St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston Houston 816 Park Dr. La Porte, Texas 77571 281-471-2000 Fax:281-471-9365 Website:www.stmaryslaporte.com E-mail:stmaryslpcc@sbcglobal.net Parish Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:00 Noon 1:00 pm-4:00 pm CCE Office Hours During CCE School Year: 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-Nelda Shealy Bulletin/Sacramental Records Cheryl Frobenius Maintenance Steve Regan 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.
Saturday, April 6: 6:00pm Sunday, April 7: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Tuesday, April 9: 12:00pm Wednesday, April 10: 8:30am Thursday, April 11: 8:30am Friday, April 12: 8:30am Saturday, April 13: 6:00pm Sunday, April 14: 7:30am 10:00am 12:30pm 4:00pm Frank & Mary Kolenc By Kolenc Family John Mills By Angeles Sullivan Deceased Members of the Huston Family Pedro de Jesus Bermudez By Bermudez Family People of the Parish Pamela Becker By Marie Gonzalez Angeles Sullivan Birthday Celebration By Peggy Holland Special Intention for Alissa By Family Leobardo Villarreal By Robert & Diana Ortiz Pat Young By Peggy Holland Danny Cavazos By Sylvia Cavaos Mary Moore By Heasty Family Maximina Rios By Rios Family People of the Parish Friday Lenten Stations of the Cross 6:30PM English 7:15PM Spanish Date April 12 Celebrant Fr. Tony Castro 7:15PM (Spanish) Deacon Julio Fish Fry 5:30-8pm March 30 & 31, 2019 Weekly Goal $12,000.00 Regular Collection $9,751.14 Catholic Relief Services $2,328.15 DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND Do Not Neglect to Share What you Have Parish Goal 2019 $52,000.00 Amount Pledged: $18,965.00 Amount Paid: $12,147.50 (23.36%) Total # of Participants 64 If you have not already offered your pledge in this year s Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), please do so today. DSF 2019 reminds us, the Church, to Not Neglect to Share What you Have, and through our willingness to share our blessings, benefit ministries that serve thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. With your generous support of DSF, you offer praise to God and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed individually or by one parish alone. Our parish goal for 2019 is $52,000. With every parish family s full participation, we will surely exceed this amount advancing the work of the Church in our community. To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For those of you who have already responded with a gift, please accept our sincere gratitude. Come Pray With Us Rosary for Life Monday, April 8 - Please join us in praying the Holy Rosary, asking for our Blessed Mother s intercession for the unborn, elderly, disabled, sick and all special intentions in St. Joseph s Chapel @ 7:00pm. Starts Tomorrow! Nine Week Novena Join us in praying a nine-week novena for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit at St. Mar s. We will begin April 8 and continue until Pentecost on June 9. We will begin each week with 3 hours of Adoration in the chapel on Monday evenings from 6-9pm. Come for as much or as little of the Adoration time as you can, and if you can t come to Adoration at all you can still join us in prayer and meditation with special intentions for each week. Email Tracy at stmarysrcia@yahoo.com for information and/or to sign up to receive our weekly meditations and intentions by email.
Dear parish family, 5th Sunday Lent C Big things going on in our parish! Some of you may already hear or have attended the IGNITE: OUR FAITH, OUR MIS- SION. It s the biggest the capital campaign in our Archdiocese for a long time. But this is also for our parish. 33 % of what we can raise will be for us to use to upgrade some of our church facilities. We are a 65 year old parish and we clearly see that most of our facilities are not up to the standards of the present. So I hope we can indeed accomplish our goals with your generous participation. Another big thing is on the area of Evangelization. We have new evangelization efforts slowly going on. And therefore we ask the Holy Spirit to really IGNITE our hearts to move us to the direction to work for God s glory. And so we ll have a novena to the Holy Spirit 9 prayer sessions for 9 weeks until the eve of the Pentecost (June 3). This will be every Monday evening from 6pm to 9pm at the chapel beginning tomorrow, April 8. Everyone who has the time to spare is very much welcome. The gospel this Sunday tells about the Pharisees with their double ugly intention - to condemn the woman to death caught in adultery and to trap Jesus to contradict himself in order that they can charge him. But Jesus didn't play their game. Our Lord destroyed the urge of the Pharisees to condemn by his power to understand and to forgive. The Lord destroyed their evil intentions by his desire for them to do the good thing. The Lord countered their purpose to destroy the woman forever by giving her another chance to change her life. We praise God for being so optimistic about us even if we failed a number of times. He is asking us also to be optimistic about ourselves and with others. When we encounter from time to time people who are only looking the ugly side of life, the gospel challenge us counter them with the same attitude of Christ. In this season of Lent we are able to hear God's call for us once again to weep for our sins and renew ourselves. A Christian is not the one of those who spends his whole life looking backward, but rather someone courageous who looks toward the future with enthusiasm and confidence. We are asked to share the Lord's view not to condemn but to commend ourselves and others to "go and sin no more." Blessings to you and have a good week. Querida familia parroquial, Fr. Tony 5to domingo de Cuaresma C Grandes cosas están sucediendo en nuestra