "pray always". Please join us and the entire Church around the world each Tuesday evening. Please pray for our military men and women. 4

5 Parish Life Steps of St. Paul and Italy Pilgrimage With Greek Isle Cruise Join Fr. Martins on a pilgrimage to the Greek Isles, Athens, Rome, Florence, and Assisi next Summer (July 11-23, 2018). You may request a color brochure with a full description of the itinerary. Please gerry@epiphanycatholic.org for more information. The Parish Offices will be closed December 25 and 26 and reopen on Wednesday, December 27 to allow for staff members to spend time with their families. The staff wishes each of you a joyful and blessed Christmas season. The Epiphany Ladies Club (ELC) invites you to attend our meeting on Friday, January 12 at 9:30 AM in the Family Center. Julie Brewer, Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Houston Methodist West Hospital, will give a presentation that explains the role of the pelvic floor muscle and the benefit of specialized physical therapy to improve quality of life. Come join us. New members are always welcome. Any questions, please contact us at epiphanyladiesclub@gmail.com Our Stewardship Stewardship December 16/17 Sunday Offering $34, St. Vincent de Paul Society $4, Registered Households 6,662 Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you! LUKE 1:28 Faith is a gift from God. Take time in silence and thank Him for all the gifts He has given you. Try to set aside any anger or resentment you have and really open your heart to receive the gift of God s mercy and forgiveness. We can t give what we don t have. We need to receive God s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others. Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) It s not too late to give to DSF. DSF envelopes are in the pews. 5

6 Respect Life Bulletin Board The Gabriel Project is a pro-life parish-based apostolate of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston offering assistance to women experiencing difficult circumstances during pregnancy. Gabriel Project volunteers act to provide practical advice and help as well as spiritual support and Christian witness to mothers in need. St. Bart s currently has the only Gabriel Project in Katy. The Respect for Life Committee here at Epiphany of the Lord is joining St. Bart s in a donation drive. We at Epiphany want these moms to know how precious they and their babies are. January is a pro-life month. During this time we ask for contributions to provide for the babies the Gabriel Project serves throughout the year. We will have a crib in the Loggia (hallway in the Administration Building) to collect donations at any time during the month of January. The Gabriel Project is currently in need of the following items: Cribs with the stationary sides Crib sheets, blankets gently used or new Strollers new or gently used New or gently used clothing sizes 0 18 months Socks, hats, bibs, burp cloths Newborn diapers sizes #1, #2 & #3 Toiletries baby wash, lotion, diaper cream, pacifiers Bumbo seats New car seats in the manufacturer s box for 5 lb. babies Please no used car seats or toys. Thank you for your support of the Gabriel Project! For more information Cathie Lobpries at cathielobpries@yahoo.com 6

7 Christmas 2017 Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24th 4:00 PM Church and Family Center 6:00 PM Church and Family Center 9:00 PM Midnight Christmas Day Monday, December 25th 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 7

8 Outreach Ministry Outreach Events in Dec./Jan. Regular Meetings: Mon. Epiphany Job Networking at 7 p.m. in the PAC; Tues. Respect Life Rosary at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. Dec 25: Merry Christmas Jan 1: Happy New year Jan 4: Walking Through Grief Jan 7: Food Drive See for details. Clinic Care Kits Donate personal care items for the Clinic Care Kits which will be assembled on January 10th. Items needed are toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. Drop off in the loggia collection box or to the outreach center. JOB FAIR JANUARY 25, 2018 ARE YOU LOOKING FOR EMPLOYEES? The Job Fair is welcoming companies that have open salaried positions. Please contact Outreach, if you re interested. Catholic Social Thought class Join us for this upcoming class whose CD s are by Rev. William Byron. There will be no pre-reading for the Ten Principles of Catholic Social Thought classes which last for 6 weeks beginning January 18th through February 22nd. We will meet on Thursday mornings in the Outreach Center from 9:45 to 11:30 am. For more information call Outreach at Resolutions As you begin this process, be prayerful and reflect on whether any of the volunteer opportunities listed are calling you. Blood Drive coordinator for quarterly drives Coffee and Donut coordinator the 3rd Sunday of the month The Gathering Place (second Thursday of the month) Homebound Ministry Liturgy has various opportunities Outreach office volunteer Prayer Ministry ( or Adoration) Respect for Life St. Vincent de Paul Society (make home visits when available to help our poor neighbors) Second Family Care Team (visit a shut in) Transportation Ministry (drive when available) Coming next month: Walking Through Grief classes start January 4th at 7pm in the Outreach Conference Room. Call Lisa at for more information. Friday night Bingo will start again on January 5. 8

9 Adult Faith Formation ADULT FORMATION Begin 2018 with positive resolutions! MARY: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the PAC Eight sessions begin January 22, Deadline to register is January 10. Register on our website or in the parish office. JAMES: Pearls for Wise Living Wednesday mornings 10:00 - Noon in the PAC Eight sessions begin January 17, Deadline to register January 10. Register on our website or in the parish office. For additional information contact louann@epiphanycatholic.org or call INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION A Baptism Preparation Session for parents and godparents will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon in the Family Center. Parents must attend a baptism preparation session before scheduling their child s baptism. Call to register for this preparation session. The next opportunity to attend a baptism class at Epiphany will be on Saturday, May 12, GOD S PROMISE The lengthy passage from Samuel is a wonderful exposition of God s promise to the house of David: that his throne would forever be gloriously occupied by his descendants. Hidden in the mystery of the prophecy is the promise of the Savior, the Messiah, Son of God and Son of David. The prophet Nathan, speaking in God s name, poetically turns around David s plan to build a house for God, and announces God s plan to build a house, that is, a dynasty for David. From this house of David will come the Messiah, the Christ, not in kingly splendor as David ruled, but as a humble man, destined to rule forever and over all. When God gives a gift, it s amazing what we are given so different from what we ever could have imagined. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 9

10 Elementary Faith Formation Epiphany Youth Ministry When classes resume in January, we will begin Unit three which will help students come to know: How does Jesus Christ teach us to live a moral life? Students will answer questions like: How do God s commands guide my life? ; Why and how does Jesus want me to make good choices? ; and Why and how does Jesus Christ want me to love and respect myself and others? See if you can work some of these questions into your everyday family conversations. Below is a list of Faith Formation dates that you might want to make note of. Jan. 11th, 2018 Home Based FF Unit 2 Review Jan. 16th, 17th, & 21st, 2018 Faith Formation Classes Resume/ Circle of Grace for grades K-2 Jan. 23rd, 24th, &28th, 2018 Circle of Grace for grades 3-5 April 1, 2018 Registration opens for VBS April 22, 2018 EPIPHANIC June 18-22, 2018 VBS Week Shipwrecked Fourth Sunday of Advent The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Luke 1:35 10