parroquia! Algunos de ustedes ya han escuchado o han asistido a "IGNITE: NUESTRA FE, NUESTRA MISIÓN". Es la campaña de capital más grande en nuestra Arquidiócesis durante mucho tiempo. Pero esto también es para nuestra parroquia. El 33% de lo que podemos recaudar será para que lo utilicemos en mejorar algunas de las instalaciones de nuestra iglesia. Somos una parroquia de 65 años y vemos claramente que la mayoría de nuestras instalaciones no están a la altura de los estándares actuales. Así que espero que podamos lograr nuestras metas con su generosa participación. Otra cosa importante es en el área de la evangelización. Tenemos nuevos esfuerzos de evangelización que están avanzando lentamente. Y, por lo tanto, le pedimos al Espíritu Santo que realmente ENCIENDA nuestros corazones para que nos movamos en la dirección de trabajar para la gloria de Dios. Por lo tanto tendremos una novena al Espíritu Santo: 9 sesiones de oración durante 9 semanas hasta la víspera de Pentecostés (junio 3). Esto será todos los lunes por la noche de 6pm 9pm en la capilla a partir de mañana, 8 de abril. Todos los que tengan tiempo disponible son bienvenidos. El evangelio de este domingo habla sobre los fariseos con su doble y fea intención: condenar a la mujer a la muerte por adulterio y atrapar a Jesús para que se contradiga a sí mismo y asi puedan acusarlo. Pero Jesús no les jugó su juego. Nuestro Señor destruyó el impulso de los fariseos para condenar con su poder en vez de entender y perdonar. El Señor destruyó sus malas intenciones por su deseo de que hicieran lo bueno. El Señor contrarrestó su propósito de destruir a la mujer para siempre dándole otra oportunidad para cambiar su vida. Alabamos a Dios por ser tan optimista con nosotros, incluso si fallamos varias veces. Nos pide que seamos optimistas con nosotros mismos y con los demás. Cuando de vez en cuando nos encontramos con personas que solo están mirando el lado feo de la vida, el Evangelio nos desafía a enfrentarlos con la misma actitud de Cristo. En esta temporada de Cuaresma, podemos escuchar el llamado de Dios una vez más para llorar por nuestros pecados y renovarnos. Un cristiano no es el que pasa toda su vida mirando hacia atrás, sino alguien valiente que mira al futuro con entusiasmo y confianza. Se nos pide que compartamos el punto de vista del Señor para no condenar, sino para encomendarnos a nosotros mismos ya los demás "ir y no pecar más". Bendiciones para ti y que tengas una buena semana. P. Tony
MINISTRY SCHEDULE APRIL 13 & 14, 2019 SATURDAY 6:00pm Altar Servers Elizabeth Kappil Isabelle Salas Commentator Pat Stanton Extraordinary Ministers Dianne Gerdes, of the Eucharist Felipe Sanchez SUNDAY-7:30am Altar Servers Jeremiah Arredondo, Jorge Arredondo Demetris Guzman Commentator Susie Burgess Extraordinary Ministers Joe Sturm, Kathy Sturm of the Eucharist SUNDAY-10:00am Altar Server Jacob Jenkins, Trysten Munoz Tracy Avallone Commentator Debbie Wade Extraordinary Ministers Mary Edwards, of the Eucharist Richard Florance SUNDAY-12:30pm (Spanish) Altar Servers Sarahi Arrona, Victor E.Velasquez s Blanca Rodriguez, Juanita Velasquez Extraordinary Ministers Marco & Mercedes Arrona of the Eucharist SUNDAY-4:00pm Altar Server Extraordinary Ministers Angie Tercero, of the Eucharist Rosie Molina Madalyn Tercero, Benjamin Tercero Randy Tercero St. Mary s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team Weekly Grief Share seminars will resume this coming Saturday. This week s topic will be (April 13, 2019, 9:00 am to 10:30 am) is the 6th session, Guilt & Anger. Please join us if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Each session is self-contained, so you do not have to attend in sequence and you will be able to pick up any session you missed in the next Grief Share seminar cycle. Pick up a pink brochure in the back or sides of the church for detailed information. For additional information please contact the Team Coordinator Nelda Shealy at 281-471-2000. St. Mary s Samaritan Ministry Bereavement Support Team is currently training facilitators. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator in this Ministry, please call Nelda Shealy at 281-471-2000. Job Opening at St. Mary Deadline to Apply April 15 Director of Religious Educa on (DRE) Jessica Jamarillo is moving to a full time job at the Catholic Charities downtown. We are so grateful for her valuable ministry in our parish church as DRE for the past years. She will finish her responsibilities here by the end of the school year this May. We are now beginning in search for her replacement. Qualifications: Must be an active Catholic in good standing with the Church. Minimum of 4 year college degree in religious education, religious studies or another relevant field or significant equivalent experience. Archdiocesan Catechist certificate and has training in sacramental preparations and as parish catechetical leader. Minimum experience of three years of parish catechetical experience. Must have excellent organization and communication skills. Proficient in MS software, Excel, Word and Publisher. Must be fluent in English, Spanish is a plus. Basic job description (details upon interview) Planning and oversight of parish religious program through grade 12, including sacramental preparations. Facilitating parent and catechist meetings, retreats and workshops. Communicating an enthusiasm for the Catholic faith among our young people and their families. Manage and maintain the Safe Environment Policy compliance requirements for catechists and ministry volunteers. Must be available to work on weekends and evenings. Interested Candidates call the parish office. Applica ons addressed to: Search Commi ee for DRE St. Mary Parish Church Pope s Prayer Intention for April Universal: For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.
Activities of the Week Sun. April 7: CCE, EDGE, Life Teen Bible Study RH Conf. Rm 11am Adult Confirmation Class 2pm Bible Study - OREMUS, RH 5pm Mon. April 8:Novena for the Holy Spirit Chapel 6-9pm Tues. April 9:Altar Society Mtg. 6:30pm Baptism Class English & Spanish 7pm Wed. April 10:Bible Study-OREMUS, Conf. Rm, 9:15am IGNITE Reception 6pm RH Live Christ Share Christ 6:30pm SM Hall Thurs. April 11: RCIA 5-9pm Fri. April 12: Fish Fry 5:30pm-8pm Stations 6:30(English) & 7:15 (Spanish) Sat. April 13:Altar Society Church Cleaning 8am Grief Share-Guilt & Anger 9am SM Conf. Rm RCIA & Vigil Reader Mtg. 10am Church Please Pray For Our Troops and Jonathan McBride, Hope Villarreal, Susan Massey, Charlie & Rosemarie Michna, Mr. Zamora, Lawrence Farias, Alma P., George Hanson, Linda Zeller, Oscar Cantu, Alan Buxkemper, Andrea Pina, Pam Nunley, Hector Castro, Cody Frankoviac, Tim Sturm, Isaac Aaron Torres, Dena Michna, Craig Wade, Jennifer Wade, Bob & Barbara Jennings, Dianne Lemons, Paula Lambright, Jennifer Minor, Dave & Cindy Schmitz, Faith A., Dennis, Peggy & Erica Hargens, Marilyn James, Christina C., Chuck & Susan Thompson, Don & Allie Faye Mathews, Brad & Barbaran Riley, Seth Permenter & Family, Parker Dixon & Family, Jeremy & Diana Cassidy & Family, Kendra Ramirez & Family, Raelynd and Family, Amanda Zan, Chuck & Susan Thompson, Manuelita Salinas, Arthur Vidal, Sue Gonzalez, Susan Tolley, Aaron Binkley, Jordon Binkley, Erica Cantu, Salvador Vasquez, Maria Moreno, Elyssa Molina, J.B., Myron Rose, Daniel Vasquez, Michelle Meehan, Maridna Salinas, Maria Cano, Anthony Luna, Joel Rivera, Alex Knaak, Sally Nadju, Brigitta Dobmeier, Tamara Batten Continue to Pray for Randy Hanks, Maria Garcia, Jeanette Tilley, Christina Palacios, David & Mary Gonzalez, Marisol Leyva & family, Marisol Luna, Juanita Sanchez, Cynthia de la Cerda, Maurice & Betty Flynn, Orville Burgess, Ron Balsam, Pat Riley, Joe Sturm, Edward Salinas, Marlene Orellana, Humberto Villalobos, Mary Sigala, Kathy McBride, Margaret Espinoza, Romela Nolan, Joe Bernal, Fr. Gary Rickles, Renee Cortez, Pedro Sanchez, Aurelia Hinojosa, Cathy Hanzelka, Msgr. Boli Zientek, Gayle Phillips, Jane Middleton, Rosa Reyes, Tom Noonan, Deacon Tom Lewis, Gene Contreras, Irene Templet, Preston Wolf, Lawretta Foots, Marcos Vasquez, Gavin Binkley, Clarence Lewis, Red Cornejo, Linda Jaramillo, Lois Johnston, Deacon Merce Leal, 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 Lydia Rubio, Trinidad Arrindon, Josie Funda, Soledad Hernandez, Elida Peterson, and those battling terminal illness and the residents of La Porte Care Center and Parson s House Repose of the Soul of Ashley Mendez Our Sympathy to Jorge and Daisy Mendez and family on the loss of their daughter, Ashley 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. ALTAR FLOWERS No Flowers during Lent Available Dates for Altar Flowers 2019 May 25/26 June 1/2, 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30 To place flowers on the altar contact Jan Hughes @ 281 402-5401 or 903-780-5090. Church Sanctuary Candle In Loving Memory of Ben Gerdes By Peggy Holland APRIL ALTAR DUTY ASSIGNMENTS ALTAR: Jan Hughes, Carolyn O Neal LAUNDRY: Agnes Rushing HOSTESS: Brigitte Barrera, Leslie Davis ALTAR SOCIETY MEETING Tuesday, April 9 6:30pm Everyone Welcome!!! READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Lk 19:28-40 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14 23:56 [23:1-49] St. Mary s Family Bazaar October 20, 2019 Need a Chairman. Is It You??? Upcoming Knights of Columbus Garage Sale Saturday, May 11th 7am-2pm We are currently accepting items for the sale during regular church office hours, or you may contact Rueben Salinas @713-858-0154 if you are in need of donated items to be picked up. All proceeds will be used to support our youth programs and Knights of Columbus Charities. Thank you for your continual generosity & support!
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. 281-948-8690, 281-948-8640, 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 832-985-1799 Help us to support the Bishops Initiative on Marriage! Couples who make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend not only rediscover the joy, intimacy & romance in their relationships, but also become more active in their parishes. Together, we are making marriages, families and our Church stronger & healthier. Commit to strengthening your marriage this Lent. Sign up today to attend one of the upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends. The next 2 weekends are May 17-19 or June 21-23. contact Brian & Tina Little @ 281-773- 4014 for more information or go online to Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible: This 8 part study will give you an overall picture of the Bible and help you relate it to everyday life. This Study will begin May 9, 2019, and meets Thursday evenings @ 6pm in the Conference Room next to the church office. Cost will be $20. for materials. Contact Tracy stmarysrcia@yahoo.com to register. Our new RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Class is beginning May 2 and is for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith whether you want to join or not. RCIA is also for baptized adult Catholics who need First Holy Communion and confirmation. RCIA meets from 6-9pm on Thursday evenings in the conference room next to the Church office. For additional information about the RCIA program, call the office or email Tracy, stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. Journey Retreat Center 660 West Texas, Baytown(Across from Lee College) Music, Prayer, Worship Friday, April 12, 10am to Noon Presenter David Joseph Rofrano, M.A. FREE EVENT~RSVP 281-799-1040 www.raisingcreativemusicians.com FORMED... Incredible online gateway to the best Catholic Content, all in one place. Go to stmaryslaporte.formed.org to register. If you are having any trouble getting registered, or any other problems, please contact Tracy stmarysrcia@yahoo.com. She will contact you and walk you through the steps to register. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! We have a new Kiosk in the church office. They are also located at the back of the church and in Rosary Hall. 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. If you or someone you know, who lives in La Porte, is in need of assistance, please call or have them call the office to make an appointment to come in for help. Thank You for Your Support! Our Resale Shop here at St. Mary s is in need of volunteers. Able bodied Men and Women. You can pick any day you are able to work. If you are available to help out, please contact Norma @ 281-471-1752. Upcoming Baptismal Dates May 5, June 2, July 7 Baptism classes are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in English and the 3rd Tuesday of the month in Spanish @ 7pm. Baptisms are the first Sunday of the month after the 10am & 12:30pm Masses. If you are baptizing here, you need to fill out a registration form for your child s baptism, and we will need to make a copy of their birth certificate from the state before you attend the class. If you do not live in La Porte, you must be a registered, active member of St Mary s to baptize your child here. You cannot register in our parish only to baptize your child. Please come by or call the office to fill out the paperwork.
8:45am & 11:15am Pre K-5, Class Today Contact Jessica Jaramillo Monday 9am-12noon ~ 281-471-2000 jarajess735@hotmail.com Jr. High Program, 6, 7 & 8th Grade EDGE Class tonight at 5:15PM HARVEST A Night on Almsgiving Parent Meeting 6PM Randy Tercero EDGE Coordinator: randytercero@hotmail.com or Angie 713-826-0633 Life Teen Mass 4pm Life Night Tonight 5pm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Wed. @ 7pm Info. contact Shari @ 281 435 5708